There is concerns that the cafe will close, with a lack of social outlets already in the area.
Kildare County Council is being asked to help find a new suitable location for a community run café in Moone, as the current location's lease is out in 2028.
Piers Café in Moone has been open since 2018 and provides a valuable service to local people, in an area that has seen it's post office close down in recent years.
There is concerns that the cafe will also close, with forward planning requested.
Speaking on Kildare Today, Labour Councillor for Athy MD Mark Leigh said that it is a much-needed social outlet in the area:
"There's not much in Moone unfortunately, the post office closed in 2018 as well as the shop."
"With all the rural isolation that's going on now, people have no social outlets, its very important to ensure the future of Piers Café, I know we're two years out [from the ending of the lease] but it's time to look at it now."
Cllr Leigh also noted the significant work that is done by a local woman who runs the coffee shop, who works without a wage, while also providing meals to the elderly:
"It's community run, the person that runs it doesn't actually take a wage, she spends half her evenings going around delivering meals to elderly people in the area."
"The Piers Café is used everyday by everybody in the community, I live in Athy and I even drive out there sometimes just to see what's going on."
In response to the request, KCC has said that they have contacted the LEADER programme to engage with the enterprise concerned regarding potential funding opportunities.
They added that LEADER is currently operating a targeted call for social enterprises with the deadline for submission of expressions of interest being Friday, 31 July 2026.
Maximum grant funding for works, including fit out of new locations or building upgrades is €87,000 with up to 75% total eligible project costs funded.
The council understands that there has already been an initial meeting regarding this opportunity.
The full interview can be heard below:
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