Naas's expansion plans have caused some local disquiet. There was trenchant opposition when the plan was launched and a petition carrying over 2,000 signatures was presented to the town hall. Most of the 120 acres rezoned for housing either has planning permission or applications under consideration at this stage, according to town clerk Declan Kirrane. A new school is to be built on this estate and the gardens are to be opened up to public access. Other amenity upgrades in the pipeline include a children's playground in the new Monread District Park, a walkway along the old railway line, refurbishment of the town swimming-pool, an indoor sports centre on Caragh Road and new Council offices on Newbridge Road.
Pay parking is to be introduced in the new year.
There are also plans to build a circular ring road around the town - some of this is 80 per cent completed and it is hoped to get funding approval for the remainder within the next year. Schools are under pressure with the population increase and many are currently operating out of prefab structures. The Sisters of Mercy have extended St Mary's College, the Christian Brothers secondary School has plans to expand and the community school is moving to a new location on Sallins Road. Fourteen acres of the land will be used to build affordable private housing. Once here, people seldom move from the area and it's easy to see why.