Traffic chaos in Ratoath

There was traffic chaos in Ratoath on Monday and again on Thursday, with tailbacks at times, from the centre of the village to the Nine Mile Stone,.

The issue was raised at Wednesday's meeting of Ratoath Municipal Council, by Cllr Nick Killian who explained the chaos arose when Uisce Ereann undertook work in the village.

"There was a situation last Monday when Uisce Eireann blocked up the whole village. We appreciate this work has to be done, but there was absolute chaos and it came completely without warning," he said.

"At one point on Monday there was work on the four main road into the village and there were massive tailbacks. There was chaos when children were going to school and when people were coming home from work in the evening. There were tailbacks as far as the Nine Mike Stone at around 4.30pm. People coudn't get into the village.

"We weren't informed in advance. This is happening all too often. It seems communication from Uisce Eireann has virtually ceased. We used to have good communications with them until earlier this year, but not any longer.

"I have always said some of this work should be done at night, but Uisce Eireann doesn't seem to agree.

"We are like broken records now, this is happening all the time," he said.

A similar issue arose yesterday (Thursday,) the day after the council meeting.

"There was work on the Curraha to Skryne Road and there were huge tailbacks, but again there was no communication with the community of Ratoath," said Cllr Killian.

At Wednesday's meeting Cllr Gillian Toole said Ratoath was a rat run for the rest of the county but there was no communication or co ordination of services.

"We are putting up with traffic tailbacks, a lack of water and poor public transport," she said.