Lack of arbitrators stalling development of Naas Town Centre

Anthony Lawlor TD has today (Wednesday) expressed his disappointment that an arbitration process which concerns the development of the Naas Town Centre has again been deferred until the new year. This is due to the lack of arbitrators in the State. This problem is stalling the development of Naas Town Centre because NAMA are reluctant to commit to funding the development until the arbitration is complete and potential buyers clearly want all legal matters resolved before they proceed any further.

“I have consistently been working towards the opening of the Naas Town Centre and in recent months been approached by potential buyers for the site, whom I have directed to NAMA. However, the ongoing arbitration process between Kildare County Council and private individuals concerning lands required to widen the access road for the Town Centre is stalling the development of the vacant unit.

“Today in the Dáil I raised with the Taoiseach the need to increase the number of arbitrators in the country. The situation in Naas is not the only one being delayed due to the lack of arbitrators in the State. Since last February I have been urging the Courts Service and the Minister for Justice to take a particular interest in the arbitration process in Naas by pointing out the urgent need for the Naas Town Centre to be opened for the benefit of the local community (See here:  Naas Town Centre).

“I will continue to make the opening of Naas Town Centre my priority for the area”.