Fears Uisce Éireann plans will bring 'chaos' to this Kildare town

There have been calls for Uisce Éireann to consider alternatives to their plans for roadworks that will prompt major disruption for residents in Celbridge, Co Kildare.

The expected roadworks will involve burying a new wastewater pipeline up to five metres deep (16 feet) for 2.1 kms on the Maynooth road between Castletown Drive and the roundabout at Crodaun.

“We understand that the work is necessary to enable new development and will increase the capacity of the wastewater network to cope with the expected increase of 938 new homes in the town,” Kildare North TD Aidan Farrelly said.

“But I would like to a see a comprehensive traffic management plan in place first, and certainly exploring what other options to full road closure could be considered.

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Following objections by local Celbridge councillors at their meeting in January, council officials confirmed that the road opening licence for the Maynooth Road section of the works is currently on hold to allow further discussion with Uisce Éireann.

Deputy Farrelly’s Social Democrats colleague, Celbridge county councillor Claire O’Rourke, said that Uisce Éireann had recently made a presentation to council members which revealed that the project was expected to run until August 17.

“The project has been broken down into seven different sections, with the start of some delayed until after the Leaving Cert in June, which is obviously a good thing,” she said.

“But we are looking at lane closures for a total of 30 working days and a full road closure along the R403 for a total of 14 working days.

“In a town with the population of Celbridge, and along that road in particular which is such a vital artery for the entire town, this is a recipe for disaster and chaos.

“This will have a significant effect on people’s quality of life.”

She acknowledged that while the plans include diversions for emergency vehicles and bus routes, regular traffic will be sent on far longer diversions - including one as far out as the Barberstown Roundabout, adding up to 22 minutes to what should be a short trip.