Kilkenny village demands funds for safety plan following serious road accident
Huge concerns about road safety in one rural Kilkenny community has led to calls for the funding of a safety scheme.
On Friday evening last a large group of residents from Kilmoganny village and surrounds gathered at St Eoghan’s Community Centre where the main topic on the agenda was the safety of the public in the village, as speeding has caused huge concern among locals.
They were joined by local district councillors Joe Lyons and Joe Sheridan.
The meeting was opened by Alison Baxter who, with a few others, organised the meeting on advice from the local gardaí. She said things came to a head when a local jockey was knocked from his horse and hospitalised in Cork, following a collision with a vehicle, and subsequently the horse had to be put down.
Cllr. Joe Lyons said there are many issues around the village, he had received many peoples’ concerns around the Health Centre. This area, he said, is an extremely busy part of the village. He has raised the issue with Area Engineer, Declan Murphy.
A plan including pedestrian crossing, flashing lights, wider footpaths was drawn up and funding is being sought.
Cllr Lyons told the gathering that Kilmoganny is part of the Clàr Area. Clàr is a Government funded scheme that supports infrastructure and community projects in rural areas of low population. Sadly, he said, Clàr no longer funds public realm, traffic calming or low cost safety projects.
The only option now is Departmental funding and Kilkenny County Council is to push the case also.
Cllr Joe Sheridan spoke of speeding on the Carrick Road and said more speed ramps need to be installed. He also said drivers need to take responsibility while travelling through villages.
Cllr Sheridan suggested a footpath to the local sportsfield would be positive. He said Kilmoganny is a busy village with a lot going on.
Cllr Joe Lyons suggested bringing local TDs to the village, with view of highlighting the case for funding and asked Cllr Sheridan to do similar.
Cllr Lyons proposed to include in the traffic plan for the village the ongoing issues at Kilmoganny Cemetery. This stretch of road badly needs driver feedback signs and extra road signage to slow down drivers and make people more aware, particularly during funerals and cemetery mass.