Local opposition to proposed one-way street in Ballinamore

Sinn Féin’s Cllr Caroline Mulvey proposed the council not go ahead with the proposed plans to turn Church St, Ballinamore into a one-way system last week.

The council replied: “Church Street has two footpaths, both of which are used by cars to park. Therefore there is no safe passage up Church Street for pedestrians, children’s buggies, mobility impaired persons.
“The proposed one-way system will allow traffic to travel from Main Street to Oughteragh while providing parking on one side of the carriageway - leaving both footpaths unimpeded.

“We have yet to investigate whether deliveries and refuse vehicles can be carried out with the proposed system.”
Senior engineer for Leitrim County Council Shay O'Connor outlined there are two options available. Either they do nothing with the traffic flow and “police the illegal parking correctly and issue tickets to those who park on footways” or they put a one way system in place.

The district engineer will hold a meeting with residents and traders affected by the proposed changes shortly.
The council concluded saying, “The majority of residents along this street are in favour of the proposal.”
Cllr Mulvey said she believes many residents “don’t see a need for this.”
She said there are concerns that a one-way system would create a “bottleneck at the SuperValu junction.” The council are expected to discuss plans with those affected before any works begin.