Need for traffic calming measures at Longford's Barley Harbour will be assessed
Councillors said there are high traffic volumes on fine days and unfortunately some people who come to visit the area do not park in an acceptable manner making life difficult.
Councillors in the Ballymahon Municipal District spoke in a passionate manner as about the importance of resolving the problems at the scenic Barley Harbour beauty spot.
Fine Gael Councillor Martin Skelly, who lives one mile from Barley Harbour in Newtowncashel and farms just 500-metres away, brought forward a motion where he called on Longford County Council to address the current situation.
He stated there is a huge volume of traffic when there is fine weather and unfortunately some people who come to visit the area 'park in an uncoordinated way making life difficult and impossible for the local people to use the harbour’.
Cllr Skelly warned if something happened out in the water and there was an emergency 'nobody can get in or out' and he added it is an urgent issue that 'must be resolved quickly before a major disaster' occurs.
"As Longford Co council are now the long term leaseholders it is their responsibility to ensure that the current rules and regulations are enforced and proper markings are put in place so that they will be no doubt in people’s minds as to where you can and cannot park.
A public meeting was held in Newtowncashel last spring, which was attended by Cllr Martin Skelly, Cllr Seán Mimnagh, Cllr Paul Ross and conducted by Senior Engineer Paul Newell.
Cllr Skelly said what was asked for was if it would be possible to upgrade the harbour and he stated what is happening currently 'is not what the people of Newtowncashel either wanted, required or are able to live with'.
Local representatives heard there is inappropriate behaviour with visitors relieving themselves and the 'mess being left behind is so wrong'.
Cllr Seán Mimnagh said he is pleased that measures are to be introduced at Barley Harbour in the coming weeks in a bid to prevent vehicles from obstructing the area used by the lifeboat services and local boat users.
“I want to alleviate any concerns around Barley Harbour. As people know, I spent 18-months getting this agreement over the line, and when I take on a project, I see it through.
"I have received firm commitments from the relevant engineers and departments that the markings will be completed shortly and the signage put in place.
"This development will take time, but it is fully on track, and there is absolutely no need for anyone to be worrying about it."
Cllr Mimnagh said on July 1 last he brought their engineer out to 'assess the situation, and [they] agreed on clear solutions: proper lining of the area to prevent random parking and to keep the slipway clear'.
Cllr Mimnagh said he then contacted Community Development Administrative Officer, David Barden and Senior Executive Officer, Ciaran Murphy to request bylaw signage, and he is 'delighted it has been confirmed'.
Senior Executive Engineer, Brian McNeela said Longford County Council would review the location to determine what measures can be implemented at tat location to address the parking issues at Barley Harbour.
He stated the council will assess the need for additional road markings, signage and other appropriate traffic calming measures.