Traffic management plan sought for Portlick

A Fine Gael member of Athlone Moate Municipal District was told at the January meeting that all the approach roads into the scenic South Westmeath area of Portlick are “within a 60mph zone” so no traffic approaching the area should be travelling at speed.

“Well, if there wasn't a problem with speeding in Portlick I wouldn't have to put down this motion at all,” replied Cllr John Dolan, in response to the remarks made by District Manager, Annie Blessington.

Cllr Dolan tabled a motion calling on the municipal district of Westmeath County Council to implement a traffic management plan for Portlick, including ramps, parking and “any other measures needed to improve safety” in the area, and told the meeting that it is “an extremely busy area” in the summer with widespread flouting of the traffic rules.

“Has there ever been a speed survey carried out in Portlick?” asked Cllr Dolan, “because that would be the first thing I would be seeking so that we can get some hard data and maybe be could look at speed ramps and signage after that."

The District Manager said a “very good plan” has been put in place for Portlick, and funding has been secured for “some aspects” of it. She added that the district could look at putting additional signage in place to make people aware of the speed limits in the area, but she said this would “depend on funding.”

Cllr Dolan received unanimous support from his council colleagues for his motion and the written response from the council executive stated that all proposed traffic management improvements for Portlick - including speed ramps, enhanced parking provisions, and additional safety measures - will be implemented “in accordance with the Portlick Biodiversity and Amenity Enhancement Masterplan subject to securing appropriate funding.”