KildareNet News

NAAS, 16 April 2002: by Brian Byrne. Sunday afternoon in Monread Park in Naas. Mothers push their buggies, couples walk the pathways, a group of non-nationals play enthusiastic soccer on the grass with their coats doubling as goalposts, an elderly man walks his dog.

Nice scenes on a sunny spring day. The people living around the park are making the best use of it they can. And patches of new planting promise some shady places in the somewhat distant future. But then, what's a few years more after 20 years of waiting already?

Well, it could be hard for those who want to sit down and watch the goings-on, or just rest after a perambulation around the grassy areas. Almost nine months after the park was 'officially opened' there are as yet just the two token seats put in place for the opening ceremony itself. The solitary litter bin is also still there. But the engraved stone marking the 'opening' of the park by the then chairman of the UDC has disappeared.

A playground promised on that same occasion 'by the end of the year' still hasn't materialised, though we heard recently that 'a number of Irish suppliers have been identified' for the equipment needed.

We're not sure if a 'big party' for the residents and local children, also promised on the opening occasion for 'later in the summer' of the same year, ever materialised. Maybe we just weren't asked to cover it?

The toilet facilities also promised for 'as soon as possible' must be well hidden, because this writer couldn't find them. Fortunately I wasn't in desperate straits.

And matters such as 'safe parking, security and picnic tables' raised by the Monread District Park Committee with the then UDC in November 2000 must be still under consideration by the officials and members of Naas Town Council. As are the the 'number of sports pitches' for which there is space, and which someday could help our non-national friends get good enough to play in a World Cup for Ireland?

Maybe they were all discussed on the planes to and from Omaha?

Well, the councillors and officials are all having a 'think-in' at Killashee House Hotel on Saturday 25 April. There are seats there aplenty. And the place is positively flush with toilets. Not to mention a variety of recreational facilities.

It might have been more productive to choose the Monread District Park as a venue for the 'think-in'. Having to stand around doing the talking, and with no toilet facilities, could concentrate minds wonderfully.

They could take turns to sit when the pressure gets too much. And the litter bin might even cope with the lunch sandwich wrappers ...