‘It’s hard to see the bigger picture when you’re trying to survive’ ...

Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons, both a local representative and a business owner says he can see both sides of the coin.

"It's difficult to say try to think of the long term benefits for the town when you are trying to survive week to week, never mind looking at the bigger picture, you are thinking am I going to be here in six months time," he said.

"Navan originally was a small town, there are only seven streets in Navan, with new housing estates and greater population there are pinch points and at certain times of the day, you really do feel the impact of it.

"When the work is completed we are going to have a fabulous town, the spec is fantastic. I would be positive in the long run but in the short term it is a big hit for businesses.

"It is frustrating for key holders and shop owners and people who are renting property trying to make money out there especially with the likes of Amazon and the online world and you are trying to make it attractive for people to come into town."

Cllr Fitzsimons says although it is frustrating for businesses, the long term plan will benefit the entire community. He added:

"It’s not easy when you have overheads, ESB, the rent, staff payments etc, trying to balance things is really tough. We just have to keep going and hopefully six month down the road we will see the positive impact."

The Navan publican added that Navan has more positive things going for it than negative.

"I would be hopeful about the future and think we are going to be well situated regarding parking and accessibility in the next six months."