Call to slow down motorists in Kilmacrennan with average speed cameras

Calls have been made to install average speed cameras in Kilmacrennan to reduce the speed of motorists through the village.

A motion on the issue was brought to the January meeting of Letterkenny-Milford municipal district by Cllr Michael McBride.

"I am proposing that Donegal County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) would consider the installation of average speed cameras through the village of Kilmacrennan in order to reduce the average speed through the village,” said Cllr McBride.

He told councillors he was bringing the motion forward as he was aware of a number of “serious” road accidents that had occurred in Kilmacrennan, adding that it was “nothing short of a miracle that there were no fatalities”.

“Average speed cameras would be a great benefit to the village,” said Cllr McBride. “We need to look at every avenue for people using the road, an average speed camera is most effective. It’s only a matter of time before there is a fatality.”

Cllr McBride also cited a number of investigations carried out in the UK and Norway which showed a decrease in the risk of accidents on roads that had speed cameras installed.

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Cllr Pauric McGarvey seconded the motion, adding that currently motorists must reduce their speed from 100km per hour down to 50km per hour when arriving into Kilmacrennan village.

“The delivery programme for the provision of speed cameras is controlled and managed by An Garda Síochána,” said David McIlwaine from the council’s Roads and Transportation team in a written response. “Representations regarding recommended locations for cameras should be made to an Garda Siochana Headquarters.”