Cllr Chris Pender
@chrispenderke.bsky.social
Social Democrats County Councillor for the Newbridge LEA.
Director of the Substance Use Regional Forum. Board member Platinum Club House
Committees; Housing and Regeneration SPC, County Rural Water Monitoring, Protocol and Procedures, Audit
Director of the Substance Use Regional Forum. Board member Platinum Club House
Committees; Housing and Regeneration SPC, County Rural Water Monitoring, Protocol and Procedures, Audit
🧯 Tackling Dangerous Litter
I supported a motion calling for national disposal guidelines for large nitrous oxide (NOS) canisters.
These are being dumped in public spaces, and the public has no clear way to safely get rid of them.
✅ Motion passed.
I supported a motion calling for national disposal guidelines for large nitrous oxide (NOS) canisters.
These are being dumped in public spaces, and the public has no clear way to safely get rid of them.
✅ Motion passed.
July 31, 2025 at 10:33 AM
🧯 Tackling Dangerous Litter
I supported a motion calling for national disposal guidelines for large nitrous oxide (NOS) canisters.
These are being dumped in public spaces, and the public has no clear way to safely get rid of them.
✅ Motion passed.
I supported a motion calling for national disposal guidelines for large nitrous oxide (NOS) canisters.
These are being dumped in public spaces, and the public has no clear way to safely get rid of them.
✅ Motion passed.
🏡 Backing Cooperative & Self-Build Housing
I called for stronger support for Ó Cualann-style cooperative models and challenged the poor uptake of the Serviced Sites Scheme.
Too many people are being locked out of both public and private housing.
We need real, community-led alternatives.
I called for stronger support for Ó Cualann-style cooperative models and challenged the poor uptake of the Serviced Sites Scheme.
Too many people are being locked out of both public and private housing.
We need real, community-led alternatives.
July 31, 2025 at 10:33 AM
🏡 Backing Cooperative & Self-Build Housing
I called for stronger support for Ó Cualann-style cooperative models and challenged the poor uptake of the Serviced Sites Scheme.
Too many people are being locked out of both public and private housing.
We need real, community-led alternatives.
I called for stronger support for Ó Cualann-style cooperative models and challenged the poor uptake of the Serviced Sites Scheme.
Too many people are being locked out of both public and private housing.
We need real, community-led alternatives.
🏑 Kildare Hurlers Recognised
At this month’s meeting, the Council formally presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Kildare Hurling Team.
👏 A proud moment for the players, supporters and the county. Well deserved!
At this month’s meeting, the Council formally presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Kildare Hurling Team.
👏 A proud moment for the players, supporters and the county. Well deserved!
July 31, 2025 at 10:33 AM
🏑 Kildare Hurlers Recognised
At this month’s meeting, the Council formally presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Kildare Hurling Team.
👏 A proud moment for the players, supporters and the county. Well deserved!
At this month’s meeting, the Council formally presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Kildare Hurling Team.
👏 A proud moment for the players, supporters and the county. Well deserved!
💰 Local Property Tax (LPT)
I opposed the 10% increase in LPT, which was unfortunately voted through by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and Independents.
🗨️ “Councils need funding — but this must come from central government, not additional burden on households.”
I opposed the 10% increase in LPT, which was unfortunately voted through by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and Independents.
🗨️ “Councils need funding — but this must come from central government, not additional burden on households.”
July 31, 2025 at 10:33 AM
💰 Local Property Tax (LPT)
I opposed the 10% increase in LPT, which was unfortunately voted through by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and Independents.
🗨️ “Councils need funding — but this must come from central government, not additional burden on households.”
I opposed the 10% increase in LPT, which was unfortunately voted through by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and Independents.
🗨️ “Councils need funding — but this must come from central government, not additional burden on households.”
🏘️ Protecting Quality Housing
I co-sponsored a motion rejecting new Government apartment guidelines that would:
❌ Cut homes to 32sqm
❌ Remove local authority powers
❌ Prioritise profit over livability
✅ Motion passed Council to seek review with the Minister.
🗨️
I co-sponsored a motion rejecting new Government apartment guidelines that would:
❌ Cut homes to 32sqm
❌ Remove local authority powers
❌ Prioritise profit over livability
✅ Motion passed Council to seek review with the Minister.
