Frustrated Louth shoppers hit by hour-long delays just to exit M1 Retail Park ‘pressure cooker’

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Motorists faced hour long delays to exit the M1 Retail Park during the festive season, councillors heard at the January meeting of Drogheda Borough District.

Calls for action were sounded as reports of severe traffic congestion over the last month emerged.

Cllr. Declan Power said the area was “choc-a-block” during the Christmas season.

"We are pushing people out of town centres and into retail parks, and this is taking away from the shopping experience they have.”

He said a number of councillors had raised concerns about the opening of the new Tesco store.

"There is no question it needs another entrance and another exit.”

He called on the council to engage with the management team at the park to find solutions to the traffic issues.

Mark Johnston, Senior Engineer, Louth County Council, said the local authority had been in communication with management at the retail park.

He agreed that “some sort of modification” was needed to the entrance, with a possible exit on to the N51 being one solution.

He added that the proximity to the Rosehall roundabout adds to the traffic problems, especially at peak times.

The council, including planners, would work with management at the retail park to look at the best way to improve the layout.

Cllr. Eric Donovan told the meeting that one local mum had taken her two young children, and was forced to wait 52 minutes to exit the retail park.

"It’s just not good enough, especially when you look at Donore Retail Park which flows really well as there are separate exits. When you have just one way in and one way out it is obviously going to be a pressure cooker.”

He called for a bus stop to be installed at the retail park for the Monaghan to Navan service, which he felt might go some way to removing traffic.

Cllr. Donovan said he had raised this at a previous meeting, asking for the council to write to Bus Eireann on the need for a new stop.

"The biggest constituency for the retail park is Tullyallen, with a lot of people going to work there. Maybe if they could get the bus they wouldn’t have to use a car to get to work.”

Mayor Michelle Hall said the lack of footpaths and cycle lanes leading up to the M1 Retail Park was adding to the traffic congestion as there were no real options for people to safely walk or cycle to the area.

Today's News in 90 Seconds, Wednesday, January 7

"If we had footpaths from the North Road people could walk to the gym or wherever they are going, and might not have to use a car to get there.”

Mr. Johnston said any decision on a new bus stop could be included in talks with management of the retail park, as it would be an issue for them to progress.

Proposed footpaths and cycle lanes were set to be included in the Active Travel scheme for this area, the meeting heard.