A petition opposing it has attracted over 600 signatures.
Kildare County Council is defending a €1.6 million cycleway between Moone and Timolin, after a backlash from some residents.
The three-kilometre route on the R448 is part of a national pilot by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Supporters say it will improve safety and link rural communities - but critics argue it’s poorly planned, unnecessary, and starts and ends without connecting major population centres.
A petition opposing it has attracted over 600 signatures.
The council says the scheme went through a full statutory process, including public consultation, and was amended in response to local feedback.
Officials say it will trial four different segregation types, with post-opening surveys assessing construction, road safety, motorist behaviour, and usage. The results, they say, will guide the rollout of the National Cycle Network and deliver safer facilities for existing cyclists and pedestrians.
Addressing the cost, a council spokesperson said: "A robust procurement process was carried out by Kildare County Council to appoint a contractor to carry out the construction of this pilot project. This utilised an existing NTA Framework of pre-approved contractors familiar with the delivery of similar projects. Following a rigorous tender evaluation process the Most Economically Advantageous Contractor was identified and appointed."
"It is anticipated that post opening surveys and audits will take place on the completed scheme to gather the data to inform this evaluation. The outcomes of this pilot will provide useful insights to inform the roll out of the National Cycle Network while also providing an improved facility for existing users," the spokesperson said.
Fine Gael councillor Ivan Keatley admits the cost is high, but says the project could pave the way for broader active travel links.
Mark Hilliard, of the Moone–Timolin Positive Action Group, calls it a waste of money that “starts nowhere and ends nowhere.”
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