One-way system to go on trial

Sean O’Riordan

The plan, which has split the town, led to debate in County Hall yesterday and an argument over whether it should be introduced without local consensus.

A split also occurred in the council about whether access should be allowed to Oliver Plunkett Street.

Following a vote, it was decided to allow this and to introduce the system at South Main Street and Pearse Street.

Cllr Veronica Neville (FG) said a number of representations had been made and recent meetings in the town had proven “difficult.”

She said traffic problems had been the bane of Bandon for years.

“There are 5,500 people in Bandon trying to get around, but it appears Bandon is unable to make decisions for itself,” Ms Neville said.

Her party colleague, Cllr Kevin Murphy, said he supported a one-way system, but added that traffic problems were a result of the Government’s failure to develop a proper bypass. “I don’t think either side will be aggrieved with a three-month trial, it’s eminently sensible. We have been lobbied on it and listened to both sides of the argument. We should see how it works,” Cllr Gerry Kelly said.

Cllr Paddy Sheehan said there was opposition to the plan by Bandon rate-payers.

“I’d be very slow imposing such a measure on them,” he added.

Fianna Fáil councillor Dan Fleming said it was unfair county councillors had to decide when it should be done by Bandon’s town council.

County manager Maurice Moloney said he would get an expert to review the plan after three months.