‘Is it going to take, a fatal accident?’ – Sligo Councillors united in call for junction improvement works

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

There was widespread agreement among Councillors when a motion calling for “Improvement works on the junction linking the R293 with the N17 in the light of recent accidents,” with Cllr Gerard Mullaney insisting, “This was urgent 30 years ago.”

Speaking on behalf of his motion, Cllr Mullaney said this was a long running saga as he recalled, “It was the very first motion of Cllr Pat McGrath when he was elected in 2004. It is the only regional road in the county coming onto a national road. What is it going to take, a fatal accident?”

Cllr Barry Gallagher insisted, “There is ample room to put in a roundabout.”

In reply Emer Concannon, Director of Services said, “We will keep it on the agenda with TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland). The money available is small and doesn’t allow for purchasing land, if required, for example, to remove a bend.”

Stressing the need for works to be carried out, Cllr Gallagher said, “There is going to be a serious, serious accident there.”

Cllr Dara Mulvey also voiced his support for the motion saying, “I doesn’t make sense. It’s a bad state of affairs when somebody has to be killed before something is done.”

Ms Concannon suggested works could be carried out as part of the N17 upgrade works stating, “It could be done as an advanced scheme as part of the N17 works if planning permission is received.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.