Speed ‘killing sheep’ at Kildare school

The presence of dead animals and speeding were discussed in relation to a County Kildare school.

The subjects were raised at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which was held on Wednesday, January 17.

Fine Gael councillor Peggy O’Dwyer motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) to 'consider traffic calming measures on the road from Lumville House towards The Curragh via R413 towards St Marks School / St Brigid’s Hospice.'

Her motion was seconded by her party colleague, Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer.

In response to Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer’s motion, KCC said in its report at the meeting: "Any potential traffic calming at this location will require a design and capital scheme budget.

"There is no provision for these works in the current Capital Programme and will have to be considered in this context," KCC added.

Commenting on the area, Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer told KCC: "Speeding is an issue here, not sightlines, and unfortunately, sheep have been injured or even killed here as a result of it.

"However, I note the council's response."

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Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender also threw his support behind the motion.

He told KCC: "This is an ongoing issue (in this area)."

Cllr Pender also pointed out incidences of dead sheep appearing near the school, as well as seeing photographic evidence showing cars that have passed through the area sustaining damages.

"We absolutely need to consider traffic calming measures here," he stressed.

KCC engineer Donal Hodgins told Cllr Pender: "There is a significant concern about speeding on our roads, and we can install traffic calming measures (in certain areas), but motorists speeding is the core problem.

"In terms of collective responsibility, it’s up to people to slow down."

Mr Hodgins continued: "Speed limits are not the cure for the issue; reducing the speed limit does not guarantee anything.

"We need to communicate to people that they need to slow down and take not only their own safety into consideration, but also the safety of other people and animals."

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Fianna Fáil Noel Heavey also weighed in on the matter: "There has been, unfortunately, a number of accidents that have recently resulted in deaths in Kildare.

"I accept KCC’s policy, but I think that that policy will need to be looked at."

Cllr Heavey suggested, as an example, that 'accident black spot' signs could be erected in certain areas.

KCC was also asked by Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer: "Can I request for the matter to be considered for the (Roads) Capital Programme?"

"It can be considered, yes," Mr Hodgins replied.

A separate representative for KCC also told Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer: "You will have a chance to review the Capital Programme later on in the year."