Traders fear introduction of one-way traffic system

TRADERS in Bandon have warned they would be fighting for survival if a proposed pilot one-way traffic system is introduced.

The business association in the gateway town to west Cork insisted that priority in any traffic management plan should be increased parking amenities.

In a deputation to Bandon Town Council, the business body forcefully opposed a recommendation from a Municipal Policy Committee (MPC) advocating a one-way system in South Main Street, Pearse Street and Bridge Street.

Newsagent Barry O’Farrell told the council: “we have been in business in South Main Street for 100 years, but we greatly fear for the future. Our livelihoods are at stake.”

The traders claimed a one-way system in South Main Street, running eastwards from the library corner to Boyles bookmakers, would encourage heavy goods vehicles to use the town centre rather than the outer bypass, noted for its steep inclines.

Mr O’Farrell said previous assurances had been given to the local business community by council management that a one-way system would not be introduced after planning had been approved for the Riverview Shopping Centre, at the upper end of South Main Street.

Joined by trader colleagues Joe McLoughlin and Frank O’Leary, Mr O’Farrell appealed to the council to defer a decision on the proposed one-way system until the business association had an opportunity to meet the MPC group. He said other issues to be discussed with the MPC were part-pedestrianisation and multi-storey parking at Harte’s car park.

“Ratepayers at least deserve some respect,” he said. “Let’s discuss this matter rather than throw mud at each other.”

However, MPC chairman Cllr Anthony Calnan reminded councillors the advisory body was set up by the town council to examine traffic management, particularly traffic flow. He said the business association was one of seven groups, including gardaí, council executive staff and the chamber of commerce, represented on the MPC. “The recommendations represent a broad cross-section of opinion,” he said, pointing out that the sole objection came from the traders.

Local GP Cllr Calnan said the deputation had painted a doomsday scenario about the proposed one-way system, to be introduced on a three-month trial basis.

Together with Cllr Pat Connolly and Cllr Don McCarthy, the other council representatives on the MPC, Cllr Calnan agreed to a suggestion from mayor Cllr Margaret Murphy O’Mahony that the traffic advisory group would meet with the business association before the April monthly meeting of the council.

However, Cllr Calnan told the council: “there is a major problem with traffic flow in Bandon and that’s the public perception. The public is looking to the council for leadership and we will have to make hard decisions.”

A council decision on the MPC recommendations, which also included limited parking at Harte’s and Allin Institute, prohibited entry on certain streets together with restricted parking outside the Post Office, was deferred for one month.