Growing number of HGVs ‘sliding off roads’ in North Leitrim

There has been an increase over the past year in HGVs sliding off roads in North Leitrim, a recent meeting heard.

Cllr Pádraig Fallon told Manorhamilton Municipal District that HGV drivers have made representations asking if the Council would examine areas where they believe roads may need widening.

The main problem area appears to be on the R280 at Killargue, particularly at the turn-off for the R287. “Can I ask the Roads Department and Area Engineer if these incidents are taking place in particular areas and if works are required to deal with,” stated Cllr Fallon’s motion.

“There have been a number of incidents and they seem to be happening at a greater frequency in the last 12 months,” said Cllr Fallon.

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He also noted it would take “an awful lot of money” to widen the roads, as land would likely need to be purchased.

A response from the Roads Department clarified that no detailed analysis of incidents has been carried out.

“An internal review of the known locations would suggest these incidents are more common on the Regional Roads in North Leitrim than the local. This would correspond with the traffic volumes,” the response stated.

Senior engineer Paul McMahon said that there is a grant for works on that particular section, and three separate works on the R280 will be carried out over the next 12 months, which “should improve the situation.”

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