‘Ridiculous’ plan to solve major traffic concerns

Dear Sir,

IT is incredible that councillors would even consider the closure of St. Laurence’s Gate under the current deficient and ridiculous Traffic Management Plan.

I have absolutely no doubt that there will be a public backlash unless the current proposal is radically altered.

The entrance to the car park at the St. Laurence’s Shopping centre will now be closed at Palace Street if accessing from the Jim Garry way or south down Palace Street. This will direct even more traffic to the heavily congested Peter Street and town centre. This is the most important CAR PARK FACILITY and shopping centre, on the north bank of the river Boyne. The plan beggars belief. There are around ten car parking spaces at the bottom of Palace street and will have to be eliminated to leave this entrance rightfully open. Is this the reason why the entrance is closed on the plan?

The town is already clogged up with traffic and closing St. Laurence’s Gate now, will I’m afraid, drive people to the outline shopping centres.

There are only two Barbicans of its kind in the world and I have absolutely no doubt that everyone in the town, including myself, wants to see the protection of such an iconic structure, as St. Laurence’s Gate.

I have raised it at Council level that maximum signage be put in place at both North Quay/Merchants Quay to adequately warn lorry drivers - Drogheda Port Authority have a huge responsibility here.

In the meantime, I want a proper control and weight restriction on vehicles entering the Gate, possibly to minibus level. A decorative protective railing should be put in place. The town needs massive financial investment for proper traffic management in the town and tinkering with a few lights in this instance won’t solve it.

Unfortunately, until a fully comprehensive Traffic Management Plan for the town is proposed, including a time scale for the Drogheda Port Access Road is indicated, I cannot on this occasion support the closure of St Laurence’s Gate under the current plan. Yours, Cllr Tommy Byrne.

Under the plan, Francis Street will be one-way up, from the Chord Road to Scarlet Street, reversing the flow as it stands

Under the plan, the traffic flow on the Chord Road will be reversed from the junction with Sandyford Terrace to Francis Street junction.