Traffic management a "shambles"- Navan Mayor

Navan Mayor Tommy Reilly has blasted the 'disgraceful' traffic management of the road works currently causing misery for thousands of motorists in Navan, describing the situation as a 'shambles'.

'Traffic management for these works is an absolute disgrace. For people trying to get home from work yesterday and people trying to get into work today. It is nothing short of disgraceful. I want to know who is overseeing the traffic management, because as it is now, I think there is no one over it,' said Cllr Reilly.

He said business people in the town are 'frantic' as people are just turning away because of the delays. Cllr Reilly is calling for immediate action to sort out a proper traffic management plan and said if things keep going like this, businesses will be closing.

'I've had so many phone calls. The businesses of the town are being badly affected. People are just turning away from Navan. It is as simple as that.

'There was a a sign on Kennedy Road on Monday evening that it closed,  and there wasn't a thing happening. It didn't start until Tuesday evening. I don't know who is over this but it is a shambles.

'This needs to be sorted straight away. Businesses will be closing in the centre of town this week with what has been going on. Businesses have been on to me- they are frantic. I'm all in favour of the €12m town plan but if this is what traffic management is like with these few little jobs, people will have second thoughts about it.'

Cllr Reilly said he could understand that the council want to get the works done before the schools go back but said  the roadworks shouldn't have all  been done at the same time. 'They should be done one at a time, or do them at night. Why are they not being done at night? Yesterday in Navan and again today, it was a shambles. Whoever is in charge of traffic management in the town needs to be spoken to straight away. This needs to be sorted out.'

Once again this morning there were lengthy tailbacks for workers and other motorists as they tried to make their way into the town. There were significant delays coming from the Trim Road and the Dublin Road with a stop go system in place due to works on Circular Road. The existing Railway Street roundabout is being reconfigured and a pedestrian crossing is being provided on Circular Road.

Traffic was also backed up at Ludlow Street. Works in the vicinity of the roundabout at the bottom of Boreen Keel and O'Growney Terrace added to the misery for motorists yesterday.

Yesterday, Meath County Council issued this statement: 'Meath County Council wishes to advise that works are continuing on the upgrade of the roundabout at Railway Street in Navan. The works include footpath works, traffic calming measures and pedestrian crossing facilities. It is anticipated there will be significant traffic delays during these works.

'Alternative diversion routes will be sign posted and temporary traffic management will be in operation for the duration of the works.

'Meath County Council appreciates your co-operation and apologies for any inconvenience.'