Planning under way for traffic calming in Killucan village

Plans to introduce traffic calming measures in Killucan are moving forward following the allocation of €70,000 in low-cost safety funding, the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad confirmed at its June meeting.

However, questions remain over whether the public will be formally consulted on the measures being developed.

The update came in response to a question from Cllr David Jones, who sought clarity on the schedule for the project and whether it would go to public consultation.

The discussion was taken in conjunction with a related motion from Cllr Denis Leonard, who called for a broader traffic management plan for the Killucan Rathwire area, including an examination of traffic flows, the potential need for a bypass, and additional traffic calming, particularly in light of the number of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) passing through the area.

In response, district engineer Pat Kavanagh confirmed that design work is currently under way and that officials have already met local residents and elected representatives to assess needs.

“The people we met on the ground – a variety from across the town, including elected members – wanted traffic calming as you come in from the Mullingar Road,” Mr Kavanagh said.

He noted that a pedestrian crossing has recently been installed on the Cloughan Road, and discussions are ongoing with a school near the Raharney approach regarding further measures.

Cllr Jones, however, pressed for a clearer answer on public consultation.

“Was it not €100,000 allocated?” he asked. “And the question at the bottom that I had, I didn’t see you answer it – whether it will go to public consultation. That’s not addressed in the reply.”

Mr Kavanagh clarified that the funding was €70,000, not €100,000, and said consultation had occurred through direct engagement with locals and elected representatives. However, he left the door open to additional steps.