Market Square development gets go-ahead

The planning application by local businessman Pat Dunlea for a major development in the town's market square has been granted by An Bord Pleanala.

The Bord had considered appeals against Kildare County Council's intention to grant planning permission, from Kilcullen Community Action and a number of individuals.

In finding against the appeals, the Bord said categorically that the proposed development would be 'appropriate' to the location, and would be 'in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area'.

It also said the development 'would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity'.

The decision also includes 19 conditions, which were not changed from the original conditions in the Council's intention to grant permission.

The rejection of the appeals is effectively a vindication of the proposed development from Pat Dunlea's design consultants, and also of Kildare County Council's Planning Department in their original decision to grant permission.

The proposal has been the subject of contentious discussion at a number of meetings of KCA. The issue has also generated some heated argument in the pages of Kilcullen's community magazine, The Bridge.

The development involves the demolition of two existing houses and the construction of a number of apartment blocks as well as retail units, on land that includes a Council yard and the premises of Kilcullen Canoe Club, both latter being moved to alternative sites.

— Brian Byrne.