Road in Kildare ‘is like a patchwork quilt’, local rep claims

One road in County Kildare is so damaged that it resembles a patchwork quilt, according to one local councillor.

Sinn Féin Cllr Noel Connolly made the comments when he appeared at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which took place on Wednesday, February 18 last.

The discussion initially arose when Social Democrats Cllr Pat Balfe submitted a motion to Kildare County Council, calling on it to  carry out an assessment of the road surface at Lackagh Village "with particular regard to it’s current condition, safety, accessibility, and suitability for vehicular and pedestrian use".

Through his motion, he also requested that, following this assessment, "the necessary resurfacing works be included in the KCC's 2026 Plan of Works".

The motion was seconded by Cllr Connolly.

In response to Cllr Balfe's motion, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: "The Municipal District Office will complete an assessment of the road surface at this location and consider it for resurfacing, subject to sufficient funding being
available."

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EFFECT ON NEARBY SCHOOL

Speaking further on his motion, Cllr Balfe told KCC: "There are about 130 pupils in attendance at the nearby school, to my knowledge."

He further said that he was aware of concerns, some of which centred on pedestrian safety and alleged damages to vehicles, which had been raised in relation to the road.

"I welcome the report, but I want to see more permanent action taken by KCC on this matter," Cllr Balfe added.

After he was done speaking, Cllr Connolly entered the discussion, and told KCC that he lives in the area.

Cllr Connolly also claimed: "The school bus struggles on the road; it is like a patchwork quilt."

Another councillor who expressed support for the motion was Fianna Fáil Cllr Brian O'Loughlin, who said: "Some people won't even consider attending the [nearby] school because of the state of the road."

Following this, a representative of KCC assured the councillors that the road will be reviewed by the Municipal District Office.

LEFT: Social Democrats Pat Balfe, who submitted the original motion. RIGHT: Sinn Féin Cllr Noel Connolly, who made the "patchwork quilt" comments. He also seconded the motion. Both photographs are file photographs

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