Over 500 sign petition to save ‘iconic’ roundabout

A PETITION to save the “iconic” Ballyfermot roundabout gathered over 500 signatures within a few days of a resident setting up the change.org campaign this week, reports Maurice Garvey.

Plans revealed in 2022 by the National Transport Agency (NTA) for radical changes to facilitate the Liffey Valley to city centre bus corridor scheme, include redesigning the roundabout at Assumption Church into a signalised junction.

This would involve the installation of bus lanes, cycle paths, and a one-way traffic system heading west on Ballyfermot Road.

It will also see the removal of the Our Lady of Assumption holy statue, located within the roundabout since the 1970s, to make way for a junction.

Patrick Gorman, a Ballyfermot resident was compelled to start the petition as the “iconic roundabout has been a part of our community for generations.”

“It is more than just a traffic feature, it’s a symbol of our identity.

Plans to remove this landmark to make way for an intersection and bus lanes, turning Ballyfermot main road into a one-way system not only disrupts the character of our area, but also involves taking private property away from people,” said Gorman’s petition.

NTA plans include the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO’s) of private property along the 9.2km route, including roadside lands on Ballyfermot Road and Sarsfield Road.

Gorman feels the proposed changes will “benefit those outside Ballyfermot at the expense of local residents” and fears the intersection will worsen traffic conditions and affect local businesses.

Sean Brennan, a member of Ballyfermot Heritage Group believes the one-way system will lead to a “choc-o-block” situation on smaller roads.

“If it is one way, you come out of Tesco’s, and have to go left and up to Grange Cross and around.

“The smaller roads aren’t built for that traffic. Before BusConnects we had five designated Ballyfermot buses, but now we only have buses that go through Ballyfermot, and when they arrive here at peak times, they are often already full,” said Brennan.

Meanwhile, Cllr Hazel De Nortúin (PBP) is hosting a BusConnects public meeting on Thursday, February 29, at Ballyfermot Resource Centre (7.30pm).