Congestion hits Athy with improvement works

A Kildare Co Council official has said that in the long run they’re looking at signalising Barrow Quay in Athy, and will look at what can be done in the shorter term.

Local councillors were given that information at the September meeting of Athy Municipal District. Cllr Brian Dooley asked the local authority, with works ongoing in Emily Square and at the Shackleton Museum, to put in place traffic calming measures to allow traffic flow at the junction of Barrow Quay and traffic lights at the junction of Emily Square.

‘The Shackleton Museum and Emily Square projects are progressing in what is a very condensed space in the centre of town. Both projects were deferred until the opening of the Athy Distributor Road was completed, to assist with the flow of traffic in the town,’ a report stated.

‘The Athy Distributor Road provides alternative routes for people living, working and visiting the town without the need to access the town centre. The work programme of both projects has been carefully managed and is continuously monitored to ensure delivery in the shortest reasonable timeframe. The Strategic Projects and Public Realm Team, the Municipal District Office and the contractors work closely together to minimise disruption in the town centre and will continue to do so until both projects are completed in 2025.’ Cllr Dooley, who said it’s magnificent to see the level of investment going in, told the meeting that there is a small bit of congestion being caused and it really hits in the morning.

He explained that traffic is getting caught at Barrow Quay and suggested looking at the lights in the town centre and timings, just in the morning, to take away the backlog.

Cllr Dooley also flagged concerns about trucks creeping back into the town.

Regarding signalling on Barrow Quay, cllr Aoife Breslin said it’s needed there all day. She said it’s impossible to get out, particularly if you’re turning right. “We do need to signalise it,” she said.