Council provide parish with assurances of traffic plans

It is believed that two lane traffic will be retained outside Ss. Peter and Paul's Church Athlone upon the introduction of a rain garden (a new grass verge) at the Market Square/Elliot Road junction.

In a social media post published today (Monday), Fr John Deignan, Ss Peter and Paul's Parish Priest, informed his parishioners that Westmeath County Council had reassured him that the "two lane set up" for traffic will remain "even with the introduction of the rain garden".

Westmeath County Council issued notification on Thursday, September 3, that a contractor would be carrying out a programme of works at the Market Square/Elliot Road junction for an eight-week period.

"Traffic and pedestrian management will be in place for the duration of the works," said the local authority at the time.

At the time of the announcement, Fr Deignan expressed his frustration at the "lack of communication" from the Council with the parish on foot of the works.

"Unannounced roadworks outside the gates of Ss. Peter and Paul’s Church, highlight a glaring lack of communication and correspondence from Westmeath County Council.

"In the absence of official updates, we are left relying on social media to learn about significant obstructions that will directly impact daily life, local traffic, and solemn community traditions," Fr Deignan said earlier in the month.

The Parish Priest also confirmed in his social media post on Monday that he had received assurances from the Council that "provision for the parking of the hearse during funerals will be retained".

"They have also agreed to co-operate with funeral and wedding arrangements for minimal disruption during the works," Fr Deignan added.

The €200,000 project will also involve a new pedestrian crossing being put in place between the Luan Gallery and the church. The new crossing will be closer to the roundabout itself than the existing Luan Gallery pedestrian crossing, which is being removed.