Cormac Corr PC, Kells Community Representative, has called on the Council to urgently deliver a coordinated and town-wide response to what he describes as a growing road safety crisis across Kells and its surrounding communities. His call comes following consistent reports from residents outlining serious concerns around traffic speed, pedestrian safety, and a lack of proper infrastructure.
Mr Corr said that while he had previously raised issues relating to Headfort Road and Navan Road, more recent reports show that these problems are widespread and getting worse. Residents have described near misses, dangerous driver behaviour, and the absence of basic safety features in key residential and school areas.
“In one instance, a resident recounted a frightening incident at a pedestrian crossing on Headfort Road, where a vehicle ran a red light,” said Mr Corr. “Another spoke about constant speeding by vehicles entering and leaving the town, calling for the urgent installation of speed ramps. There have also been repeated calls for railings at pedestrian crossings, particularly near schools.”
Concerns have continued to surface in areas such as Calaighstown and Balrath, along the Mullingar Road, where residents are still waiting on long-promised traffic calming works. These works were initially due to be completed by November, but visible progress has yet to be made.
Residents on the Carnaross Road have also highlighted dangers faced by schoolchildren and older pedestrians, particularly in the absence of safe crossing points and a lack of visible signage to slow down motorists. Similar complaints have been raised in places like Gardenrath, where traffic has increased significantly but safety infrastructure has not kept pace.
Kilmainham, a small but growing rural community just outside Kells, has also seen a number of recent collisions and near misses. Despite an increase in population, it continues to lack basic safety provisions such as footpaths and traffic calming measures. Locals have shared their real fears about the dangers for both drivers and pedestrians.
CONTACTED THE COUNCIL
Mr Corr confirmed that he has formally articulated these concerns in a letter sent to the Council. He has since received acknowledgement of his correspondence, along with assurance that the matter has been brought to the attention of the Road Safety Officer, from whom he hopes to hear in the near future.
He stressed that patchwork or piecemeal solutions are no longer sufficient. What is required now, he said, is a full-scale, town-wide traffic safety plan that ensures all residents, regardless of where they live, can safely use the roads and footpaths in their community.
“We need a full review of traffic safety across Kells, and we need to see action taken swiftly,” Mr Corr stated. “The rollout of effective, visible safety measures must be prioritised. The people of Kells have waited long enough. Their safety and wellbeing must come first.”
