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
📬 That’s my update from the July Kildare County Council meeting covering housing, inclusion, public safety, sport and tax fairness.
Thank you to everyone who reached out ahead of the meeting your feedback makes a difference.
Thank you to everyone who reached out ahead of the meeting your feedback makes a difference.
July 31, 2025 at 10:33 AM
📬 That’s my update from the July Kildare County Council meeting covering housing, inclusion, public safety, sport and tax fairness.
Thank you to everyone who reached out ahead of the meeting your feedback makes a difference.
Thank you to everyone who reached out ahead of the meeting your feedback makes a difference.
🧯 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."
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
📰 Full story via Kildare Live:
👉 www.leinsterleader.ie/news/local-n...)
#Kildare #HousingFirst #Recovery #SocialDemocrats #AddictionSupport #KildareCountyCouncil
👉 www.leinsterleader.ie/news/local-n...)
#Kildare #HousingFirst #Recovery #SocialDemocrats #AddictionSupport #KildareCountyCouncil
Accommodation needed in Kildare for people coming out of addiction treatment
Kildare County Council is asked to identify suitable properties
www.leinsterleader.ie
June 23, 2025 at 8:38 PM
📰 Full story via Kildare Live:
👉 www.leinsterleader.ie/news/local-n...)
#Kildare #HousingFirst #Recovery #SocialDemocrats #AddictionSupport #KildareCountyCouncil
👉 www.leinsterleader.ie/news/local-n...)
#Kildare #HousingFirst #Recovery #SocialDemocrats #AddictionSupport #KildareCountyCouncil
Recovery doesn’t end with treatment. It continues in everyday life—with a roof overhead, a safe place to grow, and people who believe in you. That’s what this motion is about.
June 23, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Recovery doesn’t end with treatment. It continues in everyday life—with a roof overhead, a safe place to grow, and people who believe in you. That’s what this motion is about.
We’ve also asked that a report be brought to the Housing SPC, outlining any properties identified, funding streams explored, and challenges faced.
June 23, 2025 at 8:38 PM
We’ve also asked that a report be brought to the Housing SPC, outlining any properties identified, funding streams explored, and challenges faced.
These homes should be:
✅ Close to recovery and support services
✅ On public transport routes
✅ Designed to help people stay connected to their recovery plan.
✅ Close to recovery and support services
✅ On public transport routes
✅ Designed to help people stay connected to their recovery plan.
June 23, 2025 at 8:38 PM
These homes should be:
✅ Close to recovery and support services
✅ On public transport routes
✅ Designed to help people stay connected to their recovery plan.
✅ Close to recovery and support services
✅ On public transport routes
✅ Designed to help people stay connected to their recovery plan.
We need to work with groups like:
🔹 South Western Regional Drugs & Alcohol Task Force
🔹 Cuan Mhuire
🔹 Youth for Peace Hostel
🔹 Peter McVerry Trust
🔹 Approved Housing Bodies
To find safe, supported housing for those in recovery.
🔹 South Western Regional Drugs & Alcohol Task Force
🔹 Cuan Mhuire
🔹 Youth for Peace Hostel
🔹 Peter McVerry Trust
🔹 Approved Housing Bodies
To find safe, supported housing for those in recovery.
June 23, 2025 at 8:38 PM
We need to work with groups like:
🔹 South Western Regional Drugs & Alcohol Task Force
🔹 Cuan Mhuire
🔹 Youth for Peace Hostel
🔹 Peter McVerry Trust
🔹 Approved Housing Bodies
To find safe, supported housing for those in recovery.
🔹 South Western Regional Drugs & Alcohol Task Force
🔹 Cuan Mhuire
🔹 Youth for Peace Hostel
🔹 Peter McVerry Trust
🔹 Approved Housing Bodies
To find safe, supported housing for those in recovery.
At this month’s meeting of Kildare County Council, I tabled a motion calling for action:
🏠 Identify suitable accommodation
🤝 Engage with local addiction & housing services
💶 Seek funding to make it possible
🏠 Identify suitable accommodation
🤝 Engage with local addiction & housing services
💶 Seek funding to make it possible
June 23, 2025 at 8:38 PM
At this month’s meeting of Kildare County Council, I tabled a motion calling for action:
🏠 Identify suitable accommodation
🤝 Engage with local addiction & housing services
💶 Seek funding to make it possible
🏠 Identify suitable accommodation
🤝 Engage with local addiction & housing services
💶 Seek funding to make it possible
With an est project value of €15.27 million (ex. VAT), this is a transformative step for Newbridge restoring a historic landmark while delivering a state-of-the-art facility for learning, connection & culture.
📅 The tender submission deadline is 10/7/2025 at 4pm
www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/cft/vie...
📅 The tender submission deadline is 10/7/2025 at 4pm
www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/cft/vie...
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www.etenders.gov.ie
June 13, 2025 at 2:19 PM
With an est project value of €15.27 million (ex. VAT), this is a transformative step for Newbridge restoring a historic landmark while delivering a state-of-the-art facility for learning, connection & culture.
📅 The tender submission deadline is 10/7/2025 at 4pm
www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/cft/vie...
📅 The tender submission deadline is 10/7/2025 at 4pm
www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/cft/vie...
And the construction of a new 2,000m² three-storey building that will house a modern library with spaces for children, teens, adults, and the wider community.
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June 13, 2025 at 2:19 PM
And the construction of a new 2,000m² three-storey building that will house a modern library with spaces for children, teens, adults, and the wider community.
A restricted tender process has now opened for the construction contract. This major development will see:
The preservation and refurbishment of the iconic 1930s protected structure,
The demolition of the existing 1970s extension currently in use,
The preservation and refurbishment of the iconic 1930s protected structure,
The demolition of the existing 1970s extension currently in use,
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www.etenders.gov.ie
June 13, 2025 at 2:19 PM
A restricted tender process has now opened for the construction contract. This major development will see:
The preservation and refurbishment of the iconic 1930s protected structure,
The demolition of the existing 1970s extension currently in use,
The preservation and refurbishment of the iconic 1930s protected structure,
The demolition of the existing 1970s extension currently in use,