Headford Road safety works won’t go far enough

ROAD safety works are set to be carried out next year on the N84 around the Cloughanover Junction.

The works will include additional signage, updated road markings and improved sightlines at the junction, but are still subject to approval from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

Galway County Council Cathaoirleach Andrew Reddington said while he is happy to see works on the way, he is concerned they are not going far enough.

“Over the past four weeks, there have been four serious accidents at this junction. It is good news the council’s Road Safety Inspector has assured me they will be carrying out overlay works, but I think more is needed,” warned Cllr Reddington.

“I think everyone will be disappointed that the works won’t include implementing a right turning lane. People have been desperately asking for that. But at least the works will be backed up by the upcoming reduction in the speed limit from 100km to 80km. That will help massively.”

The Headford and District Association have already meet with Oireachtas members from Galway about the road, having become concerned over the number of accidents occurring in the area.

Cllr Reddington is disappointed by the lack of support from the TII.

“You have 12,000 cars booming through Headford on this road every day as it connects parts of Co Galway and Mayo to Galway City. Yet the TII has done nothing to help make the road safer in years,” added the Fine Gael councillor.

“They have been looking for data recently on road accidents before proceeding with anything. It is disappointing that they are needed to get funding for safety works.

“But what the council is planning to do is at least a starting point. It is a positive development,” he concluded.