Speed limit must be lowered on dangerous road
'It's an accident waiting to happen'
A call has been made for the speed limit to be lowered on a rural road near Naas.
Fianna Fáil local election candidate Brian Larkin wanted an assessment to be done on the R447, the back road from Beggars End to Rathcoole where the current speed limit is 80 km/h.
He says a speed reduction is necessary because the road is dangerous.
“Excessive speed limits in the Eadestown area is an issue for local residents, especially this route and I am calling on the KCC to examine this matter.”
The influx of traffic generated by commuters travelling to Dublin is not sustainable at the speed limits currently assigned.
He said the route has become something of a “rat run to Dublin during rush hour periods and has been for many years.” He added it’s particularly when there is any hold up on the N7, which sees many commuters choosing to turn off at Junction 7 Kilwarden to avoid the traffic.”
Describing it as an accident waiting to happen he said there are a number of residential areas there and many in the area have families with children of school going age. “That is before you factor in the bad bends along this route. It is only a matter of time before a serious incident happens.”
He wants the speed limit cut to 60 km/h.
Recently passed legislation will allow local authorities the power to vary speed limits using bye laws. “This should be addressed urgently,” he said.