Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

4 o’clock

I anticipated the Minister of State's answer. I am not blaming him for it. It is correct but - excuse the pun - we have to go down a different road here. The road in question is very dangerous. I will not point out, bit by bit, what I have already pointed out; suffice it to say I acknowledge some safety works have already been carried out and have worked remarkably well. At the point of entry to Strokestown, for example, we got flashing lights after a big campaign. They have almost totally prevented accidents of the kind that were happening there on a weekly or twice-weekly basis. The same was the case in Rathcroghan, a very historic place of which I am sure the Minister of State is aware. Again, we used flashing lights. There was a constant stream of accidents but the lights almost totally prevented them. I welcome and acknowledge what has been done.

I am making a special plea today to get the Government to take on board the needs of the other areas. We cannot wait for the bypass. If we do not do something in the meantime, there will be carnage. There are so many near misses and so many people have been injured. Many have been killed over the years on the route from Termonbarry to Ballaghaderreen. I make a very special appeal to the Minister of State to bring my message very strongly back to the Minister, Deputy Shane Ross, and TII. I am willing to work with them. I spoke to our senior engineer, Mr. Eugene Dwyer, in Roscommon County Council yesterday. He agreed with me and is concerned about areas. He agreed additional signage and flashing lights comprise the proper approach. I am looking for something to be done in the short term. It will not cost a lot. I plead with the Minister of State to take really seriously what I am saying in the interest of public safety.

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