Design plan fix unveiled for Cashel Cross

Two right turning lanes and a staggering of the road junctions coming onto the N55 completes the design of a plan aimed at addressing road safety concerns at Cashel Cross near Ballinagh, the scene of several fatal or near fatal traffic accidents down through the years.

The local authority had been asked to examine what could be done in light of the most recent fatality, which occurred in February 2020, and claimed the lives of two people.

Ms McAlister and Mr Kindley had been travelling to attend a event scheduled to take place at the Ballinagh Gospel Mission and were mere minutes from safe arrival.

Christian outreach worker, Ms McAlister from Portadown was a passenger in the car being driven by Mr Kindley.

Their car collided with a jeep, and both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Subsequently tributes were paid at a meeting of Cavan County Council by Fine Gael’s Winston Bennett who welcomed the plans for Cashel Cross at a recent meeting of Ballyjamesduff Municipal District elected members.

It was explained to the meeting by Senior Executive Area Engineer John McGahern that the road design had been completed and a submission for funding was being prepared.

He hoped, if all went according to plan, work could be carried out later this year.

Mr McGahern told the meeting that two right turning lanes would be installed, for motorists approaching from both Cavan and Ballinagh directions, and that the local road junctions entering onto the N55 would be “staggered”.

Cllr Bennett commented that there was serious danger associated for traffic at present; while Fianna Fail’s Philip Brady stated: “It’s well needed. It’s been the site of a good few accidents.”