By Christy Parker
The threat to life being posed by vehicles parked opposite Crowley’s shop at Greencloyne, was again raised by Cllr Mary Linehan Foley at Youghal’s December Town Council meeting. The vehicles obstruct the view of oncoming traffic to motorists exiting two nearby estates.

To witness a car laden with children edging its way on to the busy N25, or a child crossing the road whilst a lorry, van or car conceals the oncoming danger is, in itself, stressful; one assumes it is far worse for the hapless individuals.

The situation arises from poor planning and lack of foresight when the estates were being built, given that on whichever side of the road the vehicles park, visibility is obscured. Yet that nobody seems willing or able to rectify the problem remains irresponsible and, in the event of a future fatality, may be deemed criminal in due course. 

Cllr Linehan Foley has consistently requested bollards be placed in the area, as drivers ignore the double yellow lines that are barely discernible. Two engineers have heard the appeals, one of whom decreed bollards ‘a very expensive solution’ and both of whom insisted it’s the gardai’s responsibility to enforce obedience of the double lines.

Technically the latter argument is correct and it is also the ultimate responsibility of drivers to observe the law. In practical terms -which are the ones that more often decide life and death- bollards are more likely to ensure safety. The cost. As Cllr Linehan Foley implied at the December meeting, should be irrelevant beside families’ safety and peace of mind. Meanwhile drivers might consider the potential tragedy as they pull in.