Notorious Kildare junction back in crosshairs

THERE has been a further call to make Dag Welds Cross safe following reports of two separate road traffic collisions at the junction over the weekend.

Kildare North TD Aidan Farrelly has written to Kildare County Council (KCC) and the Minister with responsibility for Roads Sean Canney requesting a meeting on the junction, halfway between Prosperous and Allenwood where the R403 crosses the R409.

“Firstly, my thoughts are with everyone involved in the most recent accident at Dag Welds Cross,” he said.

“In my time as an elected member of Kildare County Council, I made many attempts to see Dag Welds Cross redesigned and made safer. Most recently I had been working with the Council to try to purchase the land at the junction but that wasn’t to be.

“Having continually raised the justifiable concerns at this junction, Kildare County Council allocated €1m for redesign works at this junction and others around the county.

“This week, I have written to the Chief Executive of KCC requesting an update on this.

“However, KCC will not have the funds required to complete the works at this junction.

“This requires government funding immediately. I believe the R403 between Clane and Allenwood is one of the straightest roads in the country (16kms from Clane to Lullymore), and as such is very dangerous at junctions. I have written to the Minister requesting a meeting with him to convey the significant concerns relating to this junction."