'Use trees and landscaping' advice for square

Trees and other landscaping features should be a part of the redevelopment plans for Market Square, the recent workshop on the project heard, writes Brian Byrne.

Paula O'Rourke of Kildare County Council's Parks Department noted that visual elements like trees also acted to slow down traffic as well as providing a pleasant environment.

She suggested that the plans being developed should be designed to make people aware of the other riverside areas in Kilcullen.

"It's important that you also keep the natural landscape going, and that you make sure there is space for the pollinators," she added, noting that many of the pollinating insects on which we depend for food were under threat.

Ms O'Rourke also noted that natural landscape elements could be used to link different areas on the streetscape, instead of spending money trying to link them physically.

She noted too the 'circular' routes which could be incorporated in any plan, including the long-proposed footbridge across to the Valley Park from near the Canoe Club. "That makes a lot of sense, if the money is available, especially since the footings are already in place."