Inadequate lighting, the lack of a safe pedestrian crossing, increased traffic risks and recent incidents of anti-social behaviour have been the concerns of the Athy Transport Safety Campaign
Safety hazards at Athy's train station have been highlighted by a member of the Athy Transport Safety Campaign, as well as overall concern about Athy being a "forgotten town".
Ali Loughman has described the issues at the location as serious, citing inadequate lighting, the lack of a safe pedestrian crossing, increased traffic risks and recent incidents of anti-social behaviour.
Mr. Loughman also noted the "lack of engagement at local level is concerning".
In response to a motion put forward by Labour Cllr Aoife Breslin on the matter of public lighting at the train station, Kildare County Council said there is no current funding to support public lighting in the area.
However, the council did state staff from the Public Lighting Section can meet with the elected member on site to discuss the issue.
Speaking on this morning's Kildare Today, Mr. Loughman said, "I just don't understand how there's no funding when we're only in the third month of the year".
Also joining the discussion was Labour Cllr on the Athy MD, Mark Leigh.
"I suppose the funding that we get for the roads is already spent", Cllr Leigh said.
He did, however, raise the point that funding is available for the likes of the controversial Moone-Timolin Cycleway, which is expected to cost up to €3m.
Mr. Loughman suggested temporary measures to be implemented to address the safety issues, such as installing temporary traffic lights and flood lights.
Cllr Leigh explained that there will be a meeting with engineers at Athy train station next week.
It has also emerged that the National Transport Authority is funding the Irish Rail Car Programme, which includes works to be done at Athy train station.
The project, currently at preliminary design stage, would see the introduction of 80 additional parking spaces, along with improved pedestrian, cycling and bus routes within the station boundary.
"Please, stop forgetting about Athy", said Mr. Loughman.
He concluded, "Athy is one of the major commuter towns, it's ridiculous that we are still back in nineties basically with our infrastructure".
The full interview can be found here:
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