KILDARE: Sports club could lose ground to Traveller accommodation
A 400 member Naas sports club could lose its ground if the site is to be used to provide Traveller accommodation.
Naas United soccer club chairman Seamie Moore, who’s also a long standing independent councillor in the town, sought any additional information about the plan to construct a halting site or site specific Traveller accommodation on the ”community zoned” land near Primrose Gardens, off Newbridge Road.
Kildare County Council says it is commencing preparation for a new Traveller Accommodation Programme 2024 – 2029 over the coming months, and this will be subject to guidance from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The draft plan, according to the council, will provide details of the actions the council will take to meet the current and future accommodation needs of members of the Traveller community within the county.
It is expected that this plan will be presented to the council by the end of March next.
Cllr Moore noted that sites in Fishery Lane and Dublin Road had been previously suggested before the site near Newbridge Road was put forward.
He said Naas United participates in five different competitions, has 400 members and this “is their only main pitch.”
He also said “we look to solve a Traveller need whenever it arises” and a pitch is needed for the club.