Ring residents welcome news of reprieve for road closure

THE planned temporary closure of the Ring to Clonakilty road will not now proceed as planned from next Monday, which locals have welcomed.

The County Council had sought the temporary closure of the Ring to Clonakilty Road from Faxsbridge roundabout to Desert Caravan & Camping Park from next Monday to February 15th next year, to facilitate flood relief works in Clonakilty.

Bláthnaid Breslin, of behalf of residents in Ring, said: ‘While we welcome the news that the road closure is suspended for now as they seek more information, we will continue our campaign to ensure our community is not cut off from Clonakilty and essential services.

‘There’s no question that we know that flood relief works have to be carried out in Clonakilty but there has to be consideration for residents and businesses in Ring and surrounding areas.’

Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan also welcomed this latest development and said it’s a good way of forcing both the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the contractors Ward and Burke Construction Ltd to come up with a satisfactory detailed schedule of works.

‘I think the reason Cork County Council has refused the temporary road closure is down to the 400 individual letters that people sent to Council offices outlining their objections,’ said Cllr O’Sullivan.

‘We need more assurance that the schedule of works will have less impact on the community and businesses there and at the very least pedestrian access must be provided. There’s a whole community who will be cut off from the main town and businesses there are seen as collateral damage.’

A planned sit-down protest in Ring that was scheduled for Monday July 2nd has now been put on hold.

A spokesperson for the OPW said that Cork County Council had sought further information from the contractor and this is being provided to the Council. Meanwhile, motorists are still facing long delays in Clonakilty where flood works are continuing, especially during evening rush-hour.