‘Crisis point’ on some local roads over traffic and conditions – MD hears

Serious concerns over the condition and safety of rural roads dominated the most recent meeting of the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District, with councillors warning that traffic volumes, reckless driving, and inadequate infrastructure are creating a “crisis point” for local communities.

Councillors highlighted the deterioration of rural roads, which are increasingly used as “rat runs” by motorists seeking to avoid congestion in Virginia. These narrow, winding routes, which were never designed to carry such volumes of traffic, are under strain both from heavy usage and lack of funding for proper maintenance, councillors outlined.

Firstly, Cllr Shane P. O’Reilly requested safety signage and road markings around the Ballydurrow Community Centre and at Togher, Ryefield, both of which face rising traffic levels and faster-moving vehicles. He stressed that the local crèche was thriving and the community centre well-attended, but said road safety is now a pressing concern. “You will be sick of me talking about the N3 rat runs,” the Independent Ireland councillor said.

“We are at a crisis point now,” he said, adding that reckless motorists often “drive like Michael Schumacher”. He praised the common-sense approach of the local school bus driver who stopped traffic completely to allow children to board safely, but warned that this was not a long-term solution. With 16 schoolchildren currently using the bus on the Ballydurrow road, he called for visible markings such as ‘Bus Stop Ahead’ warnings, alongside increased speed checks.

The issue is not confined to one area. In recent years, three serious accidents have occurred on local back roads, fuelling demands for more visible safety interventions. Councillors agreed that, while bypass plans remain unresolved, local residents should not be left in danger in the meantime.

Sinn Féin’s Noel Connell pressed for a pedestrian crossing on Church Road in Kilnaleck, noting that the church and GAA club are on one side, while much of the housing is on the other. “Everyone knows it’s needed,” he said, pointing out that children and families are being encouraged to walk or cycle without a safe way to cross. The proposal is currently on the National Transport Authority list, confirmed the Council’s Senior Executive Engineer John McGahern, but funding remains a challenge.

Recognising the concerns raised, the engineer conceded that the fact the road was resurfaced probably added to the issue, as motorists tend to drive faster where roads are better.

Roadside signage also came under scrutiny, with Cllr Trevor Smith (FG) raising concerns about the growing number of advertising and auctioneer signs placed at busy junctions.

His party colleague, Cllr T.P. O’Reilly acknowledged the difficulty of enforcing rules when sign owners are often known locally. Adding that the signs clearly were “used as advertisement”, Cllr Shane P. O’Reilly suggested fines could solve the problem. In the same vein, John McGahern reminded the councillors of the existing policy stating that temporary signs visible from public roads were not automatically allowed but would need council consent. “Fines are possible for unauthorised signs,” he said, once reported to the council.

Funding pressures was another recurring theme, with councillors highlighting that the council has still not been reimbursed for more than €160,000 in emergency repairs following Storm Eowyn. Winter road safety, including salting and pothole repairs, is now at risk due to budget shortfalls, alerted Shane P. O’Reilly.

“Something has to be done about the budget,” agreed Cllr. Winston Bennett (FG), summing up the debate. “We’re now crucifying our people with deteriorating roads and rising traffic.”