Kilkenny road is 'absolutely in bits' and 'a death trap'

Residents in the Ballyhale-Knocktopher area have raised concerns about road safety in the Kiltorcan area.

Explaining the situation to the March meeting of Callan Thomastown municipal district councillors, Cllr Deirdre Cullen said heavy traffic on the local roads has led to concerning conditions.

Since November last year a large number of HGVs have been using the roads in the area. Residents have reported potholes and the side of the road collapsing in places. Trenches have formed on the roadside, in some places, so cars can’t pull in to allow other vehicles to pass.

“A large part of the road is absolutely in bits,” Cllr Cullen said.
Having been to the area and seen the traffic flow, Cllr Cullen said she thinks traffic should be one-way in some areas.
Because of the narrow nature of the roads it is not possible for larger vehicles to pass, she said, telling the meeting at one stage she had to reverse around a bend to allow a HGV pass.

With school buses and agricultural vehicles also using the road “it is not possible to walk or cycle on those roads at the moment because it’s a death trap,” Cllr Cullen said.

The district chairperson called for immediate repairs of the road and an investigation into how the situation can be improved in the longer term.
Cllr Cullen proposed that the Callan Thomastown councillors write to Kilkenny County Council’s Director of Services with responsibility for roads, Tim Butler, and Director of Services with responsibility for environment, to have the matter investigated.
Cllr Michael Doyle seconded the proposal.

Area Engineer, Declan Murphy, said he was aware of the issues and repairs were scheduled.
He told the meeting that the R448 junction will also be looked at in the coming weeks.

He acknowledged there was road damage from heavy vehicles and that the council would have to tackle maintenance issues as they arise.
Some of the roads in the area will have to be included in the next three-year roads plan for the Callan Thomastown district.