Concern over solution to Kildare motorway traffic problem
Photo for illustrative purposes only
FRUSTRATION is building at the daily traffic chaos in Kildare due to congestion on the M7/N7.
Naas councillors discussed potential avenues towards communication with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the National Transport Authority (NTA) at the most recent meeting of Naas Municipal District.
Cllrs Fintan Brett and Evie Sammon authored a motion suggesting that the council invite TII/NTA to brief the municipal district members on proposals to alleviate the problem.
Cllr Brett was critical of the lack of action in working towards improving the situation, referring to the NTA and TII as “quangos” who “don’t care”. He cited the frequent accidents on the N7 and the overreliance on roads.
Cllr Sammon agreed and said that people were being failed by public transport, mentioning that trains were skipping Sallins in the morning because they were at capacity.
Cllr Carmel Kelly expressed concern that solving the issue could be a long-term one, calling on the TII and NTA to “allay our fears that it won’t be a 40 or 50 year programme”.
Cathaoirleach of Naas Municipal District Seamie Moore said that the Naas councillors’ request “would only be one of a sequence of requests” and he suggested that his fellow councilors talk to TDs in their parties about the problem.
A council representative suggested the NTA/TII be invited to attend the full meeting of Kildare County Council but it was agreed that they would first be invited to meet with Naas councillors.
Traffic on the M7 and N7 routes has intensified in recent times, with very serious accidents occurring and Kildare motorists facing long commutes.
