Enniscorthy Mother Calls For Speed Ramps In Housing Estates After Son, 10, Is Hit By Car

A mother in Enniscorthy is calling for speed ramps and improved road safety measures in housing estates after her 10-year-old son was hit by a car while cycling.

Megan, who lives in the Forgelands housing estate, has launched an online and community petition calling for enhanced road safety measures in housing estates across Enniscorthy.

Speaking on South East Radio’s Morning Mix, she said she witnessed the collision involving her son Liam, who was cycling across the road one evening after completing his homework.

Megan said she believed Liam had enough time to cross before the approaching car struck him.

She stressed that she believes the incident was an accident and does not think anyone was at fault.

Liam has since recovered physically and is back cycling and playing outside, although Megan says the experience has made him more cautious around traffic.

She says the incident prompted her to examine what measures could be introduced to prevent a similar accident happening again.

Megan said there were no speed signs in place when Liam was hit, although these have since been installed. She also says there were no warning signs alerting motorists to children playing in the estate.

She and her family put up warning signs around the development, which contains 276 houses, just days after the collision. The signs were donated by CNR Prince, while the family paid for the materials needed to install them.

Megan believes speed ramps are particularly important, pointing to a long, straight road in the estate where vehicles can travel at speed.

She is also calling on Wexford County Council to assess road safety measures in other housing estates, arguing that infrastructure must keep pace with the construction of new homes and the arrival of more families.

The petition had gathered 420 signatures when it was delivered to the council and has since grown to 506 signatures, with further support continuing to come in.

Megan says a road engineer is expected to visit the Forgelands estate, but she understands the installation of speed ramps will depend on funding.

She is concerned that waiting for funding could delay improvements for months or even years, and says action should be taken before another accident occurs.

Megan has thanked local residents and others who have supported the campaign, saying families want children to be able to play safely in their own housing estates.

The petition is calling for improved signage, speed ramps, better lighting and a wider review of road safety measures in Enniscorthy's housing developments.