People are driving through a Kildare residential area to avoid using new €5m road
Drivers are choosing to drive through an estate to avoid using part of a new road built in Naas.
The redesigned Kilcullen Road was a protracted project costing over €5m, which narrowed the route for motorists and also created new footpaths, cycle routes and enhanced public realm space with seating.
But independent councillor Seamie Moore said some drivers are using Patrician Avenue as a “rat run” to avoid turning off the road and on to the route leading to Naas Hospital and Ballymore Eustace.
There was a call for a pedestrian crossing to be provided linking Swan’s delicatessen with SuperValu at Fairgreen and Cllr Carmel Kelly said there had been reports of “trips and falls” on the new road.
Kildare County Council engineer Donal Hodgins told a Naas Municipal District that some of the feedback received since the opening can be attributed to driver behaviour and in some cases motorists are complaining that that they need to slow down.
But he said the priority was to cater for the needs of vulnerable road users.
He added that a number of “minor issues” had emerged in a audit of the project.
He said KCC will accept every feedback and described the project as “a significant change and a positive change.”
He said KCC is not avoiding consultation with the public, adding “we welcome issues being raised.”