The active travel scheme in the the Square in Kilmacthomas drew sharp debate at this month’s Comeragh District meeting. Councillors said the public felt left out of the consultation process for works at The Square.

Independent Councillor Declan Clune said locals were angry. He said nobody attended the public consultation because many residents never heard about it. He argued that the council failed to promote it widely.

Sinn Féin Councillor Catherine Burke raised issues about parking. She said the removal of on-street parking created problems for residents and businesses. She said customers cannot park close to shops and services during the works.

Cathaoirleach John O’Leary said he found it “amazing” that no one showed up to the consultation. He said this raised questions about how the council communicates major projects. Councillor O’Leary went onto to say that this has happened before with other schemes.

Executive Response

Responding, the Director of Services for Roads, Gabriel Hynes, defended the active travel scheme in Kilmacthomas strongly. He said the council advertised the consultation in newspapers. He said they spoke with local stakeholders. Adding that the council had also engaged with the Tidy Towns group and the local primary school.

Mr. Hynes said people often resist change. He said the works aim to improve safety in The Square. He said much of the previous parking was ad hoc and created hazards.

Local Perspective

Speaking to WLR, Ann Troy a community campaigner for the area said the council did not engage the public properly. She said many residents felt ignored.

Adding that the project is now past the point of discussion as works have already begun. She described the consultation as a box-ticking exercise and said no meaningful engagement took place.

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