Why Must Some Locals Take Castletown Issues To Court While The State Looks On? Asks Local TD

Friday, 9 May 2025 11:28

By Martin Osborne

This morning, Kfm revealed that the Save Castletown Committee will launch High Court proceedings on Monday to restore public access to the historic Castletown House lands in Celbridge.

Why are community groups left to do the State's job?

That's the question being asked by a local TD.

This morning, Kfm revealed that the Save Castletown Committee will launch High Court proceedings on Monday to restore public access to the historic Castletown House lands in Celbridge.

The Save Castletown Committee is bringing the case to challenge the legality of a local landowner’s actions in blocking access to Gay’s Avenue.

The group is also seeking an interim court order to reinstate access while the case is ongoing.

However, Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly said it's "shameful" that the burden has fallen to a voluntary group of residents and heritage advocates.

He has welcomed the committee’s move but questioned why such action was left to a community group rather than the relevant State authorities.

The High Court case is scheduled for the same day - Monday, May 12 - that OPW Minister Kevin Boxan Moran is due to meet with various community stakeholders to discuss Castletown.

These meetings follow sustained political and public pressure for greater transparency and State involvement.

Castletown House, an architectural landmark and public amenity, remains partially inaccessible to the public due to ongoing land access disputes.

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