A Monaghan councillor has raised his concerns over the current road closure at Derrygooney Bridge. Fianna Fail's Seamus Coyle raised the matter at this month's sitting of Monaghan County Council. According to Cllr Coyle, flashing boards came into operation just last week in the Derrygooney/Bawn area to inform locals of the closure that will take place over a full four week period.
Known as the "busiest period of the year" for the local agricultural and farming community, Cllr Coyle believes this current road will only cause further stress and frustration for those in the sector. As a result, he has requested that works be delayed to November/December this year and traffic diversion plans be carefully considered.
Cllr Coyle stated; "For one local farmer who has contacted me, it means a diversion from a regular 1.5km to his out farm to a 7km roundabout. Lakeland Dairies also travel this road regularly on a daily basis. As I have pointed out, the period of the 7th May to 4th June is one of the busiest periods on this road, so I cordially request that the works/road closure be delayed to November/December this year and also that traffic diversion plans are carefully considered to ensure HGVs etc do not use unfit for purpose roads as at some points in the previous closure periods, seriously damaging roads and placing lives at risk."
