Close calls prompt action in Drumkeeran
A meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District heard serious concerns about Google Maps directing holidaymakers, heavy goods vehicles, and other traffic through Drumkeeran in the wrong direction. Several near-miss incidents have been reported as drivers follow what appears to be a misguiding route through the North Leitrim village.
Cllr Pádraig Fallon told the meeting that while it is encouraging to see tour buses travelling through Leitrim, the safety issue cannot be ignored. He said that if the line markings in Drumkeeran were clearer, experienced drivers would not be driven toward the Sheena area by default. “It’s obvious they are being directed that way by Google Maps,” he asserted, urging a review of the village’s road markings and routing guidance.
Line markings and traffic management
Raising the need for improved road safety, Cllr Fallon called for the faded street markings in Drumkeeran to be refreshed. He also asked that the MD make formal contact with Google Maps to address the routing concern, emphasizing the impact on coaches and lorries that are already navigating difficult junctions in the village.
Paul McMahon, Senior Engineer for Manorhamilton MD, acknowledged that Google Maps currently has no formal customer complaint option. He noted, however, that drivers can log the route they have taken if they encounter an issue, which could feed into future data for routing improvements.
Roads Department officials confirmed plans to review the Drumkeeran line markings and program works before year-end. In the interim, there have been one or two close calls at the junction near Sheena, but a ramp located about 30 metres from the junction has helped slow traffic and reduce risk.
Flood mitigation and road conditions in Correda
In a separate matter, Cllr Fallon pressed for flood mitigation works on the L4166-2 at Correda, outside Dromahair. He explained that overlay works had raised the road level, leaving three houses more prone to flooding as water now ponds in heavy rain, because driveways sit lower than the roadway.
MD roads staff are set to inspect the affected section to assess the extent of works required. The goal is to ensure the road network remains resilient for residents and visitors alike, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Next steps and public safety commitments
Officials reiterated their intention to act on both fronts—clarifying traffic routing and improving signage in Drumkeeran, and evaluating flood mitigation needs on the Correda stretch. While Google Maps remains a valuable navigational tool, the district emphasises the importance of accurate signage and responsive routing data to protect road users, including holidaymakers and local transport operators.
As work progresses, residents and drivers are urged to report any routing issues encountered on the maps to help inform future improvements. The MD will continue to monitor traffic safety and coordinate with engineers and the community to minimise risk and keep Drumkeeran’s roads safe.
