12 April 2001 Edition

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O Caolain urges action on Slane Bridge

The highly dangerous northern approach to Slane Bridge on the N2 National Road was raised by Caoimhghín O Caolain with the Chief Executive of the National Roads Authority (NRA), Michael Tobin, at a special meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment and Local Government last week.

The Sinn Fein TD told the meeting that the accident black spot, which has been the scene of so many injuries and deaths over the years, was not just an issue for people in Co. Meath. He said that it was the concern of all who lived along the entire length of the N2 from Dublin to Monaghan and on its extension into Counties Tyrone, Derry and Donegal. ``As a user of that crossing on a twice-weekly basis I know from personal experience the sense of real danger that drivers feel as they wait to cross from the North to the South side of the River Boyne. Waiting for the light to change is very unnerving as heavy vehicles approach from behind down a very steep slope,'' said O Caolain.

He urged the NRA to take remedial action before there are further fatalities. ``This is a demand from all who must use this route'' said the Cavan/Monaghan TD, who was supported in his call by Meath TD John Bruton.

Michael Tobin of the NRA said that safety experts and consultants had been asked to look at what immediate measures could be taken to lower the risks at Slane. He expected a report from them in the next three to four weeks. Traffic calming measures were being undertaken on the north side of Slane village.

O Caolain pointed to the fact that much of the Border region and the North West was entirely dependent on the N2 for transport and there was a proliferation of heavy goods vehicles. ``The volumes of traffic and tonnage is a frightening reality for daily users of that road'' and more than simply traffic calming measures were needed.

O Caolain also raised the need for continued progress on the N2 by-passes at Carrickmacross, Castleblayney and Monaghan. He said the upgrading of the N2 route was vital, given the lack of a rail link to and through the region.

The Sinn Fein TD highlighted the failure of the Fianna Fail-led coalition to designate the N2 as a key inter-urban route, having set the NRA the task of upgrading five named inter-urban routes that link Dublin with Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and to the border beyond Dundalk, serving Belfast, to motorway or high quality dual carriageway standard. î Caol‡in said the communities of Meath, Monaghan, Tyrone, Derry and Donegal had at least as valid a case for inclusion in this list as any of those named. He argued that the North West, wholly dependant on the road system for goods carriage and transport generally, was ignored in this critical respect by the government's National Development Plan.


Call for N4 motorway status



Sligo County Council have adopted at their April monthly meeting a motion calling for the N4 between Mullingar to Sligo to be upgraded to motorway standard as part of the National Development Plan.

Sinn Fein Alderman Sean MacManus, who proposed the motion, said ``the creation of an efficient and modern infrastructure throughout the north west is essential if we are to counter and reverse the current economic imbalance which exists between the East and West coasts. We all know that manufacturers will not locate in this region if the infrastructure is not in place. This means having roads that are of a sufficiently high standard and that are capable of servicing the north west. ``

He added: ``While improvements have taken place on the N4, much of it remains unacceptable for a national route and it is long past time for this part of the N4 to be upgraded to motorway standard.''

MacManus also added his support for the campaign to have the R280 between Carrick and Kinlough upgraded, claiming that ``the upgrading of this route is essential to creating an efficient infrastructure within County Leitrim itself. The upgrading of the N4, the R280 and the creation of an East-West motorway from Sligo to Dundalk are all an essential part of developing this region, creating the necessary infrastructure required to attract industry and ensuring the development of the north west in general. The government cannot claim that they do not have the money to carry out such projects, considering the massive finance they have at their disposal in recent years.''

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