Work on Leary's Cross to start immediately

Funding was confirmed this week for 'immediate works' for safety improvements at Leary’s Cross located on the R628 near Castlelyons. This comes following a serious collision that occurred there on Monday, reports Katie Glavin.

At approximately 7.30pm on Monday, September 20, Gardaí attended the scene of the twovehicle collision, a Garda spokesperson informed The Avondhu.

“Two cars collided at O’Leary’s Cross. The driver and passenger of one car were taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Investigations are ongoing,” the spokesperson said.

Following the incident, Senior Executive Engineer, Brendan O’Gorman confirmed that a funding stream is in place to carry out ‘immediate works’ at the junction.

The topic of safety measures for the junction was raised at both the Northern Committee meeting and the Fermoy Municipal District meeting this week by local councillors pushing for works to be carried out.

A motion put forward at the Northern Committee Meeting on Monday by Cllr Frank O’Flynn revealed that Leary’s Cross would be put forward for a Safety Improvement Scheme for approval in 2022. However, a motion from Cllr William O’Leary at the Fermoy Municipal District meeting the following day, heard the news that the project would begin ‘straight away’.

“I’ve already received indications that we will be able to proceed with that project straight away,” Senior Engineer Brendan O’Gorman said.

“We will be putting mechanisms in place to carry out some immediate works and the scheme will follow through straight away. It is our highest priority,” he added.

Rathcormac councillor, William O’Leary welcomed the news which followed a motion he had placed regarding both Leary’s Cross and Kenny’s Cross.

“The end result here is positive. The immediate works that will take place at Leary’s Cross are beyond welcome and beyond necessary,” Cllr O’Leary said.

MOVE JUNCTION

According to Mr O’Gorman, improvements to Leary’s Cross will see the junction offset to the south, towards Midleton. The council are currently in conversation with local landowners regarding acquisition in order to improve sightlines at the junction also.

“We’ll move the junction back up the Midleton road, we’ll straighten the curve that exists on the road and that allows the people coming from Castlelyons to come further out onto the road to be able to see back towards Rathcormac. It’s our highest priority, it will be proceeding without delay,” Mr O’Gorman added.

Ahead of the news and speaking at Monday’s Northern Committee meeting, Cllr Frank O’Flynn noted that figures provided by An Garda Síochana revealed that there have been 8 serious accidents at the junction in recent times and stated that there were likely also ‘numerous’ unreported incidents.

Referring also to Kenny’s Cross, Cllr O’Flynn said that local residents are living in fear of both junctions.