Farronshoneen Roundabout

Jerry Atrick · 21-03-2025 02:01PM

Active travel, while well intentioned in theory, is not going to work in Waterford at the current rate. There are not enough options or frequencies for it to work in it's current guise. No point closing the stable door when the horse has already bolted. If people are going to use it in Waterford it needs to be far more punctual and have more routes.

Yes, I frequently use public transport in the city and often end up walking due to lack of service.

Meatball.Martin · 21-03-2025 03:46PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123135830#Comment_123135830

Someone should also look @ the traffic light sequence @ Parnell St/Mall & at the The Bridge. No point in having a light turn green in Parnell Street when you cant move. It usually takes 2/3 changes before you manage to make snaillike progress onto The Quay

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123284296#Comment_123284296

Its quicker to walk into town from Ferrybank than travel by car/bus. Last Thursday morning it took me 30 mins to drive from Rockenham to the traffic lights & Rockshire Road. A total distance of 0.8km. The bus service from Ferrybank to the town is absolutely shocking. JJ Kavanaghs take a bow.

Cabaal · 25-03-2025 04:39PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123284296#Comment_123284296

You realise you cannot improve public transport unl;ess you take space away from cars.
Its really that simple, to improve things stuff has to change.

It cannot just all magically change within 24hrs or even 1 year.

Jerry Atrick · 25-03-2025 06:57PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123296721#Comment_123296721

Yes I realise that, do you use public transport? If so, what is your take on it?

Hodger · 26-03-2025 01:07AM

Report in the waterford news and star that the apartment blocks near deerwood have being given the go ahead.

https://www.waterford-news.ie/news/deerpark-residents-disappointed-by-planning-decision_arid-51978.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawJQHRhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTT4MHPLD_WQTryfY_RZdbNlBVDNydKsxjj3s1m3ZD4lN5DDhu_TLqTh9g_aem_8KmVf13UxjWyFYQT78kTCg

As such apartments and housing estate planned out near bishops court are planned and both are in the vicinity of the Farronshoneen Roundabout it make the world of common sense to revert back to two lanes to allow for easier flow of traffic; with new housing will come with further people driving out that area.

Another option for the quay would be a pedestrian bridge by the clock tower such as this Image visualizes.

If the traffic lights were replaced with a pedestrian bridge given its presently a one lane traffic system on both sides a pedestrian bridge would be a win for both pedestrians crossing over and for drivers with allowing for an easier flow of traffic.

johnnykilo · 26-03-2025 07:58AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123298758#Comment_123298758

The Tramore Bus and any large trucks might have something to say about that footbridge if it's anything like that mock-up 😂

azimuth17 · 26-03-2025 09:01AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123298758#Comment_123298758

I can hardly think of anything worse or uglier or more out of place than this type of pedestrian bridge in an urban setting.

Hodger · 26-03-2025 01:33PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123298883#Comment_123298883

It would obviously be higher / high enough to let double decker bus and trucks through. Couldn't enlarge it in image editing. But two options for Quay regarding traffic either revert back to 4 traffic lanes. Or if keeping the current two lane system replace the traffic lights with a pedestrian bridge to allow a easier constant flow of traffic. At times like others I might wait for a bus some evenings: the lights change a lot . Instead of traffic lights that change a lot a pedestrian bridge might be a good idea so the traffic can constantly flow and the busses would be able to travel faster and better on the Quay.

Bards · 26-03-2025 02:22PM

Vehicle Bridge from tower hotel to north quays would be the optimum solution. then make south quays and north quays one way similar to ballybricken..outbound via rice bridge and inbound via new bridge.

Allow public transport to use dedicated express lanes on both quays

Cabaal · 01-04-2025 11:15AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123298758#Comment_123298758

You posted the April fools a few days early. 😂

For the bridge idea to work it would have to be over twice the height shown in the photo, that means the ramps upto it would have to be much, much longer and zig zag and perhaps even require a lift for mobility impaired people.

A zig zag ramp up and down means that crossing would by equal to walking 3-4 times longer then simply crossing the road. While you might try sell it as a win for pedestrians its actually not.

- Its de-priotitising pedestrians
- Forcing pedestrians to walk further
- Is putting blockers in place for those with disabilities
- Creates a danger for traffic underneath as now items can be dropped on the traffic unless you fully enclose the bridge in a cage.
- You'd have to surround the road underneath with loads of railings to prevent pedestrians taking the much more logicial and faster route of simply crossing the road.
- Its bloody ugly as sin
- It takes away from the character of the clock tower which makes the area worse.
- I'd strongly suspect that AIB, Grandville etc would object based on it impacting business and making the place so ugly
- The ramp space and structure supports would take away space from Taxi's and/or bus stops.

