Councillor calls for immediate purchase of NAMA site for new school for Newbridge, County Kildare

A Kildare county councillor Councillor has called on the Department of Education to immediately purchase a site currently owned by the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA).

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender said that site has been designated for educational use for over a decade, making it an ideal location for the proposed educational campus.

He said: "The time for action is now; This NAMA site has been zoned for educational purposes since the Local Area Plan 2013-2019.

"Our growing town cannot afford any more delays in securing this land for our children's future."

Cllr Pender continued: "Every day we wait, Newbridge's children face the consequences of overcrowded schools and limited resources.

"Purchasing this site is a critical first step in providing them with the educational facilities they deserve."

Cllr Chris Pender, Social Democrats.

He also said that the Minister for Education’s office has 'acknowledged the recent correspondence' regarding the matter.

Cllr Pender added: "While I am heartened by the Minister’s attention to our request, what we need is decisive action.

"This site’s potential to benefit our community is immense, and we must capitalize on this opportunity without further delay."

Calling on the Department of Education to expedite the acquisition process, he said: "This is about more than just land acquisition; it's about making a long-term investment in our community's educational future."

"I encourage the Newbridge community to actively support this initiative, underscoring the significant impact it will have on the town's educational landscape.

"I am committed to keeping the public informed and involved as the process unfolds," Cllr Pender concluded.

Elaborating further on the exact area of the NAMA-owned site, Cllr Pender told the Leader: "The site I'm asking them to purchase for the educational campus is ideally located and forms part of the NAMA portfolio, which presents a unique opportunity for acquisition specifically for educational development.

"In my submission, I have included detailed maps to clearly illustrate the location and current zoning of this site.

"The existing educational zoning (marked E) forms a strong basis for this proposal, and the strategic purchase of this land from NAMA would solidify our commitment to enhancing educational facilities in our area."

He continued: "Furthermore, in my submission, I proposed the rezoning of the adjacent agricultural land (currently zoned as I) to F (open space and amenity).

"This rezoning is not just a complementary measure but a crucial step in supporting the educational campus.

"By transforming this agricultural land into an open space and amenity area, we can provide additional resources and environment conducive to learning and recreation... this could include outdoor classrooms, sports facilities, or green spaces for students and the community, thereby enhancing the educational experience and promoting a healthy, balanced lifestyle."

He said that the location of the site, with access from both Walshestown Road and through Curragh Grange, 'is ideal for such a development': "It ensures that the educational campus is easily accessible while being integrated into the community."

"This proposal not only aligns with our goals for educational excellence but also with sustainable community planning, making efficient use of land resources to benefit current and future generations," he concluded.