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.
One of the themes of my election campaign was to revitalise Naas town centre and restore the commercial heart of the town. Last August, shortly after being elected to the positions of Naas Mayor and Deputy Mayor respectively, Cllr. Seamie Moore and myself embarked on a series of meetings with traders throughout Naas town. Over the course of six meetings during August and September we met traders from different parts of the town and gathered notes on the issues that mattered to them. I would like to think we had a good handle on the “big picture” issues already but it is always worthwhile hearing what people have to say directly. We intend to tackle the big ticket items identified as far as we can and I will update again on those efforts in due course.
One of the town centre items that came up at the last council meeting concerned plans to upgrade the “bus hub” on Naas Main Street. I had a number of difficulties with this, some of which stemmed from our meetings with traders. Firstly I am unconvinced that there is sufficient demand for a new bus stop at this location to justify the cost. Secondly we do not appear to have the power to divert the money to other locations where there is a demand. Thirdly the project as proposed would have taken away parking spaces from the Main Street which is just not acceptable at a time when they are so needed. We had a robust debate on the proposals at that council meeting and I and other Cllrs expressed the concerns above. The outcome was that the “hub” will be re-designed to reduce its size and street footprint and that no parking spaces will now be lost.
A set of plans have been produced by the National Transport Authority, in conjunction with Bus Eireann and the County Council, to create a new ‘bus hub’ on Naas main street. This is a ‘Part 8’ in planning terms, which means the council puts it forward and the councillors vote on it (unlike a normal planning application where a private party puts forward an application and council officials decide on it). It strikes me that there is a lot of money being spent on this bus hub and I am not wholly convinced of the value. Concerns have been raised about potential impact on the main street as the plans would involve a loss of some parking spaces (4). I feel whether the bus stop proceeds or not, this underlying issue (lack of parking) needs to be addressed and I have been working on some proposals on that and on other town issues – more on that in due course. You can view the current designs for the bus hub here and the council are accepting submissions until 19th September.