Kildare County Council won’t rule out signs banning HGVs from busy Newbridge junction

Kildare County Council (KCC) has said that it will not rule out putting signs banning Heavy-Goods Vehicles (HGVs) from Buckley’s Cross towards roundabout near Newbridge.

The comment was made by KCC engineer Donal Hodgins at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) meeting, which was held on Wednesday, December 13 last.

Fine Gael councillor Peggy O'Dwyer motioned for KCC 'to consider implementing a 'no HGV route' from Buckley Cross towards the roundabout near Murphy International, Newbridge.'

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

In response, KCC said: "The MD Office agrees that this has become an issue.

"It appears that the HGV’s are using this road as it is a shorter route."

"Once a vehicle is taxed and insured, restricting its usage of a public road is not possible," KCC added.

Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer raised the issue at the meeting.

Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer told KCC that while she noted the reply, she added: "When the road is taken in charge, I would like to think that we could put up signage."

Elaborating on KCC’s response, Mr Hodgins said: "We (at KCC) do have the power to restrict HGVs on public roads, but it needs to be enforceable.

"We would need to liase with the gardaí on this issue, and there would also need to be an alternative route in place."

He added: "We won’t rule it out, once there is an alternative (route, that would be taken in charge by KCC), as it is a public road."

Fianna Fáil Suzanne Doyle suggested to Mr Hodgins if KCC could implement a height restriction on the road.

However, he replied that he would be concerned that this would impact 'the freedom of movement' for motorists.

"But again, it is a possibility, and we are willing to work with An Garda Síochána and discuss the issue," Mr Hodgins said.

Mayor of Newbridge and Fianna Fáil Cllr Noel Heavey also commented that the matter 'has been a source of contention' for local residents for a long time.

He suggested that KCC could also speak to the management of the nearby Lidl Distribution Centre in relation to the matter.