Gardaí call for lights at Curragh junction
Kinneagh Cross
A LOCAL councillor has called for public lighting to be installed at Kinneagh Cross on the Curragh, citing safety concerns at the rural junction.
In a motion before the recent meeting of Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, cllr Tracey O’Dwyer asked that officials consider adding lighting at Kinneagh Cross, The Curragh.
Council officials confirmed the request has been assessed and that the location is classified as category B – an area of low district brightness, typical of rural areas.
Under the council’s public lighting policy, the request has now been logged on the Kildare Lighting Infrastructure Priority Schedule (KLIPS) Register for consideration.
The report states that for category B areas infill lighting may only be considered where existing infrastructure is already in place, new or additional lighting will only be examined where engineering measures for vulnerable road users are being installed, and any such assessment falls within the responsibility of municipal district engineers.
Officials added that where lighting is deemed appropriate, it will only be delivered as part of a broader engineering scheme. Public lighting would be treated as a final measure within wider safety works rather than as a standalone installation.
Cllr O’Dwyer explained that the requests came from Kilcullen gardaí as they feel the junction would be safer with some lighting installed.
A council official responded that while they are happy to discuss the issue with gardaí, it is “highly unusual” to put lighting in a rural area.
“While it’s unusual, it’s not impossible,” said cllr O’Dwyer. “If it’s a junction, it is warranted and should be explored.”
