Road users at Lahard are not adhering to speed limits, residents have said

Cllr Ita Reynolds-Flynn said that some road users are not adhering to speed limits at Lahard, Ballinamore, Leitrim and asked about the speed limits and safety measures at the location. 

She was advised that the speed limit on the R199 at Lahard is currently 50km/h and Active Travel are examining the location for a footpath widening and junction upgrade scheme which will help with slowing down traffic speeds. 

This will be subject to part 8 planning and NTA funding approval. 

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In the meantime exceeding the speed limits is an enforcement issue and the responsibility of an Garda Siochana, she was told.

The speed limit within Lahard housing estate is 30km/h and appropriate signage is in place at the entrance to the estate, the official response concluded.

District engineer, Emma Donohoe said that "it is not envisaged that the speed limit will be pushed out further beyond where they are."

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Cllr Reynolds-Flynn said that "there are a lot of houses and access into the houses and out from them; drivers cannot see cars coming from the left or the right and there is a crest so they have no view there at all; it's such a dangerous road."

She suggested the district engineer meet with residents on the road to examine the location which Ms Donohoe agreed to.

New Cathaoirleach, Cllr Gary Prior had a similar motion at the meeting, regarding funding and a plan to be put in place to progress the extension of the existing footpath and public lighting along the R199 Ballinamore to Ballyconnell Road. 

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He asked that the extension continue from the current endpoint to the boundary where the 69km/h speed limit changes to the 80km/h speed zone on the Ballyconnell side. 

He stated: "This extension is essential to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility for residents and road users in the area."

He was told that this footpath does not meet the criteria for Active Travel funding from the NTA as there are no housing estates, schools or businesses along this stretch of the R199. Leitrim County Council do not have access to other funding options for footpath schemes at this time. 

The community could examine the possibility of CLAR or ORIS funding, the response concluded. 

Cllr Prior said the section in refers to serves up to 14 houses and "it is the only road out of town that the footpath isn't going out as far as the 80km/h zone, in Ballinamore. We are drawing up plans to encourage children to walk and cycle to school but if they don't have a safe route to school, they can't do that."

He said that endeavour to apply for funding through CLAR or ORIS.