The Castledermot Town Centre First Plan Has Been Launched

Structured around the themes of Identity, Mobility, Economy and Sustainability, the plan identifies a range of projects and actions to be progressed in partnership with the community and stakeholders. 

Kildare County Council has today officially launched the Castledermot Town Centre First (TCF) Plan.

Described as a community-led plan, it "sets out a clear vision and practical actions to revitalize Castledermot’s town centre, supporting a vibrant place to live, work and visit, while protecting and celebrating the town’s unique heritage", according to the council.

The Town Centre First Plan is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and is the result of close collaboration between the Castledermot Town Team, Kildare County Council’s Town Regeneration Team, and the consultant design team led by Metropolitan Workshop.

Structured around the themes of Identity, Mobility, Economy and Sustainability, the plan identifies a range of projects and actions to be progressed in partnership with the community and stakeholders. 

Addressing attendees at the launch, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD said; “I am delighted to formally launch this Town Centre First Plan for Castledermot and I compliment the town first team in conjunction with Kildare County Council for their work on it. This is an exciting time for Castledermot as this government funded plan identifies great potential to enhance the attributes of Castledermot and ensure it remains a vibrant and attractive hub at the centre of its local community”.

Speaking at the launch, Leas Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Veralouise Behan said: “The Castledermot Town Centre First Plan is a strong, community-led blueprint that puts local priorities at the heart of how we shape the future of the town. By tackling vacancy and dereliction, improving our public spaces and making it easier to move around the town centre, we can support local businesses, encourage town-centre living and protect the heritage that makes Castledermot such a special place.”

Photo: L to R - Sharon O’Gara, Town Regeneration Officer, Kildare County Council; Emmet Kane, Chairperson, Town Team; Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council; Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD; Leas-Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Veralouise Behan; Annette Aspell, Director of Services, Kildare County Council; Cathaoirleach of Athy Municipal District, Cllr Ivan Keatley. Photographer: Michael Donnelly