Concerns over busy Offaly road raised as speed survey call deemed ‘premature’

Concerns have been raised over pedestrian safety on the N62 near Roscrea, with calls for a speed survey and road safety assessment of the route.

The issue was raised by Independent councillor Shane Lee during a discussion on the Engineer’s Report for 2026 at the April meeting of the Thurles Municipal District.

Cllr Lee said the N62, which runs from the Offaly border into Roscrea, has been a long-standing concern and called for a speed survey and full road safety assessment to be carried out along the route.

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He said the road is “as big as a motorway” in parts due to its width and argued that traffic calming measures are needed in the area.

Councillor Lee also raised concerns about pedestrian safety, saying there is “no safe crossing” for people living and working along the route, including those accessing local businesses, and warned that pedestrians are currently forced to cross a busy national road.

He said it was “time now that we put our shoulder to the wheel” and progress a speed survey and full road safety assessment for the area.

In response, District Engineer Thomas Duffy said the matter forms part of an ongoing national process relating to the classification and review of roads.

He said that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is currently progressing a wider review process, including urban and national routes, and that the N62 will be considered as part of that work.

Mr Duffy said it would be “premature” for the council to carry out a separate speed survey at this stage, adding that any issues on national routes would be addressed through the national review process when it is advanced.

He indicated that the council would engage with TII when the process progresses further and that councillors would be included as part of that engagement.