Concerns for safety at ‘hotspot’ locations due to the traffic chaos
By Aimee Walsh
INCREASING traffic volumes at local ‘hotspots’ are an issue for concern for the safety of pedestrians and drivers.
Traffic at locations such as The Hellfire Club, O’Callaghan’s Bridge and Cruagh Wood has been ‘absolute chaos’ according to a local councillor.
There was a report of an accident at O’Callaghan Bridge involving a cyclist
Fianna Fáil Councillor for Firhouse – Bohernabreena, Emma Murphy, has pleaded with the public to avoid these areas or to travel by foot when possible.
Cllr Murphy told The Echo, “The big issue is that people are out and about a lot more and they are going to The Hellfire Club, The Bohernabreena Resevoir, up to Cruagh Wood and Massy Wood for a walk.
“That is increasing traffic volumes. There has been an increase in Garda presence, particularly at The Hellfire Club and Cruagh Wood over the last couple of weeks, and that is due to the absolute chaos that has been up there. They have issued a significant number of fines and they have turned people back.
“I can see the Hellfire Club from my window, if I went to drive up there today I would have to park out onto the road, and it is extremely dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.”
According to Cllr Murphy, on Saturday, January 23, a cyclist was injured on O’Callaghan’s Bridge in an accident that resulted from cars being parked on both sides of the road.
“The cyclist is now doing ok and has minor injuries, but it could have been an awful lot worse. She was very much watching her speed.” Cllr Emma Murphy said.
The issue of cars being parked along the road was brought up at the Joint Policing Meeting on Friday, January 29, and Cllr Murphy called for an increase in Garda presence at O’Callaghan’s Bridge.
“There isn’t the capacity there for people to park. It is a very small car parking area, for where people are legally parking. There is not a continuum of footpath, and people are crossing the road to go back and forward. The issue was raised with the gardai and they have given me details of an increased visibility in the area.
She added “If you want to go for a walk at one of these locations and it is within your 5km, you should travel by foot to avoid traffic.
“You cannot blame people for wanting to go for a walk. The issue is car parking and people parking on the side of the road that are not built for car parking.
“If The Hellfire Club, Cruagh Wood, Massy Wood or The Waterworks are within the 5k walk to them if you can.
“My plea to people at the moment would be to walk there, get there on foot and enjoy your walks and your outdoor recreational activities.”
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