Calls for clarity on future of Liffey Lodge in Newbridge, County Kildare

Two separate but similar motions were submitted to Kildare County Council (KCC) regarding the Liffey Lodge building in Newbridge.

The matter was discussed at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) meeting on Wednesday, July 17 last.

The two motions were submitted by Fianna Fáil Cllr Noel Heavey and Independent Cllr Tom McDonnell.

Cllr Heavey’s motion read as follows: "That the council gives an outline of measures it may consider for transitioning of the former monastery in Liffey Lodge, Newbridge to community use"; while Cllr McDonnell’s motion read as follows: "That the council reverses its decision on the use of the former monastery in Newbridge and considers using as a youth facility."

Both motions were seconded by Fianna Fáil Cllr Suzanne Doyle.

KCC'S RESPONSE

The same reply was issued by KCC in response to both motions: "Liffey Lodge, Patrician House, Newbridge W12 CP82, was purchased with Housing funds and is currently being used to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) fleeing the war in Ukraine.

"This use is expected to continue in the short term to ensure continued occupation and protection of the building until a suitable community use is established as part of the overall strategy for the site."

KCC continued: "The site is included in the council’s Housing Delivery Action Plan as a location for Age-Friendly Housing, which will provide much-needed right-sizing opportunities in Newbridge.

"As indicated in the Newbridge Local Area Plan (LAP) the land to the rear of the site is appropriate for older peoples’ housing.

"Surveys of the site are ongoing and once the information is compiled sketch proposals for older person-specific housing will be prepared."

KCC concluded: "The development of an expression of interest for community use will seek to identify a suitable use for the existing building that will complement the establishment of older person-specific housing on the site."

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'THE SITUATION HAS CHANGED'

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Heavey told KCC: "I have information from the Department of Integration about BOTPs from Ukraine... the situation has changed.

"More BOTPs are leaving Ireland now than coming in."

He continued: "A lot of properties which were once full of BOTPs are now empty.

"In terms of this specific property: community facilities [in Newbridge] are like hen’s teeth... they’re rare. I would ask, at this stage, that KCC make efforts to rehouse BOTPs in Newbridge to other facilities."

Cllr McDonnell added: "I agree with Noel. Outside of GAA, there’s very little things for young people to do, and there’s no initiative to do anything for youths, so this [property] needs to be looked at."

Regarding BOTPs, Cllr McDonnell said: "Flood’s Cross is for Ukrainians only... could they not move them people to Flood’s Cross and free it [the Liffey Lodge premises] up?"

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender had a differing view of the situation regarding youth facilities in Newbridge: "While there are not enough services in Newbridge for young people, there are still a lot of services there... there are youth clubs, theatre groups and other community facilities in which young people can hold meetings."

The Mayor of the MD, Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer, noted that the original purchasing budget for Liffey Lodge came from KCC’s Housing Budget, and this was confirmed by a member of KCC present at the meeting.

She also criticised Cllr McDonnell’s use of the word 'them [people]' when referring to BOTPs / displaced Ukrainians.

A member of KCC also told members that the original intention of the premises was to house older people, and reiterated that 'this intention hasn’t changed.'

They added: "The fact that the building is being used at present at least means that it isn’t being vandalised."

Cllr Heavey replied: "This is a 2.2 acre property, and I am very much for the Ukrainian people and for accommodating them, but not this specific building, which would compliment the use of housing,” but also said that he accepted the report from KCC."