"CARD" (Clonakilty Against Reckless Driving) Public Meeting Thursday 22nd April 2010

Further information and comment from Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin 086-2202029.

PUBLIC MEETING ON RECKLESS DRIVING THIS THURSDAY EVENING

Clonakilty Sinn Féin Town Councillor, Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin is encouraging all affected and concerned people to attend a public meeting on "Reckless Driving" in the Clonakilty area this Thursday night, 22nd April at 8.30pm in O’ Donovan’s Hotel.

He says he is calling the meeting to give residents an opportunity to come together to express their anger and frustration, following years of reckless driving through residential areas, and on country roads.

"Hardly a week goes by that people don't raise this issue with me. Last Sunday afternoon in broad daylight, a potentially serious and fatal crash occurred when a speeding "boy racer" ploughed into an ongoing car carrying a woman and two young children. Thankfully, they escaped with relatively minor injuries, but they, and a cyclist who had to dive for cover as the out of control car headed towards them, were deeply shocked. This latest incident has angered the community, and I encourage everyone concerned about this issue to turn their anger into action on Thursday evening, by attending this important meeting", he said.

Cllr. Ó Súilleabháin has written to the local Gárda Superintendent inviting him or another Garda representative to address the meeting.

Cllr. Ó Súilleabháin said:

"Some call this reckless driving “a phenomenon”, but for most it’s a scourge, plain inconsiderate and downright dangerous. Reckless driving on our roads, in particular the speeding and noise from the so called “boy racer” brigade, continues to terrify many decent law-abiding people who are afraid to walk or cycle roads without footpaths. And there are some law abiding drivers who also dread approaching certain corners and junctions, in case one of these lunatics comes around on the wrong side. Hardly a day goes by that this isn’t the topic of conversation in Clonakilty, as the loud exhausts can be heard day and night both in town and on country roads. The speed at which cars and other vehicles are being driven around the streets, approach roads to the town and in built-up areas where often there are young children at play, is a huge concern for may people in the community. This is classic anti-social and anti-community activity and people are demanding that it be stamped out.

The right to go for a leisurely walk with a baby in the buggy is now almost a life and death decision for some.

The disrespect shown by many drivers for fellow road users and residents is blatant, as they exceed speed limits with impunity, and no apparent fear of apprehension by the authorities. I stress that in many instances, some are themselves residents of areas where they live and are not "boy racers" at all.

The people of Clonakilty are fed up with this loutish, irresponsible behaviour, by this small minority who have no regard for their fellow citizens. To that end, I feel it's no longer good enough to complain about this issue. We must harness people power to face down this danger and call on the relevant authorities to implement and enforce the law vigorously.

Have your say, come to the public meeting on Thursday", he concluded.