Council Seeks Low-Cost Transfer Of Kilcullen Building Being Sold By HSE, Citing Lack Of Capital Budget

While not included in the Council’s Capital Delivery Programme, local councillors have already provisionally allocated Local Property Tax funding to support necessary remedial works.

Kildare County Council has called on the HSE to transfer a Kilcullen property known as ‘Teach na nDaoine’ for a nominal fee, citing the significant investment needed to restore the building for continued community use. 

While not included in the Council’s Capital Delivery Programme, local councillors have already provisionally allocated Local Property Tax funding to support necessary remedial works.

The Council confirmed it is aware of the HSE’s proposal to sell the property and expressed a strong interest in acquiring it to protect its role as a community facility.

In a statement, the Council said:

“Kildare County Council is aware of the proposal by the HSE to sell a property in Kilcullen known locally as ‘Teach na nDaoine’. Public and community funding was invested in this property and Kildare County Council would welcome the opportunity to acquire the property and to support the continued use of this facility for the community in Kilcullen and the surrounding areas.”

However, officials noted that the acquisition and refurbishment costs are substantial and not currently accounted for in existing capital plans.

“In terms of acquiring this property, it should be noted that this purchase is not included in Kildare County Council's Capital Delivery Programme. As well as the cost of acquisition, the property requires an investment of significant financial resources to ensure its continued use as a valued community space.”

To enable the Council to undertake the necessary repairs, it has proposed a symbolic transfer.

“Kildare County Council would welcome a transfer from the HSE for a nominal fee which would then allow the required remedial works to be carried out.”

Local representatives have already taken steps to prepare for this outcome.

“In anticipation of the transfer of this property to Kildare County Council, the Kildare Newbridge MD members have provisionally set aside Local Property Tax funding to contribute towards the required works and to allow the continued community use of this facility.”

The Council said it is willing to work collaboratively with the HSE.

“Kildare County Council is happy to work with its partners in the HSE to retain this facility for the community, but capital costs are a key consideration.”