‘Only a matter of time’: Concerns raised over speeding traffic in West Cork Village

Residents raise alarm over speeding vehicles in Caheragh as councillors call for feedback signs to improve road safety

A local councillor said a speed feedback sign in Caheragh could help slow down traffic passing through the village.

Motorists passing through the West Cork village of Caheragh often do not realise how fast they are travelling through the village centre, where excessive speed is common, according to local Fianna Fáil councillor George Gill.

Mr Gill raised the issue in a motion at a recent meeting of Cork County Council’s West Cork Municipal District in Dunmanway. 

The motion asked: “That this council would install a driver speed feedback sign on the R594 approaching Caheragh village from Aughaville and look at upgrading the current school warning signs on the opposite side of the village with a driver speed feedback sign”.

Mr Gill said local residents had raised the issue with him, describing the speed of some vehicles passing through Caheragh as “frightening”.

He said many motorists appeared to drive too fast through the centre of the village, where many pedestrians cross the road, and warned it was “only a matter of time” before an accident occurred.

Seconding the motion, independent councillor Finbarr Harrington said feedback signs have been proven to work, and installing one in Caheragh could help slow traffic passing through the village.

Responding for the council, executive engineer Kevin Lynch said the Schull area office will review the signage currently in place in Caheragh.

He added: “If driver feedback signs are thought to be of benefit to road safety, the Schull area office will look to acquire funding for their purchase and installation.” 

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.