Concerns over cars speeding through North Cork 'rat run'

Cork County Council may ask gardaí to carry out speed enforcement checks at two industrial parks and adjoining residential areas on the western outskirts of Mallow.

Meanwhile, plans are being made to make it safer for hundreds of schoolchildren to cross one of Mallow’s main roads.

Excessive speeds are being reported in the mornings and evenings on the R638 at Lower Quartertown village into Mallow, which has become a 'rat run', according to Labour councillor Ronan Sheehan.

Mr Sheehan told a meeting of the Kanturk/Mallow Municipal District committee that something has to be done to protect local residents, pedestrians, and cyclists.

MOTORISTS

He claimed motorists are regularly clocking 80km/h in the 60km area, which is so narrow and dangerous the speed limit should be brought down to 50km/h.

Fianna Fáil councillor Pat Hayes said a speed-detector van should be brought in, and that its presence would slow down traffic.

Council engineers said they would carry out speed surveys to determine compliance rates. If these were not satisfactory, they would ask the gardaí to undertake enforcement measures.

Meanwhile, Mr Hayes asked for an update on a proposed pedestrian crossing from Mallow’s Tipp O’Neill Park to Muddy Hill.

He said there’s “a huge volume of children using it to walk to and from schools” and it is very dangerous crossing the road at present.

Council engineers said an active travel link is being progressed by their sustainable travel unit for the pedestrian crossing.

A consultant has been appointed and will draw up plans that will go for public consultation in the summer.