"Smiles" On Stage, Anger Off-Camera: Some Kildare Locals Locked Out Of "Affordable" Housing Scheme

Friday, 21 November 2025 12:32

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News @kfmradio

The news has come as cold comfort for some locals who did not qualify for the first batch launched yesterday at Barracksfield West in Naas because those homes exceed the local authority home loan scheme cap of €360,000.

Kfm News has learned that some three-bedroom homes in phase two of a so-called affordable housing scheme in Naas will be priced within the €360,000 cap next year.

Prices for affordable four-bedroom homes in Clonburris near Clondalkin were successfully delivered for €355,000 under the affordable housing scheme.

The prices of homes at Barracksfield West were set by Kildare County Council and the Land Development Agency, with the Department of Housing shifting responsibility on to Kildare County Council.

Once a property hits €360,000 or above, the loan is blocked and locals cannot use their own savings to top it up, meaning they are effectively exlcuded from a loan that was supposed to support them.

Housing Minister James Browne committed to reviewing the scheme this year but when questioned by Kfm News yesterday, he could not confirm a definitive timeline as to when a review would be published.

Independent Ireland Cllr Bill Clear said it was “all smiles” yesterday but that councillors are furious behind the scenes.

He questioned why the same mistakes from Lattin Place on Rathasker Road have been repeated, and he described locals being locked out of the scheme as “a scandal”.

More from Local News

Kfm Obituary Notices

Kfm obituaries notices are broadcast daily following the 8am, 10am, 1pm, 5pm news
Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Kfm Obituary Notices

Kfm obituaries notices are broadcast daily following the 8am, 10am, 1pm, 5pm news