Delays to Coolock Interchange work leaving pedestrians and cyclists at risk – Ó Muirí

Dublin City Council needs to explain the lack of progress on safe pedestrian crossing facilities at the Coolock Interchange, a Fine Gael Councillor has said.

Design of safe pedestrian crossings at the Interchange commenced last year, with the original aim of having the signals operational in October/November 2023.

Councillor Naoise Ó Muirí, who is contesting the General Election for Fine Gael in Dublin Bay North, said the traffic signal lights are vital to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely from Kilmore/Coolock to Santry and vice versa.

“Constituents have been in touch with me on this matter with residents, cycling commuters and road users all frustrated with the lack of progress. This is an important and busy junction within an area which has growing volumes of traffic and major new housing developments nearby including Oscar Traynor Woods.

“Pedestrians and cyclists are being forced to take unnecessary risks every day as these lights have not yet been switched on. At a time when we are encouraging citizens to opt for sustainable travel options, the lack of safe routes results in many people simply sticking with car use.

“I understand that there were complex power connection issues for the new lights, but that these have now been resolved.

“As students return to school and the evenings begin to shorten, Dublin City Council must now commit to having the lights fully operational by early November,” concluded Councillor Ó Muirí.