Ramp near South Leitrim school “not fit for purpose”

The need to review speed ramps in Drumcong was highlighted at this week's meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District.

Cllr Enda McGloin submitted a motion, in which he asked that “Leitrim County Council review the ramps in from the pariochial house Drumcong, along the R207.”

“The current ramp is not 'fit for purpose' as it does not slow large articulated vehicles down, only cars. With people crossing the road from the car park, this can be very dangerous and requires a review,” the motion added.

Speaking on his motion, Cllr McGloin said that, “the school on this road has 30 staff. The staff have to park. There is a lot of activity on what is the main Carrick-on-Shannon to Ballinamore road.' The Board of Management of the school want the ramps to be widened.”

“At present, people are going in off the road onto the entrance to the pariochal house in order to avoid the ramps,” Cllr McGloin added.

The written reply from the council stated that, “The ramps at Drumcong have been constructed and reconstructed in accordance with the road design guidelines.”

“We do not intend to revisit this traffic calming scheme as it is built in accordance with best practice,” the reply added.

Cllr McGloin told the meeting that this reply, “won't deal with the risk to life and limb. A review of safety measures is needed. The ramp is not having the effect of slowing down traffic.”

District Engineer Emma Donohue told the meeting that, “we are looking at additional measures at the pariochal house.”

The motion was supported by Cllr Gary Prior (FF). “Ramps are the only thing that slow traffic.”

District Cathaoirleach Brendan Barry (SF) told the meeting that, “if HGV's are causing an issue, the Gardai could follow up.”

Cllr McGloin agreed with this point, saying that, “the council could write to Gardai and ask them to enforce speed.”