How much for a single cat's eye? The hidden cost of Limerick roads

A QUERY about long-delayed road safety upgrades on two busy rural routes in east Limerick has revealed that more than €30,000 has already been spent installing cat’s eyes, yet works are still unlikely to be fully completed until at least 2026.

At the November meeting of the Cappamore–Kilmallock Municipal District, Cllr Bridgid Teefy sought an update on the installation of cat's eyes on sections of the R512 and R513 where reflective road studs have not yet been fitted. She stressed that the markers play an important role in night-time visibility and general road safety.

The cost of installing a single road stud is €30, meaning completion of long sections of regional road requires significant budget allocation. In response, acting senior executive engineer Diarmuid Sheehy confirmed that installation works are ongoing on a phased basis, with progress dependant on the availability of funding. 

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Figures provided show that in 2024, a total of 468 road studs were fitted on the R513 and 344 on the R512. This year, 220 studs were installed on the R513 and a further 102 on the R512. While these numbers represent steady progress, officials have acknowledged that not all required sections have been addressed.

The council says it anticipates that installation will continue throughout 2026, again subject to funding streams. The phased approach aims to gradually improve safety conditions for motorists, though councillors are expected to continue seeking clarity and pushing for faster delivery as demand for rural road improvements grows.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme