Kildare road upgrade left on the long finger for nearly 20 years sparks debate

THERE has been a renewed push for infrastructure projects in Athgarvan.

Local councillor Tracey O’Dwyer has called on the council to prioritise two key infrastructure projects in Athgarvan – road widening upgrades and the installation of a push-button pedestrian crossing at the traffic lights, and stressed that while this has been approved with no action for nearly 20 years, it “just has to be delivered.” 

However, Kildare County Council has confirmed that it “does not currently have the resources to progress the road improvement scheme in the short term,” pointing to the lack of staff in the local authority necessary to carry out the sheer volume of projects.

Acting senior engineer for capital projects, Daragh Conlan, reported the council said it will continue to liaise with the relevant developers to deliver the pedestrian crossing upgrade.

Cllr O’Dwyer called this instance a “prime example of when there is funding and works are still not progressing”. 

She continued: “The question to ask is why are staff leaving Kildare County Council? This question needs to be asked because now it’s affecting us on the ground.” 

Many other councillors present chimed in in agreement. 

Cllr Tom McDonnell spoke broadly on his “protest” at this month’s Municipal District meeting, which involved him entering no motions or questions for the meeting.

He said: “The reason I didn’t put any motions forward is in protest of jobs not getting done.” 

He argued that local representatives enter motions and questions to the council and “nothing’s done.” 

Cllr Noel Heavey added: “To try to walk from Athgarvan to Newbridge – it’s taking your life in your own hands ... it’s just not good enough.” 

The council reiterated that the road works in the area are still a priority, and that staff retention is a real problem in local authorities nationwide, not just in Kildare.

Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer concluded: “Athgarvan has just got housing, no pedestrian crossing and now no path. We can’t keep doing this to the community. It just has to be delivered.”