Works at Frenchpark Junction to proceed in January - Kerrane

Works at the junction in Frenchpark will proceed in January, Deputy Claire Kerrane confirmed this week.

"I am delighted to advise that the contract to complete works at the dangerous Junction in Frenchpark will be awarded in early January with works expected to begin by the end of the month,” she said.

"This is really welcome news and a very long time coming. For as long as I can remember this junction has been the scene of accident after accident, near-misses and consistent danger,” she noted.

"I went door to door in Frenchpark to make residents and businesses aware of their entitlement to make submissions to Roscommon County Council on the proposed plans for Frenchpark and I have been advised of tweaks made as a result of these submissions, particularly on the Boyle road. I welcome this.

"I have always been clear that works have to be done in consultation with local residents and businesses,” stressed Deputy Kerrane.

"I understand that traffic lights are not the first choice for everyone however, I was clear from my engagement with the Head of Road Safety in Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) that I had to bring forward a specific solution to seek specific funding, without which, nothing would have happened and the cycle of accidents and near misses would continue. I see no other option to ensure clear sight lines from both the Castlerea and Boyle road sides while retaining parking near businesses and the school other than traffic lights.

"I have been contacted by parents whose children on a school bus were involved in an incident at this junction, by a mother who was the victim of a hit and run, and by locals who are fed up. In fact, last Summer, there was one week where there was three separate incidents at the junction. I cannot look these people in the eye and just talk, safety has to be paramount.

"I am awaiting up to date maps from the council and will engage further once I have them,” said Deputy Kerrane.