Traffic lights 'scheduled for upgrade'

The scary business of often having to run a red light against oncoming traffic, to turn right onto the New Abbey Road from the Nicholastown direction, may be coming to an end, writes Brian Byrne.

The Diary understands that the traffic lights system at the Hideout crossroads is scheduled for a full upgrade 'early in the new year'. This will allow a filter light for that particular turning move, which the current system is not capable of handling. The issue has been a regular one on the Diary since July 2006.

It is nearly 21 months since Kildare County Council said residents and businesses in Kilcullen would be asked for their opinions on 'whether there should be a major change to the crossroads ... in order to have a safer intersection'.

At the time, the Council said any changes could have implications for on-street parking in the area.

We are not aware if that consultation was ever undertaken.

The scheduling of the upgrade to the traffic lights has not yet been officially announced, but the Diary's source was quite clear that it is in train.