Concerns over accessibility in Kilcullen highlighted again at Kildare County Council meeting

A Fine Gael councillor has once again stressed the issue of accessibility in the town of Kilcullen.

The issue was brought to the attention of Kildare County Council (KCC) members who attended the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which was held on Wednesday, October 18 last.

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer put forward the following motion at the meeting to KCC: "that the council make a commitment to allocate funding towards essential path works on Main Street, Kilcullen in 2024, and include them in the works programme for 2024."

She has, in the past, called for a reassessment of Kilcullen, in order to make it easier for people with accessibility issues to traverse the town.

Fine Gael Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer.

In response to Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer's motion, KCC replied: "The Municipal District office will prepare and present the footpath program once Local Property Tax funding is agreed early 2024."

"The Municipal District office agrees to include for consideration subject to budget and approval," KCC added.

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer said that she welcomed the report, but also told KCC: "Two years on, one end of the town is inaccessible to wheelchair users.

"No disrespect towards that area of Kilcullen, but this (the lack of accessibility) is disgraceful."

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer added: "It has made me question just how serious we (referring to the council) are about (improving) accessibility."

She further said that certain areas in the town have cobble paths, which are particularly difficult for certain people to navigate.

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer stressed to KCC that, overall, she did welcome the report.