Safety review for accident blackspot in Limerick
A COUNCIL official has pledged to review new safety measures installed at an accident blackspot in Limerick.
The section of roadway on the R512 road near the Cat’s Cradle Bar in Ballyneety has seen a number of collisions, and tragically loss of life.
At this month's metropolitan district meeting, Fine Gael councillor Sarah Kiely pleaded with transport official Mike Richardson to review new anti-skid measures laid down on the road’s surface.
She argued they are ineffective, and just give drivers a “licence to go faster.”
“I'm not asking - I'm appealing. Please can we appeal for more funding. Can we get some sort of commitment to look at it again? People are using it like a railway track because the anti-skid measures provide more grip,” she told the meeting.
“I understand there have been works completed at this location previously, with a low-cost safety measure as well as anti-skid surface installed. It isn't working to reduce speed unfortunately; driver behaviour is the problem. However, as a council if we can address this, we have an obligation to do so,” the City East councillor added.
She believes the National Transport Authority is “awash” with money, and said this body should put its funds to good use.
“As public representatives we need to put the pressure on to address this once and for all. A local farmer told me that an engine from one of the accidents is still in his field. This demonstrates the speed and impact this issue can have. The loss of life is the ultimate price, and we need to do everything we can to prevent this happening,” Cllr Kiely said in a notice of motion which was seconded by Fianna Fail's Catherine Slattery.
Mr Richardson said additionally cat’s eyes - reflective lights on the roads surface - have been installed for safety.
“Driver issue is the big issue here,” he said.
In a written response to councillor Kiely's notice of motion, he stated: “Roads have recently installed significant safety measures at the R512 at Cat's Cradle in Ballyneety. These new measures will need to be reviewed over a period of time to determine their impact on road safety.”
He wrote that at this time: “It's not envisaged to implement any further measures”.
“In conjunction with new safety improvements, Limerick City and County Council roads has also contacted gardai to review speed enforcement at his location,” he concluded.