Shortage of primary and secondary school places in Kildare raised
Senator Fiona O'Loughlin (FF) was speaking in the Seanad recently
Infrastructure in North Kildare has “not kept up at all” since the 1926 census, a Fianna Fáil senator has told the Seanad.
According to Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, who was speaking in the House recently, Kildare's population has grown “by 326%” since 1926, with infrastructure in the county not keeping pace in that period.
Senator O'Loughlin was addressing the Seanad when “Critical Infrastructure Bill 2026: Second Stage”, came before the House.
She told the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers: “While the Minister is looking at the main areas of energy, transport and water, all of which are incredibly and hugely important, we also need to add education to that list at times.
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“In Newbridge, the Curragh, Kildare and the surrounding areas, we do not have enough primary school or secondary school places. About three years ago, there was a contract to purchase a site for a new secondary school to address that demand and to replace the present ETB school, Curragh Community College. It appears that contract to buy the site now needs to be amended. It is a real concern.”
Senator O'Loughlin also raised the need for a second bridge in Newbridge, which she said was “actually getting close to tender stage.”
The amount of funding needed would be approximately €10m, she pointed out, noting the bridge would make a “huge difference” to the town.
The senator said that with Newbridge being a growing town with a “huge” population, this was one of the projects she would like to see fast-tracked.
A second bridge is essential to the economic and social development of the town of Newbridge, she stated.
She added: “I will mention another area. North-west Kildare has huge problems with energy and water outages. I refer to the area of Rathangan, Allenwood, Robertstown and Kilmeage. There are disruptions practically every week.
“The ESB has spoken about building a new power station, the Blake station, which would serve the north-west area. It has also spoken about a new station for east Newbridge and upgrading the present Newbridge station. It is essential that these projects are delivered as quickly as possible.
“I 100% support this Bill, as do our spokesperson on infrastructure and all Fianna Fáil Members. It is innovative legislation. It is really important and will make a huge difference as we get projects done. I thank the Minister for taking the time to listen to me talk about the projects I wanted to highlight and that should be delivered for the people of south Kildare.”