Work on a major Active Travel upgrade along the Tramore Ring Road has been continuing for several months, with the development aimed at improving walking and cycling infrastructure in the town.
The €5.5 million scheme, being delivered by Waterford City and County Council with funding from the National Transport Authority (NTA), covers approximately 3.2 kilometres of the Ring Road between the Riverstown Roundabout and the Newtown Hill Road Roundabout.
The project includes the construction of a two-way cycle lane on one side of the road, along with a number of junction tightening measures designed to improve safety and encourage more sustainable forms of transport.
However concerns have been raised locally about the impact of the ongoing works on motorists, businesses, pedestrians and residents.
Local Councillor Jim Griffin said he raised concerns at a recent Metropolitan District meeting regarding the management of the works, particularly around the positioning of barriers and bollards at roundabouts, pedestrian ramps and access points.
According to Councillor Griffin, elected representatives were informed that responsibility lies with the contractors to ensure that appropriate signage and safe access arrangements are maintained during construction.
He said assurances were given that his concerns would be passed directly to the contractor, with the aim of improving conditions, particularly during the current period of good weather when visitor numbers and activity in the town increase.
Councillor Griffin also said there is an expectation that works on the New Road section will be completed before schools return later in the year.
“The contractor needs to make sure that access and signage are appropriate within the boundaries of the Active Travel works,” he said, adding that he did not believe this had been happening consistently.
The comments come after previous criticism from the councillor regarding the disruption caused by the project, including concerns from businesses and commercial operators trying to navigate narrowed roads and altered traffic arrangements.
In a recent social media post, Councillor Griffin highlighted one incident where a lorry struggled to negotiate the altered road layout, claiming the current arrangement was creating difficulties for those trying to operate businesses in the town.
He argued that while investment in infrastructure is important, questions remain about whether the project represents the best use of public funding when other community priorities also require investment.
Among the issues raised locally are the need for improvements to community facilities, housing, wastewater infrastructure, recreational facilities and longer-term strategic planning.
Supporters of the scheme, however, point to the wider benefits of improved cycling and walking infrastructure, including safer travel options, reduced car dependency and improved connectivity throughout the town.
The Active Travel works form part of a wider national programme aimed at encouraging more sustainable transport options and improving road safety.
The council has indicated that the project remains on schedule, with the aim of completing key sections before the return of schools.
One proposed message highlighted during discussions was aimed at beach visitors: “When leaving our beautiful beaches, leave nothing but your footprints.”
For now, residents and businesses will be watching closely to see whether promised improvements in site management and access arrangements help ease the disruption while the town’s new cycle network takes shape.
