Council commitment to address Ballivor safety concerns

Meath County Council has given a commitment to address issues at the pedestrian crossing in Ballivor village after residents raised serious safety concerns before about the crossing.

Locals have been highlighting safety concerns around the pedestrian crossing and an incident where a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle prompted a protest in the village on 30th December to highlight speed and safety issues.

At Friday's meeting of Trim Municipal District, Cllr Noel French raised the issue and said he understood something was to be done with the crossing but reiterated the need for some sort of a raised crossing or a ramp to slow down traffic.

"People are afraid to use the crossing. Yes it might meet engineering standards but it doesn't meet the needs of the local community. A raised crossing or some sort of ramp to slow traffic down in advance of the cross would help solve the problem," he said.

Director of Services Des Foley said correspondence had been circulated to councillors giving a commitment to address the issues at the pedestrian crossing and added that he knew there were other issues with pedestrian crossings in the Trim MD area at schools in particular and that they would be holding a meeting to look at these issues in the Trim MD including traffic calming around schools.

Also at the January meeting of Trim MD, a presentation on the implementation of phase two of the Speed Limit Review was given to councillors.

Phase 2 of the Irish speed limit review focuses on implementing 30 km/h limits in built-up and urban areas, and follows the February 2025 rural road changes. Local authorities will use 'special speed limit bye-laws' rather than a blanket default, with a target for operational implementation by 31st March 2027.

A workshop will be held next month with councillors where the schedule of proposed amendments will be finalised.

Draft bye-laws are expected to be published in June followed by a one month statutory period for public consultation. The proposed timeline will see submissions assessed and bye-laws finalised in July/August with bye-laws to be adopted at the full council meeting in September/October.

During the subsequent discussion, councillors highlighted once again how speeding was the number one issue they get representations on. Cllr Joe Fox argued that without enforcement, the speed limit would not be obeyed and expressed his view that fixed cameras are needed.

Cllr Noel French commented that it was a "waste of time and a waste of effort" and that despite all the work on road safety road deaths had increased last year. He agreed with speed limits being brought down but expressed frustration at the lack of enforcement.