Meath woman calls for urgent safety measures after mother struck by van on pedestrian crossing
A Meath woman has renewed calls for urgent road safety improvements in Ballivor after her mother was “seriously injured” when she was struck by a van on a pedestrian crossing last December.
Deborah Keegan (35), a local resident, said her 54-year-old mother was knocked down at approximately 5.10pm on December 9, 2025, while crossing the road in Ballivor, Co Meath. The incident left her with what Ms Keegan described as “very serious injuries”, with a long recovery ahead.
Ms Keegan said the collision has highlighted longstanding safety concerns in the village, including poor lighting, inadequate signage and visibility issues around the pedestrian crossing.
“There is no lighting from the petrol station to the vets, no warning signs for drivers approaching the crossing, and cars parked on either side make it extremely difficult to see pedestrians stepping out,” she said.
“As a driver myself, I can say it’s very hard to see people entering the crossing, particularly in the evenings.”
She is calling for a raised pedestrian crossing, improved lighting, refreshed road markings and other traffic-calming measures, saying the current layout poses a danger to both pedestrians and motorists.
Ms Keegan has begun canvassing locally and has launched a petition, going door-to-door to build support for safety upgrades.
Last Tuesday, residents staged a protest at the crossing on the main street and blocked traffic to highlight the issue of speed and safety in the village.
Meanwhile, local Aontú councillor Dave Boyne said residents have reached breaking point.
“People are outraged. We have had enough,” he said.
“Sending engineers out to do a Mickey Mouse survey and then telling people they don’t need ramps is not just a failure — it’s an insult to the people of Ballivor.”
Cllr Boyne warned that the situation is becoming increasingly dangerous.
“So far, people have been physically injured. But if nothing changes, someone is going to be killed. At that point, it will be too little, too late,” he said.
According to the councillor, residents said “years of inaction” have eroded trust in official processes.
"While community members are calling for calm, there is growing frustration on the ground,” he said.
“I don’t condone vigilante behaviour,” Cllr Boyne added, “but there are rumblings that residents may try to install their own speed-control measures. Given the lack of response, people feel they are being left with no alternative.”
“Ballivor is a growing community. Its residents deserve infrastructure that prioritises safety, accessibility and common sense — before another preventable incident occurs.”