County Kildare News

Kildare is to get a funding boost of  €1,886,500 to upgrade rural water supplies according to local Fianna Fail T.D. Sean Ó Fearghail

“The funding will be awarded by the Department of the Environment and help to implement the Rural Water Programme and will be focussed towards privately sourced group water schemes that need to be upgraded to bring them into line with the Drinking Water Regulations.”

“Improving the rural water scheme plays a vital role in improving the standard of living for those living in rural areas.”

“Access to high quality and reliable water service is a basic need and this funding should help to ensure that the necessary work can be completed by the end of this year.”

“An additional funding of €10million is being made available for certain public water supplies with potential quality issues around the country.”

“Special funding of €9million is also being allocated for new group water schemes to cater for growing rural communities and €23.2million for local authorities to extend and improve small public water and sewerage schemes.”

“The work and commitment of activities and volunteers who manage local water schemes is commendable. Their dedication has gone a long way to ensure a better water supply for their communities.”

“This funding will consolidate their work and improve rural water supplies even further,” concluded Deputy Ó Feargháil.

Kildare Heritage Centre are running 2 special walking tours on St Patrick's Weekend and Easter Sunday.

The walking tours take place on Sunday 16th March at 1pm and Sunday 23rd March at 1pm outside Kildare Town Heritage Centre.

Price is €3 per adult and €6 per Family (2A & 4C).

Discover this historically important Irish town and learn about the mythology of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and St. Brigid, patroness of the Gaels.

Key stops along the route include St. Brigid’s Cathedral, a Norman tower house, the site of the Turf Club, and the thirteenth century Franciscan Abbey.

Why not spend the day in Kildare Town? As well as doing the walking tour you can visit the Japanese Gardens, Irish National Stud, St Fiachras Garden, Irish Horse Museum, Kildare Village Outlet Centre, St Brigid's Well and loads more.

The new for 2008 ‘Mondello Masters’ series has received a further boost with the announcement that the MCUI Short Circuit Committee have added to the already substantial prize fund on offer for the three events. The race organisers have added an additional €2,000 to the first and third events with €4,000 being added to the pre North West 200 race in May.

The additional funds are being committed by the organising clubs and will now mean a top prize of €3,500 for the opening ‘Mondello Masters’ race on April 12th & 13th, a €7,500 winners cheque on May 10th & 11th and €3,500 for victory in the final event on October 4th & 5th. This fund is then topped up by the offer of €2,000 for a rider who wins two ‘Masters’ races and €5,000 for winning all three.

This substantial investment by Mondello and the MCUI means that a rider winning all three Mondello Masters races and all three concurrent ISB rounds at the circuit, would earn an unprecedented total of €24,000 for just three events. The total prize fund on offer for the Mondello Park ISB rounds has now soared to €85,500.

Mondello Park is currently receiving an unprecedented number of enquiries from at home and abroad and hopes to be able to announce details of riders and teams committed to the series very shortly. Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Mondello Park or visit www.mondellopark.ie over the coming weeks for details.

The Kildare Voice Community Cashback Scheme

Aim: A Kildare Voice community partnership fundraising initiative to assist chosen causes in Co Kildare to reach their goal.

Fundraising has now become a professional business. Community networking, partnering with local firms and negotiation for financial donations is beyond most groups. Community Cashback is fundraising “made easy”.

The main aim of the promotion is to drive and focus the people of Co. Kildare, along with business and community leaders to achieve the goals of these causes. We envisage creating an atmosphere of “giving back” to the community and will assist all the causes in their fundraising efforts.

Mechanics:

Step 1: Choose local causes.
The Kildare Voice will invite local causes / projects to become our chosen fundraising partners. The brand awareness officers with the local editors will investigate what big local / county organisations have specific projects that they want to complete in 2008 / early 2009. We have set a deadline of next Thursday (Feb 28th) to generate a list of 10 – 12 main projects we know are ongoing in each county.....Brand Awareness officers will need to talk to editors and some local groups on their databases to access what fundraising activities are currently ongoing. Some examples may be : A local church under renovation; a local school development project; a sporting club building a new clubhouse or buying equipment; a local medical group buying a breast screening machine.....etc

For the above chosen projects, we will:
(1) Help promote and brand your fundraising events
(2) Give 50 cent value per Kildare Voice token collected by your project.
(3) Provide fundraising tips and aids, e.g. posters / collection boxes / stickers....etc for your events
(4) Provide discounted advertising for your project in The Kildare Voice newspaper.
(5) The Kildare Voice will establish discounts with local business partners.
(6) Feature editorial for your project in The Kildare Voice.
(7) Assist in launch night and presentation night.

