Cllr Haughey said, “I have been contacted by a number of residents living in the Bunker Hill and Newry Street area of Markethill, complaining about congestion and parking problems in the area every Tuesday on mart day.
“Residents have reported to me the ongoing difficulties caused by farm vehicles parking in the housing estate and along the front of houses in Newry Street.
“Residents understand that the mart is an important economic generator for the town however they feel very aggrieved that no consideration is given to their needs during mart days. Tractors and trailers and jeeps and trailers pave the driveway into Bunker Hill – many of which park on pavements – and results in serious danger for pedestrians especially elderly people walking and young children coming home from school. It also causes the added problem of residents not being able to park near their homes.
“This is an ongoing issue and is really causing a lot of frustration for local residents.
“I have repeatedly asked Road Service to put in place a parking management scheme in Markethill to help tackle all these problems. The local Primary School have also expressed their concern directly to council and I have recommended that Council facilitates a meeting out on site at the school to discuss this problem and look at measures which will help to resolve the problem there. That meeting will take place later this month.
“The reality however is that this is a problem that’s affecting the entire town and also affects the farming community who come to Markethill to do their business.
“What’s needed is a sensible approach to help improve this situation for everyone and I will continue to fight for a resolution in the best interest of residents, traders and visitors to the town.
“I believe the car park at the old railway site should be better used by the farming community on mart day. I also think we need an awareness campaign to urge the farmers to think about where they park and in doing so to respect residents, the local school and local businesses.
“I also believe that Road Service need to implement a parking strategy for Markethill to include customer car parking, parking facilities for traders and their employees and of course resident parking in key areas of congestion such as Bunker Hill, Newry Street and Keady Street.”