Light at end of the tunnel over speed feedback signs vandalism in Limerick

ILLEGAL hunters stealing batteries for torches from driver feedback signs   could soon be in the dark as council staff aim to thwart the thieves.

The Leader revealed in June of last year the expensive batteries are being stolen for high-powered torches used by poachers with lurchers illegally roaming farmers’ land lamping hares in the dark. The driver feedback signs, which are dotted around the county, are designed to slow motorists down and especially outside schools.

Cllr Brigid Teefy raised the issue at recent Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District meetings. The long-serving councillor said she has received numerous representations from people highlighting the dangerous speeds cars are being driven at.

“It is getting worse,” said Cllr Teefy, who enquired about the status of driver feedback signs designed to reduce speed. At recent meetings she has highlighted speeding issues at Brackvoan, Bruff; Knockanea, just off the N24 at Boher junction and that a proposed pedestrian crossing at Holycross junction on the R512 be put in place as a matter of urgency. 

Cllr Martin Ryan, cathaoirleach, called for traffic calming measures in Kilbhenny at last month’s meeting while Cllr PJ Carey called for a traffic count and speed survey to be completed at Glenfield Road, Kilmallock with a view to installing two speed ramps between Scoil Mocheallog and Bellview estate. 

The meeting heard that as of last month, there are 15 signs out of action at 13 locations in the municipal district after their batteries were robbed.

“The cost of replacing the batteries including contractor call-out is €400 per location. This cost can be higher if damage is caused to other infrastructure such as wiring. The council is liaising with sign suppliers to provide units that have enhanced security,” said the council spokesperson. The thefts have been reported to gardai.

In some cases, no sooner are the batteries replaced than they are robbed again. The problem has been on-going for well over two years. 

The 13 locations are Garrienderk at the railway bridge (R515); Bruff at the new ramp, beside the petrol station on the R512; just before Pinker's Cross on the Hinchy’s Garage side (R513); Elton outside the Cosy Kitchen Pub (R515); Galbally outside the rugby club and also on the Ballywire Road (R662); Knockainey Road, Hospital, 100m past the school on the L1507; outside the secondary school in Kilmallock (R512); outside Glen Grove estate, Charleville Road, Kilmallock (R515); Ballylanders, opposite the playground (R513); Knocklong, near the old post office (R513); at Dooley’s Garage, Knocklong (R513); at the tennis courts in Hospital (R513); Murroe at the Five Cross Roads - one on the Abington side and the other on the village side of the cross.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel as Trevor McKechnie, senior executive engineer, said they have been in contact with the manufacturer to come up with a solution.

He said there is a bracket and lock system they will use when replacing the batteries in the driver feedback signs. Mr McKechnie said the parts have been ordered and they will commence the works “this side of Christmas”.