Ardee Councillor Warns of Road Rage on Sean O’Carroll St
By ArdeePost Reporter
Frustration Over Traffic and Parking on Sean O’Carroll Street in Ardee
Growing frustration over traffic congestion and parking on Sean O’Carroll Street in Ardee has led to incidents of what has been described as “road rage,” according to a local councillor.
The issue was raised by Cllr Jim Tenanty at the January meeting of Ardee Municipal District, where he highlighted the severe pressure being placed on the residential street, particularly over the Christmas and New Year period.
Street Used as Traffic Bypass
Cllr Tenanty told the meeting that Sean O’Carroll Street is regularly being used by motorists as a shortcut to avoid congestion elsewhere in Ardee, resulting in heavy traffic volumes on a road not suited to large vehicles.
“Buses, lorries and large vehicles led to a lot of congestion over the Christmas period, as people were taking a short cut through the town along this street,” he said.
According to the councillor, the volume and type of traffic using the street caused long delays and increased frustration among drivers.
“Road Rage” and Ardee Residents Safety Concerns
Cllr Tenanty warned that the congestion had escalated to the point where incidents of road rage were being witnessed.
“The congestion on it actually led to road rage,” he said. “At one time we had agreed a weight restriction on it. I don’t see a reason now why that can’t be put into place.”
He said residents in the area are “pulling their hair out” due to the daily disruption and the growing safety concerns associated with the traffic levels.
Parking Problems Add to Frustration in Ardee
Parking on Sean O’Carroll Street was also highlighted as a major issue, with residents struggling to access their own homes due to all-day parking by non-residents.
“All day parkers are using the bays outside people’s houses. It’s got to the stage where it is beyond a joke,” Cllr Tenanty said.
He added that in some cases residents were unable to enter their own properties.
“Residents couldn’t get in their own gates because there were cars blocking them.”
More Ardee Housing Set to Increase Traffic
The councillor warned that the situation is likely to worsen, with an additional 200 houses expected to be built in the area, which will significantly increase traffic volumes.
“It doesn’t suit two-way traffic because of the parking on the street,” he said, suggesting that the road should be made one-way to help alleviate congestion.
Cllr Tenanty also asked whether Louth County Council could raise the matter with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to explore potential solutions.
Call for Update on Bank of Ireland Junction
Cathaoirleach Cllr Dolores Minogue also raised concerns at the meeting, requesting an update on the long-discussed works at the Bank of Ireland junction on Castle Street/Sean O’Carroll Street, an area that has experienced persistent congestion issues.
Council Confirms Plans Are Advancing
Responding to the queries, Louth County Council Engineer Enda Murphy said that drawings for the junction improvement works have already been prepared.
However, he noted that safety surveys still need to be carried out before works can proceed. He added that funding is expected to be allocated for the project.
Mr Murphy assured councillors that he would keep members informed of developments and the outcome of ongoing discussions with Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
The concerns raised highlight growing pressure on Ardee’s road network as traffic volumes increase, with councillors and residents calling for urgent measures to improve safety, access and quality of life on residential streets.
