Long-awaited road safety upgrade in Navan delayed over funding shortfall
She specifically questioned the causes behind the postponement and asked whether interim safety measures would be introduced in light of persistent red light violations and illegal exits from the Circle K service station, and the 'serious risk' to schoolchildren attending St. Oliver Plunkett and St. Paul's Primary Schools.
Last year, a major new safety scheme on the Proudstown Road at the junction of Beaufort Place, Blackcastle, and the Circle K garage was unveiled to councillors at a meeting. The proposals include two additional controlled pedestrian crossings: one just off the junction at the entrance to Blackcastle and St. Oliver's Church, and one on the main road north of Circle K close to the bus stop.
In its response, the Council confirmed that while the scheme has reached "shovel-ready" stage — with key components in stock, road safety audits completed, and ESB connections secured — the project was shelved after 'tender prices returned were significantly higher than budget forecasts.'
'The Local Authority did not have availability of additional funds and resources to deliver the project in its original planned form due to other commitments of delivering the LDR4 project requiring the upgrade of the Proudstown x Clonmageddan Road junction,' the Council said.
'We are also in discussions with the Circle K service station to get entrance and boundary works completed which will control the entry and exit of vehicles from the station into the junction. These works are required to be completed by the service station prior to delivery of the planned scheme.'
Meath County Council added: 'The scheme is at shovel ready stage with ESB connection agreements in place, Road Safety Audits completed and critical long lead time components in stock, however the required funding is still outstanding.'
Despite the funding gap, the council said they are currently in talks with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to secure partial funding that would allow for the installation of controlled pedestrian crossings. These would serve the children attending St. Oliver Plunkett and St. Paul's Primary Schools, both located within the high-risk zone.
'St. Oliver's School is on the Safe Routes to School programme for next year,' the council said, 'but we intend to deliver the controlled crossings this year, subject to the funding being made available.'
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Adenuga said the delay was 'disappointing'.
'This is really disappointing and somewhat frustrating. I know that many will feel the same. I will keep pressing for the progress of this project,' she said.
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