🗨️
July 31, 2025 at 10:33 AM
🏘️ Protecting Quality Housing
I co-sponsored a motion rejecting new Government apartment guidelines that would:
❌ Cut homes to 32sqm
❌ Remove local authority powers
❌ Prioritise profit over livability
✅ Motion passed Council to seek review with the Minister.
🗨️
I co-sponsored a motion rejecting new Government apartment guidelines that would:
❌ Cut homes to 32sqm
❌ Remove local authority powers
❌ Prioritise profit over livability
✅ Motion passed Council to seek review with the Minister.
🗨️
⚽ Inclusive Access for All
The Council reviewed the Kildare Sports Plan & Outdoor Recreation Strategy.
✔ Improve access to sport & green space
✔ Promote inclusivity for all ages/abilities
✔ Link health, planning & community
📣 We must embed accessibility and equality into local planning.
The Council reviewed the Kildare Sports Plan & Outdoor Recreation Strategy.
✔ Improve access to sport & green space
✔ Promote inclusivity for all ages/abilities
✔ Link health, planning & community
📣 We must embed accessibility and equality into local planning.
July 31, 2025 at 10:33 AM
⚽ Inclusive Access for All
The Council reviewed the Kildare Sports Plan & Outdoor Recreation Strategy.
✔ Improve access to sport & green space
✔ Promote inclusivity for all ages/abilities
✔ Link health, planning & community
📣 We must embed accessibility and equality into local planning.
The Council reviewed the Kildare Sports Plan & Outdoor Recreation Strategy.
✔ Improve access to sport & green space
✔ Promote inclusivity for all ages/abilities
✔ Link health, planning & community
📣 We must embed accessibility and equality into local planning.
🧠 Building an Inclusive County
Thanks to asiamireland for sharing insight on how we can make public services and spaces more accessible for autistic people.
🗨️ "Inclusion must be part of every public space and service."
Thanks to asiamireland for sharing insight on how we can make public services and spaces more accessible for autistic people.
🗨️ "Inclusion must be part of every public space and service."
July 31, 2025 at 10:33 AM
🧠 Building an Inclusive County
Thanks to asiamireland for sharing insight on how we can make public services and spaces more accessible for autistic people.
🗨️ "Inclusion must be part of every public space and service."
Thanks to asiamireland for sharing insight on how we can make public services and spaces more accessible for autistic people.
🗨️ "Inclusion must be part of every public space and service."
📢 JULY FULL COUNCIL UPDATE
Here's what I raised and supported at this month's full meeting of Kildare County Council from housing and taxation to inclusion and safety.
Public services must work for everyone. Let’s build a fairer, more inclusive Kildare.
Here's what I raised and supported at this month's full meeting of Kildare County Council from housing and taxation to inclusion and safety.
Public services must work for everyone. Let’s build a fairer, more inclusive Kildare.
July 31, 2025 at 10:33 AM
📢 JULY FULL COUNCIL UPDATE
Here's what I raised and supported at this month's full meeting of Kildare County Council from housing and taxation to inclusion and safety.
Public services must work for everyone. Let’s build a fairer, more inclusive Kildare.
Here's what I raised and supported at this month's full meeting of Kildare County Council from housing and taxation to inclusion and safety.
Public services must work for everyone. Let’s build a fairer, more inclusive Kildare.
If you want the government to take real action on grocery prices
👉 Contact your local TDs
📣 Ask them to support the Social Democrats’ motion this week
Together, we can demand fairness and restore trust.
#CostOfLiving #SupportTheMotion #SocialDemocrats
👉 Contact your local TDs
📣 Ask them to support the Social Democrats’ motion this week
Together, we can demand fairness and restore trust.
#CostOfLiving #SupportTheMotion #SocialDemocrats
July 6, 2025 at 9:59 AM
If you want the government to take real action on grocery prices
👉 Contact your local TDs
📣 Ask them to support the Social Democrats’ motion this week
Together, we can demand fairness and restore trust.
#CostOfLiving #SupportTheMotion #SocialDemocrats
👉 Contact your local TDs
📣 Ask them to support the Social Democrats’ motion this week
Together, we can demand fairness and restore trust.
