There were no declarations of interest from the Members.

Provision of a Traffic Safety Scheme for Castlerea town to include the creation of two traffic light controlled (signalised) junctions at the Main Street N60/Patrick Street junction, and the Main Street N60/R361 junction with pedestrian crossing facilities at both locations. Provision of new zebra crossings at locations where pedestrian desire lines are currently leading to a high level of uncontrolled street crossings. Upgrade existing pedestrian crossings on Main Street and Patrick Street to current standards and all ancillary works to include footpath improvements, pavement works, traffic signs, road markings, kerbs, street lighting and site clearance works.

Provision of a Traffic Safety Scheme for Castlerea town to include the creation of two traffic light controlled (signalised) junctions at the Main Street N60/Patrick Street junction, and the Main Street N60/R361 junction with pedestrian crossing facilities at both locations. Provision of new zebra crossings at locations where pedestrian desire lines are currently leading to a high level of uncontrolled street crossings. Upgrade existing pedestrian crossings on Main Street and Patrick Street to current standards and all ancillary works to include footpath improvements, pavement works, traffic signs, road markings, kerbs, street lighting and site clearance works.

John Mockler, Senior Engineer outlined the Part 8 procedure as outlined in the Chief Executive’s report as included with the Agenda. The proposed intervention aims to slow down traffic and improve pedestrian safety in Castlerea town. John Mockler read into the record all valid submissions and responses as set out in the Chief Executive’s report.  He stated that the TII are prepared to fund this scheme in the interests of road safety.

A detailed discussion took place and the members raised the following issues:

·         Request for additional off street parking due to the removal of on street parking

·         Request for a town relief bypass road to be looked at as an alternative to this proposal

·         Risk of traffic congestion arising from signalised junctions

·         Concerns regarding the removal of the left turning lane at Hell’s Kitchen

·         Endorsement of proposed pedestrian crossings

·         Concern for how businesses will get deliveries

·         Lack of consideration by the TII for the business community in Castlerea due to the loss of on street parking

·         Requests for the same model as Roscommon town with ample off street parking

John Mockler and John Freeman responded to the issues as raised:

·         The pedestrian crossings and signalised junctions are positive improvements but they take up extra space and as a result parking spaces will be lost

·         The existing car parking spaces are not to any standard at the moment

·         Roscommon County Council are willing to look at the possibility of loading bays but this would remove additional car parking spaces

·         The disability parking being lost at the Old Post Office can be provided elsewhere subject to current standards

·         Provision of off street parking is not a function of the TII and is the responsibility of Roscommon County Council

·         Any potential bypass for Castlerea town would be at least 8 – 10 years away even if the process started immediately

·         There are other car parks around Castlerea town with surplus capacity and this scheme proposes a loss of 20 legitimate car parking spaces

·         Some elements of the proposed scheme are controversial but the proposal aims to improve road safety and make Castlerea town safer for vulnerable road users

·         Acknowledge concerns that people have about this scheme but it is the minimum that is required to address the road safety problem in Castlerea town

·         The remit from the TII was to improve traffic safety in Castlerea town with the junction of St. Patrick’s Street and Main  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.24