Step 2: Get commitment from local Business / Community Partners.

Business / community leader partners will be chosen from each local county, the business partners should be local business leaders and highly respected within the community. To help to get each county behind the fundraising, we also need to recruit community leaders, these are the type of people that everybody knows and respects....they will be goodwill ambassadors for the causes and will be an independent voice and endorsement of the causes.

We have set a deadline of next Thursday (Feb 28th) also to generate a list of 10-20 people who fit the above profile. Again the brand awareness people will need to speak to the local editor who may speak to local politicians to generate the above list of community leaders... Brand awareness people need to speak to each Sales Manager to help with this list. It does not have to be a current client with us, this may be an opportunity to get businesses that don’t normally deal with us involved.......

The community leaders we can target may be the CEO of the Chamber of Commerce,.. .....someone high up in the County Council, and definitely a very well known local priest.

They will be expected to:
(A) Meet monthly as part of a local committee.
(B) Donate to the causes, in time and professional experience.
(C) Assist in PR / Marketing to stir up the local community to get involved in pushing towards completion of the fundraising projects.

What’s in it for the Business partner?
(A) Huge PR and goodwill within the community.
(B) Agreed discounted advertising with The Kildare Voice.
(C) They will be appointed as a partner supplier for projects.... of their product lines.
(D) Branding of their business on all promotional aids..posters / flyers etc.
(E) Personalised testimonials.
(F) Countywide leaflet drops including your business to highlight the fundraising drive.

About the Voice Newspaper Group
The Voice Newspapers were founded in 2005 to build a nationwide group of local newspapers and produce them to a standard of journalism, reporting, production and design never seen before in local media. With all 8 titles making serious inroads in their respective local markets and readership figures on the increase the time is right to launch our first full-scale countywide promotion across all 8 titles.

Newbridge band Super Extra Bonus Party have won the Choice Music Prize for Best Album of 2007.

Their album, titled Super Extra Bonus Party, was awarded the prize last night, 27th Feb, at the awards ceremony in Vicar Street, Dublin.

The other 9 nominated acts, who appeared live on the night, were:

• Adrian Crowley
• Cathy Davey
• Delorentos
• Dry County
• The Flaws
• David Geraghty
• Kila
• Roisin Murphy
• Stanley Super 800

The band receive a cheque for €10,000 provided by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA).

Sean Dempsey, 16, from Maynooth is about to release a song on
ITUNES Stores worldwide.

Sean is releasing a single and possibly an album all over the world on digital download stores.

The song is said to be "similar to Britney Spears or Justin Timberlake...with a twist".

The song has been remixed by DJ Tiesto and DJ Shadow, both big DJ's. The song can be heard on his myspace page at
www.myspace.com/seandempseyoffical along with the remixes and a possible
second single.

Leixlip Town Council invites nominations for its annual Civic Awards.

The nomination may be for someone who is a good neighbour, someone who works hard in a voluntary capacity, or someone who excelled at sport.

There are six categories:

• cultural,
• sporting,
• young person,
• social,
• business and
• non-resident.

The award scheme is to promote and foster a community spirit in Leixlip. The purpose of the awards is to recognise and honour a contribution to the community in Leixlip and/or exceptional achievement in any of the categories.

The town council will host a civic awards night on 16 May 2008 in Leixlip House Hotel.

Application forms can be got by phoning the Town Council offices at 01 6245777. Alternatively you can download the civic awards nomination form here.

Nominations must be returned to the Town Clerk, Ann Heffernan, Newtown House, Captain’s Hill, Leixlip on or before 18 April 2008.

Maynooth Film For All, Film Club        
John Hume Building JHL2, NUI Maynooth
Thursday 6th March @ 7.30pm

THIS IS ENGLAND

When it comes to studies of youth subculture, British directors have made some of the most memorable: 'Quadrophenia', 'Made in Britain', 'Trainspotting'... And to this list can be added 'This Is England', Director Shane Meadows' unsettling and poignant look at a lonely boy whose search for friends exposes him to racism and hate.

Maynooth Film For All, Film Club screens ‘This is England’ winner of Best British Film at the 2008 BAFTA’S on Thursday 6th March at 7.30pm in John Hume Building JHL2, NUI Maynooth. New members always welcome.