#CostOfLiving #SupportTheMotion #SocialDemocrats
Our motion calls on the government to:
🧾 Require large grocery retailers to publish full audited financial accounts
🌍 Apply the rules to all, regardless of where they’re based
🛡️ Give regulators more teeth to protect consumers and investigate unfair pricing
🧾 Require large grocery retailers to publish full audited financial accounts
🌍 Apply the rules to all, regardless of where they’re based
🛡️ Give regulators more teeth to protect consumers and investigate unfair pricing
July 6, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Our motion calls on the government to:
🧾 Require large grocery retailers to publish full audited financial accounts
🌍 Apply the rules to all, regardless of where they’re based
🛡️ Give regulators more teeth to protect consumers and investigate unfair pricing
🧾 Require large grocery retailers to publish full audited financial accounts
🌍 Apply the rules to all, regardless of where they’re based
🛡️ Give regulators more teeth to protect consumers and investigate unfair pricing
Consumers have a right to know:
Are these price hikes due to real costs or is there price gouging happening behind the scenes?
Next Wednesday, we’re tabling a motion in the Dáil to demand transparency from retailers.
#SocialDemocrats #CostOfLiving
Are these price hikes due to real costs or is there price gouging happening behind the scenes?
Next Wednesday, we’re tabling a motion in the Dáil to demand transparency from retailers.
#SocialDemocrats #CostOfLiving
July 6, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Consumers have a right to know:
Are these price hikes due to real costs or is there price gouging happening behind the scenes?
Next Wednesday, we’re tabling a motion in the Dáil to demand transparency from retailers.
#SocialDemocrats #CostOfLiving
Are these price hikes due to real costs or is there price gouging happening behind the scenes?
Next Wednesday, we’re tabling a motion in the Dáil to demand transparency from retailers.
#SocialDemocrats #CostOfLiving
Food prices haven’t risen in isolation they’ve jumped alongside energy, rent, and other essentials.
Yet we still don’t know how much profit is being made in the supply chain.
That lack of transparency isn’t acceptable.
#Accountability #Transparency
Yet we still don’t know how much profit is being made in the supply chain.
That lack of transparency isn’t acceptable.
#Accountability #Transparency
July 6, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Food prices haven’t risen in isolation they’ve jumped alongside energy, rent, and other essentials.
Yet we still don’t know how much profit is being made in the supply chain.
That lack of transparency isn’t acceptable.
#Accountability #Transparency
Yet we still don’t know how much profit is being made in the supply chain.
That lack of transparency isn’t acceptable.
#Accountability #Transparency
📈 Since 2021:
🛍️ Grocery prices are up 40%
💶 That’s an extra €3,000 per year for the average family
This isn’t sustainable and families deserve answers.
#GroceryCosts #Fairness #Inflation
🛍️ Grocery prices are up 40%
💶 That’s an extra €3,000 per year for the average family
This isn’t sustainable and families deserve answers.
#GroceryCosts #Fairness #Inflation
July 6, 2025 at 9:59 AM
📈 Since 2021:
🛍️ Grocery prices are up 40%
💶 That’s an extra €3,000 per year for the average family
This isn’t sustainable and families deserve answers.
#GroceryCosts #Fairness #Inflation
🛍️ Grocery prices are up 40%
💶 That’s an extra €3,000 per year for the average family
This isn’t sustainable and families deserve answers.
#GroceryCosts #Fairness #Inflation
Grocery prices are OUT OF CONTROL.
People across Ireland are feeling the pinch every week at the till but there’s still no transparency on why prices are rising so fast.
This week, the Social Democrats are putting forward a motion in the Dáil to change that. 👇
#CostOfLiving #SocialDemocrats
People across Ireland are feeling the pinch every week at the till but there’s still no transparency on why prices are rising so fast.
This week, the Social Democrats are putting forward a motion in the Dáil to change that. 👇
#CostOfLiving #SocialDemocrats
July 6, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Grocery prices are OUT OF CONTROL.
People across Ireland are feeling the pinch every week at the till but there’s still no transparency on why prices are rising so fast.
This week, the Social Democrats are putting forward a motion in the Dáil to change that. 👇
#CostOfLiving #SocialDemocrats
People across Ireland are feeling the pinch every week at the till but there’s still no transparency on why prices are rising so fast.
This week, the Social Democrats are putting forward a motion in the Dáil to change that. 👇
#CostOfLiving #SocialDemocrats
📚 Newbridge Library & Archives Project Moves Forward – Tender Stage Now Live 🏗️
Kildare County Council has officially entered the next phase of delivering the new Newbridge Library, Local Studies and Archive Building on Athgarvan Road.
