Motorists in Listowel are avoiding a junction in the town out of fear.
That’s according to Fine Gael councillor Aoife Kennelly who raised concerns around the Clieveragh Junction at the recent Listowel MD meeting.
She tabled a motion urging the council to provide members with the traffic light safety audit and proposed safety measures report for the area.
Cllr Kennelly also asked if a filter lane had been considered here as part of the plans.
In response, Kerry County Council advised that its design team has reviewed vehicle movements at Clieveragh Junction following recommendations under the Road Safety Audit for the N69 Listowel Bypass.
It also outlined that its design team has considered providing separate signal phasing, while additionally Gardaí have been consulted in relation to the performance of the junction.
The council said however, it should be noted that the collision rate at Clieveragh Junction is very low.
Cllr Kennelly responded that the junction is dangerous and she’s aware of many people in who now take detours to avoid this area.
She added the reduction in accidents is more likely down to the fact that people are avoiding the junction completely.
Supporting the motion, Sinn Féin councillor Tom Barry echoed this and noted he’s nearly avoiding it himself, adding something needs to be done.
Fine Gael councillor Michael Foley described it as the most dangerous junction he’s ever come across; he stated drivers don’t know what to do there; and asked do we have to wait for an accident for something to be done.
In response the council advised it will relay the concerns to the roads office to examine, while proposals to trial separate signal phasing will be provided in due course.
