No funding for Kildare motorway exit roundabout

A ROUNDABOUT requested for the R445 at the Monasterevin exit 14 on the M7 can't be considered in the current junction improvement project considering ten locations.

Cllr Pat Balfe had put down a motion requesting a feasibility study of providing a roundabout at what he said was one of the busiest junctions in the county. The report on the motion noted that no funding or resources are available for such a study at this time.

Suggesting that motorists coming up to the junction can be "blindsided" cllr Balfe said he completely understood about resources, but wondered what was needed to move the project up the list?

He was supported by Cllr Kevin Duffy, who said that he believes the location was originally intended for a roundabout. "I'm curious to understand what is the demarcation for deciding what is something the National Transport Authority would look at."

Acting senior engineer Daragh Conlan said that the junction would be considered a local issue for the local authority to resolve.

"In the absence of Transport Infrastructure Ireland taking ownership, the best way to fund it would be to look for a national grant." He added that this would be the next step after a design.