Roadworks begin at ‘well-known’ Galway blackspot following residents’ appeal
Works have begun at Casey’s Cross in Athenry, with anti-skid surfacing and new signage being installed to improve safety at the L4102/L8108 junction in Moyvilla.
As the road straddles both the Athenry and Loughrea municipal districts, councillors from each area have welcomed the long-awaited measures following repeated calls for safety improvements.
Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, and Galway East TD, Seán Canney, said the junction has “long been a concern for local residents and motorists.”
Earlier this year, a local resident died after being involved in an unreported crash on the route near Clarinbridge and was later found dead in his home.
In the aftermath, a petition calling for urgent action gathered more than 700 signatures, with locals saying the road “is no longer fit for purpose.” The petition urged representatives to address the ongoing safety and infrastructure concerns.
Among the requests was a full resurfacing of the L4102 and a safety review of Casey’s Cross, a junction described as a “well-known” blackspot for serious collisions.
The L4102 serves as a key link between Clarinbridge and Athenry and is heavily used by schoolchildren, public transport, commuters, and emergency services.
The current works mark the first in a series of planned improvements aimed at enhancing road safety in the area.
Athenry councillor David Collins told the Irish Independent that the local office plans to apply for phase two funding next year, which will include detailed safety design for the crossing, though significant data will be required.
“One thing that makes this difficult is the Road Safety Authority is slow on releasing data for accidents around this site,” Cllr Collins said.
However, he added that summary figures on accident numbers, directions, and any emerging patterns could support the application. “In order to submit a good application based on data, we need that data,” Cllr Collins added.
Minister Canney applauded local residents who raised this issue as “their input has been vital in getting this first stage complete.”