With an opening montage which features The Falklands War, 'Roland Rat', 'Knight Rider', 'Space Invaders', aerobics, Duran Duran and the Rubik's Cube, Meadows brilliantly evokes the era and this continues throughout the film, from clothes to hairstyles to music, and even down to the tiniest detail like the fact that with times tough for main character Shaun and his mother, his bike is a Grifter and not the more desirable BMX

This is a heartfelt film, which doesn't pull any punches in its depiction of youth gone wild and nationalism gone mad.

The film club moves to the smaller lecture hall JHL2, for this screening. Colin Coulter of the Department of Sociology will introduce the film and Denis Condon Centre for Media Studies, NUI Maynooth will facilitate a short discussion following the viewing. Payment may be made on the night. For further information and all membership queries please contact Maynooth Film For All Film Club, Maynooth Community Library, Tel: 01 6285530, Email: maynoothlib@kildarecoco.ie

Maynooth Film for All Film Club in partnership with NUI Maynooth forms one strand of Kildare County Council’s Art Service Film Development Programme. The Art’s Service is committed to supporting and developing Film and Film Making in the county and welcomes responses to and suggestions for the programme. If you have any feedback or comment Brenda Brady, Acting Assistant Arts Officer would love to hear from you at bbrady@kildarecoco.ie or by phone on 045 448328.

The Kildare Community Partnership (KCP) is the Partnership Company, supported by Pobal under the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme to support equality of opportunities for better integration and participation in community. 

Reporting to the Office Manager, the Receptionist/ Administrator will be responsible for all aspects of reception and will assist the Office Manager with administration duties.

The successful candidate will have:

• Good IT and Communication Skills
• Be a Self Motivator
• Fluent in English
• The Ability to Multi-task and Meet Deadlines
• Relevant Previous Experience

Salary and Conditions: €23,801 Pro Rata.  This is a part-time position 3-day (21 hours per week) initial contract to December 2008. 

Applications required by 28^th March 2008

See the Kildare Community Partnership website for details.

The Kildare Community Partnership (KCP) is the Partnership Company, supported by Pobal under the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme to support equality of opportunities for better integration and participation in community.

Economic Development Programme Manager:
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Economic Development Programme Manager will be responsible for the management and coordination of projects and initiatives beneficial to those who are exploring work, training and education opportunities.

A qualification in Business/Enterprise is desirable, however consideration will also be given to a candidate who has relevant experience and a track record.  The use of a car is essential for this post.

The position requires a high level of professionalism and an ability to communicate with clients.

The successful candidate will:

•  Be an excellent Team Worker
•  Will demonstrate Leadership and creativity 
•  Have a background in business related activities.
•  Have a clear understanding of community development/ and social inclusion issues.
• Administration and Report writing  are high priority

Salary and Conditions: Attractive package negotiable, dependent on skills and experience.  Initial contract to December 2008. 

Deadline for applications 28th March 2008

More details are available at the Kildare Community Partnership website.

Kildare commuters have been urged to participate in a public consultation on transport by local Fianna Fail T.D. and Convenor of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Áine Brady.

“A public consultation has been launched by the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey that seeks views on how to reduce traffic congestion, alternative means of travelling such as walking and cycling as well as how to increase use of public transport.”

“The views of Kildare residents will then be included in a sustainable transport action plan that will be published later this year.”

“Kildare commuters will be best placed to tell us what measures they think will decrease congestion and make their daily journeys faster.”

“The Minister has already said that he is committed to providing the necessary support to enhance alternative means of travelling like walking and cycling. We are also keen to increase usage of public transport and need to know what would encourage commuters to use the train or bus.”

 “Spending lengthy time in traffic jams has a negative effect on family life and free time causing stress for commuters. It will be necessary to change our travel behaviour and this Government is committed to assisting people in this.”

“Those who participate in the survey will be asked about their views on how existing commuting patterns be tackled, how can existing public transport be expanded and improved for customers and what key steps needed to encourage more people to walk or cycle?”

“People can participate in the survey on the website, www.sustainabletravel.ie or get a copy by telephoning the lo-call number 1890 252 754 or by writing  to Sustainable Transport Division, Department of Transport, Transport House, 44 Kildare Street, Dublin 2,” concluded Deputy Brady.

Leixlip Town Council is now inviting applications for grants to community groups and organisations within Leixlip.

Grants will be considered for the following types of project:

If you are between 17 & 35 and have an interest in any of the following  activities, including:

• bowling,
• singing,
• dancing,
• speaking,
• paintballing,
• debating, 
• drama,
• basketball,
• volleyball,
• gaelic football,
• indoor soccer,
• an active Young Farmer Discussion Group,
• nights in,
• nights out,
• weekends away or
• just meeting plenty of people and lots more

Come along to hear more! 

