The need to make alterations to the Lakeview Roundabout has been raised by Cork East Fine Gael TD David Stanton. Deputy Stanton believes that changes to the roundabout are necessary to improve traffic flow and ease congestion, at peak times in particular.
“The large rise in population and housing in Midleton and the surrounding areas, coupled with recent improvements in the economy and the lowering of the national unemployment rate to under 9%, has led to a substantial increase in traffic using the Lakeview Roundabout on a daily basis. The proximity of four large second level schools and five primary schools to the roundabout also adds greatly to vehicle numbers.
“The Lakeview roundabout is also the only route for traffic travelling on the N25 from Cork to Waterford/Rosslare and it is the only means of access to the N25 for heavy vehicles travelling from Whitegate oil refinery”, noted Deputy Stanton
“Tailbacks approaching from the south (Whitegate/Cloyne/Ballycotton/Ballinacurra R630/629) and from the east (Castlemartyr/Killeagh/Youghal N25) in the mornings can be very long. Conversely in the evenings, traffic builds up on the approaches from the west (Cork) and north (Midleton). The roundabout is also the only means of access to the N25 for the large number of drivers travelling to work from East Cork to Cork city and its environs and congestion is adding a considerable amount to commuting times. Congestion is also leading to concerns about road safety.
“I have received quite a number of enquiries from my constituents voicing concerns about the capacity of the Lakeview Roundabout to handle the current volumes of traffic and I share their concerns about the inadequacy of the current layout. I have made contact with the Minister for Transport, Paschal Donohoe TD and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) (formerly the National Roads Authority) regarding the need to investigate ways to improve the current layout and also the need for funding to be made available for any necessary works.
“Many people have suggested a slip road to allow traffic from the south (Ballinacurra) travelling west to Cork to access the N25 more quickly and I believe that this could help alleviate some of the problems. It has also been suggested that the possibility of converting the roundabout to a signalised junction, similar to the one at Knockgriffin, should be examined. This would mean removing the roundabout altogether and replacing it with filter lanes, junctions and lights. I would like to see some feasibility studies carried out with a view to implementing improvements to the roundabout access and layout as soon as possible.
“In the longer term, of course, a full upgrade of the N25 to motorway status to bypass Midleton, Castlemartyr & Killeagh will have to happen but when the economy is fully recovered and finances allow”, concluded Deputy Stanton.
