Trade has dropped by 60 per cent at service station

TRADE at Barndarrig Service Station has fallen by 60 per cent since the opening of the completed M11 one year ago.

Owner Bernie Darcy has been involved with the service station for over 20 years and knew takings were likely to be affected once the new section of the M11 bypassed Barndarrig. However, she didn’t predict the extent of the new road’s impact.

‘It has been a year now and I would say business levels have dropped by at least 60 per cent. I knew the bypass would have some impact but I didn’t know it would be quite so bad. Obviously the same level of traffic is no longer passing right by us.

‘Every day we have people coming in to us saying they didn’t know we were still open or they couldn’t find us. It doesn’t help that there was no sign for Barndarrig along the dual carriageway.’

She said she talked to the road engineer about signage but it made no difference.

‘Luckily, I got on to Cllr Sylvester Bourke about it and a sign was erected a few weeks ago. He was helpful. It’s not a very good sign but it’s better than nothing.’

She said locals have also been angered at the lack of urgency regarding the future of the village.

‘Barndarrig has been allowed to die a death,’ said Bernie.

‘ The Tap closed before the new road was even open. There was someone interested in reopening it but they pulled out because they didn’t think it would be worth their while. Basically, local business is keeping us going – people buying their petrol, milk, newspaper and other items.

‘I always felt if we could survive for a year after the new road opens then we should be OK. You have to put in plenty of hours and I have a few local girls working for me part-time and I know they are worried about their jobs.

‘I think I will be having a word with Wicklow County Council about my rates. In the beginning I said we would just see how we get on first but now the rates are really killing me. Wicklow County Council probably won’t agree to a reduction but it’s worth a try.’