Kildare County Council discuss next steps in preparing Clane Town Centre First Plan
The next steps of the Clane Town Centre First Plan were discussed at a recent Kildare County Council (KCC) meeting.
The matter was brought up by Independent councillor Pádraig McEvoy at the latest Clane-Maynooth Municipal District (MD) meeting, which was held on December 1 last.
In response to Cllr McEvoy's query, KCC said in its report at the meeting: "In October, the public were asked to get involved in the preparation of the Clane Town Centre First Plan by completing a survey, sharing their views and providing feedback on how they think Clane can be developed and revitalized into a sustainable, radiant and dynamic centre.
"766 responses were received to the survey, and a public workshop was also held in early November."
KCC continued: "The consultants are currently compiling all data from both the public survey and the workshop with the intention to issue a baseline report in December.
"The Town Regeneration Officer has also made contact with local schools and has asked them to participate in the town centre plan process.
The matter was raised by Independent Cllr Pádraig McEvoy.
The Clane Town Centre First Plan was also the focus of two separate motions at the MD meeting.
For the first motion, Cllr McEvoy motioned for KCC 'to advance improvements for pedestrian movements across the R407 Kilcock Road, Clane, alongside the preparation of the Clane Town Centre First Plan.'
KCC replied to his motion with the following: The area close to the junction of R407 Kilcock Road and R403 Celbridge Road has many conflicting vehicular movements.
"In order to improve the provision for vulnerable road users, Kildare County Council can examine a reallocation of road space to reduce the carriageway width on the approaches to the area from the junction to Hillview Estate.
"This will assist in reducing vehicular speeds and provide a shorter crossing distance for pedestrians."
KCC continued: "The provision of a signalised crossing is complicated due to the number of turning movements into and out of private premises.
"The option of reconfiguring the main R407/R403/Ballinagappa Road/Main Street and the potential signalisation of this junction can be explored.
"It should be noted that no funding sources is available for such extensive works and any proposals will be developed in the context of the Clane Town Centre First Plan," KCC concluded.
For the second motion, Fine Gael Cllr Brendan Weld motion for KCC provide a pedestrian crossing on College Road at the Woods Centre in Clane, 'in light of recent accidents at this location.'
In response, KCC said in its report at the meeting: "The area close to the junction of R407 Kilcock Road and R403 Celbridge Road has many conflicting vehicular movements.
"In order to improve the provision for vulnerable road users, Kildare County Council can examine a reallocation of road space to reduce the carriageway width on the approaches to the area from the junction to Hillview Estate."
KCC continued: "This will assist in reducing vehicular speeds and provide a shorter crossing distance for pedestrians.
"The provision of a signalised crossing is complicated due to the number of turning movements into and out of private premises.
"The option of reconfiguring the main R407/R403/Ballinagappa Road/Main Street and the potential signalisation of this junction can be explored.
KCC concluded: "It should be noted that no funding sources are available for such extensive works and any proposals will be developed in the context of the Clane Town Centre First Plan."