Longford businesses express fear over potential impact of N63 works disruption

Over 60 Longford businesses along the N63 Athlone Road have expressed their fears and disquiet over the potential disruption they may be facing when junction realignment and street improvement works get underway.

The plans include a footpath and cycle track from the railway bridge at Townparks Industrial Estate and the Royal Canal at Cartrongeeragh.

Cllr Peggy Nolan said councillors had received an email from 60 businesses directly affected by the proposed works.
“Nobody wants to stop progress,” said Cllr Nolan, “but I would just ask that the road directorate deal directly with the people who are asking to be heard.”

Cllr Kevin Hussey backed up the stance: “As a business person I know the impact of having that road potentially disrupted for 12 to 24 months. It's an awfully long road, three times as long as the Battery Road, and we saw how long that took, and it's not finished yet!”

Also Read: Longford man who ran from Gardaí had cocaine hidden inside the sleeve of his jacket

Cathaoirleach Mark Casey commented, “ I hope they get it right. It is one of the worst entrances to our county town. I hope everyone rows in behind it when we do agree on a plan for it.”

Disquiet about plans to address “one of the worst areas of our county town” were discussed at the October meeting of Longford County Council.

The concerns of business owners on the N63 Athlone Road approach to Longford regarding plans to upgrade the road were raised at the plenary meeting of the local authority last week.

Last month the council signalled its intention to undertake junction realignment and street improvement works on the N63 Athlone Road at Cartrongeeragh, Farneyhoogan, Ballyminion and Townparks, Longford.

The plans include a footpath and cycle track from the railway bridge at Townparks Industrial Estate and the Royal Canal at Cartrongeeragh.

The proposals cover the realignment and narrowing of the carriageway of the N63. The scheme includes pedestrian and cyclist crossing of the N63, for the Royal Canal Greenway, at Churchland Bridge, a raised crossings for pedestrians and cyclists at all accesses and junctions along the N63.

Also Read: Revenue seize contraband worth over €804,000 in Dublin and the Midlands

The matter was raised by Cllr Peggy Nolan (FG) under observations on the Managers Report. Cllr Nolan said members received an email from 60 businesses directly affected by the proposed works.

“Nobody wants to stop progress,” said Cllr Nolan, “I would just ask that the road directorate deal directly with the people who are asking to be heard.

“There are articulated trucks that have to come in that road, then have to go into businesses with deliveries, they have major concerns, and are worried they won't be listened to.”

Across the chamber, Cllr Kevin Hussey (FF) backed up the stance: “As a business person I know the impact of having that road potentially disrupted for 12 to 24 months. It's an awfully long road, three times as long as the Battery Road, and we saw how long that took, and it's not finished yet.

Also Read: Longford student David Masterson awarded prestigious scholarship worth €24,000

“There are 60 businesses on that road, and there would be a lot of businesses in Longford town affected.”

His party colleague, Cllr Seamus Butler, added: “It's a serious matter. Years ago, for any major works carried out by any local authority, a resident engineer was appointed by the council. In this case it's not Longford County Council, it's TII as it's a national route.

“If it is the TII then a liaison should be appointed to represent the council at every site meeting. Operations should be carried out at night, rather than have one way traffic during the day. The Battery Road was a direct Longford County Council contract and we should have at least had a resident engineer on that project.” Cllr Butler said it was incumbent on the local authority to be actively involved in the project: “This thing of abdicating responsibility once the contract is signed is not right. On behalf of the people who are affected we must have a say.”

Fine Gael councillor, Gerry Hagan, said there are logistical issues with the proposed plan: “I have been contacted by business owners on the Athlone Road. Some are very concerned about the road design. The design as it appears on a computer does not always reflect reality. There are a number of businesses that have articulated lorries coming in and out.

“It looks as if the entrances are to be significantly narrowed, this is a major concern for the businesses. If they can't get off the main road they will be holding up traffic and this will be an accident waiting to happen.

“The Roads Design team need to take on board these issues and pay a visit to the businesses before they commence any realignment along that route.”

Cllr Niall Gannnon (FG) said: “I want to pledge my 100% support of the local businesses, I want them to know I'm willing to help in any way possible going forward.”

Also Read: Progress on full time memory assessment service for Westmeath and Longford

Cathaoirleach Mark Casey spoke of the necessity of improving the appearance of the route: “I welcome any proposal for that road. I use it every morning and evening. I hope they get it right. It is one of the worst entrances to our county town. I hope everyone rows in behind it when we do agree on a plan for it. It is one of the worst areas of our county town.”

In her reply Samantha Healy, the Director of Services with Responsibility for Infrastructure, Climate Action and Innovation, said: “The development of the road is a Longford MD issue. I will discuss it with the Roads Design Team and ask them to provide an update for the Longford MD.”