Three crashes in just seven days at dangerous junction
Residents of Mullagh Cross, near Jenkinstown, between Summerhill and Dunboyne, have called for safety works at the dangerous junction, following three accidents there within seven days. A car burst into flames following an accident at the cross on Monday of last week (8th July) and there were also accidents there the previous Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
The junction where the Dunboyne-Summerhill (R156) and Kilcock-Dunshauglin (R125) roads intersect is a busy one.
Cllr Caroline O'Reilly said safety measures were urgently needed. “Will it take a fatality for something to be done?” she asked.
“This junction has been known as being very dangerous for 20 odd years, it is high time something was done to make it safer.
“We need big signs, better visibility. People travelling in the Dunshaughlin to Kilcock direction have very poor visibility.”
Cllr Reilly raised the issue at last week's meeting of Ratoath Municipal Council and was told a traffic study was taking place and work was dependent on funding from the Department of the Environment.
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Multiple accidents have occured at the Mullagh crossroads on the R125 Dunshaughlin to Kilcock road where it crosses the the R156 Dunboyne to Summerhill road. Local residents are calling for the introduction of safety measures to slow traffic approaching the junction. Photo: David Mullen.Image 2 of 3
Residents are calling for the introduction of safety measures to slow traffic approaching the junction. Photo: David MullenImage 3 of 3
Debris at the crossroad junction at the Mullagh crossroad junction on the R125 Dunshaughlin to Kilcock road. Photo: David MullenDonal Smith of nearby Baltrasna pointed out that there were three accidents within seven days, each necessitating the deployment of emergency services and resulting in multiple injuries.
“Having lived in the area for over 30 years, it defies belief that no significant action has been taken to address the dangers of this junction, despite numerous promises over the years.
“Just last week, with my 18-month-old daughter in the car, I narrowly avoided multiple collisions while trying to listen for oncoming traffic from the Summerhill direction, where visibility is zero. As someone with a hearing impairment, exacerbated by the rise of almost noiseless electric vehicles, crossing this junction feels like a game of Russian roulette. I have been incredibly lucky not to have been injured, but I can no longer rely on luck to ensure my family's safety.”
He recalled that in April 2023, they received correspondence from the council in which they were told: “The Council prepared a Draft Strategic Assessment Report for the Mullagh to Jenkinstown Scheme, following discussions with the Department of Transport regarding an application for grant funding in 2022.
"Following the announcement of the Regional and Local Road grant allocations for 2023 by the Department of Transport last February, the Council was notified of grant funding for the R156 Mullagh Cross, to the value of €100,000 under the Specific Improvement Grant Scheme. The Council is in the process of appointing design consultants.”
He has written to the council asking for an update on the issue and a breakdown of how the funding has been spent to date.
“So far, all we have seen are four flashing slow down signs, which are akin to throwing a glass of water on a house fire—utterly useless.
“Please do not wait for a needless loss of life on our roads before taking action. Assign the necessary funding, take immediate action, and save lives,” he said.
Meath County Council has been approached for comment.