Notorious Kildare ghost estate gets an €8.5m refurb

THE second phase of the regeneration of one of Kildare’s most infamous ‘ghost estates’, St Patrick’s Park in Rathangan, that was once considered for total demolition, has just got the green light after Kildare County Council (KCC) signed a contract appointing ML Quinn Construction as the main contractor for the job.

The €8.5m development will see seven new houses built to an A2 energy rating, the refurbishment of 23 existing houses to a B2 rating, all done in parallel with the demolition of 15 houses to make way for extensive site development and associated civil and landscaping works.

To improve the amenities for the residents of St Patrick’s Park, the project will feature the creation of a new landscaped public open space, including green open spaces, a play area, a toddler play area and a community garden.

The 55-year-old estate began to fall into some ill fortune in the late 1990s and early noughties. When the council made a suggestion in 2007 to build more social housing there, no agreement could be reached with the residents, leading to further flight and consequent dereliction.

At this point, even its own remaining residents referred to the estate as “an eyesore” and it featured regularly in the national media as the poster boy for ghost estates.

Then, in 2019, KCC began the slow road to recovery with the purchase of 34 derelict properties there and thus began the process that culminated in last week’s contract signing.

St Patrick’s Park is located within 1km of Rathangan, and will undergo significant redevelopment under the Remedial Works Scheme by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The project will be completed on a phased basis over the next two years.

Speaking at the contract signing, the cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council, councillor Kevin Duffy, said: “The regeneration of St Patrick’s Park, Rathangan is a positive development, which will breathe new life into the estate and improve the lives of the residents. The new public open space is a welcome addition to the area and is an amentity that can be enjoyed by all residents for many years to come.” Sonya Kavanagh, chief executive of Kildare County Council, added: “Kildare County Council is delighted to welcome ML Quinn Construction as our partner in this important project. This initiative will bring about positive changes for the residents of St Patrick’s Park and the wider community in Rathangan.”