No funding available for proposed pedestrian safety bridge in Leitrim

There is no funding available to construct a small cantilever bridge in Dromod to create safer movement for pedestrians, a meeting of the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District heard.

Cllr Sean McGowan asked that the Director of Services for Infrastructure seek funding to extend the footpath and provide a short cantilever bridge over the Eslin River on the left-hand side of the roadway heading from the centre of Dromod village to the railway station and supermarket.

His motion noted that the total distance is approximately 60 metres. “At present people have to cross this very busy road at the river bridge, which isn’t safe for older people and young children if they are heading to the train station or shop,” stated Cllr McGowan’s motion.

“I think it’s the proper way to go. It would be safer for older people and children crossing a busy road,” he added.

A reply from the Roads Department explained that this issue was previously examined by the Active Travel Department and funding from the National Transport Authority was “not forthcoming.”

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The only available option is a pedestrian crossing from the River Meadow estate to the opposite side of the local road, but there is no funding available from Leitrim County Council for this.

The response further noted that the CLAR Programme allows local communities to apply for community-focused traffic safety measures, and Cllr McGowan asked that the Council assist with this.

His motion was seconded by Cllrs Reynolds, Farrell, Stenson and Guckian-Rabbitte.

“We’re looking for development of new houses across the county. Dromod is one of those places where development is going on,” commented Cllr Reynolds.

“That particular point with that bridge is dangerous with pedestrians walking for getting into the village and anything that can be done to support traffic management at that particular area and wider than that, I definitely support,” she added.

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