‘It's gone beyond ridiculousness at this point’: Kildare councillor hits out at state of derelict property located in Newbridge

A Kildare councillor has expressed his anger over the state of a derelict property in Newbridge.

Last year, Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O' Loughlin told the Leader that Rooske Lodge, which is located near the premises of Sarsfields GAA Club, will be added to the derelict sites register following consultations.

She said that locals had previously issued complaints regarding the property, which has been left vacant for some time.

Now, Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender has criticised the state of Rooske Lodge.

He said: "(Over) the last number of months/weeks, the antisocial behaviour around Rooske Lodge has increased time and time again the it's heading further and further into dereliction, right to the point of being a health and safety risk and a risk to life as far as I'm concerned."

"Yes, it's been logged to go on the derelict sites register, and thanks to many public reps pushing for this, but the derelict sites register is clearly pointless if this is allowed to continue to deteriorate."

Cllr Pender claimed that even before the site was being added to the register, the owners boarded it up, but the boards were taken down and the place was subsequently 'burnt to a shell.'

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File Pic.

He continued: "The other day in an effort to get something done about Rooske Lodge, I cautiously decided to visit and take some pictures (in as safe a manner as possible) to show the council the seriousness of the situation and as any of you can see noone should be setting foot inside of it.

"I was informed that a young person was on the premises, injured themselves, and had to be taken to hospital.

"Young people need to take responsibility for their own actions and keep away from this building before someone is seriously hurt or even worse killed."

"Parents, you (must) talk to your kids and stress how dangerous this is, those beams could crack and come down on them, the glass the tiles all of these things could cause them serious injury not to mention the multiple dumped litter sites that could be harbouring god knows what."

Cllr Pender, who is also a former youth worker, added: "We've all been there as young people thinking were invincible, we've all done stupid things but this is now beyond that and could honestly result in the loss of life.

"I've been onto the council to liaise with the owners with urgency, it's gone beyond ridiculousness at this point that any property can end up like this."