PRESS RELEASE

02/06/2005

Inner-city rat-runs must be stopped with road safety funding - Kelleher

Cork North-Central Fianna Fáil TD Billy Kelleher has said a major drive is under way to improve safety in built-up areas in the city after E180,000 in grants was awarded under the RAPID scheme targeting disadvantaged areas.

‘Four areas in inner-city Cork are to receive funding for the provision of speed ramps, pedestrian lights and other safety measures. It is important that the funding be used to stop motorists using these built-up areas as "rat runs" to avoid city-centre traffic.

‘Communities in Knocknaheeney/Hollyhill/Churchfield, Blackpool/The Glen/Mayfield, Fairhill/Gurranebraher/Farranree and Togher/Mahon are among those set to benefit. Motorists who speed through these areas are putting the lives of local people at risk and most be stopped.

‘The four RAPID areas in Cork city will each receive E45,000. The funding is being provided under the RAPID schemes which aims to end social disadvantage.

‘I will be urging Cork City Council to use the funding to put in place measures that will slow down traffic in these areas which in turn will make them less attractive for those intent on taking short-cuts through these communities.

‘It is important that the council begins the work as quickly as possible to protect the lives of people in these communities,' said Deputy Kelleher, who is the Government deputy chief whip.

ENDS