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The scene of a light aircraft crash in Birr, Co Offaly. Niall Carson/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Report into Birr plane crash found ‘no technical defect’

Flying instructor Niall Doherty and trainee Damien Deegan died in the crash last month.

A PRELIMINARY REPORT into the crash of a Cessna 150 plane in Birr, Co Offaly that killed two men has been released by the Air Accident Investigation Unit.

Flying instructor Niall Doherty from Roscrea was giving trainee Damien Deegan from Crinkle a lesson on 11 November 2012. During the climb of the plane at around 4.44 pm “witnesses heard the engine stop and saw the aircraft make a steep descending turn to the left before disappearing from view,” the report found.

Emergency services were called but it took almost an hour and a half to locate the accident site because the plane was black and it was dark outside.

Fatally injured

Both occupants of the plane were found fatally injured.

The report also found that the light aircraft impacted the ground head on with wings level. The cabin had been crushed and the fuselage remained attached only by cables.

However, no technical defect that might have contributed to the accident was found by the report.

The ongoing investigation will include further examination of the aircraft and engine as well as operational aspects and conduct of the flight.

Read: Investigations into plane crash which killed instructor and trainee pilot >

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4 Comments
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    Mute Colm OLeary
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:04 AM

    They just need to teach people how to actually use a motorway reducing speed will not fix it

    461
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    Mute Alien8
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:09 AM

    Same dangers, same bad driving, same deaths – this is a revenue issue, nothing to do with safety.

    140
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    Mute James Darcy
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:24 AM

    Reducing speed will fix it. Motorways work best at a constant speed where traffic can flow.

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    Mute Ian Walsh™
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:45 AM

    How is this a revenue issue exactly?

    67
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    Mute The Throwaway
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:59 AM

    Reducing speed occurs naturally with congestion. Having a sign on the side of the motorway stating a new speed limit won’t help at all.

    They would do a lot better by reminding people that there is only one driving lane and two overtaking lanes; get the drivers out of the middle lanes and you’d free up far more congestion.

    127
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    Mute Ian Walsh™
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    Dec 16th 2015, 10:15 AM

    I agree, reducing speed occurs naturally with congestion. However, if for example an accident happened it is of massive benefit to reduce speeds immediately along the motorway as it would reduce the roll on effects for example, if your speed is reduced from 120 to 60… The time you arrive at that accident is automatically halved…. This in turn holds back a wave of traffic that would grind to a halt if speeds weren’t reduced it also would prevent further accidents that are common place these days from rubber Nickerson. I think this ultimately boils down to the fact that people don’t like being told what speed they can drive at and when, the fear of fines and penalty points is an other issue.

    36
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    Mute Ian Walsh™
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    Dec 16th 2015, 10:16 AM

    Rubber neckers not Nickerson!

    36
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    Mute Ciaran McCann
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    Dec 16th 2015, 10:33 AM

    Ireland is lawless so it doesn’t matter what new rules are brought in as no one takes any heed! The majority of Irish people can’t drive proper or park proper.I see nothing but “L” plate drivers driving with no lights on in Dublin 15 everyday.And they usually can’t park for sh $#e! ! We have nobody to enforce anything in Ireland!!!!

    63
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    Mute John Diamond
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    Dec 16th 2015, 10:55 AM

    If done correctly it can get people to slow down before they hit congested stretches. It won’t fix the shunts caused by people too busy playing with their phones etc who don’t notice slowdowns ahead

    29
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    Mute Wayne Clarke
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:14 AM

    M25 in England uses this system and I’m afraid to say it doesn’t work.

    54
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    Mute Dot Com
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:15 AM

    Speed camera cash cow.

    36
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    Mute Alien8
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:42 AM

    The m50 is 100km/h for the whole route (because it is permanently on a bend, apparently). Fixed speed will not be implemented approaching junctions out in times of congestion, it will be monitored only where the gantry is positioned, and will calculate the average speed on road, not including entry and exit points. So, in times of congestion you can, in theory, do > 100km/h when you past that congestion. When there is no congestion and it is safe to drive and you do around 100km/h (+/- 10kmh) for the duration, you will be fined. The model for average speed had been proven time and again (UK and NL) to not decrease traffic accidents, but have already increased revenue without having to deploy movable traffic cameras.

    18
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    Mute John Diamond
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    Dec 16th 2015, 12:11 PM

    M50 is 100 for most of route because 1) Planning clause on one stretch – householders concerned about noise 2) reduction of lane width since upgrade 3) Some junctions very close together (eg N7 and Ballymount) and on top of all that there is a large cohort of poor drivers who use motorrways in Ireland.

