West Donegal residents demand speed limit decrease 'before another fatality'

The residents of Cro na Sealg, outside of Clochán Liath, in west Donegal have likened the N56 in their vicinity to “a race track.”

The Croaghnashallog Residents penned their concerns about the 100kmph speed limit to local independent councillor Micheál Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig, who in turn asked for a meeting with Donegal County Council. His request was not granted as a meeting is considered “premature” with legislation being prepared.

This comes on the day of the official opening of the N56 An Clochán Liath to Glenties Road Project, performed by Jack Chambers, Minister of State at the Department of Transport.

“We the residents of Croaghnashallog, outside Dungloe en route to Glenties on the N56 wish to have a meeting with the designated authorities, the Donegal County Council along with the NRA (National Roads Authority),” the Croaghnashallog Residents said.

“The stretch of road leaving the little bridge to the big bridge is a race track going both ways. We are very cautious leaving our dwellings, but in most cases fast drivers are behind us, pumping horns and overtaking. Another scenario when exiting our properties, facing oncoming vehicles overtaking while approaching us at speed. Walkers and children cycling using the cycle lane edge towards the inner grassland when speeding vehicles approach.

“We cannot understand why this stretch of road with so many children and elderly can justify 100kmph, it has many residential dwellings and three businesses which contribute to additional vehicles coming and going.

“The speed has to be decreased before another fatality on Irish roads occurs, 63 people have died so far this year, 12 being pedestrians and two were cyclists. We can see the danger as residents on this stretch of road. Critical Attention has to be taken for road safety, It is up to Your division to create a safe environment for pedestrians, cyclists and residents. Remember: 'Normal Speed Meets Every Need'.

“What we would respectfully like to request is being similar to Monaghan County council on the Emyvale national primary road, which is not unlike ours, who have set a precedent by changing the 100kmph speed limit reduced to 80kmph. And with the introduction of a speed van with locations at different points on this stretch of road with an overwhelming success rate, due to drivers adhering to the alternative speed reduction. We look forward to our proposed meeting with you as soon as possible. Thanking you in anticipation.”

Mac Giolla Easbuig, having written to the council on the matter, decided not to attend the opening and asked that the council explain the reason for his absence and for the Minister to visit the residents of Cró na Sealg.

Mac Giolla Easbuig said: “We welcome the better road, of course, and the improved surface but it is a genuine safety concern. Locals are being left terrified and I asked for a meeting to work positively and productively to reach a satisfactory conclusion, to which I was told the request was ‘premature’. The current situation is disrespectful to the community. I have walked and monitored that road many times, spoken to residents and listened to their concerns.”

In response to Mac Giolla Easbuig’s looking for a meeting, Fergus Towey, Senior Executive Engineer, Donegal National Roads Office replied that legislation is being prepared.

“The road has been designed and constructed in accordance with TII Standards, and Audited on Completion and is safe to use,” he wrote. “The road layout is consistent with many other schemes around the county and country. A meeting at this time is premature as there is legislation being prepared which will lower the speed limit on the N56 from 100kmph to 80kmph which is the subject of the request.”