"Challenging Time": OPW Minister To Meet Local Groups On Monday Over Castletown House Access Issues

Thursday, 8 May 2025 14:24

By Martin Osborne and Eoin Beatty

Locals groups said they are "ready and waiting" to meet with the Minister.

Kfm understands that a meeting has now been arranged between OPW Minister Kevin Boxer Moran and members of local committees in Celbridge.

That meeting is to take place next Monday, May 12th.

Speaking on national radio this morning, Minister Moran said it "would be wrong to suggest" when a resolution would be found.

He said he needs to work with the groups and that "there has to be compromise and calm" and that it has been a "challenging time".

Locals groups said they are "ready and waiting" to meet with the Minister.

Separately, approximately €500,000 worth of damage was carried out at a site used by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to access Castletown House in Celbridge.

During the Bank Holiday weekend, four vehicles were overturned, a teleporter was driven into a river, and the wires on four CCTV units were cut on the grounds of Donaghcumper House.

Gardaí confirmed they are investigating an incident of criminal damage at the site and that enquiries are ongoing.

Numerous local voices, including TDS, Cllrs and groups expressed their shock, with full details - including recorded interviews - available here.

More from Local News

Kildare Council Says "Not A Single Complaint" Lodged About Abbey Street Closure In Naas

Cllr Moore claimed that the Abbey Street closure has effectively turned parts of Naas - including Harbour View and Basin Street - into a 300-metre cul-de-sac, adding that if the single vehicle entrance from Main Street were ever blocked, residents, businesses, and emergency services could be cut off.
Katriona O’Sullivan To Lead Ireland’s First National Centre For Inclusive Higher Education At Maynooth

It will focus on helping people from all backgrounds access and succeed in college.
Inside A Kildare Turkey Farm: How Bird Flu Is Testing Farmers’ Nerves Before Christmas

Feighcullen farmer Billy Gray joined Hannah Kelly on this morning’s Kildare Today to discuss the impact the bird flu outbreak has had on his flock.
Two Kildare Groups Share €19,000 For Migrant Integration Projects

Under the scheme, grants of up to €100,000 will be allocated to successful organisations to assist in the integration of migrants
Frightening 2am Bedroom Intrusion In Naas Ends With Crash And Arrests

The culprits were arrested after they were involved in a collision.
Unlike Dublin, Kildare Council Not Planning Any Changes To How Social Housing Rents Are Calculated

The local authority says the system is currently structured around a proportion of the principal earner’s income, with additional contributions from any secondary earners in the household.
Emergency Services At Scene Of Road Traffic Incident In Carbury

Traffic is moving extremely slowly in the area and motorists are being advised to seek alternative routes.
Almost All Kildare Crèches Privately Run As Community Provision Remains Minimal

Community childcare is non-profit, locally run, and usually more affordable and inclusive than private crèches.