Hgv ban to be introduced in kells

Heavy Goods Vehicles are to be banned from the centre of Kells, following a decision taken at yesterday’s meeting of Kells Municipal District Council.

However proposals for a one way system in Kells and the possible pedestrianisation of Cross Street have been left in abeyance until a public information meeting is held in the town at which a presentation on the proposals will be made.

There is considerable opposition to the proposal to introduce a one way system, even on a trial basis, according to local auctioneer, John V Farrelly, who chaired a meeting of traders and Kells Chamber members last Thursday night.

'There is basically no support for a one way system at this point and it would be foolish of the councillors to proceed without the support of traders,” he said.Mr Farrelly said a presentation on the proposals should be made to a public meeting, so the public can have their say.
A presentation to councillors at yesterdays meeting proposed oneway westbound traffic flow for Kenlis Place and New Market Street, one-way northbound traffic for Church Street and one way eastbound traffic for Market Street and John Street, as well as the pedestrianisation of Cross Street.
It was proposed that the system be introduced on a trial basis only.
Cllr Eugene Cassidy said that as chairman of the Municipal Council he brought forward the HGV ban and the one way system proposal because he believed they were in the best interest of Kells, “The HGV ban will free up the town and make it more accessible for cars and pedestrians alike.”.
He said a public meeting would be held in the Headfort Arms Hotel shortly where MDM consultants and officials of Meath County council would give a presentation on the proposals,
“It is my view that by making Kells a safer environment to shop in, it will attract more people into the town, which in turn will attract more retail to the area and help the town prosper and grow.”
He said that if it was introduced on a trial basis, it could be reversed at any time.