Main St. traffic ban from November 15
October 1985
Fifteen years after the idea was first put forward, traffic is to be banned from Wexford’s narrow Main Street from 15th November next, in spite of reservations from traders.
Wexford Corporation, which was forced to abandon a trial period of pedestrianisation three years ago because of traders’ objections, has now decided to impose a complete traffic ban, without consultation with the Chamber of Commerce.
The decision has been branded ‘high-handed and dictatorial’ by the owner of a well-known department store.
Jim Jenkins, who nevertheless feels that some degree of pedestrianisation would be desirable, said: ‘I don’t know who the Corporation think they are to introduce full pedestrianisation without showing the plan to traders’.
This week, Town Clerk Don Curtin said he still hoped the traders would give the pedestrianisation plan their 100 per cent support.
The section of Main Street from the Bull Ring to Allen Street will be closed to all traffic, including bicycles, from Friday 15th November.
The ban will operate from 11.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday through to Thursday, and from 10.30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Removable bollards will be erected, and keys issued to all the town’s emergency services.
The Corporation’s long-term plan is to upgrade the street to a suitable pedestrianisation standard by laying cobblestones, planting flowers and shrubs, and erecting seating.
‘We hope that people will see it for what it is,’ said the Town Clerk, ‘an attempt to improve the attractiveness of the town and also the business viability.’
Wexford Corporation has been trying to pedestrianise the Main Street for the past fifteen years, but has come up against opposition from traders at each attempt.
But the Chamber of Commerce is understood to have now indicated something of a change of heart. A statement issued this week said ‘we are agreeable to pedestrianisation in principle. However, we will be seeking clarity on certain aspects of itsoperation.’
Some individual traders, particularly those who don’t have rear access to their premises, are concerned about daily deliveries. Others dealing in heavy goods fear that pedestrianisation will turn customers away.
‘I would be concerned about driving people out of the town,’ said Murt Joyce, another leading trader in the town.
‘During the trial period (three years ago), we lost quite a number of customers. Elderly people couldn’t get up the Main Street, and we lost business to New Ross and Enniscorthy.’
The pedestrianisation plan was officially approved by councillors at a meeting of the Corporation last Friday night.
On Monday night, the Traffic Management Committee also gave the proposal its full support. The Chamber of Commerce representative was not at the meeting.