Wreaths mark the spot where Mrs Kathleen Brennan died.

6 November 2001: A protest march about the heavy level of truck traffic through Naas is to be held next Saturday, following the latest traffic fatality in the town involving a truck.

Mrs Kathleen Brennan of Kilcullen Road died in an accident at Fair Green Street on 30 October, after she had crossed the road from Murtagh’s Corner.

The protest, beginning at 12 Noon, will march to Naas Town Hall, where people of Naas will have an opportunity to sign a petition against the traffic situation, which has been condemned by all councillors on numerous occasions.

The march has been organised by Cllrs Mary Glennon and Pat McCarthy.

“The petition will demand the introduction of bye-laws restricting the size of trucks which will be allowed through Naas Town Centre,” says Cllr McCarthy, who lost a son some years ago in an accident involving a truck at Murtagh’s Corner. “We also want proper provision made for pedestrians at busy junctions such as Murtagh’s Corner.”

The pedestrian difficulties at the junction have several times been highlighted at UDC meetings over a number of years. A proposition to provide pedestrian crossing facilities in the area has not yet been implemented.

Truck traffic through Naas has increased substantially over recent years with the high level of residential and commercial development work. Traffic to and from the Kildare County Council dump and private waste disposal facilities at Silliot Hill has also contributed to the problem.

The pictures here showing truck traffic in the area were all taken over a five-minute period on a Monday lunchtime. BB