O’CEARUIL MAKES SUBMISSIONS ON MAYNOOTH RING ROAD

             Cllr Naoise O’Cearuil

At yesterday’s Maynooth Clane Municpal District meeting, councillors were presented with the submissions received from the public and from other interested groups in relation to the Part 8 (Public Consultation) on the Maynooth Ring Road. The council submitted their report in the form of a “Chief Executives Report”, by means of which they outline their reasons for particular parts of the projects.

During the meeting, Councillor Naoise O’Cearuil raised the concerns enumerated below that had been raised with him by members of the public with a reply where appropriate. It should be noted  that many of the issues that have been submitted will be dealt with later at design stage. Responses from Naoise are also included. 

1. That a 30km zone be implemented on approach to Griffin Rath hall & Manor  – They don’t think this is possible as it will be a main road but will ask the County Speed Limit review committee to look at it. They said that the curvature in the road, traffic lights and ramps should slow the traffic down considerably however.

2. That noise reducing asphalt is used on the road – This will be done.

3. That the shared space approaching the new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists is not ideal – We were told that this was unavoidable as there isn’t enough room for completely segregated areas at this location leading up to the bridge.

4. That a table top ramp be placed outside Griffin Rath Hall with a yellow box – This will be done. 

5. That roundabouts be used instead of traffic lights – They will not allow roundabouts as they are dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists

6. That there are railings in front of pedestrian entrances to estates to stop children from running onto a busy road – This will be done. 

7. That walls along the route are an adequate height and are stone walls in keeping with the surroundings  – The roads department have recommended this to the planning department. Following this stage there will be a detailed landscaping plan and we will be able to address many other issues at this stage.

KILCOCK SCOUTS THANK CLLR PAUL WARD

Kilcock Scouts troop have thanked Cllr Paul Ward for helping them when their den had an issue earlier this year.

In a statement on Facebook they said, “In addition to scout meetings the den hosts a range of local community groups and meetings and we are delighted that it is fully back in action again thanks to Paul’s help.”

KEENAN CALLS FOR GREATER GARDA PRESENCE IN CLANE

Fianna Fáil election candidate Daniel Keenan has again raised the issue of a greater Garda presence in the Greater Clane area following the recent stabbing of a teenager in the town.

           Daniel Keenan, Clane Candidate

Daniel had previously outlined the absence of a full-time Garda Station in the town.

Daniel commented, “This type of crime is thankfully a rare occurrence in Clane. However, it still highlights the need for what I have  previously called for, an increase in Garda resources for all of the greater Clane area.  Most importantly, we need a Garda Station with a 24 hour response service.”

I’m glad to hear the injuries are not thought to be life-threatening but this could have been so much worse. We need action sooner rather than later