‘Close calls’ as Google Maps directs tour buses the wrong way in North Leitrim village

Google Maps appears to be directing holiday makers, HGVs, and other vehicles onto the wrong road in Drumkeeran, leading to several near-miss traffic incidents, a meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District heard.

Cllr Pádraig Fallon called for street line markings in the village to be redone where they have faded, and for contact to be made with Google Maps, as coaches and lorries are reportedly being directed towards Sheena when travelling south through the village.

He told the meeting that he has seen a well-known tour bus company from the south of the country, along with articulated lorries, drive towards the national school.

While noting it’s “great to see” tour bus companies travelling through Leitrim, he added that these are experienced drivers and that if line markings were clear, they would not head up by Sheena. He said it is “obvious” they are being directed that way by Google Maps.

Paul McMahon, Senior Engineer for Manorhamilton MD, noted that there is no customer complaint option with Google Maps, but drivers are able to log the route they have taken if they encounter an issue. 

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However, the Roads Department will review the line marking situation in Drumkeeran and programme the works before the end of the year.

“There’s been one or two close calls. Thankfully there is a ramp 30 metres from that junction and that has helped slow down traffic coming in there,” he said.

Separately, Cllr Fallon also asked that the MD carry out flood mitigation works on the L4166-2 at Correda, outside Dromahair.

He explained that following overlay works, flooding has been taking place outside three houses where the road now sits higher than the driveways. During heavy rain, water gathers and causes flooding.

It was confirmed that Road staff will carry out an inspection of the road and assess the extent of works required.

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