Kildare County Council has officially entered the next phase of delivering the new Newbridge Library, Local Studies and Archive Building on Athgarvan Road.
June 13, 2025 at 2:19 PM
📚 Newbridge Library & Archives Project Moves Forward – Tender Stage Now Live 🏗️
Kildare County Council has officially entered the next phase of delivering the new Newbridge Library, Local Studies and Archive Building on Athgarvan Road.
Kildare County Council has officially entered the next phase of delivering the new Newbridge Library, Local Studies and Archive Building on Athgarvan Road.
Road Alert – R445 Liffey Bridge
After repeatedly raising the worsening potholes & surface defects at Liffey Bridge, I’m delighted that full road-surface resurfacing works for the bridge & the entire junction with Canning Place (L-7041) & Athgarvan Road (R-416) have now been brought forward.
After repeatedly raising the worsening potholes & surface defects at Liffey Bridge, I’m delighted that full road-surface resurfacing works for the bridge & the entire junction with Canning Place (L-7041) & Athgarvan Road (R-416) have now been brought forward.
May 16, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Road Alert – R445 Liffey Bridge
After repeatedly raising the worsening potholes & surface defects at Liffey Bridge, I’m delighted that full road-surface resurfacing works for the bridge & the entire junction with Canning Place (L-7041) & Athgarvan Road (R-416) have now been brought forward.
After repeatedly raising the worsening potholes & surface defects at Liffey Bridge, I’m delighted that full road-surface resurfacing works for the bridge & the entire junction with Canning Place (L-7041) & Athgarvan Road (R-416) have now been brought forward.
Great to see a project I’ve been working on finally getting started today!
Just a heads-up: Stop/Go traffic measures are now in place, so do give yourself a few extra minutes if you’re passing through.
Just a heads-up: Stop/Go traffic measures are now in place, so do give yourself a few extra minutes if you’re passing through.
April 24, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Great to see a project I’ve been working on finally getting started today!
Just a heads-up: Stop/Go traffic measures are now in place, so do give yourself a few extra minutes if you’re passing through.
Just a heads-up: Stop/Go traffic measures are now in place, so do give yourself a few extra minutes if you’re passing through.
New Playground for Moorfield – and Plans for Lakeside Too!
I'm really pleased to share that a brand new play area is on the way for Moorfield Park!
I'm really pleased to share that a brand new play area is on the way for Moorfield Park!
April 13, 2025 at 4:54 PM
New Playground for Moorfield – and Plans for Lakeside Too!
I'm really pleased to share that a brand new play area is on the way for Moorfield Park!
I'm really pleased to share that a brand new play area is on the way for Moorfield Park!
🧵 Did you know most of Liffey Linear Park isn't actually owned by the council?
We've discovered, following a motion back in 2022, that large sections of our beloved park are either unregistered or still owned by developers.
We've discovered, following a motion back in 2022, that large sections of our beloved park are either unregistered or still owned by developers.
April 8, 2025 at 12:38 PM
🧵 Did you know most of Liffey Linear Park isn't actually owned by the council?
We've discovered, following a motion back in 2022, that large sections of our beloved park are either unregistered or still owned by developers.
We've discovered, following a motion back in 2022, that large sections of our beloved park are either unregistered or still owned by developers.
4️⃣ Question:
Can the Newhall site (Floods Cross Designated Accommodation Centre) be flexibly utilised short-term for frontline staff or emergency accommodation, creatively addressing urgent local housing needs?
Your input matters—let’s chat!
📞 085 829 8237
📧 Chris.Pender@SocialDemocrats.ie
Can the Newhall site (Floods Cross Designated Accommodation Centre) be flexibly utilised short-term for frontline staff or emergency accommodation, creatively addressing urgent local housing needs?
Your input matters—let’s chat!
📞 085 829 8237
📧 Chris.Pender@SocialDemocrats.ie
April 5, 2025 at 5:41 PM
4️⃣ Question:
Can the Newhall site (Floods Cross Designated Accommodation Centre) be flexibly utilised short-term for frontline staff or emergency accommodation, creatively addressing urgent local housing needs?
Your input matters—let’s chat!
📞 085 829 8237
📧 Chris.Pender@SocialDemocrats.ie
Can the Newhall site (Floods Cross Designated Accommodation Centre) be flexibly utilised short-term for frontline staff or emergency accommodation, creatively addressing urgent local housing needs?
Your input matters—let’s chat!
