Recent Castletown House developments are of deep concern to North Kildare communities — Councillor

The recent developments at Castletown House and Parklands are of deep concern to North Kildare communities.

That's according to Labour Party Councillor Angela Feeney.

Local representatives were informed last Friday (September 8), that by next Friday (September 15) access to the estate from the M4 motorway will be closed, following disagreements between landowners and the Office of Public Works (OPW) over access to the historic estate in recent days. 

Commenting on the situation, Cllr Feeney, who is based in North Kildare, said: "Castletown House and Parklands is a vital amenity for the people of north Co Kildare, and it is essential that it remains accessible to all.

"I joined the protesters at Castletown yesterday and fully support them in regaining adequate access to their amenity.

She continued: "I totally share the huge concern expressed by the residents in North Kildare about any future development at Castletown House and Parklands; the historical and environmental amenity needs to be protected and enjoyed by the public.

Cllr Angela Feeney of the Labour Party. File photograph.

"The closure of the car park at the M4 gate is a huge blow, and the proposed temporary car park at Celbridge Avenue is totally inadequate.

"It will make it almost impossible for the majority of visitors to get to the estate."

Cllr Feeney further said that Celbridge is the third largest town in County Kildare, and like many of the commuter belt towns of Maynooth and Leixlip, it has experienced huge population growth and development without the associated social infrastructure and amenities.

She said: "Residents depend on having access to the publicly owned green spaces such as Castletown Estate.

"I am calling on the OPW to do everything in its power to secure the future of Castletown House and Parklands.

"This site is too important to be lost to the community.

"The outcry from the public shows how strongly they feel about how we protect our public amenities and ensure we retain and cherish our local heritage," Cllr Feeney concluded.