Action required on dangerous junctions from Cork to Kinsale

(JJ Hurley)

A car accident at Bowen’s Cross, Ballygarvan, today raises the issue of several dangerous junctions that motorists are left to navigate on a regular basis.

While Cork County Council has made progress in relation to pedestrian safety in many of the South County villages, many motorists might not feel the same sense of urgency has been applied to several hazardous road junctions.

Bowen’s Cross continues to be a problematic issue, particularly for any traffic attempting to cross the main road.

In fact, for anyone attempting the manoeuvre, it often feels a bit like taking your life in your hands.

Despite the introduction of a speed reduction from Fivemilebridge to almost the airport, the initiative seems to have done little to encourage motorists to be less heavy on the accelerator.

While Bowen’s Cross remains problematic, the spaghetti junction further down the road at Fivemilebridge remains something of a game of chicken, as traffic negotiates routes towards Kinsale, Cork, Carrigaline and West Cork.

Of particular concern is the traffic making its way onto the R600 from in front of the Five Mile Inn.

Testing the skill of even an experienced driver, it continues to prove a nightmare for those becoming accustomed to driving on the road.

A main artery to the southern suburbs of Cork, one positive and welcome action was the resurfacing of Black Hill, with parts of the road washed away at times last year.

If Riverstick residents are breathing a collective sigh of relief at the commencement of works in the village, these works mirror the very attractive improvements completed in the not-too-distant past in the neighbouring village of Belgooly.

Of course, Belgooly has one important advantage over its neighbours in the form of a new Safe Route to School, something currently denied to the pupils making their daily trek from Riverstick.

With Ballymartle Wood saved from privatisation, and with a new route on the Coillte site, it still remains out of reach for residents because of the lack of pedestrian access.

There is certainly potential to develop the access, and a footpath would be a welcome addition, creating the possibility not only of connectivity between the villages but also of linking with the popular walkway in Belgooly.

Of course, Pewterhole Cross, near Kinsale, remains problematic, but the welcome news that funding is being sought by the local authority to begin the process of addressing the issue will be welcomed by motorists.