Measures needed to tackle 'aquaplaning risk' on Longford road

A Fine Gael councillor has asked Longford County Council to review the drainage and water flow on the R393 between Ballycloughan and Drumming, Ardagh as the section of road is very prone to flooding during wet weather.

Cllr Paul Ross warned at the December meeting of Ballymahon Municipal District that it presents a major risk of aquaplaning - when a layer of water builds between your tyres and the road, causing them to lose grip -and causing a crash.

"We see climate change and when rain falls heavily we all get phone calls but this section of road between Ballycloughan and Drumming is particularly bad for aquaplaning there and in these thunderous downpours that section of road gets very poor.

"I understand this is difficult to resolve because you have Ardagh Mountain and farmland there with no drain but its just to see what we could do to try and prevent this large volume of water on that section of road."

Cllr Mick Cahill seconded the motion and he said he agreed with Cllr Ross that it was a notable problem that needed to be tackled and addressed.

"It's an ongoing issue there and it's going to be a serious challenge. It's certainly waterlogged and there is no place for the water to go."

Senior Executive Engineer Brian McNeela provided an update to councillors at the recent meeting.

He said Longford County Council had carried out an onsite assessment of the R393 between Ballycloughan and Drumming Ardagh to 'determine appropriate remedial measures'.

Mr McNeela stated the meantime they are reviewing their drainage programme and they plan to issue a county-wide tender for related works along the national regional roads.

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