For whom the road is tolled

There's a lot of angst among motorists about toll roads at the moment, in this area especially because there's a planned toll motorway from Kilcullen to Waterford, which is being strongly resisted by some local politicians.

Regardless of whether we feel we're already paying for our roads building and maintenance with the 17 percent of the national tax take which comes from motor-related taxes, there is an interesting historical perspective which has a very direct bearing on Kilcullen.



Kilcullen was the starting point for the first of some 40 toll roads, or turnpikes, which were established in Ireland during the 18th century. The tolls were needed to maintain the roads without the local populations along the routes being held responsible to do so. Parliamentary legislation allowed trusts to be set up for this purpose.

The Kilcullen to Kilkenny toll road began at 'Kilcullen Green' (probably the green area just below Old Kilcullen) and ran through Carlow.

Others of interest to this locality were from Athy to Castlecomer and Leighlinbridge, and one from Dublin to Carlow through Blessington and Baltinglass (on which one David La Touche was Treasurer, and he has to have a connection with Harristown/Brannockstown).

Our illustration here is taken from the Carlow Morning Post, advertising a meeting of the trustees of the Kilcullen-Carlow section of the turnpike to be held later in the month in Castledermot. The Treasurer, Abraham Rothe, is probably related to the Rothe family after which a heritage house in Kilkenny is named.

So, while the various interests fight their concerns out about the next new road south, just remember that there's nothing new under the sun. Well, not a lot anyhow.

Brian Byrne.