National Transport Authority ‘appeared to have reneged’ on commitment — Kildare councillor

A Kildare county councillor has said that it 'appeared that the National Transport Authority (NTA) have reneged' on a previous commitment.

Fine Gael Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer made the comments at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting held on Wednesday, September 20.

She put forward the following motion: "That the council formally write to the NTA requesting the fulfillment of funding commitments made to Kildare County Council at the recent NTA briefing in the Chamber, for projects such as a connectivity path in Brannockstown, a pedestrian crossing at Lakeside Park/Allenview Heights, completion of works on Green Road and school safety works at Scoil na Naomh Uilig, Newbridge."

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

Kildare County Council (KCC) responded with the following in a report at the meeting: "The NTA has confirmed approval to the Sustainable Transport Section that €73,775 can be reallocated to the R445 Curragh Road, Newbridge Active Travel Scheme, and €244,025 can be reallocated to the Morristown Biller Road Active Travel Scheme.

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer.

"These reallocations are from the original grant allocation of €9,965,000 and the monies must be diverted from existing schemes to fund these."

Although she welcomed the overall news, Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer claimed that the NTA previously issued assurances for additional funding at a full KCC meeting.

"I think it is important to note the NTA’s original promise," she added.