The town centre of Newbridge, Co Kildare, is in danger of being destroyed due to its phenomenal retail and commercial growth, an independent planning consultant has warned.
Ms Anne O'Leary told a forum organised by Newbridge Civic Pride that the town centre as a place to browse, meet friends or relax might not exist for much longer.
"People will just drive into work, they will drive into the shopping centres and the extra vehicular traffic will take its toll on the streets," she added.
The UCD lecturer, who presented a study of the Newbridge streetscape to the forum, said her overall impression was of a busy town with major players in the business industry.
She praised the landscaped approach roads, the handsome array of buildings and the wide footpaths. However, she said the bridge had no visual impact and it needed major work.
The chairman of Newbridge Civic Pride, Cllr Pat Black, said the biggest challenge facing the town was the Whitewater development. The shopping centre, which is expected to be the biggest complex outside Dublin, is due to open in spring 2006.
British retail giant Debenhams has been confirmed as the anchor tenant for the new 50-unit centre. The investment by the time the first customer is served will be over €250 million. While he welcomed the new centre, Mr Black said it was important that the heart of the town be protected.
Ms O'Leary compared Lismore, Co Waterford, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, and Malahide, Co Dublin, with Newbridge. She highlighted the lack of public open spaces and ugly overhead wires.
Kildare County Council's director of services, Mr Joe Boland, said there was a plan for the bridge, which would cost €400,000. However, he said, the funds were not available at present.
Ms O'Leary said other communities had found ways around funding. In Keadue, Co Roscommon, she added, a community park was built for €75,000 through fund-raising, sponsorship and Leader funding.
The president of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr John Commins, warned the south of the town could suffer with all the new businesses concentrated at the other end of the town.