Calls for safety audit on busy Limerick road amid reports of cars overturning into dykes

SAFETY concerns have been raised regarding a busy stretch of the R522 between Castlemahon Cross and Danganbeg in west Limerick amid reports of cars frequently overturning.

Independent councillor Jerome Scanlan tabled a motion at the March meeting of the Newcastle West Municipal District calling for a safety review of traffic and travel conditions on the road.

He said he was requesting a traffic flow audit for this stretch, saying road safety is a “massive issue" for the area.

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Cllr Scanlan acknowledged that the local authority cannot fill in every roadside dyke as “that would cost a fortune,” but asked if there is anything that can be done to make the road safer for motorists. “Loads of cars overturn into the dykes,” he said in reference to the specific section of the road.

The district cathaoirleach, Cllr Michael Collins, seconded the motion but urged caution.  He said local councillors “get these requests for every regional road”, asking: “Where do you stop and where do you start?”

Cllr Scanlan explained that he was recently driving on the R522 when a car overtook him that “had to be doing at least 130 kilometres,” 50 kilometres over the road’s 80 kilometre-per-hour speed limit.

Councillors, including Cllr Scanlan, questioned whether mobile speed cameras could be implemented along the road, saying this “would help” stop cars from exceeding the speed limit.

They were told, however, that this is an issue for An Garda Síochána and is not the responsibility of the MD. Calls were then made to arrange a meeting with Superintendent Michael Flemming to discuss the matter.

In a written reply to the motion, Ben Noonan, Senior Executive Engineer for the district, said: “The road that extends between Castlemahon Cross and Danganbeg on the R522 is in good condition.”

He reiterated that “Limerick City and County Council are not responsible for managing speed on the road" adding: "The matter should be brought to the attention of the gardaí.”

Noting the reply, Cllr Scanlan emphasised: “We need to protect people.”