Old military building in Kildare is likely to be restored

Kildare County Council wants to restore the clock arch/lantern building, which is the site of the former military barracks in Naas and later became the Army Apprentice School.

According to KCC this would “enhance (the existing) military theme” and could also include an appropriate memorial.

READ NEXT Woman in her 40s tragically dies in horror collision shortly after speaking with Gardaí

KCC official Joe Boland said the cost of any memorial feature and the funding of any significant memorial work “outside of the normal capital expenditure” on refurbishing the Clock Tower will also have to be considered. 

KCC’s civic memorial technical committee will also need to be consulted as part of this process to ensure compliance with the council policy, added Mr Boland.

He also said it will be important to consult with the relevant Defence Forces veteran's organisations and the council would “be more than pleased to engage with this group.”

He noted that a six foot memorial was erected in 2018 outside the clock arch, which houses a 25-pounder gun.

KCC was asked to commemorate its relationship with the Defence Forces through the erection of a permanent memorial on the grounds of Áras Chill Dara.

Two Social Democrats councillors - Pat Balfe and Chris Pender - have made the call to honour all members of the Defence Forces, particularly those  who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of peace and to acknowledge the sacrifice of their families.

It should also mark the historic connection between the county and the army, including the Defence Forces Training Centre at the Curragh, the now-closed barracks in Newbridge and Kildare town, and the former Army Apprentice School, once located on the site of Áras Chill Dara.

They also say KCC should engage with the Defence Forces veterans’ organisations and other stakeholders to design and locate a fitting memorial, to be approved by the councillors.