Work underway to identify group to manage proposed Kildare youth facility

A new youth space is on the horizon for Newbridge, with Kildare County Council confirming that it has secured a property and is moving ahead with plans to develop it into a safe, inclusive facility for local young people.

At a recent meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, cllr Chris Pender asked the council to outline the process it intends to follow in determining the operational model for the space.

He specifically queried how the council plans to involve youth service providers, community stakeholders, and young people themselves in a transparent and collaborative way.

In response, acting senior executive officer in the Community Department, said: “The development of the youth facility will be a collaborative effort, and we are working with community workers, the Kildare Sports Partnership, and local community groups and organisations with a focus on youth services.”

She noted that the aim is to identify which group or organisation is best placed to manage the facility.

According to the report, the council is currently working with its capital team to assess and cost the necessary upgrades needed to bring the building up to standard. Input has already been sought from youth service providers and stakeholders on how best to configure the internal layout of the space.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) process will be launched once the building is ready for use, the council confirmed.