A new one way system to effect the west side of Athlone will improve traffic flow and road safety.
Initially mooted some five years previously, the new one way system proposal was formally approved at the monthly meeting of Athlone Moate Municipal District.
The routes effected by the changes include Chapel street, Grattan Row, Abbey Lane, Goldsmith Terrace, Lyster Street and Excise Street.
Addressing the members, District Manager, Jackie Flannery, stated that the proposed extension of the westside one way system was originally considered based on a submission received in response to a general call for submissions in 2014 regarding paid parking in Athlone.
“It was then agreed with the District Members of the time to commence a non-statutory consultation process with regard to the proposal which began in November 2015,” the District Manager stated.
Following representations by local residents it was agreed to extend the consultation process to allow for written submissions pertaining to the proposed one way system.
“In April of last year it was decided, given the time elapsed since the initial public consultation (in 2015 ), that the process would be re-advertised once again and at the Municipal District meeting in October 2018, the proposal was put forward with a reverse one way flow on Excise Street, with closing date for written submissions noted for March 19 of this year,” the District Manager commented.
In total, five written submissions were received pertaining to the proposed introduction of the westside one way system, with Athlone Community Training Centre, St. Peter’s Primary School and St. Paul’s NS all expressing satisfaction with the recommended implementation of the proposed traffic flow plans.
“The proposed one way system will see traffic on Excise Street and Grattan Row move in a west to east direction, while traffic along Abbey Lane, Chapel Street and Lyster Street will flow in a north to south direction.
“The implementation of this westside one way system will further allow for the creation of additional car parking spaces on Chapel Street, Lyster Street and at Peter’s Port,” Ms. Flannery said.
Cllr. Aengus O’Rourke, who proposed the implementation of the one way system welcomed the development which he added had the full support of the residents on the westside.
“There are small and narrow streets and the creation of additional parking spaces along their routes is to be further welcomed,” Cllr. O’Rourke added.
Seconding the proposal, Cllr. John Dolan, noted that those effected by the proposed one way system had their opportunity to voice their opinion on the issue.
“I would like to compliment our District Engineer, Pat Nally, and his staff for their efforts in this regard. These streets will now be safer and more accessible. There are two schools within these locations and saftey is paramount with this in mind,” Cllr. Dolan emphasised.
Noting that the proposal will now be formally expedited without entering a further consultation phase, it is hoped that the new one way system should come into operation during the Easter holidays in 2020.
