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Madam’s Hill junction set for yet another design study

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UPGRADE: Mayor Brendan Cronin has been calling for upgrades to the Madam's Hill junction since 1999. Photo: Michelle Crean

 

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“Someone will get killed”

By Sean Moriarty

The notorious Madam’s Hill junction on the Tralee Road is set to be the subject of a Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) ‘traffic simulation software’ exercise in an effort to decide what is the best way to construct a new layout there.

The junction and its subsequent approach into the Cleeney Roundabout on the edge of Killarney has long been the bane of local motorists.

Frequent tailbacks, especially during morning rush hour, contribute to long delays in the area. It is also very difficult to gain access to the Tralee-Killarney road given the large volume of traffic there and this adds to local frustration.

Mayor Cllr Brendan Cronin has been calling for upgrades to the junction since “I was elected to the Council”. Cronin was first elected in 1999. He says someone is going to get killed before any meaningful action is taken at the junction.

At the recent meeting of Kerry County Council he asked: “[Has] any progress been made following my numerous requests of the TII to construct a roundabout to alleviate traffic congestion at the Madams Hill Junction, Killarney".

The Council replied: “Movements through this particular junction are currently being modelled using specialist traffic simulation software" and “This assessment, which will be completed in August, will be forwarded to the TII as part of a Junction Analysis proposal for their consideration”.

Cronin said, assessment or not, he would be accepting nothing more than a new roundabout to solve the long-standing issue.

“The Madams Hill junction is also extremely dangerous which I have been trying to improve since I was elected to the Council,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “As one of the thousands of roads users that drive Madam’s Hill daily it's blatantly obvious to every driver that a roundabout is needed here, but unfortunately my main concern is that someone will be very badly injured or killed in an accident before the TII listen to us.”

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Additional home-school support for local schools


Minister for Education and Kerry TD Norma Foley has confirmed that two Killarney schools are among seven in the county set to receive additional Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) support.


Both Holy Cross Primary School and Scoil Mhuire na Mainistreach (The Monastery), both located on New Road, will benefit from the increased resources. The scheme is designed to strengthen the partnership between parents, teachers, and local family support services to improve student attendance and participation.
The HSCL programme focuses specifically on supporting families to ensure students remain engaged with their education and reach their full potential.
“I welcome confirmation of additional Home School Liaison support for seven Kerry schools,” Minister Foley said. “It is vital that every student is supported to reach their full potential.”

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Record numbers as Streets of Killarney 5-mile race sells out

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The annual Streets of Killarney 5-mile road race is officially a sell-out ahead of the event on Good Friday, April 3.

Organised by Killarney Valley AC, the race has attracted a capacity field including some of Ireland’s top distance runners alongside members from over 50 different athletics clubs.

Race committee leader Sinead Hickey confirmed that the event reached its registration limit early this year.

The proceeds from the race are vital for the continued sustainability of the Killarney Valley AC Arena, a facility essential for the development of track and field athletics within the local school and sporting community.

Local resident and Canadian Paralympic athlete Maddie Wilson Walker will serve as the official race ambassador.

While elite runners will lead the pack, the field is comprised of athletes of all abilities, including many local families competing against one another.

The event starts at 7pm sharp on the grounds of Killarney House. Spectators are encouraged to line the route and gather at the finish line on Beech Road to support both the participants and the volunteers.

The organisers have expressed their gratitude to Kerry County Council, the Gardaí, the OPW, and the local business community for their cooperation in hosting the event.

Traffic restrictions and road closures for Good Friday race


Motorists and businesses are advised that significant traffic restrictions will be in place throughout Killarney town centre on Friday evening, 3 April, to facilitate the 5-mile road race.

Closures and diversions will be enforced from 6.30pm until approximately 8.30pm.

Main Street, New Street, and High Street will be fully closed to all vehicular traffic for the duration of the event.

Additionally, partial closures will be in effect on Beech Road, New Road, and Port Road.

As the race course follows a route up High Street and turns left onto New Road and Port Road, the left-hand side of these specific roads will be cordoned off for the safety of the runners.


Access will be restricted as the race exits the National Park, crosses Port Road, and completes two laps of the town circuit.

The finish line will be located at the Killarney Tourist Office on Beech Road.

Local residents and business owners are asked to plan their journeys accordingly and follow the directions of the Gardaí and race marshals who will be managing the junctions.

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