Frustration over traffic congestion and parking in Ardee causing ‘road rage’

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

A Louth councillor has highlighted “road rage” on a residential street which is regularly used by motorists trying to bypass traffic in Ardee.

Cllr. Jim Tenanty highlighted congestion on Sean O’Carroll Street in Ardee over the Christmas and New Year season.

Speaking at the January meeting of Ardee Municipal District he said, “buses, lorries and large vehicles led to a lot of congestion over the Christmas period, as people were taking a short cut through the town along this street.”

"The congestion on it actually led to road rage. At one time we had agreed a weight restriction on it, I don’t see a reason now why that can’t be put into place.”

He said the residents in the area are “pulling their hair out,” and the increase in all day parking along the street is making it very difficult for residents to get parked outside their homes.

“All day parkers are using the bays outside people’s houses. It’s got to the stage where it is beyond a joke. Residents couldn’t get in their own gates because there were cars blocking them.”

Cllr. Tenanty added that it was worrying to see an increase in “road rage” as motorists grew frustrated with the congestion.

He asked if there was anything the council could do to help alleviate the traffic and parking issues on Sean O’Carroll Street.

With an additional 200 houses expected to be built in this area, traffic volumes are likely to increase further, said Cllr. Tenanty.

"It should be one way, it doesn’t suit two way traffic because of the parking on the street.”

He asked if Louth County Council could bring these issues to the attention of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Dolores Minogue asked for an update on proposed works at the Bank of Ireland junction, where there have been longstanding issues with congestion.

The junction is near the bank building on Castle Street/Sean O'Carroll Street.

Louth County Council Engineer, Enda Murphy, said drawings had been done, but safety surveys will have to be carried out. He added that funds are set to be allocated for the works.

Mr. Murphy said he would keep members informed on the outcome of meetings with TII.