800 year old Kildare castle could be bought to provide housing

The historic St David’s Castle in Naas could be acquired by Kildare County Council.

A Naas Municipal District meeting was told that funding was previously granted to pay for assessments of the property and “the potential for site acquisition.”

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KCC official Pamela Pender said, in a report to the meeting,  that a conservation-related document was prepared in conjunction with KCC and the agreement of the landowner. 

This report is now with the Department of Housing for consideration. 

Money was also provided for an archaeological assessment “and will be undertaken at a later date.”

The meeting also heard that the department must approve each stage of a project before it can move to the next one.

KCC’s Eoghan Ryan said the department is "looking for a lot of information” and “it is in their hands.”

He added the site is not in KCC’s ownership.

The castle is over 800 years old.

Historians say the castle is very much part of the town's history dating back to the original building in the time of King John of England when two parliaments were held there. 

It was a central feature during the 13th and 14th centuries as a Norman stronghold.