Why councillors are being made to 'look like eejits'

Politicians representing the Naas area “have been made to look like eejits”, it’s been claimed by Naas Mayor Bill Clear.

Cllr Seamie Moore pointed out, at a Naas Municipal District meeting,  that machinery being used to build new footpaths and cycle lanes along the Kilcullen Road into the town is being allowed to use the Fairgreen area.

He also pointed out, when it was suggested that this area be used as a car park the idea was rejected by Kildare County Council,

That was late last year when some of the Naas councillors asked that a temporary car park be created there for a few months.

It was argued that this would help alleviate the inconvenience and loss of car parking caused by the project - which won’t now conclude until next month.

Cllr Moore said at the time that if parking places are not provided people will bring their business elsewhere.

Kildare County Council engineer Donal Hodgins said last October the council was  liaising with traders directly on construction issues and although there may be temporary impacts, the works are being positively received.

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He also said  there is significant existing public car parking in the area already. 

Cllr Moore told a Naas Municipal District meeting that he was “given the runaround (by KCC)” and this, he added, was “distasteful.”

Naas Mayor Bill Clear said it had been pointed out to him that a car park was denied but building machinery could use it.

Nevertheless KCC official Eoghan Ryan stressed there was a big difference between creating a car park and allowing machinery on the site.

He said issues such as safety, public lighting and the creation of a proper surface would have to be considered for a car park.

“It’s absolutely not the same thing,” he said.