Concerns raised over traffic congestion at junction in Navan
Concerns over growing traffic congestion on a key road in Navan have been raised by a local councillor during the July meeting of the Navan Municipal District.
Councillor John Duffy brought forward a motion calling on Meath County Council to address traffic flow at the junction on Commons Road at the traffic lights near Dan Shaw Road and Clogherboy, suggesting slip roads or similar measures to ease pressure on the route.
He said: “This is now necessary because of increased volumes of traffic and the anticipated additional traffic once the new bridge over the Blackwater becomes operational.”
The new bridge over the River Blackwater, which began construction in January 2025, is expected to be completed by September 2025.
Cllr Duffy described how traffic builds up significantly during morning hours.
“In the mornings the traffic is backed right up into Clogherboy with a build up of 20 or more cars, if there is a motorist waiting to turn right at Commons Road,” he said.
“It is not working as it is. And that is before you add in the opening of the new bridge. Or the 300-odd houses that are being built by Cairn Homes out the Commons Road. That junction has to be a priority,” Cllr Duffy added.
The Fine Gael councillor warned that the new bridge will bring increased traffic from the northern parts of Navan, including Clonmagadden, with more motorists using the route to access the Trim Road.
“The bridge will be open in a couple of months and the rate at which houses are being built, this will be a significant problem by Christmas. It needs to be addressed.”
In a written response, Meath County Council said that Cairn Homes is currently constructing houses on Commons Road, which will contribute to heavier traffic at the already busy junction.
“The traffic generated by the development will result in additional traffic passing through this signalised junction. One of the conditions of the planning permission granted to Cairn Homes, is that they are required to complete a detailed capacity assessment for the junction. This capacity assessment has not yet been submitted,” the council said.
“The detailed design of the junction by the Roads Department will follow the capacity assessment, allowing for the design and construction of the correct evidence based traffic management solutions for the type and volume of traffic.”
"A reminder has been issued by the Planning Department for the submission of this compliance.”