Calls to divert truck convoys from award-winning village
Concern was raised at yesterday’s meeting of Cork County Council’s northern division that upwards of 100 trucks a day passing through Coolagown would damage the village’s reputation and roads.
Earth is being removed from Cork Marts at Corrin, Fermoy, to the eastern side of the town to bolster its flood defences.
However, instead of passing directly through the town, the trucks detour via Coolagown.
Fianna Fáil councillor Kevin O’Keeffe said the round trip via Coolagown was 32km — 20km further than travelling directly through the town.
He claimed Fermoy Town Council prevented contractors Lagan Construction transiting the town.
Mr O’Keeffe said the detour through Coolagown could cause serious damage to 20 years of voluntary hard work by residents, as well as further damaging already deteriorating rural roads.
“This is for the benefit of Fermoy and I don’t think the town council should be dictating to us,” he said.
Party colleague Frank O’Flynn said Coolagown had won numerous awards, including one in the European Entente Florale competition in 2011. “The shortest route is between Corrin and Fermoy,” said Mr O’Flynn. “I know the work has to go ahead but I hope common sense will prevail.”
Labour councillor Ronan Sheehan said the council was constantly praising the efforts of the villagers, and added that roads around Coolagown were not suited to convoys of trucks.
Labour councillor Noel McCarthy, also a town council member, said Fermoy was constantly being disrupted by continuing flood prevention works.
“Fermoy can’t take any more heavy traffic during the day,” said Mr McCarthy. “I would support trucks coming through the town if it was from Sundays to Thursdays from 7pm to 7am.”
The local council will discuss the proposal at its monthly meeting tonight but Mr O’Keeffe said it was not feasible for all the trucks to move soil at night.
