Questions asked in relation to new junction in Tullamore

QUESTIONS were asked at the January 12 meeting of Tullamore Municipal District as to when the traffic lights would be energised at the new junction at Collins Lane, Tullamore, near the Educate Together School.

Councillor Sean O'Brien said there was a lot of concern there from the residents on different estates. ''This has been going on for so long, it's quite a dangerous junction. I think it needs to be lit up as soon as possible. There were two serious accidents with cyclists there and it needs to be completed,'' he said.

Councillor Ken Smollen said there had been a number of accidents at the junction with cyclists hitting the path and going out over the handlebars.

''In order to create a clear distinction between the roadway and the cycle lane would it be possible to put a small plastic bollard between the road and cycle lane,'' he asked.

Responding Senior Executive Engineer, John Connelly said the junction is almost complete, but there are more road markings needed. ''The public lighting is working, that is energised, but the traffic lights are not,'' he said.

Mr Connelly said ''it is the only junction of its type outside of Dublin. It's the design and we have to try to get it right. It is at the transition stage, the cars have to come out right to the edge of the line and take the turns at a more sharper angle than would normally.''

He said the cycle lanes are currently closed because of incidents that happened earlier.

He added that the cycle lanes will be paved differently and the crossing through the junction will be red.

The Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District, Councillor Neil Feighery commented, ''we all want to see Collins Lane finished. We have to remember it is a groundbreaking junction that will allow for cycle lanes in conjunction with pedestrian traffic. While there was a bit of work to be done to future proof it, we look forward to it being energised. It is set to be a very positive addition to that area and to all the school going children who use it,'' he said.