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‘Positive’ reaction to Killarney Bypass petitions
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A POSITIVE reaction has greeted petitions highlighting the perils of accident blackspot the Killarney Bypass, the Killarney Advertiser has learned. The Mayor of Killarney Municipal District Councillor Niall Kelleher and Killarney woman Suzanne Mannix Dennehy delivered petitions on the matter to the Department of Transport and to Transport Infrastructure Ireland today.
Suzanne’s sister Annette tragically lost her life in an accident on the Killarney bypass in May. During her funeral a petition organised by Annette’s family garnered huge support.
During their visit to the Department of Transport, Mayor Kelleher and Ms Dennehy discussed their concerns with Carol Hunt, the special advisor to the Minister for Transport Shane Ross. “The meeting was very positive, she listened as we explained how this is quite simply Ireland’s biggest accident blackspot,” Mayor Kelleher told Killarney Advertiser.
“She gave a commitment to bringing the matter to the Minister. Whatever happens, we want to maintain people power and keep campaigning. If we hear nothing this side of Christmas we will ratchet it up in January.”
Between them, the pair presented over 5,000 signatures to the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. "I am deeply concerned that more lives will be lost at that junction and the next one could be that of a child, considering how many clubs have facilities there," said Ms Dennehy. "The time for action is now."
Above: Collecting signatures on the petitions were front, Linda Gordon, Siofra Dennehy and Cllr John Joe Culloty. Back from left are Jim Doherty, John Lyne and his dog 'Fletch', Mayor of Killarney Niall Kelleher, Pa McGillycuddy and Suzanne Dennehy. Picture: Eamonn Keogh