Kildare villagers in attempt to block sale of church field

A plan by a priest to sell lands purchased for the parish by local people over 50 years ago has enraged many of their descendants. It is estimated locally that the sale, which has been approved by the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Dr Laurence Ryan, could make more than £3 million for the church.

Thirty parishioners have been most vocal in protest, but last month nearly 300 people attended a public meeting in Carragh, near Naas, to oppose the proposed sale.

The "parish field" was bought in 1943 as 26 acres of green space for the enjoyment of the parish with money raised by local people. All involved in buying it are now dead, but one of the main objectors to its sale, Mrs Joan McLoughlin, is the daughter of one of them.

The parish priest, Father John (Jackie) O'Connell, said yesterday: "There is no issue, except with 20 people."

Nine acres of the field were sold in 1966, and the remaining 17 acres have been rented out since to local farmers. Sites of 10 and 12 acres nearby have been sold recently for over £3 million.

Planning permission for 50 houses has been granted for one of them. The builder on that land is providing services, which will greatly enhance the value of adjoining land, including the "parish field".

As the 12-acre site was sold for £1 million and the 10-acre site was sold more recently for £2.4 million, the 17 acres are expected to sell for more than £3 million.

On June 30th Father O'Connell, posted a notice in Carragh church porch announcing the decision to sell the field.

At the public meeting on July 19th Mrs McLoughlin said that while the decision to sell had involved the bishop, diocesan advisers, professional advisers, the parish pastoral council and the parish finance committee, one very important group was missing, "the ordinary parishioners".

"Some of these parishioners feel there was no prior consultation with them on this very important matter," she said. "The current proposal to sell off the land will, if carried through, impact on everybody living in Carragh parish."

Father O'Connell said that proceeds from the sale would "remain under the control of Carragh parish for parish purposes".