Safety issue at Gortletteragh road junction
"People taking their lives in their hands" says local councillor
Cllr Thomas Mulligan asked that Local Road L-1572 in the townlands of Drumgrainne and Anskirt be included for a strengthening grant between Moffitt’s Cross and Gortlettragh GAA grounds.
He said there is a safety issue at Moffitt’s Cross regarding the view when moving onto the Gortlettragh/Farnaght road L-1571.
He said that the stretch of road is "in a very bad state" and "even two cars meeting is problematic."
Cllr Mulligan said he has now raised this issue twice and stressed that, in his view, "something has to be done there and addressed; it will cause an accident if left."
A report by the Roads office said the road is not included in the approved 3 year programme (2024 being the last year of this programme).
The response continued: "We can consider including this public road in the next 3 year plan for approval by the elected members. This new 3 year plan will be put forward to the elected members towards the end of 2024."
Cllr Enda Stenson supported the motion with Cllr Sean McGowan saying the view coming out from Moffitt’s Cross is "extremely poor" and suggested the stretch of road be widened and "it would leave that the people coming from Gortlettragh wouldn't be taking their lives in their hands."
Cllr Des Guckian supported the motion also.
Regarding the junction, district engineer Darragh O'Boyle explained the fence there is "privately owned" and that's where the issue is.
He added, "We have regulatory warning signs on the approach to the junction" and said the only option available is "signage and road markings coming up to that junction."
He said that when carrying out a restoration improvement grant (RIG) on the approach road "we can look at possible warning signs on the road as well".
He said he would write to the owners of the fence at the junction.