'Kildare children can't use newly built cycle lanes - because of the traffic'

Children living in Naas cannot use newly built cycle lanes because of passing  vehicles.

Local councillor Anne Breen told a Naas Municipal District committee meeting that the lanes can't be used because of heavy traffic volumes.

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A request has been made for two new bus stops in Naas.

Cllr Bill Clear wants Kildare County Council to ask the National Transport Authority to provide one in the vicinity of Esmondale, pointing out there is no designated stop between the town centre and Piper's Hill "despite the presence of multiple residential estates including Esmondale, Killashee View, and Broadfield View."

He said people living in the area are getting older and he said KCC gives planning permission for houses and apartments ”and no bus stops.” He said this is “very unfair” and what is needed is just a stop and "not a big fancy bus shelter.”

He said a stop would significantly improve public transport accessibility for local residents and support sustainable transport options.

 Cllr Anne Breen wants a new stop on the Blessington Road "to facilitate passengers from the many houses and housing estates in this area using Bus Route 183 Arklow to Sallins."

Separately, Cllr Fintan Brett said the stop at Naas Hospital does not have a shelter.

He said the stop is used by people leaving the hospital as well as visitors  and some of these are elderly. He said a nearby green area could be used to provide a shelter because it’s only 30 metres away.

Cllr Evie Sammon called for a survey of the entire town of Naas to establish the needs of bus users and Naas Mayor Seamie Moore said some estates are two kms from the town and “it’s wrong that people have to walk into the town to get a bus.

According to KCC engineer Dónal Hodgins there are over 500 existing bus stop locations in County Kildare and KCC is working with the National Transport Authority to review and prioritise improvements to bus stop infrastructure. 

“When this review is complete a list of potential bus shelter and other improvements for locations will be prepared and appropriate public consultation undertaken.”