    22
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    Mute Marc Power
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    Dec 16th 2015, 12:21 PM

    Donahou needs to learn how motorways actually work before making silly rules

    16
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    Mute Comexicity
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    Dec 16th 2015, 12:22 PM

    How is multi point tolling a road safety issue? Is the government only avoiding multi point tolling to keep their affluent south siders on side?

    12
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    Mute Shawn Rahoon
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    Dec 16th 2015, 12:42 PM

    Pass them on inside. They will soon learn to use the driving lane. Someone who won’t pass a hogger and slows down all traffic behind is as bad as the hogger

    13
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    Mute Eugene Tyson
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:12 AM

    Most people zig zag out of traffic because people in the right lane won’t move out of the way, forcing the driver to undertake them.

    They should really enforce a fine for having your full beams on ALL the time!

    Ain’t nobody going to pay attention to different speed limits throughout the day …

    121
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    Mute Conor Graham
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:40 AM

    “They should really enforce a fine for having your full beams on ALL the time!”

    You’re supposed to. Ever see those “lights on daytime” signs?

    17
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    Mute Julie Lynch
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:44 AM

    That’s for dipped headlights not full beams

    135
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    Mute Sean Claffey
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    Dec 16th 2015, 10:12 AM

    And now we see into the mindset of one of those annoying people who can’t understand that their lights blind people…..

    79
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    Mute Al-Right
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    Dec 16th 2015, 10:15 AM

    ConorGraham: You’re one of those clowns who can’t tell the difference between dipped and full beams, a fine is on the way for you!

    69
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    Mute Conor Graham
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    Dec 16th 2015, 10:21 AM

    I can. I just don’t know the names. There are 3 settings. I use the middle one all the time – and the brightest one only on a dark unlit road with no oncoming traffic.

    15
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    Mute Larry L'Oiseau
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    Dec 16th 2015, 10:32 AM

    And what about the ‘front-foglighters’??

    A)The more lights I have on the better my car looks.
    B) ohhhh, is that what that button is for ?

    52
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    Mute Al-Right
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    Dec 16th 2015, 10:43 AM

    ConorGraham please return your licence to:

    National Driver Licence Service
    Road Safety Authority
    Moyvalley Business Park
    Primrose Hill
    Ballina
    Co. Mayo
    Ireland

    50
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    Mute Conor Graham
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    Dec 16th 2015, 10:44 AM

    @ Al-Right – read my 2nd reply you knob.

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    Mute Teddington
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    Dec 16th 2015, 10:58 AM

    Well that escalated quickly!

    28
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    Mute Wayne Clarke
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:17 AM

    Teddington, what do you expect from a shinner comments section? They would fight with anyone or thing.

    Merry Christmas

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    Mute Shawn Rahoon
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    Dec 16th 2015, 1:05 PM
    1
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    Mute Steve stevenage
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:24 AM

    Already 100km per hour on a three lane motorway. The limit is not the problem. Not being able to use the lanes properly is.

    116
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    Mute Teddington
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    Dec 16th 2015, 10:57 AM

    It’s nothing to do with either of the issues you’ve mentioned, people not using the lanes properly is frustrating but not a real cause of congestion. The only true cause is that there are too many cars on the M50 again and things are going to continue to get worse and I’m not sure there’s anything that can be done to fix it.

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    Mute Alien8
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:47 AM

    The majority of the time the m50 is empty. Only at peak times is it an issue, so traffic management at junctions (the speed at which congestion can be relieved) is the biggest problem. What are the statistics? but I would say the road has one the lowest accident per vehicle used out of all the major roads in the country. If congestion at peak times is the problem, improvements in exit traffic strategy is the solution, not fixed speed fines.

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    Mute Richard
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:53 AM

    I think arbitrarily changing the speed limit throughout the day and the associated confusion will just lead to more congestion as drivers hesitate even more.

    Motorway driving is atrocious here, as is general road use and that is what needs to be addressed.

    14
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    Mute Shawn Rahoon
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    Dec 16th 2015, 12:26 PM

    Standard in UK is much higher in UK. Lane hogging is illegal and an on the spot fine of £100 and 2 penalty points. Not like the idiots in Ireland who won’t pass a hogger who is driving at 80kmh on a 120kmh motorway two or three lanes to their right.

    14
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    Mute Shawn Rahoon
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    Dec 16th 2015, 12:29 PM

    *Standard is much higher in UK*

    2
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    Mute Aidan Byrne
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    Dec 16th 2015, 1:19 PM

    No it’s not.

