"Signed, Sealed, Delivered": Claims Of Deal Over Donaghcumper House Ignite Calls For Transparency

Heated exchanges revealed growing frustration among councillors about "withheld information", particularly concerning the identity of the proposed purchaser of Donaghcumper House.

Pressure is mounting on Kildare County Council to reveal the identity of the proposed purchaser of Donaghcumper House in Celbridge.

At yesterday's council meeting, some members demanded greater transparency in the process.

Heated exchanges revealed growing frustration among councillors over claims of "withheld" information, particularly concerning the identity of the proposed purchaser of Donaghcumper House.

In July, the council announced that signed a contract for the purchase of Donaghcumper House, with approximately 26.3 hectares of adjoining lands.

Social Democrats Cllr. Claire O'Rourke led the charge, raising critical questions about the council's decision-making processes and its obligations to provide clarity to both members and the public.

KCC executives defended their actions, citing legal obligations under the Local Government Act 2001 and the Section 183 process.

The executive clarified that due to the requirement of undergoing a Section 53 review, they were unable to disclose information regarding the sale.

"We are required by law to issue certain information, and that’s what we do... It's a process that we abide by," a Kildare County Council executive stated, insisting that the council is operating within its legal framework.

However, Cllr. O'Rourke pushed back, stating, "I’m wondering if what you’re saying is that you’re required by law to withhold this information?"

She emphasised the need for councillors to be better informed in advance, especially regarding major assets like Donaghcumper House, which hold significant value to the community.

Cllr. O’Rourke further criticised the council's handling of the sale, referencing documents obtained through Freedom of Information requests.

She claimed that an agreement involving the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kildare County Council, and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) for the purchase of Donaghcumper House had already been "signed, sealed, and delivered for months."

“The OPW does not have a record for responsible spending in relation to heritage sites such as Leinster House and the infamous bicycle shed," O’Rourke argued.

"We need to know who the purchaser of Donaghcumper House is... unless this is being withheld in advance of next Friday's election."

Labour Cllr. Rupert Heather backed the motion, urging the council to disclose the identity of the purchaser as soon as possible.

“When the purchase went ahead, the council prepared a press release, and we as councillors were told not to disseminate that information until the purchase of the house was complete. That occurred. We were told that there would be some comfort in who the purchaser was, so we assumed we would be notified.”

He said speculation over the sale has only increased public anxiety, calling on the council to resolve the issue: "Speculation is mounting. With Castletown House and other sensitivities around that, it’s an issue that needs to be resolved."

Social Democrats Cllr. Nuala Killeen added that the lack of transparency was "hugely divisive" and damaging to the community. She said the issue "is of critical importance to tens of thousands of people in our district".

The council's executives continue to assert that the sale process adheres to legal requirements, but councillors and community members remain unconvinced.

A local source familiar with the situation said: "The relationship between the OPW and the North Kildare community has been fraught. Community groups have criticised the OPW's stewardship of Castletown. Their concerns were further inflamed by imprudent spending on projects by OPW and their apparent lack of expertise in financial decisions, including the failure to purchase 235 acres at Castletown when they had the opportunity – a step which would have avoided the current impasse."

Kfm has contacted both the OPW and Kildare County Council for comment.