Cllr. J Naughten expressed his disappointment in relation to the response/assessments in regards to speed on the old Tuam Rd., Monksland.  He said speed ramps are required to address the issue immediately.

Cllr. J Naughten also raised the issue of the absence of bus shelters at bus stops on the old Tuam Rd., he drew particular attention to the bus stop outside the Civic Centre as winter is approaching.

Cllr. J Keogh said it is over a year since the petition from residents from the old Tuam Road was submitted and urgent action is required. He asked for an update in relation to the Safety Audit.  Cllr J Keogh suggested Speed Ramp, Pedestrian Crossings, Traffic Lights as possible means to slow down traffic.

Cllr. L Fallon brought up the increase in water levels at Lough Funshinagh, the OPW’s refusal to meet with the Elected Members.  The issue is ongoing since 2016 and the situation is deteriorating.   The installation of an overflow pipe would mitigate the flooding. The Environment in and around the Lough is now destroyed. Action needs to be taken.

Cllr. T Ward also received representation in relation to speed on the old Tuam Rd.  However, he did not support the installation of speed ramps and suggested a Garda presence and better signage will slow down the traffic.

Cllr. T Ward proposed to writing to the Superintendent in relation to the speed on old Tuam Rd, as the road is for residential use not a through road.

Cllr. T Ward supported Cllr J Naughten in relation to Bus Shelters and proposed writing to Bus Eireann in relation to the situation.

Cllr. T Ward supported Cllr L Fallon in relation to Lough Funshinagh, he said that he had raised this issue a number of times in the past.  The water levels are rising which is creating a major problem. There has been no answer as to the correct depth of the overflow pipe. He called on the Director of Services Liam Bergin, to come back with an answer as this issue won’t go away.

Cllr. I Connaughton asked the following in relation to Lough Funshinagh:

• Was funding offered previously when Boxer Moran was Minister of State with responsibility for Office of Public Works?
• What is the cost to date in relation to reports, pumps, and flood alleviation measures?
• Was there recent correspondence from the OPW in relation to Lough Funshinagh?

Paul Browne A/MD Co-Ordinator stated that ORS were engaged to prepare a Stage 3, Safety Audit, of the Old Tuam Road.  Two speed checks were carried out along the route by means of the existing Speed Activated Signage on the route.

The recommend short term solution is to install road markings with the speed limit, regulatory signs and road markings at 2 Bus stops.

A Letter was sent to the Superintendent over the Athlone District in relation to the old Tuam Road a reply was received and will be read out during the correspondence item.

In relation to Bus Shelters he is to meet with NTA on site with John Mockler Senior Engineer, Roads Section.

With regards to Lough Funshinagh there is no further up date from what was stated at the MD meeting held on the 15^th September 2020. Shane Tiernan DOS may be bringing this matter to next Plenary Meeting.

Cllr J Keogh thanked Paul Browne for updates, agreed with Cllr J Naughten flashing speed signs have not addressed the issue and had little impact.  Some form of speed reduction needed Rumble strips, ramps etc. There were fatalities previously on this road, which is a big concern for the local residents.

Cllr T Ward stated that 45 families are affected by flooding at Lough Funshinagh, resulting in significantly reduced farm payment. The Minister for Environment should visit Lough Funshinagh to see the situation first hand.