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.

It seems the NTA have not learned anything from our row over the same issues with bus hub proposals only a few months ago. Consultation is open on this until the 23rd February and I would advise all interested parties to make their voice heard. See here for more details.

On a related note, last Autumn Kildare Chambers presented a survey of parking options for Naas town to the Municipal Area Committee. These options included re-introducing pay parking on Saturdays but starting pay-parking later in the day instead. Monday-Saturday 10.30am-4pm was one option proposed, for example.

Saturday free parking was a great idea to entice people in but the experience has been that cars are left overnight and on the street all day which prevents the desired turnover of spaces. I have asked the council to prepare an analysis of parking in the town along with costings for different payment options so that we can consider what would deliver convenient, available parking when needed.