Concern that some Kildare landowners are 'sitting' on disused zoned lands
The matter was raised at a recent Kildare County Council meeting
A Kildare county councillor has expressed his concern that some landowners are 'sitting' on disused zoned lands in the Athy Municipal District (MD).
Fianna Fáil Cllr Brian Dooley made the comments while in attendance at the latest MD meeting, which took place on Monday, June 18 last.
He appeared at the meeting by virtual means.
The topic of zoned lands was initially raised when he motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) ‘to provide information on the extent in acres of zoned industrial lands in the town of Athy’.
His motion was seconded by the Mayor of the MD, Fine Gael Cllr Ivan Keatley.
In addition, Cllr Dooley submitted a related motion to KCC, in which he requested it to provide an update ‘on the extent, in acres, of land currently zoned for residential housing in Athy Town and Castledermot, but with no planning application made and lands not being used’.
This motion was seconded by Labour Party Cllr Aoife Breslin.
Speaking further on his second motion, Cllr Dooley told KCC that he was concerned that some groups and businesses ‘are sitting on some of these lands’.
He also noted that there is currently a housing crisis in Ireland, telling KCC: “We need to start building houses as soon as possible”.
KCC RESPONSES
In response to Cllr Dooley’s first motion, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: “Section 6.3 of the Athy Local Area Plan (LAP) outlines the Economic Development Strategy for the town over the LAP plan period and beyond.
“The Plan states that ‘it is the policy of KCC to support the development of Athy as the enterprise and employment hub for south County Kildare, increase employment located within the town, reduce rates of commuting and ensure new employment development contributes towards reducing carbon output’.”
KCC continued: “The Plan also makes provision for 54.9 hectares (ha) of undeveloped land zoned for employment purposes which relates to lands zoned for employment such as industrial warehousing.
“Table 6.3 of the Plan provides further information in relation to the location of the main employment areas in Athy and the quantity of zoned undeveloped land available for employment uses.”
KCC concluded: “It is of significance to note that in addition to the main employment zoning categories such as Enterprise, Industry and Warehousing, there are other zoning categories which allow for employment creation in relation to leisure activities and various commercial uses.”
As for Cllr Dooley’s second motion, KCC issued the following reply: “There are three sites in Athy, totalling 8.01ha and five in Castledermot, totalling 6.04ha zoned for residential development with no extant permissions.”
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