Call for safety works on N22

A warning has been given of the risk of further deaths and serious crashes at a dangerous junction, on the main N22 Cork to Tralee road, unless safety is improved.

The junction is on the Killarney bypass, close to Fitzgerald Stadium.

Local independent councillor Brendan Cronin said he is amazed nothing has been done to stop drivers turning right as they enter a busy bypass, exiting the town at Lewis Road.

He is to raise the issue at today’s meeting of Kerry County Council in Tralee, where he will call for a left-only turn at the junction, similar to the Annacotty junction in Limerick.

“Anyone who attempts a right-hand turn at this Killarney bypass junction is taking their lives in their hands,” he said.

“It’s all because of the speed and volume of traffic. People can easily misjudge the traffic coming in both directions and accidents occur as they try to cross this lethal, dangerous bypass.”

Mr Cronin said a number of people had died in crashes there and there were frequent non-fatal accidents, sometimes involving several vehicles.

He also called for safety measures and a roundabout at the Aghadoe junction on the N22, just on the Tralee side of Killarney.

“We have accidents at this junction every five to six weeks, with some crashes involving tourists who can make an error of judgement as they attempt to cross the heavily-trafficked N22. They become frustrated as they often have to wait for long periods for a break in traffic that allows them onto the N22,” he said.

“This is a popular tourist area with a number of hotels and viewing areas, but locals also find it very dangerous and have to take extra-special care there.

“There’s enough space there for a roundabout and I’ll be calling on the council to come with a design for a roundabout. I think it would be the best solution to these problems which should have been rectified years ago.”

Meanwhile, South Kerry Independent Alliance Cllr Michael Gleeson, who had criticised the “deplorable condition” of the surface of the N22 from the county bounds to Killarney and called for remedial action, has welcomed a clear commitment from the National Roads Authority (NRA).

The NRA said it had discussions with Kerry County Council with a view to having the surface upgraded, with immediate design and implementation in 2016.

“The work, on completion, will make the journey to and from our county much more pleasant for all and will undoubtedly boost visitor numbers,” Mr Gleeson said.