Crossing concern at Gate junction

A PEDESTRIAN crossing at the bottom of Francis Street, to allow people on the Chord Road access the town in safety, is still deemed an important part of the overall plan around the Gate.

‘ The residents in the Chord Road area have shown great generosity in getting behind the Close the Gate campaign. It’s vital that their ongoing concerns are addressed, and central to these concerns are the impact of traffic on the residents in Francis Street and the need for a pedestrian crossing at the bottom of that Street,’ local resident and the RENUA party’s Michael O’Dowd stated.

‘We will not tolerate becoming virtual prisoners surrounded by traffic. I think it’s safe to say that there is real disappointment that the Council did not seriously consider the alternative of reversing traffic in Shop Street which would have solved two problems , closing Laurence Gate and traffic congestion on Dublin Road/ Mary Street.’

It is envisaged that the council will monitor the traffic flows and consider all the elements of the plan.

There have already been calls for Laurence’s Street and Palace Street to be made two way, allowing traffic away from Peter Street.