Newbridge monastery building to continue to house Ukrainian refugees

UKRAINIAN refugees will continue to be housed in Liffey Lodge, formerly the monastery of the Patrician Brothers in Newbridge, until March of next year. 

That was the official response during discussion of motions from two councillors at the July meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, calling for it to be transitioned to community use or a youth facility.

Cllr Noel Heavey, asking for community usage of the property, said he had information that more Ukrainians are now leaving Ireland than are coming in seeking temporary protection, and that properties used for housing people fleeing the war "are now empty around the country". 

"In the meantime, in the town of Newbridge there are no facilities for people who want to have community meetings," he said, adding that he wanted to see Kildare County Council make an effort to have those Ukrainians in Liffey Lodge rehoused elsewhere. 

He referenced, as a possible alternative, Flood's Cross between Newbridge and Naas where controversial accommodation for those seeking international protection is being built.

Cllr Tom McDonnell, whose motion asked that the council reverse its decision to use the building for Ukrainian refugees and consider using it as a youth facility, said he agreed with Cllr Heavey. 

He added that it was his understanding the council had purchased it for such a purpose. 

"There is nothing for young people here, and there is no interest in doing anything for youth," he said. "It should be brought back for the youth of Newbridge."

Cllr Chris Pender said that while there was a need for more facilities for youth, it was necessary to acknowledge the many outlets there are for young people in the town, ranging from skate park to drama opportunities. 

When he asked what budget the purchase of Liffey Lodge had been under, cathaoirleach Peggy O'Dwyer said it was under housing. Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer confirmed that the purchase had come from funding allocated for older person's housing. 

"Independent living for older people is very much needed in Newbridge," she said.

Officials said the site is included in the council’s housing delivery action plan as a location for Age-Friendly Housing, which will provide much-needed right-sizing opportunities in Newbridge. Surveys of the site for this purpose are ongoing.

It was also explained that Kildare County Council had responded to the call for accommodation for Ukrainian refugees, and there is a service-level agreement relating to Liffey Lodge with the Peter McVerry Trust until 25th of March 2025 for this. Further, there will be expressions of interest sought for community use for the existing building to complement the older person-specific housing on the site. Officials also noted that it is advantageous to have people living in the building while decisions on its future are being worked out, protecting it from issues such as vandalising.