Kilkenny TD welcomes commitment to address serious road safety concerns in Mullinavat

Carlow-Kilkenny TD and Leas Ceann Comhairle John McGuinness has welcomed the commitment from Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney to urgently raise significant road safety concerns on the R704 at Mullinavat with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Kilkenny County Council.

Minister Canney, who was in Kilkenny on a private visit, took time to meet with Deputy McGuinness to discuss the long-standing concerns of residents living along the R704, particularly the stretch of road between the railway crossing and Mullinavat Main Street.

Deputy McGuinness outlined the dangers faced by local residents on a daily basis and highlighted that there have been nine reported road traffic accidents on this section of road. Minister Canney sought an overview of the issues, including the number of collisions and the risks to pedestrians using the route.

"I want to thank Minister Canney for taking the time, during a private visit to Kilkenny, to see first-hand the serious safety concerns affecting residents on the R704 in Mullinavat,” said Deputy McGuinness. “I very much welcome his commitment to raise these issues as a matter of urgency with both Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Kilkenny County Council."

Deputy McGuinness said the most pressing issue is the completion of the existing footpath, which currently ends abruptly before reaching the junction with Mullinavat Main Street.

"There are 32 houses located along this stretch of road, yet the existing footpath simply stops. I can see no reason why it cannot be extended to the junction with Main Street. Residents are effectively taking their lives into their own hands every time they walk this road. One resident was recently struck by the wing mirror of a passing vehicle, illustrating just how dangerous the situation has become."

Deputy McGuinness also highlighted a number of additional safety measures which require urgent consideration, including the installation of a yellow box outside a residence where it is extremely hazardous for motorists to exit onto the R704.

"Residents have raised genuine concerns about visibility and the difficulty of safely entering the roadway. A yellow box at this location would significantly improve safety for those accessing their homes,” he said.

He also pointed to a roadside drainage gully which extends into the carriageway and presents a hazard to road users.

"This drainage issue could be addressed as part of any footpath extension works, providing a practical solution to two safety problems at the same time."

Deputy McGuinness further called for stronger speed enforcement measures on the route.

"The speed of traffic along this road is completely unacceptable. Given the number of homes, pedestrian activity and the accident history, I believe the location warrants consideration for speed camera enforcement to improve compliance and reduce the risk of further collisions."

Concluding, Deputy McGuinness said he looks forward to working with Minister Canney, TII and Kilkenny County Council to deliver practical improvements.

"The residents of Mullinavat have been raising these concerns for a considerable time. They deserve to be able to walk safely to and from the village without fear. I appreciate Minister Canney's willingness to engage with this issue, and I am hopeful that we can now make meaningful progress in delivering the footpath extension and other road safety measures that the community urgently needs."