'It's a major problem': Concerns raised over sequencing of traffic lights in Offaly town

Concerns have been raised surrounding the sequencing of traffic lights in Offaly's capital at the January meeting of the Municipal District of Tullamore. 

Several councillors pointed out the issues with the sequencing of the traffic lights on Bridge Street just outside The Bridge Centre in the heart of the town which they say is leading to traffic congestion as well as local businesses being affected. 

Councillor Sean O Brien. who brought up the issue at the meeting stated: "There seems to be a major problem with the sequencing of these traffic lights, It's so frustrating and it needs to be looked at."

He continued: "Only three cars seem to be able to get through the lights before they change again and it's causing huge difficulty for the flow of traffic in the town."

Councillor Shane Murray also spoke on the ongoing problem commenting: "We all know there's a problem with the sequences of those traffic lights and it's important for the local businesses that traffic can move through the town. It needs to be sorted out as soon as possible."

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Councillor Aoife Masterson said "I'm delighted to hear that the sequencing issue is being addressed" but insists that both traffic lights and lighting in general remain an issue around Tullamore and the surrounding areas. 

The Sinn Féin Councillor explained: "The traffic lights at the bridge in Rahan are having sequencing issues which are causing a huge issue as parents are bringing their kids to and from school over it every day."

She also added: "The light at Gurteen bridge was meant to be fixed and it hasn't been yet, there is lighting issues at Kilbride Plaza where lights were fixed and have gone again since and people in Roselawn have been without lighting since before Halloween. All of these must be sorted as quickly as possible."

Addressing the traffic light sequencing on Bridge Street in Tullamore, area engineer Eoin Curran confirmed that the issue was initially scheduled to be resolved before Christmas. 

This plan never came to fruition though as he explained: "The traffic management crew never showed up on the day of the works."

However, he did confirm: "We are hoping to get them back for an alternative date in the near future."