‘Safety measures needed at accident black spot’ - Reilly

Safety standards at a dangerous junction in Drumbaragh outside Kells need to be improved urgently following a recent fatality.
Fine Gael Cllr Sarah Reilly put forward a motion calling on Meath County Council to introduce safety measures at the Ballally in Drumbaragh at the October Kells Municipal District meeting. 

“I tabled this motion on foot of a serious accident at the junction. A number of days after I tabled the motion the motorist involved pass away due to the severity of her injuries. I can’t say with certainty that the required safety improvements would have prevented this specific accident but I hope that they will prevent future tragedies.”

Cllr Reilly explained that the response from the council stated that funding would be sought from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to do the required works. She highlighted that she will be in direct contact with the Department to ensure the application is successful.

“In their response to my motion, the council stated that they will be applying to the relevant department for funding under the Low-Cost Safety Improvement Scheme. Successful applicants under this scheme will not be announced until early 2020. I will be making my own representations to the Department on the matter.”

Cllr Reilly also added that there had been a number of other serious accidents and one other fatality at this junction over the years. She highlighted that this tragic loss of life follows in the wake of two other road fatalities in the area.
“It is well known locally that there has been a number of serious accidents at this particular junction. What is really striking is the number of fatalities on our local roads in recent months. 
“Individually we should all take greater care. For my part, as a Councillor for the area, I will be doing my utmost to ensure the required works are funded.”