‘Desperate’ traffic flagged in Bailieborough

“Traffic in Bailieborough is desperate at the minute” and, if not addressed, could result in an accident.

That’s according to Cllr Niall Smith (FF) who asked if a new traffic plan for the town has been developed yet and, if so, what is the expected timeline for its implementation.

The calls came during a heated discussion on the matter at a recently-held monthly meeting of the Bailieborough-Cootehill Municipal District.

“It really is desperate at the minute and I’m afraid of an accident,” he added.

Town Manager, Clinton Mulligan, told those gathered that “several options are being investigated”.

“The final plan is with the county council and is expected to move forward in the New Year,” he continued. While conceding that traffic is “a problem”, Mr Mulligan warned there would be no “quick fix solution”.

Cllr Carmel Brady (FG) then told the meeting that traders and those working in shops around the town “could park off the street”.

“At the end of the day,” she added, “parking outside a business, going into work and then parking there all day is not on.”

Cllr Sarah O’Reilly (Aontú) said she fully supported Cllr Smith’s motion on the matter.

“A lot of people have rang both Niall and myself about this,” she continued.

“Not only is there traffic congestion in the town, the bad manners of some drivers leaves a lot to be desired. I’m getting mixed messages on this from the council and we need an answer.”

Director of Services, Paddy Connaughton, further explained that the local authority is currently carrying out a traffic survey of all “major” towns in Co Cavan. “The results of this will be available to all councillors in March of next year,” he added.

“At that point we’ll take the next step but the reality is here, that it’s not a matter of going out and fixing the problem, there is a lot to a problem like this.”