Newbridge Illegal Encampment "Very Disappointing" For Local People

Thursday, 17 September 2026 10:39

By Daniel Maher

The encampment can be seen on the orbital route off the R445 on the outskirts of the town.

An illegal encampment has appeared in an area of Newbridge.

The encampment can be seen on the orbital route off the R445 on the outskirts of the town, near the Lidl Distribution Centre.

The concerns have resurfaced following the description of the Newbridge encampments as a "revolving door" in 2024.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Fine Gael Councillor Peggy O' Dwyer echoed the concerns expressed about illegal encampments.

"For years we were trying to battle when an illegal encampment came, we've had significant damage done and cost thousands and thousands [to clean up the waste].

"It's very disappointing that we work so hard to take the illegal encampment down, but now it's back. We'll just have to see what Kildare County Council can do about it."

Illegal encampments on the Curragh have also featured heavily throughout the year, something that is an ongoing development with the National Parks and Wildlife Services.

Cllr O'Dwyer said she is in the process of contacting KCC and Gardaí to raise the issue of the orbital road encampments.

Until last year, the responsibility fell on private bodies to manage waste removal from there, but now the route has been taken in charge by the council.

KCC spent "significant money" last year to clean up the waste, including works to clean the stream, remove waste from fields and put in a raised bank and blocks in that area of the road to deter future incidents.

The full interview can be heard below: