Consideration is to be given to introducing a one-way traffic system on Hogan’s Lane in Killarney – on a trial basis – as the heavy traffic flow is causing torment for residents and businesses in the area.
The narrow laneway – also known as Hilliard’s Lane – runs from the centre of High Street to Mangerton View and it is very regularly used by traffic seeking to avoid gridlock in the town centre.
The laneway is an established short-cut for taxis day and night but the current situation is causing all sorts of headaches for business owners and residents in the laneway, a meeting of Killarney Municipal District Council has been told.
Cllr Niall Kelleher said it has become ”torturous” for people that work in premises on the lane as property is being damaged by cars tearing off parked vehicles while trying to negotiate the narrow stretch.
“Crash repair companies are having a field day,” he said.
Cllr Kelleher said a petition of businesses and residents was taken up and a survey of the area was conducted two years ago when the council committed to implementing a one-way system on a trial basis.
“When will this be carried out?” he asked.
Council officials said an options report will be prepared to determine the most appropriate course of action.
In July 2022, KillarneyToday.com reported that residents and businesses in the laneway had signed a petition calling on the local authority to implement a one-way traffic system.
All but one resident has signed the document and the vast majority were in favour of change.
“You can carry out a door-knocking exercise in the area and I think you’ll get a very definite answer,” Cllr Kelleher told council officials at the time.
It is understood that the one-way system sought by residents would prevent vehicles entering the laneway from High Street with access only from Mangerton View and exiting on to the street between Penney’s and Salvador’s Restaurant.
The narrow entrance to the laneway from High Street sees vehicles exit near the entrance to the Hilliard’s car park at the rear of Penney’s and it is a shortcut to Lewis Road, avoiding upper High Street and St Anne’s Road.
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