Deterioration of Athy road

Works need to be done as a matter of urgency

Caoimhin Treacy A local councillor has said it is “laughable” that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has allowed a road in Athy to deteriorate to its current state.

Cllr Aoife Breslin made the comments after bringing forward a motion at the most recent meeting of Athy Municipal District, calling on Kildare County Council to write to TII requesting that remedial and resurfacing works be carried out ‘as a matter of urgency’ on the N78 between the roundabout on the eastern side of Athy and the M9 junction at Mullamast.

Senior engineer Daragh Conlan issued the council’s response, stating that that the matter was one for the elected members to agree.

Cllr Breslin told the meeting that the road is in very poor condition and has deteriorated further recently.

Cllr Brian Dooley supported the motion, noting the danger of the road, with a number of fatalities having taken place on it.

Council official Mark McLoughlin welcomed the motion and said the local authority would raise the matter with TII.