The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Anger in Castlemaine: ‘Speeding will kill’
“2021 is too long to wait for traffic-calming measures for Castlemaine village”, residents said this week after council officials said that no work would take place there for another three years.
This is despite pleas from a deputation from the village seeking support from the council to halt speeding vehicles passing through the village and putting the lives of residents in daily danger.
“This is urgent. Speed is an issue every minute of every day. It is heart-breaking to see people trying cross the road,” said Marie Coleman O’Sullivan.
“We need to give resident peace of mind,” said Cllr Mike O’Shea.
Of particular concern is where residents are crossing towards Castlemaine Community Centre and Kiltallagh National School at the entrance to the village.
Kiltallagh National School Principal Paula Ní Bhriain said that a pedestrian crossing is needed in the village to allow everyone to cross safely. Currently there is no such place to do so, the deputation said, adding that residents are in danger every time they cross, because of speed.
The Castlemaine school have undertaken a “walkability” study of the village as part of the Green School initiative. This was a safety audit of the village and it found that the condition of the pavement and the speed of the vehicles are of major concern. This report was forwarded to Kerry County Council.
“It is difficult for us to take them out on a educational trips in the village because it is difficult to find a place to cross,” Ms Ní Bhriain said.
“We also would like to encourage them to walk to school as part of the Green School initiative, but it is not safe to do so.”
Speed cameras are in place in the village as part of a pilot programme. Council officials said pavement works will be undertaken in 2021 and trafficcalming measures will be considered as part of this – but Ms Ní Bhriain said that another speed sign is needed on the Killorglin entrance to the village.
Council engineer Padraic Teahan said the new scheme will be in keeping with national standards but would not be specific to Castlemaine and that traffic-calming works would be difficult on the Tralee entrance to the village as it is a narrow road. He added that the speed issue in the village is a matter of enforcement for gardaí and that the council would write to the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) to discuss this.