Booking system for Newbridge Town Hall, Co Kildare to be developed

A Social Democrats councillor has called on KCC to provide an update on a motion passed in July 2019 regarding the development of an online enquiry and booking system for Newbridge Town Hall.

Cllr Chris Pender told a recent Kildare-Newbridge MD meeting that he was happy to see in the council's report that this facility was being developed, as it would decrease the council's workload and improve interaction between the council and the public.

Cllr Pender said that a number of people had approached him saying they wanted to book an event “at the beginning of the year for Christmas”, only to be told that Newbridge Town Hall was already booked out in advance.

There were community groups and meetings looking to book the town hall, he said, and also the council's own Local Area Plan meeting which it would hope to hold in the town hall, so that a booking system was vital.

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer (FG) welcomed the fact that community groups want to book Newbridge Town Hall, but wondered if it might see a drop in bookings under the council's plans for a six-month booking system.

A council official said that the council would look at the issue, and that it was a matter of finding a balance with those who wanted to book the town hall.

Cllr Pender said he was aware of some groups wanting a year-long booking, and others who had a year-long booking “but maybe show up two weeks in a month.”

He said that the town hall is “in the centre of our town” and needs to be utilised more “in a community manner” rather than a commercial manner.

The councillor asked that the matter be added to the progress reports so that its progress could be tracked.

A report issued by the council confirmed that the Facilities department are currently looking at a system used by other council departments which would allow members of the public see what slots are booked in Newbridge Town Hall and what are available for booking.

The council proposed that from next year, people will only be allowed to book for six months, and then will have to rebook.

This, the council stated, will give other groups the opportunity to book previously booked out slots.

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