‘They have shown what a public consultation should look like’: Kildare County Council's Parks Department praised for project help

The Parks Department of Kildare County Council (KCC) was praised by two local representatives for its work.

Fine Gael councillor Tracey O'Dwyer, in addition to Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender, commended the work of the Department during the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) meeting, which took place on Wednesday, January 21 last.

The praise came about when the councillors representing the MD were asked to consider the Chief Executive’s Part 8 Report for the Old Kilcullen Heritage Trail (The report was previously circulated to the councillors).

This process refers to anytime when a project is being progressed by the Local Authority, planning permission is applied for under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended).

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'50 / 50'

A representative of KCC who was present at the meeting told the councillors that KCC received 30 submissions in relation to the proposed project, following a public consultation.

They added that the submissions were "about 50 / 50 for and against" the proposed development, and explained that the key concerns revolved around parking and the potential removal of fencing in the region.

However, the rep asserted that anything to do with future parking in the area "would be a separate process".

They also assured the members of the MD that the fencing would not be removed.

However, the rep also said that a detailed design of the project was still due, and that a suitable source of funding would need to be identified in order to progress the project.

After listening to these points, Cllr O'Dwyer proposed to accept the Part 8 consideration, while Cllr Pender seconded it.

'A GREAT ADDITION'

Cllr O'Dwyer further said: "To be fair, I think that everyone has been heard here, and I also think that it will be a great addition to the area."

She then thanked the Parks Department for their help in the project so far, specifically for "being fully available at all times".

Cllr Pender echoed her sentiments by praising the Parks Department, adding: "They have shown what a public consultation should look like".

Fine Gael Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer and Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender (File photographs)

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