No more speeding down Francis St

IT was quite a moment in Barlow House last Wednesday. In a little less than an hour, councillors agreed to close Laurence’s Gate to traffic - a tradition that has been present for generations.

And when it was announced , a deafening roar erupted from the public gallery. The people had won - with the support of the council and its members it must said. What happens next? Well, the various routes will have to be painted, the change of arrows on Jim Garry Way, and a few additional signs.

Francis Street residents will probably find it strange for a while.

The flow is going up now, instead of down, but one thing is certain, it will end the speeding on the road.

That downhill section around the entrance to St Laurence’s College was lethal, especially with cars coming out from Sienna.

Now these cars will be going uphill to Scarlet Street.

The Chord Road will also change from Oulster Lane across, now traffic flow reversed as well.

One area that needs to be sorted is the crossing point from Palace St to King Street at the corner of William Street.

There will now be cars coming from three directions into this narrow stretch, so pedestrians will need their wits about them even more.

A big pole right on the corner does not help anyone’s vision.

Harmony Heights must have the best looking estate entrance in the town. The place is looking terrific at the moment and I’d say they are well on the way to winning another big award in the annual estate awards, organised by Louth County Council. Thing...