Longford junction safe after 25 years

Upgrade works have been carried out on a junction in Ballinalee - described as one of the most dangerous in the county - to improve visibility and safety. 

A meeting of Granard Municipal District recently heard that the first phase of works on Doherty’s Cross had been completed, with plans for phase two anticipated for next year. 

The cross, which has been the site of numerous incidents and accidents for the last 25 years, was made safer through ditch removal works which in turn, helped increase visibility for road users. 

Ballinalee's Councillor Colin Dalton - who for years had been calling for improvements to the safety of the junction - complimented the council for the work undertaken to date and thanked the local landowners who “came on board and gave their ditches and land” so the council could make the cross safer. 

Cllr Dalton said the work completed so far was impressive, adding that it would  help make the cross safer and cut back on accidents prior to phase two hopefully commencing next year. 

Addressing the council during the meeting, Cllr David Cassidy also acknowledged the “great work” carried out on Doherty's Cross and asked if VMS (Variable Message Sign) boards were going to be installed on the Drumlish and Edgeworthstown sides of the road  or if there were plans to do so. 

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In response, Senior Executive Engineer for the Granard Municipal District, David  Coppinger, said the council had  considered it but ultimately decided against it as it was felt they wouldn't have the desired impact at the time. 

Speaking following the meeting, Councillor Dalton told the Longford Leader afterwards of his relief that phase one was now complete. 

Said the councillor, “It's something that I’ve been working on for the last five or six years so I’m very thankful to the landowners and to Longford County Council for their cooperation on this as it would've been an issue for the last 20 years. 

“It's a huge relief to get it done. There’s been accidents at this junction for 25 years, but now thanks to the low cost safety scheme, work has been done on it.” 

Cllr David Cassidy also extended his thanks to the landowners, stating, “I commend John Doherty and Tom Connell on being so forthcoming with land so these works could be carried out. 

“I dealt with John personally on the works on the Drumlish side of Doherty's Cross so I'm very happy and pleased he was agreeable to it.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme