The Owner of a protected building in Ennis, which is at the centre of a controversial proposal to create a one-way street, claims he was not consulted by the local authority on how to solve the safety issue.
It comes as over 50 residents near the Old Mill Road in Ennis have staged a public demonstration today against plans to
create an effective northbound ring road, running through a residential area.
Under the Draft Ennis Local Transport Plan, it’s proposed the southbound lane of Mill Road stretching from the Pound Lane junction to Harvey’s Quay junction will become a one-way street, with a cycle lane.
This is in order to tackle a traffic congestion issue and to construct a pedestrian footpath beside the 18th Century Ennis Corn Store, which protrudes onto the roadway, but cannot be knocked or altered as it’s a protected structure.
The Old Mill Road will then effectively become a northbound ring road, something which is being met with staunch resistance from the community.
Local Resident Mary McNamara believes it will add more congestion to an already challenged area and present a serious safety concern for children.
One Local Business Owner has even conducted his own traffic survey to demonstrate the volume of traffic that would be forced to traverse the Old Mill Road.
Garage Owner on Pound Lane Pat Foudy claims the plans would bring at least an additional 5,990 vehicles up their road instead, something which he believes would be exacerbated when schools return.
The Owner of the protected building at the centre of the controversial plans, claims he was not consulted about any potential solution.
Michael Barry who also owns Dan McInerney’s in the town, also commissioned a 53ft article lorry to traverse the proposed system.
He believes the plans will create an immediate safety issue and extremely inconvenience locals.
You can listen to the full interview here.
