Tag Archives: roads

WITH quite a number of road deaths since the beginning of the new year, new research from AA Ireland has revealed that some Irish motorists are still too heavy on the accelerator. In an AA Motor Insurance survey, 21.07% of more than 7,000 admitted that they had broken the speed limit within the past month. Meanwhile, a further 8.76% and 10.13% admitted to speeding within the past 6 months and within the last year respectively. Despite the increase in traffic on Irish roads, there was some positive news as the survey found that over a third of motorists, 35.06%, have never broken the speed limit. However, male drivers were significantly more likely to have broken the speed limit while driving, with just 28.11% stating they had never sped compared to 40.08% of women. Over a quarter of male drivers surveyed admitted to breaking the limit within the past month, almost 8% higher than the number of female motorists who had …

Improper use of fog lights by other road users is a key concern of motorists during the winter period, with over 80% of the opinion that fog lights are under used by other drivers, research by AA Ireland has found. In an AA Motor Insurance Survey of over 9,000 people, 46.75% of those surveyed agreed completely with the claim that the under-use of fog lights would be a major issue during their daily winter commute, while a further 35.86% of motorists surveyed stated that they were somewhat in agreement with this claim. “Remarkably, we get more complaints in to AA Roadwatch about fog lights than almost anything else.” said director of consumer affairs Conor Faughnan.“It really is something that other drivers find annoying. You may be unaware of it while you drive but your rear fog light can be dazzling and distracting for the car behind when foggy conditions improve.” On the opposite end of the spectrum, 34.78% of motorists …

Gardaí have advised motorists to slow down and drive with care as rain, sleet and hail over the past couple of days has led to treacherous road conditions. On Thursday afternoon there were a number of crashes on both the northbound and southbound carriages of the M18 motorway between Crusheen and Gort. The incidents resulted in road closures and diversions. Met Éireann is warning there may be more bad weather to come.

As heavy rain and hail showers are forecast this evening (Tuesday), gardaí have appealed to road users to take extra care and for drivers to always drive at a speed appropriate to the conditions. The heavy rain and hail showers will create potentially hazardous conditions for road users. Road users are advised: • It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. • Heavy hail showers will make roads slippery, increase stopping distances and reduce visibility. • Take special care when driving behind trucks or buses as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility. • Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. • Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt. • Pedestrians should walk on a footpath, and if there is no footpath, walk …

Care County Council could end up with “roads up in the clouds”, if it continues to raise roads affected by flooding, instead of looking at drainage alternatives, a local councillor has claimed. Flood remedial works on the outskirts of Newmarket-on-Fergus have created problems in other areas in the locality, according to Councillor Alan O’Callaghan. Councillor O’Callaghan told  a recent Killaloe Municipal District meeting that in the region of €300,000 was spent on raising a road in Ballycar to facilitate access for a number of houses, which the householders really appreciated. However, he pointed out that this road was still blocked with water 100 yards further on, which resulted in another portion being raised on two successive occasions. “While works needed to be done on these roads, the bigger picture here is drainage. Or are we going to end up with roads up in the clouds? “Eighty percent of the water could be alleviated, if drains and culverts were being opened. …

Ibec Mid-West and Kerry has called on all General Election candidates to support key road projects that will make the region a better place to live, work and do business. Completion of the M20 Cork to Limerick and N69 Foynes to Limerick projects must be prioritised to support job creation and the development of the region’s economy. Ibec Mid-West and Kerry regional director, Sinead Mullins said, “With half a million people living within 10km of the proposed motorway, the crucial M20 Cork-Limerick project needs to be urgently progressed. If delivered, this project can support economic recovery in the entire South-West and Mid-West regions and will underpin the regional contribution to the national economy. All candidates need to publically get behind this vital project which will be a significant advance in developing an effective Atlantic Corridor.” She continued, “The lack of a motorway is damaging connectivity and the competitiveness of the region, while broadening the divide between Dublin and the regions. …

Clare County Council has confirmed that a number of roads have reopened in flood-affected parts of North and Southeast Clare as water levels continue to slowly recede. All roads in Springfield, Clonlara are now passable. The N67 at New Quay has reopened but a number of local primary routes remain flooded in the North Clare area. Meanwhile, Clare County Council has received confirmation from the ESB of its decision to reduce the discharge level at Parteen Weir from 300 cumecs to 265 cumecs.

Over €1 million has been granted to Clare for improvement and maintenance works on roads. Clare County Council will be allocated €220,000 for road improvements and a further €791,657 for road maintenance. This funding is part of an allocation of almost €160 million from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). Nationally, €139.7 million of this will go towards road improvement works, while €20.2 million will go towards essential road maintenance. “According to the Minister for Transport, Paschal Donohoe, this funding represents a base allocation for local authorities that will be supplemented during the year in respect of certain maintenance works, pavement works and safety schemes,” commented Clare TD Pat Breen. “Fine Gael has a plan to keep the economic recovery going and ensure that we continue to have more resources to invest in better services and infrastructure like roads. The Government’s capital Investment Plan 2016-2022, allocates €6 billion for transport, which includes €4.4 billion, for the maintenance and renewal of the road …