Six accidents took place at local crossroads within two months — Kildare Cllr

Six accidents have been reported at the Brownstown Crossroads near the Curragh Camp within the last two months, one Kildare county councillor has said.

Social Democrats Cllr Pat Balfe told Kildare County Council (KCC) about the accidents while in attendance of the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which took place on Wednesday, July 17 last.

The topic came about when Cllr Balfe motioned for KCC to 'conduct a traffic volume audit at Brownstown Crossroads to monitor and record traffic, particularly during early mornings, to alleviate congestion and improve safety.'

His motion was seconded by his party colleague Cllr Chris Pender.

In response, KCC told Cllr Balfe via its report at the meeting: "There is an existing list of locations to be surveyed on foot of requests from each Municipal District Office and there are limited resources to carry out the surveys.

Cllr Pat Balfe of the Social Democrats. File photograph.

Commenting further on his motion, Cllr Balfe told KCC: "Residents have said that previous works there have not improved the area... more needs to be done."

"Anecdotally, I have been told that six accidents have taken place there in the last two months," he said: "Congestion is increasing here, and the Defence Forces are encountering it too."

"A volume survey is necessary here," Cllr Balfe added.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Suzanne Doyle also said: "I do think that the works have improved the area... but has it solved the issues there? Possibly not."

"In fairness, I think the response [from KCC] gives you what you want," Cllr Doyle added.

Donal Hodgins, an engineer with KCC, agreed with Cllr Balfe’s sentiments, adding: "We need an effective assessment here."

Mr Hodgins also said that the site can be placed on KCC’s aforementioned list.