TECHNICAL approval has been granted for a major upgrade on the busy N72 road from the Golden Nugget junction at Fossa Cross to the Gap Cross in Fossa.
The green light has been given to progress the €2 million scheme to the planning stage and, all going according to plan, construction work could commence as early as January or February next.
The project will include a pedestrian crossing at Fossa National School which a number of councillors, particularly Cllr Brendan Cronin and Cllr Maura Healy-Rae, have been lobbying for continuously.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland has given final approval and sanctioned funding for the project after minor alterations were made to the plan.
It is now over two years since worried parents went public to express concerns for the safety of their children. They had repeatedly warned that lives were being put at risk when children were being dropped off and collected.
Kerry County Council had submitted an application to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for significant works that would include a pedestrian crossing, linking the school with the car park at the Prince of Peace Church on the opposite side of the road.
The council’s submission included feasibility reports for a proposed cycleway from Fossa Cross at the Golden Nugget to the Gap Cross leading to the Gap of Dunloe road.
On a deputation to Killarney Municipal District Council in March of 2019, Fossa parent Declan Lynch said the situation at the school gates had reached crisis point and lives were being put at risk at opening and closing time.
Because of a lack of parking spaces, families had no option but to cross the very busy road on their way to and from school, he pointed out.
“It’s chaos, to say the least. We are firmly of the belief that it’s only a matter of time before a child or a parent is killed,” he warned.
Cllr Maura Healy-Rae said she is delighted that technical approval has been granted for the pedestrian crossing as part of an overall active travel project from the Golden Nugget to Gap cross.
“I have campaigned for this for a considerable amount of time through motions representations and a deputation. This is critical work to ensure the safety of staff and students alike,” she said.
