Part of the N53 at Barronstown which is to be upgraded
Local councillor Declan Breathnach has issued an opener letter in relation to the forthcoming closure of the N53 Dundalk to Castleblayney Road.
The road is due to close next Monday August 24th until November 23rd to facilitate major road reconstruction works.
This is despite opposition from local residents and businesses on the impact the closure will have on them.
Cllr Declan Breathnach
Diversion routes will be in place for the duration of the road works but Cllr Breathnach has outlined his thoughts on the process and encouraged road users to respect the areas they are being diverted through.
He said: “The upcoming closure of the N53 road at Barronstown Hackballscross has been in the media for some months and is a cause of concern most especially for those who live in the vicinity who will be impacted both by the road works but equally those living on the diversion routes during the expected three month closure starting August 24th 2015. In addition some well established businesses will be impacted upon and I encourage those living in the area to continue to support them during these disruptions.
“There has been much debate on how the works should and could be done. It is important to set the record straight on the process of how public consultation happened in this particular instance and to outline for you the public to what has happened to date.
“Public notices together with media coverage advertised this road scheme back in 2013/14.
“At that stage I brought the indicative drawings to the area and these were displayed for comment, observation and recommendation.
“I for my part made recommendations especially in respect of the lay out of Hackballscross junction together with safety concerns for turning movements on this most dangerous route on foot of representation.
“I believe that at that point there were only three other bodies namely Dundalk Cycling Alliance, Regional Fisheries Board and IFA who made suggestions on the proposed new road.
“I am not satisfied that that these public notices are circulated to the degree that they should and I believe that in the age of modern media that it is incumbent on the Local Authority to ensure that greater awareness and engagement with communities happens to ensure that the public concerns and worries are taken into account.
“I have not sought media headlines on this issue but continue to work assiduously with officials to minimise the impact on how the contract impacts to a minimum on all .
“These discussions have resulted in the following:
- Weight restrictions on the diversion routes
- Verge and hedge trimming on those diversions
- Greater Garda vigilance and speed monitoring on the diversion routes.
- Maximum closure of N53 will be three months.
- We also have for the first time ever secured a commitment from the NRA to a restoration programme for the diversion routes that are impacted upon.
- The Hackballcross junction will be kept operational for as long as practical to minimise the diversion route to local traffic.
“There is no doubt that these works will lead to inconvenience, frustration and delay but I hope that we can achieve a better safer N53 and reduce the carnage on what is described nationally as the most dangerous secondary route in the country.
“It is incumbent on all to ensure that when the next stretch of this route is at the planning stages that the vexed question of keeping the N53 operational be looked at and discussed with the residents affected as it is important that the job be completed to Cullaville and beyond.
“Finally I appeal to all concerned in using the diversion to stick to those routes advised by the Council and that we all show respect and patience in our traveling as the routes are used by many pedestrians cyclist and especially slow moving agricultural machinery.
“I wish to assure you that I and my fellow public representatives will continue to monitor the progress of these works and are available as always to try to represent your interest albeit within the constraints placed upon us by our legislature.”
During the closure the diversions to west bound traffic (Dundalk to Castleblayney) will be along the M1 – N33 to Ardee – N2 to Castleblayney via Carrickmacross.
Diversions to Eastbound traffic will take in the same route in reverse.
There will be a 3.5T weight restriction on vehicles using the local roads in the vicinity of the closed road. Access to these local roads will be permitted only for vehicles where it is necessary to enter the road solely for the purpose of gaining access to or egress from a premises accessible only from that road.
Talk of the Town 