Walking and cycling in Naas and Caragh

Naas and Carragh communities would be connected by new walking and cycling paths under fresh proposals from Transport Minister, James Lawless.

The Fianna Fail TD for Kildare North and local Minister said he is acting on the many representations he has received from people living in the area.

Mr Lawless said he would be “delighted” to progress this project which would promote active travel in the area.

He added: “I think this would really enhance the area.”

Since being promoted to the ministerial ranks at the end of June, Mr Lawless has prioritised the opening of greenways for walkers and cyclists around the country, including in Kildare, Limerick, Offaly and Donegal.

He now wants to bring that right home with a new path linking the neighbourhoods of Naas and Carragh near where Mr Lawless lives and represents.

Mr Lawless said: “I am delighted to be representing the people of Carragh again after an absence because I represented Carragh when I was on the (Kildare County) Council, then they were in South Kildare while I was in thee Dail.

“But they’re rejoining North Kildare as part of this boundary change, along with Two Mile House and Ladytown, and I’ve enjoyed visiting all of these areas during this (election) campaign renewing old acquaintances and indeed many of those people I continued to serve from my Naas office even when technically they weren’t part of my constituency.

“One of the items that has arisen in Carragh, it’s been raised many times on the doorsteps, is the desirability of a cycle-lane link into Naas, footpath, bicycle-lane or both, so that children could cycle safely to school in Naas and indeed so that adults could make that connection using an active travel scheme.