📞 085 829 8237
📧 Chris.Pender@SocialDemocrats.ie
2️⃣ Motion:
Request a monthly Active Travel report outlining project details, funding sources, progress updates, & other info to enhance transparency.
3️⃣ Question:
Seeking clarity on ownership of Liffey Linear Park & adjacent lands. Is the council looking at ways to secure these important lands?
Request a monthly Active Travel report outlining project details, funding sources, progress updates, & other info to enhance transparency.
3️⃣ Question:
Seeking clarity on ownership of Liffey Linear Park & adjacent lands. Is the council looking at ways to secure these important lands?
April 5, 2025 at 5:41 PM
2️⃣ Motion:
Request a monthly Active Travel report outlining project details, funding sources, progress updates, & other info to enhance transparency.
3️⃣ Question:
Seeking clarity on ownership of Liffey Linear Park & adjacent lands. Is the council looking at ways to secure these important lands?
Request a monthly Active Travel report outlining project details, funding sources, progress updates, & other info to enhance transparency.
3️⃣ Question:
Seeking clarity on ownership of Liffey Linear Park & adjacent lands. Is the council looking at ways to secure these important lands?
🧵 My motions & questions for the April 2025 Kildare-Newbridge MD meeting:
1️⃣ Motion (Joint with Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer):
Ring-fence residual funds from Moorfield Park Playground/Area for Lakeside Park's playground and masterplan, investing in our community recreational facilities.
1️⃣ Motion (Joint with Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer):
Ring-fence residual funds from Moorfield Park Playground/Area for Lakeside Park's playground and masterplan, investing in our community recreational facilities.
April 5, 2025 at 5:41 PM
🧵 My motions & questions for the April 2025 Kildare-Newbridge MD meeting:
1️⃣ Motion (Joint with Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer):
Ring-fence residual funds from Moorfield Park Playground/Area for Lakeside Park's playground and masterplan, investing in our community recreational facilities.
1️⃣ Motion (Joint with Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer):
Ring-fence residual funds from Moorfield Park Playground/Area for Lakeside Park's playground and masterplan, investing in our community recreational facilities.
🚧 Newbridge Southern Ring Road Update
The preliminary business case has just been submitted to the Dept of Transport. A big step forward for this long-overdue project.
I’ll keep pushing & will share updates as it progresses.
#Newbridge #Kildare #Transport #Infrastructure
The preliminary business case has just been submitted to the Dept of Transport. A big step forward for this long-overdue project.
I’ll keep pushing & will share updates as it progresses.
#Newbridge #Kildare #Transport #Infrastructure
April 4, 2025 at 4:11 PM
🚧 Newbridge Southern Ring Road Update
The preliminary business case has just been submitted to the Dept of Transport. A big step forward for this long-overdue project.
I’ll keep pushing & will share updates as it progresses.
#Newbridge #Kildare #Transport #Infrastructure
The preliminary business case has just been submitted to the Dept of Transport. A big step forward for this long-overdue project.
I’ll keep pushing & will share updates as it progresses.
#Newbridge #Kildare #Transport #Infrastructure
1/ 🏳️⚧️ Today is Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) – a day to celebrate trans and non-binary people, recognise their contributions, and push for a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. #TDOV #TransDayOfVisibility
March 31, 2025 at 5:15 PM
1/ 🏳️⚧️ Today is Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) – a day to celebrate trans and non-binary people, recognise their contributions, and push for a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. #TDOV #TransDayOfVisibility
🚆 Update on Leap Card & Dublin Commuter Zone 🚆
Following my representations to Irish Rail, I can confirm that the Leap Card & Dublin Commuter Zone (excluding TaxSaver) will be in place from 28th April for Newbridge, Kildare & beyond.
Following my representations to Irish Rail, I can confirm that the Leap Card & Dublin Commuter Zone (excluding TaxSaver) will be in place from 28th April for Newbridge, Kildare & beyond.
March 29, 2025 at 1:11 PM
🚆 Update on Leap Card & Dublin Commuter Zone 🚆
Following my representations to Irish Rail, I can confirm that the Leap Card & Dublin Commuter Zone (excluding TaxSaver) will be in place from 28th April for Newbridge, Kildare & beyond.
Following my representations to Irish Rail, I can confirm that the Leap Card & Dublin Commuter Zone (excluding TaxSaver) will be in place from 28th April for Newbridge, Kildare & beyond.