Piece submitted by Michael Guerin.
The Clieveragh/Bedford & Estates Residents Association (representative group), met last Friday 15th with Pa Daly TD and Cllr. Tom Barry. The meeting was held at the Dun Alainn and Knockroe Drive Junction of the Main Clieveragh Road R552. This was to show Pa Daly the danger to pedestrians because of the absence of footpath continuity at each side of this junction. Cllr. Barry stated that he is currently in discussion directly with one property owner at Sli na Speire. As part of an ongoing campaign by the Residents Association in meeting candidates for the General Election, last Saturday week Minister Norma Foley TD and Cllr. Jimmy Moloney met a delegation from the Residents Association.
Cllr. Michael Foley for the meeting last Monday of Listowel MD council put down a list of questions from the Residents Association. KCC Executive provided an update on residents issues for the meeting. This was without debate or points of clarification at the meeting. The Residents Association are actively campaigning on safety measures for over three years, without any real progress. Even the relocation of two signs that are causing blind spots at the end of footpaths, seems impossible.
At The Sli na Speire Estate frontage of 90 metres, remedial work requiring the removal of ditch for a footpath, public roadway lights also required at this dangerous section. There has been no acquisition agreement to date with the two property owners. School Buses are leaving children off at the dangerous unsuitable Knockroe Drive Junction, and children are playing in the area not seeing the danger.
At Luachra Road Estate frontage, at the derelict house, remedial work for footpath is required, front wall of 20 metres realignment, no acquisition with this property owner to date. Adjoining this Michael Guerin has signed an acquisition agreement for his wall & shrubs removal and relocation to suit KCC requirements, three years ago.
Residents are in terror with many near misses on each side of the Dun Alainn, Knockroe Drive Junction to the main Clieveragh R552 Road. Motorist are overtaking on the straight stretch of roadway at high speed. Residents want traffic calming and speed checks. A flashing speed sign was to be erected in lower Clieveragh last year, not in place. Elderly residents are fearful walking the roadside, they are hiring taxis to take them to town. It’s very unfair to see young mothers trying to keep their children safe walking on the roadside.
Last year 60 new homes were occupied at Dun Alainn a pedestrian crossing was to be in place before occupation – still not done. There is a new planning application for 12 new house in Dun Alainn. We are are asking that residents safety measures be in place before the occupation of any new homes.
