Route to Ballymore closed by road subsidence

Kilcullen people who use the Coughlanstown Road via Carnalway to drive to Ballymore are being asked to go via Brannockstown instead, as the road has been closed because of serious subsidence, writes Brian Byrne. A local TD is urging Kildare County Council to carry out repairs as a matter of urgency.

A burst water main earlier in the month has resulted in serious subsidence of the road foundation and adjacent river bank which forced the closure.

“Residents in the area are very concerned that given the level of damage it could be some time before the road will re-open," Deputy Martin Heydon FG said after meeting with local residents. "They emphasised to me the importance of the road as a local artery and link to Ballymore Eustace. The continued closure of this road will impact on local residents and businesses alike as well as putting additional pressure on adjacent roads which are now taking more traffic than they normally would."

Deputy Heydon noted that shops and businesses in Ballymore Eustace which rely on trade from the rural hinterlands who are now restricted in getting to the town. “I have asked the Council to give me assurances that they will do whatever is necessary to re-open this road, given its importance to the local community. I have also asked for additional resources to be assigned to the adjoining local roads in the meantime to take account of the increased traffic volumes while the Coughlanstown Road remains closed."