Works to Dundalk's 'accident blackspot' where crashes are 'normalised' cannot wait until 2027
Councillors called on Louth County Council to move to carry out works to Sexton’s Junction.
Dundalk councillors have called on Louth County Council to move to carry out works to Sexton’s Junction ahead of planned works in late 2027.
The local authority plans to conduct major works to the junction between Marlbog and Seafield Road. It includes the installation of traffic lights on both sides, the realignment of the junction as well as a yellow box at the car park.
However, Independent councillor Ciarán Fisher told the May meeting of Louth County Council that he finds it “bizarre” that it has become “normalised that there is a crash there nearly every week”.
Cllr Fisher said there was also a crash at the junction recently in which an ambulance had to be called.
The Independent councillor called on the local authority to install short term measures including reducing the speed limit or installing warning signs alerting drivers that it is an “accident blackspot”.
He said it is “beggar’s belief” that the junction could go untouched until the end of 2027.
Fellow Dundalk councillor Marianne Butler also called on the local authority to move “as quickly as possible” in addressing the junction.
She said Louth County Council has the required funds to carry out the works but warned it may not be sufficient down the line due to inflation.
“I call on the management to do that junction ASAP. We have the plans for it done, we have the money for it. Get out there tendering for it please because it shouldn’t be normal that it’s been as bad as it’s been for so long,” she said.
David Hanratty, Director of Operations and Environment Delivery with Louth County Council acknowledged that there are plans to do the junction in 2027, but said he would engage with the local authority’s Road Safety Engineer to “see if there is anything that can be done in the short term to lessen the problems there.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting.