ronan fagan
Addressing his fellow elected representatives and council executive at the most recent sitting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District, Fianna Fáil Councillor, Vinny McCormack, noted his aspiration to have speed ramps installed on the L1303 at Toorfelim in the 2024 roads programme.
Referencing his raised motion, the former District Mayor, stated that there was a growing population now residing on the Moate to Ballymore road leading to an increase in road traffic levels.
“I am of the view that there must be 200 properties or more on this particular stretch of road, the location becoming more populated in recent times. With higher traffic volumes and vehicles travelling to and from Moate at speed, I do feel there is a great need to install safety measures on this route, bearing the presence of children in mind.
“Running parallel to this particular route is the road from Moate to Rosemount which is not as densely populated yet has a number of ramps to curtail speeding motorists. So, in this instance, I would like to see such safety measures being replicated, if possible, on the Moate to Ballymore road,” Cllr McCormack asserted.
Cllr McCormack’s motion was supported by Fine Gael Councillor, Tom Farrell who reiterated the views of his Fianna Fáil counterpart.
“There are two large housing estates at the start of this route, many residences housing young children. This route is as busy as the Moate to Rosemount road so I would be of a similar view to Cllr McCormack that a suite of safety measures must be implemented here to nullify the threat of speeding motorists,” Cllr Farrell added.
District Engineer, Willie Ryan, noted the implementation of a traffic calming measure under the bridge towards the start of the route which has mitigated the issue of speed, but confirmed that the location would be appraised and measures identified for the member’s consideration in the context of priorities and the funding available.
