New traffic islands are 'working well' on N17

New traffic islands installed along the N17 are working well but more are needed, according to locals.

Cllr Richard Finn told the June meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District that some complaints had arisen around the new islands being inadequate for larger school buses and farm machinery, “but where there aren’t islands people are also complaining because they haven’t got one".

Cllr Finn specified areas including Castlegar and the old bog road in Claremorris, saying there did not seem to be provision for an island for the town from that end. He said the islands “keep the driver more concentrated on the road because they move to the side”, adding: “90% are happy with the installations as they are. It’s the ones that don’t have them that want them now.” 

Cllr John Caulfield said he had heard nothing but good things about the new islands, adding: “The two main junctions I am concerned about is at Aghamore, where there was another accident recently, and the other one is at the turn-off from Knock on the other side towards Caher, it’s a nightmare.” 
Cllr Caulfield also asked whether at Cloonturk Junction “the monument there can be shifted because it is putting lives at risk”, adding: “Surely we can move it somewhere else, after all, we built an airport, so we can do that.” 

Cllr Caulfield also proposed that a parking area be installed on the Kiltimagh Road in Kiltimagh across from the school, saying that residents in a housing estate there “are literally imprisoned from 1.30pm to 3.30pm with cars pulling in and out at the school".

“I have raised this before, something needs to be done, you have emergency vehicles also coming along, it’s a disaster.” 

Cllr Adrian Forkan said there had been a fatality at Kilkelly junction, and momentum is growing for something to be done: “I just ask we keep pushing on this.” 

Cllr Gerry Murray said the junction at Bushfield into St Attracta’s Residence also required intervention, telling the forum: “The nursing home has 90 patients, 100 staff, people come visiting and it is on a bend and continuous white line, which is extremely dangerous. It needs to be looked at before there is a fatality, God forbid. This is a very busy nursing home with a continuous flow of traffic and there have been bits of bangs there over the years already.” 

Area Engineer John O’Malley said he will consult with the council's roads section and come back in writing on all matters raised.