SOCIAL Democrats councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara proposed that the Council carries out a speed survey in Fort Mary Park, between the Ennis Road and the North Circular Road, to tackle speeding.
Speaking at the recent Metropolitan District meeting, Cllr Hickey-O’Mara considered this a “first step” in addressing residents’ regular reports of speeding on the road and its use as a “rat run”.
The City North representative explained that he has received many contacts from Fort Mary Park residents about speeding on this road since he was first elected.
“It’s the community’s major concern,” he told the Council executive.
“I know that calling for traffic calming measures needs to be evidence-based so I am asking for a speed survey to be carried out on this road. When it has been completed and we have the results of the survey, then we can make a stronger case for traffic calming measures to be considered.”
According to Cllr Hickey-O’Mara, the Fort Mary Park area is known as a “rat run” as it is often used as a cut-through for motorists trying to avoid traffic on the Ennis Road and surrounding areas.
“It’s an extremely narrow road and, due to so many cars being parked on the road, and the uniquely narrow nature of the footpath in places, it’s an area where motorists are required to go slowly.
Unfortunately, as reported by residents, this isn’t happening,” he told the meeting.
“The area is also one with a number of primary and secondary schools, and it’s a wonder that no pedestrians or cyclists have been hurt. With the long-planned road resurfacing in the offing, this may be the opportune time to consider the implementation of traffic calming measures but first we need to have the data to back this up.”
In response, the Council said that arrangements will be put in place to undertake a speed survey in this area, adding: “It is noted, however, that there are currently three existing sets of ramps, evenly spaced, along this stretch of road. The section of road experiences significant on street parking, combined with a relatively narrow carriageway, which already contributes to reduced vehicle speeds.”