‘It’s only a matter of time before someone is killed’
By Maurice Garvey
Ballyfermot Road was not built to sustain close to 12,000 vehicles per day, according to Independent Councillor Vincent Jackson.
Cllr Jackson asked Dublin City Council’s traffic department to conduct an assessment of traffic volume between Sarsfield Road and Cherry Orchard Hospital, which was carried out over a 24-hour period on September 22/23.
“The results I got back was that Ballyfermot Road had 11,700 vehicles during the 24-hour period,” said Cllr Jackson.
“I was surprised at the results. Ballyfermot cannot take that amount of traffic. This was originally built as a suburban estate. It’s just mad to see that volume of traffic on a daily basis. It’s almost like we are living on a highway.”
The request was in response to concerns in the area regarding heavy traffic, particularly at Grange Cross junction.
At a recent policing meeting, residents blasted the perils of walking near the junction at rush hour (4pm to 7pm).
One mother explained how she, as a pedestrian, has been “constantly verbally abused” by drivers, “who roll down their windows to shout obscenities at me and my child.”
Cllr Jackson said problems arise due to driver frustration on Le Fanu Road, as they attempt to turn onto Ballyfermot Road.
“Priority is given to Ballyfermot Road, but drivers could be waiting longer on Le Fanu, so they often go forward, even if it means blocking the junction,” said Cllr Jackson.
“There is lots of tips and accidents at the junction, which merges from two lanes into one as you head towards the Assumption Church. I live on Le Fanu Road, and there is not a week that goes by without hearing a bang. It’s only a matter of time before someone is killed.”
Proposals for an existing Village Improvement Scheme in Ballyfermot are currently in the planning stage.
Cllr Jackson says anticipated funding from the capital works programme will “have to address traffic volume.”
