'Lessons to be learned from work on bridges' in Tullamore – Cllr Sean O'Brien

THERE are lessons to be learned from Offaly County Council's work on two bridges in Tullamore – Whitehall and Clara road bridges.

That's according to Cllr Sean O'Brien who said traffic disruption due to the works had a huge impact on small businesses.

Speaking at last week's meeting of Tullamore Municipal District, Cllr O'Brien said work in one area also had an impact on other areas of the town.

Referring to work last week on the Clara bridge, the Independent public representative said traffic was so busy on Clontarf Road that people couldn't get out of their houses.

He referred to one person who was held up for an appointment in Mullingar hospital. "When they did manage to get out they were held up at Durrow (where road works were also taking place last week)," outlined Cllr O'Brien.

Referring to the work at Whitehall bridge, he said people with disabilities living on the Daingean road were blocked from going over the bridge when trying to get to the town centre.

"These are some of the things we've to be conscious of," he stressed.

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Senior Area Engineer, Joe Dooley said there was always going to be a certain impact with the works at Clara road bridge.

"We're working with local businesses to ensure the least level of disruption," he revealed.

Mr Dooley said the council had spoken to the contractor about traffic issues on Clontarf Road and noted that some heavy goods vehicles attempted to go down that road rather than through Arden.

Referring to Cllr O'Brien's concerns regarding Whitehall bridge, he said the council had asked the contractor to ensure that at least one footpath was available for people to get into town.

"We need to maintain access at all times," he stressed.

Mr Dooley said pedestrian crossings had been put in place on both sides of Whitehall bridge which had the advantage of forewarning traffic.

As regards Clara bridge, he said the work, which was due to be completed early this week, had been delayed due to weather conditions.

He said work was also set to commence at Srah Road where Cllr O'Brien and Cllr Shane Murray noted there was issues with speeding.

Cllr Aoife Masterson suggested that signs be erected at Clontarf Road to stop heavy goods vehicles from using the thoroughfare. She speculated that sat navs may be directing vehicles through the road.

She also highlighted a number of traffic issues in Arden and said there were no double yellow lines in the estate.

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"People can park right up to the junction," outlined the Sinn Fein public representative who stressed she wasn't suggesting that double yellow lines be placed in the whole area.

She also noted that markings placed on streets for recent works had not been washed away by recent rain.

In response to a query from Cllr Masterson regarding a bus shelter at Clonminch, Mr Dooley said he would follow up on the issue.

He added that the council would also review the issue of heavy goods vehicles using Clontarf Road.