Shortcut to Kildare school can't be taken in charge - because it's privately owned

A route used to access a primary school in Naas can't be taken in charge by Kildare County Council because it is privately owned.

Independent councillor Bill Clear asked KCC to start the process of taking responsibility for the “short road” at the second entrance to Scoil Bhríde, Sallins Road in Naas.

He claimed that the parking of vehicles in the area “is causing safety concerns for children on their way to school.”

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But, according to KCC, this section of road is in private ownership with a wayleave (a right of way granted by a landowner) in place to allow access to the school .

KCC  official Mark McLoughlin told a Naas Municipal District committee meeting that no request has been received to take the road in charge and “we need the owner to request to take it in charge.”

He said that in this case there are two owners and both would need to make the request.

Cllr Seamie Moore said a neighboring business was in existence at that location before the school was built and  “we can’t just demand they hand it over because it is a good shortcut.”

Cllr Moore said the council could make a request that this happen - but it cannot acquire the site by way of a compulsory purchase order.