Kildare needs more public benches, says local rep

MORE public benches could be on the cards in the Kildare-Newbridge municipal district following the latest MD meeting.

In a motion put forward by cllr Brian O’Loughlin, he called on Kildare County Council to commit to installing additional benches and seating in public areas and housing estates across the municipal district, with the aim to promote health, wellbeing, and community integration.

In response, the council noted that seating is already incorporated into the design of new public spaces and estates. However, adding benches to existing areas would require identifying suitable locations, available budgets, and alignment with current projects. It also highlighted the need for community cooperation, acknowledging concerns that seating areas can sometimes attract anti-social behaviour.

Cllr O’loughlin spoke to the room: “It’s an easy, simple solution. I accept the point about anti-social behaviour, but it is a very simple, cheap way of extending community and getting people into fresh air.” 

In support of the motion, cllr Chris Pender offered: “Using the environment in a social way reduces anti-social behaviour.” 

A further council report emphasised that public seating is typically installed as part of broader regeneration projects in towns and villages. While funding and resources are already earmarked for such initiatives within the council’s existing work programme, additional seating outside these projects could be financed through Local Property Tax (LPT) allocations, should council members choose to prioritise it.