Calls for speed review to be carried out on old N4 road – 60kph limit deemed ‘unrealistic’

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The speed limit on a stretch of road that was once the main Sligo-Dublin road but now serves as a link road was the topic of debate at the recent Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District meeting with Cllr Liam Brennan insisting the existing speed limit of 60kph on the L3700 be increased to 80kph.

Cllr Brennan’s motion called for an “Update on the speed limit review on the L3700 and what is the correct process for Council Members after you submit your findings.”

Addressing the meeting, Cllr Brennan said, “That road, and we all know the tragedies on it, it was 100kph, then 80kph and everyone seemed happy enough. I’d be hoping the review is near finalised.”

Cllr Brennan also expressed his frustration that speed vans are operating on the road adding, “There are two speed vans operating in that area. There is never a speed van present when traffic is diverted off the main road.”

Cllr Brennan also stated, “I’m told it (speed limit review) is currently underway. I appreciate there is a lot of criteria to be ticked off.” He added, “I would be hoping the review is near finalised.”

Cllr Brennan noted there is precedence for such a speed increase being put in place noting, “This isn’t a first for any county. The Clontibret to Monaghan road, that was successfully done in a number of months.”

Stressing the need for speed limit increase to be implemented he stated, “A lot of people are in the hope it goes back up to 80kph. It is an unrealistic limit at 60kph.”

The motion was supported by Cllr Gerard Mullaney who stated, “It is disappointing it is dragging on. Most people feel 80kph would be a safe speed; you don’t have to travel at 80kph. People have been caught at 65kph, local people are getting fines, penalty points and their insurance is increasing.”

An update was provided by Sligo County Council Engineer Paul O’Rourke who said, “We are coming to a conclusion on the review. We need to put out a traffic counter to assess over a week or 10 days. I’d say less than three months.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.