Road safety highlighted at crosses in west Cavan

Council engineers are in discussions with landowners in an effort to implement road safety solutions at ‘Smiths of the Cross’ in rural west Cavan. They further committed to engage with locals with regard to issues highlighted at a recent meeting in respect of ‘Cafferty’s Cross’.

The January meeting of the Cavan Belturbet Municipal District heard that, at Cafferty’s Cross, between Templeport Resource Centre and Kilnavart Church, motorists are being “blinded” by overgrown shrubbery on a “triangle of land”.

“The problem is people don’t know when to stop,” said Fianna Fáil’s Áine Smith.

In respect of ‘Smiths of the Cross’ at the turn for the former Wonderland Dancehall, she said that a similarly “dangerous” situation has developed.

Her concerns received support from fellow elected members including Fine Gael’s Peter McVitty.

Responding, Senior Area Engineer, Paul Mulligan, said that attempts had been made to make contact with landowners adjacent to ‘Cafferty’s Cross’ “numerous times”.

He suggested that in order to “do the job properly” it might require “clearing the bend” completely heading towards Ballymacgovern.

“That would require alignment of the junction. That can’t be done without significant work,” he explained.

With ‘Smith’s of the Cross’ however Mr Mulligan stated that the section was included in the 2024 area roadworks programme. He further stated he had spoken with the local landowners and was hopeful of matters progressing in future.

Crossdoney Road

There was a query too from Cllr John Paul Feeley who sought to highlight the “urgent need” for realignment/safety measures on the Crossdoney Road out of Cavan Town. The motion received cross-party support, however Mr Mulligan told the meeting that “substantial works” were required.

“It’s not just footpaths,” he explained in relation to what’s needed to remedy the situation.

Active Travel funding has been sought but Mr Mulligan said there are a number of issues that need resolving. Regardless, the matter would be “followed up” again, he pledged.

Road Works programme

The meeting also received a full update from the engineer in relation to the current Road Works Programme.

He started by telling members that council contractors had completed surfacing and junction works on the R205 Ballyconnell Main Street to the Relief Road junction.

The works fitted in with the Active Travel scheme, and Mr Mulligan said they were “very welcome”.

He was similarly enthused about surfacing and lining and raised ironwork carried out on the L-2538 at Cock Hill (Dunnes Stores to Gaelscoil) in Cavan Town, which he described as an “excellent job”.

Also, in Cavan, the council oversaw a complete resurfacing and drainage scheme on the L-5538 Latt to Keadew; while the R-212 Cathedral Road had Active Travel and surfacing works applied.

Elsewhere upgrade works have been completed on the N54 between Cloverhill and the border with Fermanagh, which Mr Mulligan suggests “should be lifetime job”.

He was also hopeful of the council attaining additional funds in 2024 that might allow the authority to finish fixing the road the whole way to Butlersbridge. “That would be the road done in its entirety.”

Repairs have been completed on the L-5029 bridge at Drumbar, Swanlinbar, after it was damaged. This involved steel reinforcement and concrete shuttering, along with new banking on either side.

Finally, there was great praise in respect of Town and Village Scheme work in Swanlinbar where accessible fishing stands have been positioned along the river bank; while work has finished on an enclosed information and picnic area as part of the Séan Éamoinn Ruairí Trail near Legnagrow Lough in west Cavan.

Commenting Fine Gael’s Peter McVitty said it was “money well spent”, particularly highlighting the new amenities in Swanlinbar.

Fianna Fáil’s Cllr Feeley welcomed the works on the bridge and on the Séan Éamoinn Ruairí Trail.