Local election candidate calls for traffic calming measures in Offaly village

LOCAL election Independent candidate Jonathan O’Meara has called on Offaly County Council to install traffic calming measures through the village of Shannon Harbour.

The Shannon Harbour village located close to the banks of the Grand Canal is one of the most picturesque villages in county Offaly and attracts droves of visitors to the area in the summer months.

“There has been a huge issue with motorists speeding through the village and it is only a matter of time before there is going to be a serious incident. I have spoken to some of the residents of Shannon Harbour and they agree that urgent work needs to be carried out by the local authority in terms of health and safety for pedestrians.

“Speeding cars are putting the lives of children and adults at risk. The calming of the traffic speeding on the road from Banagher into the village should be an urgent priority for the County Council before a serious accident occurs. Deputy Nolan and myself have raised the matter with the council last October but no work has yet been carried out.

“I am also aware that the orange flashing light at the pedestrian crossing that is located outside the busy local public house has not been working for some time. This is the only designated pedestrian crossing in the village and for it to be left in a state of disrepair for so long is a scandal,” he added.

“Local families who decide to have their Sunday lunch in the local pub and want to visit the playground afterwards have to contend with a pedestrian crossing that is not functioning effectively.

“The community and the visitors deserve and expect better basic services particularly now when the last section of the Grand Canal Greenway into Shannon Harbour is almost complete,” Mr O'Meara concluded.