‘Appropriate signage’ needed along this Kildare road

A councillor recently submitted a motion to Kildare County Council (KCC) calling for it to install "appropriate signage" along the Canal Harbour Road in Monasterevin.

The motion was submitted by Social Democrats councillor Pat Balfe at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which took place on Wednesday, June 18 last.

His motion read as follows: "That the council agrees to install appropriate signage along Canal Harbour Road in Monasterevin, which runs parallel to the Barrow Blueway."

Cllr Balfe added that he wanted this to occur for two reasons: in order to alert motorists to the presence and potential crossing of local wildlife species— particularly swans, ducks, and other birdlife, as well as otters — which are frequently observed along the canal and adjacent roadways; and to provide clear wayfinding signage to assist pedestrians, cyclists, and visitors in navigating the canal path, highlighting access points, routes, and amenities connected to the Barrow Blueway and local heritage attractions.

Cllr Balfe’s motion was seconded by Sinn Féin Cllr Noel Connolly.

Cllr Pat Balfe submitted the motion at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting. File photograph

KCC replied to both parts of Cllr Balfe’s motion separately.

For the first part, KCC said via its report at the meeting: "The Transport Department will examine the issue further with Cllr Balfe in consultation with the Heritage Officer."

For the second part, KCC had more to say: "Work continues to be carried out on the Barrow Blueway project.

"Wayfinding and signage will be delivered as part of the overall project, on completion, in collaboration with Waterways Ireland.

"The Barrow Blueway Placemaking Plan (BBPP) was developed by Meinhardt on behalf of the Barrow Blueway Project Partners, KCC, Waterways Ireland and Laois County Council, funded through Kildare LEADER."

KCC concluded: "The BBPP, sets out a series of programmed and (indicatively) costed actions to maximise the success of the Barrow Blueway as a local, national, and international attraction in accordance with the Blueways Ireland Accreditation Criteria of experience, safety, technical, conservation and environment, access, and sustainability."

In addition, a representative of KCC, Pam Pender, emphasised to Cllr Balfe that KCC will speak further with Waterways Ireland in relation to the matter.

Cllr Balfe said that he welcomed this planned move by KCC.

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