CLLR REJECTS RESPONSE TO HER SKATE PARK AND GREENWAY PROPOSAL

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Kilcullen-based Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer has rejected an official response at today's monthly meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge MD, writes Brian Byrne, which dismissed her request to have an urban design framework to include a skate park and greenway on the council-owned land to the rear of Kilcullen GAA and Kilcullen Business Park.

The report to her motion said it would not be considered 'a feasible project' as the lands concerned are zoned Industry & Warehousing and not under consideration for recreational and amenity development because they back onto private housing and the Kilcullen GAA complex. 

Responding that she 'completely rejected' the report, the councillor said there is a fantastic opportunity to 'deliver something truly special' for Kilcullen if the Parks and Planning departments in Kildare County Council work together.

"It is already an objective in the Kilcullen Settlement Plan to both provide connecting cycleways to Old Kilcullen and the Round Tower and to develop the old road through Kilcullen Business Park into a pedestrian greenway," she noted. "With further housing planned for the Athy side of Kilcullen, it is essential that we put sustainable infrastructure in place now so residents and children can safely walk or cycle to local schools and sports facilities."

Cllr O'Dwyer added that if the council worked to develop an urban design framework for this location it would take into consideration the opportunity to create a dedicated cycle and pedestrian route linking local sporting amenities, schools, and future residential developments, and also realise the potential to connect into the Old Kilcullen Heritage Trail via a safe pedestrian/cycling design over the motorway bridge. 

"This would also allow for consideration of the inclusion of a skate park facility in Kilcullen," she added, noting that having secured €100,000 in funding for a skate park in Kilcullen over two years ago, she was 'deeply disappointed over the lack of progress' on the project. 

She confirmed she will be taking the matter up directly offline with the Parks Department to push for action and find a workable solution.

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