'It's not fine' - demand for safety improvements at dangerous Kilkenny junction
Fears that someone will be killed at a dangerous Kilkenny junction were raised at the recent meeting of Callan Thomastown municipal district councillors.
Cllr Joe Sheridan highlighted concerns at the Danesfort junction with the N10 and said “it’s only a matter of time before someone will be killed there.”
He asked if the road design team in the council could look at the junction again, maybe reduce speed there or install lighting or a traffic island.
“Can the design team look at it and can we have an input,” he asked. “If a fatality happens, fingers will be pointed at the council.”
Cllr Deirdre Cullen supported Cllr Sheridan, asking if a new safety survey could be carried out at Danesfort.
However, Area Engineer Declan Murphy said they had “been here before” and the request had been made of TII and road design in the council.
“I can follow up and see if there are any more safety surveys, but we have exhausted all avenues. TII say they are happy with it,” he said.
“TII are the only ones saying it’s fine,” Cllr Cullen said. “Everyone else using it on a regular basis is saying it is not fine. I want that on the record.”
Meanwhile, there have been calls for improved safety at a busy tourist destination.
Road safety issues at a popular Kilkenny tourist spot have been raised by a local councillor.
Drivers leaving the landmark Jerpoint Abbey, near Thomastown, have a poor view of oncoming traffic, Cllr Brian Cleere told the recent municipal district meeting.
He asked if Kilkenny County Council could do anything about this.
Area Engineer Declan Murphy said this had been raised before and Kilkenny County Council had put up ‘slow’ signs.
As Jerpoint Abbey is an OPW property, if they want to improve sight lines they should engage with the council, Mr Murphy said.
It’s on a bend and the abbey building, or any walls associated with it, can’t be removed, he highlighted.
Mr Murphy offered to meet with the OPW at the sight to discuss the matter.