By Dan Walsh
Essential street works in Gorey are causing distress, prompting Sinn Féin representatives Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD and Cllr Craig Doyle to urge Wexford County Council to suspend Esmonde Street’s one-way system temporarily over Christmas.
Deputy Ó Súilleabháin said: “I have been speaking with a number of business owners on Esmonde Street who are concerned about the impact the one-way system is having on their businesses. We are calling on Wexford County Council to review the possibility of suspending the one-way system for the Christmas period, particularly as works are expected to stop on the 18th of December.
“Local businesses rely heavily on the Christmas trading period, and we need to do everything possible to support them during what is traditionally their busiest time of year.”
Cllr Craig Doyle who raised the matter at the recent meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council said; “We need to ensure that we support our local businesses in the run-up to Christmas. Temporarily suspending the one-way system would go a long way towards making the town more accessible for shoppers and supporting local trade.”
Both representatives agreed; “Gorey is a vibrant town, and we need to encourage people to shop local; support local and make it as easy as possible for shoppers to access the town over the Christmas period. Our engagement with concerned shoppers and local businesses has highlighted the challenges many people are facing in getting into town due to the various roadworks on key approaches.
“While we understand that these works are necessary and must be completed, there also needs to be better planning and management to ensure ease of access to the town, particularly during such an important trading period for local businesses.”
Major roadworks on Esmonde Street are expected to finish next June!
