Local Authority and councillors disagree with what to do with Templemore crossing

There was some disagreement on what to do with a pedestrian crossing at this week’s sitting of the Thurles-Templemore Municipal District Council. 

The crossing was recently moved to near the post office in Templemore and according to councillors people are happy with the new location. 

However, District Engineer Thomas Duffy said the crossing will be moved to outside the new library once it opens.

The issue was first raised by Cllr Michael Smith who asked if the pedestrian crossing was staying in its new location.

He said he believed Templemore needed two crossings because people were unlikely to walk from one end of the street to the other to use the crossing.

Additionally, many of the businesses believe its current location is a good place to keep it. Several councillors agreed with Cllr Smith. 

Cllr Shane Lee pointed out that more crossings would make it easier for the town’s ageing population to move around. 

Cllr Eddie Moran said where it is convenient for pedestrians. “If it’s not broken why would you fix it,” said Cllr Moran. 

Cllr Noel Coonan said keeping both crossings would help the council meet their responsibility for road safety.

 “I am a little bit upset that you are so definite,” said Cllr Coonan. 

Mr Duffy acknowledged that the crossing appeared to be “working well.” 

However, he said it will have to go back to its original position because there are TII guidelines that govern the proximity of crossings to each other. If they were to have two crossings in that area, they would be placed too close together. 

Cllr Smith pointed out that is not the case in Nenagh, where new crossings have been placed.

Mr Duffy agreed that there were a lot of crossings in Nenagh and said he would follow up with TII as a “matter of urgency.”