Traffic lights still inactive months after installation at Tullamore junction

Months after traffic lights were erected at a new junction at Collins Lane in Tullamore, they remain inactive. Councillors at the April meeting of Tullamore Municipal District expressed their frustration at the situation.

Councillor Frank Moran reported a similar story in Clara where traffic lights at a pedestrian crossing at Westwood Grove which were installed almost 8 months are still not operating.

''What is the problem?'' he asked. ''These are health and safety concerns, so we should be relaying that back to the ESB. People are frustrated and sick to the teeth. A lot of money was put into that to construct it. Can we write to the ESB? These are very sophisticated safety measures and being funded by relevant departments. It's beyond me to think that we are coming here again to raise this issue,'' he said.

The Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District, Councillor Neil Feighery said, ''It is disappointing that yet again another month has passed us by where the lights are not energised at Collins Lane junction. It's causing huge frustration for the residents. The school going community are looking at another academic year finishing before that junction will be fully active,'' he said.

Councillor Tony McCormack said, ''it's vital we get on to the ESB and find out what is happening there. It needs to be sorted out, it's not just affecting the council, it's affecting businesses. That's a disgrace. I don't know what the reason for it is. If it's a resources issues they need to get it sorted out for Tullamore municipal district and the whole county,'' he said.

Referring back to the traffic lights in Clara, Councillor Ken Smollen said, ''those lights on the Ballycumber road are becoming a running joke. They are ready for the last 8 months, when they are energised they will help control the speed of the traffic. I'm just wondering will the same thing happen at Collins Lane. That junction is confusing. Motorists slow down even though the lights are not working,'' he said.

Senior Executive officer Jean Ryan said that while the civil element is complete at Collins Lane the traffic lights equipment supply was delayed. Ms Ryan said it is expected to be completed by the end of April.