Clane
Population: 8,152 (2022 Census)
Clane in county Kildare has an origin as a settlement dating to a pre-Norman Abbey founded in the 6th Century. Ordinance Survey mapping for the mid-19th Century records Clane as having a linear cluster of buildings and the town still presents a traditional town centre with buildings tightly concentrated along the main street. The town is bordered by the River Liffey to the south-east and there is a single road crossing of the Liffey at Alexandra Bridge on the Sallins Road.
Plans & Publications
During the mid-20th Century when the population of Clane started to grow from a base of approximately 500 persons, suburban expansion emerged with peripheral development on the Prosperous, Ballingappa and Kilcock Roads, and between the Celbridge Road and the River Liffey. The town’s population is now in- excess of 7,000 (2016 census) and necessitates planning for the sustainable growth of Clane.
The town retains a compact linear core along the Main Street, with residential development extending outwards to north, east and west, and some more recent retail and commercial development at the edge of the town centre. Clane town centre retains a strong historical feel and includes a diverse retail offering of independent traders, an attractive setting of stream and playground at Fair Green, and strong heritage assets including the River Liffey, the Abbey and the Church of St Patrick & St Brigid. Community and Educational centres in the town, including schools and Clane General Hospital, are clustered on the Prosperous Road, and there is also enterprise uses for the local economy at the Clane Business Park.
During the development of this Town Centre First plan, Public participation has been strongly encouraged at each stage of the process. The community of Clane and their Town Team, which represents key community groups, continue to work closely with the Local Authority and Town Regeneration officer on completion of their plan. They look forward to presenting a Town Centre First plan that will act as a framework for a vibrant future Clane and its community