Over 1,000 housing units built in this Kildare town area in five years
However pressure is mounting for amenities to be provided for the new residents
Some 1,053 homes - houses and apartments - have been built in the Naas area in four years. Cllr Evie Sammon was told at a Naas Municipal District committee meeting that Central Statistics Office figures indicated these were completed between 2020 and the end of last year.
Cllr Sammon said that funding to pay for amenities and services has not been forthcoming - and Kildare County Council is likely to be asked to revise its development plans to accommodate even more residential development.
She said services and amenities must be funded to keep pace with houses and apartments.
“My concern is how will we cope with the increase in the number of people living in Kildare.”
Cllr Sammon noted that land has been zoned for amenity purposes but “how much extra will it cost to cope with extra houses.”
She added: “I would hate not to vote for additional houses because there are not enough resources.”
Independent councillor Bill Clear said not enough money is being provided for schools and sports facilities and it will be very difficult if not enough money is forthcoming.
He said Kildare County Council is doing its best but more money needs to be provided.
Kildare is the fourth closest county in terms of funding received, said Cllr Carmel Kelly.
“We can’t cope with what we have,” Cllr Kelly stated before being asked to facilitate more homes.
Kildare County Council official Eoghan Ryan said KCC is aware of the need and this is being relayed to senior officials and government ministers.