Date: 18th November 2024

Attn: Active Travel Department

Re: Active Travel & Improvement Works along R512 Kilmallock

To whom it concerns,

In reference to the above proposed works, I wish to lodge my objection to the proposed plans in their current form.

I live in the second house in Gotoon at the side closest to the railway bridge and I am concerned the proposed plans to include 3 sets of traffic lights at the bridge will have a negative impact including but not limited to the points listed below:

the exit from my private residence onto the main road.
adverse effect on noise & air pollution due to idling traffic
Impact on family pets
Impacting my privacy
Deliveries of home heating oil and waste collections
Safety concerns as for fire/ambulance as they will have no choice but to stop at the lights as there is no visual clearance to the far side over the bridge
Visual impact of traffic lights on a protected structure
Access to businesses in the area, SSG , Mart and Corrib oil

Other areas where traffic lights are successfully used are on roads with bridges that I am aware of in Kildare and Killkenny, the traffic volumes are much quieter and have not been placed outside a residence.

I understand the scope of the works is below the threshold for an EIAR and the report provided an EIA screening report is brief and deficient in the assessment.

The only information the EIA screening report relies on to make its recommendations has been a traffic survey conducted between Thursday 22nd June to Monday 26th . This period is insufficient to get an accurate account of the total volume of traffic using R512. It was also conducted during school and popular family holiday period. Therefore, the report is not robust, and all summations derived from it in reference to impact on human health are questionable.

I would also question whether this area is suitable for an active travel plan.

The residents of Gotoon had requested a footbridge inside the railway bridge which are successfully used in other areas such as Knocklong Co. Limerick and Burys bridge co cork.

I also request that the bollards installed a few years ago on the Kilmallock side of the bridge be removed.

Plans to narrow the road at R512/R515 I believe will be beneficial and improve safety in this area.

No information has been provided to date on other alternatives explored for the R512 over the railway bridge. At an estimated costs of the proposed works of €2.2M, I believe I and the residents of Gotoon/Railway Road and are not being given due consideration. Inevitably the proposed work will impact my access to the main road needed for basic everyday activities, work, food shopping etc and I will still need to drive my car to either the library in Kilmallock or the industrial park to take my dogs for a walk.

I trust you will review the above and revisit the proposed plans with a view to finding a more suitable alternative for all parties, not just the residents of Gotoon but all who need to use R512 on a daily basis that will meet our expectations now and in future years to come.

Yours sincerely,

_________________________________,

Rosario O Doherty

Section 38 for Active Travel & Improvement Works along R512 Kilmallock - Submissions

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