Mill road

Fears that hidden hazard could claim lives

A WARNING has been sounded that a concealed hazard on a busy Killarney roadway could lead to lives bring lost unless remedial action is urgently taken.The danger area can be identified by a slope and a sharp turn in the roadway, approximately 500 meters from White Bridge on the Mill Road, according to local man Tom Doherty.He said there is a hidden danger in the form of an unprotected steep drop-off towards the River Flesk which could cause a serious traffic accident resulting in the loss of lives.Mr Doherty, a candidate for next summer’s Kerry County Council and Killarney Town Council elections, said the risk is that cars could career off the road and plunge into the river.“As a result of the recent construction of the new bridge, an ever-increasing volume of traffic has been created including larger vehicles.“The width of this section of the road is very narrow and this creates difficulties for traffic to pass each other safely,” he said.Mr Doherty said he has been approached by a number of concerned motorists requesting that a protective barrier be erected on the river side of the dangerous stretch of road.“At present, the only thing standing between the motorist and the river is a low mound of earth,” he said.“The only warning signs are two small reflection lights mounted on two small timber “At this time of year, when visibility may be difficult due to darkness and poor weather conditions, it is imperative that this issue be addressed as soon as possible,” said Mr Doherty.Residents of the White Bridge area have already expressed concern that the new bridge will not be sufficient to prevent flooding in the area.Senior Kerry County Council officials have confirmed that it is likely that flooding could occur in the area in severe weather conditions, irrespective of the new bridge.

The Kingdom newspaper