    5
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    Mute Shawn Rahoon
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    Dec 16th 2015, 1:49 PM

    @Aidan Byrne. Might surprise you http://www.abd.org.uk/safest_roads.htm

    2
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    Mute Shawn Rahoon
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    Dec 16th 2015, 6:51 PM

    Sure what would you expect when you have lane 1 empty and having idiots here saying it’s a mortal sin to pass on inside.

    3
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    Mute W1K
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    Dec 16th 2015, 8:59 AM

    Will be useless most of the day because it’s like a car park.

    84
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    Mute Alien8
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:06 AM

    Phew, I thought that investment in tolling gantries would go to waste. Just glad they found a way to charge people a third time for a road that was paid for over 20 years ago, and have been fleecing those between only two junctions, when there are plenty more junctions to rip people off at. Can someone issue a press release that it will “ease congestion” as well?

    73
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    Mute Al-Right
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:32 AM

    Multi-tolling is a great idea!

    Someone who goes from junction 6 to 7 and vice-versa every day pays the full toll but someone going from 9 to 10 pays nothing, hardly fair.

    46
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    Mute Conrad Shields
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:40 AM

    The Government don’t want to be targeting the affluent Southsiders, who only have to pay the toll on their way to the airport. It is totally unfair. If they tolled the whole M50 and only charged €0.50c (for those with toll accounts) theu would still more than double their revenue.

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    Mute Alien8
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:59 AM

    Al-right, you are right, it is unfair but remember that the tool is on that location only because FF privately negotiated a deal with CRH executives to build the bridge part and paid them multiples of the price to purchase back the bridge when they became NTR. Each contract related to the bridge has always had a tinge of corruption. It was even agreed to remove the toll, but this was kept to pay the NRA for the concession for the whole road. Be very clear, this PPP has been paid off multiple times than the build cost, and the maintenance is covered by taxes going to the NRA. Any additional tolling is pure greed, and will only go to something other than this road.

    7
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    Mute Liam Mc Meel
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:10 AM

    Double Decker buses use the M50 also I have seen tractors pulling muck spreaders and I have seen cyclists on this also how the hell is this a MOTORWAY

    72
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    Mute Alar Lill
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    Dec 22nd 2015, 10:04 AM

    Well, in proper motorway you are allowed to do 120, so by defination M50 stopped being a motorway when the speed limit was dropped to 100 km/h and should be actually called N50.

    There are no motorway signs when you join M50 for lets say N4 ( https://goo.gl/aNKEk9 ) or N3 ( https://goo.gl/aLYIyM ) – http://www.fifedriverlearningcentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Motorway-sign.png

    There should be motorway signs when you join proper motorway like here https://goo.gl/qpAFDf – but you dont see that on all the intersections for some reason.

    See also Page 224 of the http://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Learner%20Drivers/Rules_of_the_road.pdf

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    Mute Paul Harvey
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:02 AM

    What’ll that be. Slow and slower.

    69
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    Mute Stephen Doyle
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:02 AM

    Just another Government scam to issue speed tickets

    62
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    Mute Ian Walsh™
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:43 AM

    When was the last time you seen or heard of somebody getting issued a ticket on a motorway? It’s not about penalties it’s about making is compulsory for people to reduce their speed based on the conditions in front of them. Some people see speed limits as targets, “oh there’s fog, surface water and rush hour traffic, but the sign says 120kms so I must go that speed and sit on the ar$e of the person in front of me because I know what I’m doing and they clearly don’t” This is the mentality that is seen on the M50 every day, people drive without basic cop on.

    61
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    Mute stephen
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:16 AM

    They should enforce the minimum speed limit on motor ways and dual carriageways, I’ve seen someone stop and indicate coming onto the motorway from the merging lane.

    51
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    Mute NO 2 FF/FG/LAB
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:24 AM

    Due to traffic in front or they just did it for the craic?

    18
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    Mute Conrad Shields
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:35 AM

    That person obviously doesn’t know how to drive. Not surprising as motorway driving is not part of the test. Should be fined for doing that.

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    Mute Teddington
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    Dec 16th 2015, 10:59 AM

    How could it possibly be part of the test when it’s illegal for a learner driver to use a motorway?

    24
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    Mute Conrad Shields
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:48 AM

    Exactly, but just because someone passes a test in one environment, they are qualified to drive in another of which they have no experience.

    As per Stephen’s original comment, I too have seen people coming to a complete stop on a motorway slip road waiting for a gap in traffic to begin moving off.

    16
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    Mute Alien8
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:52 AM

    Stephen, in Ireland you have to yield to traffic on the motorway (like in Europe) and indicate that you wish to join the motorway. Only in the UK is there a merge lane where traffic on the motorway has to yield/merge. I’d prefer the UK way, as Irish drivers generally don’t like anyone pulling in front of them, regardless of merging our overtaking.

