Details of the planned one-way system in Laois town revealed
The proposed one-way system in Durrow has progressed to the planning stages
The long-awaited one-way system in a Laois town has finally progressed to the planning stages.
Laois County Council has published its Part VIII proposal for the development of a one-way system in Durrow which encompasses a vast reconfiguration of the main streets in the town as well as enhancements to carparking and pedestrian access.
In May, Transport Infrastructure Ireland gave Laois County Council the go-ahead to publish the proposal. However, it was noted at the time that this approval did not equate to any commitment to fund the one-way system once it is agreed upon.
Once Part VIII planning consent is in place, it will open up avenues for funding programmes to deliver the scheme.
This development has been a long time coming, with local Councillor Ollie Clooney consistently appealing for the one-way system.
He highlighted the volume of traffic from the N77 through the town is causing significant inconveniences for local people who find it difficult to park there.
Details of the development have been revealed in Laois County Council’s Part VIII proposal.
The development would see the reconfiguration of sections of the road network along Mary Street (N77) and Chapel Street, including the introduction of a one-way system, a signalised junction at the junction of Chapel Street and Castle Street together with enhanced pedestrian and marking measures.
The Square and Mary Street will be converted into a one-way southbound system, while Chapel Street will be converted into a one-way northbound system.
The signalised junction will be installed at the junction of Chapel Street, Castle Street and R639.
A clockwise circulatory loop will also be provided for vehicles passing through or accessing Durrow.
As part of the project, there are plans to improve parking in the town and pedestrian access such as enhancing on-road parking to reduce parking on footpaths.
The development will also include footpath enhancements, the retention of footpath spaces for pedestrians, and enhancing provisions for vulnerable pedestrians.
There will also be uncontrolled and controlled pedestrian crossings installed in the town, including raised table mid-block crossings.
Also included in the proposal is plans for an outdoor dining space to improve the public realm.
Associated scheme works include the provision of surface water interceptor ditches, swales and associated landscaping.
An Appropriate Assessment Screening Report for the proposed development has been completed and is available for inspection by the public.
People can view the plans online at https://consult.laois.ie from Tuesday, September 15 until Tuesday, October 12 inclusive. They are also available for inspection at the offices of Laois County Council and Durrow Library from these dates.
Submissions or observations on the proposed development can be made online at https://consult.laois.ie before 4pm on Thursday, October 29.
They can also be made in writing and addressed to Simon Walton, Director of Services, Laois County Council, Aras an Chontae, Portlaoise.
Submissions must be clearly marked ‘Durrow One-Way System, Durrow - Part VIII.’
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme