Newbridge Councillor Pushes For Some Green Space To Be Used For Parking Spaces In The Town

Thursday, 23 July 2026 at 10:44

By Daniel Maher

The proposal was aimed at supporting local businesses

A Newbridge councillor has called for a section of green space in the College park area to be used for car parking spaces to aid Eyre street businesses.

He has said that 20 car park spaces could be provided as part of the idea.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Independent Councillor for Kildare-Newbridge MD Tom McDonnell said that businesses are struggling there:

"All of the businesses are struggling because there's no where to park, there's a large green area there, so you could have 20 car park spaces and still have 90% of the green area there."

"I've had serious reports that they [businesses] can't do business and one after the other are closing down, they're on their knees and they can't survive."

"We need to get parking for businesses, people need to park when they come into town, we need small businesses to thrive."

He also criticised a local councillor who "vigorously" objected to his motion.

"He objected vigorously to it, he's objecting to everything, and he's stopping local businesses from thriving."

Cllr McDonnell also claimed that "everyone is totally against" the cycle lanes in Newbridge:

"I've never spoke to anybody in the town as regards them cycle lanes being positive, they're a danger and they [motorists] can't get out of their cars [when they're parked]."

In response, Kildare County Council have said that they didn't have sufficient resources available to cater for the idea.

The full interview can be heard below: