Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny TD has warned of the dangerous traffic conditions being presented by some users of Rush Street in Castlebar. Over the past few weeks, a greater number of drivers are ignoring the one-way system that is in place on the street, he has observed. As a result, cars are driving directly through the traffic light junction between Linenhall Street and Lucan Street.
Deputy Kenny has been informed that a number of these drivers appear to be tourists, however, a larger number of locally registered cars are using Rush Street as a rat run. Eventually, a vehicle might enter the junction from Rush Street and cause an accident when a car from either Linenhall Street or Lucan Street enters the junction not being aware that a car could enter the junction from Rush Street, which they are not entitled to do in the first place.
Dep Kenny said: “This is a serious traffic hazard and will cause an accident if it is allowed to continue. While all the correct road marking and signage is already in place, it is still not making drivers aware that they cannot enter Rush Street from Thomas Street. I have been informed that one of the signs is at an angle where it is difficult for oncoming traffic to see and that some of the road marking are beginning to wear away.”
