Prior calls for improved road safety measures for approach roads to Ballinamore

Local election candidate, Gary Prior (Fianna Fáil) said that from living locally and meeting people while canvassing he has found that there are quite a few issues with road safety which are very noticeable around Ballinamore.

These include the approach from the Carrick-on-Shannon side to the local childcare facilities and ultimately the junction at the Island Theatre, the lack of pedestrian access across from High Street to the Line Road (Tesco) which has seen increased pedestrian volume with the funeral home, and the junction of Stradermot, Aughnasheelin Road and Golf Club Road.

“The corner at the old Vocational School to the national school is a very busy location for pedestrians and motorists, naturally with high numbers of cars parking at pick up times and high volumes of pedestrians collecting children from pre-school, creche and afterschool at the Childcare Centre, and children being collected and dropped off to the national school.

“While there are some traffic calming measures in place, a speed ramp could be a valuable addition to this road and also more high visibility signage to reduce speeds in that area,” he said.

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Another area of concern, he said, is the location of pedestrian crossings at the High Street end of the town.

“The line road around by Tesco links up to High Street, however there is no footpath linking this road to the existing pedestrian crossings. I am calling on Leitrim County Council to review the need for a safe pedestrian crossing in the High Street area, particularly from the Tesco Road to the funeral home and on down to the GP surgery.

“This area in the town probably has the highest number of older residents so it is vitally important that there is safe access for them to move safely in the town.

“It is important that all public lighting is working along public roads, so I would say to people, don’t be afraid to report lights that are not working, There is usually a contact number and reference number on the pole or report on deadsureapp.com, There is no excuse for public lighting not working and people shouldn’t accept it. It is in all our interests to have safe access.”

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He continued, “The golf club road is a prime area for walkers as well as motorists, but I am calling on Leitrim County Council to provide adequate safe access to footpaths and lighting from the golf club road to meet the footpath at the end of the factory road and connecting around the corner up Stradermot hill.

“The current situation is very dangerous with cars approaching this junction from Stradermot and Aughnasheelin at high speeds. I will push the issue with Leitrim County Council to ensure that there are traffic calming measures including signage put in place on both these roads to make them safer.

“The public lighting is also an issue at this junction and I hope that the council will consider this problem when they examine these roads.

“I am willing to work with community groups such as the Ballinamore Area Community Council, the schools, men’s shed and childcare group to assist with these or any other areas of concern,” he said.