Upgrades sought for 'Y' junction in this Kildare region
It was heard that the site had previously been identified as a location with ‘poor’ sightlines and ‘a history of road traffic accidents’
Upgrades have been sought for one 'Y' junction in a region located within the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD).
The request was made by Fine Gael councillor Kevin Duffy at the latest MD meeting, which took place on Wednesday, July 15 last.
During the early stages of the meeting, Cllr Duffy (who appeared by virtual means) motioned for KCC to provide an update ‘on the current status of proposals to improve the ‘Y’ junction at Kelly’s Farm, Lackagh Road in Monasterevin’, and that this junction ‘be prioritised for assessment and inclusion under the 2027 Low Cost Accident Scheme’.
Cllr Duffy added that the site had previously been identified as a location with poor sightlines and a history of road traffic accidents.
His motion was seconded by Sinn Féin Cllr Noel Connolly, and it received additional support from Independent Cllr Pat Balfe.
KCC’S REPLY
In response to Cllr Duffy’s motion, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: “Road collisions [within the county] are reported to An Garda Síochána and subsequently the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which provides collision data to the Department of Transport (DoT) Support Office , which issues an annual Regional and Local Roads Network Safety Analysis Report for each county.
“This report is an evidence-based assessment of collision data in the county and outlines potential Locations of Interest on the Regional and Local Road Network.”
KCC continued: “The report, along with input from the MD Engineer, submissions from members of the public, elected members and An Garda Síochána are used by the Local Authority when making funding applications to the DoT for Safety Improvement Schemes.
“The Council is currently reviewing and compiling potential Location of Interest schemes for inclusion in the 2027 funding application to the DoT Safety Improvement Works on Regional and Local Roads.
“This junction can be considered. However, locations of interest, as identified in the Road Safety Analysis report, will be prioritised by the DoT in their funding allocations.”
KCC concluded: “The MD [Office] will cut vegetation to ensure visibility of approach signage and sightlines at this junction.”
Following this, Cllr Duffy told KCC that while he understood the funding constraints, he added that he felt that the report ‘did not actually’ answer his request.
This prompted one KCC official who was also in attendance at the meeting, Mark McLoughlin, explained to Cllr Duffy that the ‘Y’ junction is on a county-wide list, and not an MD-related list.
He also re-emphasised: “These locations have to be prioritised based on the accident data.”
Cllr Duffy in turn replied by urging Mr McLoughlin to discuss the matter further with him once the meeting had concluded.
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