"It took 15 years to build a traffic light in a Kildare town - even though it was a planning condition"

Paul O'Meara
By Paul O'Meara
Published 2nd Feb 2026, 13:33 GMT
Updated 2nd Feb 2026, 14:43 GMT
Apartments under construction in Naas in 2023placeholder image
Apartments under construction in Naas in 2023

Housing plans for Kildare 'should be an embarrassment to the Minister for Housing'

The Minister for Housing James Browne "should be embarrassed” over plans to allow more concentrated residential development across County Kildare.

That’s according to local independent councillor Pádraig McEvoy at a Kildare County Council meeting.

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Cllr McEvoy said that if Celbridge, for example, is expected to accommodate thousands of new homes at the behest of Mr Browne while the Minister for Transport has not approved an adequate DART service, Mr Browne ought to be embarrassed.placeholder image
Cllr McEvoy said that if Celbridge, for example, is expected to accommodate thousands of new homes at the behest of Mr Browne while the Minister for Transport has not approved an adequate DART service, Mr Browne ought to be embarrassed.

He also said there is a “high level of anxiety” about increasing car pressure in Clane and there are no plans for improved bus services.

He said one set of traffic lights in Clane took 15 years to build - despite it being a planning condition.

Cllr McEvoy predicted that car dependency will increase.

Cllr Peter Melrose (SD) pressed for KCC to maintain the minimum private open minimum private open space standards for all residential units and  to ensure that all new development continues to comply with these minimum standards to ensure “adequate private amenity space for future residents and to maintain the quality of residential environments across the county.” placeholder image
Cllr Peter Melrose (SD) pressed for KCC to maintain the minimum private open minimum private open space standards for all residential units and  to ensure that all new development continues to comply with these minimum standards to ensure “adequate private amenity space for future residents and to maintain the quality of residential environments across the county.” 

But this fell through.

With Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael having most of the councillors on KCC, the move ran aground, because they voted against Cllr Melrose’s motion.

Cllr Paula Mulroe commented that vital infrastructure is needed alongside any new residential development.placeholder image
Cllr Paula Mulroe commented that vital infrastructure is needed alongside any new residential development.

Cllr Mulroe said development should be about building communities and open spaces should be maintained into the future.

Cllr Suzanne Doyle (FF) called for more different types of houses and apartments rather than having “monotype” development and she described some residential development in the county as “soulless.” 

And Cllr Ivan Keatley (FG) said there is a need for high quality apartments.

Cllr Chris Pender (SD) said while new  homes are needed “we want the best development possible for the people who live there."

Cllr Pender also complained about infrastructure deficits saying that parts of Newbridge have water after 6pm.

Cllr Aoife Breslin said communities will not develop without adequate open spaces being created.

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Related topics:KildareHousingNaasCelbridgeNewbridge
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