’We can’t expect every accident to be recorded before we act’ - Warning over Glenswilly junction - Donegal Daily

A Donegal councillor has warned that someone could be seriously hurt at a busy Glenswilly junction unless safety measures are introduced.Local councillor Donal...

A Donegal councillor has warned that someone could be seriously hurt at a busy Glenswilly junction unless safety measures are introduced.

Local councillor Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly said concerns over Barrack Crossroads on the R250 have been raised with him “time and time again”, with a dangerous dip in the road, overtaking and poor visibility all adding to the risk.

Speaking at the October Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, Cllr Kelly described it as one of the busiest junctions onto the R250, serving St Columba's Church and a nearby crèche, with particularly heavy traffic at weekends.

He said the dip in the road creates serious visibility problems.

“Cars can’t see people coming in or out of the junction and they are overtaking,” he said.

“At times you have to veer into a hedge to miss people overtaking.”

The junction is already included on the Municipal District’s priority list for large Low-Cost Accident Schemes, which can provide funding of up to €200,000.

However, the schemes are ranked according to recorded incidents and Cllr Kelly was told that Barrack Crossroads has not yet ranked highly enough to receive funding.

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Cllr Kelly said he was aware of numerous accidents at the junction, but not all may have been officially recorded, including one he was aware of as recently as last week.

"We can't expect every accident to be recorded before we act," Cllr Kelly.

Cllr Kelly said he would welcome urgent measures, even temporary flashing warning signs, rather than waiting for further accidents to occur.

Roads Engineer David McIlwaine said the prioritisation system is set by the Department of Transport and is outside the control of the Municipal District, but said the concerns would be forwarded.

Cllr Kelly said he would even support the return of a speed van which previously operated near the dip.

He said that calling for such a measure might not be well received, but it would be a necessary step in the interests of safety.

“The safety concerns are that serious at that junction that I would be happy to see a speed van back at it,” he said.

“If tickets started to be dished out, it would be me the finger would be pointed at.

"But if it is what it takes to save a life, I would be happy to take the blame.”