Serious safety concerns have been raised about two busy junctions in Ballygunner, Waterford, following discussion at the December Metropolitan District meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

Social Democrats councillor Mary Roche highlighted growing traffic problems at both ends of Ballygunner Hill, warning that current layouts no longer reflect the level of development in the area.

Cllr. Roche focused first on the junction near the Riverside Cottage, where traffic exits onto the Dunmore Road without traffic lights. She said the junction now handles volumes comparable to fully signalised intersections further up the hill.

She warned that drivers must still make right-hand turns onto a fast-moving main road. She described the manoeuvre as dangerous and said residents effectively take their lives in their hands.

Cllr. Roche said housing development in the area has increased traffic dramatically. She added that the presence of two nearby schools has intensified congestion, particularly during peak hours. She said the volume of traffic exiting onto the Dunmore Road has become unacceptable and requires urgent intervention.

Ballygunner Cross Traffic Flow Issues

Cllr. Roche also raised concerns about the junction at the top of Ballygunner Hill, commonly known as Ballygunner Cross. She said the scale of the junction prevents vehicles from clearing safely during a single light sequence.

She explained that traffic lights often change before drivers can fully cross the junction. She said this leads to congestion and unnecessary delays. She argued that the junction layout or the signal timing no longer works for current traffic demands.

Cllr. Roche said the council must either redesign the junction or rework the traffic signals. She added that doing nothing is no longer an option.

Council Response

In response, Senior Engineer Paul Johnston confirmed that the council has already begun examining the junction at the top of Ballygunner Hill. He said the issue is under review.

Cllr. Roche concluded by calling for action at both junctions, stressing that safety must come before convenience. She said residents and road users deserve infrastructure that matches the scale of growth in the area.

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