In 1900 Kildare was a small market town with a population of over 2,800. However, most of the population lived in substandard houses, poorly built of plaster and slate, comprising one room and a kitchen with no running water or toilet facilities. Some of these houses accommodated up to ten people. While the basic infrastructure of water, sewerage and electricity had been provided, Kildare Co. Council only constructed the first major social housing scheme in 1939.

From single Labourers' Cottages to the more familiar schemes such as Rowanville, Campion, Assumpta, Lourdesville, Maryville and Bishopsland the people of Kildare Town struggled towards ownership and independence.  As houses became homes, communities developed that helped shape the very heart of the town and instil a sense of pride and belonging, as strangers became neighbours and friends.

Paddy Flanagan, Joseph Connelly, Mario Corrigan, May Doyle, James Durney, Bella Sullivan and Bernie Costello.

The Local Authorities deserve recognition for their endeavours, as do the many councillors, staff and other unsung heroes who made it possible. This is that story.

There are chapters on all the main housing estates in the town but the book also lists the original recipients of individual cottages stretching back to the 19th century. Indeed the ancillary information at the back of the book will be of enormous benefit to researchers in the future. The book is delightfully illustrated throughout from family albums and archives and is an important contribution to the social history of the town.

Almost fifty people were interviewed or contributed to the researching of this book and it is their memories and knowledge that give Hearth and Home that extra human dimension. We hope the people of Kildare Town and environs will support and appreciate the book and no doubt copies will find there way overseas as presents and treasured memories.

Hearth and Home - a history of social housing in Kildare Town 1889-2009 is available to buy (price 13.99) in Kildare Heritage Centre, Malones newsagents and Southwells, Kildare Town; Farrell and Nephew, Newbridge; and Barker and Jones, Naas.