Works to begin this month on 'dangerous' Ballykeeran viewing point
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Safety improvement works at the Ballykeeran viewing point on the N55 outside Athlone are due to begin shortly, after calls from local councillors to address what they described as a dangerous access point to the amenity.
The issue was raised by Cllr Frankie Keena at this month's meeting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District, where councillors welcomed confirmation that improvement works at the site are expected to commence in the coming weeks.
Local authority officials said a detailed design of the planned improvements was being finalised, with €160,000 in funding in place for the project.
The works are set to include "junction enhancements, revised kerbing, signage modifications, boundary treatments, the construction of a new boundary wall to the south of the viewing area, and associated measures to improve visibility and safety at the access onto the N55".
Cllr Keena highlighted what he described as a serious health and safety concern caused by poor visibility for motorists exiting the popular lakeside viewing area onto the N55 (Ballymahon Road).
"A lot of people go out there for relaxation or to enjoy a view of the lake," he said.
"I pulled in there recently, and there were four or five cars ready to come out. I had to turn off the engine and get out to see if anything was coming. The yellow line is right on the edge of the exit, and there's heavy lorries coming up that hill."
Other councillors echoed concerns, describing the exit as intimidating and potentially dangerous.
"It's a much-used area for people to pull in, and to exit it, it's pretty scary at any time. I welcome the works," Cllr John Gibbons said.
Cllr John Dolan said the location posed a particular risk for visitors unfamiliar with the area.
"We're familiar with how dangerous it is, but there would be an awful lot of people that are new to the area who might pull in there," he said.
"They might not realise it's grand to pull into, but it's a different story coming out. It needs a solution ASAP."
Cllr Paul Hogan described the viewing point overlooking Lough Ree as "a fantastic amenity" but said the dangerous exit had been raised repeatedly by councillors over the years.
"It is a fantastic amenity there, looking over the lake, but it's very difficult to get back out of. In terms of the detailed design, it's the first time we're hearing of it.
"We have raised the dangers of that junction continually - it would be nice to be kept informed about it," he said.
District Engineer Willie Ryan confirmed that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has approved funding for the project, with the original allocation increasing from €100,000 to €160,000.
"It's certainly an issue the councillors have raised in the past," Mr Ryan said. "The design is hot off the press, it's just been completed in the last number of weeks. The original receipt of €100,000 has increased to €160,000.
"The scheme is commencing with the setting back of a wall to enhance visibility - those works are imminent. There will be further enhancement works for the safety at the viewing area before the end of the year."
In a written response to councillors, the local authority said it had reached agreement with the adjoining landowner on the necessary land dedication arrangements, while the detailed design and setting-out of works was being finalised.
Construction is expected to begin this month, with the completed scheme expected to significantly improve sightlines and enhance safety for motorists using the popular viewing area.