PHOTOS: Fire breaks out at boarded up property in this Kildare town

A fire broke out a property in County Kildare which was recently boarded up.

Speaking to the Leinster Leader, one person familiar with the situation, who wished to remain anonymous, said that the site, which is located on the Moorefield Road in Newbridge (W12 DN47), caught on fire in the early hours of today (June 20).

Firefighters at the scene of the blaze. All photographs supplied

The same person had also been in touch with the Leader earlier this week to recount their concerns about the property.

According to them, the property had previously been broken into and was taken over by "squatters".

They also alleged that the site was being used as a drug den and brothel.

"Most people that have lived on this road for generations are now old age pensioners," they said. "To have this happening meters away from elderly people and very small children is nothing short of terrifying."

The Mayor of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, Fine Gael councillor Peggy O'Dwyer, was asked by the Leinster Leader about the property and responded that she has been in contact with local gardaí in relation to the premises.

She also said that the premises has been boarded up and that the gardaí have removed those who were occupying the premises.

When asked by the Leinster Leader about the situation concerning the property, a garda spokesperson explained: "Gardaí are aware of public order offences at a property in Newbridge, County Kildare that were reported on June 17, 2025."

The spokesperson added that "investigations are ongoing" at present.

In addition, Mayor O'Dwyer gave assurances to the Leader that she will "keep an eye" on the situation.

However, the resident in question was disheartened by this development — they said: "This has been done before and it didn’t make a difference. The owner has refused to take any responsibility.

"There are very small children living [in the nearby area] and this [alleged activity] is what they’re looking at every day."

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