'Traffic mayhem' in south Longford area as HGVs use sat-navs instead of N55 diversions

There is traffic 'mayhem' and safety concerns in relation to rural and secondary roads in the Ballymahon Municipal area since the Uisce Éireann water main upgrade began with some motorists choosing to ignore signposted diversions and following Google maps.

The water utility began the critical upgrade works to replace over 5.4km of aged water mains with new pipes along the N55 last month and it has involved road upgrade works to 'future-proof' infrastructure.

The works are aimed at securing the town's water supply and reducing high levels of leakage.

The Uisce Éireann and Longford County Council collaborative project is taking place along the N55 between the Carrickedmond Church and Ballymahon Mart and a significant road closure on the N55, between those two landmarks was put in place on August 25 and will remain until November 28 to allow for combined water and road maintenance.

However, that road closure has led to traffic chaos according to Cllr Mick Cahill and Cllr Paul Ross with many motorists ignoring the designated diversions and using Google maps to take the shortest route, which is leading to safety concerns.

Local Fianna Fáil Cllr Mick Cahill, who lives in the Killenbore, Colehill, area, very close to the minor and secondary roads where there has been an increased flow of trucks, delivery vans and cars despite nearby diversion signs that would keep them on more appropriate roads.

"There is a big sign is on the N4 and it's well sign-posted that It's not for HGV's (Heavy Goods Vehicles) to come through Ballymahon, but still some of them persist in coming.

"There is plenty of concern about the local traffic and I have had numerous complaints.

"It's quite a challenge, we do need our water and there is a bit of sacrifice involved but it's just hard to manage local traffic in all directions."

Cllr Cahill said there has been plenty of action taken in terms of traffic management.

"We will continue to do so to try and minimise it as much as we possibly can.

"I mean, the reality is, if you are sitting in a car, and you are heading cross-country, and you come to a stop, the Google Maps will bring you down to a bog road, if necessary or across the field."

Cllr Cahill stated that people need to take responsibility on the road as well and stick to the signposted diversions.

"The more traffic you put on any road, the more hazardous it becomes and most people are aware of the heavier volume of traffic.

"Our long-term complaint is looking for water and a lot of the same people are telling me now there are problems with the traffic.

"I'd prefer to see the designated routes being used and there are designated routes, particularly for the bigger vehicles.

"We have also been continually talking to the council about improving the signage and discouraging people [from taking alternative routes]."

Local Fine Gael Cllr Paul Ross said there is no question it is causing 'major difficulties' in the Abbeyshrule area and on the Abbeyshrule-to-Forgney Road.

"Even though there are diversions in place for Heavy Goods Vehicles, particularly HGVs, they are using back roads, which is causing huge tailbacks.

"And indeed, twice recently on Tuesday lorries met and got stuck on the rural roads where they could not get by each other.
"Then another lorry hit the bridge there beside the aqueduct in Abbeyshrule."

Cllr Ross said himself and Cllr Cahill have been speaking to the Gardaí and engineers and they are seeking to stop HGVs going on those rural roads.

"We are looking for more signage to try and stop the HGVs going on those rural roads because it's causing mayhem.

"And then also, we've spoken to the guards in relation to the Moigh Road in Ballymahon, the Barry Road and the Abbeyshrule Road to try and prevent speeding on those roads.

There are vehicles who are using the rural roads and they are not familiar with them and absolutely driving too fast and we are asking the guards as well to come out and try and patrol that as best they can."

A spokeswoman for the water utility said, "Uisce Éireann understands the inconvenience caused by the current traffic management arrangements in the Ballymahon area and appreciate the patience of the local community.

"These measures are essential to deliver this vital project both efficiently and safely, with safety remaining a key priority for Uisce Éireann.

"A road closure is required for the next phase of works to install a significant section of large-diameter water main. This closure, which began on Monday, 25 August 2025, will remain in place until Friday, 28 November 2025.

"The replacement of these old, damaged pipes will have a positive impact on leakage by significantly lowering the instances of bursts and supply disruptions along the network.

Uisce Éireann said this will provide a more secure and reliable water supply for local homes and businesses for years to come.

"Working in close collaboration with Longford County Council, this road closure facilitates the delivery of both the critical water main installation and associated road upgrade works. These combined efforts will help future-proof the area’s infrastructure.

"During this period, traffic will be diverted via designated routes, with access maintained for local residents and emergency services only. We continue to monitor the situation closely and are committed to minimising disruption wherever possible.

A Longford County Council spokesperson said the N55 is currently closed to facilitate the replacement and upsizing of the existing water main between Carrickedmond Church and Ballymahon Mart.

“The watermain is critical infrastructure required to future proof water supply for the Ballymahon area.

“Diversions are in place and Longford County Council request all motorists to use the diversion routes which are signposted.”

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