People not taking heed of signs, says Leitrim councillor

"It seems that people are just not passing any heed of signage," said Cllr Brendan Barry at the latest Ballinamore municipal district meeting.

He was speaking after a motion by Cllr Enda McGloin which stated there are serious concerns regarding the speed of traffic along the R209 at Kilclare and at Kiltubrid (from St Bridget’s Church of Ireland to Leitrim Hill stretch).

Cllr McGloin said that while he's aware this is an issue for Gardai and the JPC, he said, "it is important that we review the issue of signage, speed, slow down signals and the current speed limits and decide how we (as Elected Representatives) and the Executive can bring forward measures to reduce speed and improve road safety along these stretches of the R209." 

A report by the Roads office said the District Engineer's Office had erected the required signage along this public road and was constantly upgrading the regulatory signs on the Regional Roads under the Low Cost Safety Schemes.

It continued that  Kilclare has numerous warning signs indicating pedestrians, due to the Blueway which were erected by Waterways Ireland. 

The response concluded: "There are driver feedback signs indicating an appropriate speed for this area also. Both areas of the Regional Road have a speed limit of 80kph with a special speed limit of 60kph at Kilclare village."

Cllr Brendan Barry also requested that the Ballinamore Municipal District carry out traffic calming works in Kilclare, beside the post office and the Sheemore Inn and said there have been accidents at these locations and the road needs to be made safer.
He continued: "I have people contacting me about speed on local roads, housing estates, beside schools; it's everywhere now. As soon as speed vans enter an area there is a message out on Whatsapp."

He added: "I think we should be using the money to hire more Gardaí instead of paying the GoSafe company for speed vans."

Cllr McGloin said that often, "people who are driving don't realise the speed they are going."

Cllr Callian Ellis said that a "flashing sign" was erected at Fenagh but "sadly, that hasn't made a bit of difference."

Cllr Ellis said that, in his view, there was only one way to slow down traffic and "that's a €50 fine on the spot. You can put signs from here to Fenagh and it won't make any difference."

Cllr McGloin said that rumble strips could be the answer, a suggestion made by Cllr Barry. 

Cllr Ita Reynolds-Flynn said that "no matter who she spoke to, speed is an issue on every road coming into Ballinamore." 

District engineer, Darragh O'Boyle said there is currently a national review on "reducing the speed limit on local roads."

He said the council is looking at putting speed bars at the location "either side of the bridge."

He said that "sign fatigue" can cause drivers to no longer pay attention to signage. "Driver feedback signs do work for a period of time."