My first motion at todays (15th May) Municipal District meeting, ‘That the council ask Bord na Mona to explore a range of options for their Masterplan for their Newbridge site that would support sustainable economic development in the area including a hub that had the potential to support any or all of the following
- Support local start-ups and growing enterprises with the aim of fostering entrepreneurship and developing economic activity in the area
- Foster and support community ownership of renewable energy projects, citizen education and promotion of recycling
- Provide ‘Hot-desk’ facilities which would allow people to avail of fibre broadband for remote work purposes and for business uses
Here is the report issued by: Ms M Hunt, Senior Executive Officer, Economic Community & Cultural Development; ‘The lands in question are owned by Bord na Mona and, as matters stand, any future development of same would be subject to the policies and objectives of the Local Area Plan. Though obviously well-meaning, it is not however open to the elected members to suggest new objectives, save as part of the review of the LAP and following public consultation.
That stated Kildare County Council through the LEO has set out ambitious plans within the Mideast Action plan for Jobs and its own Economic Development Strategy to develop a network of such innovative co-working spaces in County Kildare locations in Athy, Kildare Town, Naas, North County Kildare and in Newbridge have already been identified. Bord na Mona will be an important Stakeholder in a Green focus hub As outlined in the plans all spaces:
- Support local start-ups and growing enterprises with the aim of fostering entrepreneurship and developing economic activity in the area
- Provide ‘Hot-desk’ facilities which would allow people to avail of fibre broadband for remote work purposes and for business uses’