South Douglas Road roundabout set to be removed

UPGRADE works at the South Douglas Road to replace a busy roundabout with traffic lights look likely to proceed in the coming months after the plans were revised due to local residents' concerns..

The plans seek to remove the roundabout at the South Douglas Road/N40 off-ramp in West Douglas, replacing it with a signalised junction.

However, elected officials in the city put the brakes on the plan amid fears raised by residents.

Initial proposals aimed to merge the N40 off-ramp with the road into Willow Park and Ballincurrig Court housing estates. There was no provision for traffic lights, with a yellow box the only measure included to allow residents access to the estate.

Local councillors claimed that this could leave residents 'marooned' in the estate.

However, revised plans, which will come before Cork City Council on Monday evening, now include traffic lights to ease access.

Local councillor Terry Shannon welcomed the concession.

He said, "We have secured an agreement to include traffic lights at the entrance to Willow Park to ensure that the residents will still have access."

Mr Shannon said that the move 'should satisfy' many of the concerns raised by residents.

"It is a bit of progress," he added.

"Without the traffic lights, the residents would have had enormous difficulty getting in and out of the estate."

If approved by city councillors, the scheme will be progressed to public consultation by Cork County Council under section 85 of the Local Government Act, which allows work in one local authority to be completed by another council.