Concerns over road safety in Limerick village as calls grow for more footpaths
Councillors highlight dangers associated with new layout in Athea while urging the installation of 'proper footpaths' to support safe active travel
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.
“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.”