It follows a protest from local traders yesterday.
An extra day of free parking will be provided in council car parks of a Westmeath town this Thursday.
It's also been agreed that an additional forty spaces will be available in Blackhall carpark in Mullingar during the Christmas period to increase off-street parking options.
The decisions were taken following a meeting between councillors, An Garda Siochana and local authority officials.
Mullingar's Fine Gael rep Andrew Duncan says the measures are the best option at the moment:
Westmeath County Council is postponing the testing of new smart traffic lights in Mullingar until January.
It follows a protest from local traders yesterday about the congestion issues the current system is causing.
At a meeting yesterday it was decided that flashing amber lights will remain in place during the Christmas period in the hope of improving the flow of cars through the town.
Fine Gael councillor Andrew Duncan says continued disruption during Christmas week would be unacceptable:
Statement from Westmeath County Council:
The Mullingar Street Enhancement project is now substantially complete to a very high quality and standard.
New Traffic lights (on preprogramed timing cycles) are installed at all the junctions from Dublin Bridge to Green Bridge. The installation of the smart technology system which is to be fitted to these lights was scheduled to be operational by now. However, due to technical and software issues, the contractor has fallen behind programme but is working to have these operational as soon as possible.
Due to this delay a decision following consultation with the elected members of Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District and with An Garda Siochana and considering the important retail period immediately before Christmas it has been decided to put the traffic lights at the junction of Castle Street and Pearse Street on flashing amber from today.
The impact on traffic flow and pedestrian movement will be monitored over the coming days and the smart technology will not be implemented while the flashing amber lights are being used.
The remaining traffic lights are being monitored and adjusted regularly, to ensure pedestrian safety and traffic flow is maximised.
The elected Members of Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District have decided that free parking in Council car parks will now also be provided on Thursday 19th December in addition to previously approved Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Tuesday 24th December.
An additional 40 car parking spaces will be opened at the rear of Blackhall carpark from Thursday 19th December to increase the current capacity of off-street parking.
Westmeath County Council wish to thank businesses and the wider community for their continued patience and support during this important development project.
Anti-Racism Funding Granted For Offaly And Westmeath Groups
Justice Minister Wants People To Come Forward Over Offaly Arson Attack
Gardaí Begin Murder Investigation After Child And Woman Dies In Offaly House Fire
Ashling Murphy Murder "Wrongly Accused" Granted Bail Over Theft Charge
Young Boy And Woman Killed In Offaly House Fire
Laois Makeup Artist Warns Of Expired Suncream Dangers
Lynx and Wolves In Ireland Pose Minimal Threat - Offaly Biodiversity
€4.5m Going To Midlands Suckler Farmers
Westmeath Writer Nominated Posthumously For Award
Seven Midlands Hotels Nominated For Gold Medal Hotel Awards
Cabinet Approves Major Expansion Of Midlands Garda HQ And Prison
Memorial Day Honouring Ashling Murphy Takes Place In Offaly
Midlands Town Left Shocked After Death Of Young Woman
Concerns Highlighted On Drones Spotted Ahead Of Zelenskyy Visit
€6m Westmeath Lotto Jackpot Winner Comes Forward
Israel’s Participation Sparks Eurovision Withdrawals From Ireland And Others
Teachers Union Calls For More Permanent Posts Amid Recruitment Challenges
Offaly Garda To Receive Bronze Medal And Bravery Award
Laois TD Questions Effectiveness Of Utilities Commission In Regulating Uisce Éireann
€6m Lotto Jackpot Ticket Sold In Mullingar