Demand for State to purchase Newbridge land for school use

No sooner than a Newbridge landmark went up for sale than a local councillor began calling on the State to buy it as a much needed school for the town.

Kellsboro House and it surrounding 18.6Ha (46ac) of grounds, only 1,500 metres from the town centre, went on sale this week (5 August) on the instructions of the statutory receiver, with a guide price of €2.9m.

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

Cllr Chris Pender has taken action to address the urgent need for educational infrastructure in Newbridge by formally requesting the Ministers for Education and Finance, and Chief Executive of Kildare County Council to expedite the purchase of the prime site.

“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,” he said.

In his letter to Minister Norma Foley, Minister Jack Chambers, and Chief Executive Sonya Kavanagh, Cllr Pender 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 Kildare County Council to collaborate and secure the site for future educational use,” he said.

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

This initiative also formed a key part of Cllr Pender's submission to the pre-draft Local Area Plan, reflecting his proactive approach in planning for the future educational needs of Newbridge.

Cllr Pender has long been a vocal advocate to improve Newbridge's educational facilities to keep pace with its expanding population, and provide quality education to current and future generations.

“I urge you to collaborate effectively to facilitate the acquisition for an educational campus that will meet the community's needs for years to come,” he said.

The property will be auctioned by public tender at the offices of Byrne Wallace Solicitors, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 on 13 September at 2pm.