MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL is proposing to create a ‘quiet road’ between two villages in the north of the county.

‘Quiet roads’ are rural roads with low traffic volumes and speed where using alternatives to vehicles is encouraged.

Monaghan County Council is proposing a quiet road pilot project between the villages of Scotstown and Ballinode to make a “safer, shared road space” for walkers, cyclists and local traffic. 

The road would include a 30 km/h speed limit, new road markings to highlight a shared space, traffic-calming features, flashing speed signs and signage to clearly mark entry and exit points.

Chief executive of the council, Robert Burns, said the project treats rural roads “not only as transport corridors, but as shared community spaces”.

“The successful design and implementation of the Quiet Road concept could significantly improve road safety and the comfort of pedestrians and cyclists on rural roads and support a shift to more sustainable transport modes like walking and cycling in rural communities,” he said.

A 2020 Oireachtas briefing paper on quiet roads examined how the concept was put in place in other countries, including the UK and Denmark.

It said the roads aim to “preserve the character and tranquillity of rural areas” and encourage an increase in non-motorised users, whilst maintaining vehicular access. 

It said the routes can also support local economic development by attracting visitors and generally supporting access to the outdoors.