Y

YET another serious collision took place on the Lewis Road-Killarney bypass junction this afternoon, with one person taken to University Hospital Kerry. This notorious accident blackspot was also the scene of a crash just three days ago – again with one person taken to hospital.

Today’s accident, a two-car crash, occurred soon after 2pm. Emergency services attended the scene, at the exit from Lewis Road to the bypass.

Several fatal accidents have occurred at this lethal junction over the years, so why is nothing being done?

Killarney Advertiser has spearheaded a campaign for improved safety at this blackspot following which calls for action have been made on a national level.

Our three-part series earlier this year highlighted the views of many locals and has shone a light on what is one of the most dangerous junctions in Ireland.

Kerry County Council has repeatedly sought a solution from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, which is the only body that has the authority to change the junction.

At a recent council meeting, Cllr Brendan Cronin called yet again on TII to offer a solution. “They said they would be back to us in late September or early October. It is now October 24 and there is no sign of a solution,” Cllr Cronin told Killarney Advertiser. “This is a matter or urgency.”

Kerry Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris said: “The authorities need to act before we have another needless fatality, and more families are left grieving. I have written this morning to the NRA calling on them to take action, it beggars belief that after all the calls by Gardaí and public representatives for action to be taken, that the issues have yet to be resolved. Peoples lives are at stake and it simply isn't good enough that incidents like this are seemingly ignored."