    1
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    Mute Jane Alford
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    Dec 16th 2015, 1:48 PM

    No one has mentioned the idiocy of people who stop for any reason on the hard shoulder of a carriageway, then, to rejoin the carriage way sit there waiting for a minuscule gap and then pull straight onto the carriageway usually doing less than 10kph.

    Why is no one in this country taught to use the hard-shoulder to get up to speed BEFORE joining the carriageway. This is the correct and safe way to rejoin.

    8
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    Mute P-anti matter
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:10 AM

    There’s only two speeds on the M50. Stopped and crawling.

    50
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    Mute Seamus Keogh
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:46 AM

    It may as well be a 2 lane road with all those middle lane hogging idiots. Fine them ar$eholes and everyone will be happy.

    41
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    Mute NO 2 FF/FG/LAB
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:22 AM

    Did you hear them last night talking about more tolls along the m50, what is the point of a ring road if those who built it wish to discourage it’s use? Ireland needs improved roads & more roads along with long term development outside dublin so this problem isn’t worse come 20 years time. We need a government with a long term vision not a short term plaster in more tolling.

    39
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    Mute Ian Walsh™
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:47 AM

    Did you also hear them say that it wasn’t an option?

    19
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    Mute Alien8
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    Dec 16th 2015, 12:03 PM

    And yet, there is a toll on it. And there you have identical tolling gantries positioned with infrastructure all ready. Do you remember when the tolls were to be removed? It was quite a while ago.

    2
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    Mute John Mack
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:14 AM

    Why not just use the cameras in place along the road to monitor the lanes, and fine those who breach the road traffic act regarding motorways, it would make more revenue than the toll bridge, and people would soon learn how to drive in a safer manner and thus reducing more costs to the state.

    36
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    Mute NO 2 FF/FG/LAB
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:23 AM

    Cameras ain’t good enough for reg plates, the e flow ones only take a picture so you don’t see incident.

    5
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    Mute Liamnolan
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    Dec 16th 2015, 10:03 AM

    I agree with you Seamus….the amount of clowns driving in the middle lane and holding up traffic is ridiculous. ..if they were driving in the autobahn in Germany they’d be blown off the road….

    26
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    Mute Al-Right
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    Dec 16th 2015, 10:21 AM

    the M50 has a LOT more on and off-ramps than the Autobahn as well as a much lower speed limit so hardly a fair comparison!

    The issue is that lane 1 is used as a merging lane, sometimes quite aggressively by SUV/Truck/Van drivers, this pushes people out into the middle lane as constantly having to change from lane 1 to 2 means a lot of lane changing for some people…who are already quite nervous at the high speeds used by drivers on the roads… Try driving at 100kph in lane 2 or 3 in reasonable traffic and see if you can tell in centimetres how close that Range Rover is to your back bumper!

    25
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    Mute Al-Right
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:26 AM

    Wow at last we finally catch up with the rest of Europe! It is crazy having a 100kph limit in snow, ice, fog, and in heavy and light traffic…

    Perhaps when the road is clear there will be an upper limit of 120kph in the 100kph sections?

    Also this is not going to be effective unless average speed cameras are installed along the length of the M50

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    Mute TommyRyder
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:31 AM

    Stop putting everything in Dublin.
    Simple.

    22
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    Mute Cal Cryton
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:18 AM

    Yes, i’m sure Google are interested in opening their next R&D centre in Ballymullet to avail of the local scientific and engineering talent.

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    Mute Michelle_Herbert
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:01 AM

    We need a motorway down the middle of the country connecting to all the main motorways coming off the M50. A new outer ring road needs to be put in place. Speed limits, orbital bus routes and extra tolls on the M50 will not ease the problem. A toll should be paid if you use any motorway once the revenue for the build has been recouped it should be removed.

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    Mute Cal Cryton
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:16 AM

    Agreed Michelle, we have to pay twice for government incompetence on this issue. First we pay our taxes, which should go on public transport and road-building to ease congestion, then we pay the tolls on the roads which we are told is for our own good in order to reduce congestion. But the congestion remains, and we’ve just paid twice. Infuriating!

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    Mute Al-Right
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:42 AM

    The ideal solution to traffic congestion = build more roads?

    Hardly!

    More roads = more motor traffic = more roads = more motor traffic

    See the problem here?

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    Mute Cal Cryton
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:49 AM

    More roads and rail is the answer yes. Less roads and rail will certainly not help. Do you see the problem? Unless you want someone to walk into town from blanchardstown every day.

