Sarto Road Locals In Naas Say They've Been Left In Dark Over Plan To Build Homes On Their Green Space

Naas Mayor Cllr Seamie Moore has agreed to facilitate a meeting between residents and senior officials.

Residents on Sarto Road in Naas say they cannot understand why Kildare County Council has still not met them to discuss plans to build homes on their local green space.

One resident, Chair of the Sarto Committee Michael Keogh, says locals sent the council a registered letter in September after drilling on the site raised concerns. 

Kfm first reported in May how early stages of a proposal for new social housing were underway on the Sarto Road site in Naas, which was cleared 25 years ago due to subsidence.

Locals had previously been told the area would be landscaped and planted with trees - but the drilling was later confirmed as part of an assessment to see whether housing could be built there.

Mr Keogh says the roads in the estate are so narrow that an emergency vehicle was unable to get in during a house fire last year, and on another occasion paramedics could not get back out to turn right and bring a local man to hospital. 

According to residents, there is barely enough room for cars belonging to people who already live in the estate.

Mr Keogh says the small green space is used by older residents, including people with Alzheimer’s, and is the only place for children to play. 

He says some homes already have cracks, and locals fear additional construction could worsen subsidence. 

Cllr Ger Dunne (Ind) told Kfm he submitted a motion on May 13th seeking a meeting between council officials and residents.

He said at the time a document identified the site for potential development, and a report this year confirmed that a social housing proposal remains at an early stage.

The council has now secured Department of Housing approval for seven units and is tendering for architectural consultants, with a target start date of quarter two, 2026. 

Works to repair existing derelict houses in the estate are due for completion in the coming months.

Naas Mayor Cllr Seamie Moore has agreed to facilitate a meeting between residents and senior officials.

However, Mr Keogh says that meeting was requested in September and no response has been given.

He said he is angry over the lack of engagement.

Cllr Dunne said he has asked the council to give something "to locals" if the development goes ahead, such as a recreational or play area.

He also said issues around parking can be discussed when the meeting takes place. 

Kfm has contacted Kildare County Council for comment.