Call for traffic speed assessment at Ecco Road in Dundalk

Dundalk-Carlingford’s Councillor Seán Kelly has called on Louth County Council to carry out a traffic speed assessment on the Ard Easmuinn/Ecco Road to see if traffic calming measures are required.

In a motion at the Dundalk Municipal District November meeting, Cllr Kelly called on Louth County Council to, “carry out a traffic speed count assessment on the Ard Easmuinn/Ecco Road, particularly on the section from the junction with the Carrickmacross Road to the entrance to Dunnes Stores, to establish current vehicle speeds and determine whether additional speed management or traffic calming measures are required.

“This motion recognises that this area is expected to be considered as part of future Active Travel plans.

“However, given that funding and the progression of these plans have not advanced sufficiently, immediate road safety measures are required.

“The closure of Mount Avenue has significantly altered traffic movements in the area, while new housing developments at McNeill View and Duiche Roden are increasing both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

“Residents of Ard Easmuinn have raised serious and ongoing concerns regarding vehicle speeds and road safety.

“The Council is therefore requested to undertake the speed assessment as a matter of priority and, based on findings, identify and progress any necessary speed reduction, traffic calming or other road safety measures without waiting for the wider Active Travel programme to progress.”

While Cllr Kelly’s motion was not heard at the November meeting due to the meeting having to finish by a set time that day, he was provided with a response ahead of the meeting by Acting Director of Operations and Environment Delivery, Mr David Hanratty,

Mr Hanratty said that: “The Ecco Road remains included on the current programme of traffic speed assessments. A speed unit was previously installed on Ecco Road at Ard Easmuinn, however, the equipment was subsequently stolen while in operation.

“At present, our remaining speed survey unit is currently being deployed in Drogheda. Upon completion of the monitoring programme there, it is intended that Ecco Road will be prioritised for the next installation of the unit to obtain traffic speed data.

“Separately, it should be noted that the Active Travel Scheme has advised that a proposal for a raised pedestrian crossing at McNeil View is being considered as part of ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety within the area.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as additional information becomes available.”