Pedestrian crossing installed after residents raised concerns

THE installation of a new pedestrian crossing on Sylvan Drive in Kingswood began this week, following a campaign by local residents.

The zebra crossing is being developed after residents cited concerns about the volume of traffic in the area and the danger this could cause for pedestrians.

Local People Before Profit TD, Paul Murphy, has welcomed the development but added that more pedestrian crossings are needed in Kingswood and the wider Tallaght area.

“I am delighted that South Dublin County Council has begun installing a new safe zebra crossing at Sylvan Drive in Kingswood,” said Deputy Murphy.

“This comes in response to a petition and campaign by local residents, led by Jess Spear, who has now been elected as a local councillor.

“It shows that communities coming together to campaign for better facilities can bring real results.

“With road deaths at record highs, we need to make sure that this improvement in road safety for children, elderly people and other vulnerable road users is not a one-off.

“Residents regularly contact me about unsafe roads and speeding in Kingswood estate, and drivers using Sylvan Drive as a rat run.

“One zebra crossing isn’t going to be enough. We need more traffic calming measures in Kingswood and across estates in Tallaght.”

He added that he would support the installation of ‘children at play’ signs, speed limit signs, more speed ramps and the installation of radar speed signs.

“South Dublin County Council also needs to make much wider use of zebra crossings across Tallaght and the wider council area,” he said.

“There is no longer any requirement for Belisha beacons to be installed alongside zebra crossings, making them cheaper, quicker and easier to put in place.

“Zebra crossings should now become the norm rather than the exception.

“As well as giving pedestrians priority, this will benefit motorists and cyclists too by eliminating unnecessary red lights when no other road users are present.”