'Scandalous and dangerous' - Outrage as car undertakes commercial bus on N21

Gardaí have launched an investigation following an alleged incident of dangerous driving on one of Limerick's main national roads.

Video footage obtained by Limerick Live shows two cars, understood to have British number plates, speeding on the N21 Limerick to Tralee road through the village of Croagh.

Travelling in the direction of Kerry, one driver proceeds to overtake a commercial bus service on the inside hard shoulder lane.

The incident is believed to have taken place at approximately 9.30pm on Saturday night last, January 6.

It's been condemned by both Minister of State and Limerick TD Patrick O'Donovan, plus Councillor Stephen Keary who lives in Croagh.

"It's a miracle someone hasn't been killed with all of these incidents going on," said Mr O'Donovan, "I use that road between Croagh and Rathkeale every day, and every day we see drivers who have zero regard for life."

He urged people that if they see incidents like this to report them to the gardai - and follow it up with a formal statement.

"There are squad cars on that road. But we cannot have squad cars 24/7. It's not practical. Gardai need the support of people to report it. These drivers are a menace, a dangerous menace, and an unwelcoming menace. They are not wanted here," the Fine Gael TD added. 

Councillor Keary has himself experienced being overtaken by a car from the inside just before Christmas. Having noted the number plate, he rang the gardai and made a statement.

"I would gladly participate in a court hearing when this does happen. Members of my family have had the same experience, friends of mine have had the same experience. It's not a once-off incident. It's happening regularly," he said.

The former mayor described the action as "scandalous and dangerous".

"In this instance, if there was an approaching car, the approaching driver would have to make a decision as to whether he would bang off the car or bang off the bus, and it would be carnage," he said.

Councillor Keary wants to see closed-circuit television introduced along the road, in the same manner as what exists on the dual carriageway between Birdhill and Nenagh.

Ultimately though, he believes the drivers need "to be made an example of".

"Confiscation of the cars is probably the best way," he concluded.