A majority of Meath councillors have backed a motion expressing no confidence in the options currently being considered for the Julianstown Traffic Relief Scheme.
The motion was tabled by local Fianna Fáil Councillor Stephen McKee at this morning’s council meeting in Duleek on behalf of residents in Julianstown, amid continuing opposition to the options put forward for tackling traffic congestion in the village.
Cllr McKee said the result should send a clear message to Meath County Council that the proposals currently on the table do not have sufficient support locally.
“I am pleased that my motion, tabled on behalf of the residents of Julianstown, has been adopted. I thank those council colleagues who backed the motion,” he said.
“On foot of this, Meath County Council can be left in no doubt that the options presented for the Traffic Relief Scheme have neither public nor political support locally.”
The future of the traffic relief scheme has become a major issue in Julianstown and the wider East Meath and South Drogheda area, with residents previously raising concerns over the options being considered and the level of public consultation surrounding the process.
Cllr McKee is now calling for a fresh process of public engagement, with all potential solutions for relieving traffic congestion in Julianstown put back on the table.
“What we now need to see is a formal recognition from Meath County Council that there isn’t sufficient public confidence in the process to date and that a new process of public engagement needs to begin with everything on the table as to how best we provide the traffic relief that Julianstown so badly needs,” he said.
According to Cllr McKee, more than 22,000 vehicles travel through Julianstown every day, with significant congestion particularly evident during peak commuting periods.
“There are more than 22,000 vehicles per day travelling through Julianstown and there is significant traffic congestion through the village at peak commuter times, as local residents know only too well,” he said.
“We need to fully understand why this is the case and explore all options to find the best solutions.”
While debate continues over a long-term solution, Cllr McKee said there should be no further delay in implementing the traffic-calming measures which have already been approved for the village.
More than €300,000 has been allocated for the scheme, which is set to include new walking and cycling paths, safer pedestrian crossings and upgrades to bus stops.
“While we wait for a long-term solution, I am demanding that the already-approved Traffic-Calming Scheme for Julianstown be rolled out immediately,” Cllr McKee said.
“Funding of over €300,000 has already been allocated to the scheme which includes new walking and cycle paths, safer pedestrian crossings and bus stop upgrades.
“The residents of Julianstown can wait no longer for this work to be carried out.”