Slane Residents to take case for Bypass to the Dáil 6th May 2009

Following the very serious traffic incident in the village at the end of March and the very strong response from residents, Slane representatives were invited to present the case for the bypass to the powerful Oireachtas Committee on Transport. The committee has a major role in examining performance, exploring issues and recommending policy in their area. The meeting was organised by local T.D., Shane McEntee who is a member of the Committee.

Three representatives spoke to the Committee on the day -
John Ryle of the Slane Bridge Action Group, who has been actively campaigning since the establishment of that group following the fatal incident on the bridge in 2001, outlined the long history of crashes and traffic incidents in the village as well as steps taken to solve the problem.

Ciaran Baxter, Chariman of the Slane Community Forum, spoke about the volumes of traffic passing through the village on the N2 on a daily basis and the serious negative impact this and the constant dangers presented by the traffic on the economic and social fabric of the community.

Norma Kealy, member of the Bypass Slane Campaign, which was set up following the recent incident at the end of March, presented an account of the human impact of having been directly involved in the almost catastrophic crash on 23rd March.

Members of the committee were genuinely shocked by the presentations of the representatives and pledged to take an interest in the resolution of the issue. Deputy Paul Connaughton, who chaired the meeting, undertook to invite both the Meath County Manager, Mr Tom Dowling and the Chief Executive of the National Roads Authority, Mr Fred Barry to meet with the Committee at the earliest opportunity to discuss the matter. Representatives of the community in Slane were also to be included in this meeting.

A group of fifteen residents travelled to be present in the public gallery on the day.

A full transcript of the day's proceedings can be accessed on the Committee webpage HERE. (Click 'Expand All' under 'This Debate' - menu at top left)

A transcript of Norma Kealy's statement on behalf of the Bypass Slane Campaign can be downloaded HERE.

Read our Press Release following the event.

Read the report in the Irish Times.

BACK TO NEWS

BACK TO LOBBYING

Official transcript of meeting

Norma Kealy (Bypass Slane Campaign) Statement.

Bypass Slane Campaign
Press Release.