Moynalty residents want their village to be made safer

The issue of speeding and pedestrian safety in one of Ireland’s tidiest towns has been raised by concerned local residents.

The main street of Moynalty has been dubbed “an accident waiting to happen” by worried residents who fear the sheer volume and speed of the traffic will result in serious accidents.

They have joined with local councillor and Moynalty native, Paul McCabe, in a campaign for traffic calming measures in the village.

“The issue of traffic speeding through Moynalty village has long plagued the local community,” says Cllr McCabe.

Local resident, John Sullivan, says crossing the road in the centre of the village because of the volume of traffic has become a real issue.

“It is extremely difficult for people with children, the elderly or anyone to cross the road, because there is so much traffic.

“There are convoys of cars, heavy trucks, farm machinery.

“They speed through the village and people trying to get to the threshing field for a walk or to go to the tennis court, just cannot get across the road.

“Schoolchildren are in great danger crossing the road and people are afraid to bring their children for a walk.

“If there is a funeral in the church, the traffic has to be stewarded because of the exit from the church is on a sharp bend and the traffic comes flying round it.

“The volume of traffic is constant, from 4.30am and all day long.

“The footpaths are narrow and there is a sharp bend. The Muintir na Tire Hall which is widely used by group such as active retirement is beside the bad bend.”

Mr Sullivan explained that they are hoping for traffic calming measures including a pelican crossing and maybe rumble strips in a bid to sow traffic down and make the village safer.

Barry Kavanagh who has three sons, says they love to go for walks but the traffic is a major problem.

“The traffic is just so heavy and it speeds through the village. Up near the church, where the road gets narrower, they start speeding up.

“There is a pre-school near the doctors, which is beside a sharp bend and cars come round the bend like nobody's business.

“There is no safe way of crossing for anybody. We would like to see something done to make it safer.”

Cllr McCabe said the route through Moynalty – the R164 - is one of the busiest routes in the county.

“There are large volumes of HGV traffic in particularly traversing through Moynalty village on a daily basis.

“There is a very serious need for Meath County Council to introduce traffic calming measures in Moynalty village.

“Pedestrians, whether they be residents or visitors to our village do not feel safe crossing the street due to the volume and speed of the traffic.

“There is also a need for the Council to review the situation at the top of the village where the village preschool is located. Parents do not feel safe crossing from one side of the street.

“I am calling on Meath Co Council to urgently review traffic management and pedestrian throughout Moynalty village. We need practical solutions to slow down traffic and ensure pedestrians of all ages are safe,” Cllr McCabe concluded.