‘Something needs to be done’ at Tractamotors junction

There were calls once again for the Tractmotors Junction in Cavan Town to be upgraded during a recent meeting of the Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District.

The matter was brought to the fore following a joint motion tabled by Fianna Fáil councillors Patricia Walsh and Cllr John Paul Feeley, who asked that the “ongoing delays for traffic and disruption to local residents” be immediately addressed.

Cllr Walsh told those gathered that the matter had been on the MD’s agenda “umpteen times” and the situation has become a “nightmare” for motorists.

She told those gathered that it took her 40 minutes to travel from her home to Cavan General Hospital recently - a total distance of 3km.

“This problem has been going on for the last 20 years and it needs to be resolved,” she continued.

“We were told the bypass would alleviate the problem but to be honest, it has only made the situation worse.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Feeley said nobody quite knew “where they were at” with regard to the junction.

“Where are we at?,” he asked.

“Is there a plan in place? Is there a design? It is a massive disruption to everyone and really is a constant problem daily there.”

Cllr Brendan Fay (Ind) also pointed to speeding in the area.

“People are flying along that road only to end up joining a long queue,” he continued.

“Could we stop traffic turning right on the road? Could we at least try that on a trial basis?” he suggested.

Cllr Áine Brady (FF) agreed that “something” needed to be done. “What Cllr Fay is saying makes sense because something has to be done at that junction,” she remarked.

Fine Gael's Niamh Brady said she had spoken to Director of Services, Paddy Connaughton, about the matter. She highlighted that Mr Connaughton indicated “a long-term solution” is being sought.

Engineer, Cavan County Council, Paul Mulligan said he appreciated their frustration.

“There have been efforts made in the past but, with regard to Cllr Fay’s proposal, I’m going to raise this in the department this week and see how it's received,” he said.

“I totally agree that we have to try something.”

Director of Services, Brendan Jennings, further explained how a transport assessment is being finalised and there is a realisation across the board that “something has to be done there”.