Sinn Féin TD for Meath East, Darren O’Rourke, says the onus is on Meath County Council to advance much-need road safety and traffic calming works at Carlanstown. Deputy O’Rourke raised the issue of the works in the Dáil last week and in written correspondence with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). Both the Minister for Transport and TII said they were waiting for a Feasibility and Options Report from Meath County Council before any works could be considered. Speaking today, Teachta O’Rourke said “Traffic-calming measures are desperately needed in Carlanstown. That’s without doubt. “There had been some public commentary that the roads authority, TII, were the immediate barrier to works happening and, following a recent protest in the village, I committed to finding out more.
“Through direct correspondence with them, I have been informed that TII has identified issues relating to vulnerable road users in Carlanstown village, through their Road Safety Inspection process, and are ‘happy to fund improvement works’ subject to funding availability at the time of the request. They go on to say that they ‘cannot provide funding prior to receiving a Feasibility and Options Report from Meath County Council, which to date, the Council has not provided’.
Darren O’Rourke TD
“This position was echoed when I raised the issue by way of Topical Issue debate in the Dáil. In their response on behalf of the Minister for Transport, I was told that Meath County Council is considering developing a scheme in Carlanstown relating to road safety improvements for vulnerable road users but that ‘no Feasibility and Options Report has yet been drafted by the relevant local authority’.
“It is useful to have clarity on this important matter. The position is now clear. Meath County Council need to prepare a Feasibility and Options Report for road safety and traffic calming works at Carlanstown and they need to submit it to TII.
Cllr Gallagher
“The issue of funding will arise at that stage, but TII have said they are ‘happy to fund improvement works’. Similarly, in the Dáil and on behalf of the Minister for Transport, I was told; ‘There is funding available. It is down to the Feasibility and Options report by the local authority…’.
“I welcome the clarity on this issue. Along with my colleague, Cllr. Michael Gallagher, I will take this matter up with Meath County Council again. They should prioritise the preparation and submission of the Feasibility and Options Report for Carlanstown. At that stage we can hold the Minister and TII to their commitment for funding. These road safety works are desperately needed. We all need to play our part to make sure they happen as quickly as possible.”
