Pedestrian crossing to be constructed for busy Offaly street
The town's traffic congestion is a major topic in Birr
Heavy and busy traffic is often a topic of conversation among the people of Birr, and the Area Engineer Brian Keenaghan told the June meeting of Birr Municipal District that the Council is planning to improve safety on one of the town's busy streets.
“During 2025 we'll be constructing a Pedestrian Crossing on Moorpark Street,” he said. “The tender documentation is being prepared for this.”
Cllr Audrey Hennessy Kennedy commented that the pedestrian crossing in Moorpark St will be very welcome, improving the safety around the Boys Primary School in particular.
“The road markings in the Birr area are very poor at the minute,” she added. “It's a problem at roundabouts, such as John's Mall, and at pedestrian crossings.”
She added that other towns are enjoying the advantages of the Town Centre First scheme and it's a pity Birr is not involved. “I think we should start discussing something like a Town Centre First Plan for Birr,” the Councillor remarked.
The Engineer added that the Council will also upgrade the Links between the Birr Riverside Walks and, with this in mind, the Part 8 Design is progressing.
Director of Services Ann Dillon pointed out that Town Centre First Plans have been drawn up in Clara and Ferbane, but Birr will not be in a Town Centre First scheme. She added, however, that perhaps something in the manner of the Town Centre First scheme could be funded by the General Municipal Allocation Fund and implemented in Birr.