Louth County Council pressed to take action

In response to growing concerns over road safety on Chapel Road in Clogherhead, Independent Councillor Declan Power tabled a motion at September’s Drogheda Borough Council meeting urging Louth County Council to prioritise the installation of speed ramps or speed cushions, along with a pedestrian crossing connecting Seantobair to John Kirk Estate, as part of the 2025 road works programme.

Despite the introduction by Louth County Council of gateway speed signage and high-friction coloured markings in 2022, these measures have failed to curb reckless driving, with most drivers blatantly disregarding them. Residents report that Chapel Road has become a notorious hotspot for speeding, particularly at night, with some drivers treating it as if it were a racetrack.

"Residents, including those who live on this road and from three nearby housing estates, have witnessed firsthand the dangerous misuse of this road," said Cllr. Power. "The current measures are simply not working, and it's time for better improved solutions."

“In my opinion, the existing gateway signage would only be effective if equipped with a speed camera or if it allowed for the collection of data to better understand driving behaviours. This data could then better inform for further safety measures. Additionally, the proposed pedestrian crossing would provide a much-needed safety feature, particularly for children and parents walking to school or the elderly crossing the road safely.”

Louth County Council Director of Services, Placemaking and Physical Development David Jones told the meeting: “Further speed monitoring would need to be completed to analyse the effect of such signage/markings in the intervening period and determine whether further measures are justified at this location, and considered as part of the 2025 Roads programme subject to available budget and priorities.”

"This is a preventive measure to avoid further tragedies on our roads. We must act now, rather than react later. With road carnage and fatalities on the rise, the community of Clogherhead is calling for action to ensure the safety of all road users on Chapel Road. Something must be done before another avoidable incident occurs. Doing nothing is not an option, concluded Cllr. Power.