KILDARE: 'Some housing estates in Naas should be linked'
However, 'permeability' as it's known is a controversial issue
A call has been made for some housing estates in Naas areas to be linked.
This is known as “permeability” and Green Party councillor Bob Quinn says it means people can “get more easily from one area to another by removing a wall or building a bridge between housing estates, schools or amenities.”
He says this will encourage active travel (cycling and walking) and lead to reduced carbon emissions.
“An example of a permeability measure would be removing a wall between Water’s Edge and Landen Park estates, making it easier for residents of Landen Park to get to the GAA club and Sallins railway station.”
Cllr Bob Quinn
He said “we are halfway through the lifespan of the Naas Local Area Plan 2021–2027 and KCC has so far not introduced any permeability measures and has no plans to.”
He said money for this could be available through property tax“ and the public must be consulted about permeability plans.
“This takes time, so it’s an absolute priority that we see a range of new permeability measures put forward for consultation immediately and implemented by the end of 2024.”
However permeability can be controversial with residents often opposing the creation of walkways which could impact the integrity of where they live.
KCC official Mark McLoughlin said the views of the public need to be taken into account before any such process gets underway.
KCC engineer Donal Hodgins said no permeability schemes are “immediately implementable due to a lack of resources, both financial and staff.”