The issue of motor safety along a major route has been highlighted by inaugural South Roscommon Athlone electoral area independent candidate, Donal Kilduff.
“The N61 is a national primary road from Athlone to Roscommon and on to Boyle. In recent years the level of traffic on the road has increased significantly to a point where safety is now a major concern for motorists. I live along the N61 and witness first hand the level of traffic each day and particularly at peak times. It is clear that traffic calming measures are required in some locations and proper turning lanes are required at many junctions in the interest of public safety,” Donal remarked.
The Independent candidate commended the collective efforts of the present Council who have been unanimous in their call for the provision of road safety measures along the route.
“To be fair to all the existing elected members of Roscommon County Council, they have been calling for action on the N61 for many years and some improvement works have taken place but much more needs to be done. Roscommon County Council is anxious to proceed with the necessary works without delay but they require sanction and funding from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII ) to proceed.
“However, TII do not seem to be taking the matter as seriously as it should be and perhaps, would respond more timely to public safety concerns and representations from local authorities if the Government provided sufficient funding. Personally, I do not believe that any newly elected Councillor will be able to lobby TII any harder that the current Councillors have done. I do however believe in people power and that the public can help to drive this issue forward,” Donal continued.
The local election aspirant has prepared a detailed social media video pertaining to the matter and has called upon the public to support his endeavour.
“I have prepared a short video highlighting the level of traffic on the road and noting the dangers particularly at peak times. I am asking the public to like, share and comment on this video on my Facebook page, Donal Kilduff election candidate, as a sign of their concern and desire for immediate action on the issue.
“If elected to Roscommon County Council, I would use the public’s level of engagement and feedback as leverage when in talks with TII and it would send a clear and powerful message that the public are extremely concerned about their safety on the N61. It is high time for TII and the Government to take immediate action,” Donal concluded.
