There is no support for a move to shift the Naas parklet - again
A move to relocate a parklet in Naas town centre for the second time did not receive a deal of support.
The parklet - a wooden structure serving as an expansion of the footpath where people can sit - was originally located at North Main Street near the Grá cafe before it was moved to Dublin Road following criticism from some retailers.
At a Naas Municipal District meeting, Cllr Anne Breen asked for it to be removed, claiming it is not being used by the public and it is occupying a loading bay, which is needed by businesses there.
“It looks dreadful, I can’t see anyone using it, except school children,” Cllr Breen, adding that it means delivery drivers have to double park and “some traders are not happy.”
Cllr Breen said the parklet cost €35,500 “plus VAT” (this was paid for by Fáilte Ireland, which also offered to fund more of them, if required).
Cllr Evie Sammon pointed out that it is situated right beside the Naas Town Centre complex where over 500 car park spaces are available.
“It’s fine where it is, businesses asked for it (to be moved there),” Cllr Sammon said.
Cllr Fintan Brett said parklets have worked in other towns.
Mayor Bill Clear told Cllr Breen “you have a bee in your bonnet about this, you’ve objected to it before.”
He said children use it and the Naas Tidy Towns cleans it. He also pointed out that there is a loading bay in the area anyway.
Kildare County Council official Pamela Pender said it was originally intended to move the parklet to the as yet unopened public park at Kerdiffstown - but the council was approached to have it moved to Dublin Road and the businesses in the area were consulted about this.
Ms Pender said the council agreed to this “at considerable cost” because a crane was needed to move the structure and a traffic management plan had to be initiated.
She said the cost of moving it amounted to about €5,000 and repairs had cost €17,000.
She added the parklet is used by customers of the adjacent Urban Kitchen and school going children have used it during the week as well as young people at weekends.
“The coming months will bring finer weather and (it will be used more often) providing an additional outdoor seating space.”
Ms Pender noted the NTC has 532 car park spaces and the nearby Maxoly venue has 18-20 spaces. She added that the current location means it “is away from traffic passing on the main thoroughfare.”