Fear that lack of signs along Boyne Valley Camino is putting walkers at risk

Signs are urgently needed at a number of 'pinch points' along the Boyne Valley Camino where walkers and cars share the path, according to a Drogheda councillor. Raising the issue at the monthly meeting of Drogheda Borough District, Cllr Eric Donovan said residents living along the popular walking trail have expressed growing concerns about the safety of walkers in several locations, including Townley Hall, Ardagh and Lynch's Cross. The councillor said the Camino continues to attract large numbers of visitors, with organised walking groups often travelling the route in significant numbers. 'Sometimes the groups of walkers are in groups of 50 or 60,' he told the meeting. 'It wouldn't be unusual to see groups of one hundred or two hundred, and sometimes they are walking seven or eight abreast, with no signage on the roadway.' Read more Louth councillor calls for soil testing after tree deaths on Drogheda's 'premier street' According to Cllr Donovan, the lack of signs leaves many walkers unsure of where they are on the route, creating difficulties on narrow stretches of road shared with vehicles. 'They could be walking three or four deep, and the road is so narrow in parts that cars have to pull in to allow walkers and other vehicles to pass.' The councillor also highlighted concerns about the condition of some sections of the route, saying poor road surfaces and sharp bends further increase the risks for pedestrians. Cllr Donovan, who lives along the Camino route, said he has witnessed first-hand what he described as dangerous situations involving walkers and traffic. 'I have seen how very dangerous it can be for people using the Camino,' he said. 'There could be a very serious incident along here,' he said. Read more Delays at M1 Retail Park in Louth 'going from bad to worse' as shoppers wait over an hour to exit 'A lot of the residents are very proud of the Camino, it is a great tourist attraction but in these areas it is just not safe to accommodate cars and walkers at the same time.' He urged the local authority to examine the route and look at measures that could improve safety for both pedestrians and motorists. The meeting heard that a number of sections within Louth County Council have responsibility for different aspects of the Boyne Valley Camino. A spokeswoman said the safety concerns raised would be relayed to all departments involved. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme