Council Says Sarto Road Site Has No "Significant Contamination” As Build Advances On Locals’ Green Space

In response to a series of questions from Kfm News, a council spokesperson said the appointed engineer will ensure the new construction “does not impact the structural stability of existing homes in the vicinity”.

Kildare County Council says a review of land earmarked for housing on a green space at Sarto Road in Naas has found no “significant contamination”.

Kfm News first reported in May that early-stage plans for new social housing were being developed for the site, which was cleared 25 years ago due to subsidence.

The land, once home to multiple families, has remained idle since, despite earlier proposals to repurpose it as a community amenity.

The council says the “suitability of the soil has also been assessed” and that, once a Civil and Structural Engineer is appointed, a “suitable design” will be drawn up.

The clarification comes as the council moves to address residents’ concerns about the plan to build on their green space.

In response to a series of questions from Kfm News, a council spokesperson said the appointed engineer will ensure the new construction “does not impact the structural stability of existing homes in the vicinity”.

However, residents claim some homes are already showing signs of structural issues, including cracks and doors swinging closed on their own - problems they believe are linked to subsidence.

Michael Keogh, Chair of the Sarto Committee, said locals sent the council a registered letter in September after drilling on the site raised alarm.

Kfm News now understands the drilling was part of the assessment of the soil for the proposed development.

Residents say they had previously been told the area would be landscaped and planted with trees.

Mr Keogh added that narrow estate roads are already a safety concern, recalling an incident where an emergency vehicle struggled to access a house fire, and another where paramedics were unable to exit the estate to bring a resident to hospital.

Addressing parking worries - particularly overflow parking - the council said the proposal relates “only to the red line boundary of the Sarto Road site”, and that “suitable parking” will be provided for the new units.

Locals argue there is already barely enough room for residents’ own cars.

The council says road safety and traffic assessments will be carried out “as required as part of the Part 8 planning process”.

Mr Keogh said the small green is used by older residents, including people with Alzheimer’s, and is the only safe play area for local children.

The council insists that “green amenity space will form part of the proposal” and says the wider Canal Quarter masterplan includes “significant upgrades” to green spaces, with the final plan due in the coming months.

Residents also fear disruption to water services, saying the pipes serving their homes are old.

Responding, a spokesperson said: “Any diversions or replacements required within the red line boundary of the proposed site will be carried out in accordance with current Uisce Éireann specifications.”

The statutory Part 8 planning process is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with the council stating that all project information “will be made available for public review and comment” as part of that process.

Cllr Ger Dunne (Ind) told Kfm News he submitted a motion last May seeking a meeting between officials and residents. He said the site was identified as a potential development location in a council document, and a report earlier this year confirmed the social housing plan remains at an early stage.

The council has now secured Department of Housing approval for seven units and is tendering for architectural consultants, with a target start date of Q2 2026.

Work to repair derelict houses in the estate is due for completion in the coming months.

Naas Mayor Cllr Seamie Moore has agreed to facilitate a meeting between residents and senior officials; however, Mr Keogh says that meeting was requested in September and no response has been given.

He says he is angry at what he calls a lack of engagement.

Cllr Dunne said he has asked the council to provide “something for locals” if the development proceeds, such as a recreational or play area, and added that parking concerns can be discussed once officials agree to meet residents.