Concerns over road safety in Limerick village as calls grow for more footpaths

TRAFFIC-calming works in Athea have come under scrutiny after strong concerns were voiced about the design and its impact on road safety.

Cllr Liam Galvin said the layout is “nonsensical” and argued that while slowing vehicles is necessary, the measures introduced are causing cars to reduce speed “in a dangerous fashion.”

He told the meeting that councillors are now awaiting the results of a post-project survey, but questioned why a proper, workable set of plans had not been put in place before construction began. “It’s like making a cake of bread without having the right ingredients,” he said, adding that he intends to raise the issue again at the December meeting of the Newcastle West Municipal District.

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Cllr Galvin also sought an update on the progress being made on plans to extend the footpath near Athea National School. He said providing safe walking routes for children should be a priority in every village.

“What I’m trying to promote is a footpath from the speed limit into the school,” he said.

“If we want active children and active travel, every child should have a safe environment to walk to school. I’m not asking for footpaths on every rural road,  but inside our villages, we should have them.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme