Progress on new Kildare heritage trail expected in the summer

PROGRESS on a council project for a proposed heritage trail at Old Kilcullen are expected by late June, according to Kildare County Council. The project was first mooted in 20920.

At the recent meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, a question from cllr Tracey O'Dwyer for a timeline update elicited the answer that the project is currently awaiting the results of screening for appropriate access (AA) and environmental impact (EIA). Simon Wallace of the parks department said the council hopes to progress the Part VIII application "by mid or late June." A Part VIII application is the process used by local authorities to give themselves planning permission for a project.

The Heritage Trail project has been led by the Old Kilcullen Area Community Association. In September of 2020, cllr Rob Power sought council support for the idea and to work with local landowners to establish public rights of way. In November 2020, cllr Power also raised the possibility of restoring the Old Hacklow Road to pedestrian use as part of the project.

The idea subsequently received strong support from cllrs Ivan Keatley and Tracey O’Dwyer, along with Rob Power, and Minister Martin Heydon. At the end of 2021, OKACA received a feasibility and design grant of €45,000 from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund administered by the Department of Rural & Community Development, following an application through Kildare County Council.

The council commissioned Athy-based Hayes Ryan Landscape Architects to prepare a study for the proposed trail, which would have viewing points to the medieval Royal Site of Knockaulin (Dun Ailinne), The Curragh, The Hill of Allen, The Dublin and Wicklow Mountains and Mount Leinster, as well as links to the historic features of Old Kilcullen. The plan also had the potential to extend links along back roads to Yellow Bog and The Curragh.

A presentation of the study in March 2023, hosted by the council in Halverstown School, attracted a strong level of interest. Landscape architect Geraldine Hayes was on hand to explain the details of the study, which included suggested routes for 'quiet road' techniques that would facilitate safe use of the public road sections for walkers.

At last week's meeting, cllr O'Dwyer accepted the response, noting that the assessments are a normal part of the planning process.