My main concern is in relation to housing options for older people - providing a choice in terms of downsizing, supported living and nursing home care.
I understand that a private developer has planned to build a nursing home or social housing on a site which is currently used by Ryston Sports and Social Club. In my view, it  would be important to have any development as part of an overall plan so hopefully the planning permission has been given in the context of a future Local Area Plan. The fact that permission has been given for two purposes suggested that prioritising and vision need to be involved. The fact that green recreational space would be given over to housing is also an issue. We are developing standard housing units in Newbridge much faster than the current infrastructure can sustain and with no clear eye to an ageing population and an over dependence on a standard housing model for older people, ie nursing homes.  With no Local Area Plan  in place since 2019, the new Plan is a huge opportunity to introduce and restore balance in all areas, not just Housing.  

We already have the excellent Ryan's Field development which reflected great foresight and vision on behalf of some of our community leaders in Newbridge. We al sohave a large building in the town which has a nursing unit attached - The Holy Family Convent. It would be great to know what plans the Sisters have for the building and for this to be considered as an option for supported living / downsizing and nursing care. McCaulay Place in Naas town is an excellent example of keeping a religious order-owned property in community use. Pat O'Mahony, former Principal of Newbridge College, has written a book in relation to housing for older people and hopefully there is awareness of this within the Council's planning department.