Pressure is on to open a huge car park on the outskirts of this Kildare town

Kildare County Council is being urged to open up its Aras Chill Dara car park in Naas at weekends.

Cllr Evie Sammon said there is a need for parking at weekends in Naas. She said that she's raised the issue before and noted that KCC opted not to buy a town centre site (the former Leinster Leader premises), which went up for sale in the town.

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Cllr Sammon said this site could have provided car parking spaces at the rear that could potentially have been accessed from the Newbridge Road - and this in turn would take traffic off the main street. She also said it would be easily accessible by pedestrians.

Cllr Evie Sammon

“It’s been years since I first raised this at a council meeting and I really would’ve hoped that progress would have been made.”

Cllr Sammon suggested it be opened on a trial basis perhaps for events at Christmas and festivals. 

She said the Aras Chill Dara car park is in an ideal location close to the main street and the library for families to walk the rest of the way into the town.

She was supported by Naas mayor Seamie Moore who said it could be put “to good use” at weekends.

KCC official Eoghan Ryan said the car park could be opened on a trial basis.

He also said a number of issues need to be considered before a final decision is made, such as insurance requirements, the management of the car park and the knock on effects relating to security at Aras Chill Dara and the adjacent MERITS innovation hub.