Pressure mounts for safety fix at busy junction in Clonakilty
The junction at the N71 in Clonakilty. Picture: Google Maps
Councillors have called for urgent safety improvements at the Miles and Lady's Cross junction in Clonakilty, warning that pedestrians are being put at risk as housing development in the area continues to expand.
The West Cork Municipal District is to write to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) seeking an upgrade of the junction where the L4007, L8053, and Cloheen Industrial Estate Road meet the N71.
In the short term, Cork County Council will examine whether minor improvements to pedestrian crossings can be delivered from existing budgets.
Independent Ireland councillor Daniel Sexton, who tabled the motion, said the junction was now among the busiest in Clonakilty.
He said substantial housing development in the area had increased pressure on the road network, while pedestrian infrastructure had failed to keep pace.
Mr Sexton said there are several estates nearby, two further developments under construction, and a significant number of older residents and children using the area.
He said a wheelchair user living nearby faced difficulty crossing the road.
Social Democrats councillor Isobel Towse said there a solution is urgently needed, particularly as more homes are completed.
She said clarity was needed on responsibility for a permanent upgrade, following discussions involving developers and TII.
A council official said the junction is included in the National Transport Authority-funded Local Transport Plan for Clonakilty. Initial recommendations from that plan are expected in the first quarter of 2027.
The council said substantive changes would be premature before the plan is published, but existing crossings will be examined for smaller safety improvements.
The local authority is also due to meet TII on funding applications for 2027, and councillors asked that the junction be included in those discussions.
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