Independent Councillor Declan Power has repeated his call for Louth County Council to repair and restore electronic speed signs and flashing beacons that have not been working for over a year.

Speaking at the November County Council meeting following the Annual World Day of Remembrance mass for Road Traffic Victims on Sunday, November 17th, Cllr. Power emphasised the critical importance of these safety measures.

“Each year, my fellow councillors and I attend this mass in the Augustine church in Drogheda and are confronted with the grim reality of road fatalities—152 preventable deaths this year alone,” he said.

“We, as drivers, have a duty to adhere to speed limits, but equally, it is the responsibility of the local authority to ensure that all road safety measures are fully operational.

“Over 12 months have passed since the issue of the electronic speed signs outside Monasterboice Inn, a known accident blackspot where fatalities have occurred, was first raised.

The situation is similar on the Baltray-Termonfeckin road, where electronic speed signs and flashing beacons near a primary school and the soon-to-open playground have been inactive for over eight months. This road is notorious for speeding incidents.

“Donore Road in Drogheda faces the same challenge with non-functioning electronic speed signs. These are just a few examples; I am confident there are more throughout the County. This situation is unacceptable, and I urge Louth County Council to take immediate action to rectify it.”

Cllr. Power called on the Council to conduct a comprehensive audit of all electronic speed signs and flashing beacons in the county, emphasising the inclusion of road line markings such as stop and yield signs that have become nearly invisible in some areas.

“These safety measures were installed to protect both drivers and pedestrians, and it is essential they are operational,” he concluded. 

David Jones, Senior Engineer for Louth County Council, responded by assuring that the Council would review the suggestions and address the issues promptly.