OPINIONS: Mountmellick people give their views of one-way street trial

Mountmellick in Laois is at the end of a trial period of a one-way street to alleviate traffic congestion.

The trial follows a summer of the one-way closure of Parnell Street and Sarsfield Street for waterworks by Uisce Éireann.

Following a request from the Mountmellick Town Team and some local traders, Laois County Council extended the one-way system as a pilot project to September 12 to see how it works with the resumption of schools.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live went on the streets to gather local opinion, on Friday, September 12 where the town was also under a stop and go traffic system for road resurfacing. Coupled with the passing Cannonball Run, the streets were jammed with waiting traffic.

Frankie Horan has a hairdressing business.

"I asked would it be possible to trial it. I'd like it trialled for longer, and on O'Moore Street as well. We are at the point where Mountmellick can't develop unless the traffic is sorted, we haven't a hope of a ring road, the only way is traffic management. We are only five days back into the schools, I don't think it's long enough. We are losing 50% of passing traffic but people know the traffic is flowing and they have plenty of room to park," he said.

Martina Dunne is not so positive.

"I think it's simply ridiculous. I am coming from O'Moore Street to try and get to the chemist , I had to turn and go by Derryguile to get to this end of town. I live in Grove Park and it's very hard to get out now with all the traffic going by, and the schools back. You're just sitting there," she said.

Dominic Dunne can see both sides.

"I'm split on it. It's is handy coming out of the T junction here, I think it makes that safer. But it must be very awkward for people living on the one way streets. It's a nuisance to have to come all the way around. There's a stop and go for road surfacing today so it's not giving a true reflection. Ploughing traffic will be the tester," he said.

Noel Dalton was enjoying the Cannonball cars passing Mountmellick Community School along with students and other staff.

"It's hard to know if it will work long term considering the volume of traffic from Monday to Friday within school opening hours. It's been of very little benefit yet because of the roadworks. They should trial it maybe for six weeks, but ploughing will tell the tale," he said.

Shopper Violet Hurst gave her views.

"I think it will be good if it's operated correctly. It needs traffic lights at the square to let trucks come through. Traffic is bedlam today with the street closed," she said. 

Tommy Quigley approves the one-way system.

"It's a perfect job. You usually cannot get up the town, it just needs a few little things and it will be the finest. Traffic should be allowed to come as far as the church on Sundays, and it would definitely work. It's safer. My brother's son was killed by a lorry. This way that wouldn't happen again," he said.

Christine Kenna also approves.

"I think it should be left that way. I think I am getting around the town quicker, and I'd be up and down it five times a day with my work. I definitely prefer it to be left one way," she said.

Orla O'Neill is also generally in favour.

"I actually really don't mind it. Apart from the last couple of days with the resurfacing. I find no problem with traffic in the morning, it's smooth enough, it's a breeze at schooltime. I know people from Ashgrove are finding it hard, they have to go the whole way around to turn right. I don't mind driving around, I just hate being stuck in traffic," she said.

Read also: Mountmelllick climber reaches Kilimanjaro peak for charity

However it is a no from Marie Guilfoyle.

"At school times, and specific times like that, there is a lot more traffic. I don't know why they are doing it, I can't see the advantage. It takes me half an hour to drive from Cullenbeg to Emmett Terrace, I'm just sitting in traffic. The congestion it's causing now is worse," she said.