Disagreement over handling of traffic island located in front of County Kildare garda station

A disagreement took place between two councillors at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) meeting on Wednesday, March 20 last.

The matter arose when Fine Gael Cllr Paddy Curran, who is also the Mayor / Cathaoirleach of the MD, motioned for Kildare County Council to 'remove the island in front of the Garda Station in Rathangan and install a pedestrian crossing as a matter of urgency.'

His motion was seconded by Fianna Fáil Cllr Suzanne Doyle.

However, Fianna Fáil Cllr Anne Connolly, who is also the leas Cathaoirleach of the MD, said she disagreed with Mayor Curran’s comments.

She said: "A lot of time and effort has went into this, and I do disagree with you, it would slow down traffic.

"I do not think it should be removed as a matter of urgency."

Fine Gael Cllr and Cathaoirleach / Mayor of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, Paddy Curran wanted to see the island near Rathangan Garda Station removed, but this point was challenged by Fianna Fáil Cllr Anne Connolly. Cllr Connolly is also the leas Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District

Cllr Connolly added: "Big tractors are able to get around it", to which Mayor Curran replied: "Cars can fly down it."

In response, KCC told Mayor Curran: "This island was installed approximately three years ago by the MD office, in order to reduce the speed of the traffic entering Rathangan at this location.

"It has proved (to be) very effective."

KCC continued: "There is no budget at present for the installation of a pedestrian crossing.

"There are no plans to remove the island."

Mayor Curran said that while he accepted KCC’s report, he added: "I think that the council should take another look at this area."