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File photograph.
The fire brigade were called to a derelict property in Newbridge twelve times.
The disconcerting information was relayed to councillors present at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, held on Wednesday, May 17.
At the meeting, Fianna Fáil Cllr Noel Heavey motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) to 'inform the members of the extent of damage done to unoccupied KCC-owned properties in this Municipal area due to antisocial behaviour, since June 2019.'
Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender also motioned for KCC to 'provide information on the number of times the fire service has been called to Rooske Lodge and other derelict or abandoned buildings within the Kildare Newbridge Municipal district, as well as the associated cost incurred by the council.'
Replying to his motion, KCC said: "Kildare Fire Service has attended incidents at Rooske Lodge on twelve occasions up to and including the May 1, 2023
"The total amount invoiced is €8,000, with €4,500 having been paid to date."
Cllr Heavey told KCC: “Some, and I do emphasise some, young people have resorted to starting fires, and have been engaging in drug use and/or antisocial behaviour (at these properties.
In response, KCC said that 'it endeavours to turn the properties around as soon as possible,' but this can often take some time due to procurement works, as well as a general lack of resources and funding.
Referring to Rooske Lodge, Cllr Pender questioned KCC over whether or not the process is being followed properly, and took issue with current measures at the property that are intended to keep people out of Rooske Lodge.
Cllr Pender also said that if the property continues to be left in the state it is, then a part of it will collapse and kill someone.
"There is no doubt in my mind that this will happen," he told KCC.
A representative for KCC at the meeting said that it would follow up with the Derelict Site Register in relation to the issues raised.
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