The Head of Roads and Transportation, Mr. Eugene Dwyer presented a report on the Road Traffic (Special Speed Limits Regional & Local Roads) Bye-Laws 2019 that were prepared in accordance with Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 including statutory public consultation in 2016. In 2018 the County Roscommon Road Traffic (Special Speed Limit Housing Estates) Bye-Laws were adopted with the introduction of 30km/hr speed limits in housing estates. The default speed limit on regional and local roads is 80km/hr and can only be changed by making special speed limit bye-laws which are now for the members to consider as per the maps and scheduled as outlined.

The Members welcomed the proposals but raised the following issues:

·         It is disappointing that there has been no progress with the TII in respect of introducing periodical speed limits outside schools on the National Primary roads

·         Has there been any progress with the TII with regard to ongoing issues on the N61 including speeding and volumes of traffic?

·         There is an ongoing issue all around the county with regard to speeding on local roads and accepting personal responsibility by drivers, and enforcement by the Gardaí, perhaps the Council can highlight this problem. Flashing signs to warn about speed have been very successful but if too many are installed they will lose their effectiveness.

·         Can the road diversions on the N60 at Oran be more extensively highlighted?

·         When will the infrastructure for the new signs be installed?

·         Can funding be ring-fenced to install pedestrian crossings/ traffic management initiatives on the N5 in Tulsk, Tarmonbarry and Strokestown?

·         Issue with speeding in Mount Talbot on the N61

·         Can the speed limit be extended from Four Roads to Curraghboy?

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Crosby that the traffic management system on the N5 through of Tulsk, Strokestown and Tarmonbarry be prioritised.

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Naughten that a meeting with the TII be sought within one month to finalise the speed limit issues

In response to the issues raised, Mr. Dwyer confirmed he will seek a final response from the TII with regard to the speed limits on the National Primary Roads in question and other outstanding issues including the N61 where they agreed in 2017 to assess. It is hoped to have the signage in place by February 2020. A pedestrian count will have to be done in the villages on the N5 but the minimum requirement for a crossing in 100 pedestrians and 1,000 vehicles per hour.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

                SECONDED by Cllr. Leyden

It was AGREED to adopt the County Roscommon Road Traffic (Special Speed Limits Regional & Local Roads) Bye-Laws 2019