Application made for safety measures on contentious Kildare cycle path
The cycle path curb which has repeatedly led to trips and falls by members of the public in Naas
IT LOOKS as though a lack of funding is likely to delay the implementation of measures recommended by an independent review to improve safety at the Kilcullen Road in Naas after complaints were made by locals about the raised kerbs there.
A number of complaints have been made and videos have shown pedestrians tripping over the raised kerbs, which were implemented as part of the Kilcullen Road Active Travel Scheme that saw a high-quality new cycle route open in the town in May 2024.
The scheme cost over €5 million and was fully funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
A number of elderly residents have tripped and fallen at the kerbs.
At the most recent meeting of Naas Municipal District on 13 January, cllr Carmel Kelly asked for the council to provide ‘an update on the review by independent consultants on the interaction of the public with the Kilcullen Road Scheme’.
Back in September, a number of councillors asked the county council to present them with options to improve the visibility of the raised kerbs that form part of the scheme on the Kilcullen Road. The council appointed a consultant to ‘independently review the interaction of the public with the scheme’.
In response to cllr Kelly’s motion, a report by Donal Hodgins, senior engineer in the council’s Sustainable Transport and Traffic Management section, stated: ‘An application for active travel funding has been made to the National Transport Authority for 2026 to support the development of appropriate measures recommended from the independent review’.
It further detailed that when the NTA gives confirmation on the extent of funding, ‘the designers of the scheme can prepare contract documents to allow Kildare County Council to tender and appropriate measures for implementation’.
The report added: ‘It is proposed to arrange a workshop with the elected members in February 2026 as a follow up on the previous briefing in Q4 2025.’
At the meeting, cllr Kelly expressed frustration at the update on the review only being given in January, having been finalised in October.
Cllr Kelly added that “Most of these issues could have been avoided if we were listened to” and expressed frustration at what looks set be a further wait for funding.
Cllr Evie Sammon struck a similar tone of frustration and disappointment at the councillors not being listened to, while doing a job that involves what she described as a high volume of abuse from the public.
Cllr Bill Clear expressed his opposition to the use of consultants, stating that in his opinion the council’s team was good enough for the job.
Mr Hodgins responded to these comments by outlining that consultants were asked to look at improvements to the scheme. He also cautioned against a rush to make changes without following “due process”.
Cathaoirleach Seamie Moore struck a more positive tone, describing it as a “good news story” that something was happening.
