Council asks ‘what is the point of Shane Ross?’ at meeting
MINISTER for Transport Shane Ross came in for some criticism in the council chambers last week, following his reply in relation to the upgrading of speed limits on the N11.
Since the opening of the new M11 Enniscorthy bypass, a source of major frustration for motorists has been the downgrading of the roads between Scurlock-bush (north of Oylegate) and Enniscorthy, Enniscorthy and Ferns and Camolin to Clogh to 80km/h. Considered good wide roads, they had previously been listed in the 100km/h limit, but as a result of the opening of the new road, the speed limit was decreased by 20km/h much to the annoyance of locals.
At last month’s council meeting, the members unanimously voted in favour of the speed limits being returned to 100km/h and a letter was drafted to Minister Ross on the matter.
In his reply, Minister Ross said that it was a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and he would forward the correspondence for their attention. It was a response that didn’t impress Cllr Malcolm Byrne.
‘His response seems to be a real “pass the buck” exercise,’ he said. ‘Minister Ross is happy enough to turn up and get his head in for photo opportunities, but whenever there’s an issue like this that needs his attention he simply says it’s a matter for TII. What is the point in having a Minister for Transport?’
When Cllr Byrne suggested that a letter be drafted expressing these sentiments, there were some mumbles from around the chamber that a letter should be drafted asking “what is the point of Shane Ross?” full stop.
This garnered some laughter in the council chamber, however, it only sought to mask the members frustrations over the N11 speed limits issue.