Safety audit sought for 'key' Kildare junction

A local councillor has urged Kildare County Council (KCC) to carry out a safety audit on a 'key' junction.

Independent Cllr Pat Balfe made the request via a motion he submitted at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which took place on Wednesday, April 15 last.

Appearing at the meeting by virtual means, Cllr Balfe motioned for KCC to 'undertake a comprehensive assessment of traffic conditions along the Suncroft Road, with a view to introducing appropriate traffic calming measures to improve road safety'.

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He also specified that he wanted to KCC to:

• "Consider the safety of vulnerable road users, especially children, in the vicinity of the local National School and the housing estates situated along this route"
• "Evaluate the suitability of traffic calming interventions such as speed ramps, raised pedestrian crossings, improved signage, road narrowing or other appropriate engineering measures"
• "Prioritise the implementation of measures that will enhance pedestrian safety, reduce excessive vehicle speeds, and create a safer environment for the community"

His motion was seconded by Sinn Féin Cllr Noel Connolly.

Speaking further on the matter, Cllr Balfe told KCC that part of the road acts as 'a key junction for the town [Suncroft]'.

He added that he had previously received 'a number of reports' about the junction from concerned locals living in the area.

In response to Cllr Balfe's motion, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: "The Municipal District Office will assess the location to determine what appropriate traffic calming measures could be installed to improve pedestrian safety and reduce traffic speeds in the area."

Cllr Balfe in turn told KCC that he accepted the contents of its report.

Independent Cllr Pat Balfe. Photograph credit: kildarecoco.ie

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