SOCIAL Democrats councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara called on Limerick City and County Council to carry out a feasibility study in regard to the building of a slip road at the entrance and exit of Ferndale on the Ennis Road in the city.
The City North representative believes this will be a first step in addressing residents’ safety concerns over increased traffic on the newly opened section of the Coonagh/Knockalisheen Distributor Road.
“The Coonagh/Knockalisheen Road is an amazing addition to Limerick City North, there’s no denying this, however, with the recent opening of the Old Cratloe Road to Coonagh Roundabout section, there are some teething issues,” Cllr Hickey-O’Mara told December’s Metropolitan District meeting.
“One that has been shared with those of us who represent Limerick City North is the lack of a slip-road into Ferndale and Hillside,” he added.
According to the Social Democrat, the turn into this estate, which has always been tight, is becoming treacherous due to the increased traffic travelling from the Old Cratloe Road side towards the Coonagh Roundabout.
“With increased traffic, residents are sharing that when they are attempting to take the left turn off the Distributor Road into Ferndale and Hillside, cars behind them are not slowing down and there have been near misses where residents and visitors have almost been rear-ended,” he explained.
Cllr Hickey-O’Mara also told the Council executive that there is also a distinct lack of signage giving sufficient warning to motorists that there is a right-angle turn into Ferndale/Hillside.
“This has led to the residents’ call for a slip road into their estate as well as signage indicating that there is a turn coming up. There is ample space on the left of the road that could be turned into a slip-road. This action, if embraced, will mark a proactive rather than reactive step and will likely cost less than any litigation that may ensue due to any future accident resulting due to the lack of a slip-road and sufficient signage,” he told the Council.
“This is also pro-pedestrian as there’s a pedestrian crossing immediately after making the turn and a slip-road and increased signage will be a step towards preventing any harm coming to pedestrians or cyclists crossing there.”
Residents, he concluded, have described the situation as “running the gauntlet”.
The Council said that under the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road project a road safety audit will be carried out at the junction to Ferndale.