‘Life or death’ situation at Wexford junction as council called upon to follow Carlow’s lead

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

The decision by Carlow County Carlow to reduce the speed limit of part of the N80 to 80km/h has caused some consternation in one of its neighbouring counties. While motorists travelling on the stretch of the N80 between Bunclody and Carlow must adhere to the revised limits, the 100km/h limit remains in place in Co Wexford.

Any changes to the speed limit on the Wexford part of the N80 are unlikely to be introduced this year, but Councillor Pat Kehoe has pleaded with the local council to improve safety in one particular area.

“Since December 18 the N80 from Bunclody to Carlow has gone to 80km/h and it’s causing quite a lot of concern, people feel it’s less safe because the speed has been reduced on a good part of the road,” he said at the January meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC). “Meanwhile, there’s 15km of road between Bunclody and Scarawalsh, including the junction at Ballycarney, which is in desperate need of safety works.

"Could we look at reduce the speed coming out of Bunclody to 80km/h? It’s life or death at that junction.”

Cathaoirleach Joe Sullivan had recently attempted to navigate the junction in question with little success.

“I was there last week, I was attempting to cross the road to go to Ferns. I sat there waiting to cross but eventually decided it was too dangerous and instead I joined with the traffic and went to Clohamon instead.”

However, according to the director of roads, WCC must carry out its review of existing speed limits before any changes can be made.

“Our section (of the N80) has been included in the speed limit review and (Road Safety Officer) David Codd has been providing updates on that,” said Mr Eamonn Hore. “But we will include your suggestion as one of the official submissions.”