Consultant to be hired to determine best use for Kildare landmark
St David's Castle is now owned by the county council
THE procurement of a consultant for a feasibility study aimed at determining the most suitable use of St David’s Castle in Naas is set to take place in the third quarter of this year, after Kildare County Council confirmed that ownership of the site has been transferred to the local authority.
This emerged at the most recent meeting of Naas Municipal District, where councillors Anne Breen and Evie Sammon both sought an update from the council on the situation regarding the castle.
Cllr Breen asked for an update on the progress and plans for the development of the castle, whilst cllr Sammon sought an update on the acquisition of the castle.
The council had confirmed a deal to purchase the castle and grounds last year.
Senior executive officer for strategic projects and public realm Pamela Pender issued the council’s report in response to the two councillors, which confirmed that ownership of the castle has been transferred into the hands of the local authority.
The council’s report further detailed that a feasibility study – including surveys, assessments and cost-benefit analysis – will be developed to “determine the most beneficial and suitable uses for the site",
It was added that the procurement of a consultant for the project will take place in the third quarter of this year.
Cllr Sammon described the transfer of ownership of the castle to the council as “fantastic”.
Cllr Breen said that it is “very important” that the castle and the garden outside it are protected going forward. Director of services David Creighton said that the site will be protected.
The castle is over 800 years old, and there is optimism about its potential to attract tourism to the town.
Cllr Breen, along with her husband Larry, released a statement in the wake of last year’s news in which they expressed their belief that the site could become “a miniature Kilkenny Castle, albeit on a smaller scale".
