Deputy Noel Coonan has received correspondence from the National Roads Authority (NRA) where the semi-state body has acknowledged there are problems with the Roscrea and Moneygall junctions on the M7. Following numerous representations made by the local Fine Gael TD, the CEO of the NRA has told Deputy Coonan that there is a disagreement as to whether the Northbound access ramp at Roscrea meets standards but he is working in tandem with the local authority to correct the ramp.
“There have been a number of accidents on the new M7 motorway in particular at the junctions in Moneygall, signposted as turn off for Moneygall & Toomevara, and also at the Derrymore Junction which is the turn off for Roscrea & Templemore. I urgently contacted Mr Fred Barry, CEO of the NRA, asking if he was aware of these safety issues and what emergency action was being carried out before a serious accident occured. There is also an issue with road alignment and signage where the N62 accesses the M7 at Derrymore,” said Deputy Coonan.
“In response, Mr Barry told me there are a number of completion items which are now being carried out by the contractor and these are to be finished shortly. These mainly relate to lining, bollards and other safety measures and this process is leading to the closure of one lane at this time.
“Mr Barry also told me that there is additionally a problem with the Northbound access ramp at Roscrea where there is disagreement as to whether or not it meets standard. The NRA has agreed with the local authority that it should be corrected in any event and I greatly welcome this move,” continued the Tipperary North/South Offaly TD.
“Both junctions lack the adequate lengthy slip lane motorists have come to expect from every other junction on the M7. Suddenly, as is the case with the Roscrea/Templemore exit when travelling from Moneygall, the bonnet of your vehicle is up in the air and you are sitting on the N62. This is due to a tighter curvature which is misleading for motorists who think that they can approach at same speed as other junctions.
The design of these junctions is not in keeping with other junctions and is of a lesser standard. The safety of motorists at junctions on the new M7 Nenagh/Castletown motorway is my primary concern. I will continue to lobby the NRA and local authorities to ensure safety issues are resolved without delay before there is a fatal accident,” concluded Deputy Coonan.
