The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
‘ROAD WILL CLAIM MORE LIVES UNLESS WE ACT NOW’
A LETHAL section of road in Killorglin that has already claimed lives is set to become even more treacherous if immediate steps are not taken, a local politician has warned.
Simply extending the footpath is all that would be required to ensure the safety of pedestrians on the Killarney Road out of the town into the future, Cllr Michael Cahill said this week. He described the section of road, busy with residents of the caravan park and holiday homes “as one of the most treacherous in the country.”
“We’ve had fatalities and many other near misses going back the years, and it’s only set to become busier with the possibility of increased employment coming into the area.”
His comments followed a deputation by Killorglin Chamber Alliance at a meeting of the members of South and West Kerry Municipal District in Killorglin on Friday.
Chairperson Ger Counihan spoke on behalf of a five-strong delegation that also consisted of Trudi O’Sullivan, Michael Fleming, Billy O’Shea and Brendan Foley.
The group put forward ideas that it feels could benefit the area, and the extension of the footpath on the Killarney road was included amongst these. Mr Counihan said it could be useful from a commercial as well as a safety perspective, citing potential to expand the town, and strengthen its position as a gateway to the Ring of Kerry.
The Council’s Senior Executive Engineer Pádraic Teahan explained that Transport Infrastructure Ireland select and fund all schemes, but confirmed the Killarney road pavement is among 10 schemes that have been submitted as priorities by the Council.
Mr Counihan expressed his satisfaction at the opportunity the meeting afforded to the Chamber Alliance: “We formed 18 months ago, and it was a great opportunity to speak with all the councillors together. We shared a number of ideas. We feel that more parking is needed in Killorglin, as we have a lot of people coming in to work in town, and we also think improved signage for existing parking areas would be beneficial.”
Mr Counihan also expressed a desire for the River Laune to be better utilised as an attraction for the town. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin Councillor Damien Quigg asked for Killorglin and the River Laune to be included in plans for proposed new Blueways.