Draft Plan Dangles Big Promises For Newbridge, Including New Homes, A Pool, And Second Liffey Bridge

And, in a bid to boost military heritage tourism, the plan includes repurposing some vacant buildings for overnight accommodation.

Kildare County Council has published its Draft Newbridge Settlement Plan, setting out a blueprint for the town’s growth through 2029.

The plan projects an additional 2,917 residents and more than a thousand new homes for Newbridge, much of it concentrated within the existing urban footprint to prevent sprawl and protect surrounding green spaces.

Traffic congestion features prominently. 

A second bridge over the River Liffey and the Newbridge Southern Ring Road are flagged as critical projects, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2026 or early 2027, once funding is approved by the Department of Transport.

Major projects - like the Southern Ring Road, second Liffey bridge, and swimming pool -  depends on future zoning approvals, developer contributions, and grants that are not yet guaranteed.

Town centre renewal is another focus. 

The Safer Newbridge Project aims to tackle anti-social behaviour on Eyre Street, while mixed-use redevelopment and new public spaces are planned to revitalise Main Street and surrounding areas under the Government’s Town Centre First policy.

Economic growth is to be anchored at the Littleconnell Strategic Employment Area and through regeneration of underused central sites - part of a strategy to align new jobs with new housing and reduce long commutes.

The plan also calls for a new post-primary school, expanded GP and primary care facilities, and upgraded sports and leisure amenities, including a swimming pool and multi-purpose sports hub.

The Irish College of General Practitioners and the Irish Medical Organisation recommend a minimum of 12 GPs per 10,000 people to maintain safe, effective healthcare. 

According to the Social Infrastructure Audit, Newbridge currently has only eight GPs per 10,000 residents, with 17 full-time and six part-time doctors working across nine practices.

With the town’s population expected to grow by around 8,000, that ratio would drop further to six GPs per 10,000 - well below recommended levels. 

To meet the standard, Newbridge will require 19 additional GPs by the end of the plan period and beyond. 

While direct healthcare provision is outside the council’s remit, Kildare County Council will facilitate new medical facilities by zoning appropriate land and including supportive objectives in the settlement plan.

Environmental measures protect the River Liffey, the Curragh Plains and Pollardstown Fen, and integrate flood resilience and sustainable transport into future development.

And, in a bid to boost military heritage tourism, the plan includes repurposing some vacant buildings for overnight accommodation.

Public submissions on the draft plan are now open, with the final version due next year.