From Christmas parking to derelict buildings - a preview of October's Celbridge Leixlip MD meeting

From Christmas parking to SNA provision in Celbridge and derelict buildings in Leixlip, the October Celbridge Leixlip MD meeting – to be held on Friday, October 17 2025 – is a mixed bag of equally worthy motions and questions.

Kicking off proceedings, Cllr David Trost (FF) has a motion requesting free parking in Celbridge, Kildare for three hours per day over the Christmas period (with enforcement of unauthorised parking to remain in place.)

In a motion which perhaps will prove popular with Celbridge shoppers, Cllr Trost explains his request is due to “a very difficult” year experienced by Celbridge retailers as a result of the closure of the Abbey Car Park.

On the issue of road safety, Cllr Bernard Caldwell (FF) asks that the council provide an update on the proposal to have a safe crossing between Avondale Estate and St Mary's Park, Leixlip, while another question from Cllr Caldwell asks for an update on the purchase of the private car park on Captain's Hill, Leixlip.

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Back to road safety, and Cllr David Trost (FF) asks the council to provide an update on the results of two speed surveys on the Maynooth Road and the road outside St Wolstan's School, Celbridge, which were approved by the council.

Next, a frequent question to come up at the Celbridge Leixlip MD meetings – Cllr Paul Brooks (FG) asks the council to provide an update on the opening of the new playground at the Amenities Centre, Leixlip.

Another issue that crops up regularly at the Celbridge Leixlip MD meetings is the issue of derelict buildings in Leixlip, which for a number of years have been a source of contention with local councillors.

Cllr Paul Brooks (FG) asks: “That the council holds a special meeting to discuss what progress has been made in tackling derelict buildings in Leixlip.”

Similarly, Cllr Nuala Killeen (SD) asks: “Can the council provide an update on bringing the derelict and unused buildings on Main Street, Leixlip into use?”

On the subject of education, Cllr Claire O'Rourke (SD) asks that the council write to the Minister for Education and Youth regarding Scoil Mochua (Aghards) in Celbridge, specifically calling for:

• An immediate review of SNA allocation at Scoil Mochua;

• Greater transparency in how allocations are determined; and

• A commitment to recognising the real and pressing needs of children who await

assessment.

Both Cllr Lumi Panaite Fahey (FG) and Cllr Paul Brooks (FG) meanwhile have a motion and question respectively in relation to an update on progress for Donaghcumper House and gardens.

Separately, Cllr Rupert Heather (LAB) asks if the council can provide an update on the current position and expected timeline for the acquisition of Celbridge Parochial House.

A joint motion by Cllr David Trost (FF) and Cllr Lumi Panaite Fahey (FG) calls on the council to write to Ardstone requesting that in consultation with the Management Company, they resolve the issue of the electric vehicle (EV) chargers for the residents in Ardrath View, Celbridge in advance of this estate coming before the members for taking in-charge.

Finally, Cllr Rupert Heather (LAB), asks that the council engage with Tusla, under the Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme, “to explore the feasibility of designating the existing library building in Celbridge as a suitable premises for a Family Resource Centre.”