Charleville traffic plan to be unveiled at meeting on Saturday

Public consultation takes place from 10am to 5pm — and people who cannot attend in person can contribute online 

Five pedestrians died and 21 were injured in traffic incidents on Charleville’s main street from 2018 to 2024. Picture: Larry Cummins

Plans to reduce pedestrian fatalities and ease traffic gridlock in a North Cork town will be unveiled by council engineers at a public consultation meeting tomorrow, Saturday, November 29.

Five pedestrians died as a result of traffic incidents on Charleville’s Main St between 2018 and 2024. During that period, a further 21 people were injured.

Most of the fatalities were older people who were struck by HGVs when crossing the road. A large volume of HGVs pass through the town each day journeying on the main Cork-Limerick road (N20).

The public consultation takes place at the Charleville Park Hotel from 10am to 5pm and, following this, the most suitable route option will be finalised for the new relief road.

Currently on the table are route options for an eastern or western bypass of the town, and the potential introduction of one-way systems separating northbound and southbound traffic currently using Main St to improve flow and safety.

Council engineers are also looking at improvements to Baker’s Rd, which would include the development of a new connecting corridor to divert strategic traffic away from the town centre.

These options vary in terms of environmental impact, cost, traffic benefits, and effects on residents and businesses, all making public feedback essential.

Representatives from the project engineering team will be available throughout the event to explain the details, answer queries, and gather local insights.

Fine Gael councillor Aileen Browne is urging residents, businesses, and community organisations to attend the crucial event and have their say.

“These proposals give us an opportunity to finally secure the type of transport network, public realm, and road safety standards that our community deserves,” she said.

“The public’s participation now will directly influence the final design and the future of traffic movement in our town. This long-awaited consultation marks real progress in tackling the chronic traffic problems on Charleville’s Main St, where persistent congestion and safety concerns have impacted daily life for years.”

She said motorists travelling through Charleville witness first-hand the gridlock pressure on its main street.

“Between local traffic, heavy goods vehicles, and being the strategic route between Cork and Limerick, the town simply cannot continue with the status quo. This project is about safeguarding lives, improving mobility, and supporting Charleville’s long-term development,” Ms Browne said.

She said the statistics on pedestrian deaths and injures “underscore the urgency for decisive action”.

“The project aims not only to reduce traffic volumes but also to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users, enhance air quality, reduce noise, and support a more liveable, accessible town centre,” Ms Browne said.

 • For those unable to attend, information and feedback forms are available at CharlevilleTP.ie.

 • The closing date for submitting feedback is Friday, December 19.