Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Drimoleague is a vibrant village in west Cork with a very active community. However, the speed and scale of traffic going through the village is a major safety concern. Its location on one of the main roads in west Cork means it has considerable through traffic. Residents are especially concerned about the safety of children, older residents and people with disabilities, as well as the overall quality of life. Unfortunately, this issue is found in villages across Cork South-West, from Belgooly to Kealkill. I have raised the matter with the Minister for Transport before. There is a pressing need for measures to change driver behaviour in villages and towns.

I am raising Drimoleague specifically because local campaigners are highlighting the need for immediate interventions to prevent injury or death. They are taking a proactive approach with the development of well-researched plans for improving the safety and appearance of the area. Their report has identified issues around speeding, poor footpath quality, lack of accessibility features and inadequate road conditions. A survey of 50 households in and around the village revealed the scale of the issues involved. Almost three quarters of people were aware of incidents involving vulnerable people that resulted in an injury or potential injury as a result of speeding traffic or poor conditions on the roads and footpaths.

Based on this work and thorough discussion, these campaigners are proposing traffic calming measures in line with the Department of Transport's traffic management guidelines to prevent injuries or worse. The plan includes additional zebra crossings, especially for schoolchildren, an enforced 30 km/h speed limit, a roundabout at a dangerous junction and a complete overhaul of the road markings, which are essentially non-existent in most of the village. It is a very strong and clear proposal that highlights the immediate needs and passion of the community.

It is a pity the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, is not here as I would like to have given him a copy of it, although it should not be necessary. There is a strong desire in the community to work with the council and the Department to resolve these issues.

This group has also placed a strong emphasis on accessibility. Its survey identified a portion of the local population with a disability or access needs, including older people, wheelchair users and people with visual impairments. Poor quality footpaths and road surfaces impact on their capacity to leave the house, socialise and participate in the community. Better quality infrastructure will help improve active transport measures. For example, the school is on one side of the village but most of the newer housing is on the other side of it. Students want to be able to walk to school but they need safe infrastructure to be able to do that.

Last year, as part of a consultation I did with primary schools in my area for the county development plan, the main priority identified by the young people was the capacity to travel safely to school, either walking or cycling. More broadly, these safety concerns and poor infrastructure are impacting on quality of life in the village. When it affects children being allowed out or people with reduced mobility going to the post office, it starts to threaten the economic viability of local services, including the pharmacy and shops.

This is a case where a clear need has been identified by a local community and it has developed the required solutions. It has a plan and a passion to improve Drimoleague. It is also eager to work with Cork County Council and the Department to implement this plan. What assurances can the Minister of State give the people of Drimoleague that the Department of Transport will work with them and the council on these issues? What will the Department do to ensure it is fulfilling its obligations? The approach whereby communities have to go above and beyond to get the bare minimum has to stop.

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