Motorists speeding

Residents of villages across north Monaghan are demanding the installation of traffic ramps to address speeding issues, a recent meeting of the Monaghan Municipal District was told.

Cllr Raymond Aughey (FF) said there are major pedestrian safety issues in villages across the MD area arising from speeding, as well as the use by motorists of their mobile phones while driving.

Cllr Pauric Clerkin (FG) asked at the meeting for a clear timeframe for the implementation of traffic calming measures in the villages of Ballinode, Scotstown and Tydavnet.

“Giving ongoing concerns from residents regarding road safety and traffic speeds,” he stated, “clarity is needed on when these measures will be delivered.”

A reply to Cllr Clerkin’s question on the subject said recent traffic surveys have identified no speeding issues in Ballinode but confirmed issues in relation to Tydavnet village and the Roslea Road at Scotstown.

Funding applications will be made for Tydavnet and Scotstown to the 2027 Low Cost Safety Scheme operated by the Department of Transport.

Cllr Clerkin told the meeting that he is coming under “serious pressure” from the residents of the three villages over speeding issues. “I am afraid this will only be dealt with when something really bad happens,” he stated.

“If it takes us writing to the Department of Transport every month, let’s do that until they hear us loud and clear that we need measures in our villages to slow motorists down.”

Cllr Bronagh McAree (SF) said she is also being “inundated” with complaints about the speed of traffic through Tydavnet village. “We need to be proactive rather than reactive on this issue,” she urged.

MD co-ordinator Martin Taylor explained that the local authority carries out regular safety audits on speed in line with its traffic calming policy. Ramps or speed cushions are only one of several options considered, along with signage and road markings.

Mr Taylor said that on rural roads speed cushions will normally be “the last resort”. He referred to complaints received from the Ambulance Service about the risks ramps pose when people with spinal injuries are being conveyed.

“We don’t have funding to put ramps everywhere,” the co-ordinator added.

“We will continue to carry out our audits and we will apply for funding opportunities where we can.”