KILDARE: Naas main street footpath closure 'is necessary to complete work'

The closure of a section of footpath in Naas town centre has been defended by a local politician.

A portion of footpath outside the town hall is off-limits to pedestrians  - on a temporary basis.

Some residents have complained about the inconvenience, even though the closure is well signposted to make sure that drivers, walkers and cyclists aware of it.

It's being done to facilitate the construction of a new pavement in front of the town hall - which is being transformed into a new library and cultural centre at a cost of €6m.

"That footpath was never safe and it has to be that for everybody using it. There have been numerous falls at that location and this is an opportunity to rectify that and to do it properly. We must get it right and it needs to be done right to make it safe for everybody who wants to use it. Nobody wants a half-assed job," said Naas Mayor Bill Clear.

Cllr Clear said the closure was inevitable but it is for the greater good.

A definite opening date for the new building has not been announced, but according to Cllr Clear the entire project will be completed by the end of November.

Kildare County Council have been contacted for comment.

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