'Lucky somebody wasn't killed' – Alarm over two dangerous Kilkenny junctions

A fresh plea has been made to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) requesting that they undertake a review of two major road junctions in Kilkenny that continue to cause issues in the local community.

Councillor Pat Dunphy raised the issue at the most recent meeting of Piltown Municipal District, which was held at the Rhu Glenn Hotel near Slieverue in South Kilkenny last Wednesday.

Cllr Dunphy raised further concerns over the New Aglish and Rathkieran junctions on the N24 (which connects Mooncoin and Grannagh).

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Speaking to Kilkenny Live after the meeting, Cllr Pat Dunphy stated that there are 'ongoing accidents' at both junctions.

He stated that the most recent accident occurred at the New Aglish junction and stated that it 'was lucky that somebody wasn't killed'.

Picture: The N24 junction at New Aglish, County Kilkenny (via Google Maps)

Speaking generally about driver behaviour along the route, Cllr Dunphy stated that it is common for motorists to pass on the inside of other motorists about to turn.

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"It's also dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians," he added.

"I would urge all people driving along the route to be attentive and alert at all times."

Cllr Dunphy concluded by stating that 'it will be a number of years' before the N24 is overhauled and stressed the need for safety intervention works in the meantime.

The N24 and the nearby N25 have been the scene of a number of collisions in recent years.

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The N25 in particular has been a particular focus of community concern, with campaigners describing the route as dangerous and calling for safety improvements.

A public demonstration in South Kilkenny last year drew hundreds of people demanding action.

The speed limit on a section of the road between Luffany Roundabout and the Ballinclare junction was recently reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h.

A static speed safety camera was also installed on the route near Glenmore as part of the gardaí’s “Safety Cameras Save Lives” initiative aimed at reducing speeding and improving road safety.

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