Extra lights sought for area in Newbridge, County Kildare

Kildare County Council has been asked to install additional street lighting on John’s Street, Newbridge, as well as in its surrounding areas.

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender made the request through a motion at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which was held on Wednesday, February 15.

He said that it was 'imperative' to have lighting in the area, especially for 'vulnerable' members of society.

Cllr Pender told those in attendance that back in 2017, one light in the area went out, and was only repaired back in November.

He added: "Studies have also shown that increased lighting helps to reduce criminality and antisocial behaviour."

Cllr Pender’s sentiments were supported by Fine Gael Cllr Kevin Duffy, who mentioned that there were other 'black spots' throughout Kildare that are in urgent need of lighting.

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File Pic

Sinn Féin Cllr Noel Connolly asked KCC if their night patrolman could look at the lighting situation in the areas mentioned by Cllr Pender.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Suzanne Doyle also pondered the possibility of making note of lighting in other areas in the county, in order to compare them to one another.

In response to Cllr Pender's motion, KCC said: "This request has been added to the KLIPS (Kildare Lighting Infrastructure Priority Schedule) register and will be reviewed once funds become available.

"KLIPS is a system, where requests for new lighting will be scored on various factors and placed within KLIPS according to that score."