Safety improvements proposed for dangerous junction after long review process

SAFETY measures at the Devon Road Cross, Templeglantine, on the N21 were discussed at the December meeting of the Newcastle West Municipal District, as councillors received an update from Fionan Kelliher, senior executive engineer with the Mid West National Roads Design Office.

The update followed a motion raised at the previous district meeting seeking progress on long-standing safety concerns at the junction, which has seen increasing traffic volumes and a history of collisions.

Mr. Kelliher outlined that while no construction funding has yet been secured, limited funding had previously been obtained for signage and further assessments of the junction.

He explained that a review of incidents and traffic patterns showed the junction has become increasingly problematic over the years, particularly due to rising traffic volumes and restricted visibility on side roads.

Read More: Calls for extra funding to finish works at Limerick Pool despite €2.8m refurbishment

As a result, discussions have been ongoing with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to build a case for funding under national safety improvement programmes.

It was confirmed that an options report has been prepared and submitted to TII. This report examined several possible interventions, including traffic calming measures on the N21 and the development of a staggered junction to improve safety for vehicles entering from side roads.

Of the options considered, the staggered junction was identified as the preferred solution from a safety perspective, though it remains at option stage only.

Councillors expressed frustration that, despite years of discussion, the project has not progressed to detailed design or costing.
Concerns were also raised about how the staggered junction would operate in practice. Several councillors queried whether alternative solutions, such as traffic-activated or “smart” traffic lights, should be reconsidered to address visibility and waiting-time issues at the junction.

It was confirmed that TII is expected to review the proposal at senior level in January
Councillors stressed that safety at the Devon Road Cross remains a priority for the local community and that they will be keeping the pressure on the TII.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme