'The feedback is it worked' Laois town trials one-way street to ease traffic

A main street through a Laois town could become a "little cultural quarter" if a one-way system is introduced, says a local community leader.

Mountmellick's Parnell Street is back open for two way traffic after a summer of roadworks followed by a brief trial to keep it oneway after schools resumed.

Laois County Council has confirmed that it has placed one speed bump outside the Catholic church, with no more planned.

It also confirms the street is reopened after Uisce Éireann water mains upgrades, with no comment on future plans to again make it one way.

"During pavement works the opportunity was taken to install a speed ramp to reduce speed in the vicinity of the bridge. No other traffic calming measures are planned at this time."

However Fran Baker, who heads up Mountmellick Town Team, believes that making Parnell Street one way can rejuvenate the town for business and for residents.

He spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"It needs to be properly trialled for a definite decision to be made. There were still roadworks there during the trial. It would involve decision and work by Laois County Council.

"This lets Laois County Council know that people in Mountmellick are interested in Mountmellick, they're not just sitting back. We know the bypass won't happen for at least 10 years, even it if was approved tomorrow it would take years of planning. 

"The feedback I got is it worked and is definitely worth considering. It could really enhance Parnell Street. They could widen the path, put in proper parking, planting, vintage streetlights. Urban trees are proven to add 15% to house values.

"What would it take to make it an Abbeyleix style street? it could be a little cultural quarter with the arts centre. There's a lot of vacant buildings and shops that could be reopened. Giving the street a real civic space. It would be more pedestrian friendly. Those buildings have huge back gardens down to the river, and maybe access could be created there," he suggests.

"I would say that Mountmellick really has no lateral development off the main streets. No little side streets but there used to be at one stage, a lot of laneways leading to bottling plants and tanneries and breweries. 

"The good thing is we've made no mistakes like putting a big supermarket on the outskirts of our town. Any more development like hopefully the new Lidl should be kept in the town centre," Mr Baker said.

Mountmellick Town Team is due to have their next progress meeting with Laois County Council in coming days.

Read also: More delays to road safety measures outside busy Laois town school

The team made up of local people and council staff, has already overseen the drawing up of the Mountmellick Town Centre First plan, which will be used to apply for grants to improve the town centre for residents, shoppers and visitors.

The Mountmellick Town Centre First plan map of what the town could look like in the future with investment.

Led by local suggestions, the consultants have targeted six priority areas in Mountmellick town centre; O’Connell Square, Smiths Field Park, the public realm, a continuous River Walk right through the town, Revitalisation of the town centre and as a Trail Head to the Slieve Blooms.

In O'Connell Square, they suggest removing 17 parking spaces on the Tullamore side of the square, to make a wider pedestrian plaza, suggesting it can be used for a farmers market.