Another White Cross at Slane

A new white cross was erected on Mill Hill in Slane on Saturday, the 23rd white cross to be placed on the hill to commemorate those who have died in road accidents in the village.
The latest cross is in memory of pensioner James Gargan, who lost his life last December as he negotiated traffic to cross the N51 in Slane village.
Campaigners for a bypass of Slane undertook the sombre task of mounting the cross at Mill Hill, a notorious accident black spot.
Speaking about last December’s tragedy, spokesperson for the group, Michele Power said; “This tragic accident brought home to residents of the village once again how traffic takes priority over the people who live here”
“Meath County Council and the National Roads Authority have undertaken studies on alternatives to a bypass of Slane and concluded that no alternatives are viable. Therefore, the only logical conclusion that can be drawn, is the solution to Slane’s traffic problems is a new road and bridge for our village.
“We call on Meath County council and our local TDs to use their influence with the Minister for Transport to get this road back into the planning process. We take this opportunity to congratulate Helen McEntee on her recent electoral success and look forward to working with her towards a solution to the unacceptable traffic conditions in Slane”.
Ms Power said they cannot understand what the delay is now these studies have been completed.
“How many more crosses we will have to mount before Slane is bypassed?” she asked. 
Jimmy Gargan was killed in his home village on the same day last December that Meath County Council met with the National Roads Authority to discuss the results of the two studies and the next steps that should be taken for Slane.