Reader raises concerns about 'broken ramps' and dangerous over-taking on Hill of Allen backroad

By Kim O'Leary

A concerned reader has contacted KildareNow regarding a near-miss at the Hill of Allen over the weekend involving two cyclists, with calls for motorists to take care in the area particularly on the ramps and due to the twisting turns of the road.

The concerned reader, who wished to only be known as Ann, said that she was driving on the road up The Hill of Allen on Saturday evening when she encountered two cyclists on the road.

She said: "I was driving along and two cyclists were behind me, we were coming up to the last ramp on the road when a truck came from the opposite lane. I was travelling at the speed limit but one of the cyclists came into the inside starting from behind the boot of my car, and he did that just as the truck came towards me from the opposite lane. I couldn't see him until the last minute and I had to jam on to try avoid hitting the cyclist. I don't know how I didn't kill the man; it was very close. The speed ramps are also very worn down and broken, it's dangerous and I just want to warn other motorists to be careful in the area."

It is understood that the road is notorious for its twists and turns, often making it hard for motorists to see oncoming traffic from the opposite lane.

The concerned reader is also calling on Kildare County Council to address the dangers associated with the ramps in the area. "The last ramp is the worst, it's broken and I couldn't believe how dangerous it was. I got a terrible fright," said Ann.