Big changes needed to Town Centre Enhancement Scheme say traders

The Mullingar Town Centre Enhancement Schemewill lead to a fall in business, traffic problems and increased taxifares unless it is radically altered.

That's according to many of the people who attended Mullingar Town Team's meeting about the scheme, which took place in the Annebrook Hotel lastnight.

The three million euro scheme, which is on public displayuntil August 18, includes plans for the creation of “public spaces”at the Pearse Street-Castle Street Junction and Market Square and theintroduction of a one way system on Mount Street.

The proposal also includes details forthe redesign of a number of town centre junctions including thereversal of the one way system in Dominick Place. According to thecouncil, the aim of the project is to “alleviate traffic andparking congestion within the streets and create vibrant andsustainable urban spaces”.

One of the traders' biggest concerns is thatthe changes will lead to a loss of business due to the proposedreduction of parking spaces on the town's main streets. Speaking atthe meeting, Town Team member Des Walsh estimated that up to 45parking spaces will be lost in Dominick Street alone, while there arealso plans to remove much of the parking from Pearse Street in orderto widen the footpath.

A number of speakers described thescheme as a “glorified traffic management plan” and warned thatif significant changes aren't made, it will have a negative impact on Mullingar. The council executive, who were invited to the meeting butdeclined to attend, were also criticised for failing to consult thebusiness community before the plan was drawn up.

Eoin Walsh, who spoke on behalf of thetown's taxi drivers, said that as the business group who use thetown's road system the most, he and his colleagues should have beenasked for an input when the plan was being drawn up.

“Not one of us was asked for ouropinion, not only is it ludicrous, it is insulting,” he said.

Mr Walsh was one of a number of speakers who warned that rather thanimproving traffic flow in the town, proposals such as making Martin'sLane one way or removing the right turn from Grove Street intoDominick Street, will increase congestion problems in the centre oftown. He also predicted that many people will see the cost of a taxi home after anight out increase by up to 35%.

Brigid Manley, president of MullingarChamber of Commerce, said that it was important to remember that theTown Centre Enhancement Scheme was “not a done deal” and that there wasa “great opportunity” for people to contribute via submission or at the information events being held this Friday in County Buildings (9am to 5pm) and on  

on Wednesday August 9 in the Market House (2pm to 8.30pm).

Speaking to the Westmeath Examinerafter the meeting, chairperson of Mullingar Town Team Angela Mahersaid that the organisers were “thrilled with the turnout”.

“Everybody wants to be engaged in theprocess, which is very positive for Mullingar. The plan is not allbad, there is a lot of great stuff in it.”