Lack of pathway is posing an inconvenience for residents, Kildare Cllr claims

The lack of a pathway in one region of North Kildare is proving to be "a huge inconvenience" for locals, according to one Kildare county councillor.

The comments were made by the Cathaoirleach of the Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District (MD), Fine Gael Cllr Brendan Caldwell, at the latest MD meeting on Friday, March 21 last.

He motioned for both Kildare County Council (KCC) and  Iarnród Éireann to reopen the pathway from Loughnamona to the
Louisa Bridge Car Park.

This motion was seconded by Cllr Caldwell's party colleague, Cllr Lumi Panaite Fahey.

Social Democrats Cllr Nuala Killeen, who appeared by virtual means, also voiced her opinion that the pathway "is a perfect example of a desire line, where people will follow the shortest route possible."

However, KCC told the councillors in attendance via its report: "The pathway between Lough na Mona and Louisa Bridge car park is not an official pathway.

"It was not closed by Kildare County Council and the issues will need to be discussed with CIE (Córas Iompair Éireann, which is a public transport provider."

Simon Wallace, an official with KCC, elaborated that as the pathway crosses a ditch, there is "not a simple solution" to the issue, adding: "Design work will have to be done."

He also said that KCC has had discussions with CIE last year.

Mr Wallace further said: "I don't see us [at KCC] having a solution by the end of the year. It will take time, but we will speak further with the CIE."

When Cllr Caldwell suggested the possibility of installing a temporary bridge on the unofficial pathway, Mr Wallace replied that this would not be possible, as there are differing levels of ground there.

"It is a substantial ditch," he told Cllr Caldwell.

Fianna Fáil Cllr David Trost then suggested that KCC could write a letter to CIE to discuss the matter further.

This suggestion was agreed upon by all in attendance — Labour Party Cllr Rupert Heather proposed it and Fine Gael Cllr Lumi Panaite Fahey seconded it.

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