Launch of Kildare County Council Active Travel Scheme
Kildare County Council today hosted Minister of State in the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications, Jack Chambers TD in the presence of the Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare for the official opening of the Kilcullen Road Active Travel Scheme in Naas, Co Kildare.
The Kilcullen Road Active Travel Scheme forms part of the cycle network in Naas. It consists of the upgrade of approximately 900m of the Kilcullen Road, improving the connectivity of the overall existing cycle network, specifically linking to the Piper’s Hill cycle infrastructure and connecting to the existing cycle facilities on the South Ring Road.
The scheme includes:
- Installation of protected segregated cycle tracks on both sides of the carriageway from Ballymore Road/Kilcullen Road Junction to Fairgreen Street/Newbridge Road Junction (Murtagh’s Corner).
- Installation of continuously raised footpath and cycle track across side accesses
- Reduction in junction radii to reduce vehicular turning speeds
- Reduction in road width to 6m as part of traffic calming measures
- Installation of new surface water drainage system
- Replacement of existing watermain
- Upgrade of existing public lighting network
- Upgrade of existing crossings and the provision of new toucan crossings
- Public Realm improvements and landscaping works
The scheme has been delivered in partnership with the National Transport Authority who grant-funded the design and construction of the project through the Active Travel Investment Grant Scheme.
The scheme forms part of plans to develop high-quality cycle routes within the Naas area, as outlined in the NTA’s Cycle Network Plan (CNP) for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The plan recognises Naas as a town which has a significant population centre within the GDA, with the potential to become an exemplar cycling town and develop a network that will facilitate a significant increase in cycling for all purposes.
The scheme was designed in accordance with the requirements of the National Disability Authority’s guidance document “Building for Everyone” 2013, ensuring that vulnerable road users such as the elderly, children, and the mobility and visually impaired are afforded adequate provision to ensure ease of access within the road and street environment.
Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Councillor Daragh Fitzpatrick welcomed the scheme; “Improving facilities along cycling and walking routes is a real demonstration of our commitment to sustainably developing our communities here in County Kildare. By improving this infrastructure in the heart of communities, we’re helping to create a sense of place, protecting vulnerable road users as well as promoting sustainable transportation.”
“I look forward to seeing our communities enjoy the new cycle track and footpaths and similar infrastructure for years to come.”
Speaking at the official opening of the scheme, Minister of State in the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications, Jack Chambers TD said; “It is great to see such projects come to fruition, following the significant increase in Active Travel funding that my Department has been in the position to provide in recent years. The Programme for Government committed to allocating around €360 million per annum to walking and cycling during the Government’s lifetime.
“Forming part of the cycle network in Naas, this scheme improves the connectivity of the overall existing cycle network, specifically linking to the Piper’s Hill cycle infrastructure and connecting to the existing cycle facilities on the South Ring Road and will support the community in choosing to travel more sustainably in a safe and connected way.”
Welcoming the scheme, Annette Aspell, Deputy Chief Executive, Kildare County Council said; “As we gather here in Naas, in the centre of a busy bustling town, to see purpose-built active travel infrastructure connecting to the heart of the town, is a fantastic achievement. We’re dedicated to our climate action targets as well as supporting the Government’s Climate Action Plan. Projects such as this are designed to provide the capacity for a significant increase in the number of walking and cycling routes, in support of those targets.”
“Kildare County Council, in partnership with the National Transport Authority, is planning to develop high quality active travel routes within the Naas area. This scheme forms part of that network, upgrading approximately 900m of the Kilcullen Road, improving the connectivity of the existing cycle and pedestrian network.”
