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Ciaran Mather, 24 May
The fire brigade were called to a derelict property in Newbridge twelve
times.
The disconcerting information was relayed to councillors present at the
latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, held on Wednesday,
May 17.
At the meeting, Fianna Fáil Cllr Noel Heavey motioned for Kildare
County Council (KCC) to 'inform the members of the extent of damage
done to unoccupied KCC-owned properties in this Municipal area due to
antisocial behaviour, since June 2019.'
Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender also motioned for KCC to 'provide
information on the number of times the fire service has been called to
Rooske Lodge and other derelict or abandoned buildings within the
Kildare Newbridge Municipal district, as well as the associated cost
incurred by the council.'
Replying to his motion, KCC said: "Kildare Fire Service has attended
incidents at Rooske Lodge on twelve occasions up to and including the
May 1, 2023
"The total amount invoiced is €8,000, with €4,500 having been paid to
date."
Cllr Heavey told KCC: “Some, and I do emphasise some, young people have
resorted to starting fires, and have been engaging in drug use and/or
antisocial behaviour (at these properties.
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In response, KCC said that 'it endeavours to turn the properties around
as soon as possible,' but this can often take some time due to
procurement works, as well as a general lack of resources and funding.
Referring to Rooske Lodge, Cllr Pender questioned KCC over whether or
not the process is being followed properly, and took issue with current
measures at the property that are intended to keep people out of Rooske
Lodge.
Cllr Pender also said that if the property continues to be left in the
state it is, then a part of it will collapse and kill someone.
"There is no doubt in my mind that this will happen," he told KCC.
A representative for KCC at the meeting said that it would follow up
with the Derelict Site Register in relation to the issues raised.