More praise for plan which aims to support public facilities in this Kildare region

The adoption of a settlement plan has received further praise from councillors representing the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District.

Last week, Fianna Fáil Cllr Rob Power praised the adoption of the Newbridge Settlement Plan, referring to it as being "transformative".

And now, three more councillors have expressed optimism towards the plan.

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Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender said that the adoption of the plan marks "an important milestone for the town".

He further said: "Throughout the process I worked extensively on the plan and ultimately brought forward 43 motions aimed at strengthening different aspects of it.

"Some of those motions were adopted and are now part of the final plan, while others did not pass, but still helped shape the discussion and place important issues on the record."

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STRENGTHENED MEASURES

Cllr Pender also claimed that the plan will help strengthen a number of features in Newbridge, including: 

• The extension of the Liffey Linear Park
• The improvement of pedestrian safety ("such as the crossing at Barretstown Meadows", he added)
• The installation of universal design across infrastructure
• The protection of protecting heritage assets like the Bord na Móna Head Office building and Pinkeen Bridge
• The improvement of walking, cycling and public transport connections

In addition, he said that there were also motions submitted which aim to strengthen social infrastructure planning for Newbridge, which related to the provision of: 

• A municipal sports amenity
• Swimming facilities
• Inclusive playgrounds
• Youth and training facilities
• New school sites which are centrally located and properly connected by walking, cycling and public transport.

However, Cllr Pender also stressed that while he welcomed the plan, he emphasised that "the focus now needs to be on delivery".

Cllr Pender elaborated: "Newbridge has grown rapidly for many years, and the town has been crying out for the social infrastructure to match that growth.

"Facilities such as schools, sports infrastructure, swimming provision, youth spaces, healthcare services and community amenities must now move from objectives in a plan to projects delivered on the ground.

"The plan provides the framework; the priority now must be turning those commitments into real delivery for the people of Newbridge," he concluded.

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File photograph

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JOINT STATEMENT

Along with Cllr Pender, Fine Gael Cllrs Peggy and Tracey O'Dwyer submitted a joint statement in which they welcomed the plan.

Their statement read as follows: "The purpose of the Newbridge Settlement Plan is to ensure that Newbridge is a good place to live and work, enhancing our quality of life.

"The recently adopted Newbridge Settlement Plan, formally known as Local Area Plan, was long overdue with the previous plan being extended to 2022.

The pair continued: "The present plan is the cumulation of over two years of work, which included public consultations and additional opportunities for the public scheduled by us and also Cllr Chris Pender."

"Town Centre plans include historical, architectural, cultural and aesthetic merit that contribute to the history of Newbridge, [as well as] Land Zoning for housing provided under regional and national planning policies."

They concluded by asserting: "This plan, while aspirational, has many positive elements, and we look forward to its implementation over the next number of years."

Fine Gael Cllrs Peggy O'Dwyer (LEFT) and Tracey O'Dwyer (RIGHT). Photograph supplied by Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer

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Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.