Farronshoneen Roundabout to be reviewed

A review of the Farronshoneen Roundabout layout has been agreed, according to local councillor Jim D'Arcy.

The roundabout has been a cause of concern for locals since its redesign last year under the Active Travel initiative, and a petition demanding urgent changes to the roundabout in the interest of public safety has so far amassed almost 1,800 signatures.

The petition, organised by Waterford City East Councillors, calls for a review of the design, implementation of safety modifications, and the undertaking of an independent safety audit of the roundabout.

According to the petition, the current design has “has led to increased traffic congestion and safety concerns for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Since its implementation, the new design has seen a series of accidents, including severe collisions and near-misses. 

The petition states: "The people of Waterford will not accept being ignored while their safety is put at risk. The current roundabout design in our opinion has failed, and it must be changed before a serious injury or fatality occurs."

The petition makes an appeal to Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, to 'review the excessive decision-making powers given to Active Travel engineers, ensuring that local councillors and the public have greater influence over road safety decisions'.

It also calls on the Head of Active Travel in Waterford, Michael Murphy and Waterford City & County Council CEO, Sean McKeown.

It was announced at a recent meeting of Waterford councillors that no alterations would be made to the roundabouts layout.

Fine Gael's Jim D’Arcy, one of the councillors organising the petition, says however that he met with Mr. Sean McKeown during the week to discuss the ongoing problems with the layout.

Cllr D’Arcy said that the meeting was very constructive and that Mr. McKeown has agreed to review the layout.

“I know that some senior officials are trying to force us not to use our cars and while I understand that their intentions are worthy, Ireland is a country where we need to use our cars" he said.

“We cannot force people to walk and cycle in our climate and making people sit for ages in traffic is only causing frustration and anger.

“I am optimistic that sense will prevail and a viable solution will be found.”