KCC ‘really needs a vision’ for space located in North Kildare — Councillor

Kildare County Council 'really needs a vision' for a green space in Maynooth town.

That’s according to Green Party councillor Peter Hamilton, who made the comments at the latest Clane-Maynooth Municipal District meeting held on Friday, October 6 last.

He motioned for Kildare County Council to 'initiate planning for a Lyreen River nature conservation and flood abatement area in Maynooth town, to provide a guideline direction to protect this important environment, bringing together adequate flood abatement, natural soakage and space for nature, integrated in positive Urban Planning and Amenity Space, to act as direction for development in the area.'

Cllr Hamilton's motion was seconded by Independent Cllr Pádraig McEvoy.

In response to Cllr Hamilton's motion, the council said in its report: "An option for a Proposed Flood Relief Scheme for Maynooth is contained in the Office of Public Works (OPW) Flood Risk Management Plans, which were adopted by the council in July 2018.

"The proposed scheme is identified as a Tranche 2 scheme by OPW.

"The council, together with OPW are currently progressing all Tranche 1 schemes for Kildare."

Green Party Cllr Peter Hamilton. File photograph.

The council added: "All proposed schemes must consider natural water retention measures as an option to protect against flood risk and will take account of relevant best practice guidance in relation to design, environmental approval and land use where appropriate."

Cllr Hamilton told Kildare County Council: "The report makes reference to 2018 plans, but we have learned so much from this space since then, in terms of the amount of flooding and the impact on nature."

He continued: "We (the council) can either make a storm gully, or we can have an amenity space here, with informed flood and nature management. We have an opportunity here."

Cllr McEvoy threw his support behind Cllr Hamilton, saying: "It might not be the fairest comparison, but we have seen the damage caused by flooding in Greece.

"What I'm saying is that the risk of flooding has increased, and we don't want to leave areas to be swallowed up by flooding, or inappropriate developments."

Fine Gael Cllr Tim Durkan agreed with Cllrs Hamilton and McEvoy.

A KCC representative said that while the OPW is subject to funding, they added that they took on board the councillors' sentiments and would pass them on.

Cllr Hamilton also saidd: "We really need to have a vision for this space."