Official Opening of new Kerdiffstown Park
31st January 2025: Kildare County Council today welcomed Secretary General of the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy, Oonagh Buckley, Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD and Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, to join with the Cathaoirleach of County Kildare, Councillor Kevin Duffy, for the official opening of the new Kerdiffstown Park. The event marked a significant milestone for the community, celebrating the transformation of the former Kerdiffstown landfill into a 30-hectare multi use vibrant public space.
Facilities at Kerdiffstown Park include:
- Playgrounds: Safe and fun play areas for children of all ages, featuring modern equipment and soft surfaces.
- Walking and Cycling Paths: Scenic trails that wind through the park, perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling.
- Seating: Designated spots with age friendly seating.
- Sports Fields: Two full-size all-weather sports pitches and three five a side pitches.
- Green Spaces: Open green spaces for relaxation and leisure.
- Fitness Stations: Outdoor fitness equipment for those looking to exercise in the fresh air.
- Parking: Ample parking spaces to accommodate visitors.
- Discover the Stones of the Hollow Hill: Explore 18 carved stones by artist James Winnett, depicting the myth of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and his warriors. These carvings blend Irish mythology with the history of Kerdiffstown landfill.
Speaking at the official opening, Secretary General of the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy, Oonagh Buckley said; “This park is a real-life case of ‘turning trash into treasure’. Kerdiffstown Park is a great new public amenity with top-class sports facilities alongside seating, cultural spaces, a playground and a beautiful landscape for us all to enjoy. The Park was formerly a quarry and then a landfill dump which was illegally run and caused significant pollution of the environment. The person responsible for this has been prosecuted and punished. The project happened thanks to huge community and public engagement, along with the hard work of Kildare County Council and with money provided by the government. It’s been worth the wait”
Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD said “The Kerdiffstown story is one of transformation but it is also a story of community resilience. It is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities, local authorities and government agencies work together. A project of this scale required extensive public consultation, careful planning and ongoing engagement to ensure that local voices were heard and incorporated into the vision for the park. I want to acknowledge the hard work of local community groups, residents, and all those who took part in consultations, attended meetings and helped shape the future of this site.”
Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD said: “The opening of Kerdiffstown Park is an example of a modern solution to a dated problem. The repurposing of the once heavily polluted landfill site into a modern multi-use facility is most welcome. It is evidence of what we can achieve when the local authority and Government work together towards a common goal. I know the community will greatly benefit from the new facilities, with all-weather sports pitches, scenic walking trails, green spaces and age friendly seating, there is something for all the family. Kerdiffstown Park represents a new partnership between Kildare people and our local environment, with both winning out”.
Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Councillor Kevin Duffy said; “The opening of Kerdiffstown Park represents a new chapter for our community, providing a beautiful and accessible space for recreation and relaxation, while promoting environmental care. It’s fantastic to see this project come to life and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this park will have on the residents and visitors alike”
Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council said; “Kildare County Council is delighted to see this fabulous new amenity opened. A major project of this scale would not have been possible without strong partnerships and collaboration, all working together towards a shared goal. I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who has been involved in the project at every step and milestone over the years. This park stands as a testament to our commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being. We are proud to support initiatives that benefit both people and the planet.”
Kerdiffstown Park is now open and is designed to be an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone, promoting health, wellness, and community engagement.
For further information of Kerdiffstown Park visit https://kildarecoco.ie/allservices/kerdiffstownpark/
