Moat Road safety infrastructure stalled as TII funding awaited

Funding has not yet been approved to advance pedestrian safety infrastructure at the busy Moat Road/Andy Connolly Roundabout in Navan, councillors were told at last Wednesday's meeting of Navan Municipal District Council.

Cllr Fennessy asked for an update on whether TII had given their approval to the feasibility and options report concerning the pavement/surface rehabilitation and the provision of pedestrian facilities on the N51 at the Moat Road/Andy Connolly Roundabout area and was told that engagement with TII was ongoing on both schemes and subject to funding from TII, it is an objective to deliver both schemes together. However, funding has not yet been approved. Cllr Fennessy said the installation of pedestrian safety infrastructure on the Moat Road is something he has campaigned on for a number of years.

"The council's long-term plan to deliver safety infrastructure on the Moat Road/Andy Connolly Roundabout is to direct pedestrian and cycle traffic towards a new controlled junction near the hospital side.

“A condition of planning granted to the developer who built Bailey Hill was that they would install traffic lights at the junction. The traffic lights were installed over a year ago and it’s not before time, for safety reasons, that a footpath linking the junction with the Mullaghboy Retail Park was constructed.

“People will not use the junction until a footpath has been provided.

“Public transport users, pedestrians, workers and students who access the Navan Retail Park via the Moat Road, on a daily basis, run the risk of serious injury from speeding motorists. Two months ago there was a very serious hit and run incident involving a cyclist and motorist who left the scene. The cyclist, who I know, suffered serious injury including a broken neck. He is lucky to be alive.

“The TII are the roads authority, they have the final say on the installation of roads infrastructure. It is my understanding that the council have compiled the necessary reports to further this request, however, no commitment to funding has been received from TII. Well, that’s just not good enough, TII need to provide the necessary funding before it’s too late.”