Pilot scheme of smart crosswalks suggested for one Kildare MD

A pilot scheme to test smart crosswalks in the Athy Municipal District (MD) was suggested by a local councillor.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Brian Dooley made the suggestion at the latest MD meeting earlier this week (April 14). He appeared at the meeting by virtual means.

For his motion, Cllr Dooley requested for Kildare County Council (KCC) to install "smart crosswalks in the town of Athy in areas where there are large numbers of pedestrians crossing busy roads / streets, ideally at the Railway Station, the back square to the Shackleton Museum, Leinster Street and Woodstock Street".

His motion was seconded by his party colleague, Cllr Veralouise Behan.

In response, KCC told Cllr Dooley via its report at the meeting that there are currently no resources for the provision of pedestrian crossings in the county.

Cllr Brian Dooley, Fianna Fáil. Photo credit: fiannafail.ie

"The request has been added to a list of similar requests that shall be examined if resources become available," KCC explained. "It should be noted that any proposed pedestrian crossing infrastructure must comply with current Irish regulations / guidelines."

Cllr Dooley in turn told KCC that he understood that it had a lack of funding available at present. 

However, he reiterated that smart cross walks "are an excellent feature".

Cllr Dooley also asked: "Could we look at getting a costing [for this project] and possibly [implement] a pilot scheme?"

He then asked the other councillors who were present for their support regarding the potential implementation of a pilot scheme, possibly in "a region within Athy or Castledermot".

"Let's be first movers on this," Cllr Dooley added.

Cllr Veralouise Behan also told KCC: "Brian is right, it sends a message of safety out to pedestrians."

SIMILAR MOTION

Cllr Dooley also submitted a separate motion at the meeting which also referred to smart crosswalks.

He motioned for KCC to place speed ramps "along the road beside Castledermot GAA", and to provide "a raised pedestrian crossing and flashing amber / traffic or smart crosswalks".

This motion was also seconded by Cllr Behan.

Echoing its other report, KCC once again told Cllr Dooley that there are currently no resources for the provision of pedestrian crossings in the county.

"The request has been added to a list of similar requests that shall be examined if resources become available," KCC added.

Cllr Dooley replied that he noted KCC's response.

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