96 per cent of cars through Abbeydorney found speeding

VILLAGE TRAFFIC SURVEYED AS PART OF JUNCTION REDESIGN PROJECT

AN incredible 96 per cent of all cars recently surveyed through Abbeydorney were speeding, many of them well in excess of the village’s 50kph limit.

And the same survey also revealed that roughly 6,500 vehicles on average pass through the Abbeydorney village cross each and every day.

The figures highlight the urgency of a new plan to redesign the cross to make it safer for motorists coming from all four directions through it.

The grand total of €60,000 has been secured by Kerry County Council for the redesign.

But there’s very little scope for major overhaul within that figure. That’s why one of the likeliest scenarios within budget now gaining traction is that of traffic lights for the village.

The plans are to shortly go out for public consultation and it is described as vital that all take the opportunity.

Cathaoirleach of the Listowel Municipal District Aoife Thornton (Fine Gael) is calling on all locals and motorists in general A BALLYDUFF publican was fined €250 after Listowel District Court heard how customers had been served pints with their breakfast outside of licensing hours, having pleaded with staff for liquor as they were ‘gasping’. Phil Lowe of Lowe’s Bar pleaded guilty to the offence, who regularly pass through the village to engage with the process.

“It’s vital that we hear from everyone on this. The survey findings were staggering really, firstly in revealing the level of use with 6,500 vehicles through Abbeydorney each day and, secondly, given the alarming finding that 96 per cent of these vehicles were speeding.

“It really points to the urgency of the project now as the Cross is very dangerous as it stands with the incidence of near misses much too regularly,” Cllr Thornton said.

She said the big question now is whether or not traffic lights should be installed on the cross.

“It’s almost unprecedented to put traffic lights in the centre of a village, but that’s one of the scenarios being considered to make things safer.

“Therefore it’s vital we get as much engagement as possible with the process, be it from pedestrians, truck drivers, motorists or cyclists, I would urge everyone to have their say on the matter.” which occured at 9.30am on March 19 last. Solicitor Pat Enright said the bar had only been open for breakfast at the time and that his client was not on the premises. However, customers prevailed upon a chef to pour a few pints, telling them they were ‘gasping’.