Just so many issues.

In short, the bridge makes the city more hostile to pedestrians.
It's an awful idea.

Cabaal · 01-04-2025 11:23AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123297299#Comment_123297299

Yes, it needs improvement.
While costs for some have come down more often then not it gets stuck in car traffic.

We should always give priority to a vehicle moving 40-50 people over a vehicle moving on avg 1.5 (car). The city should have dedicated bus lanes on all major routes including the entire outer ring road, along with bus lane cameras to enforce there use.

01-04-2025 05:09PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123298758#Comment_123298758

Where the new apartments are going to be built two lanes are already present.

The only part of the roundabout that reduced from 2 lanes to 1 was on the grange side, all other approaches still have two lanes.

Jerry Atrick · 02-04-2025 11:20AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123317317#Comment_123317317

Yes but all the extra households will need to return go their homes. Some more than likely via Grange side. In short, it was an absolutely horrendous decision by unelected representative Michael Murphy.

02-04-2025 05:11PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123319208#Comment_123319208

They would be best off returning home from the airport road though, as if they return from the grange side, they have to go the whole way down the dual carriageway and back around to access their entrance.

I do agree the lane should have remained there and the pedestrian crossing moved back to the single lanes, but even if it is returned it's not going to be a game changer, the extra lane will allow an extra 6 cars possibly to enter that lane, when traffic is back as far as St Anne's it's not a huge difference, unless the left lane is used as a filter lane and it gets traffic moving that bit quicker.

The big issue is the volume of cars in the roads, I also feel a secondary school located on the Williamstown road/ballygunner would go a long way in removing a fair chuck of that traffic.

Jerry Atrick · 03-04-2025 12:41PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123320446#Comment_123320446

Agreed on the above, it won't make a massive difference but would assist the huge backlogs now. The school situation is a real issue but unfortunately can't see that changing with Waterpark recently renovated.

The real issue I have is the consultation process, or lack of, and the attitude that public transport will make the difference. I would be my last euro the Active Travel manager rarely, if ever, uses either public transport around city or the Farranshoneen roundabout.

Jerry Atrick · 12-08-2025 10:02PM

https://www.waterford-news.ie/news/respect-residents-locals-protest-outside-waterfords-city-hall-over-proposed-road-alterations_arid-67212.html

More groundbreaking stuff from the Council and their in house experts! See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

Asdfgh2020 · 15-08-2025 12:14PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123717812#Comment_123717812

not 100% sure of the actual changes but from using those streets fairly regularly a one way system should be welcomed especially if you as a resident park on any of their streets especially Wilkins st…? Plus it’s a trial so if it’s a fiasco then it can be reversed / modified.

Asdfgh2020 · 15-08-2025 02:37PM

also. How how / what is best way to carry out a consultation with the locals. From the article in the news and star on line the locals would be against any change ….?

16-08-2025 08:26AM

I re call one resident complaining since the beginning of time about the traffic due to the school, now a one way system is being put in as a trial and the same person is now giving out.

Funnily I haven't heard any alternative plans/ideas from the residents.

Possibly there is a better solution but with such narrow roads in the area I'd imagine only a one way system or some work and ride option so there is no parking near the school

Jerry Atrick · 16-08-2025 09:54AM

Consultation with residents was lacking from what a person living there told me. Same as the Farranshoneen Roundabout.

The people making the ultimate decisions have no interest in the everyday user and their experiences. That is the real problem.

azimuth17 · 16-08-2025 08:11PM

There were two rounds of consultation.

Asdfgh2020 · 18-08-2025 03:06PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123728782#Comment_123728782

furthermore I’ve been informed ( not sure how true though) that under the current legislation local authorities don’t need to carry out any public consultation if they wish to implement one way streets or close or cul de sac existing streets. Sounds unfair but if it is the case can you blame them for not carrying any consultation given the likely opposition there will be. As I said above the streets in question are badly in need of a ‘re-jig’ especially Wilkins st

Jerry Atrick · 19-08-2025 09:51AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123733180#Comment_123733180

How could you blame them for not consulting with the people who actually live there and are affected by the changes?

Asdfgh2020 · 19-08-2025 10:09AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123735245#Comment_123735245

Nice bit of sarcasm there. These are hardly ‘life changing’ alterations…? May cause a delay of minute or two if you are looking for parking and might reduce the risk of your parked vehicle getting side swiped 🤔

Meatball.Martin · 19-08-2025 04:32PM

The roads up around Wilkin St & Alphonsus St do need a bit of re-organising but I'd ask anyone to take a look @ what's being proposed before commenting;

https://waterfordcouncil.ie/wilkin-street-and-passage-road/

Some of it looks okay, but not being able to turn onto Passage Road from John's Hill side will only cause further problems. You are only gonna cause tailbacks @ lights further on down the road at the top of The Folly.

