COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 14, 2025

QUESTION NO. 19

QUESTION: Councillor H. Farrell

To ask the Chief Executive for an update on the road safety audits of beacon free pedestrian crossings that management committed to carrying out in response to my previous motion in March 2025.

REPLY:

South Dublin County Council is implementing new Type B zebra crossings in line with the Department of Transport Circular RW 06/2024. These installations are based on national guidance supported by trials conducted by the Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority (NTA), and reflect international best practice.

In response to public feedback and elected member queries, the Traffic Section has arranged one-off road safety audits at two locations where public concerns were raised:

  1. Castle Road, Lucan:
    A Road Safety Audit was undertaken, which identified that visibility at the crossing was compromised due to overgrown foliage from mature trees. While tree trimming was considered, it was determined that installing flashing beacons and additional street lighting would be more effective and less invasive, allowing the mature trees to be retained. These improvement works have commenced on site.
  2. Main Street, Newcastle:
    The Road Safety Audit recommended enhancements to night-time visibility of pedestrian signage. As a result, the existing signage will be replaced with solar-powered illuminated signs. These works are scheduled for completion within the next four weeks.

No further safety concerns have been reported to date at the other 18no. recently installed beacon-free crossings in the county. The Traffic Section will continue to monitor all locations in line with best practice and will implement further improvements where deemed necessary.

SDCC remain committed to ensuring that all pedestrian crossings provide a high standard of safety and accessibility in accordance with national guidance and taking account of particular local contexts.