KILDARE: Rerouting of traffic in Naas town centre will cause considerable disruption

The pressure is on to start the reorganisation of traffic movement in Naas.

The project - which is likely to cause considerable disruption - is known as Pathfinder.

A 45 metre extension of Corban’s Lane is planned and this will reduce traffic congestion in the town centre as well as  enhancing safety and accessibility.

The work will see the completion of an alternative route for traffic and will involve linking and constructing walking and cycling pathways align the route and at the adjacent Murtagh’s Corner.

The project will also link with existing active travel (walking and cycling) infrastructure and will construct further routes to connect residences, schools, retail and medical facilities and existing public transport.

Cllr Bob Quinn produced a letter from Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan at a Naas Municipal District meeting and said this had been sent to Kildare County Council.

In it Mr Ryan said he is “fully committed to pathfinder and believes it to have the potential to be transformative for the town and people of Naas.”

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It adds that money can be provided to KCC on a one off basis which could start the project, which itself is being costed at between €12m and €15m.

Mayor Bill Clear supported him adding that the sign at the front of the site at Fairgreen is illegal and is adjacent to “part of a building that is falling down.”

KCC  engineer Donal Hodgins said funding from the Department of Transport to progress pathfinder.

He also said KCC is examining proposals to reconfigure the  junction. However, the completion of a land transfer process, detailed design and construction works will be necessary before traffic management changes will come into effect.