AN expert from the UK is to be drafted in by City Council next month to address imbalances with the sequencing of lights on the Kinsale Road Roundabout and improve traffic flow.

Sinn Féin County Councillor Eoghan Jeffers and TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire had called for a review of the lights, citing problems for motorists approaching from Frankfield Hill with some of the lights only staying green for a short period and not allowing an adequate flow of cars, leading to tailbacks at peak times.

This is causing drivers to take alternative routes on other local roads that are not suitable for large volumes of traffic.

After discussions with City Council, it has been agreed that an expert from a UK traffic light systems company will be brought in to resequence the lights and ease congestion.

Deputy Ó Laoghaire said the timing of lights is an “enormous” issue on the roundabout and he is “hopeful” the issue will be resolved.

Mr Jeffers said locals contact him daily to complain of problems at the roundabout with some unable to get out of their estates due to levels of traffic.

“It’s one of the biggest issues for people living in the Grange/Frankfield community and those travelling down the Airport Road. It’s an issue which people raise with me on a daily basis and if the timing is done correctly, I believe it can have a real positive impact in relation to the large amounts of traffic building up on Frankfield Hill.

“It’s been really frustrating for many residents who couldn’t exit their estate at peak times, which was unacceptable. I hope this may be able to give some much-needed relief to the less capable roads now which are being used as a rat run to avoid the traffic,” he added.

The roundabout is maintained by the two local authorities with City Council in charge of the lights and County Council responsible for the upkeep of the roundabout’s environs. Transport Infrastructure Ireland is responsible for the road network.