A NORTHSIDE mechanic fears he may lose his business now that plans for a new bridge are progressing.
Mark Campbell, owner of Campbell’s Garage in Finglas, fears his garage won’t survive when it’s suddenly bypassed by 14,000 cars a day as a result of the upgrade of O’Reilly’s Crossing.
The family business has been located at Reilly’s Bridge just before the level crossing on Ratoath Road for over 50 years.
According to Mr Campbell, passing trade from motorists has been the business’s bread and butter throughout its existence.
“Every retailer depends on passing trade,
? he explained.
“When all the traffic is redirected from our front-door it will have a massively detrimental affect on our ability to stay in business.
“It would be like moving a shop from Grafton Street to a quiet cul-de-sac in the middle of nowhere.
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Campbell’s Garage has been struggling to survive since the recession hit and its work force has been cut from six workers to four.
Mr Campbell fought the plan to construct and realign a section of Ratoath Road tooth and nail but his efforts were in vain as the current situation of a manned level crossing, which causes traffic havoc during rush hour, has been a bug-bear in Finglas for many years.
“I objected to the plan through all of the system of appeals that were available to me but it obviously made no difference and the upgrade is going ahead regardless,
? Mr Campbell said.
“I know this upgrade is essential and if I wasn’t trading here then I probably would be in favour of it but the fact is that my business is at the mercy of this and I have to do what I can to protect it.
“Sadly, I’m all too aware that as far as business goes, if it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind.
“We’ll lose all of our passing trade – 14,000 cars a day to zero.
“I know it’s crystal ball stuff to try to imagine what business would be like but it’s hard not to think the worst.
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So what for the future of Campbell’s Garage?
“It’ll probably have to be put up for sale.
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Northside People has learned from the National Transport Authority that the manned crossing at O’Reilly’s
“will be closed and replaced by a new over-bridge and realignment of the Ratoath Road
?
“The project is at tender stage at present and construction is expected to start in early to mid-2013.
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According to local TD Dessie Ellis (SF) the upgrade of O’Reilly bridge is long overdue.
“It’s ridiculous in this day and age that we still have a busy level crossing that has to be manually lifted up and down,
? he told Northside People.
“It’s a very dangerous set-up and can lead to long lines of traffic on either side waiting 30 minutes to cross the bridge.
“There’s no doubt that the work needs to be carried out but of course it is unfortunate that businesses such as Campbell’s will suffer as a result.
“We had requested the council to look into the option of relocating the garage but I believe this wasn’t a viable option.
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According to Deputy Ellis, O’Reilly’s bridge is a prime example of bad planning which is replicated less than a mile up the road at Pelletstown.