Over 800 submissions received for Graiguecullen active travel scheme

Sinn Féin representative Aaron Kelly and Carlow councillor John Cassin have arranged for 756 submissions against the proposed 750m Graiguecullen cycling scheme to be submitted to the Carlow and Laois councils today.

Mr Kelly, who is the chairperson of the Laois Sinn Féin group, repeated that he and cllr Cassin were “not anti-cycling, but are strongly opposed to this particular route.” Cllr Cassin submitted 379 hard copies of the submissions to Carlow Co Council, and Mr Kelly submitted 377 to Laois Co Council. As people had the option to write submissions to both councils, this number may include some overlapping objectors.

Online, a total of 80 submissions were received by both councils, some of which were in support of the scheme.

One such positive submission noted that “anything that encourages our community to [be] more active is a real positive step.” Another person said, “It is a much needed on a road whose width encourages speeding by cars.” Those objecting cited the loss of on-street parking, need to respect the Croppy Graves, concerns about the mobility of elderly residents, potential impact on businesses and traffic congestion as the basis for their objections.

The proposed route will connect around 650 houses in Graiguecullen to St Fiacc’s NS and Carlow Town Park using cycling lanes and pedestrian crossings. The council has said its purpose is to create “a safe environment allowing school users and residents to make journeys by walking or cycling which they previously would have made by car.” National policy dictates that local authorities must make decisions which leads to a 50% reduction in transport emissions by 2030 through reduced reliance on private cars.

Mr Kelly and cllr Cassin gathered the physical submissions through a series of three public meetings over recent weeks, describing the response from the community as “overwhelming.” The campaign was about ensuring the concerns of residents, businesses and road users are fully considered before any decision is made, said Mr Kelly.

“This has been a genuine grassroots community campaign focused on ensuring local voices are heard in Graiguecullen,” said Mr Kelly.

The consultation process concluded today (Tuesday, 7 July). Laois and Carlow Co Councils are obliged to now “consider” the submissions, but the executive of the councils retains the right to push the scheme through under section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994.