Consultant to investigate ‘trippy’ kerbs in Naas
The cycle path kerb which has repeatedly led to trips and falls by members of the public in Naas
THE ISSUE of the newly raised kerbs on the Kilcullen Troad in Naas has become such a hot potato that seven councillors brought the first three motions at the September monthly meeting of the Naas Municipal District (MD) to address this issue.
Tthe first motion from the first five councillors read: “That the Kildare County Council (KCC) presents the members of the Naas Municipal District with options to improve visibility of the raised kerbs on the Kilcullen Road, Naas”.
The issue by councillors Carmel Kelly, Evie Sammon, Anne Breen Seamie Moore, Ger Dunne, Fintan Brett, and Bill Clear.
Meanwhile cllrs Brett and Clear were looking for a pedestrian crossing at Swan’s, with Cllr Clear again seeking the painting of said raised kerbs in a more visible colour.
The had approached the council on the issue in reporting on the issue recently, and though the statement was not back in time for publication, it did offer a glimmer of possibility when released.
“The Kilcullen Road Active Travel Scheme was designed in line with national design standards and built to specification by the contractors. The scheme’s design was approved by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and was the subject of independent Road Safety Audits.
“The cycle track is segregated from vehicular traffic to enhance safety for cyclists. Three designated crossing points (controlled and uncontrolled) have been provided for pedestrians between the Ballymore Road Junction and Murtagh’s Corner.
“However, based on observations received by Kildare County Council, the interaction of pedestrians with the layout is something that we are keeping under review”.
This position was then reiterated by the transport section’s senior engineer Donal Hodgins at the meeting in reply to the concerns of the seven elected representatives.
“With regard to the design of the Kilcullen Road Active Travel Scheme, the scheme has been designed by competent designers and built to specification by the contractors,” he stated.
“The scheme’s design was approved by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and was the subject of independent Road Safety Audits.
“Based on these technical inputs, Kildare County Council is satisfied that the scheme is consistent with national design standards.
Nevertheless, the council has appointed a consultant to independently review the interaction of the public with the scheme,” he revealed.
“The issue raised in the motion is one of those being considered by the consultants."
According to cllr Clear this means that the council will go back to the NTA with the report, and if required, will seek additional funding to paint said kerbs.
“We can’t continue with this level of accidents,” said cllr Clear.
However cllr Moore – also the Mayor of Naas – went one further, and has claimed that: “The cycles lanes will be painted a red colour … (and) the agreed changes should be in position within three to six months”, although this cannot be confirmed at the moment.
