Laois town to keep one way street after roadworks for trial period

A Laois town is to trial a one-way system on half of its long main street, inspired by a roadworks closure.

Mountmellick's Parnell Street and Sarsfield Street have been closed to western bound traffic since mid June, because of the need to replace watermains by Uisce Éireann.

It was due to reopen to traffic in both directions this Friday, August 22 with the completion of the roadworks.

While the road closure caused complaints by drivers, others have found it had a positive effect on the town, which is clogged by traffic on the N80 road and awaits several bypasses.

Now Mountmellick Town Team, which is overseeing a plan to revitalise the town centre by Laois County Council, has asked for the system to be continued, on a trial basis.

Fran Baker is chair of the town team and spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"It seems to be working. We are getting a lot of feedback, a hairdresser told me she was dreading when the roadworks ended.  We asked Laois County Council for it to be trialled. It will be one way until September 12. We have to see how well it works with the return of schools.

"There would be further public consultations if it was to be implemented permanently," he said.

The Mountmellick Town Centre Plan shows a future where the street would have lots more small shops, cafés, trees and restaurants.

"The one-way system would give additional parking as well as encouraging footfall. I've attended Moloney's Funeral Home unfortunately several times since the lane closed, and I could see that the traffic works far better.

"If it remains, the roundabout at SuperValu would have to be looked at, and it would mean additional traffic in Irishtown. The plan is to put proper town bus stops on both sides of the road at St Joseph's Church, so it could mean a roundabout there with the road being two way to that point. 

"Anyone can give their opinion to any member of the town team," Mr Baker said.

Laois County Council confirmed the trial to the Leinster Express.

"The one-way system was originally put in place to accommodate Uisce Eireann works on Parnell Street & Sarsfield Street in Mountmellick.

"Following a request from the Mountmellick Town Team to extend the one-way system, Laois County Council proposes to extend the one-way system as a pilot project to the 12th September 2025," said Rory O' Callaghan Senior Executive Engineer.

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The plan was announced first by the proprietor of Fodder Event Catering, Lisa Delaney on social media. Her van operates outside Mountmellick Community Arts Centre on Parnell Street.