Plans for safety works at ‘lethal’ pedestrian crossing

PUBLIC submissions are now being accepted on South Dublin County Council’s plans for safety works at a contentious pedestrian crossing near the Kingswood Luas stop.

As reported in The Echo last year, a 13-year-old boy was hit by a car while crossing the junction, which local independent councillor Mick Duff described it as a “lethal” crossing.

At the time of that story going to print, South Dublin County Council stated there were no plans for traffic calming works at the busy pedestrian junction that links Kingswood and Kilnamanagh.

However, the council recently released plans for safety works at the junction, including the permanent closure of the controlled crossing point east of Sylvan Drive.

A barrier will be installed, and the removal of tactile and kerb realignment will be carried out to facilitate the closure.

The refuge island west of Sylvan Drive will be removed and the secondary signals will be relocated, and there will be a footpath buildout on the southern path to reduce the crossing distance to the other side of the road.

A pedestrian countdown timer will be installed on the east-west crossing point at Sylvan Drive, and the council noted that other safety measures may be carried out during these works.

Plans for safety works at the junction into Kingswood Estate beside Kilnamanagh

The proposed works have been welcomed by Cllr Duff, who told The Echo: “I favour the works being carried out, at least on a trial basis.

“I genuinely believe that junction is an accident waiting to happen.

“I think it’s an opportunity for us to see if this new system will work, and if it will reduce the risk.

“Risk reduction is far better than leaving things to chance. I think it’s a step forward for us, and I would hope it’s in the right direction.

“There is so much foot traffic from the schools over to Kilnamanagh, and it’s imperative that children from those schools can cross safely.”

Submissions on the planned works can be made at consult.sdublincoco.ie until June 5 at 6pm, or by post to Senior Executive Officer, Environment Water and Climate Change, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24 YNN5, up to 5pm on June 5.