Election hopeful calls for additional street lighting for Wicklow village

The election hopeful feels the issue is an urgent matter of public safety, which is particularly relevant after 43 pedestrians were killed in accidents on our roads in 2023, the highest figure in 15 years.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 2nd May 2024

Mr Byrne said: “Working with my party colleague John Brady TD, we have been in contact with Wicklow County Council to push for the implementation of additional street lighting in the village of Kilbride, along with the extensions of a section of footpath in the village. The area of the village in question is a popular walking route with locals, and there is a section of it which is currently unlit and lacking an adequate footpath.

“I have had a number of people in the area approach me and raise this issue, as they feel the current situation constitutes a safety issue for locals using the road on the outskirts of both villages. Many people have expressed to me that they would feel safer walking at night if there were streetlights along here and a proper footpath, and that the current situation is a matter of public safety.

“A similar situation exists on the outskirts of Blessington, on the N81 on the Tallaght side of the town, where inadequate lighting is creating dangerous driving conditions at night There are a number of options open to the to pursue to complete this project which would make a significant contribution to road safety, particularly given the high number of pedestrian fatalities this year, and the fact that 2023 saw the highest number of pedestrian deaths in 15 years.”