Debate on funding long-term projects for Kildare and Newbridge
The topic was raised via a motion put forward by a Fianna Fáil councillor
A meeting will be arranged to address the Capital Programme of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD).
The matter was agreed upon at the latest MD meeting, which took place on Wednesday, July 17 last.
The Capital Programme refers to any long-term (and usually infrastructure-focused) projects currently in the pipeline at Kildare County Council (KCC).
Fianna Fáil councillor Suzanne Doyle submitted the following motion to KCC at the MD meeting: "That this council receives a report on planned capital projects for the municipal district for the period of this council, with details on proposed timelines for delivery of each project."
Her motion was seconded by her party colleague, Cllr Rob Power.
REPORT
KCC responded to her motion with the following: "The Capital Programme 2024-2026 has identified the funding requirement, current project phase and estimated start date for the next project phase of each project identified together with the estimated requirement for future projects for 2027+.
"The Capital Programme outturn for the year 2023 was provided in Appendix 10 of the Annual Financial Statement.
"As part of the annual budgetary process, the Capital Programme 2025-2027 is being prepared at present, and will be presented to the members for noting in November."
TIMELINES
KCC also said: "As with the previous Programme, and agreed with the Finance Committee, it will identify timelines in respect of the current phase of the project and estimated start date of the next phase of the project.
"Capital Projects are required to go through various stages before construction commences which can often be longer that the three-year Capital Programme and each stage is dependent on the availability of a relevant funding stream."
KCC concluded: "All Directorates will be identifying priorities, funding and timelines in the preparation of this budget over the next three months and will be in a position to update the members at the end of this process."
GROWING POPULATION CITED
Upon hearing the report, Cllr Doyle said that she was unhappy with KCC’s reply to her motion.
She expressed her view that a 'dedicated meeting' in relation to the Capital Programme should take place, and pointed to the growing population of the MD.
A representative of KCC who was present at the meeting told Cllr Doyle that the council would be open to hosting such a meeting.
The motion was proposed by Cllr Suzanne Doyle of Fianna Fáil.