Tight squeeze... Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons on the Boreen Keel

Proposals to locate a set down only bus stop on Navan's Boreen Keel have been met with dismay by local residents, who warn it will make congestion on the narrow road even worse.

“The traffic congestion on Boreen Keel is already horrendous,” said one local resident. Last March they re-routed the town bus service along Boreen Keel without any consultation and it caused huge problems.

“Residents cannot get in and out of their driveways. The bus drivers get impatient when we are reversing out.

“One neighbour was walking on the footpath and was nearly hit by the wing mirror of a bus, because the road is too narrow. He had to duck under it. Traffic needs to be directed away from Boreen Keel rather than putting a bus stop on it.

“They say it will be set down only, but who is going to tell somebody waiting there for a bus that it is set down only.

“Boreen Keel is being used as a rat run all the time. It is too narrow for buses and it is an accident waiting to happen,” she said.

At last week’s meeting of Navan Municipal Council, councillors heard the bus stop would be located on Boreen Keel on a trial basis for 18 months with a review after a year.

The re-routing of the town service along Boreen Keel was a decision of the NTA and the construction of the bus stop would begin later this year or early next year.

Cllr Emer Tóibín said it seems like madness, while Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons asked if there was room for two buses to meet.

Cllr John Duffy said the Emmett Terrace was being used as a rat run from Boreen Keel to Brews Hill.

Cllr Eddie Fennessy said traffic congestion on Boreen Keel has been a huge issue over the past few years.

“I have proposed twice over the years that the area be reduced to a one-way system. This would allow for the widening of the footpaths, making the area accessible and safe for all. And most importantly it would reduce traffic volume in the area.”

He said the town bus service was re-routed up Boreen Keel to improve time keeping on the route and it has worked.

“The old route left Paddy O’Brien Street and had to pass through seven sets of traffic lights to serve a single stop at the old Foresters Hall site. During peak time traffic, it could take up to 40 minutes to reach the hospital. It takes less than five minutes on the new route.

“I spoke with residents in the area over recent weeks about it and I raised their concerns with the council. What’s being proposed now is a compromise to try and allay local concern.

“The bus stop will serve as a set down location only. Pick ups from the Boreen Keel won’t be permitted. This will restrict public transport footfall in the area. The stop is in place on a temporary basis, and a full review will commence after 12 months to determine the future of the stop.”

Director of Services, Martin Murray said they had listened to the residents, which is why it is a set down stop only. He pointed out that it was for a trial period and if it is found it is not needed it will be removed.