Engineers to meet Mullaghmore residents to seek permanent solution to village’s gridlock woes
The Sligo Champion“There needs to be a permanent solution,” said Cllr Marie Casserly when speaking about traffic management issues in Mullaghmore at the recent meeting of the Sligo-Drumcliffe Municipal District.
The matter was raised by Cllr Edel McSharry whose motion read as follows: “To ask the engineering team for an update on any planned changes to the traffic management system at Mullaghmore, in light of the significant increase in traffic during the summer period and the ongoing concerns expressed by local residents and business owners regarding congestion, access, road safety and the overall effectiveness of the current traffic management arrangements.”
Michael Ryan, Area Manager, Sligo/Drumcliffe Municipal District told the meeting, “The engineering team will meet with residents to engage in relation to the proposed one way system.”
Speaking to the motion Cllr Casserly (Ind) referred to the seasonal introduction of a one-way system saying, “I think there needs to be a permanent solution. Every year nobody is quite sure what is happening. Thank you to the Council for putting cones down but as soon as that stops people abandon their cars again.”
Giving an indication of the problems that can be caused on busy days, Cllr Casserly informed the meeting, “The Local Link cannot access the village. Whatever the decision is, that needs to be the decision. The Guards need to be involved as well as the local community.”
Cllr Casserly added that it is especially busy at this time of year before noting, “Parking for campers has improved significantly. A lot of work has gone into the public car park. Improved access to the beach and also for wheelchair access which is welcome.”
Cllr Casserly noted it will be difficult to find a solution that is to everybody’s satisfaction adding, “I think there has to be a permanent arrangement, you do not want the emergency services being blocked.”
The motion was also supported by Cllr Thomas Healy who commented, “It is a serious issue. The winter is the time to trial it. If locals and visitors don’t know what is happening there is confusion. We should have joined up thinking.”
Cllr Healy also called for a public consultation process to open “sooner rather than later.”
Cllr Thomas Walsh also gave his backing to the motion saying, “The business community have a strong view. A sustainable solution needs to be found.” He added, “There is enough ground available here to create additional parking.”
In reply Director of Services Jim Molloy noted, “We still need the money to develop parking.”
In relation to the one-way system Mr Molloy said the Local Authority are “Looking for a solution,” adding, “It needs a permanent fix.”
Mr Molloy continued, “We will be meeting with various groups over the next few weeks. There is no ideal solution, there is one road in and one road out.”
Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.