Minister inspects notorious stretch of the N80 in Kilbride

RESIDENTS on a notorious stretch of road in Co Carlow are hoping that ministerial clout will finally lead to action in making their area safer for all road users.

Kilbride Road Improvement Group recently met minister of state Jerry Buttimer at The Coffee Mills, Kilbride to discuss long-standing safety issues on the N80 between Kilbride Cross and Kilbride GAA Club. Organised by deputy Catherine Callaghan, the meeting was also attended by group committee members, cllr Charlie Murphy and minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor.

The group provided minister Buttimer with an overview of the issues concerning the N80 between Kilbride Cross and the Kilbride GAA pitch, along with a summary of their ongoing efforts and progress.

Kilbride Road Improvement Group has highlighted at least eight serious accidents on that road since 2019 and “50 years of incremental changes at Kilbride Cross”. It has repeatedly called for immediate remedial works to be carried out at Kilbride Cross and for Carlow County Council to engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to secure long-term road safety improvements on this stretch.

Following the meeting, minister Buttimer was given a driving tour of the area to witness first hand the daily challenges faced by locals and visitors.

“He acknowledged that the dangers at the junctions were evident and committed to engaging with Carlow County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to address these issues and advance improvements,” stated Damien Malone of Kilbride Road Improvement Group.

“Over the past year, the group has hosted several public forums and engaged with An Garda Síochána and Carlow County Council, with the strong support of cllr Murphy and deputy Callaghan, to advocate for the community,” added Mr Malone.