New plan aims to revitalise Kildare town
A NEW PLAN to revitalise the centre of Castledermot was launched last week. The plan aims to address vacancy and dereliction issues, support the town as a vibrant place to live, work and visit, while also protecting and celebrating the town’s unique heritage.
The Castledermot Town Centre First (TCF) Plan is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and is the result of close collaboration between the Castledermot Town Team, Kildare County Council’s Town Regeneration Team, and the consultant design team led by Metropolitan Workshop. It was developed through a co-design process informed by urban analysis and extensive local engagement, including surveys, workshops and public consultation.
Structured around the themes of Identity, Mobility, Economy and Sustainability, the Castledermot Town Centre First Plan identifies a range of projects and actions to be progressed in partnership with the community and stakeholders.
Addressing attendees at the launch, minister for agriculture, food and the marine Martin Heydon said: “I am delighted to formally launch this Town Centre First Plan for Castledermot and I compliment the town first team in conjunction with Kildare County Council for their work on it. This is an exciting time for Castledermot as this government-funded plan identifies great potential to enhance the attributes of Castledermot and ensure it remains a vibrant and attractive hub at the centre of its local community”.
Speaking at the launch, leas-cathaoirleach of the county council, cllr Veralouise Behan, said: “The Castledermot Town Centre First Plan is a strong, community-led blueprint that puts local priorities at the heart of how we shape the future of the town. By tackling vacancy and dereliction, improving our public spaces and making it easier to move around the town centre, we can support local businesses, encourage town-centre living and protect the heritage that makes Castledermot such a special place.”
Annette Aspell, director of services at Kildare County Council, added; “Today marks an important milestone, but it is only the beginning. We look forward to continuing our work with the town team, the wider community and all stakeholders, to deliver a strong, vibrant and sustainable future for Castledermot.”
The town team, the community and relevant agencies will now look to progress priority projects, identify funding opportunities and develop detailed designs, where appropriate.
The Castledermot TCF Plan aligns with the national ‘Town Centre First’ policy launched in February 2022 by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The policy provides a national framework to support regeneration of towns and villages by addressing vacancy and dereliction, encouraging town-centre living, enhancing public spaces and supporting sustainable communities.
