The 'rat race' from the N3

Local and regional roads are being used as a "rat race" to avoid the N3, the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District meeting heard last week.

A discussion highighted the need for a footpath and traffic calming provisions at Stramatt, Virginia from Parc MacFinn to the N3.

The meeting heard that students from local schools - Carrigabruise NS, Virginia College and Eureka Secondary School - get the bus in the area and are walking along the road, which is used as a "rat race" to avoid Virginia, particularly on a Friday.

Cllr Shane P. O'Reilly also said that there is an "outrageous" amount of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) using the road, and he "couldn't get over the speed" at which they are travelling.

The Mullagh man queried if there is "funding to do a job there".

Senior Executive Engineer, John McGahern, acknowledged that section "is busy". However, he said that money "isn't there" to carry out the works. He suggested that the councillors put a fund together to carry out the works.

"You need to put a budget to it, that's your choice," said Mr McGahern.

Another road used as a "rat race" for the N3 according to Cllr O'Reilly is the Cloughergoole to Maghera Road, which he said is "falling apart".

On account of it being used to avoid the N3, he asked if "urgent emergency monies" could be made available.

The suggestion received unanimous support from those gathered.

"The road is gone," commented Cllr O'Reilly, predicting claims against Cavan County Council will "treble" in the future.

"It's affecting almost six parishes," he said, fuming "there'll soon be no roads left".

Cllr Philip Brady (FF) asked if grants could be made available to do the works.

"Not that I'm aware of," replied Area Manager, Lynda McGavigan.

It was proposed that a letter be sent from the MD to the Department of Transport, while a meeting between Ms McGavigan and the Senior Engineer, John McKiernan, is also set to take place on the issue.