Kilcullen traffic faces five months of disruption

THERE will be significant traffic disruption in Kilcullen from this week until the end of May, as a long-awaited improvement to footpaths and the street in downtown Kilcullen gets underway. The work was initially scheduled to begin before Christmas but was postponed to avoid disrupting shopping and traffic during the festive season.

The existing footpaths will be widened on the River Café side and extended down to the entrance to the Riverside housing at Firestop in the Market Square. In addition, a new junction will be created at the Market Square exit, eliminating the space’s use as an ad hoc turning circle and also reducing traffic speeds entering the square.

A new pedestrian crossing is also part of the plan.

Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer says the project is the result of the incredible vision and foresight of Kilcullen Community Action, which has pushed for improvements to that part of Kilcullen since 2017.

“Their dedication to improving our town laid the foundation for these works,” she says. “My role has been to ensure the council remained focused on this vision and to secure the necessary funding to deliver it for our community, finally.” 

The councillor added that while there will be some short-term inconvenience, the long-term benefits are worth it. 

“This project will transform our streetscape, encouraging visitors to stop, explore and enjoy Kilcullen’s many attractions and local businesses.”

Although not officially part of the redevelopment of Market Square, first mooted in 2017 and subsequently approved through a ‘part 8’ process in 2022, the design of the current works was included in the project plans produced by consultants Paul Hogarth, at the instigation of Kilcullen Community Development. 

A key part of that plan is the pedestrianisation of the square, although the redevelopment, now priced at €1.4 million, is on hold indefinitely due to insufficient funding.