New call on Market Square car park

Kildare County Council is being asked to engage with the owners of the surface-level car park attached to the Market Square apartments, with a view to having it open for public parking, writes Brian Byrne. The apartments property is owned by Comer Group Ireland, which bought it from the family of the late Pat Dunlea.

Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer’s motion to the next meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge MD refers to the original planning conditions for the development, which stipulated that the surface car park should be open for public parking.

The issue was previously raised during discussions about the proposed pedestrianisation of the square. At the time, it was acknowledged that the planning condition had not been enforced, and too much time had passed to do so. Cllr O’Dwyer believes there is currently space for a dialogue between the council and the car park owners on the matter.

The parking issue has been live since the redevelopment of Market Square was first proposed in 2017 and subsequently approved through a Part 8 process in 2022. A key part of the plan is the pedestrianisation of the square, but that €1.4 million project is on hold indefinitely due to insufficient funding. The proposed loss of 14 car parking spaces in the existing square, as well as a reduction in on-street spaces in the downtown Kilcullen area, remain major points of contention.

In 2020, the council said it was 'actively pursuing' alternative parking solutions in the vicinity of Market Square, and a 'number of definite options' were being pursued. A proposal for additional public parking in Fallons car park, at the time hailed as a 'breakthrough' and for which planning permission was granted in 2021, has not been pursued by the Council. 

In June 2022, Kildare County Council said it was committed to exploring and developing alternative parking options within reasonable walking distance of Market Square and Main Street, but in April 2024, the council said it has 'no current plans to purchase land' in Kilcullen for a public car park, and that the need for additional car parking will be considered "in the context of the shift towards increased access to retail by public transport, cycling, and walking." 

Throughout the process, many local businesses have expressed their concerns about the parking plans, or lack of them. 

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Motion for parking regulation Bye-Laws in Kilcullen

Parking in Market Square.

A request to introduce parking regulation in Kilcullen is being made to Kildare County Council, writes Brian Byrne. It's by way of a motion from Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer at the next meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District.

Cllr O'Dwyer is asking for the commencement of a process to introduce Parking Bye-Laws on Main Street. The Diary understands that this is in the context of a review and updating of such Bye-Laws across the MD. "Kilcullen currently has none, so it is timely that they be introduced here," she says. "We need to regularise parking and ensure efficient turnover of cars along Main Street."

Last month, a traffic and pedestrian survey of Kilcullen was undertaken on behalf of Kildare County Council, to assess traffic flow, density, parking turnover, and pedestrian movements.

Cllr O'Dwyer's motion is not connected with the long-standing but unfulfilled promise of a public off-street car park for Kilcullen, but councillors were told in March of this year that delivery of a car park remains a 'priority' for the council. However, a year before they had been told that there are no plans by the council to purchase land for a car park. 

Parking became a contentious issue during the evolution of the Kilcullen Market Square redevelopment plan, which includes pedestrianisation of the current car parking area in the square. In a Parking Report among the Part 8 documents for the Market Square project, consultants O'Connor Sutton Cronin noted that the current number of up to 100 parking spaces in the area would be reduced to 60 in the plan. They also said the scheme would increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists, which 'could lead to a reduction in car parking demand'. They recommended that on-street parking in Kilcullen be regulated to a maximum of two hours duration. Implementation of the redevelopment is currently costed at €1.4 million, with funding from development levies over the three years of the council's Capital Programme 2025-2027.

In 2022, Kildare councillors adopted a Framework Document for a County Parking Policy, which each Municipal District takes into consideration during reviews of Bye-Laws. Among the provisions are that parking regulations shall apply Monday-Saturday inclusive except on public holidays, from 9.30am-5.30pm. Town centres and high-density business and shopping districts have a maximum stay of one hour and perimeter areas a maximum stay of two hours.

Long-Term Parking would be restricted to off-street parking under the policy.

