People living near the Poulgorm junction off the main Kerry to Cork road have told Killarney councillors they see danger there every single day.
Independent councillor Maura Healy-Rae brought a deputation from residents of Clonkeen, Clydagh, and Glenflesk to the recent Killarney Municipal District meeting.
Local residents Derry Healy, Michael O’Donoghue, and Neily and Ann Moynihan were present at the meeting to relay their concerns over the blackspot junction off the N22.
The Poulgorm junction off the N22 between Killarney and Cork has been highlighted at multiple council meetings previously; it’s the turn-off of the N22 for Kenmare and Kilgarvan.
Derry Healy highlighted the speed cars are travelling at on the road, especially from the Cork side as they come down the hill towards this junction.
Neily Moynihan said as local residents, they see danger there every day, and both the volume of traffic and speed has increased especially since the opening of the Macroom bypass.
He said it’s an accident waiting to happen of huge proportions.
Cllr Healy-Rae told the meeting works have been carried out in the past which have helped, including signage and work to improve sight distance.
She said lighting would be a huge help as it’s pitch dark there, while the speed limit should also be reduced.
All councillors who spoke at the meeting agreed that extending the left-turn, or slip lane, coming off the N22 to Kilgarvan, should be extended further back to give drivers more time and to remove left-turning traffic from the main lane.
Several also highlighted the need for increased signage, and that most of the solutions are not very expensive for Transport Infrastructure Ireland to implement.
Municipal District Engineer, Brian O'Connor, said the council and TII are working to improve road safety at this junction.
He said people will see improvements early this year, including improved signage and trees have been cut down to improve visibility.
Cllr Healy-Rae said she understands there is a design being drawn up to improve safety, and Mr O’Connor said this design will form part of the safety improvement works at the junction.
