Irish Rail to carry out safety works at Lacken Drive in Kilkenny

Safety measures are underway at the steps at Lacken Drive, and more work will be carried out by Irish Rail according to Councillor Andrew McGuinness.

Speaking at the Kilkenny City Municipal meeting, Cllr Andrew McGuinness said that he met with senior representatives of Irish Rail, including their Infrastructure Manager on Thursday and walked them through the issues.

“I’m delighted to confirm, that following our representations on behalf of the residents, Irish Rail have finally installed a steel barricade on top of the wall at the steps to help prevent debris from falling onto the steps,” he said.

“They have also committed to continuing clearing the excess vegetation and clearing away any debris that is still on the bank that is left over from previous works. They agreed to reviewing this work in four months’ time and if there is still an issue with falling debris, they will take further measures.

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“Along with this work we have requested that a wooden fence be erected around the green area at Lacken Drive where Irish Rail have removed trees. This will help with blocking noise from the railway line, and it will take away the unsightly view of the steel fence that is there at present. Irish Rail have agreed to do this. They have also agreed to repair the green area following damage caused by machinery during recent works. It was a very positive meeting and I’m happy now that work will be done at last. It has taken considerable time and it has been frustrating, particularly for the residents who do great work maintaining Lacken Drive.

“I have been given this commitment by Irish Rail and now it is up to them to get the work done as soon as possible. Along with the residents, I will be monitoring this to ensure its done quickly. I also met Minister Jack Chambers at Lacken Drive recently and brought all of the issues to his attention. Along with the issues around Lacken Drive, we did discuss a number of other issues in the area and with MacDonagh Station and I hope that some positive results will come from that in due course,” he added.

Councillor Eugene McGuinness also welcomed the improvement works that have been carried out at Lacken Drive and added that a small rail needs to be placed on top of the steel plate which would prevent further debris from gathering. Cllr Eugene McGuinness also called for the removal of the wall entering the bridge from the Dublin Road to O’Loughlin Road and described the wall as ‘dangerous’.