Local Councillor For Baltinglass Calls For Classified Grade Four Towns To Have More Influence Amid Issues Raised By Locals

Tuesday, 16 July 2024 11:33

By Hannah Kelly

Many have said Baltinglass is in need of a 'facelift'

Local councillor for Baltinglass, Gerry O’Neill, has called for more funding for the area, and wants more influence to come with Grade Four towns

Many comments have been made that Baltinglass needs a ‘facelift’.

Speaking on this morning’s Kildare Today show, Cllr O'Neill explained that unlike Blessington and other areas, Baltinglass is classified within the County Development Plan as a Grade Four and is deemed as a large town.

It does not have the same power as other bigger towns when it comes to planning, which is why the issues are said to be occurring for a long time.

Cllr O'Neill says work is needed to be done to get Baltinglass by “the scruff of the neck” and develop it properly.

He also called to classify level grade four towns with more influence and input, and that a plan for the town is created to make sure projects in Baltinglass are carried out and completed.

Work is said to be done in almost all sectors of Baltinglass, such as refurbishment, traffic management and local amenities such as the park.

The playground has been a major area of concern, as repairs are needed.

Vandalism has occurred there, causing the playground to be closed multiple times.

The Baltinglass Tidy Towns group have also commented on the issues of the town, saying they are disappointed to see the town turn into a “grey town”.

In a post made on their Facebook, the group said: “The use of colour adds vibrancy and “good cheer “ to any town but unfortunately we here in Baltinglass are heading in the opposite direction with so many buildings being painted grey or other drab dark colours”.

They are also appealing for more volunteers to maintain their projects they have been working on over the past five years.