Controversial cycle path branded 'a shambolic waste of taxpayers’ money'

LOCAL opposition to a €1.6m "cycle path to nowhere” on the R448 between the villages of Moone and Timolin is resigned to its completion following the presentation of a workshop and meetings earlier this week (2 September).

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Kildare County Council (KCC) and engineering consultants AECOM held a workshop in the parish hall in Moone last Tuesday. This was followed by a public meeting organised by the Moone and Timolin Positive Action Group on Tuesday night attended by an estimated 150 locals.

The project was begun by AECOM in July, and already KCC has temporarily reduced the speed limit for motorised traffic on this stretch from 100kph to 60kph until after the anticipated completion by 19 December.

“The workshop was to help interact with the locals, and while it was very useful, it was 18 months too late,” said Mark Hilliard, chair of the Moone and Timolin group.

“The project looks like it’s there to stay, but we were able to give them a list of 14 points in relation to access, visibility, walkability and road crossings, particularly the Baltinglass-Athy Road.

“The council did say they would be back to us within 10 days to address these concerns.

“We gave these to our local elected representatives two weeks ago, but it was Martin Heydon who persuaded Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien to make sure TII to interact with us, because he felt we got railroaded.

“I think the representative from TII heard our concerns was taken aback with the strength of feeling against the project, particularly with the consultation process which was very badly handled.

“Then it began on 7 July with a million traffic cones and everybody wondering ‘what’s this about?’ 

“It’s a €1.6m project that starts nowhere and goes nowhere,” he said.

So did Mr Hilliard think the locals had been properly listened to up until now.

“Absolutely not! I think yesterday was the first time our voices were heard, and though we thought yesterday was a box-ticking exercise, we are happy something might come out of it,” he admitted.

Both KCC and TII were invited to attend the public meeting, which they declined, but it was attended by cllrs Aoife Breslin and Ivan Keatley, Minister Martin Heydon, and Senator Fiona O’Loughlin.

“We found out this is one of three or four pilot schemes around the country, and we’re the first one – but we’re not even on the TII map for pilot cyclepath projects!” Mr Hilliard revealed.

“TII used the Section 38 process (for consultation) and it was wholly inadequate, a total waste of time.

“The council actually did a cyclist survey on the route and found just 47 users in one week – and 10 of those was one fella going back and forth to the shops! There’s only 240 people in the two villages, and I’d say the council is reeling, because TII are the paymasters and they had their eyes opened last night.

“It’s a big joke. We can’t even get a light or a pavement for the village, but they can put this in for €1.6m? It’s a complete and shambolic waste of taxpayer’s money.

“It doesn’t really matter if cyclists use it, they (TII) just want to observe the psychological effects it has on motorists."