Call to turn green space into parking in Kildare rejected
Photo is for illustrative purposes only
A PROPOSAL to remove green space in Newbridge to create additional parking spaces sparked disagreement at a recent council meeting, with one councillor saying the idea “makes absolutely no sense”.
Independent councillor Tom McDonnell brought forward a motion at the most recent meeting of Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) calling on Kildare County Council to remove 'some green area in College Park, Newbridge to create car park spaces to help small businesses in Eyre Street'.
Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender objected to the proposal, saying it “makes absolutely no sense” to remove green space used by children in a town that already lacks such amenities.
Senior executive officer Mark McLoughlin issued the council’s written response to the motion, which stated that the Municipal District does not have the resources to provide extra parking spaces at the location, adding that the reallocation of open space for parking is not the local authority’s preferred option and is only considered in 'exceptional circumstances'.
Cllr McDonnell said that he wanted the move included in an upcoming town plan and stressed it was only part of the green area he was looking to develop.
Fianna Fáil councillor Rob Power said decisions regarding Eyre Street should not be made at municipal district level, and instead should be discussed in more detail as part of a wider plan for the street.
Mr McLoughlin told the meeting that “Newbridge is well served by parking”.
