Ballybeg road safety- "Roads can only be described as dire"
The RSA test centre is located in the Ballybeg area.
The road safety conditions of Ballybeg were raised at a recent council meeting of Waterford's Metropolitan District.
Councillor Donal Barry (Ind), raised reports from locals over the number of learner drivers of heavy goods (HGV) vehicles training in the area.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) Centre is located in Ballybeg and the test route covers much of Ballybeg. Learner drivers can often be seen driving in the vicinity at all times of the day.
Cllr Barry said in the meeting: "I personally observed multiple large vehicles, including an articulated lorry, a bus, and a mini-bus with what appeared to be a high, enclosed trailer commonly used for storing golf clubs or luggage, were all operating simultaneously.
"Notably, the mini-bus, while conducting a reverse manoeuvre around a corner, was being driven by a learner under instruction."
The deteriorating conditions of Ballybeg's roads have been a long-running saga in the council. Many roads across the area are plagued with potholes and poor tarmacking.
Cllr Barry said: "The current state of the roads in Ballybeg can only be described as dire, with already significant wear and tear exacerbated by the continual passage of heavy vehicles and cars.
"Moreover, this situation poses heightened risk in estates densely populated with families and children playing nearby. This is not merely an inconvenience but a matter of urgent safety and community well-being.
"Therefore, I urge the council to explore viable solutions, such as establishing designated routes for training purposes of heavy goods vehicles keeping them out of housing estates."
He appealed to Waterford Executive to not endanger the people of Ballybeg: "It is imperative that measures are taken to address these concerns promptly, ensuring that Ballybeg does not become a convenient escape for training institutions at the expense of its community’s safety and further road damage."
