A protest has taken place in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, over continuing traffic congestion within the town.
A new "smart" traffic light system installed as part of Town Enhancement works, and carried out last year, has resulted in long delays and a fall-off in business.
It is the second time people have marched on Westmeath County Council buildings over the tailbacks.
An initial protest held on 16 December drew enough numbers to ensure the council changed its new smart traffic light system to flashing amber, allowing traffic to flow freely.
Today around 100 protesters took to the streets and marched on Westmeath County Council buildings demanding solutions.
The protest was organised by Let's March Mullingar and supported by Mullingar Town Team.
Over 650 petitions from businesses, residents and consumers were handed over to a representative from the council.
Angela Maher of Mullingar Town Team said: "It's unfortunate that we need to travel yet again to Westmeath County Council.
"We know it's not the best way to promote Mullingar but we need to get the traffic congestion solved before we begin any campaign to promote Mullingar," she stated.
The signed petitions demand Westmeath County Council accepts the new intelligent traffic lights system is causing traffic jams and confusion among motorists
They also want the council to accept that the traffic congestion is causing unnecessary hardship for businesses and consumers.
They are demanding the council resolves the traffic issues as soon as possible.
"We have over 650 signatures from Mullingar people - business people, residents, customers, visitors, taxi drivers and delivery men," Ms Maher said.
Business owner Sheryl Forbes of Let's March Mullingar said:
"Everyone is very upset about how our Town Enhancement has clogged up our roads, the new footpaths are taking over, which is causing this traffic congestion. Our traffic is deviated through a parking lot.
"If we don't get answers this time we will be back down here every day in March, letting them know that this is hurting our businesses. We need this to be fixed."
Maureen Gallagher is 34 years in business in Mullingar and said people want answers.
"We want to know where our rates are going, where the paid parking is going, where the money is being spent because it's not being spent on Mullingar.
"If you look around, look at all the closed shops, it's a disgrace. They're not putting money back into the town."
