Concern over rate of pedestrian fatalities

Safe roadside walkways may soon be created around Co Cork in an effort to cut down on pedestrian deaths.

According to a senior garda, eight pedestrians were killed in the county last year, which was far higher than the national average and a cause for concern.

Chief Supt Ger Dillane said, nationally, there were 186 motorists killed last year compared to 46 pedestrians. However, 12 motorists in total were killed in Cork in 2011 which demonstrated the high ratio of pedestrian deaths in the region.

Cork County Council and the gardaí are to look at piloting schemes in the region, especially as more people are turning to walking and jogging to keep fit.

At the request of Deputy David Stanton (FG), county manager Martin Riordan has said he will look at creating safer designated roadside paths for walkers and joggers.

Mr Stanton said: “We should designate some roads for walking and also reduce speed limits on them.”

He was supported by Cllr Michael Hegarty, chairman of the Cork County Joint Policing Committee (JPC).

The county manager said he would consider selecting certain routes for a pilot project.

Meanwhile, the county council is also considering appointing a road safety officer who would liaise with community groups in a bid to cut down on accidents.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has said it will appoint regional road safety officers shortly.

However, Mr Riordan said he would wait to see where appointments were made before making a final decision.