Call for ’urgent action’ on broken safety beacons on busy Louth road

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

A Drogheda councillor has called for “urgent action” to repair safety features on the Termonfeckin to Baltray Road, which he says have been out of action for over two years.

Cllr. Declan Power highlighted three non-functioning electronic traffic beacons, one of which reminds drivers of the 50km speed zone on the Termonfeckin–Baltray Road.

Speaking at the recent Drogheda Borough Council meeting, Cllr. Power expressed deep frustration over the ongoing delay in addressing what he described as a “serious road safety issue”.

“This issue has been raised repeatedly in this chamber for more than two years,” said Cllr. Power. “The Termonfeckin–Baltray Road is heavily trafficked and widely known for speeding. These electronic signs were specifically installed to address those dangers – particularly given their proximity to a local primary school and a children’s playground. Their continued failure is simply unacceptable.”

Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr. Michelle Hall, also spoke on the matter, highlighting a technical challenge with one of the units.

“The reduced speed sign is positioned under a number of trees and does not receive sufficient solar energy to remain operational,” she explained. “It will need to be relocated to a more suitable location.”

In response, Mark Johnston, Senior Engineer with Louth County Council, acknowledged the concern and stated that the issue had been understood as resolved. He committed to re-examining the matter to ensure the signs are functioning correctly.

Cllr. Power stressed the urgency of the matter and appealed for prompt resolution before the start of the new school year.

“We cannot allow another school year to begin with these vital safety measures still inactive. I am asking that every effort be made to have these signs fully operational before the children return to school at the end of August,” he concluded.