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Two of the town’s most dangerous junctions appear to be set for significant overhauls but locals have expressed their dismay that the potentially life-saving changes are taking so long to implement.

The foot of Madam’s Hill has long been acknowledged as an accident and traffic black spot and observers believe the positioning of a 100km/h signpost BEFORE the junction on the way out of town represents a major, and possibly deadly, planning flaw. Cllr Maura Healy-Rae told the Advertiser that she has asked that the speed limit be extended out beyond the junction, which would then give people a greater chance of exiting and accessing it. The council are currently awaiting a ‘speed review’ which will determine the appropriate course of action.

With over 20 houses under construction at the top of Madam’s Hill, the junction is expected to be under further strain before long. One concerned local resident said the current situation was “an accident waiting to happen”.

Meanwhile, progress is apparently being made on the Lewis Road/bypass junction but it could be after the summer before any significant upgrades begin. Speaking to the Advertiser yesterday, Mayor Niall Kelleher said he was “very annoyed” that the TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) had not yet met with the council but welcomed the news that they have requested a project appraisal, which they hope will be approved in June or July.

An archaeological and environmental assessment is also underway and, subject to this screening process, the Part 8 Notice is expected to be published in Q3 (June/July/August) of this year. It is still unknown what the proposed new junction would look like. 

It has also been revealed that the current signage layout has been examined and some additional signs will be erected as an interim measure.

Here at the Advertiser we have campaigned for a major overhaul of the Lewis Road/bypass junction for quite some time so we are pleased to hear that some progress has been made. Credit is due to the mayor and the 5,000 people who signed the petition for change at the site.

It is disappointing, however, that we find ourselves heading into another busy tourist season with no concrete solutions, bar a few signs, in place at what is Killarney’s biggest accident black spot. Last May, cyclist Annette Mannix tragically died when she was involved in a collision with a tractor at this exact location and, almost a year on, the area is still a major concern for the people of Killarney. Hopefully the situation is resolved sooner rather than later because - and it goes without saying - the last thing anyone wants is another accident.