"You can't be that starved for a Happy Meal!" - Traffic review sought near McDonald’s site in Kildare
The built-up traffic in the region 'constantly' poses a problem, according to one local rep
A traffic management review is being sought near the McDonald's restaurant in Newbridge.
A motion concerning the review was submitted at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) meeting on Wednesday, February 18 last by Independent Cllr Tom McDonnell.
Through this motion, he called on KCC "review traffic management at the entrance to McDonald's fast food drive-thru in Newbridge".
Cllr McDonnell's motion was seconded by Fianna Fáil Cllr Suzanne Doyle.
Speaking further on the matter, Cllr McDonnell said that this region "constantly" poses a problem, in particular "on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons".
He also suggested that KCC should redirect the traffic from this area.
KCC replied via the report it presented at the meeting: "Vehicular traffic entering the site can on occasions block back onto the R445 lane for traffic travelling to Newbridge Town Centre.
"This issue relates to the management of traffic within the site and the drive-through facility."
KCC further said that a site visit with the Traffic Management Section Team can be arranged in order to "explain the limitations on the junction’s operation".
In addition, a KCC representative who was also in attendance at the meeting assured Cllr McDonnell that he would pass on his sentiments to the Traffic Management team.
Cllr McDonnell expressed gratitude to the official for his comments, and Mayor Heavey also noted the site visit offer from KCC.
Following this, Cllr Doyle weighed in with her view of the situation: "It has always been, in my view, a ridiculous area [in terms of traffic management]. Amendments need to be made here."
Furthermore, Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender told those in attendance that following the devastating 2023 fire at this McDonald's branch, he enquired to the business about a changing the format of the junction.
However, queue studies showed that redirected traffic would negatively affect nearby residential areas.
"When it comes to planning, we screwed up on this one," Cllr Pender said.
He also remarked: “You can't be that starved for a Happy Meal or quarter pounder burger with cheese to be willing to be stuck in traffic for half an hour!"
McDonald's was contacted by the Leinster Leader for comment in relation to this story.
However, the business did not respond in time for publication.
Independent Cllr Tom McDonnell. Photograph credit: kildarecoco.ie