Plea for safety upgrades at Drumcree Bridge

A bridge on the R395 near Drumcree that has been the site of repeated accidents, including fatalities, may finally receive long-awaited safety upgrades, following renewed calls from local councillors.

At the July meeting of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District, Cllr David Jones proposed that low-cost safety measures be identified and implemented at the narrow bridge, which he said has "hosted many accidents over the years" and continues to pose a risk to drivers.

"It’s whoever gets to the middle of the bridge first seems to take priority," he said. "It does host quite a number of accidents and is quite dangerous."

Council officials confirmed that damaged signs at the site will be replaced and that the bridge will be considered for inclusion in the 2026 low-cost safety scheme.

District engineer Pat Kavanagh also confirmed that bridge rehabilitation funding allocated this year is specifically for repairs at the Drumcree site.

Pressed by Cllr Jones on whether the bridge could be widened, Mr Kavanagh said he would be open to considering such a move as part of a broader safety scheme, along with improvements to sight lines at the nearby junction.

Cllr Niall Gaffney, who lives on the Delvin side of the bridge, supported the motion and said the junction near the bridge is "very difficult" to exit, especially during the summer months when vegetation is overgrown.

"It’s a very busy road," he said. "As you’re coming down from Printinstown, the bridge is right on the T-junction, and you’re trying to creep out. It’s not safe."

Cllr Alfie Devine also backed the motion, describing the bridge as "very narrow" and "very dangerous." He said he had attended multiple incidents at the site in his role with the fire service.

"The first one as you come out is where the fatality occurred," he said. "I would support this wholly."

Responding to the support from fellow councillors, Cllr Jones welcomed the momentum behind the motion and said the residents of Drumcree would be pleased to see progress.

"They’ll be happy if action is finally taken at that location," he said.