Nature and recreation amenity sought for this Kildare region

A local councillor based in North Kildare has expressed his wish to see Kildare County Council (KCC) develop a brand-new nature and recreation amenity.

Fine Gael Cllr William Durkan supported the idea of a new nature and recreation amenity at the latest Clane-Maynooth Municipal District (MD) meeting, which took place on Friday, February 6 last.

Cllr Durkan appeared at this meeting by virtual means)

POTENTIAL TO PURCHASE

The discussion arose when Cllr Durkan motioned for KCC to "investigate the potential to purchase a suitable site in North-West Kildare, with a view to develop an additional nature and recreation amenity, noting the aim of EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF) to 'deliver improved tourism infrastructure facilities and visitor experiences'".

His motion was seconded by Independent Cllr Pádraig McEvoy.

Speaking further on the proposal, Cllr Durkan clarified that he would urge KCC to pursue the purchase of end-of-life sites, such as quarries in order to develop nature and recreation activities. 

He also pointed out an example of a privately developed former quarry located at Derrymore, near Mullingar in County Westmeath.

Following this, two of Cllr Durkan's colleagues expressed support for the motion: the Mayor of the MD, Cllr Brendan Wyse, and Cllr Tim Durkan.

In the case of Cllr Tim Durkan, he also pointed to the Eden Project in Cornwall, England as an example of a successful nature-based project.

READ NEXT: UPDATE: Kildare-based art group returns once again to popular shopping centre with exhibition

TWO REPORTS PROVIDED

In an unusual turn of events, KCC provided two reports in response to Cllr William Durkan's motion.

The first one read as follows: "KCC is currently implementing the EUJTF Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme in partnership with Fáilte Ireland.

"This scheme supports a tourism activator to work directly with tourism community and enterprise SMEs."

KCC further said that several projects were successful in their funding applications, "as announced on January 12 last".

However, it elaborated: "The SME or activation scheme does not provide funding for local authorities to purchase land.

In addition, KCC noted: "While the Investment Grant Aid scheme for local authorities under the scheme does not have specific call dates, a lead in time is required and all projects must be completed and funds drawn down by August 2026."

As for the second report, KCC had this to say: "[The] Kildare Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), is delivering a programme in West Kildare, Just Transition areas to strengthen community development and empower communities to access funding mechanisms for projects.

"The smart village project is funded via Leader Grant Aid."

KCC further said: "Turning the Sod / Engage and Transform Now provides further information on this community development project."

Fine Gael Cllr William Durkan. Photograph credit: kildarecoco.ie

READ NEXT: UPDATED: Nurses in Kildare hospital to begin work-to-rule action

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.