HGV ban a 'godsend'
Locals protesting in Slane on Thursday morning.
MOVES to ban HGV lorries from the village of Slane have been given a cautious welcome by local resident and Fianna Fail candidate Wayne Harding.
He said he believes the proposed ban on HGVs is one of the most important developments for the village in the last 30 years and said it will have a 'significant impact' on safety and quality of life in the village.
'The general consensus in the village is that the ban on heavy goods vehicles is a godsend,' he said. 'It is one of the most significant events to have happened in Slane in my lifetime.'
However, he said he was also cautious about welcoming the news, however, as doubts still remain on the commitment to see the initiative through.
'As far as everyone is concerned, it must happen immediately.
'This is quite simply a matter of life and death for the people of Slane.'
He said he also had fears that the problem would simply be moved to other towns and villages like Duleek and Donore, or onto roads that are unable to take the traffic.
'I would hate to see places like Grangegeeth, Monknewtown, Stackallen, Newtown or Lobinstown become rat runs once this plan comes into effect,' he said.
'Road authorities must be vigilant in this regard.'
- FIONA MAGENNIS
