Quicker action sought on Ballinahown and Glasson traffic calming

Urgent calls have been made for stronger traffic calming measures in the villages of Ballinahown and Glasson, as members pressed for faster timelines to address ongoing safety concerns.

The motion was raised at the February meeting of Athlone Moate Municipal District, with Cllr John Dolan asking that "appropriate action, with signage, ramps and other measures" be taken "to deal with speed in the villages of Ballinahown and Glasson".

"Both villages have been identified as speed zones, and there has been fatalities in both - that's the reality," Cllr Dolan said. "I want definite timelines for both Glasson and Ballinahown. TII are looking for us to come to them with a plan, and we haven't delivered our part.

In a written response, the council said its Transportation Department continued to liaise with TII with a view to prioritising traffic calming schemes in towns and villages located on the national road network across the county. It said it was the hope to "commence a feasibility and options report for Ballinahown Village and Glasson Village later in 2026".

In response, Cllr Dolan said: "I'm a bit disappointed that we're on about having a feasibility study in later 2026, and I'm asking that it could be in earlier 2026. At the moment, we're looking at 2027 until anything is done. I feel that we're actually failing the people, people are looking to us to deliver a solution to issues in those two villages."

The motion received the support of the members.

Cllr Frankie Keena noted that he met with the engineer in Glasson in January, and road resurfacing works are due to begin "very shortly". The pedestrian crossing ramps will also be raised in the coming weeks, he noted.

"It is hoped that they will do extra things. It is urgent, and these issues need to be resolved," he said.

Cllr Paul Hogan shared his support for the motion as a matter of urgency, noting that Glasson is part of the main North to South connector route.

"There is significant work being carried out in both villages at the minute, but there is a significant risk in both villages at the minute as well," he said.

"It's about the safety of all road users. I think in terms of a timeline, rather than later in 2026, we need something more focused."

Cllr John Gibbons added that both villages have "very hardworking community groups" and the council need to provide assistance in making both Glasson and Ballinahown "a better place to live".

"They are both very busy roads there, and advancements should be made on that as soon as possible," he said.

In response, District Manager Jackie Finney said it is "clear to everybody that something has to be done".

"In terms of possible funding and discussions with TII, they are open to it, and there is a commitment about a timeline for this year.

"I'd like to the acknowledge the work that does need to be done in both those villages to make them safer, and it's just about getting the work done really."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme