A new Park and Ride service for commuters in the Kilcock area is set to come into effect in the near future after the National Transport Authority announced that there will be €100,000 allocated to carry out a feasibility study on the possibility of opening such a facility on the entire M4 corridor.
Local Fianna Fáil TD Frank O'Rourke welcomed the new facility, saying that it is something he has always sought, and it should be opened by early next year.
"A park and ride facility with a capacity for 100 cars is proposed for Bus commuters west of Kilcock on the Old Galway road, and following a public consultation process, should be in place by early 2017.’ Stated Deputy O’Rourke following a meeting with Kildare Co Co in recent days," said Deputy O'Rourke.
"This park and ride facility will be free, CCTV and street lighting will be in place. Public consultation and Part 8 planning process will now commence, and all going well, Kilcock will have a Bus Park and Ride facility in early 2017. It will also free up parking in the centre of Kilcock and allow vibrancy return to the town centre."
Deputy O'Rourke indicated that the high volume of traffic on the M4 and the demand for bus services around that area has led to the decision, and it will have a positive effect on the transport infrastructure in Kildare.
"Earlier this year, I was informed by the NTA (National Transport Authority), that it was allocating €100k for a feasibility study for the provision of a Park and Ride facility on the M4 corridor given the increased level of users and demand for the Bus Service along this route," continued Deputy O'Rourke.
"We are making improvements on the public transport service for commuters in North Kildare. New morning Kilcock Dublin bound Bus Eireann services have been introduced, at 6.30am and 8.00am, improved Dublin Bus services for Celbridge commuters , on the Route 67 and 67x, have been put in place, I have received a commitment to review the unfair fare structure for Rail commuters for Kilcock, and now this commitment for the provision of a park and ride facility in Kilcock."
"This is a welcome development for both the businesses in Kilcock and Commuters alike and I will keep in touch with both groups and press for this park and ride facility to move to construction phase as soon as possible," Concluded Deputy O’Rourke.
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