Transport czar comes to Kildare for special meeting

Anne Graham, the Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority (NTA) will visit Kildare County Council for a special meeting on 30 September, it was revealed this week (18 September).

This was probably the only nugget of good news that came from all seven the traffic reports at this month’s meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, and it came to light following a question from cllr Pat Balfe.

“Can the council provide an updated list of proposed bus shelters for this municipal district, including their expected timelines for completion, ensuring to outline the procedure and criteria for adding future locations to the program of works?” he asked. 

“The prioritisation of bus stops is carried out in accordance with criteria set down by Transport for Ireland (TFI) and National Transport Authority (NTA),” offered Mark McLoughlin, chief of the council’s road section.

“This is primarily based on the level of demand, and volume of services operating at the location.

“Due to a number of staff changes during 2024, priority was given to progressing capital schemes and it is expected that a schedule will be prepared in early 2025 once agreed with the NTA,” he said.

“Thanks for the reply, said cllr Balfe, “but I was wondering if updates are on the list?” 

“Is there any criteria for adding future work?” he continued.

“The travel team are working with the NTA, but as we said, there is a bit of a backlog,” said Mr McLoughlin.

However, at this point meeting administrator Josh Hannigan interjected with the information.

“The CEO of the NTA and their deputy are coming to the council meeting at the end of September, so if you have any questions you can submit them to me."