A call for a traffic ramp to be installed on a temporary basis to deal with traffic using an area of town as a ‘rat run’ while the flood relief works are going on, was made at the recent meeting of Fermoy Town Council.

The call came from Councillor Tadhg O’Donovan who asked for the ramp at Bachelors Walk/Greenhill adjacent to the rear of council houses on Oliver Plunkett Hill. He said motorists were using the route to avoid the main thoroughfare and is a danger to local residents and particularly children playing in the area. He had a petition signed by 17 residents.

Cllr. Noel McCarthy seconded the motion, saying it was a bad bend, very dangerous and temporary ramps were needed. They were told that the area engineer is looking at that and other areas similarly being used as ‘rat runs’ to bypass main routes congested as a result of the flood relief works. Members were told the Office of Public Works (OPW) has been approached for funding for the temporary ramps.

Town engineer John O’Leary advised them that the matter is in hand, while town clerk Pauline Moriarty confirmed the OPW had agreed to look at it. That news was welcomed by both councillors.