Signage at Kilnagher Cross debated again

The use of solar signs in rural areas as warning signs for motorists approaching potentially hazardous bends was raised a meeting of Cavan-Belturbet councillors, with Kilnagher Cross on the N87 Belturbet-Ballyconnell road once again a focus of much of the discussion.

Fianna Fáil’s Áine Smith said that flashing signs were used to good effect in others parts of the country, especially leading up to schools, so why not used them in Cavan she asked.

“I know I slow down when I see flashing signs,” she said of her own experience, preparing to counter any suggestion, as there has been in the past, that the effectiveness of such signage wanes over times.

In respect of Kilnagher said the crossing at that point is “so dangerous”, and that the council should act now to address the situation. “We don’t want to wait for a bad accident to then do something.”

There was support for her motion from party colleague John Paul Feeley who pointed out that flashing solar signs are used in neighbouring Fermanagh, on approach to Florencecourt during school time, to signal the need for a reduction in speed.

He said the signs are used during opening and closing times, accepting that if flashing signs are in use the whole time it brings the “whole speed restriction thing into disrepute”.

“The country is being used as a cash cow for speed vans,” continued Cllr Feeley, with nods of agreement from other elected members present at the MD meeting held at Ballyconnell Community Centre.

He took particular umbrage with speed vans being positioned at locations when schools or other establishments were shut.

Independent Brendan Fay said the community in Kilnagher is “crying out” for some form of intervention.

The anti-slip surface applied on approach simply “didn’t work”.

There was support too from Sinn Féin’s Damien Brady who said there was an issue too on the N87 at the junction to Greghraghan school. He knows much of the problem can be solved by driver behaviour, but despite people knowing about the dangers, accidents were still happening.

“You’re taking your life into your hands,” he said.

What councillors did not want to see happen was an accident to happen and for someone to be “killed”.

Fine Gael’s Niamh Brady and Patricia Walsh (FF) also offered their support.

Senior Area Engineer Paul Mulligan said that the councillors had collectively made their point well, and suggested writing a letter outlining their concerns to Transport Infrastructure Ireland regarding Kilnagher Cross.