Relief measures on 'boneshaker' speed ramps

It has emerged that a level of tarmac has been provided to make the nine speed ramps more accessible at Creagh on the approach to Ballinasloe town.

The ramps were punishing for motorists who used them on a daily basis but now they have been reduced with tarmac being put in between them.

It is known that the ramps were installed during the construction of the M6 motorway in order to prevent speeding in the area.

Cllr. Michael Finnerty, who is also Chairman of Ballinasloe Municipal Council, said that the works were an improvement but they did not solve the problem.

A number of Creagh residents along with the local parish priest attended a meeting of Ballinasloe Municipal Council to hear views the ramps in their area

The ramps were installed in the area which was being used as a rat run during the construction of the M6 motorway. There are seven ramps along a kilometre stretch.

Some residents want them retained to slow down traffic but members of the Municipal Council have called for their removal amid claims that they are damaging cars and busses.

However, they have no issue with the ramps being retained either side of Creagh National School in the interests of safety of children.

But Galway County Council has stated that they do not have the resources to remove the ramps and add that it might compromise safety in the area.

Senior Engineer Evan Molloy said that the ramps were put in for two reasons; because the area was being used as a rat run – and for users of the Shannonbridge Road particularly from the housing estates, schools and church.

But Cllr. Finnerty said that he had this issue resolved. He explained that there was now a level of tarmac between the ramps that meant that they were accessible to reasonable driving.

Cllr. Finnerty said that speeding was major issue in Ballinasloe and that it had to be curtailed. He described the traffic management issues for the town needed to be addressed.