Signage sought for new Virginia carpark
Support signage is needed to highlight use of the new off-street municipal carpark in Virginia.
That's according to local area councillor, Fine Gael's TP O'Reilly, who requested that the council erect signage to better advertise use of the 70-plus space facility.
The carpark has been developed on a hectare site between Main Street and Lough Ramor, adjacent to the town's Main Street and just off New Street.
Charging points for electric vehicles and bicycle parking has also been included, with hope of enticing commuter traffic parking in Virginia to get buses to Dublin off the Main Street.
The carpark, construction of which was completed during the summer, is a key element to progressing the proposed €3.5 million Virginia Main Street Safety and Pavement Scheme, aimed at enhancing the overall aesthetic of the town.
"It will take people time to get used to it," conceded Cllr O'Reilly, who commended the high-standard to which work had been completed.
He indicated that the carpark would be an asset to the town for years to come, as did his fellow Ballyjamesduff Municipal District elected member, Independent Shane P O'Reilly.
He welcomed that a local workforce had been employed on the job - Cullivan's - and praised the willingness of locals to support the plan, not to mention former FG councillor Paddy O’Reilly who he said had fought hard to bring the project to fruition over a 16-year period.
"It probably doesn't get the publicity it deserves," he said.
Fine Gael's Winston Bennett suggested putting large billboard signage on approach to the town.
John McGahern, senior executive engineer for the Ballyjamesduff area, credited his predecessors at the local office for their work, but said that people who "want to use" the carpark are generally from the area and are already aware of its presence. "It's not likely to be used by people passing though."
But Mr McGahern accepted the comments of councillors, and said he would discuss the matter of signage with the road design team.