Kildare councillor: Space needed for non-GAA sport and leisure in Newbridge

More space is needed to facilitate non-GAA sports and leisure.

That’s according to one Fianna Fáil councillor based in Newbridge, who made the comments at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting on Wednesday, June 21 last.

Cllr Noel Heavey put forward the following motion at the meeting: "That the council outline its strategy to ensure Newbridge has adequate land and resources to develop facilities for volleyball, basketball, athletics, swimming and other sports and leisure activities in keeping with the needs and demands of its present and projected demographics."

His motion was seconded by his party colleague Cllr Suzanne Doyle, who also chaired the meeting.

Commenting further on his motion, Cllr Heavey said: "Newbridge is probably the largest town in Kildare, and I know I come in and winge about the lack of infrastructure, but I would like it put on the record that (it is my view that) land is extremely scarce in Newbridge, when it comes to facilitating non-GAA sports and leisure activities."

He added: "I want Kildare County Council (KCC) to do everything in its power to acquire land for locals (for these facilities), and I would ask my fellow councillors to support it, as there is very little space left in Newbridge."

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Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer said that she supported his motion, and agreed with Cllr Heavey’s claim that there is very little space in the town for non-GAA sports.

Her party colleagues Cllr Kevin O’Duffy and Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer , while Independent Cllr Fiona O’Loughlin suggested that her fellow local representatives could look at KCC’s Open Space Strategy 'with fresh eyes.'

In response to Cllr Heavey's motion, KCC also pointed out that an Open Space Strategy has been developed as part of the County Development Plan .

A KCC representative elaborated: "These standards will have to be applied as part of any social infrastructure audit carried out as part of the preparation of the Local Area Plan for Newbridge."

"In addition, the Planning Department are commencing a County Kildare Active Recreation Infrastructure Audit, which will inform the need for facilities and the investment required to deliver these.

"Any investment required will need to be considered for the Capital Programme."

The representative continued: "The new Local Economic and Community Plan will set out the objectives and actions over a six-year period to promote and support the economic development and local and community development for the county.

"This plan will strive to build strong, healthy and inclusive communities in Kildare," they concluded.