Updated 14.40
TESCO IRELAND HAS said it painted over a pedestrian crossing at its Bray superstore, during a strike, over safety concerns.
Tesco responded to criticism about the removal of the pedestrian crossing, stating that “safety of our colleagues and customers is our utmost priority”.
Sinn Féin Wicklow TD John Brady said he was made aware of the removal of the crossing early this morning and subsequently contacted the gardaí.
Brady said, “The actions of Tesco with the removal of the pedestrian crossing is a serious issue”.
Brady also expressed concern about the possibility of somebody being injured while the crossing is out of commission, especially with a number of schools in the area.
“It needs to resolved with immediate effect.” said Brady.
Tesco says it undertook the measure after receiving a number of complaints about safety.
Some of the employees of the Bray store are currently taking part in industrial action, and some of the picketers were in place at the pedestrian crossing.
According to a spokesperson for Tesco Ireland: “We received a high volume of complaints yesterday from people who were concerned for their safety.
The constant presence of picketers on a Tesco traffic crossing at the entrance to our car park was done to obstruct traffic. It was also preventing the public from safely crossing outside our Bray store.
According to a spokesperson for Tesco, the company has placed two lollipop ladies and two security guards at the junction to ensure safety for both pedestrians and traffic.
However, Brady questions the viability of this solution, saying he doesn’t expect Tesco to keep them there 24/7.
The company has received backlash over the move, with some citing safety concerns about removing the crossing.
Mandate Trade Union has expressed concerns on their Facebook page about the removal of the pedestrian crossing, stating: “This crossing is used by three local schools in the Bray area and this morning there has been disruption and anxiety for parents bringing their children to school.”
Mandate has called on Tesco to the resolve matter as soon as possible.
The crossing is located on a public road and TheJournal.ie understands that Wicklow County Council will be seeking the crossing being reinstated as a matter of public safety.
Eight Tesco stores have been on strike in recent days with a further eight joining the industrial action today.
A statement released by the gardaí has said that they are aware of the incident but no complaint has been made.
READ: High court overturns €40,000 damages payout to woman who fell on Wicklow Way
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