Cllr Rejects "Anti-Housing" Label, Calls For Indoor Pool In Plans For Machinery Yard In Newbridge

Friday, 23 May 2025 17:14

By Martin Osborne

That's according to Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender, who has criticised possible plans by the Land Development Agency (LDA) to develop the former Machinery Yard site in Newbridge for housing purposes only.

"We get accused of being against housing but we are not."

Speaking to Kfm, Cllr Pender said the public want amenities to be included in any plans for the area between Whitewater Shopping Centre and Newbridge Silverware, such as a community facility with an indoor swimming pool.

He has asked Kildare County Council to confirm if discussions with the LDA included plans for amenities.

"A balanced redevelopment of this site could give us both housing and community infrastructure. That’s what I’ve been calling for," he said.

More from Local News

Kildare Crowned 2025 Tailteann Cup Champions With Win Over Limerick

The full time score was 1-24 to 2-19
Not Needed For Health Reasons: HSE Reponds To Possible Sale Of Teach na nDaoine Building In Kilcullen

The HSE said it conducted an internal review after the leaseholder handed back possession, and concluded that the property was “not required at present for health service delivery” in the area.
Lung Cancer Risk As Nine Out Of Ten Kildare Homes Remain Untested For Radon Gas

Parts of Kildare are officially classified as high-radon areas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Illegal Parking In Disabled Spaces: 566 Fines Issued In Kildare-Carlow Garda Division Since January 2024

New figures show that between January 2024 and June 2025, a total of 566 fixed charge notices were issued in the Kildare/Carlow Garda Division for parking in disabled bays without a valid permit.
Only National Road Out Of Dublin "Never Upgraded": TD Presses For N81 Upgrade In Dáil

Raising the issue during a Dáil debate, Wicklow Fine Gael TD Edward Timmins cited multiple studies identifying the N81 as “one of the most dangerous roads in the country.”
Kildare North TD Aidan Farrelly Welcomes Party’s Backing Of Catherine Connolly For Áras Bid

Kildare North Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly has welcomed the move, saying Ms Connolly has been a strong voice for peace, human rights, and progressive causes.
Ex-Principal Of Leinster Senior College Loses Dismissal Case Over Grinds Venture And Shredded Diaries

An internal investigation had been launched after the school learned he was running what it considered a rival grinds business.
Blocked By Red Tape: Senator Says Councils Need Clarity On Accepting Donated Land And Buildings

Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Fiona O Loughlin said red tape is often blocking generous donations that could benefit local communities, especially in areas where facilities for arts, recreation or education are badly needed.