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Market Square plan costs face 'significant increase'

Cllr Chris Pender and Market Square.

The cost of implementing the proposed Kilcullen Market Square redevelopment is expected to be 'significantly higher' than the current €1.4 million estimate, according to Kildare County Council's Public Realm department, writes Brian Byrne. The  project is at the moment scheduled to receive the €1.4 million in development levies over the three years of the council's Capital Programme 2025-2027.

The information was provided in answer to a question from Cllr Chris Pender at yesterday's meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, requesting an update on progress, timelines, and any challenges that might impact the project implementation.

The project, first mooted in 2017, received Part 8 approval in 2022 and the report to the councillor's question noted that the next steps will include procurement, preparation of tender document, detailed design and construction. 

The meeting also heard that securing alternative parking 'is a priority', as car parking cannot be removed from the Square until an alternative location is ready. The proposed loss of 14 car parking spaces in the existing square, as well as a reduction in the number of on-street spaces in the downtown Kilcullen area was a major point of contention during the progress of developing the plan.

A year ago, in response to a motion by Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, the council said there were no plans to purchase land in Kilcullen for a public car park. 

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Signage in Kilcullen, Market Square, for next MD meeting

Sign needed at Logstown.

A request that Kildare County Council install missing and new signage in Kilcullen will be discussed at the next meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, writes Brian Byrne. There's also a query on the agenda about the status of the Market Square development.

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer has a motion asking for the signage, specifying a Naas right and Carlow left Regional direction sign on the R448 at the Logstown Junction as well as a direction sign on the R448 as you approach the Logstown Junction from Naas to indicate the left turn goes to Ballymore/Dunlavin. 

The councillor has also requested an advance direction sign on the R448 Naas approach road into Kilcullen, similar to those currently in place at at the Cattle Mart, Church Car Park and Conroy Park.

Meanwhile, Cllr Chris Pender is asking the council to provide an update on the progress of the Kilcullen Market Square project, including details on any recent developments, timelines for delivery, and any challenges that may be impacting its progression.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 19 March 2025 at 10am in the Council Chamber, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas.

Market Square status update requested.

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Council kicks Kilcullen car park to touch, again

Kildare County Council has no current plans to purchase land in Kilcullen for a public car park, writes Brian Byrne. That was the blunt answer at yesterday's meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge MD to a motion by Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer that the Council consider such a purchase when reviewing the Capital Budget in May.

The issue has been live since the redevelopment of Market Square was first mooted in 2017 and subsequently passed in a Part 8 process in 2022. A key part of the plan is the pedestrianisation of the square. Though the redevelopment, now costed at €1.4 million, is stalled indefinitely due to lack of funding, the proposed loss of 14 car parking spaces in the existing square, as well as a reduction in the number of on-street spaces in the downtown Kilcullen area was a major point of contention.

Speaking to this month's motion, Cllr O'Dwyer said Kilcullen is a vibrant town with predominantly independent small businesses and, to keep the town in business, the Council needs to invest in it. "The provision of a public car park is Step One, in my opinion," she told the meeting, noting that apart from the square and on-street spaces, all car parking in the town is provided by private car park owners. "Kilcullen is a destination town for the greater hinterland such as Dunlavin, Crookstown, Old Kilcullen and Brannockstown, where people come from to do their shopping, go to the doctor, get their hair done, and attend the cinema. People come to Kilcullen for all manner of reasons and the rural areas surrounding Kilcullen are not serviced by public transport and it is also not always practical to cycle or use public transport depending on the purpose of your visit to town."

In June 2022, Kildare County Council said they were committed to exploring and developing alternative parking options within reasonable walking distance of Market Square and Main Street. Two years earlier, the Council had said they were 'actively pursuing' alternative parking solutions in the vicinity of Market Square and a 'number of definite options' were being pursued.

