Footpath idea to be discussed

Local councillors are to consider next week the possibility of providing a footpath on one of the most dangerous roads in the town.

The idea was mooted by Valley Park trustee Jim Collins, who suggested that the crumbling wall between Nolans' car park and the Jockey Stile on the Milemill Road be replaced by a proper path.



"The Nolans development has resulted in a nice extension to the footpath from the town," he told the Diary. "But the stretch along by the top of the Valley on a dangerous turn has none, and people walking out to the graveyards take their life in their hands there, running a gauntlet of traffic."

Jim has suggested to the council that it could take down the wall and build in from it onto the top of the Valley to make a safe footpath, which would link up with the gravel and grass path along the Milemill Road.



"The wall is in bad shape anyhow, because of several traffic collisions, and will have to be rebuilt on safety grounds alone," Jim says. "I've looked at the Valley side of it, and I see no problem about donating to the Council whatever bit of land would be needed for a footpath."



He recently wrote to all the local councillors, asking them to take an interest in the project, which would involve a total length of about 150 yards of new path. Cllr Paddy McNamara replied, and he has a proposal down for discussion next Tuesday at the Naas Area Meeting.

The motion is: 'The Naas Area Committee acknowledges the generous offer for the provision of land by the Trustee of Valley Park, Kilcullen, for the construction of a footpath. The NAC resolves that the Area Office contacts the Trustee and prepares a costing for completion of this project for inclusion in the programme of works for 2008'.

Brian Byrne.