The April meeting of Waterford's Metropolitan council descended into chaos during a war of words over proposed traffic changes.
This comes following a proposed Section 38 development, which seeks to restrict traffic at Carrickphierish outside the schools.
Council executives, in association with the National Transport Authority, propose restricting parking to the main road only.
In addition to this, road-crossing measures for school-children will not involve a traffic sensor or a 'green man.'
By way of explanation on this decision, Michael Murphy, Senior Engineer with the Active Travel team in Waterford said in their experience, children do not wait for the green man, they have a tendency to run and not consult with the traffic around them.
Local councillor Joe Kelly requested an amendment to the proposed Safe Routes to School scheme in the region.
Given the proximity of the library, the Sports Hub, and the schools, he proposed that a small number of cars be permitted to park on the slip road close to the library.
This, he says, would allow library users to continue to have safe access given their high usage by library users.
This proposal, seconded by fellow councillor Eamon Quinlan, was not supported by the council executive.
By way of reply, Michael Murphy told Joe Kelly and other councillors that the role of a councillor does not allow for a vote on amendments to a Section 38 proposal.
This sparked a war of words. Councillor Stephanie Keating compared the development to that at Farronshoneen, saying councillors have no say in what happens.
He advised that while the plan may appear rushed, it is necessary to apply for and secure funding before a hoped-for June start to the works.
He also advised councillors that any interaction with the NTA regarding amendments to the plan would potentially put funding at risk.
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