Clarity required on pedestrian safety for Charleville town
CHARLEVILLE Community Forum will facilitate a public meeting in Charleville Park Hotel on Monday 29th of January at 7.30pm and chairperson Evelyn O’Keeffe relates the format for the meeting, which is open to the public:
“We have invited all three Cork North West TDs, all four Kanturk LEA councillors, a rep from the road haulage, a rep from Cork County Council, a rep from the TII and a rep from the OPW. We will give the above representatives an opportunity to talk to the community on the above issue. The format of the meeting is for community engagement on the road safety measures which are, or are not, going ahead.
Press releases from the Council and the local Councillors press statements appear to have confused people. We want clarity and information from our local authorities and locally elected officials. Unfortunately, not much has happened in improving safety measures in Charleville, since we hosted our last public meeting in May 2023, followed by a peaceful protest in June. As you enter Charleville town from the northern and southern side, you will notice electronic signs in place now for several months, urging drivers to look out for pedestrians. Many people ask; why are there not electronic speed limit signs? to remind drivers to slow down.
On the main street, there are small signs located high up on poles, encouraging pedestrians to use the pedestrian crossings. Anybody would get the impression pedestrians are the problem; when, in reality there are over 14,000 vehicles passing through Charleville on a daily basis, with Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVS) accounting for a large number of that total. Increasing traffic and increasing population heightens the risk for pedestrians. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have agreed to fund traffic calming measures on the main street.
Many people are very disappointed, that these works haven’t commenced; and are dismayed by the delay and lack of action regarding the ring road for the town.
However, table top ramps won’t take one HGV off the Main Street. For anyone driving through Charleville town, they know what it’s like to be stuck in traffic.
On daily radio traffic reports, Charleville is mentioned regularly as having traffic delays. There is a very serious aspect to this, regarding everyone’s health and the environment. Just think of the amount of carbon monoxide and nitrogen monoxide inhaled by the public in Charleville town, on a daily basis.
Everyone wants to see the large amount of HGVs removed from driving through the Main street. This is also the wish of many of the drivers of the Heavy Goods Vehicles, who have the frustration of driving through the Main Street of Charleville.
As the two pedestrian fatalities in 2023 involving HGVs brings the total to 10 in as many years, everyone can sense the fear particularly in relation to High Goods Vehicles.”
Charleville Community Forum Chairperson Evelyn O’Keeffe outlined the urgent need for better engagement from Cork County Council and to the local community:
“We are hearing one announcement after the other for many years now, with no action in terms of HGVs traffic reduction on the Main Street. Cork County council recently announced another feasibility study for a ring road, we are all aware how long that takes. This meeting will give everyone who is impacted by the traffic situation in Charleville an opportunity to hear what is happening or not happening regarding the traffic situation in Charleville. Rumours are only adding to people’s stress and anxiety regarding this issue.”
Evelyn concluded by saying: “Charleville Community Forum are committed to, representing the community in such a serious issue for everyone, and that is securing a suitable ring road for Charleville, an overall pedestrian-friendly town for everyone to enjoy”.