Safety concerns expressed over Kingscourt junctions

Concerns for the safety of schoolchildren have prompted calls for something to be done to slow traffic coming into Kingscourt.

The Bailieborough road in particular was highlighted as a potential blackspot at a recent meeting of the Bailieborough-Cootehill Municipal District, particularly due to the proximity of Coláiste Dún an Rí.

Almost 700 students are enrolled there for the coming school year, with local Councillor Clifford Kelly (FF) saying many parents are concerned about their children’s safety.

“The junction is a total and utter disaster. We don’t want it to be left until it’s too late. Something has to be done there,” he said.

A serious accident at the junction in recent years shows the need for traffic calming measures and the potential for the same thing to happen again.

MD area coordinator Alan Lyons agreed and said there is a need to improve the junction.

“There is a need to improve pedestrian facilities at that junction. We would have to consult with landowners around it.”

Cllr Kelly said there are also concerns about other roads in Kingscourt, including the Rocks Road where he said traffic is coming into the town at speed, with concerns for the safety of pedestrians there too.