Safety measures needed at Lacken Lake and Ballyheelan

Cllr Trevor Smith (FG) called for a number of safety measures to be introduced locally during this month’s meeting of the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District in Virginia.

The local area representative in Ballyjamesduff town called for barriers to be erected at Lacken lake, while at the same time raised safety concerns that have emerged in Ballyheelan village.

Speaking to The Anglo-Celt following the meeting, Cllr Smith said that the route along Lacken Lake - the main Ballyjamesduff to New Inns Road - is a busy route and is not on the local authority’s routine salting list during adverse weather conditions.

As a result, Cllr Smith says that during the last icy spell, a number of motorists experienced “near misses” in the area.

“There is an urgent need for barriers at that location,” he continued, before adding that there are mornings when it can be particularly dangerous for drivers.

“The location is also on a bend, which certainly doesn’t help, but I would like to see a scheme similar to the one that was carried out at Lavey Lake being carried out there. Of course, that was carried out by the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has responsibility for main roads, but the Laken Lake matter is along a national primary route and the council has responsibility for that.”

Cllr Smith highlighted how the executive of the local authority committed to discuss the matter with the roads design team and a response to his request would be forthcoming.

Meanwhile, Cllr Smith highlighted the speed at which cars are going as they traverse through Ballyheelan village, which he added lost its village status in more recent times. “Cars are passing through there at great speed and it is a concern now for residents,” he said.

“There is a need for safety measures to be introduced so that cars can reduce their speed and I am asking Cavan County Council to carry out the necessary works as soon as possible.”