An accident waiting to happen in Stradone

The council is being warned of an accident waiting to happen in the village of Stradone if safety measures are not installed there urgently.

Cllr Val Smith (FG) has flagged that there are “the guts” of two hundred people working in the area.

Speaking at the September meeting of the Bailieborough Cootehill Municipal District, he said there are around five businesses in the area employing around 200 people between them, listing Callaghan Electrical, Rudden Stores, Áine’s Chocolates and ClubSpot among the employers. He also pointed to people working, dropping off and collecting children at the creche, those using Stradone Community Centre, the GAA grounds, the gym, and other amenities and businesses.

“It’s unreal,” commented Cllr Smith, adding that people are walking to and from the carpark and around the village, while also noting that the speed signs are “down”.

“I’m just looking to see what we can do regarding safety measures,” he told those gathered. He also pointed out that he has raised the issue before, however there was “nothing done.”

“I don’t want to see an accident,” he warned.

Area Manager Clinton Mulligan said that replacement signs “have been ordered” for the village, and added that they will be installed “within the next month”.

Regarding traffic calming measures, he said two thirds of all residents in an area “must indicate they are in favour” of the measures before they are installed.

Survey

He added that a survey and assessment would have to take place on the site, where speed cushions or ramps may be recommended, however funding would be the most pressing issue.

“We would have to look at where we can get funding for it,” he stated.

When funding does come, Cllr Smith said they should be “ready to move” with “an awful lot more activity” in the village lately.

As a priority, he said it “should go up the ladder”.

Cllr Smith admitted he “wasn’t aware” that two thirds of residents in an area had to be in agreement for traffic calming measures to be installed. Had he known, the local man said he “would have done my homework” before raising the issue.

Mr Mulligan repeated that it is “good practice” to survey the residents.

Cllr Niall Smith (FF) asked if warning lights could be installed in the village.

In terms of funding, Mr Mulligan informed those gathered that the National Transport Authority “prioritises” linking up hubs, factories, schools, etc and said that in terms of footfall, people “drive and park up” at their workplaces.

Cllr Val Smith said they are using the carpark there and then walking to the crèche or the gym for example.

Mr Mulligan said they are “looking” at the Active Travel scheme as a source of funding.