Over 40 incidents reported on controversial Kildare cycle lane
Frustration has been growing locally about the cycle path
FRUSTRATIONS are building for locals around the controverisal Moone-Timolin Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) cycle lane pilot project on the R448, as road users report upwards of 40 reoccurring road accidents and incidents on what once was a safe road.
Chairperson of the Moone and Timolin Positive Action Group, Mark Hilliard, relayed the particulars of 42 accidents on the road since construction began. Many cases of cars hitting the kerb of the cycle lane and puncturing one or more tires has been reported, as well as incidents regarding broken down vehicles that have no hard shoulder to pull in on. In one case, a jeep broke down on the road and held up traffic for an hour.
Many drivers are avoiding the road altogether as a result of these incidents.
Mark said: “Despite repeated attempts to communicate with Kildare County Council, the community in Moone and Timolin have been ignored at every turn.”
He added: “We re-iterate that this project has made a safe road dangerous with many incidents recorded during the construction phase and still no interest from TII and Kildare County Council.
“The sheer waste of public money is, and I use the word advisedly, shocking.”
Members of the group met with elected representatives cllrs Ivan Keatley, Aoife Breslin and Mark Leigh on Tuesday 11 November to discuss their concerns regarding the pilot scheme, which is nearing completion in the coming months.
Mr Hillard continued: “We have reported 42 and rising incidents to Kildare County Council in recent times cc’ing Sonya Kavanagh and Celina Barrett and have not even received an acknowledgement.
“We pray there will not be a fatal incident"
Locals worry that once the speed limit goes up to 80kmph after construction has finished, the problems will only worsen, and could cause fatalities.
Councillors presented residents’ concerns to Kildare County Council officials at the most recent Athy Municipal District meeting, and suggest that action needs to be taken to keep the speed limit at 60kmph, to install adequate lighting on the road for proper visibility for motorists, and a better mechanism for reporting road traffic accidents that occur on the road to Kildare County Council.
All representatives at the meeting spoke on the issues, with cathaoirleach Ivan Keatley stating that the main issues mentioned are of particular concern coming into the “dark months.” Cllr Kealtey described the accidents which have occurred on the road, explaining that cars hitting the kerbs had “blowouts”.
Cllr Aoife Breslin added: “There’s massive concern in the community. This isn’t a project we chose. There are serious concerns and serious gaps in communication – while we have had no input into it.”
Cllr Keatley then asked senior executive engineer at Kildare County Council Daragh Conlan about the speed limit concern: “Is there anything we can do to extend it?” “Construction works are still ongoing,” said Mr Conlan. “An audit will determine what needs to be done.”
Mr Conlan further explained that once the audit taken by TII in conjunction with the council is completed, it will be opened up to the public to express their concerns. He also told councillors that lighting is out of the “remit of the scheme,” meaning that improved lighting for the road is not something that can be achieved through the pilot project, and must be fulfilled through some other stream.
Representatives were also advised that in terms of changing the speed limit on the road, urban speed limit reviews are next on the schedule once speed limits for residential estates have been finalised.
As for improvements in the reporting of incidents during the construction phase, locals are being advised to contact Glas Civil Engineering or report incidents to An Garda Síochána.
Mr Hilliard from the Moone Timolin Positive Action Group thanked councillors for meeting with the group and hearing their concerns.
He said: “They do recognize the folly of the scheme in the first instance, but more urgently the very worrying incidents that have occurred recently.”
