12 June: A motion passed by Leixlip Area councillors that a development scheme be set up to provide social infrastructures, including swimming pools, for the area has received a 'hand-off' from Kildare County Council officials.
The proposal was passed in April, but now the area councillors have been informed that their 'views have been noted' and the issue will be progressed in the context of an overall Development Contributions usage scheme being prepared for the whole county.
Cllr John McGinley, who proposed the original motion, said he was 'outraged' at what he called a 'nonsensical' response.
"It appears to me that the Manager is more interested in a development scheme to fund roads and other infrastructure," he said. "It is the wish of the Leixlip Area Committee that a scheme for social infrastructure be put in place immediately and that money be ringfenced for use in the towns of Maynooth and Leixlip only."
As the county manager is bound by law to have such schemes approved by the full council by March of next year, the area councillors have decided to send the motion to the council for its approval.
"It is, of course, open to other Area Committees to decide what kind of development scheme is appropriate to their area, and under the legislation the council can enact as many schemes as it wishes," Cllr McGinley said.
