KCC has agreed to purchase of the Parochial House and its lands on Main Street. The intent is to use both the House and its grounds for various amenities, such as a new public library, and other functions, such as age-friendly housing.
January 2025
No objections were received by the Charities Regulator. KCC "expect the Charities Regulator to approve and grant the Archdiocese permission to sell to Kildare County Council shortly" after the Archdiocese contacts them. (Source: Cllr. Rupert Heather, reporting on the January meeting of the Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District.)
November 2024
Conveyancing has proved more protracted than expected, with additional processes from the Charities Regulator to be complied with. Alternative legal mechanisms are being explored to get around this logjam. (Source: Cllr. Rupert Heather, interview with Kfm, November 2024.)
May 2024
Initial concepts for the site were published as part of the Celbridge Town Renewal Masterplan, as shown below. However it was emphasized that "all projects proposed are indicative only and will be subject to further consultation, assessment and analysis at detail design stage".
Celbridge already has a public library, why does it need a new one?
Today, Celbridge Library is a relatively small facility, as compared to the population size of the town. Both the adult and children collections are small and there is a severe lack of study facilities for students.