Demand for meeting over Whitegate cross
A demand is being made for representatives from the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to attend a council meeting in the near future following another accident at a dangerous cross on the N3.
The motion was tabled by Independent Councillor Shane P O’Reilly at the December monthly meeting of the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District Authority.
It was prompted following protests at Whitegate Cross on the N3 due to safety concerns at the junction and another accident at the blackspot.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr O’Reilly stated he is aware both parties typically attend full council meetings rather than MD meetings. However, he stated: “I don’t care what meeting they attend. They were asked four times to attend the Council meeting. It’s a situation. Last weekend there was another crash.”
He continued: “This is not the time for excuses.”
'Fatality' waiting to happen
Fine Gael’s T.P. O’Reilly supported the motion, stating it’s a “fatality waiting to happen”.
He added: “I’d just like to see some engagement from them.”
Senior Executive Engineer John McGahern clarified that both organisations tend to only sent representatives to full council meetings.
In response, Cllr Shane P O’Reilly reiterated stating: “We’re done it four times [sent in a request], the letter has been crumpled up four times and thrown in the bin.”
He added: “You can’t have a new tradition if we do nothing different”.
Last October, the Minister for State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers, said that the issue is being prioritised.
“TII, in collaboration with Cavan County Council, is investigating the provision of enhanced parking facilities and works to improve the safety of rural bus stops on the N3,” he told Deputy Niamh Smyth in the Dáil.
The Minister revealed that three potential locations along the N3 had been identified for park and ride facilities.
“Cavan County Council has begun work to prepare feasibility and options reports for two of these locations. When that has concluded, we can provide a further update on progress,” said Minister Chambers.