Objections to proposed 136-unit Newbridge housing development in Kildare

A Social Democrats councillor for the Newbridge LEA has objected to a proposed new 136-unit social and affordable housing development in the town.

The proposed development at Rickardstown, Newbridge, Co Kildare includes 136 residential units to be completed in two phases, comprised of 40 affordable homes and 96 social homes.

The units will range from one to four bedrooms.

The development includes a creche, renewable energy design measures, landscaping works, pedestrian connections to the adjacent Roseberry Hill estate, and various associated site and infrastructural works.

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Kildare County Council is to hold a non-statutory information event this week regarding the development at Newbridge Town Hall on Thursday, March 27 from 4pm to 7pm.

Cllr Chris Pender has objected to the plans on a number of grounds, including concerns over traffic, infrastructure and antisocial behaviour.

Cllr Pender told Kildare Now this week: “Traffic and congestion is a massive concern, there's people there who can barely get out in the morning as a result of the traffic build-up between there and Sex's Road bridge.

“We have people who are stuck in traffic there first thing in the morning, obviously there's a school there so that's part of the issue but there's going to further issues because they're looking at directing the entrance in to that housing estate in through Rosconnell.”

Cllr Pender explained that there are four existing large housing estates in the area – Rosconnell, Roseberry Hill, Station Walk and White Oaks.

He said that there is very little land left in the vicinity to support either the further development of an existing local school or the development of community resources.

There is also, he pointed out, an existing problem with antisocial behaviour in the area, with local residents fearing a new estate will exacerbate the issue.

“From speaking to residents, their main concerns are around the antisocial behaviour that's happening there, the lack of community infrastructure and the traffic and congestion. Those do seem to be the main concerns.

“This plot of land is owned by the council and will be going to Part 8, so this is one of the few plots of land that we do have control of down there.

“I do have concerns over whether Scoil Na Naomh Uilig will need to expand in the future, be that their sports grounds or the actual size of the building. Currently they're fine, but we have to look to these things especially when it's the last plot of land we really have on the Rickardstown side.”

Cllr Pender is strongly advising local residents to visit the information event regarding the development at Rickardstown in order that they may be informed of the plans prior to them going to public consultation.

He said: “We had a briefing on this a couple of weeks ago and myself and other councillors were very very specific over the fact that before this goes ahead, we need to go above and beyond in terms of public consultation. We need to be actually trying our best to engage with the people in the area.

“They're going to have 3D imagery, they're going to have the plans there and people will be able to actually ask questions of the designers. It's people's opportunity to actually have sight of the plans before they even go out as a Part 8. So it will give them a unique opportunity that we don't have very often to know what's being planned before it even goes out for public consultation.”

While the Social Democrats councillor concedes that more housing is needed in Newbridge, he argues that social infrastructure is a priority before any new estate is built.

He concluded: “Do I support the development as it currently stands? - no. We need social housing and I'm loathe to say I don't support a social housing development because we absolutely do need it, but as it currently stands and from what I've seen of it, I genuinely don't support it.

“I'm hoping there's changes that can be made to it to a point where I can support it.”