'No discussions' of compulsory purchase order for this Kildare landmark
Cllr Tim Durkan (FG) raised the issue of the Fair Green in Kilcock at a recent MD meeting
Kildare County Council has had “no discussions” with Irish Rail with regards to a potential Compulsory Purchase Order of the Fair Green in Kilcock, a recent municipal district meeting has heard.
Confirmation came from the council following a question tabled by Fine Gael councillor, Tim Durkan, at a Clane Maynooth Municipal District meeting held on Friday, May 1 2026.
Cllr Durkan voiced his concern that the Fair Green in Kilcock might fall under compulsory purchase order as part of the development of DART+ in the town.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Durkan said he had attended a number of meetings on DART+, and there was a proposal to remove the Fair Green in Kilcock “in its entirety.”
The proposal, he said, was to turn the site into a car park with an additional 35 spaces, something which he strongly objected to.
A comment was made at a briefing for DART+, he added, that the cross in the Fair Green could be removed, but this was a protected structure, as is the water pump.
“It's slightly worrying”, said Cllr Durkan, and although he was “fully supportive of DART+”, there is also a ring fort located at the site, and he was “very conscious of our built heritage and archaeology.”
He also accepted, he said, that DART+ was needed for Kilcock, something which he had fought for over a long time.
However, he noted, DART+ should not be at the expense of losing the Fair Green in Kilcock.
A report issued by the council stated: “Kildare County Council has had no discussions with Irish Rail in respect of this site; however, the council have advised Irish Rail through the current public consultation process that the Fair Green is owned by the council.”