Ramps to be considered to tackle ongoing speeding issue in North Leitrim ‘before a fatality occurs’

Speed ramps are being considered to address the ongoing issue of speeding in Killargue, where the speed limit drops from 80km/h to 50km/h on the R280.

At a meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District, Cllr Felim Gurn called for slow-down speed strips or ramps to be installed through the village, stressing that drivers are ignoring the flashing speed signs at both the entrance and exit points.

“This needs to be addressed urgently before a fatality occurs. Residents of the village and public representatives are being ignored,” Cllr Gurn’s motion stated.

He acknowledged the signage improvements already made in Killargue but said it is “not enough,” warning that a fatality is inevitable if the speeding problem continues. “The amount of traffic on the R280 compared to years ago is shocking,” he added.

A response from the Roads Department highlighted that speeding enforcement is the responsibility of the Gardaí and suggested the issue should be referred to the Community Safety Partnership. 

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However, Senior Engineer with Manorhamilton MD, Paul McMahon, said that speed ramps could be considered for the area, adding that drivers speeding through Killargue are fully aware they are doing so.

Cllr Mary Bohan seconded the motion, agreeing that the problem comes down to driver behaviour.

Separately, Cllr Gurn also proposed a motion calling on the MD to seek funding for Whittaker’s Bridge on the R280. 

He urged that works be carried out to increase the height of the wall, which he noted has always been low along the footpath.

“It needs repair work and also works to increase the wall height overlooking the river before a fatality happens with someone falling over the wall into the river,” the motion stated.

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He further stressed that these works cannot be left for years.

 In response, Mr McMahon noted that there is currently a rehabilitation list of 60 bridges with structural issues that the Council is addressing. 

Whittaker’s Bridge is not yet on the list but will be considered for inclusion. However, he cautioned that it will be a number of years before works can be carried out.