Residents in one East Galway village have been given fresh hope that effective traffic calming measures will be put in place to reduce speeding – a major source of local concern.

The issue prompted residents in Menlough to hold a public meeting to demand action – and there have since been positive moves from senior officials of Galway County Council.

Cllr Michael Connolly believes that the ideal solution is to install both ramps and a designated pedestrian crossing in the village in order to reduce speeding.

And Senior Executive Engineer Derek Troy confirmed that Galway County Council was currently drawing up a draft traffic calming scheme layout for Menlough village, which will be circulated to all interested parties over the coming weeks.

He said that it was likely that the scheme will consist of traffic calming ramps along a raised pedestrian crossing, with associated road markings and advance warning signage.

“If the draft scheme is reasonably acceptable to all, we will complete the design by progressing the scheme through a road safety audit and then public consultation,” he said.

“However, the scheme does not have any funding allocated to it but I will continue to attempt to seek funding where opportunities arise,” added Mr Troy.

Concerns have been expressed that the speed of traffic through the village is causing a danger for pedestrians, the elderly and motorists. It is said that 10 people have lost their lives in recent years.

There is a 50km/h speed limit through the village but many believe that it is not adhered to by motorists. However, there are speeds in excess of 130km/h recorded at the local school and church.

This is more than double of what is allowable and it is a source of concern for local residents who have made their feelings known to the local Gardai.

A survey conducted by locals revealed that there was 76% non-compliance at the local school when it came to speed limit restrictions and 65% non-compliance at the local church.

This summary information, along with the recorded data set, has been officially forwarded to An Garda Síochána for review, and for consideration of additional speed enforcement activity at this location.

It is intended to draft a traffic calming scheme for this location, which will be subject to an approval process and submission for funding, according to Cllr Michael Connolly who will be raising the matter at the next meeting of Galway County Council.

Pictured: Cllr Michael Connolly (FF) at the speed limit signs in Menlough. Photo: Jacinta Fahy