O’Connell street closed to traffic
SLIGO’S main thoroughfare will be closed to traffic from next week as major water works on O’Connell Street get underway.
The € 1.25m project, which involves upgrading the water main and sewer infrastructure, will take three months to complete.
Some 13 million litres of water were being lost through leaks each year on O’Connell Street, according to Irish Water.
Spokesman for Sligo County Council Kevin Colreavy said: “All traffic will be closed to O’Connell Street from Monday 5th of September to 30th November. Pedestrian access only will be permitted with the exception of access for deliveries which will be facilitated between 8am and 12 noon Monday to Saturday.
“Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Diversion arrangements for local traffic will be put in place. The alternative route for traffic will be via Lower John Street, Adelaide Street and Wine Street,” he said.
Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Keyes is keen to stress that the street will be kept open for pedestrians.
Traders are anxious this message is got out, particularly in the weeks leading up to the busy Christmas shopping period.
Director of Services Tom Kilfeather said ‘ Sligo County Council appreciates the patience and understanding of motorists, pedestrians and owners of local businesses while these essential works are being carried out.’
A number of alternative routes will be put in place during the course of the works.
The project will be undertaken in advance of the Council’s O’Connell Street Enhancement Project works programme to begin in 2017 which will agan see the main street close to traffic.
The Irish Water works starting next Monday includes the completion of approximately 510 metres of water main rehabilitation and 210 metres of sewer rehabilitation on O’Connell Street and also extending into some adjacent streets.
Cathaoirleach of the County Council Cllr Hubert Keaney said: “This investment by Irish water is the seed which can mark the rebirth of Sligo city. Together with the O’Connell Street enhancement works it heralds a new era in the commercial and cultural life of this street, our city and indeed our county.”