Council unveil plans to improve safety at notorious crossroads

Relief could be on the cards for residents of the Jenkinstown area, as Meath Co Council unveiled plans for the realignment of the notorious Mullagh Cross between Summerhill and Dunboyne.

The cross has been the scene of countless accidents over the years, including three in seven days last July.

A car burst into flames following an accident at the cross on 8th July and there had also accidents there the previous Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Residents have spoken of experiencing multiple near misses because of very poor visibility at the cross and compared crossing the junction to “a game of Russian roulette.”

At last week's meeting of Ratoath Municipal Council, councillors heard of plans for the realignment of the R125 East to create a staggered priority junction with access to a private dwelling off a new local road. There are also plans for minor road improvements along the R156 and R125.

Councillors heard that engagement will continue with landowners, the preliminary design will be finalised and a stage two road safety audit will be undertaken.

Following the preparation of planning documents, the council will seek funding to proceed and a Part VIII Planning Application is expected by the end of the year.

Cllr Caroline O'Reilly welcomed the plan. “It is brilliant to see it progressing. The next hurdle is acquiring the land and funding the project once the planning goes through. It is going to take time.

“I made representations to Minister James Lawless about this plan over the summer and will continue to make noise in relation to funds that must be allocated to complete this project.

“I was on the cross the other day and it is scary... I don't like driving across that junction myself. The trucks and cars are driving at speed - which is a whole other problem that needs to be addressed - and it feels so risky crossing the main road. I can only imagine what it is like for people who have to do this daily.

“I am cautiously optimistic as this has been on the table for many years with plans in place that went nowhere. It is hard to get too excited but I am going to ensure that I continue to make representations to the Department of Transport and the Council to keep this in our sights until the work begins.”

Cllr Nick Killian said he was pleased that at long last proposals are moving ahead.

“My concern is about funding. Already the Ratoath Pedestrian and Cycle scheme is on hold because of a lack of funding. Minister Ryan is not delivering to councils. I am very concerned that the funding may not be put in place and the local TDs don't seem to be supporting the local councillors on this project,” he said.