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    Mute Michelle_Herbert
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:56 AM

    We do not have a sensible motorway network infrastructure to cope with the current traffic or serve the whole of Ireland. The M50 has had many upgrades it’s time to look at a solution to alleviate the volume of traffic entering and exiting it. A new outer ring road and a motorway in the middle of the country may be an option.

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    Mute Al-Right
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    Dec 16th 2015, 12:07 PM

    Heavy rail is not ideal for Dublin city, especially with low urban density, Blanchardstown is a very large area with minimal higher density apartments, the cost and disruption of building a heavy rail line into built up residential areas would be colossal..

    The Blanchardstown area is also extremely well served by large roads with easy access to the M50.. Unless you want dual carriageways though the middle of the village?

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    Mute Cal Cryton
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    Dec 16th 2015, 2:42 PM

    There’s plenty of room to bring a luas to Blanchardstown. Plenty. Part can be tunneled if necessary. Luas is light rail and would be full to capacity from day one.

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    Mute Cal Cryton
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:12 AM

    They should build an orbital luas which follows the route of the M50, linking up with other transportation along the way. Would be relatively cheap as the land is already state-owned.

    Can they just build that or the DART Underground or the Metro North or the Metro South quickly! Any of them! Before we drown in traffic and choke ourselves to death.

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    Mute Eamon Kelly
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    Dec 16th 2015, 10:48 AM

    Average speed cameras is the way to go. A40 in London brought these is a few months ago, huge improvement in traffic flow. No more lane swappers and speeding between fixed camera locations.

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    Mute Mjhint
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    Dec 16th 2015, 8:58 AM

    Will they be as easy to get around as those in the UK

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    Mute Thomas Maher
    Favourite Thomas Maher
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:14 AM

    Not sure if anyone should be spending through a car park.

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    Mute P-anti matter
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    Dec 16th 2015, 9:28 AM

    Yip, save your money till ya get into the shop.

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    Mute Ros Aodha
    Favourite Ros Aodha
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:43 AM

    we need an orbital transport system with park and ride facilities.
    I work near juntion 10, but live way down the m1.
    there is NO alternative option to the car other than a minimum 2 hr public transport commute EACH way. Although the car commute is fast approaching 3 hrs now.

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    Mute Diarmuid Doran
    Favourite Diarmuid Doran
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    Dec 16th 2015, 1:02 PM

    Police the middle lane hoggers and it would help a lot.I find it quicker to use the inside lane.Unfortunately I’m breaking the law by undertaking

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    Mute Martin O Donnell
    Favourite Martin O Donnell
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    Dec 16th 2015, 12:56 PM

    Has he actually being on it reduce speed my arse ….teach people how to bloody use it properly and make sure idiots have lights working on their cars how hard is to check your bulbs I have a pain in my butt with idiots with lights not working or just shooting out without indicating ….put chevrons on the road and that will keep it moving better ….what a joke different speed limits

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    Mute Caped Crusader
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    Dec 16th 2015, 11:49 AM

    It should be tolled on a junction to junction basis, you get charged from when you enter to when exit at a rate of 10 cent or so a KM. This would discourage people from taking unnecessary journeys, ie between Tallaght and Lucan, where there are better options available thus alleviating unnecessary traffic. It would also ease the burden on people just driving between Blanchardstown and Lucan. Its hardly fair someone going from Blanchardstown to Lucan is charged the same as someone going from the Airport to Bray.

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    Mute Karen
    Favourite Karen
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    Dec 16th 2015, 1:32 PM

    A lot of people don’t know how to drive in bad weather. When it is getting dark surely it is common sense to have your lights on? What I have really noticed on the M50 lately is that when the traffic slows down people are rolling along, giving even bigger gaps between the car in front than they would if they were driving 100kph therefore causing massive tailbacks.

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    Mute Mark Gannon
    Favourite Mark Gannon
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    Dec 17th 2015, 11:33 AM

    It’s the idiotic people who are always in a hurry to nowhere that cause the tail backs on the m50 . If people stayed in the proper lanes – not staying in the outside lane and at the last moment bullying their way across to the inter connecting slip roads .

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    Mute Fionn Cahill
    Favourite Fionn Cahill
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    Dec 16th 2015, 4:40 PM

    Do a class room test followed by some lessons then your full test and bang your not only allowed but also ment to know how to use a motorway. The N plate is a great idea to tackle this but unfortunately its gona take a long time for anybody who already had there licence to die out or get a clue

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    Mute Danny Nash
    Favourite Danny Nash
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    Dec 16th 2015, 4:49 PM

    Only answer is a Greater Dublin Area metro system to get people off the roads. Metro North and DU to start with

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