Andrew Doyle has said that the issue of traffic management in Glendalough has long been highlighted as is need of attention and has welcomed that the GAA pitch in Laragh is this weekend operating a trial shuttle bus service to Glendalough in an effort to alleviate some of the traffic congestion that occurs in the area at summer and bank holiday weekends.
“The announcement of the introduction of pay parking at the OPW Visitor Centre at weekends during the peak summer season as an element of ‘traffic control measures’ is designed to avoid congestion and to ensure that the people visiting the OPW centre can gain access by using the designated parking area and these visitors will receive a refund of the parking fee.
“The availability of parking and a shuttle service from the local GAA pitch in Laragh to the OPW centre on Sunday & Monday will hopefully allow walkers and other visitors to Glendalough to have adequate car parking options without taking up limited space at the OPW centre.
“There is also a need for the presence of yellow lines from the entrance of the monastic site and cemetary all the way up to the Upper Lake at Glendalough, on both sides of the road, and the implementation of a clamping system for this particular section of the road, as the parking situation that currently prevails is a risk for safety as emergency vehicles are unable to get through on this narrow section of the road.
“It will be interesting to see if traffic congestion is relieved in the Glendalough area with the opening of the GAA pitch this Sunday & Monday as it is essential to introduce such short term measures to cater for this upcoming summer season until such time as a longer term plan can be put in place.”