New action group protests over roundabout dangers

A public meeting will be held in Dunshaughlin at the end of the month to launch a newly formed action group, the 'M3 Roundabouts Action Group', which plans to highlight the dangers that the new roundabouts connecting villages and townlands to the motorway pose for pedestrians and cyclists. Spokesperson for the action group, Anne Tuite from Dunshaughlin, said the new roundabouts have been constructed in such a way that all road-users, including pedestrians and cyclists, are forced to use the same lane. There is no hard shoulder, pathway or demarcation to provide any form of protection for weaker road-users such as schoolchildren, parents with pushchairs, cyclists and wheelchair users. Cars and trucks leaving the motorway will suddenly be confronted with pedestrians, cyclists and slow traffic on the roundabout - and this will inevitably lead to dangerous situations and accidents. she predicted. Although the action group was established only recently, there have been calls for change before. In the past few years, individual residents, local groups and local politicians have brought the issue to the attention of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey. "It appears that no-one is prepared to take the issue seriously, assume responsibility or discuss the problem in any meaningful way," Anne Tuite added. "If we do not take action now, it could well be too late - and lives may be lost." The M3 Roundabouts Action Group believes that there are many reasons to tackle the problem. Apart from the safety of residents and visitors, there are health and environmental considerations, as well. Even the economy may be negatively affected. Anne Tuite explained: "Walking and cycling have many benefits: they are healthy, save fuel and reduce congestion. Our Government has a policy that clearly states it is committed to promoting a culture of cycling and walking in Ireland and aims for 200,000 people to switch to these modes of transport by 2020. These new roundabouts pose a significant obstacle - that was not there before - for walkers and cyclists and therefore are in direct contravention of the government's own policies. However, the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, appears to not have the will to change the situation." She said that at a time when visitor numbers are declining, it is important to attract visitors from the eurozone. "We note that the Irish Tourist Board promotes cycling holidays in Ireland. We wonder how European tourists will cope on the roundabouts. EU money has been used to part-fund the M3 project, a project in which the Irish Government appears to completely ignore the health and safety of its citizens. The public meeting will take place on Monday 26th April in Dunshaughlin Community Centre.