Ramps sought over safety fears
RESIDENTS of housing estates which have been taken charge of by the local authority have been inquiring about purchasing speed ramps.
Cllr Shay Cullen raised the matter at last Monday’s meeting of Wicklow Municipal District after residents contacted him over health and safety concerns regarding children playing in estates where cars are often speeding through.
‘There are speed ramps which you can bolt down and some residents are happy to purchase by them themselves. From an insurance point of view, should we put them down or can the residents put them down?’ asked Cllr Cullen.
District Engineer Kevin Scanlon advised that it would have been easier for the residents to put down the ramps when it was considered a private road rather than after it had been taken charge of by the council, when it became a public road.
Cllr John Snell was aware of at least six estates who installed their own speed ramps between 2009 and 2014, including estates in Barndarrig, Rathnew, Ashford and Kilcoole.
‘Some research was carried out and the tarmac ramps cost €5,000, while the other ones you can bolt down only cost €500. The residents purchased them and applied, through the tenant liaison officer, for an estate management grant. The council fitted them and they have caused no bother in the world and have lasted the test of time,’ said Cllr Snell.