Traffic delays cause ‘bedlam’ on Ferrybank

TRAFFIC delays as a result of water network works on Ferrybank are causing ‘ bedlam’ and have led to ‘countless complaints’ to local councillors in recent weeks, the February meeting of Arklow Municipal District was told. Cathaoirleach Miriam Murphy said that while the works are ‘vital’, such delays are impractical and causing much disruption for road users.

‘One day last week, it was bedlam in Ferrybank. Two residents came out to me and said they never got letters to notify them,’ she said.

Cllr Mary McDonald said that the cars were backed up with nowhere to go and one resident took 50 minutes to travel from Cluain Ard to Glenart College.

‘ This needs to be looked at and the contractors should take responsibility for traffic management. Could we limit the hours that they operate?’ she asked.

Cllr Tommy Annesley raised concerns about the impact on local business, outlining that certain retailers have contacted him to say that their trade has been impacted.

‘ There was no great notice that this was happening,’ he said.

District manager Michael Geaney said that Irish Water was granted a road opening licence for the works and therefore is responsible for the traffic management, not Wicklow County Council. He said that meetings were held with residents, so they were aware of when works would be taking place.

Members were informed of the planned schedules as follows: from now until Friday, May 24 for the rehabilitation of 2.96km in Coolgreaney Road, Coolgreaney Park, Vale Road and St Peter’s Place; and from now until Friday, August 9, for line replacement and rehabilitation of 3.89km of route in Abbeyville, Liam Mellows Ave, Liam Mellows Court, Abbey Street and Abbeylands.