Kilcullen footpath works begin today

There are calls to support businesses affected by the significant traffic disruption, expected in downtown Kilcullen from today until the end of May, writes Brian Byrne, as a long-awaited improvement to footpaths and the street gets underway. The work was initially scheduled to begin before Christmas but was postponed to avoid disrupting shopping and traffic during the festive season.

The existing footpaths will be widened on the River Cafe side and extended down to the entrance to the Riverside housing estate at Firestop in the market square. In addition, a new junction will be created at the market square exit, eliminating the space's use as an ad hoc turning circle and also reducing traffic speeds entering the square. A new pedestrian crossing is also part of the plan. 

The layout of the footpaths and market square junction as proposed in the Part 8 documentation in March 2022.

Commenting on the first significant upgrade of the paths in about 30 years, Noel Clare of Kilcullen Community Action asked for patience as inevitable traffic disruption is expected. "It is also important that we all make an extra effort to support the businesses affected over the coming weeks," he added.

The River Cafe's Paul Treacy said the level of disruption will affect everyone but could be 'devastating' for small businesses in that part of town. "The cafe will remain open, and we hope that people are willing and able to come to us."

Although not officially part of the redevelopment of Market Square, first mooted in 2017 and subsequently approved through a Part 8 process in 2022, the design of the current works was included in the project plans produced by consultants Paul Hogarth, at the instigation of Kilcullen Community Development. The full plan for the square and downtown area is currently shelved because there are no funds available to progress the project, now costed at €1.4 million but expected to cost considerably more. The Part 8 process granting planning for the redevelopment was completed in 2024.

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