KildareNet News

PIPER'S HILL, NAAS, 17 April 2002: by Brian Byrne. The proposed industrial/business park for Piper's Hill at Killashee has been knocked on the head by An Bord Pleanala, who have overturned a Kildare County Council planning permission following an appeal by local residents.

The plan, for a 10-year phased development comprising 37 buildings, parking for over 7,000 vehicles and two roundabouts on the Kilcullen Road, on land owned by the Weld family, was refused by ABP because of a lack of roads and sewerage infrastructure, and on safety grounds.

The development proposal, which originally received planning permission in February 2001, had a contentious ride and an original application was withdrawn and a new one reapplied following strong local objections. The ABP appeal was taken by James and Matt Purcell and others.

Among the objectors was Naas UDC (now Naas Town Council). Cllrs Mary Glennon and Charlie Byrne both expressed their satisfaction this morning when news of the appeal's success came through.

The original permission involved a 236-acre development , and among the 32 conditions imposed was the prior construction of a link road between the Kilcullen Road and the Newbridge Road.

Around 60 families in the area have objected. The project was on land rezoned during the preparation of the 1999 Kildare County Development Plan which comprises 17 fields previously used for grazing and bloodstock. Members of the Killashee Action Group protested at County Hall in February of 1999 when councillors voted to rezone the property.

The proposers said almost 9,000 jobs would be created on the site, and the businesses there would result in approximately 2,000 more jobs created in the Naas area.

The objection by Naas UDC asked that the proposed development should not be granted permission in advance of the construction of the Naas Relief Road between the Newbridge Road and the Kilcullen Road.