Big plans on horizon for Newbridge

KILDARE County Council has unveiled a draft Newbridge Settlement Plan that is designed to shape the future development of the town for years to come. The proposed plan is now open for public consultation until mid-October.

The plan replaces the existing Newbridge Local Area Plan 2013–2019, and sets out a detailed written statement and maps that aim to guide sustainable growth, tackle local challenges, and strengthen Newbridge’s role as a key economic and retail hub in the county.

The new plan is designed to address persistent issues such as congestion, community safety, and gaps in social infrastructure. It also places a strong emphasis on creating walkable and cycle-friendly neighbourhoods, providing affordable and inclusive housing, and preserving the town’s cultural, natural and built heritage.

To combat congestion in the town, the plan includes the construction of a second bridge over the Liffey and the Newbridge Southern Ring Road, which is scheduled to begin in late 2026 to 2027.

“There’s a couple of really good things in it,” said Cllr Chris Pender.

“There’s zoning fixed for two new schools, a 1,000-pupil secondary school, and a 23-class primary school,” he revealed.

“There’s also plans to re-develop the Newbridge Greyhound Stadium for a multi-purpose sports hub,” he said.

“They’ve also proposed a bus specifically driving around the town, and of course, the second bridge is in there,” he added.

“Eyre Street is proposed to be one-way only, and is set for a major re-development,” he said.

He did comment that though there is no provision for a swimming pool in this document, he has vowed to work towards getting a Sports Hub with a swimming pool in the near future.

The town centre is seeing a focus with the ‘Town Centre First’ policy, which will see a push to enhance the town’s retail economy and aims to tackle anti-social behaviour under the ‘Safer Newbridge Project’.

The plan aims to achieve a multi-faceted approach in building up Newbridge, as it aims to connect residential areas with areas of employment to further address problems like congestion during peak road traffic hours.

The settlement plan also seeks to build up Newbridge’s social infrastructure by introducing more GP’s, a new secondary school, and upgraded sports and leisure facilities such as a public swimming pool and a multi-purpose sports hub.

Climate resilience is another central theme, with the plan seeking to ensure Newbridge is better prepared for the impacts of climate change. This includes the creation of sustainable travel routes and links, to help residents who would like to opt for cycling and walking. This comes in the creation of safe routes for cycling, active modes bridges and the development of greenways to open up access between the town and areas such as the Curragh.

The plan also seeks to protect and enhance Newbridge’s natural and cultural sites such as the River Liffey, the Curragh, Pollardstown Fen, and Greatconnell.

Kildare County Council is now calling on residents, businesses and community groups to make their voices heard. The draft plan is available to view on the Council’s online consultation portal and at Newbridge Community Library, and at the Planning Office in Naas.

Submissions can be made up until 4pm on Wednesday 16 October.