The NTA’s layout changes for Poplar Sq. would see a drastic reduction in parking spaces.
A good meeting was held in Naas re the National Transport Authority proposals to change the layout of the Dublin road in Naas and pedestrianise Poplar Square. Whilst I feel some of the project has merit, such as increased cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings, I feel the loss of parking at Poplar Square is not appropriate at a time when parking is at a premium in the town.
Kildare County Council are exploring options to relieve the bottle neck in Celbridge at the current river crossing. As we’re aware, the town can suffer from traffic congestion and seeking a resolution to this problem is high on council agenda.
KCC have looked at a number of potential river crossings and made a presentation to councillors in late 2014 seeking feedback. Their draft report gives the strongest recommendation to a new bridge to the south of the existing bridge from Celbridge Abbey car park to the Newtown Rd. A cheaper option was also recommended which involves upgrading the existing bridge with traffic lights. A final report will be published soon which will give us a more concrete indication as to what options are available to KCC to resolve this issue.
Kildare County Council is pleased to announce Grant Scheme 2015. The purpose of the grant schemes is to provide financial assistance to groups/organisations engaged in various community activities in County Kildare. Kildare County Council are now inviting applications for the following grant schemes:
Senator Power and myself met with Parents from Naas CNS in December.
I’m relieved and delighted to learn of the news that Naas Community National School have now been approved to remain in the Craddockstown school buildings for the forthcoming year and remain there until a new dedicated home is made available. I had been lobbying for this outcome for some time and recently enlisted the support of Fianna Fáil National Education Spokesperson, Senator Averil Power.
In December I brought Senator Power to Naas to inspect the facilities and discuss the school situation with both parents and management involved with the new schools. We visited the new school buildings at Craddockstown, where we met with a delegation from the Naas CNS Parents Group. The parents outlined in detail their concerns regarding a permanent home for the school. We also met with KWETB management and viewed the Millenium Park site. Senator Power followed up the December visit by raising the issues with the Department and Minister.
M7 near Millennium Park where Sallins bypass would intersect with new 3-lane motorway.
It’s extremely disappointing the recent news that the government have refused to grant funding for the Sallins bypass, Osberstown interchange and M7 widening projects. Minister Pascal Donohue confirmed in Dáil questions last week that funding would not be forthcoming for these projects. The total cost for all 3 projects was estimated at €110m.
These are absolutely vital projects, not just for Sallins and the Naas area, but for the whole county. I know the Sallins bypass is eagerly awaited not just in Sallins and the immediate area where it will bring huge relief but right across North Kildare where everyone knows the journey time it will take to get past and into Naas or out the far side. Sallins village itself is stuck in a warp also that every single planning project is told it can happen after the bypass. Local business organisations, residents, the whole community is up in arms over this abandonment of Sallins and the Naas area.