‘A fatality waiting to happen’

O’Rourke says delays making Oberstown Cross junction safer will cost lives

Calls for traffic calming measures at "the Oberstown Cross death trap" have intensified following yet another accident there.

Paul Colgan who was involved in an accident at the cross last Sunday week, said he it was a miracle someone wasn't killed.

"My wife, daughter and I were in the car when we were in a collision with another car.

"I don't know how we came out alive. That junction is a nightmare, it is only a matter of time before someone is killed.

"I travel that road regularly and I have seen two other crashes, but have heard of many more," he said. "Thank God, we are still here, but it is only a matter of time before someone is killed," he warned.

"Something really needs to be done to make the junction safer before there is a fatal accident.

Deputy Darren O'Rourke has called for essential traffic calming works at the cross to proceed as a matter of urgency.

"Oberstown Cross is not 'an accident waiting to happen', it's 'a fatality waiting to happen'. We know the solution, so what's the hold-up?" he asked.

Deputy O'Rourke said the junction will cost lives if action is not taken immediately.

"Oberstown Cross is a death trap. The number of serious collisions at the junction is very, very concerning. Everyone knows that enhanced traffic calming measures are needed, but they've known that for years and, still nothing happens. It is completely reckless on behalf of the responsible authorities."

"The Council has carried out some works to provide additional warning for road users approaching the junction including liaison with landowners with regard to cutting of hedges," he said.

"It is the most dangerous road in the county. It's time to stop passing the buck, to address whatever issues are causing the delay and, in the interest of safety, to get this urgent matter resolved."

Deputy O'Rourke called for an end to council dithering. "Delays in making this junction safer will cost lives," he warned. In a response to Deputy O'Rourke, Meath County Council said it is examining the feasibility of installing traffic calming measures at the junction.

"Prior to installation of traffic calming measures, the location and extent of the existing public lighting design would need to be reviewed to accommodate any proposed new measures."

Cllr Joe Bonner, who was so concerned about the junction he held a public meeting last November said he had recently been informed that ramps will be installed at Oberstown Cross to slow down the traffic. This then will become an all stop junction, similar to Curragha Cross.

"I have been raising the issue of Oberstown Cross and safety at Bother Rathfeigh and Skryne National Schools with the council.

The ramps for Oberstown Cross have been ordered and will the bolted down type.

"Extra lighting will be installed in order to comply with the regulations regarding the installation of ramps and trees will be further cut back in agreement with the landowners at the approach to the junction."

He said a traffic speed data survey will be carried out prior to the commencement of the works and after the works are completed and a survey of the traffic at both Rathfeigh and Skryne schools will be carried out.

"Meath Co Council intend to carry out the work as soon as they have the extra lights installed and have delivery of the ramps," Cllr Bonner said.