New traffic system trial at McDonald's junction in Mullingar town centre

Westmeath County Council are trialling a new system at junction next to McDonald’s in Mullingar town centre.

Traffic lights from Church Avenue and vehicles exiting there can only turn left. There are bollards on Pearse Street, preventing cars from turning right into Church Avenue.

Cllr Ken Glynn who has been vocal on demanding changes to traffic management at the junction, said: “I don’t see the merits in how it’s going to slow things down, and the early impression of what I’m hearing from people is that, if anything, it’s made things worse.

“I have been consistent that the only solutions are to either bring the roundabout back or implement a filter lane. I’ve made it clear at meetings that I don’t support this, I have major concerns, and genuinely don’t think it’s going to work.”

Cllr Andrew Duncan has also campaigned for changes. He said: “From my perspective, we really have to wait until the end of September to see, as children will be back to school by then.

"They have made changes to the light sequencing, and we have an agreement in principle that if there isn’t an improvement in traffic flows, then we will start looking at alternatives.

“We have created a pinch point, and we have to resolve it, and if it doesn’t resolve, it has to be fixed through a filter lane or a roundabout.”

Statement from Westmeath County Council, issued on Monday 25 August

Mullingar Traffic Management – Church Avenue Improvement Works

Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District have commenced a Pilot Project at Castle Street, Pearse Street, Church Avenue using temporary traffic management, which will be in place for at least 3 months.

Alterations including signal time changes to the traffic signals at Castle Street, Pearse Street, Church Avenue are now in place.

The pedestrian crossing at Church Avenue has been narrowed and the right turn vehicular exit from Church Avenue has been removed as part of an ongoing strategy to reduce pedestrian wait times, improve traffic management and ease congestion across the town.

In addition, the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District is implementing a range of traffic flow improvements, including:

• Optimising junction layouts to support smoother vehicle movement.

• Enhanced pedestrian safety features at Church Avenue junction, including the installation of temporary bollards, tactile paving and signage.

• Review of traffic signal timings across other critical junctions to minimise bottlenecks.

• Parking information signage to provide live information on the number of available parking spaces.

• Ongoing monitoring of traffic patterns to ensure that changes deliver long-term benefits.

Director of services of Westmeath County Council, Deirdre Reilly, stated: “This decision is part of a wider plan to make Mullingar a more accessible and attractive town for residents, businesses, and visitors. By addressing congestion points and improving traffic circulation, we aim to support economic activity while ensuring safety for all road users.”

The council will continue to consult with local businesses and monitor the impact of this change closely as Mullingar moves towards a more efficient and user-friendly traffic system.

Westmeath County Council would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.