Footpath called for to connect Kildare hotel
A local rep offered a pedestrian a lift to the hotel as anticipated that the man would be “walking out on a mucky footpath”
ISSUES with roads and related infrastructure are causing problems in the area around the Clanard Court Hotel in Athy, according to local councillors.
Elected members brought forward motions at the most recent meeting of Athy Municipal District concerning Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and other issues with roads in the town.
Cllr Mark Leigh proposed “that the council considers making the L40071, Court Road, Gallow Hill a one-way system past the Clanard Court Hotel”.
Senior engineer Daragh Conlan issued the council’s written response to cllr Leigh’s motion, stating that the local authority will “consider the introduction of a one-way system in the context of other changes to the road network in and around Athy to restrict HGV access”.
Cllr Leigh said that Court Road is “increasingly being used as a rat run” by HGVs and said that there are “significant safety concerns” there.
Cllr Aoife Breslin noted how long it is taking for a HGV ban to come into effect in the town. Mr Conlan had told an MD meeting in October 2024 that ban would be implemented “very quickly”, possibly in early 2025.
Mr Conlan said at this month’s meeting that he would be happy to meet with elected members on-site to discuss interim measures.
Cllr Brian Dooley brought forward a question on the meeting agenda relating to the same part of Athy in the vicinity of the hotel, asking “can the council provide an update on the development of a footpath from Conlan's Garage to the Clanard Court Hotel, Old Dublin Road, Athy?”.
Cllr Dooley also supported cllr Leigh’s motion and noted that residents have said that it could be a one-way road.
Regarding the matter of the footpath, the Fianna Fáil councillor mentioned a recent interaction he had with a visitor to the town from Kilkenny, who was attending an event at the hotel.
The individual had travelled to Athy by train and was walking in the direction of the hotel. Cllr Dooley offered the man a lift because he had a suitcase and the councillor anticipated that the man would be “walking out on a mucky footpath” to the hotel.
Athy MD engineer Kevin Dunne responded to cllr Dooley’s question, saying that the MD office is currently “investigating an alternative solution” which will require a design.
They will need to run a formal public consultation under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 before works are carried out.
It was indicated that there would be on-site meeting between councillors and council officials regarding the footpath as well.
In keeping with theme of HGVs, cllr Breslin proposed “that the council carries out works to the layout of the roundabout at the junction of the Kilkenny Road and the Athy Distributor Road to improve road safety”.
Mr Conlan also issued the response to cllr Breslin’s motion, revealing that a design for the proposed works at the roundabout has been completed and is being looked at by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, because the roundabout is on a national road. The council’s plan is to carry out the works as soon as TII approves the design.
Mr Conlan told the elected members in April that the council were finalising drawings for improvements at the roundabout to facilitate the implementation of a HGV ban.
Discussing her motion, cllr Breslin lamented that HGVs are still going through the town of Athy. Cathaoirleach for Athy MD Ivan Keatley said that it is “extremely frustrating” when €40 million is spent on a project and those behind its’ implementation such as engineers and consultants get important aspects wrong.
