Optimistic note for link road sounded
THERE was an optimistic note sounded that progress might at last be made on the completion of a link road between Connolly Street and Pearse Road.
At present, the road from Connolly Street comes to a dead end with a 31 metre strip of land requiring acquisition in order to create an exit on to Pearse Road.
Acting Director of Services, Tom Brennan said the road design for the remaining piece of the road would be completed before the end of the year.
A CPO would then be required before constructiion could begin and funding sought from some source.
Clr Declan Bree said councillors had been told previously that the CPO process was commencing.
“However, I welcome this. It would be a significant improvement in the traffic situation in the town and would certainly be welcomed by the residents of St Bridget’s.
“I take Mr Brennan at his word.... he usually delivers,” said Clr Bree.
Mr Brennan said there were a lot of demands on resources and funding at the moment but the Roads Department would love to see the completion of this particular project.
Earlier, Clr Bree told the meeting there was ongoing concern regarding the delay in developing the proposed T2- T12 road which will link the junction of Mail Coach Road/ Connolly Street with the junction of Burton Street/ Pearse Road.
“It is an objective of the Development Plan to have this new road link constructed which will allow vehicles from Temple Street and Mail Coach Road to directly access the Pearse Road and vice versa.
“The Department did provide some funding in 2013 to allow the Council to take possession of the portion of the link road which has already been constructed.
“However, this link road cannot be completed until such time as the Council purchases the small strip of land at the ‘ Candy Store’ which will allow vehicular traffic onto Pearse Road.
“What we are talking about here is acquiring a small strip of land measuring approximately 31 metres long to complete this important link road. The ongoing delay in progressing this project continues to cause significant difficulties for residents of the lower St Bridget’s Place area as motorists must use lower St Bridget’s as an access road until such time as the new link road is completed,” he said.