Debate over worst road in Kildare heard at meeting
Both roads are located within the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District
A debate over which County Kildare road is more worse for wear was heard at a recent Kildare County Council (KCC) meeting.
The state of the two roads were highlighted at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which took place on Wednesday, March 18 last.
The conversation kicked off when Independent councillor Pat Balfe motioned for KCC to carry out an inspection of the L3005 and L7070 local roads, in order "to assess the current condition and ongoing deterioration of the road surfaces, and that KCC consider these roads for inclusion in the next available maintenance, surface dressing, or resurfacing programme".
He appeared at this meeting by virtual means and his motion was seconded by Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender.
In response to Cllr Balfe's motion, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: "The MD Office will consider including part of the L7070 road in the 2026 roads resurfacing programme."
"The L3005 road has not been included on the 2026 roads resurfacing programme, however, the MD Office will continue to maintain the road surface," KCC added.
Speaking further on his motion, Cllr Balfe said that the L3005 "has been described by residents as the worst road in Ireland."
Fianna Fáil Cllr Suzanne Doyle said that Cllr Balfe "was not far off" in his statement, and added that she also has had bad experiences with this road in the past.
Following this, her party colleague and Mayor of the MD, Cllr Noel Heavey, jokingly remarked: "The worst road I know is in Clongorey... I maintain that that one is the worst one!"
"I've opened a can of worms here!" Cllr Doyle replied with a laugh.
However, Cllr Balfe found another ally in Fine Gael Cllr Kevin Duffy, who described the L3005 as being "absolutely shocking".
The motion which prompted the debate was submitted by Independent Cllr Pat Balfe. File photograph