New turning lanes considered for N3

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has asked Cavan County Council to examine the need for additional turning lanes on the N3 between Butlersbridge and Belturbet as part of plans to install such a measure at Drumsillagh.

The site of several serious vehicle accidents in recent years, the update was provided to a meeting of members elected to the Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District on foot of a motion tabled by the chair, Councillor Brendan Fay (Ind).

“The phonecalls keep coming in,” said Cllr Fay of the complaints from road-users.

There was unanimous support for the motion, with Fine Gael's Madeleine Argue noting there had been a “few very near misses”.

Senior engineer for the area, Paul Mulligan, explained that, following previous representations, the council had commissioned a feasibility report regarding installing a turning lane at Drumsillagh specifically. A number of options had been designed and a “brief” sent to TII, formerly the National Roads Authority (NRA).

He said a number of factors had to be examined, including the impact a turning lane would have on “all road users”, including cyclists.

However, TII returned to the council and asked if other turning lanes could be accommodated elsewhere, including at Annagh and Drumcrow.

Mr Mulligan said it was hoped the local authority would be in a position to respond soon, with a view, if funding was available, to carry out the works later this year.

“It all depends on approval,” said Mr Mulligan. “We have to look at other sections in tandem.”