One-way traffic system would facilitate path to Navan cemetery - Fennessy

The dangers faced by pedestrians walking to Navan's St Finian's cemetery has led to calls for the provision of a footpath from the town to the cemetery.

This could be done if the council considered reducing the old Athboy Road, from Mullaghboy to Boyerstown, to a one-way system in order to create the space for a footpath, according to Cllr Edward Fennessy.

He called for the provision a footpath with adequate public lighting from Mullaghboy to St Finian’s Cemetery to provide safe passage to pedestrians.

“There is a genuine concern out there for the safety of pedestrians accessing the cemetery and it is beyond time that a proper plan was put in place to address those concerns.

Cllr Fennessy was told Meath County Council has no current plans for the installation of a footpath from Mullaghboy to St Finian’s Cemetery.

The approximate distance is 1km and any works would need to include road drainage and public lighting, so the costs would be significant.

He was told that if project finance could be realised for a footpath, the council's transportation section would examine the requirement or need for the imposition of traffic restrictions, or a one way system, as part of the planning process.

Meanwhile, a call for the provision of yellow box at the entrance to the disability respite centre in Clogherboy, has been made by Cllr Edward Fennessy.

He said it would provide motorists with a safe entrance and exit from the centre on the Commons Road.

“I was contacted by staff members from the Disability Respite Centre in Clogherboy recently who highlighted traffic congestion problems in the area and the difficulties faced by service drivers attempting to exit the centre.

“They asked me to request the installation of a yellow box outside the centre in the hope that this would make transportation of service users a little easier.

Cllr Fennessy was told that the council’s Transportation Section will assess the location to determine if additional road markings are required. The national rules and regulations governing the use of road markings and signage on public roads are very specific and would have to be adhered to in order to be both legal and useful.

“I’m happy with council’s response, they’ve committed to assessing the problem and if deemed necessary the installation of a yellow box at the entrance. All going well I’m hopeful the box could be installed by late summer or early autumn. I thank the council for listening to the concerns of staff at the centre.”