One-way traffic was introduced to Arklow’s Main Street on a three-month trial basis yesterday in the hope of rejuvenating the Co Wicklow town’s shopping area.
The Main Street has been in decline for several years following the loss of more than 3,000 jobs due to the collapse of its industrial base.
When Bridgewater Shopping Centre at North Quay opened many shoppers chose to go there rather than to Main Street. Dunnes Stores and Arklow Town Council also relocated to the centre.
Now the council is hoping that the introduction of a one-way traffic system will increase pedestrian footfall on Main Street and encourage entrepreneurs to open shops there.
In recent times two pubs have closed their doors on the street.
Cllr Pat Fitzgerald said that the businesses that have survived are doing their utmost but more investors were needed.
“We hope that the one-way traffic system will be an incentive by attracting more people back to the Main Street,” he said.