Access Group concerned about bollards

Painting white or gold bands on all the new footpath bollards in Kilcullen is very necessary, according to Kilcullen Access Group.



This is just one of the issues raised at the KAG's most recent meeting, and is an urgent one because the bollards when painted only in black represent a danger to people with poor sight.

Geraldine Kelly (above on left with KAG members Brian Dunne, Bridget O'Rourke and Anne Daly) pointed out that such painting is done in other towns, such as Newbridge, and should be done immediately in Kilcullen.



"It is particularly important now with all the new bollards, and the flower basket standards on the bridge," she said. "It should be a matter of course that it be done."



There are also problems with poles on the footpath between the Convent Corner and Avondale.

"They also need to be painted with bands in light colours," says Bridget O'Rourke, a member of the group who has visual impairment. "And though the footpath surface is good, the wall comes out in lumps and bumps, and there are grey sign poles that need to be painted."



In addition, amember of the group has written to Kildare County Council to have old footpaths in Nicholastown repaired, after an elderly local resident fell.

KAG is very pleased with the work that was carried out last year on the crossroads, in terms of dishing of footpaths and the provision of consistent surfacing for those who depend on what they feel through their feet to know where they are at a crossing.



"But the audio signal on the crossing isn't really loud enough, and we want that adjusted," Geraldine Kelly says. "Also, the footpath surfaces from Scoil Bhride to the crossroads also need attention, as they are quite bad."

The group has also received a request that one of the parking spaces reserved for drivers with disability be moved to the opposite side of the road, near the supermarket, to facilitate people who want to park near the shops.

Tha matter of some extra crossing points in the town is also something which needs to be addressed, according to Geraldine Kelly.

"There's a need for some kind of crossing down at the bottom of the town, and also up at Hillcrest. At the moment, it's a 'run for your life' situation at those places."



Meanwhile, KAG has arranged a meeting with the Playground Committee to see what facilities for people with disability can be included in the proposed playground.

"There have been a lot of new playgrounds built in the county which are not accessible for some children, so we want to get in at this stage so we can talk to an architect, and engineer, to make sure that the facility is for every child."

Brian Byrne.