However, a plan for extra public parking in Fallons car park, for which planning permission was granted in 2021, has not been engaged with by the Council. At that time, this had been hailed as a breakthrough in the situation. Through the whole process, many local businesses have expressed their concerns about the parking plans, or lack of them. 

At the recent MD meeting, the official response stated 'The requirement for additional car parking will need to be considered in the context of the shift towards increased access to retailing by public transport, cycling and walking. The resources to deliver a carpark in the Capital Budget 2025-2027 will require an assessment in the context of other commitments and priorities already identified in the current programme and in the context of a review of the parking byelaws for Kilcullen'.

Long kick to touch clears the ball from the decision line.

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Councillor seeks funds to part-implement Market Square plan

Kildare County Council has been asked if there is any money unspent from the €200,000 Town & Village Renewal grant made in 2018 towards the redevelopment of Kilcullen Market Square, writes Brian Byrne. Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer has made the request with a view to funding a part of the plan developed for the square, in order to improve the downtown streetscape.

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. The Part 8 process granting planning for the redevelopment was completed last year.

Cllr O'Dwyer says that since funds are not available to do the whole project, perhaps some parts of the plan produced by consultants The Paul Hogarth Company could be implemented.

"Specifically the section of footpath between the River Cafe and McTernan's could be done, which would make a big difference in that area," she suggests. "The plan was to widen the path to incorporate the space now used by temporary outdoor service areas, and realigning the section entering the market square."

Cllr O'Dwyer has offered the remaining amount of her 2023 Local Property Tax allocation to the Engineering Department of the Kildare-Newbridge MD towards the part-work, if the balance of funds required can be found. "Maybe some of the Town & Village Scheme money is still available," she told the Diary. 

The project, which included pedestrianising the square, was first proposed in July 2017 following a public meeting organised by Kilcullen Community Action. 

READ: All the Diary's reports on this project here. 

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Market square redevelopment is currently parked

The plan for the redevelopment of Kilcullen Market Square is now stalled pending funding, writes Brian Byrne.

In a report to the recent monthly meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, Kildare County Council officials said a 'further funding source' is required to progress the project.

The report noted that the €1.3 million estimated cost of the project 'has most likely increased' with inflation since the Part 8 process for the plan was approved last June. 

A grant received in 2018 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme facilitated bringing the project to the Part 8 stage, the equivalent of a grant of planning permission. The design for the square was produced by consultants The Paul Hogarth Company. Throughout the development of the project, concerns about the removal of parking from the square were prominent.

This latest report was in answer to a question from Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, seeking a detailed status update regarding the project, including funding in place, funding required, timelines, detailed design and next steps.

READ: All the Diary's reports on this project are here. 

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Market Square funding 'a challenge'

Funding for the redevelopment of the Market Square is the next challenge for the project, the recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action was told, writes Brian Byrne.

The matter was raised during a discussion on the status of various projects currently part of the KCA portfolio. “It has gone quiet at the minute,” Antoinette Buckley said, noting that Kildare County Council has to secure funding for the project now that it has been through the Part 8 planning process.

Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer said a number of the public realm plans around the county need funding, which has yet to be identified.

Antoinette said the Kilcullen project ‘is at a good stage as far as we have got it’. “It’s important to take back our public spaces — we have to realise that it’s not all about the car.”

That generated a short discussion about the pilot programme in Kildare which had seen the town’s square pedestrianised during the pandemic. Disappointment was expressed that the experiment was now ending and parking will be allowed in the area again.

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Councillor gets assurances on Market Square project parking, deliveries

Reassurances that concerns about removal of parking spaces and the inadequacy of swing space for trucks delivering via Bentley's Lane will be dealt with have been given to Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer.

The assurances were given by Eoghan Ryan, Director of Planning with Kildare County Council at a meeting yesterday, where she was told the concerns expressed by residents and business affected by the planned Market Square project will be addressed by the Public Realm team in the council.

