Traffic chaos in Mullingar

Motorists are sitting for up to 25 minutes in traffic as they try to make their way through Mullingar town centre according to reports.

The new 'smart' traffic light system, which was installed as part of the Mullingar Town Enhancement Programme, is not yet operational, and is currently set to a timer.

This is causing major hold-ups during peak times, as people make their way to and from work or school.

The junction at Pearse Street, Castle Street and Church Avenue, is particularly problematic.

The pedestrian 'green man' appears on all four approach roads, backing up traffic along the main street, particularly at the corner of Mount Street and Pearse Street.

Reports are numerous too of tailbacks along on all approach roads leading into the town, at the Dublin Bridge, along the Delvin Road and Dublin Road, and at the Green Bridge with traffic approaching from the Fair Green direction.

There are almost constant holdups on Millmount Road towards Nugents corner.

A Westmeath County Council spokesperson says the new traffic lights system is currently operating on a timer system.

It is tweaked daily and the new smart taffic light system will become operational by the end of November.

"At present we are getting heavy traffic because of the wet weather, traffic tends to be heaving during wet weather," said Pat Keating, district manager.

"We are monitoring it daily, and it will improve as we go along."