Kildare GAA club exploring potential move
“Basically, the town has literally outgrown the club"
THE growing population of Castledermot has sparked the local GAA club to begin plans to potentially move its grounds to a bigger site.
“Castledermot GAA has been carefully exploring options to secure additional playing space to support our growing membership, particularly in response to the significant increase in participation across our juvenile and ladies sections, and to ensure the continued positive development of our club,” confirmed club Secretary Sharon Chatten.
“The recent publication, only two weeks ago, of the Kildare County Development Plan Variance No.3 has introduced potential new opportunities for consideration,” she said.
“However, we wish to emphasise that we are at the very early stages of assessing our options,” continued Ms Chatten.
“As part of this process, we are fully committed to open, transparent and respectful communication with all stakeholders — including our members, Kildare County Council, local organisations, neighbouring residents, and the wider Castledermot community."
The received an anonymous letter about the potential move expressing concerns about the relocation including the cost of the project and whether the supposed new grounds would be located on a flood plain. It was also claimed that the present grounds would be sold for housing, with residents of Woodlands or Abbeylands not being informed.
“The voices, perspectives, concerns and aspirations of the community will be central to every step we take,” Ms Chatten assured the community.
“Castledermot GAA is, and always will be, a community-based club.
“Our history, identity and future are grounded in the people of this town — particularly its young people.
“We will continue to approach any future planning with care, responsibility, and collaboration, always with the best interests of the entire community in mind, and (most notably) we are happy to address any concerns," she concluded.
Local councillor, Veralouise Behan outlined some of the challenges the club face.
“Basically, they can’t expand where they are, and there’s always trouble getting parking,” she said.
A local farmer has provided some land for the juniors to use for training, but this is not a long-term solution.
“Basically, the town has literally outgrown the club,” she said.
“They have one pitch, a smaller training ground, the clubhouse and a gym, but sometimes they have to rely on pitches in Carlow sportsgrounds from time to time.
“Basically, they need long-term, stable accommodation for themselves.
“The original ground is a quarter the size of the proposed new grounds, which are around 10 Ha (25ac),” she said.
Cllr Behan told the that she believed the proposed new grounds being eyed were up Keenan’s Lane, across the bridge, and on lands between Knockaphuca and the Graney River, known locally as ‘Blue Gardens’.
She accepted that this might be the kernel of the letter writer’s concerns with flooding, but sought to re-assure them.
“In a recent Flood Protection Report (as a part of submissions received to a proposed variation of the county development plan), there are lands included here that have never flooded in living memory, but the council is planning for a 100-year event, and being a bit careful. I bet Castledermot GAA will have their pitches well back from the rivers,” said cllr Behan.
“The club need a long-term solution for the town’s growing population and hinterland,” she said.
The town itself has grown by 210 people (1,475 to 1,685) between 2016 and 2022.
“Within the town’s development plan, you can expect footpaths (out to Blue Gardens) but the time they move, but I’ll concede it’s not as well served as the present ground,” she said.
“Two more zebra crossings are planned for the centre of town, which is supposed to become more pedestrian-friendly, and in that, trying to make Castledermot more walkable,” she concluded.
Peter Behan from the local amenity group described the club’s plan as being in its infancy.
“We’re at the very outset of a 10-year proposal, investment and viability – we don’t even have a deposit!” he said. “The first step is to see if it is viable for funding, then engage with the community.”