At the recent meeting of Kildare-Newbridge MD, a proposal by Cllr O'Dwyer that the Part 8 plan be approved and accepted with conditions that the alternative parking and deliveries issues would be resolved before work began was defeated by the non-FG councillors present.

"This proposal would have allowed the project to progress through to funding stage and ensured the Council had time to engage and address the outstanding issues while holding them to account if they didn’t deliver for our town," the councillor says in a clarification note. "I along with Minister Martin Heydon, continue to fight for the upgrade of market square to happen as soon as possible while also addressing the understandable local concerns and issues."

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Kilcullen plans will make it 'unattractive' to HGVs — Council

Proposals for the improvement works in Kilcullen Town Centre, recently passed by the councillors of the Kildare-Newbridge MD, will make the route through the town 'less attractive' for heavy goods vehicles, writes Brian Byrne.

That was the response from Kildare County Council officials to concerns about HGV traffic expressed in several submissions to the proposals, following public consultation in a Part 8 planning process. The Council's responses were provided to councillors last week in a Report signed off by the Senior Executive Officer of KCC's Planning, Strategic Projects & Public Realm department.

The Report noted that the 3.4pc figure for HGVs given in a Parking Report on the scheme reflected the observations through Automatic Traffic Counters during a 7-day period in 2019. "We accept that at times this may vary," the response continued, adding that the scheme's design, in accordance with the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS), incorporates controlled crossings and slowing of traffic to give priority to pedestrian movement. "This will make the route through the town centre less attractive for HGV movement."

In relation to several businesses' concerns about the reduction of on-street parking having the potential to seriously affect their operation, the Council says that it is 'currently progressing the option of alternative car parking and the introduction of a dedicated loading bay in the vicinity of the area between Market Square and River Cafe', which will be addressed at the 'detail design stage'. "Furthermore, KCC is committed to exploring and developing alternative parking options within reasonable walking distance of Market Square and Main Street prior to the commencement of works."

Commenting on an expressed need for an overall approach to traffic management in Kilcullen, the Report notes that in line with DMURS practice, the scheme will not rely on 'extensive regulatory controls and physically intrusive measures for enforcement'. "Such environments are ... self-regulatory through the application of a variety of psychological and physical measures in order to lower the operating speed of the environment." 

Concerns about the proposed access turning space design to Bentley's Lane to accommodate HGV deliveries were met with the 'DMURS' design response, and a comment that 'it is not feasible to increase the radius as this will entail moving the building or removing the pedestrian walkway, which is contrary to the spirit of this proposal'. Related issues about enforcing double yellow line restrictions 'is a matter for An Garda Siochana ... and the KCC Community Wardens', is the Report's response to every submission that raised the parking enforcement issue. 

Specifically to the submission by the Riverside Manor Residents Association, that motorists displaced from existing parking arrangements would park on the estate's access road, the officials said the estate has not been taken in charge by KCC, and such issues — including the introduction of double yellow lines along the estate's access route — are 'outside the scope' of the project's Part 8 process. The Association's suggestion that entrance and egress to the Market Square should be by a controlled junction, to avoid gridlock that can impact on traffic elsewhere in the town, is not accepted.

A number of submissions referred to the lack of provision for bicycle lanes and related infrastructure. The Report commentary noted that due to the width of the street, 'a continuous cycle lane cannot be be considered without the removal of on-street parking'. "The redesign of the carriageway and Market Square will lower traffic speeds within these areas ... increases safety and accessibility for pedestrian traffic and bicycles alike." The provision and location of bicycle racks within the Market Square 'will be considered detail design stage'.

Other suggestions which will be considered at the detail design stage include under-grounding the overhead cables currently in the Market Square areas, providing way-finding and parking facility signage, and the provision of disabled parking, lighting and 'various other specifications'.

The Report made amendments to the original proposals, including design and implementation of bicycle parking infrastructure, extension of coloured material on the road surface at Market Square, and revisions to the parking arrangements between Market Square and River Cafe to incorporate a dedicated loading bay, a disabled parking space, and an 'age-friendly' parking space. 

