One way traffic system for New Year

The long-awaited one-way traffic system through the centre of Athlone is expected to become a reality early in the New Year, local councillors were told last week.

They were given an update on the Church Street enhancement project at the December meeting of Athlone Municipal District and District Manager Pat Keating said it was hoped the tender notice could issue to the preferred contractor before Christmas.

He explained that advance works had been progressed at Coosan Road, the Crescent and Mardyke Street and drainage works currently being carried out on Church Street in the evening and at night would continue until mid December and begin again in January.

He said the actual introduction of the one-way would commence with the contractors arrival on site. "A media briefing will be held before the introduction of the one-way," he added.

Mayor Aengus O'Rourke asked how long it will take from the contractor receiving his letter until he gets to ground, given that he would need to order materials.

Cllr John Dolan (FG) said it was important that a public meeting, rather than a media briefing, be held so that people know the timelines.

"How long will the project take?" he asked.

In relation to the timeline, Mr Keating said it would be hoped once the letter of intent was signed with the contractor things could be in place within four weeks and it would possibly be the end of January when the one-way system begins and the contractor is on site.

He said a leaflet informing the public would be printed and put out in the local press and copies of it would be given to traders to give to their customers. He said a public liaison number would be available.

He said there would be free parking for a period at Strand Street carpark and it would be advertised in good time.

District Engineer Pat Nally said it wasn't possible to change the lights at Northgate Street as they would have to be reprogrammed every night and again in the morning. Both Cllrs Paul Hogan and Aengus O'Rourke suggested simply putting a black bag over them on the nights Church Street was closed.

Speaking about the overall timeframe for the project, Director of Services Barry Kehoe said: "We want to be off street and have it enhanced before the Christmas shopping period begins in 2018."