Belgooly fights back against speeding motorists

Belgooly residents have pledged to fight back against motorists breaking the speed limits in the village.

Plagued by speeding motorists, the Belgooly Residents’ Association Network will host a bingo fundraiser evening in the Huntsman Bar on Friday September 21 at 8pm to pay for traffic calming measures.

The Association Network recently received a green light from Cork County Council to erect driver speed activated signs in the village.

Secured under a scheme administered by Cork County Council, the traffic calming measures are set to cost the local community more than €3,600 to install.

“The cost was a small price to pay to ensure our elderly and younger residents are safe as they access the village at a number of locations, including the popular local walkway and pedestrian crossing,” said Pat O’Regan, chairman of Belgooly Residents Association Network.

Pointing to a recent study by a local secondary student, Charlie O‘Callaghan, which received significant praise as an entry into the BT Young Scientist Exhibition, as well as securing a meeting with former Gardai Commissioner, Noreen O’ Sullivan, on foot of his results, Mr O’ Regan said:

“The average speed of vehicles through the 50km zone in Charlie’s findings was 66.2km, a figure backed up the council’s own figure, which found 64% of all motorists ignoring the legal limit.” Acknowledging the support of the council officials, gardaí and elected representatives in securing a solution to the issue, including obtaining the services of the Gardai Go-Safe van for the village, Mr O’ Regan said: “The erection of the lights is another important step in the process in reducing motorists’ speed in the village.” Calling on the community to support the upcoming fundraiser, Mr O’Regan, thanked Keary’s Nissan, Cork, for sponsoring the bingo evening, with Con O’Leary from Keary’s Nissan remarking they were delighted to be involved.

“Nissan take safety very seriously, and anything that might save a life or serious injury is well worth supporting,” he said.

“It’s a great example of a community coming together to achieve something really tangible.”