Call for safety measures at fatal accident junction

A junction near Ballinasloe which claimed the life of a man last week has been described as a lethal crossing which has been the scene of many accidents in the past.

Gardai have confirmed that the junction at Nutfield Cross has had its share of accidents over the past decade.

Galway County Council have now been asked to provide measures at this junction in an effort to prevent further deaths occurring.

Last week a man in his 30s died after the car he was a passenger in collided with a second vehicle at the junction.

It is the main road from Ballinasloe town to Kilconnell and continues on to Ballyfa, Killtullagh and Athenry.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, which occurred at around 8.35pm just a few miles outside Ballinasloe.

The female driver was taken to Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe with serious injuries, according to Gardai.

The male and female occupants of the second car were taken to the same hospital, but their injuries were not life-threatening.

The scene was preserved while investigators performed an examination, and diversions were put in place. It has been the scene of numerous collisions.

Local councillor Aidan Donohue actually passed the junction just minutes after the collision happened. He had children in his car and it brought home to him the dangerous nature of this junction.

“I passed this junction within minutes of this accident happening and it brought home to me the dangers it poses for motorists.

“It is a straight crossroads and motorists coming from the minor roads often cross without looking. It is another fatal accident waiting to happen,” Cllr Donohue added.

He said that the ideal solution would be to put a staggered junction in place – similar to the junction at Cusson Cross between Tuam and Athenry which had been a major accident blackspot.

Cllr Donohue said that it was his understanding that accidents at this junction had dropped dramatically since the staggered junction was provided.

“That would be the ideal solution to the problem at Nutfield Cross but in the meantime I am looking for very visible signs to be erected to prevent motorists from engaging in dangerous manoeuvres.

“Quite simply, it is a lethal junction and eventually measures will have to be put in place to avoid any further deaths,” Cllr Donohue added.