Kilkenny road users urged to drive with caution as silage season gets underway

Motorists and agricultural contractors are being asked to drive with care on Kilkenny roads in the coming weeks as silage cutting season is ready to spring into action, at least when the weather allows.

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are appealing to drivers of farming machinery and other road users to share the road safely.

With national travel restrictions now lifted and traffic volumes increasing, the roads are getting much busier. There are more people out walking, cycling, and riding horses on the public road at this time of year, and these activities have also become more popular during the current pandemic.

Both organisations want farming contractors and other drivers to remember this and to always be on the lookout for such vulnerable road users.

IFA President Tim Cullinan said: “It’s going to be a busy time on farms in the coming weeks as farming contractors bring in silage around the country.

“Both the IFA and the RSA are renewing our annual appeal for motorists to be on the lookout for tractors, trailers and other agricultural machinery exiting from fields and farmyards.

“We are also asking anyone driving farm machinery, especially on rural roads, to cut back on their speed, not to get distracted and understand that around every corner could be a neighbouring family or friend out for a walk, a cycle or maybe riding a horse,” Mr Cullinane added.

RSA chief executive Sam Waid said: ” I am asking all drivers to be on the lookout for tractors, trailers and other farm machinery on the road.

“If you are travelling behind farm machinery, please be patient and only overtake when it’s safe to do so,” he concluded.

Drivers of agricultural vehicles are being reminded that they are subject to all road traffic legislation and are required to carry the appropriate licence at all times.