Digby Bridge Residents Says KCC's Traffic Calming Plans Won't Work.

Locals want the speed limit dropped from 80km/h to 60km/h - Kildare County Council has declined.

Residents of Digby Bridge say Kildare County Council's traffic calming proposals don't go far enough.

Locals have long been raising concerns about the volume of traffic on the Caragh route, and the speed limit approaching the narrow bridge.

The limit is 80km/h, and locals want that dropped to 60km/h.

The council has declined to do so, and also rejected requests for rumble strips or speed bumps.

Locals also say there is nothing to indicate to drivers that they may suddenly happen upon pedestrians.

Joan McLoughlin lives near the bridge.

Speaking to Kildare Today, she says KCC's offer to paint warning signs on the road won't have any impact.

Kildare County Council has issued this statement to Kfm Radio:

"The Municipal District Office received a number of queries and representations through our Customer Service portal raising concerns around interaction between pedestrian and traffic movements. Following a motion raised by Cllr Padraig McEvoy at a Municipal District meeting it was agreed that the location would be examined with the intention of installing additional lining and signage.  An examination of the location determined that two additional ‘SLOW’ markings would be installed on the road and an additional ‘pedestrian sign’ would also be installed on the approach to the bridge from either side.  A request made for a reduced speed limit, rumble strips and a pedestrian crossing cannot progress at this location, which is in a rural area and the introduction of both are not permitted under the national guidelines.  It was determined that the ditch on the approach from Clane acts as a natural traffic calming measure slowing vehicles and stepping it back or removing it may increase speed of traffic approaching the bridge.

Road resurfacing works have been carried out on the Clane side of Digby Bridge with the contractor due to complete the surface dressing and lining which will include the additional SLOW marking which were agreed would be installed.  It should also be noted that the Municipal District office has not been made aware of an accidents or had concerns raised by An Garda Siochana."

Joan McLoughlin, who is the owner of the Setanta Farmhouse B&B in Caragh, joined Eoin Beatty on Wednesday's edition of the programme.