More importantly why schedule a 3 month trial just as schools are going back and the evenings are beginning to get darker. Surely this would have made more sense earlier in the year??

Finally, the major reason all this is taking place is because of the school traffic in the area. Anyone who drives around there during term time will tell you that between 8:30-9:05 its pure chaos & madness, After that its fairly clearm until closing times roll around.

Another bug bear: why dont kids cycle to school anymore?? I spent 6yrs in DLS and cycled in/out everyday day barring a storm. Without a helmet. Along with probably 75% of the 1,000+ pupils at the time. These days you could count the school cyclists on one hand! The only things using the cycle lanes on Newtown Road [esp the DLS side are SUV's parking in them and on the path waiting for the kids to emerge!]

Those "Active Travel" guys are losing the run of themselves altogether. Apparently there are causing another resident revolt out in Tramore @ Ard naGroi

https://www.wlrfm.com/news/dont-cut-us-off-tramore-locals-fight-to-keep-left-turn-in-ard-na-groi-1484620

I cycle a fair bit. Not many Irish people do. Its not like in the Netherlands or Denmark. Dont think you can shoe horn in cycle lanes on old roads not made for the purpose. Anyone who has cycled down the Quay at any point, despite the cycle lanes, will usually find someone parked in them or reversing out or turning up a street. Its not a comfortable cycle. Esp when you come up the straight by the Bridge Hotel. A few months ago some a*hole started blowing the hrn @ me coz I crossed the road when the green cycle light came on at the Bridge. He though I was breaking the lights FFS.

Jerry Atrick · 19-08-2025 04:51PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123736587#Comment_123736587

Exactly that, people just assume the planners know what they're doing. I've found that they don't listen to reasonable opinion and just land these ill thought out ideas on the city. There will be absolute mayhem in Newtown and John's Hill/Folly as a result. In fact, there is already and this will only exacerbate the issue. The changes to Farranshoneen roundabout from John's Hill side also show that there is no joined up thinking with various projects.

Cabaal · 20-08-2025 10:40AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123727365#Comment_123727365

Was it though?
Time and time again I see this claim rolled out by people that winge,

Even locally I saw it with a large town plan, council put it in the paper, social media, it was mentioned by non-council community groups and yet it had a pittiful amount of submissions from people in the area.

Months later stuff is changed and people claimed they weren't consulted.

Its not the councils fault if people choose not to read the information they make available.

Jerry Atrick · 20-08-2025 10:52AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123738576#Comment_123738576

Who is whinging? Do you consider all the traffic initiatives a success?

Cabaal · 20-08-2025 10:55AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123736587#Comment_123736587

Kids don't cycle to school because we've allowed our roads to become more dangerous, more cars, larger cars, faster cars. Roads are outright hostile to kids walking or cycling.

For somebody that claims to cycle I'm surprised you do not appear to really understand this.
It can be changed, but it requires massive changes and deprioritising cars so cyclists can feel and be safer.

Also, as for shoe horning you understand that thats exactly what the likes of Netherlands actually did on narrow roads, changed previously traffic filled streets to one way or removed cars. Plenty of narrow streets and much of the changes that have happened have only done so since the 1980's, 1990s and even continue to happen now. Netherlands wasn't just always magically bike and pedestrian friendly, there was a time where they destroyed towns to build massive roads and give cars access everywhere.

If you look at Paris you can see massive changes in even the past 7 years, car parking removed, streets only for bikes or people etc. Hell, even parts of Dublin show you can improve a city by giving less priority to cars.

If you build it, people will use it.

But you need a joined up well network as well, otherwise by comparison its like building a nice new motorway but all roads connecting to it are single track L roads with overgrown ditches, potholes, tree's blocking half the road in places and tractors driving down them constantly and then giving out that nobody really uses the motorway.

Cities are for living, not just through ways for cars.

Before and Ater in Rue de Rivoli, Paris
This wasn't just a covid thing, its still changed now and so are hundreds of other streets.

Dunmoreroader · 20-08-2025 01:52PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123736587#Comment_123736587

"More importantly why schedule a 3 month trial just as schools are going back and the evenings are beginning to get darker. Surely this would have made more sense earlier in the year??

Finally, the major reason all this is taking place is because of the school traffic in the area. Anyone who drives around there during term time will tell you that between 8:30-9:05 its pure chaos & madness,"

Haven't you answered your own question here? What's the point in road-testing a new system to cope with school-term congestion when there isn't any congestion in the summer?

This will work fine and drivers will learn to modify their routes to accommodate the changes. I'm all for one-way systems where needed and thought through properly.

Farronshoneen Roundabout

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