Cllr Kathleen Shanagher, Chairperson of Economic and Enterprise Development including Roads SPC presented a report to the meeting on “Changes to speed limits on regional and local roads and the introduction of the 30km/ph speed limit in Housing Estates”.

This has been agreed between Elected Members and the Roads Section of Roscommon County Council.  Written approval of the TII is required before Bye-laws can be drawn up for approval by the Elected Members.  TII proposed moving 50km and 60km per hour speed limits closer to towns and villages.  While speed limits were on display for public consultation there were many objections to TII proposals from the public and members.  TII examined the submissions but only made minor amendments.  The Roads Section met with TII and their Consultants but this meeting failed to resolve the matter.  As the Council does not have the authority to introduce new speed limits without the written approval of TII it was agreed by the SPC that the existing speed limits would remain in place on National Roads. 

Eugene Dwyer, Head of Roads informed the meeting that TII want to move speed limits in closer to towns and villages and in some cases the public and Members wanted them moved out.  Without the approval of the TII the Council cannot change speed limits.  The SPC recommended that the existing speed limits remain on National Roads where TII are looking for changes, and approval was sought from Members to apply to TII to make changes.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Dineen

                SECONDED by Councillor Connaughton

It was AGREED to apply to TII seeking their approval to make changes to speed limits.

The following comments were made:

·         Disappointment with TII for not accommodating changes at certain black spot areas, noting in particular an area at Lecarrow and Ballybay School and Church

·         There are areas in the County where the TII do not see a need for changes, however the Road Safety Authority are constantly reminding about road safety.

·         Looking forward to meeting with the TII tomorrow to discuss numerous issues.  

·         TII want to speed up commuter times and have the speed limit at 60kmph throughout the towns and villages including Roscommon Town. 

·         All Members are in favour of 50kmph in the interest of the communities and this is the recommendation that is going forward to the TII.

·          Seek periodic speed limits at Schools such as Cloverhill, Carrick NS West of Ballinlough and Clooneyquinn NS. 

All members thanked Eugene Dwyer and his staff for their response during the recent adverse weather conditions.  Mr. Dwyer was very complimentary of the Outdoor Staff, the General Service Supervisors but in particular the drivers who made themselves available to grit roads on four occasions some nights and once during the day.  He noted that the most dangerous element was the condition of footpaths in the towns and suggested that a review of this should take place.   Members asked if Salt Bins could be provided, but Mr. Dwyer advised that due to insurance purposes this was not possible, but is something that should be considered at National level.