Meath backs O’Reilly motion for a countywide approach to red ‘SLOW’ road markings

Meath County Council has passed a motion from Cllr Caroline O’Reilly calling for the use of high-visibility red ‘SLOW’ markings to become standard practice at suitable locations across the county. The markings are already in use on some Meath roads, but there is no consistent approach across the municipal districts. The council executive pledged its full support for the motion.

Cllr O’Reilly, Cathaoirleach of Ratoath Municipal District, said, “We already use these markings in parts of Meath. I brought this motion because I want us to agree when and where to use them across the whole county, whether that’s in a town, a village or on a rural road.

“If you drive around Kildare, you’ll see what I mean and you will also find them in remote locations. The red goes across the full width of the road with the word ‘SLOW’ on it. It catches your eye and makes you check your speed. It also creates the illusion of a ramp thus slowing people down. Painting a ramp red also helps drivers see it on approach.

“People living near dangerous bends and junctions regularly ask me for ramps because they’re desperate to get drivers to slow down. Where a ramp is needed, I’ll keep pushing for one. In other places, a clear red ‘SLOW’ marking could be a practical, affordable way to remind drivers to ease off. Drivers are responsible for their own speed, and we have a responsibility as a council to do what we can to make our roads safer.”

Cllr O’Reilly asked the council to agree clear criteria, have each municipal district identify its priority roads and set out a programme showing where the markings will go and when.

Councillors back O’Reilly’s motion for a bus shelter on the R147 at Porterstown Lane

 Councillors today passed a motion from Cllr Caroline O’Reilly calling on Meath County Council to provide a bus shelter at the top of Porterstown Lane on the R147 Dunshaughlin
Road. The motion asks the council to consider a simple shelter like those in Kiltale, with a design that would work without an electricity connection.

Cllr O’Reilly said, “When people saw the new bus stop poles going up, they thought they were finally getting a shelter. That excitement was short-lived. The poles are in, but passengers are still standing in the wind and rain. “It’s a remote spot, but it’s a busy stop. I’m glad my colleagues backed the motion. The shelters in Kiltale are a good example of what would work here. Let’s keep it simple. What people need is somewhere dry to wait for the bus.”