Call for Cork Council to address Lehenaghmore traffic congestion

Local representatives have called on Cork City Council to address what has been described as “completely unacceptable” traffic congestion at Lehenaghmore, which has been leaving commuters in gridlock for more than an hour due to road closures.

While a spokesperson for the local authority confirmed recently that the Lehenaghmore Rd improvement scheme is on course for substantial completion by February of next year, works that are currently underway are causing deep frustration among residents.

The project, funded by the National Transport Authority, begins at Tramore Rd Roundabout, runs South along the Pouladuff Rd to Barrett’s Junction, and then follows the Togher Rd northwest to the Route 14 bar.

Once completed, the scheme will deliver new footpaths, safe pedestrian crossings, safer roads for motorists with improved junctions and sightlines, new public transport and cycle facilities, and improved public lighting and traffic calming measures.

However, due to the scheduled closure of the Pouladuff Rd last week, to facilitate works which are intended to last for up to four weeks, commuters travelling in the area reported prolonged delays, seeing motorists stuck for up to 90 minutes at a time.

Sinn Féin councillor for the area, Joe Lynch, along with his party colleague Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire have called on the council to examine alternative approaches to mitigate congestion.

“What happened at Lehenaghmore was completely unacceptable,” said Mr Lynch.

“Hundreds of people were late for work, for school and for hospital appointments.

“We share the serious frustration of residents, and unfortunately this is part of a pattern of people in Lehenaghmore not getting adequate respect.

“This is in no small part due to the poor notice given to residents of the road closure,” he added.

And he said he was deeply frustrated by the council’s failure to ensure the contractor had highlighted the situation well in advance to residents.

“We are calling on the council and contractors now to engage to find alternative methods of easing traffic during this closure and that lessons are learned,” he continued. 

Mr Ó Laoghaire said congestion in the area has caused “a huge disruption to people”, particularly those with children or additional responsibilities, through no fault of their own.

“We have been in touch with both Cork City Council and the contractor, and have relayed the resident’s anger and concerns,” said Mr Ó Laoghaire.