Why a Kildare town is losing patience over park development delays

A community group has been formed to accelerate the development of recreational areas in Sallins, a town of over 6,000 inhabitants.

The need for amenities in the town had been apparent for some time. Eight years ago, the community submitted over 2,000 applications to Kildare County Council, asking for a park.

Eventually, about 42 hectares of land were purchased in December 2016, but it has remained undeveloped since then.

The Sallins Park Action Group is once again calling on the community for help in putting pressure on Kildare County Council and other government agencies to actually commence work.

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In September 2023, group members met with KCC officials and were told that the community park project would be implemented in two phases.

The first includes playing fields, wetlands, parking, a perimeter path and entrances. Phase two includes other elements including a skate park, playground, paths, allotments and an astropitch.

However, there are a number of tendering procedures.

According to Fergus Carpember of SPAG, the first phase has already started, but the second phase, the actual construction work, will only start once the municipality has the necessary money.

In the first two phases there are no changing rooms, toilets or community buildings.

Mr Carpenter said the project requires significant funding from local authorities and central government.

He said that KCC, under pressure from the group, has set aside €1.5 million in the 2024-2026 capital programme.

However, the first phase costs €5 million, the second phase €4 million.

The SPAG, which includes a large number of local organisations and clubs (eleven in total), has indicated that this fragmented approach is unacceptable and that central government should provide the funding, as public finances are healthy.

The group spoke to councillors, Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister of State Thomas Byrne.

“We will seek to arrange meetings with other relevant government ministers and we will continue to lobby any public representative or official who can assist us in our aim of obtaining significant funding for the park.“, said Mr. Carpenter.

The group also promised to keep the community updated on developments. Information can be requested by sending an email to [email protected].