TRUCK drivers are finding it increasingly difficult to pull in for rests and breaks at a designated lay-by on the N71 Bandon to Innishannon road because cars are continuing to park there, writes Kieran O’Mahony.

Cllr John Michael Foley (FG) told a council meeting that tractors and trucks can’t pull in at the lay-by opposite Billy Cahalane’s petrol station.

‘Truck drivers needs somewhere to pull in but the number of cars being parked along there means they are unable to. It’s something this municipal district needs to keep an eye on,’ said Cllr Foley.

Cllr John Collins (Ind Ire) agreed: ‘I have brought this up several times before and it seems some people using the Clare O’Leary Walk maybe parking along there,’ said Cllr Collins.

‘It’s denying truckers or tractor drivers the chance to pull in and use the toilets and shop at Billy Cahalane’s.’

At a previous meeting Cllr Ann Bambury (SD) called for a formal truck lay-by to be installed in Old Chapel along the N71 Bandon to Clonakilty road.

Senior executive engineer Richard Cahill said her request has been referred to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). He also confirmed that two planned bus stops for the western side of Bandon will be going for tender soon.

Funding for both a car park (€70,000) and public lighting (€80,000) at the Clare O’Leary Walk could be on the cards also after councillors adopted the Local Property Tax Discretionary Capital Programme.