Kilkenny speed camera 'causing too much upset' amid 'major increase' in fines

Concerns continue to be raised by local councillors over the fixed speed camera on the N25 at Glenmore in South Kilkenny, with calls for improved signage and a review of the speed limit transition in the area.

At a recent district meeting, Cllr Fidelis Doherty said the camera is “still causing a good bit of concern,” suggesting it is “possibly seen as a way of generating money when it’s about safety.”

While acknowledging that “people are definitely driving safer on that stretch of road,” she questioned whether more definitive signage is required, adding that the issue is ‘causing too much upset’.

READ NEXT: Public stunned as driver smashes speed limit on busy Kilkenny road

Cllr Tomás Breathnach also noted that constituents have been raising the matter with him, stating that “people are coming to me about it,” while Cllr Jenny Catt Slattery said “it’s still being talked about.”

Cllr Ger Frisby highlighted what he described as a need for additional signage, particularly on the New Ross side of the route.

He pointed to the approach “as you come across over the hill at Murphy Motors,” adding that “something should be done at the top of the hill.”

Area engineer John Tennyson told the meeting that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has overall responsibility for signage.

READ NEXT: 'Bloody hell' - local bus users slam 'dreadful' decision to cancel Kilkenny route

He said the roads design office is currently “looking at it” and is preparing a submission to TII.

He also clarified that the operation of the speed camera itself is a matter for An Garda Síochána, while acknowledging that there “has been a major increase in fines.”

Mr Tennyson said he will relay the concerns of elected members to the roads design office in advance of its submission.

Meanwhile, an online petition has gathered almost 400 signatures calling for a review of the speed limit transition from 100 km/h to 80 km/h on the N25 at Glenmore, where the fixed speed camera is located shortly after the lower limit begins.

READ NEXT: ‘Key driver of dumping’ - Warning made to highlight illegal waste collectors in Kilkenny

At the March plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr Niamh O’Donovan described the perceived lack of signage as ‘a real injustice’.

Kilkenny County Council installed high-visibility temporary speed signage on the N25 for a period of weeks back in January to alert motorists to the change in speed limit.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS