Plans for new estate in Rathangan, County Kildare, detailed
A presentation on a residential development located in Rathangan was delivered in front of local representatives at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting on Wednesday, February 15.
David Creighton, Senior Executive Architect for Kildare County Council (KCC), delivered the presentation, which outlined that new homes would be constructed, while other existing homes would refurbished or demolished, at St Patrick’s Park.
Beginning the presentation, Mr Creighton noted that Phase One of the project was completed back in 2019, and that Part 8 details were presented to the public last November.
Phase Two of the project is estimated to cost a total of €7.2 million.
He explained that refurbishment works would take place at 17 empty units and eight occupied units.
15 one-bed units would be demolished, while seven new units would be constructed.
He added that there are also plans for a community garden.
The new units would consist of a four-bedroom bungalow, two-bedroom bungalows and two-storey, three bedroom units.
Mr Creighton said that the proposed development is in line with the Kildare County Development Plan, 2023 to 2029, and recommended that the development should be proceeded with.
Sinn Féin councillor Noel Connolly told Mr Creighton of the presence of a harmful plant called giant hogweed.
Fine Gael Cllr Mark Stafford also asked if the new estate would link in with nearby lands, such as Beechgrove estate.
Independent Cllr Fiona McLoughlin-Healy also said that she heard that some owners had been forced to sell their homes as aresult of the proposed development.
However, she added that she was 'open to correction' on this point.
Mr Creighton said to Cllr Connolly that contractors have been contacted about the hogweed.
He also told Cllr Stafford that there are no plans to link in the new homes with adjacent lands.
In response to Cllr McLoughlin-Healy’s comments, he said that no one was forced to sell their homes.
"We had to acquire one privately owned home in the area, but we reached an agreement with the owner," he said.
In addition, he said that the project would be mostly funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with a 10 per cent contribution from KCC.
After having his questions answered, Cllr Stafford praised the project, calling it 'ambitious,' while also praising residents in St Patrick’s Park 'for their patience.'
Cllr McLoughlin-Healy also thanked Mr Creighton for answering her query.
Chair for the meeting, Cllr Suzanne Doyle, commented that she wished to commend everyone who was a part of the project.
She added that she was hopefully that KCC would 'be able to avoid certain mistakes and learn from them' in the future.
Approval for Part 8 was supported by all councillors, with the exception of Cllr McLoughlin-Healy, who abstained.
She explained that she wants to see the full map of the development. Creighton before making a definitive decision.