Safety concerns raised over Granges Road in Kilkenny

Measures to improve safety for vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists) along the Granges Road and Freshford Road require further additional intervention according to Green Party Minister of State and local TD, Malcolm Noonan.

He said that the advisory crossings on the Granges Road are still proving dangerous for families crossing for school during busy times as motorists don’t always stop and that signalled crossings are required. 

Minister Noonan also said that the cycle lane traffic control bollards are too far apart on most of the network and should be closer together. 

Commenting after cycling the route and meeting with concerned parents, Minister Noonan said that while the road safety improvements were welcome, this was the most dangerous stretch of road in the city due to the large volume of HGV’s and agricultural machinery using the road every day due to the failure of Kilkenny County Council to pursue the next phase of the Kilkenny Ring Road. 

‘We can retrofit the road with improved state-of-the art cycle and pedestrian facilities but this area around two of the city’s busiest schools will never be safe until the Castlecomer to Freshford road section of the ring road is completed’ he said. 

Minister Noonan wrote to the City Engineer to request that consideration be given to making at least one of the crossings a signalled one in order to improve the safety of the crossings for children and families. 

‘I am aware that works have just been completed on the upgrade but as is the case with such works, it is only when a project beds in that unforeseen issues emerge. With the volume of traffic and added risk posed by HGVs, it is essential that every effort be made to maximise safety for cyclists and pedestrians. Traffic volumes are set to increase as development on the western environs emerges. To that end it is important to get this right’ concluded Minister Noonan.