The following Notice of Motion and reply was read by Breeda Burke into the record.

Notice of Motion from Councillor Leyden – 1/21

“That Roscommon Municipal District supports the introduction of speed limits of 30 k.m. in Roscommon town to replace the 50 k.m. limit to improve conditions and ultimately make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists within the town boundary and that this proposal would inform the Roscommon Town Approaches and Movement Study and that the study would include the provision of additional pedestrian crossings at locations including St. Teresa’s Road, Lisnamult linking the Galway Road (N63) to the rest of the town for pedestrian safety and include a full assessment to identify locations that require improved pedestrian infrastructure”. 

REPLY

The introduction of a blanket 30km/hr speed limit in Roscommon Town is contrary to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport “Guidelines for setting and managing speed limits in Ireland”.   In addition to the above, the introduction of a 30km/hr speed limit on our National Roads in and around the Town of Roscommon would require consultation and approval from the TII.  Roscommon County Council has proactively introduced a 30km/h speed limit within housing estates and residential areas within Roscommon Town.  With regard to the Roscommon Town Approaches and Movement Study both pedestrians and cyclists have been considered within the study area. A draft study will be brought to the Roscommon MD for feedback before final publication. At that stage Councillor’s will have the opportunity to outline their concerns and observations. 

Cllr. Leyden stressed the need for public consultation regarding the study that is being undertaken. She referred to various areas of Roscommon town such as Antogher road, The Walk and Henry Street all of which are residential areas that merit a 30 km/hr speed limit similar to the housing estates in Roscommon town.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Leyden

            SECONDED by Councillor McDermott

It was AGREED that public consultation be built into the process regarding the Roscommon Town Approaches and Movement Study.  

It was further AGREED to write to the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan T.D. to request that the “Guidelines for setting and managing speed limits 2015” be amended to reflect the need for reduced speed limits in the spirit of the governments smarter travel initiatives so that it is safer for road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. This would make it easier for all people to move around our towns and villages and that our vision of smarter travel is incorporated into such guidelines.

It was AGREED that an additional pedestrian crossing be provided at St. Teresa’s road, Lisnamult linking the N63 Galway road to the rest of the town for pedestrian safety.  It was also AGREED that other locations requiring improved pedestrian infrastructure be identified as part of the full assessment being carried out. 

The Members all supported the Notice of Motion and discussed the merits of lowering the speed limits around the town of Roscommon. 

Cllr. Waldron stated that he spoke with the TII and requested more flashing speed signs in County Roscommon.  Cllr. Waldron is of the opinion that the flashing signs slow people down but the TII, from their surveys are not of the same opinion.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Waldron

            SECONDED by Councillor Dineen

It was AGREED that there should be more flashing speed signs in County Roscommon.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Dineen

              SECONDED by Councillor Leyden

It was AGREED to write to the TII to request more flashing speed signs in County Roscommon.  Cllr. Leyden also requested that we emphasise the point of the original motion, the need to reduce the speed limit in residential areas that are still 50km/hr to 30km/hr making our towns and villages conducive for living in.