Push for cattle grid on public Leitrim road rejected yet again

A motion was brought before a meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District yet again and was once again rejected.

Cllr Pádraig Fallon called for the installation of a cattle grid on the L21081 at Aughavohil, near Rossinver. He had previously proposed the same motion at last December’s meeting of Manorhamilton MD, and that the matter had also been raised in the past by Cllr Justin Warnock.

The councillors are seeking the grid in the interest of public safety, arguing that it would help prevent sheep from straying off commonage land and causing accidents involving motorists.

Cllr Fallon pointed out that cattle grids have been installed on public roads in neighbouring counties such as Donegal and Sligo, as well as further afield in Kerry. 

“It’s an ongoing issue, it keeps coming up. It is raised with me on a regular basis. I think there is most definitely a road safety issue there,” he said.

READ NEXT: Concerns persist as Leitrim primary school awaits safety improvement works

In a response, the Roads Department stated, “It [the cattle grid] does not consider the risk of collision and or personal injury that is then created for other road users. Risks are increased for cyclists, pedestrians, motorists and motorcyclists. It is therefore not Leitrim County Council practice to install cattle grids on public roads.”

Cllr Warnock added, “At this time of year, sheep start coming down off the mountain. There’s going to be a serious accident because it’s all downhill,” noting that cars, the Local Link service, cyclists and school buses all use the road.

Senior Engineer Paul McMahon described cattle grids as a “massive issue” for cyclists, explaining that when a risk assessment is carried out, “it brings up more problems than it’s going to solve.” He added that responsibility ultimately lies with livestock owners.

Director of Services Vincent Dwyer also stressed that it is the responsibility of farmers to ensure their animals do not stray onto public roads.

“I know commonage is a more complicated ownership but it doesn’t change the responsibility on the owners of those sheep to make sure they’re not going onto public roads,” he said.

READ NEXT: Leitrim Eurovision winner to give up his win in protest of Israel's inclusion in this year's song contest

He added that while it is “not the local authority’s problem,” the Council would be willing to assist in resolving the issue where possible. “There is the question of responsibility,” he said.