Proposed alterations to Settlement Plan: a summary
The Kilcullen Design Statement is quoted as 'a valuable reference' in the development objectives of the Kilcullen Settlement Plan, in the report on proposed material alterations recently published, writes Brian Byrne. The Design Statement was researched and written by Paul Hogarth Company with funding from Kildare LEADER Partnership and Kildare County Council.
Acknowledgement of the Design Statement, commissioned by Kilcullen Community Action and published in 2023, is one of the 32 proposed alterations to the plan. Among these, a number of changes to the Audit of Residential Capacity have reduced the total number of units by 61 to 759. The alterations in this section show a significant zoning shift from the north end of town to the south and in that latter from the west to the east.
Under Land Use Zoning, there's a proposal to change a small area of the field between Moanbane Park and the bed factory, and another opposite the Logstown estate, from New Residential to Open Space and Amenity. Another area on south Logstown before the bend is to be rezoned from New Residential to Agriculture. A field north of Moanbane Park is to be rezoned from Agriculture to Serviced Sites.
The small area used as a playground behind Conroy Park is to be redesignated from Serviced Sites to Open Space and Amenity. The adjacent 4.3 acres currently designated Serviced Sites would be altered to New Residential. Lands behind and south of Nicholastown Estate which are currently zoned for Industry and Warehousing, and Agriculture, are proposed to be redesignated for New Residential, Industry and Warehousing, and Strategic Reserve. A requirement for a 'street corridor' linking developments on New Abbey Road with developments on these lands has been inserted, with a note that these may form part of a future relief road should such be 'supported by a business case'.
Under the Regeneration and Public Realm category, the report adds specific mention of Market Square and Bentley's Lane in the objective to access funds for improving civic spaces. Another proposed alteration requires the preparation of a town centre car parking strategy, 'to protect the primacy of the town centre'.
A requirement to 'consider' car parking in any master plans for Opportunity Sites at Kilcullen Mart and behind Market Square is inserted. Related is another rezoning proposal for two fields beside the Mart from Town Centre/Opportunity to Community and Education, to allow for expansion of educational and community services when required including support and development of Age Friendly Housing. This change also cuts a previous residential capacity figure for this area from 231 to 78 units — now balanced east of the crossroads by the current live planning application by Oakway for 180 homes.
There's a new objective to 'facilitate and support the provision of a new youth hub centre, and also an amended one to facilitate the provision of a BMX and Skateboarding Park beside the GAA pitches 'or on appropriately zoned land'.
A specific objective to 'reinforce and support Main Street and the Core Retail Area of the town as the priority location for future retail development' seems designed to inhibit any such development on the fringes of Kilcullen. A related new objective will 'recognise and support' the continued operation of independent retailers in the town.
An amended objective under Architectural and Archaeological matters requires the designation of an Architectural Conservation Area 'within 12 months of the adoption of this plan'.
Under Movement and Transport, there's a new objective to improve bus stop facilities, and another is expanded to specify a timescale and locations for suitable bus turning spaces. There's also a new objective to support provision of EV charging infrastructure.
Under Green Infrastructure, a number of areas along the river to the east and east of the town are identified from Recreation and Amenity.
The full report is available here or can be inspected at Kilcullen Library. Written submissions or observations may be made to the Planning Authorities up to the public consultation closing date of 10 March 2025. They should be clearly marked “Proposed Material Alterations to the Proposed Variation (No.1): Kilcullen Settlement Plan” and be submitted either via the online public consultation portal OR in writing to: Senior Executive Officer, Planning Department, Kildare County Council, Áras Chill Dara, Naas, County Kildare W91 X77F. Please make your submission in one medium only.
