Kilmacthomas locals bemoan Active Travel scheme in Waterford village
Kilmacthomas centre.
Comeragh councillors have voiced concern regarding the newly implemented ‘Safe Routes to School’ Active Travel Scheme in Kilmacthomas.
Originally proposed in March with work beginning in November, the scheme has seen the introduction of extended footpaths, four new
pedestrianised crossways and a reduction in the number of parking spaces outside the village’s Centra.
As roadworks continue, on-street parking has been prioritised for businesses.
The scheme is designed to create safer access to the village’s primary school, but councillors called for a revised approach following local complaints.
Sinn Féin Councillor Catherine Burke said the scheme encroached on Kilmacthomas residents’ independence.
“The current works are affecting people’s everyday lives. Take the on-street parking for example: it was a lifeline for the residents,” she said.
“This creates real inconvenience for the people who need it the most."
Cllr. Burke said elderly residents now struggle to collect their pensions in the village's post office in Centra. Other parking spaces in the Rainbow Community Centre act as a challenge for those with mobility issues due to the hill it’s located on.
Independent Councillor Declan Clune said residents are struggling to get access to their house amid reduced parking, while Fianna Fáil’s John O’Leary questioned the council’s ability to communicate the proposed changes to the residents.
Waterford City and County Council Director for Roads Gabriel Hynes said the council carried out sufficient community consultation and never received a submission in relation to the scheme.
A public consultation meeting was held on April 1 at the Rainbow Community Centre.
“People, for some reason, don't seem to get engaged until half the work is done,” Mr. Hynes said.
“All of this has been done for one reason, and one reason only, to improve road safety…it improves the quality of life for the people living in that local area as well, because they have better footpaths, pedestrian crossings, you have more engagement.
“I suppose road safety sometimes isn't popular.”
Mr. Hynes said another public consultation could be facilitated in the future, saying: “We'd have loved to have done that maybe two months ago, it would’ve served a far better purpose.”
