More time for traffic lights in Newbridge, County Kildare, suggested

Image provided by Sabine Genet from Pixabay.

placeholder image — Image provided by Sabine Genet from Pixabay.

Kildare County Council (KCC) must keep vulnerable road users (those with cognitive or physical impairments) in mind.

That’s according to Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender, who made the comments at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which was held on Wednesday, April 19.

He motioned for KCC to 'add additional time to pedestrian lights in this municipal district, in an effort to support vulnerable road users.'

The Newbridge politician continued: "Farmers have been pleading for more assistance and less bureaucracy in facilitating tree planting for years.

Cllr Chris Pender, Social Democrats.

KCC added that the issue will be referred to the Area Based Transport Assessment team to consider as part of their recommendations for the town.

Fine Gael (FG) Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer and Sinn Féin Cllr Noel Connolly both said that they agreed with Cllr Pender’s point.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Noel Heavey said that while he also agreed in principle, he stressed that the council must try to avoid any 'unintended consequences' that may arise from adding more time to pedestrian lights.

The sentiments of Cllr Heavey and KCC were also echoed by FG Cllr Mark Stafford.