Call for safer crossings in Ashbourne town centre in Meath
A call for urgent safety improvements has been made to make Ashbourne town centre more accessible and pedestrian-friendly amid growing traffic volumes.
At the October meeting of Ashbourne MD, Fine Gael Councillor Alan Tobin submitted a motion requesting funding for the installation of a raised table — a level crossing that slows vehicles and improves accessibility — at the Broadmeadow Street/Killegland Street junction, extending to Castle Street.
He said the move was needed to make the area “both pedestrian friendly and most importantly wheelchair and mobility friendly,” in line with the 2015 UN Charter on access for all.
Cllr Tobin added “ferociously high kerbs” in the town centre as a hazard for people with mobility issues, adding that the proposed works would provide “safe crossing points and control traffic speeds.”
In response, Meath County Council said its Transportation Section is currently finalising a Traffic Calming Policy for the county, which will set out detailed criteria for assessing and delivering safety measures aimed at reducing the effects of traffic speed and volume on local roads.
The council confirmed that Cllr Tobin’s request has been added to a list of locations to be considered once the new policy is adopted.
“Once adopted, all requests for calming measures will be assessed based on the criteria and the appropriate action will be taken in line with the policy,” the council said.