Call for development of swimming pool at Kildare Machinery Yard
This photo is used for illustrative purposes only
A group of local councillors have called on Kildare County Council to prioritise the redevelopment of the former Machinery Yard site in Newbridge for community benefit, citing its central location and importance to the town’s future.
The motion, put together by cllrs Chris Pender, Peggy O’Dwyer, and Tracey O’Dwyer, urges the council to communicate the site's significance to the Land Development Agency (LDA) and to reserve it for mixed-use development that would primarily serve local residents.
Proposals outlined by the cllrs include the creation of public amenities such as an indoor swimming pool, a multi-purpose community hub, or recreational facilities, while also accommodating suitable residential development.
The ever-growing community of Newbridge has been crying out for such a facility for a long time, and the development of a pool is something that is often brought to the council in the form of motions by elected representatives.
The cllrs believe the plan would deliver long-term social and economic benefits to the Newbridge community.
“Can I ask that the LDA use this for a public pool with upstairs residential?” said cllr Tracey O’Dwyer.
“We need social infrastructure. It’s time to play a little bit of hard ball.”
Co-author of the motion, cllr Chris Pender was in agreement with cllr O’Dwyer, calling for the “specific designation” of the site:
“This site is key for the delivery of a swimming pool.”
In response, the Director of Services for Corporate, People and Cultural Services, confirmed that while the LDA has included the site in its Register of Relevant Lands, it remains under council ownership and is still actively in use.
In other words, the site has not been declared surplus or vacant, and the legal requirement to offer it to the LDA under Section 53 of the Land Development Act has not been triggered.
The Director of Services noted that the Forward Planning team will consider all potential uses for the site during the preparation of the upcoming Settlement Plan for Newbridge.
Any draft proposals will be shared with the public and elected members before final decisions are made.
