Writes Leo McMahon
Problems at the entrance to Carrigaline Education Campus and the ongoing danger at Ballinrea Cross were highlighted by Cllrs Eoghan Fahy (SF), Jack White (FG) and Una McCarthy (FG) in motions at the recent meeting of the county council’s Carrigaline Municipal District (MD).
Several bus drivers, especially those needing to make a turn heading towards Carrigaline had great difficulty when exiting the campus, said Cllr Fahy. His motion sought a review of the junction on Ballinrea Road with a view to moving both northbound lanes back slightly to allow southbound buses to exit freely because they couldn’t do this unless the northbound lanes were clear.
In a response, senior engineer in the Roads Design Office, Liam Ahearn stated: ‘This junction was designed and constructed by the developer as part of the school campus development. An assessment of its operation should be carried out to determine the number and extent of delays which may be occurring.
‘It is important that the junction is optimised to minimise crossing distances for vulnerable road users as well as to maintain the lowest possible speeds in the immediate vicinity of a school entrance. Should it be determined that there is a significant issue, the existing layout could be reviewed having regard to the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets’, he added.
Pointing out that it was referred to him and Donnchadh O Laoghaire TD by the principal of the gaelscoil, Cllr Fahy said the junction was too tight for exiting buses until northbound lanes were clear resulting in back-ups for commuters in cars etc who might have the green light.
Seconding, an cathaoirleach Cllr Seamus McGrath (FF) said a review would be welcome.
The campus comprises Gaelcholaiste Charraig Ui Leighin, Gaelscoil Charraig Ui Leighin and Sonas Special Primary Junior School.
Ballinrea Cross
Cllr White had a motion seeking a written report regarding the proposed Ballinrea Cross Roundabout Project and Cllr McCarthy had a motion requesting an update on same and asked that temporary traffic lights be considered in the interim to make the junction safer. Cllr McGrath seconded.
Replying to Cllr White, Mr Ahearn said the council’s ‘Part 8’ planning application had been approved for a roundabout.
‘However, there isn’t a funding source available to enable completion of the project. It is intended to submit it for a funding submission to the Department of Transport for a suitable road allocation in 2025’.
In response to Cllr McCarthy, senior executive engineer Madeleine Healy said: ‘This junction is not suitable for traffic light installation. There isn’t sufficient width to install a signalised junction safely’.
Cllr White said it needed to be a priority to get a funding source regarding a dangerous junction with lots of near misses and any temporary measures if possible. A roundabout would be a much needed safety intervention.
In support, Cllr McGrath said the project was in the pipeline a long time and there had been slow progress getting the ‘Part 8’ approval. ‘Having no confirmation of a funding source was extremely disappointing. ‘We really have to push to have this project on the ground in 2025 because there are people telling us they are frightened of going through that junction’ he added. He wondered if interim measures such as road markings could be considered.
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