GP’s protest against ‘destruction’ of Celbridge in the name of progress gains momentum

Seventy four year old GP Vincent Walsh may not have grown up in the IT era but his recent post on Facebook regarding the future development of Celbridge is gaining momentum. The North Kildare MD posted a letter he drafted, making a heart-felt plea to government ministers to stop the violation of the town - in the name of ‘development - and has exceeded 12,000 likes.

The strongly worded letter posted on FB on September 27 was addressed to Housing Minister, Eoghan Murphy TD and his Minister of State, Damien English, TD.

Dr Walsh is one of many Celbridge residents who feels the proposals for commercial and housing development will totally violate the town’s rich heritage. In recent years, much hype was generated about the historic roots of brewer Arthur Guinness which resulted in Arthur’s Way Heritage Trail.

Celbridge has benefited as a tourist destination from the promotion and development of the 16km route with scenic views and links to the famous stout maker.

Dr Walsh vehemently called for the space at Donaghcumper estate to be protected. However, Minister English can use his powers to push through the application for 150 houses, shops and offices - despite the local community being against it, with over 2,300 submissions opposing it.

In response to his letter, many locals concurred that the fronting on to historic Castletown House which is a protected structure and and such, the proposed development and any further application in that area would be “unduly close to the River Liffey.”

FF Deputy Frank O’Rourke declared his support for Dr Walsh and like-minded citizens stating:

“I totally support the views of the local community and business sector who wish to have NO development on Donaghcumper land. It should be retained as is, an invaluable amenity for the people of the area. We don’t want to spoil the fantastic assets we have locally including Castletown House”.

Castletown House

Deputy O’Rourke added, that as a former County Councillor, he was always against any such proposals, as does his replacement, Cllr Michael Coleman who opposed them vehemently at the recent local area plan review.

“I thought I’d get a few hundred reactions at most but we had 4,000 within a day and it hasn’t stopped since” said Dr Walsh who describes himself as “Celbridge born and bred”; he has lived at the family premises on Main Street all his life, where he lives over the GP practise which opened in 1976, with Walsh’s Pharmacy next door. He noted that An Taisce also supports Kildare county councillors who voted against the plans to extend the town centre across the river.

Opponents warn, that like many towns such as Tallaght, Arklow and Naas the traditional business community on Main Street would be affected. “Shops will close down, houses will go into disrepair and become derelict. Examples include Arklow where the new development has destroyed the town” said Dr Walsh. He further cited the demise of Tallaght Village and its town centre when the new shopping centre was built at The Square.

“I do not want this to happen to Celbridge.” Aside from the impact on Main Street retailers, the GP warned of the environmental impact with a broad spectrum of birds and wildlife living in the vicinity of the river including otters, owls, herons, swans, kingfishers, water hens, cormicans and cranes.

Dr Walsh appealed for common sense to be applied and stated “Whilst I may not be here in 20 or 30 years’ time, Castletown House and Donaghcumper lands will be”.

Deputy Bernard Durkan stated: "The issue is now a matter for the Minister who will no doubt consider all the submissions put forward. The decision will be reached in line with good planning and the need to ensure the availability of adequate provision for housing. Obviously. this will include amenity requirements and the need for road realignment and the provision of a new bridge in Celbridge in order to facilitate existing and future traffic. Hopefully, it will be possible to meet all requirements."

However FF Deputy O’Rourke stated “There are other more suitable and available lands which should be considered for re-zoning - and not lands of significant community amenity and historical value".