‘We are not transitioning sufficiently at the rate that we need to’: Climate change warning issued at Kildare County Council meeting

A climate change warning was issued by a local councillor to Kildare County Council (KCC) at a recent meeting.

Independent Cllr Pádraig McEvoy made the comments at the latest Clane-Maynooth Municipal District meeting, which took place on Friday, February 6 last.

The topic came about when he submitted the following question to KCC: "Can the council outline the key steps, resourcing requirements, and indicative timeline needed to further progress the Clane Safe Routes to School Programme towards completion, in light of the ongoing funding commitment by the National Transport Authority?"

Responding to his query, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: "It is expected that the outside of school environment along the Prosperous Road will be enhanced in Quarter 2 of 2026.

"Targeted improvements for vulnerable road users along the Clane Relief Road will be considered to supplement improvements for pupils and their guardians as they walk and cycle to and from schools in Clane."

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However, KCC emphasised that these works are subject to staff and financial resources being available throughout 2026.

Replying to the contents of the report, Cllr McEvoy told KCC: "I know that resourcing isn't in our remit, but still."

He then proceeded to point out the recent bad weather affecting Ireland, calling it "a direct result of climate change."

Cllr McEvoy also explained that he was dissatisfied by the number of cars on Kildare roads: "We are not transitioning sufficiently at the rate we need to."

He further said: "I'm trying to appeal to the management [of KCC] about the importance of leading active travel and climate change measures... maybe we can turn this around."

In addition, Cllr McEvoy aired more of his views on climate change during a separate discussion which also took place during the meeting — one which followed the submission of a motion from Labour Party Cllr Angela Feeney.

Through her motion, she requested KCC to include the social housing units in Old Greenfield, Maynooth, in its Housing Retrofit Programme.

Independent Cllr Pádraig McEvoy. Photograph credit: kildarecoco.ie

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