Lorries being damaged by protruding trees and bushes, Sligo meeting told

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

A motion before the November meeting of Sligo County Council heard calls from Cllr Barry Gallagher to ensure no obstructions are allowed along regional and national roads to ensure no damage to larger vehicles and no restriction of visibility.

In his motion Cllr Gallagher urged the Council to “Call on the Roads Department to ensure that no obstruction is allowed to grow along regional and national routes to a sufficient height to allow safe passage for buses, lorries and other high vehicles.

"This issue is causing damage to vehicles, restricting visibility and creating safety risks for road users.

"Proper clearance is particularly important on routes regularly used by public transport and commercial vehicles.”

Addressing the monthly meeting and highlighting the damage caused to large vehicles, Cllr Gallagher said, “A side curtain on a truck is around €2,000.”

Cllr Gallagher added, “Eir and ESB are making millions every year. Some of the lines are being held up by vegetation. I don’t see why EIR and ESB don’t have to and we are asking farmers to clear hedges. We have to lead by example, I am baffled by where we are going with that.”

Cllr Paul Taylor was in agreement with the sentiments expressed, saying, “It was never more evident than it is at the moment, it is a huge problem.

"I met an artic going around a bend on the wrong side to avoid a tree. There is going to be a serious accident.”

Cllr Dara Mulvey also offered his support for the motion saying, “I was contacted by someone who said an agricultural supplier is refusing to travel his road unless something is done. People living in rural areas are forgotten about.”

Cllr Donal Gilroy added, “Local Link buses are having major problems with branches hitting the mirrors.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.