Kildare councillor flags accessibility issues in Kilcullen

Accessibility concerns relating to Kilcullen were raised by a Fine Gael councillor to Kildare County Council (KCC).

The concerns were highlighted by Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which took place on Thursday, May 17 last.

She put forward the following motion to KCC at the meeting: "That the council assess the most suitable and effective traffic calming measure on the Athy approach road into Kilcullen, at the section of road in front of Nicholastown Estate and Avondale Estate, where speeding continues to be an issue."

Her motion was seconded by Sinn Féin Cllr Noel Connolly.

Speaking to a representative for KCC at the meeting, Cllr O’Dwyer said: "It is very difficult to navigate these areas, and especially if you have any type of mobility issue, you will struggle."

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Cllr O’Dwyer added: "There have been multiple ‘fallers’ in these areas."

In response to her motion, KCC noted in its report at the meeting: "The Municipal District Office have assessed this area. The works required here are outside the works included in our Low Cost Safety Scheme."

KCC added: "A design would have to be carried out by the Planning and Project Team and if works were to proceed here, funding would have to be identified."

Cllr O'Dwyer replied that while she understood that the issue 'ultimately comes down to funding,' she stressed her fear that someone may end up seriously injured if the situation is not remedied soon.