Councillors and Kildare County Council relying on ‘anecdotal evidence’ for congestion

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A councillor said that he was of the belief that Kildare County Council (KCC) may be relying too much on 'anecdotal evidence' when it comes to congestion issues in Clane.

Social Democrats Cllr Aidan Farrelly made the comments while in attendance at the latest Clane-Maynooth Municipal District meeting, which was held on Friday, November 3 last.

He put forward a motion at the meeting calling for KCC to conduct an analysis of vehicular movements and congestion in Clane.

Cllr Farrelly’s motion was seconded by Independent Cllr Pádraig McEvoy.

Commenting on his decision, Cllr McEvoy said that he was affected by the bus cancellations as well, but said he had concern that the motion 'stood outside Kildare County Council remits'.

File photograph: Social Democrats Cllr Aidan Farrelly.

"The next two to be completed are Monasterevin and Celbridge, after which it is likely Clane will follow," KCC said.

Explaining his stance, Cllr Farrelly said that while he acknowledged that many motorists in Clane are affected by the congestion in the area, he said that 'we (referring to KCC, and possibly also his fellow councillors) are relying on a lot of anecdotal evidence', but added that the congestion could officially be proven through the analysis.

Cllr McEvoy added: "Unless there is a change in policy, there will likely be an increase in traffic in Clane (in the near future).

"Aside from the Covid experience (referring to the pandemic), because this was a time when demand for private car movements dropped, I don’t know how we can do that (change the policy)."