Demolish buildings on this Kildare street to create new homes, council told

Kildare County Council has been urged to demolish buildings in Basin Street, Naas, to provide new homes.

KCC owns a former business premises at the Basin Street/Abbey Street junction as well as other properties further down towards the Grand Canal harbour and Naas Mayor Seamie Moore said to demolish the building at the junction would enhance road safety and improve public realm space.

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KCC’s John Delaney said the council is examining how best to utilise the site. And this is being done in accordance with KCC policy and the forthcoming Naas canal quarter masterplan - which will chart future development in the canal area.

He also pointed out that the site is part of an architectural conservation area and is adjacent to a planned greenway.

These issues have to be considered before a decision is taken to provide social housing or to reinstate contemporary buildings there.

Several surveys have been carried out and planning advice sought because of “possible restrictions due to the location of the site.” It’s likely funding can be secured early in 2026, leading to a  renovation/reconstruction plan. 

The condition of the building was criticised by Cllr Bill Clear at a Naas Municipal District committee meeting, who said they “look worse now than they were before the council bought them.”