A total of 34 submissions were received at the closing date of 9 March 2022. Five were from internal departments within KCC, two from KCC elected representatives, and three from community organisations. The remainder were from members of the public, business owners, landholders and interested parties.

The full list of submissions: John Tracey, D Brennan & Sons Ltd, Antoinette Buckley, Pat & Rosaleen Bergin, Bridget Ryan, Patrick Nugent, Jim Buckey, Anna Mcleod, Orla O’Neill, Martin Sheridan, Noel Clare, Riverside Manor Residents Association, Katrina O’Connell, Kilcullen Tidy Towns, Howard Berney, Tony O’Sullivan, Eoin Houlihan, Ann Cashman, Dawn Behan, Ray Kelly, Cllr Tracey O’ Dwyer, Fiona Sloan, Sorcha McCoy, Stephen Clare, Murphy Design & Build Solutions Ltd, Laura Bowen, River Café Kilcullen, Alan O’Connell, Cllr Noel Heavey, Carmel O’Grady, KCC Executive Parks Superintendent; Ruth Kidney, KCC Architectural Conservation Office; KCC Environment Department; Celina Barrett, Chief Officer Kildare Fire Service; and George Willoughby, KCC Transportation and Public Safety Department.

READ: All the Diary's reports on this project are here. 

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Market Square passed in meeting ... but no 'parking safeguards'

The Kilcullen Market Square project was passed to its next stage at a meeting this morning of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, writes Brian Byrne, but without 'safeguards' on parking which were asked for by Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer.

The meeting considered the Chief Executive's Report on the project following the public consultation which was held earlier this year in the Part 8 planning process. The vote followed a brief presentation on the project by consultants The Paul Hogarth Company.

An amendment proposed by Cllr O'Dwyer asked that construction not be commenced until such time as 'sufficient parking has been secured in the immediate vicinity', and a detailed design agreed with Kilcullen Gardai. The councillor also asked for a pilot trial of the project which would involve closing the square to cars for the summer period and have picnic tables installed, to 'test the project's principles and inform final design decisions'. A counter-motion put forward by Cllr Fiona McLoughlin Healy was subsequently withdrawn.

When the amendment was put to a vote, the result was 4-4 with Cllr O'Dwyer abstaining. It was then defeated with the vote of the MD deputy chair.

All the MD councillors received emails yesterday from downtown businesses, outlining their concerns about the loss of car parking on Main Street and from the Square, with no alternative parking having been secured by the Council.

Some of the businesses also expressed their frustration with what they saw as poor engagement by the Council on the issue.

The Diary understands that an earlier plan for extra public parking in Fallons car park has not been engaged with by the Council. This plan had been hailed as a breakthrough for the parking issue which has generated some heated debate since the pedestrianised Market Square project was first mooted by Kilcullen Community Action. It is also understood that Kilcullen Gardai are very concerned about the plan as it stands, as it leaves little or no on-street parking for commercial and residential properties.

Cllr O'Dwyer said this afternoon that she wanted a trial of the project and engagement with the Gardai, 'as we have done in Kildare Town and Newbridge'. "I think it is very unfortunate that we are not putting safeguards in place to secure parking, and detailed design agreement with Kilcullen Gardai," she concluded.

READ: All the Diary's reports on this project are here.

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Casual Trading Bye-Laws are adopted

Scene from Easter Market 2018 in Market Square.

Casual trading bye-laws will be in force for Kilcullen's Market Square from 1 September, permitting trading on Sundays between 10am-3pm, writes Brian Byrne.

Kilcullen is one of eight locations in the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District where Kildare County Council permits business under the Casual Trading Bye-Laws 2022. The others are in Kildare Town, Newbridge and Monasterevin.

Applications are now open for licences.

The Bye-laws may be viewed free of charge here. 

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