Kildare councillor claims that some motorists are ‘playing on their phones’ while driving through junctions

A Kildare County councillor has claimed that a number of motorists in North Kildare are 'playing on their phones' while they drive through junctions.

Fine Gael Cllr Brendan Wyse made the comments at the latest Clane-Maynooth Municipal District (MD) meeting, which was held on Friday, January 5.

The topic arose following a motion which was proposed by Social Democrats Cllr Aidan Farrelly at the meeting (Cllr Wyse seconded the motion).

Cllr Farrelly’s motion read as follows: “That the council provide an assessment of 'The Block' in Prosperous with regard to pedestrian and cycling permeability.”

In response, Kildare County Council (KCC) said that the MD Engineer will meet with Cllr Farrelly at the aforementioned location in order to discuss the matter.

While Cllr Farrelly welcomed the response, Cllr Wyse mentioned that a number of accidents had occurred in the area, and added that a number of people had been 'playing on their phones' while driving through the area.

Fine Gael Cllr Brendan Wyse. File photograph.

Cllr Wyse also said: "It seems to be an increasing problem at the junction... Maybe line of sight is an issue here too."

However, he added that he was in support of Cllr Farrelly’s motion.

KCC engineer Cyril Buggie said that he agreed with Cllr Wyse’s sentiments.

Mr Buggie also said: "If people are missing this junction, then we need to be able to do something to assist them."