'Deathtrap' Bboro junction needs solution, says Cllr

Road markings to be refreshed at Cootehill junction

Frustration is mounting in Bailieborough as locals warn that a notorious town centre junction - once branded among “the worst” in the country - remains a “deathtrap” with no immediate fix in sight.

Elected members have been told they must wait for the outcome of a wider town regeneration masterplan before any meaningful action is taken to address ongoing traffic and safety concerns at the busy junction linking Main Street, Barrack Street and Thomas Street near Market Square.

The location, close to the library, has long been a source of danger for motorists and pedestrians alike. It was previously described as “one of the worst” in the country by Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless, when he visited the town in 2024.

At the March meeting of the Bailieborough-Cootehill Municipal District, Fianna Fáil councillor Niall Smith did not hold back, warning that the situation has reached a critical point.

“There will be another accident of an evening,” he cautioned, describing the junction as a “deathtrap”.

But Senior Area Engineer Clinton Mulligan said the focus remains on the broader €792,000 Bailieborough Town Regeneration Plan, which aims to transform Main Street and surrounding areas.

While acknowledging the safety concerns, he explained that previous surveys of the junction will feed into the overall masterplan, and only once that design is finalised will the most appropriate solution be progressed.

“A number of options,”, he said, have emerged through engagement with the National Transport Authority. As of now though, Mr Mulligan said they must “wait to see what the design for Main Street will be".

Meanwhile, in Cootehill, road markings are set to be upgraded at the junction of Market Street and Church Street, another location with a history of serious collisions.

The issue was raised by Fine Gael councillor Carmel Brady, who pointed to a recent crash earlier this month involving a motorbike and car.

“Thankfully nobody was injured,” she said, but warned that confusion persists - particularly for drivers unfamiliar with the junction layout.

“Locals know the rules,” she noted, “but others think they can go straight on, not realising where the traffic is coming from.”

Responding, Mr Mulligan confirmed that an upgrade of road markings is being prioritised, with a specialist contractor to be appointed. However, he acknowledged the challenge posed by heavy traffic.

Cllr Brady welcomed the move but issued a further warning: even when markings are installed, they “wear off very quickly”.