Call for "urgent review" of Moate speed ramp

A speed ramp in Moate with “little or no overhead lighting” was the subject of discussion at the January meeting of Athlone Moate Municipal District which heard calls for an urgent review of the “location, lighting and warning signage” of the ramp.

The ramp in question is located at Newtown Corner in Moate, and the issue was raised by local Fianna Fail councillor for the area, Vinny McCormack. “I know the response from the council states that there have been no reports of accidents at this corner, but I can categorically say here today that there have been a lot of near misses,” he claimed.

Cllr McCormack said an urgent review of the entire area at Newtown Corner is required and he referenced the presence of railings which can cause confusion for drivers. “Between the speed ramp, the railings and the distance to the junction, this is a very dangerous location,” he added.

Cllr Tom Farrell strongly supported the motion from Cllr McCormack calling for an urgent review of Newtown Corner. District Engineer Willie Ryan pointed out that there is “a raised zebra crossing” at this location. “I think junction tightening is the order of the day here,” he said, adding that he would arrange a meeting with Cllr McCormack at the junction in question “to see what options are available”.

The written response from the council executive pointed out that the District office “is not aware of any reports of accidents” at the location, and as such, they requested that additional details of the nature of the concerns expressed by Cllr McCormack be provided to them.

“Thereafter a site visit can be arranged, and any action/corrective action can be considered, if necessary, if a suitable funding source can be identified,” said the response.