Busy Kildare street junction won't reopen - despite claim that it's a fire trap

A busy street junction in Naas, which was closed off to traffic, won’t be reopened, according to Kildare County Council.

Independent politician Seamie Moore pressed for the Abbey Street/Basin Street junction closure decision to be rescinded.

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He said that residents, businesses, Courts Service staff, are affected by what he described as a “300 metres long cul-de-sac.”

Cllr Moore referred to the “very possible risk” of  “an unplanned accident or deliberately planned blockage of the only vehicle entrance into the area from the main street could isolate and put lives at risk.”

At a Naas Municipal District committee meeting he said this is because emergency services personnel, including medical staff and prison officers would “be unable to access the area.”

He said it’s a serious matter and he was not “making up complaints" and alleged the decision was turning the area into a “fire trap" for people living in Basin Street.

Cllr Moore said that in the future “when Naas has a population of 60,000” Abbey Street could the town’s second street and “not just a drive through or a place to park.,”

He was supported by Cllr Evie Sammon who said there were complaints about traffic buildup in the St Mary’s College area and Cllr Carmel Kelly, who said people living along the canal feel isolated and “have difficulty accessing their homes.”

KCC engineer Dónal Hodgins said the closure is now well established and reinforces pedestrian friendly facilities in the town centre “in line with government and local policies.”

He noted all business and residential premises have vehicular access and a number of route options for walking or cycling.

He totally refuted some of the commentary around the closure and said the closure has its roots in other issues such as a child being knocked down by a vehicle nearby and the potential for accidents where Basin Street meets South Main Street.

He said it is about enhancing pedestrian safety, something which will be a priority in plans to re-develop the canal harbour area, which will create “a vital link for pedestrians to use in the future.”

Mr Hodgins also said it’s hoped the closure will accelerate the harbour project.

He also said it is beyond doubt that that junction is safer because it’s closed.

“It may be inconvenient, but it‘s not less safe.”