Kildare Cllr urges government to secure Newbridge site for educational campus

A Kildare county councillor has urged the government to purchase 'a key site' in Newbridge, for the purpose of providing an educational campus.

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender has called on the Minister for Education, Minister for Finance, and Chief Executive of Kildare County Council (KCC) to expedite the purchase of the site, which is located in the Walshestown region of Newbridge.

The property is currently up for sale with Jordan Auctioneers, who are quoting a guide price of €2,900,000.

Explaining his appeal, Cllr Pender said: "The site in question, which includes Kellsboro House, is on approximately 46 acres in Walshestown, Newbridge.

"This property represents a unique opportunity to secure a strategically located area for the development of a much-needed educational campus that will serve the rapidly growing community of Newbridge.

"Notably, this land has been zoned for educational purposes for over a decade, highlighting its suitability for such a development."

Cllr Chris Pender of the Social Democrats (File photograph).

He continued: "In my letter to Minister Norma Foley, Minister Jack Chambers, and Chief Executive Sonya Kavanagh, I emphasised the importance of acting swiftly to acquire the land, highlighting the potential long-term benefits for the community.

"Given the current availability of this strategically important land, now is the perfect time for the Department for Education, the Department for Finance, and KCC to collaborate and secure the site for future educational use.

"Acquiring this land will address the immediate needs of our growing community and provide a long-term solution to future-proof our educational infrastructure."

He further explained that this initiative also formed 'a key part' of his submission to the pre-draft Local Area Plan for Newbridge.

"My consistent advocacy underscores my commitment to ensuring that Newbridge's educational facilities can keep pace with its expanding population, providing quality education to current and future generations," he added.

In his recent letter, Cllr Pender urged the relevant departments and KCC to:

• "Expedite the Purchase: Initiate the process to purchase the land while it is available to avoid missing this strategic opportunity.
• "Collaborate Effectively: Work together to facilitate the acquisition and planning for an educational campus that will meet the community's needs for years to come.
• "Future-Proof Educational Needs: Recognise the potential of this site to meet both current and future demands for educational facilities, accommodating Newbridge's projected growth."