Kildare County Council urged to ‘actively pursue’ Affordable Housing Initiative

A Social Democrats councillor has urged Kildare County Council (KCC) to chase up an Affordable Housing Initiative for the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD).

Cllr Chris Pender made the comments at the latest MD meeting held on Wednesday, January 17.

He motioned for KCC to 'actively pursue the development of an Affordable Housing Initiative, specifically targeting the Newbridge area.'

Cllr Pender’s motion was seconded by Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer.

In response to his motion, KCC had this to say: "The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is carrying out an in-depth review of the council’s first Affordable House Purchase Scheme at Grey Abbey View, Kildare town.

"In the meantime, the council is exploring all opportunities for affordable delivery and has an open call for expressions of interest for affordable opportunities."

Cllr Chris Pender's motion was supported by Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer at the meeting.

KCC also said: "There are two Public Private Partnership Schemes for Social and Affordable housing units at early design stages in the following locations: Rickardstown, Newbridge — 40 affordable housing units, and at Coolaghknock Glebe, Kildare — 32 affordable housing units."

"The members (of the Municipal District) will be updated on these schemes through the monthly Chief Executives Report," KCC concluded.

Cllr Pender told KCC that he welcomed the report.