Climate Action Kilcullen group established
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| Kilcullen 'not pedestrian or cyclist friendly'. File photo. |
The group will take a long-term look at how the wider Kilcullen area can develop a range of climate-friendly practices. These will include the possibility of making the town more cyclist- and pedestrian-accessible.
The idea was discussed during the most recent meeting of KCA where Orla O’Neill suggested ‘looking at the long game’ in promoting a cultural change. Especially in encouraging people to ‘get out of cars’.
She posed the idea of seeking funding, possibly from the Kildare Leader Partnership, to create a ‘master plan’ of what might be possible. “This is realistically about five or ten years out,” she noted.
She said the idea had developed from a presentation at the recent public meeting on the Kilsaran quarry proposals, where road safety with possibly increased traffic in Kilcullen had been a major topic. "The thought of making Kilcullen a more friendly place for pedestrians and cyclists got a lot of traction after the meeting. It's something we could consider doing as a town."
Suggesting that an eventual vision could be to make the main street 'free' of parked cars, she said it should be framed as a part of climate action. This could facilitate the provision of cycle lanes, and also have the effect of slowing traffic.
Encouraging people to cycle into town from the estates would be a key part of any programme, as also would be 'walking when possible'. "In Kilcullen we are used to being able to park within two minutes of any shop," she said. "But in Newbridge, you have to walk distances all the time."
She referenced research from 'all over Europe' which showed that taking cars off the street produced positive effects for towns. "More people use local shops, for instance."
Lyn Worrall added that in-town public transport could also benefit, saying that the recent addition of a bus pick-up point at the Kaymed factory for the Kilcullen-Newbridge service had helped people who wanted to go to the other end of Kilcullen, but who found the hills difficult. "If we had another stop in the middle of town it would make public transport more accessible."
Clonakilty and Westport were mentioned as Irish towns which had removed cars from town centres and from whom ideas could be taken.
The meeting also discussed encouraging children to walk to school, using the 'walking bus' concept.
Orla O'Neill said it was important that no infrastructure should be put in place in the town that might 'stymie' future aims. On that, KCA chair Ann Cashman said local councillors should be involved.
Antoinette Buckley agreed that the vision would be 'really good for the town'. "It's thinking about the future, thinking outside the box. But people are afraid of change. It's all about how this is sold."
The meeting agreed to the formation of the new sub-committee, comprising initially Noel Clare, Orla O'Neill and Lyn Worrall.
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