A deputation from the Kildorrery Community Safety Committee attended the December meeting of the Fermoy Electoral Area Committee of Cork County Council, to put their case forward for a range of traffic calming and safety measures for their village.
Their secretary, Alistair Vickers, outlined their case which centred on requests to address speed approaching and within the village, the road layout of the climbing lane on the N73 Mitchelstown approach and traffic islands, and to have the pedestrian crossing reinstated and better use made of speed information signs.
SPEED CONCERNS
Members were given a detailed report on the issues the safety committee wants addressed and photographic presentations, showing the problem areas and also offering solutions. Mr. Vickers told councillors that the road straightening scheme had the effect of creating a high speed entry into the village. The old speed limit locations weren’t taking into consideration the expansion of the village. They want traffic calming measures to reduce speed on entry and speed bumps to be installed in certain places.
Mr. Vickers thanked the members for allowing them to attend to make their case and acknowledged the works done by the county council in the village. He was accompanied by Dick Moloney and Development Officer with Ballyhoura Development, Sadie Allen. Dick Moloney advised that they are also planning to set up a text alert system in the village.
Cllr. Frank O’Flynn, who organised their attendance at the meeting, thanked them for their presentation. Cllr. Kevin O’Keeffe commented that the double lanes on the road were reduced by a hundred metres or more by the NRA so the authority can’t shy away from its responsibilities. They have to give funds to the county council to do the required works, he said.
Senior area engineer Brendan O’Gorman said speed detection vans could also be located there some of the time which would act as a deterrent.
TEXT ALERT SYSTEM
Cllr. Noel McCarthy told them he supported their efforts to have road safety improved and also their efforts to establish a text alert service. The service was launched in Fermoy recently, he explained, and they were trying to get people to sign up to it. “It’s especially important for rural areas,” he remarked.
A report on the issues raised by the Kildorrery group and a response will be prepared by the engineer and given to members at a future meeting.
