Needs a left turn off Jim Garry Way to allow centre access

Dear Sir,

THE Drogheda Taxi Federation would disagree with the new plans for traffic management in and around Laurence’s Gate.

1. We would disagree that there is wide support for closing Laurence’s Gate and also would disregard any submissions from outside Drogheda as these people have no concept of the traffic gridlock we have to deal with every day of the week.

2. There are also those submissions which support the closure of the gate but would like to see and I quote ‘a satisfactory traffic management plan, as traffic management is the key issue.’

3. The OPW say that they are concerned about the strikes to the gate and would like to act on the recommendation that height barriers be installed as a matter of urgency .

4. The installation of physical high barriers to protect the gate from strikes is a measure proposed in a number of submissions . We are of the view that this visual barrier should be camouflaged in a similar stone as the gates construction, and also the gate could still be used as a tourist attraction if the public could enter up into the gate via a new doorway opened on the south gable wall on the footpath .

5. If the intention is to go ahead with the closure of the gate there needs to be a left turn off Jim Garry Way to allow vehicles down Palace Street to enter the Laurence’s Centre car park as you cannot send all vehicles into William Street to enter the Laurence’s carpark through the front entrance on Peter Street.

6. Drogheda Taxi Federation also see another option. Make Construction hill one way down only going south this would stop traffic trying to enter this whole area. Send the traffic the long way round via the North strand and up Greenhills and into Bredin Street.

7. The traffic report states - ‘ The modifications go a long way in addressing some of the issues raised by the residents but no matter what traffic plan is implemented the closure of the gate to vehicular traffic will have an impact on traffic flows in the area.’

8. Drogheda Taxi Federation members would be of the opinion that the Gate be reinforced with height barriers made of steel and camouflaged with stone and leave traffic flowing through . We would also suggest that the Council reduce the height for smaller vehicles only.

Our local politicians and our engineers must consider the impact of the proposed changes to traffic flow in our town as any changes to traffic flow can result in more congestion on yet another location, they will be creating an issue where previously there was none. They will send traffic cutting through what used to be a quiet neighbourhood .

Public transport is vital to Drogheda and some roads just need to flow Laurence’s Gate is one of these vital arteries. Kevin Faulkner, Chairman. Drogheda Taxi Federation