Call for traffic calming measures near Kildare school

A REQUEST for the urgent replacement of walls and trees that impede vision at the junction of Bawn Lane and Barretstown Road in Newbridge was one of a number of road safety issues raised at the recent meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District.

The motion, by cllr Noel Heavey, noted that the measures had been agreed with the relevant landowner.

The councillor was told that while an assessment of the junction can be carried out, there's no funding available to carry out any works in the area.

Cllr Heavey described it as a “very blind and dangerous junction”.

Cllr Heavey had also asked that there be upgrades at the ramp crossing outside St Patrick's Primary School in Morristown. He was satisfied with the report that there are plans to carry out safety measures there.

Cllr Rob Power asked for traffic calming measures on the Green Road near the Educate Together school.

He told the meeting that there is a significant issue with speeding cars at the location.

Cllr Noel Heavey, who also had a question on the agenda about the same issue, noted that there had been three “really serious” incidents there over recent years.

Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer said that “significant investment” had been put into improving the road, and she wasn't sure how the problem could now be managed.

Cllr Chris Pender said it needed to be addressed before the new bridge is built, and the level of traffic in the area will be much heavier.

The municipal district office will review the area to assess if any additional measures could be implemented.

The provision of a footpath for pedestrian safety between the GAA grounds in Rathangan and Cribbins Lane was requested by Cllr Brian O'Loughlin.

He noted that it would accommodate about 35 houses and two creches and would be very much appreciated.

Responding to the report on his motion that the work would require third party land and significant design work, for which no funding is currently available, the councillor said that he has talked to relevant landowners and they would be happy to facilitate the works.

The need for a pedestrian crossing at the car park at Newbridge Cemetery was raised by cllr Tom McDonnell.

He was told that the request had been added to a list of similar-type requests in the county and would be assessed when resources become available.

Cllr McDonnell said he had brought up the matter last year and that he would like it to be done as a priority, saying it's a crucial access to the cemetery.

Cllr Noel Heavey agreed that it should get some kind of priority as that the people using it are often in an emotional state and not always mindful of the traffic.

A request from cllr McDonnell that traffic lights be installed at Moore's Bridge, the Curragh, was fended off by a report that t The geometry and alignment of the bridge and its close proximity to the junction of the R413 makes it unsuitable for the safe operation and provision of traffic signals. 

The councillor refused to accept the report, saying that the lead-in roads to the bridge could be widened to make it suitable, even if the bridge couldn't be widened. Cllr Brian O'Loughlin agreed with him, saying that even doing so on one side of the bridge would make a huge difference. 

Cllr Noel Heavey said the Council is seeking a meeting with Irish Rail on the matter, but Cllr McDonnell said the lead-in roads work could be done by the Council without the need for Irish Rail involvement.

A traffic audit of the Barradera Road in Monasterevin will be done in the near future, Cllr Pat Balfe was told. He had raised the matter by way of a question, noting concerns raised by local residents about traffic safety and the increasing volume of vehicles using the road.