People 'absolutely pounding roads' at greenway crossing

A recent meeting of Athlone Moate Municipal District was told of how pedestrians are “absolutely pounding the roads” at a busy crossing on the Old Rail Trail Greenway in Castletown Geoghegan.

The claim was made by local Fine Gael councillor, Tom Farrell, who described the junction at Carey’s Cross in the village as “very, very dangerous” and called on the council to implement safety measures to protect motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

In a motion brought to the meeting, Cllr Farrell requested the council to carry out an inspection of the greenway crossing with a view to carrying out “possible sight line improvement works” in an effort to make the area safer for all those using it.

Telling his colleagues that pedestrians are “absolutely pounding the roads”, Cllr Farrell said people tend to go “straight out and across the road” at that location.

Cllr Johnnie Penrose seconded the motion and said “huge numbers of people” use the greenway. He said the road markings, which were designed to help keep people safe, “have disappeared a bit”.

Cllr Liam McDaniel said the presence of a car park at Carey’s Cross with “very poor sight lines” was also contributing to safety issues.

District engineer, Denis Sloyan, said the council would examine the area and see “what options are available” to make the area safer.

The written answer from the council executive said the crossing would be inspected, and improvement measures considered for this year’s programme of works depending on the funding available.

In addition, the district will also raise the concerns expressed by councillors with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and “seek funding from that authority if appropriate” the response stated.