Farrell proposes lay-bys for rural roads in district

We all know the scenario: a narrow rural road and the intake of breath at the sight of an oncoming vehicle as we wonder if there is room in the verge to allow us both get by, or will one of us have to reverse.

Cllr Tom Farrell raised this matter at the March meeting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District, asking that the council investigate the potential of putting in lay-bys in rural roads in the interest of public safety. But, it seems, that is complicated.

By way of response, the district stated that the provision of nominal lay-bys over short distances can cost an estimated €5,000 to €10,000 each based on present estimates.

"In addition, verge space for the provision of the lay-bys must be available in the control of the council, or there may be a significant additional cost for land acquisition and boundary treatment," the response continued, adding that, therefore, in general the provision of lay-bys is considered cost prohibitive.

"Notwithstanding this, the council will consider lay-by provision, or other suitable measures in certain cases, where their provision addresses a specific road safety concern in an area with a collision history, and subject to an appropriate source of funding being available," it concluded.