Safety concerns rule out right-turn lane into GAA grounds in Leitrim

A right-hand turning bay to enter the GAA grounds in Carrigallen is not feasible, a meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District heard.

Cllr Paddy O’Rourke brought forward a motion asking the roads design office to propose a solution to the ‘ever-increasing traffic issue’ faced by motorists trying to enter the GAA grounds.

“Having approached from the village, they find themselves having to hesitate in the middle of the road to allow oncoming traffic to clear, leaving them vulnerable to traffic approaching from behind,” his motion stated.

The road, which has a 50km/h speed limit, was recently resurfaced. However, road markings have not yet been reinstated, which, according to a response from the Roads department, may be contributing to increased vehicle speeds.

“When these road markings are replaced, this should lead to a reduction in traffic speed,” the response explained.

Cllr O’Rourke noted that the issue predates the resurfacing and was hoping for an island to be created in the road.

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District engineer Darragh O’Boyle responded that a right-hand turning lane could not be accommodated due to insufficient road width and safety concerns.

He explained that right turn bays are generally avoided because “cars coming out of the town would just keep going when a car is turning right,” creating a hazard, particularly for pedestrians crossing the road.

To address the problem, he confirmed that new road markings will be placed and signage erected to warn motorists of potential hazards. However, it was noted that the core issue appears to be excessive speed.

Speed limits in urban areas are due for review later this year under the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, which may reduce speeds from 50km/h to 30km/h in some areas. It is not yet confirmed whether Carrigallen will be included in this change, but it could help alleviate speeding concerns.

“The provision of a right hand turning lane at the GAA grounds could actually lead to increased speeds when cars are overtaken in the right turning lane. The provision of right-hand turning lanes within speed limits can lead to increased speeds leading to road safety issues,” the response concluded.

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