Rochfortbridge road safety concerns raised by Shaw

Two separate road safety concerns emanating from Rochfortbridge have been raised at Municipal District level by Cllr John Shaw.

At the September meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, Cllr Shaw outlined problems affecting Castlelost Road, and also issues challenging motorists using the road L1127 between Rochfortbridge and Dalystown.

In relation to the road L1127, Cllr Shaw stated that trucks carrying livestock and items such as concrete products regularly use the road despite the fact that it is narrow and that many of the other vehicles on it are going to and from a local school.

Cllr Shaw called on the council to restrict the use of large trucks and lorries on the road in the interests of road safety.

The official written response by the district officals to Cllr Shaw’s motion stated that there is already a five-axle restriction on that road.

"Enforcement is a matter for the gardaí and a letter will issue if the members so decide," the response concluded.

"I think we need to introduce a weight restriction on the road," Cllr Shaw said, going on to formally propose this.

Cllr Shaw’s motion was seconded by Cllr Ken Glynn: "This has been ongoing for quite some time," he said.

Cllr Denis Leonard said he has travelled that road and the amount of heavy trucks is a "massive" issue there, and Cllr Andrew Duncan also supported the call saying there is "definitely an issue".

Director of services, Martin Murray, said if a weight restriction is placed on the road, it will affect a lot of local traffic, including agricultural traffic.

He said he can liaise directly with gardaí to ascertain their view.

Castlelost Road

In relation to the Castlelost Road, Cllr Shaw asked if the lights and safety measures on the road could be upgraded. He pointed out that it contains three schools, a GAA facility, church and community centre.

The response from the council executive stated that congestion occurs at drop-off times; however, it is anticipated that bus parking, set-down facilities and traffic safety will be resolved as part of the next phase of the secondary school development.

Cllr Shaw asked is there any detail on the secondary school development plans, and where funding will come from.

Mr Murray said there have been meetings with the principal and with the board of management and that new entry and exit arrangements for school buses are planned. It was not yet clear where necessary funding would come from, he said.