More than 176,260 vehicles pass through this Kildare town daily

A traffic survey has found that more than 176,260 vehicles pass through one County Kildare town on an average daily basis.

The finding was highlighted at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which took place on Wednesday, April 15 last.

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Fine Gael councillor Tracey O'Dwyer drew attention to the matter when she motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) to outline the findings from the survey, which was commissioned by the Public Realm Team and carried out in Kilcullen in May 2025 in order 'to capture traffic flow, density, parking turnover and pedestrian movements'.

Her motion was seconded by her party colleague, Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer.

In response, KCC provided her with the results of the survey.

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer praised the 'really comprehensive' report and noted that it identified that many parking spaces in the town are under private ownership.

"The sheer volume of traffic is what was most striking to me — 176,262 vehicles pass through Kilcullen on an average daily basis," she added. "This high proportion of traffic supports my previous calls for a ring road and access ramps for the town."

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'AT BREAKING POINT'

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer further said: "This [survey] proves that Kilcullen is at breaking point."

However, she did express some optimism for the future of the town: "I believe that the results of the report will inform the path forward."

Fianna Fáil (FF) Cllr Rob Power then spoke and told KCC that he also welcomed the report.

"It highlights the factors at play, and I would look to it to inform other plans around the county too," he added.

Following this, the Mayor of the MD, FF Cllr Noel Heavey, said KCC: "On the consideration of paid parking, it could encourage people to park for a short period of time as opposed to staying for long periods of time."

"Maybe it's not appropriate [to implement], but it has occurred to me that it could [possibly] help?" he asked.

A representative for KCC who was present at the meeting replied: "We are examining it, however, it would need to be carried out in accordance with the [parking] Bye-Laws."

Fine Gael Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer. File photograph

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