The implementation of future road safety measures in Co Monaghan should take particular account of pedestrians, Sinn Féin representative Noel Keelan urged at Monday’s meeting of Monaghan Co Council. Of the 40 people who lost their lives during 2013-2020 on Co Monaghan roads, 20% were pedestrians, it was stated in the Co Monaghan Road Safety Plan for 2023-2024 which was presented to the meeting by Road Safety Officer Adrian O’Sullivan. The report stated: “Pedestrians are one of the most vulnerable groups of road users, particularly older people. Census data (2016) reported that 13.82% of Ireland’s population is aged 65 and above – however, this age group accounted for 31% of pedestrian fatalities during the period 2016-2020, demonstrating that older people are significantly over-represented in pedestrian deaths in Ireland.
The majority of those who lost their lives were female (65%).” Councillor Keelan called for the local authority to take an active role in the distribution of high-visibility vests for pedestrians to schools and community groups throughout the county. “A small effort in this regard would increase road safety for school-going children and others,” he stated. Councillor Keelan asked if an organised distribution of hivis apparel could be conducted on an annual basis in the county. He also stated that the countless number of people who had been injured on the roads of Co Monaghan over the years, some of whom had sustained life-changing injuries, should not be forgotten when issues of road safety…
