Mixed feelings about papal visit because of road closures
By Maurice Garvey
THERE is mixed feelings in Ballyfermot towards the raft of road closures and parking restrictions in place for the visit of Pope Francis later this month.
Areas of Kylemore Road, lower Ballyfermot and Chapelizod are included among the road closures and restrictions for the second day of the Pontiff’s visit on Sunday, August 26.
Ballyfermot Road will be affected by the road closures
Restrictions are in place from 6am to 11pm on a day where the Pope will visit Knock Shrine in the morning and fly back to Dublin for a Holy Mass in Phoenix Park at 3pm, where up to 500,000 people are expected to attend.
While local access will be maintained as far as possible, intermittent temporary road closures may also be implemented by gardai as necessary.
The entire city centre will be hit with road closures for the two-day Papal visit (August 25/26).
“Obviously we don’t want to see half of Ballyfermot shut down for something in Phoenix Park, but at the same time, I hope common sense prevails,” said Fianna Fáil councillor Daithí de Róiste.
“There will be local access as far as I’m aware. The massive road closures are unwarranted, but I’d rather take all the precautions to ensure everybody is safe.”
Community still bears scars
Cherry Orchard resident Lisa Palmer has “yet to meet anyone looking forward to the visit” and said the community still bears scars due to past scandals of abuse by the Catholic Church.
This if the first visit to Ireland by a Pope since 1979.
The Office of Public Works has applied to Dublin City Council and South Dublin County Council for permission to temporarily close a number of roads during the visit.
The Sunday roads operation will be handled by gardai to facilitate safe passage of people and public transport, to and from the Phoenix Park.
Road closures includes the Grand Canal, from Blackhorse Bridge to Parnell Bridge 8am-11pm, and areas of Old Naas Road, Kylemore, Le Fanu Road, Ballyfermot Road and Chapelizod.
Detour signs will be in place.
A full list of road closures is available at www.dublincity.ie/main-menu-services-roads-and-traffic/current-roadworks-temporary-road-closures.
