Local Man Submits Objection To 1000-Pupil School In Kildare Town, Citing Noise, Congestion And Dust

Friday, 8 November 2024 17:07

By Martin Osborne

"We will not be able to enjoy living in our home with the stress this is going to cause us at the busiest times of our day," local man Keith McGannon said.

Plans for a new secondary school in Kildare Town, designed to serve 1,000 students, have been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

The project involves building a two-storey, 37-classroom facility for Curragh Community College at the former Magee Barracks site.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, local resident Keith McGannon raised objections, citing concerns about increased traffic congestion at the estate entrance, which he says is already strained by parents dropping off students at nearby primary schools.

He fears the new school would exacerbate these issues, making it difficult to access his property.

Kfm understands that the Department of Education has engaged with Mr McGannon to develop solutions.

There was open dialogue but Mr McGannon felt compelled to submit the objection.

A source familiar with the situation said they understand Mr McGannon's frustrations, particularly with regard to entrance issues. They added, however, that the move is expected to "frustrate" some locals struggling to find school places.

In his objection, Mr McGannon said: "There is already a number of parents that park outside my property as a set down area for pick up and drop offs from the two primary schools. Which makes it very difficult to enter or exit my property. Putting another school behind our house is only going to escalate this situation with another very busy road going through the main entrance of the estate."

"We will not be able to enjoy living in our home with the stress this is going to cause us at the busiest times of our day," he added.

McGannon is also concerned about noise, dust, and restricted access during construction.

Despite these objections, a report from Simon J Kelly Architects emphasises the school's importance to meet urgent demands for educational space in Kildare and surrounding areas.

The current school location in the Curragh Army Camp lacks the capacity to handle growing enrollment.

A decision on the appeal is expected by March 14, 2025.