‘Quiet road’ trial sought for this Kildare Municipal District

A “trial-based approach” to the introduction of a quiet road located in the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District (MD) was suggested by a local councillor.

Independent Cllr Pádraig McEvoy motioned for the approach at the latest MD meeting, which took place on Friday, February 6 last.

Specifically, he motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) to "develop a trial-based approach to introducing a quiet road in the MD, and to engage directly with residents along the L5078 at Capdoo, Clane".

Cllr McEvoy urged KCC to do this in order to "explore options to restore the Slí na Sláinte, that engages with a focus on prioritising safe walking and cycling and local access, while managing vehicular through-traffic between the R403 and R407, with any measures reviewed in light of their impacts on residents, access, and mobility".

His motion was seconded by the Mayor of the MD, Fine Gael Cllr Brendan Wyse.

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COUNCIL’S REPLY

In response to Cllr McEvoy’s motion, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: "A trial for this location can be considered in 2026, subject to staff resources being available."

KCC also asserted that the trial "would be undertaken in accordance with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act [1994], and KCC’s countrywide Speed Limit Review for built-up areas, which will be progressed in 2026".

For context, Section 38 of the Act reads as follows: “A road authority may, in the interest of the safety and convenience of road users, provide such traffic calming measures as they consider desirable in respect of public roads in their charge”.

Speaking further on the report, Donal Hodgins, a Senior Engineer for KCC who was also present at the meeting, told Cllr McEvoy: "In this case, there is an option to use the Section 38 as a trial consultation; you would implement the scheme on a trial basis, and use those few weeks or months for the consultation period."

He also said: "Clarity for people [living in the area] would be important."

Independent Cllr Pádraig McEvoy. Photograph credit: kildarecoco.ie

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