Enough is Enough: Rathbride Residents Fear Someone Must Die Before Changes Are Made

Monday, 12 February 2024 10:43

By Martin Osborne

A petition is expected to be handed to Kildare County Council this week.

Does someone have to die before there's action?

That's according to Rathbride resident, Mark Whitney, who says a petition calling for safety measures on the Rathbride Road from the railway bridge all the way up to Kildare Town AFC has received over 250 signatures.

He said road safety issues are putting the lives of pedestrians and local children in danger, with drivers breaking speed limits and driving through red lights.

Mr Whitney explained how a recent incident has acted as a lightning rod for action.

On Sunday, February 4th, at around 9pm, a car speeding down the road crashed and knocked down three mature trees.

The vehicle ended up on top of a railing leading into Cloghgarret Abbey.

An area engineer is due to inspect the area next week.

Mark said another big issue in the area at the moment is a lack of footpaths, forcing people to walk on busy roads.

Cllr Suzanne Doyle said Kildare County Council is often dependent on the National Transport Authority to sanction funding.

She said there's a huge population in the area sitting on the doorstep of the train station who would think twice about walking on the road.

A spokesperson for the council said, "Kildare County Council is not aware of any issues with the road condition at the time of the incident and has not received the petition referred to below, and therefore is not in a position to comment further on its contents."

Listen to Mark below