Louth TD says review of speed limits needed

Speed limits on roads in County Louth need to be looked at as a matter of urgency, with Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú also suggesting that a ‘rolling audit’ needs to be carried out by local authorities.

Road safety was raised by the Dundalk deputy with Taoiseach Simon Harris last week and he highlighted the example of the N53, Dundalk to Castleblayney Road, because there have been a number of crashes on it.

He said that at Sheelagh, there “is basically a double turn-off - there is one for Ballybinaby and one for Crossmaglen.”

Deputy Ó Murchú said: “When I ask questions about this, I am generally told that the national road speed limits will be reviewed in the next 24 months and that particular attention will be given to this issue.

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“These speed limits need to be looked at. There is a similar issue regarding speed limits on the route from Knockbridge to Stonetrough.

“We need a system within local authorities for a rolling audit of this. I know Cllr. Kevin Meenan is trying to get an audit of estates that do not have the traffic calming features found in other estates.

“We do not necessarily have a proper system for getting ramps. You are almost waiting for a disaster to happen. We need an overall review of this. Could the Taoiseach engage with the Minister for Transport because we need this audit and a better system?”

In response to Deputy Ó Murchú's raising the N53, An Taoiseach said: “I will ask the Minister for Transport to see if anything can be done on that in the intervening period and to engage with the local authority.”