Call for one-way system to be introduced amid ‘rat run’ in Waterford city

A Waterford councillor has called for a one-way system to be introduced amid a “rat run” in the city centre.

Independent councillor Joe Kelly made the remarks at the March meeting of the Metropolitan District.

Cllr Kelly said: “I’m wondering if we could look at introducing a one-way system on Mary Street, where you’d come across from the Bridge Street direction, across Mary Street and turn down onto Grattan Quay.

“At the moment, it’s a narrow road but it’s a two way system and it’s a dangerous junction when cars are coming out where the church is because they’re trying to nose out, often on a road that’s just full of cars and vans.

“It’s a very dangerous manoeuvre that people are trying to make, including buses that service the hotel on that street.”

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He concluded by saying that a one-way system, running from Bridge Street to Mary Street and down onto Grattan Quay, would be “far more manageable and safer” than the current road layout.

In response to Cllr Kelly, Senior Engineer Paul Johnston said: “We can certainly look at a one-way system for Mary’s Street. I think there’s some merit there.

“It’s quite congested. It’s wider at one end than the other. It has become a bit of a rat run at times as well.”