A meeting of the new Athy Macra will be held on Tuesday 4th March in The Dominicans Hall, Athy at 8:30pm.

All are welcome and for more information contact training & development officer for the area Brigid Walsh on 086-0822038.

Kildare County Council Arts Service presents

Laban In Practice

A weekend of Laban based dance workshops with Anna Carlisle and Cathy O’Kennedy

29-30 March 2008
Middle Loftus Hall, South Campus, NUI Maynooth, Co. Kildare

Laban In Practice is a series of related workshops designed to support and inform a broad range of dance practices including Community Dance, Dance in Education, Choreography and Dance Making and Integrated Dance Practices.

In the revision of techniques and fundamentals, Laban In Practice provides an opportunity for Laban students, graduates, community dance practitioners and dance artists to progress their understanding of Laban’s work and practical application in their own work and practice.  It will introduce participants to different approaches and indicate that there’s more to be learned.

The programme of events also includes: lunchtime performance of Pieces of Elsewhere, a new  work by Counterbalance, Integrated Dance Company, film screening of Shade a new dance film by Louise Costelloe and the  launch of When We Danced, a new publication documenting Kildare’s dance development programme.

The Tutors
Acclaimed choreographers Anna Carlisle and Cathy O’Kennedy will facilitate these workshops.

Anna Carlisle, President, Laban Guild
Anna was Head of Dance at Lewes College and Lecturer in Choreological Studies at LABAN, London.  She has taught extensively on the international circuit.  Choreographic projects have run in Copenhagen, Iceland, France and Ireland and choreographic commissions for the Brighton Festival include Dances Sacrees et Profanes with the Musicians of All Saints and the Community Opera, Figlia del Mago.  Recent site specific works for her inter-generational Community Dance Group, Thin Skin, include The Rise of Spring and Where the Land Meets the Sea for the Arts Council Big Dance, summer 2006.

She is currently Director of the Phoenix Project, a Professional  Development Course in Laban Studies for Dance and Theatre practitioners  based at Royal Holloway College, London.  Anna was awarded the MBE for Services to Dance in 2002.

Cathy O’Kennedy, Artistic Director, Fluxusdance
Cathy O’Kennedy is an Irish dance artist and choreographer with over three decades of experience of teaching, performing and creating dance in community and education settings in Ireland.  She is currently the creative director of Counterbalance Integrated Dance Group and is the Artistic Director and choreographer for Fluxusdance.  Cathy is currently a PhD candidate with The University of East London.

Weekend Schedule

Saturday 29 March

10am – 12pm  Workshop 1
12pm – 1pm  Break
1pm -1.50 pm  Performance, Pieces of Elsewhere by Counterbalance
2pm - 4pm  Workshop 2
4pm - 5pm  Film Screening, Shade by Louise Costelloe

Sunday 30 March

11am – 1pm  Workshop 3
1pm – 2pm  Break
2pm - 4pm  Workshop 4
4.30pm-5pm  Presentation of awards, Community Dance Leaders Course and refreshments. Launch of When We Danced, a new dance publication

Fees: €70 for 2 Day Workshop or €40 per day. 

Booking and information: Contact Nicola Dunne, Kildare County Council Arts Service,
Tel: 045 448328 or email: nmdunne@kildarecoco.ie

Download Laban In Practice 2008 Booking Form ( MS Word 215 KB)

Pre-enrolment has opened for the proposed new Educate Together
school in Maynooth.

Pre-enrolment has opened for the proposed new Educate Together school in Maynooth.

Pre-enrolment forms are available from the website: http://www.maynoothet.org and can be returned to the address on
the form.

Any queries can be sent via the Contact Us form on the website
also and will be replied to promptly.

This school is proposed to be located at Rail Park on the Celbridge
Road, pending approval by the New Schools Advisory Committee and
the receipt of planning permission, which has been sought by the Minister
for Education.

The treatment by Education and Science Minister Mary Hanafin of all sections of education in Kildare shows her lack of commitment to the reality of education needs in the county according to Fine Gael’s Cllr Richard Daly

“A whole range of educational establishments which had completed the long acquisition, planning and tendering process throughout the county are left in the perpetual limbo of not knowing when they will be allowed to complete the schools which have been sanctioned for years.

There is no doubt about the need for any of these schools but all semblance of transparency and accountability have vanished from the process which seems to be purely in the hands of the minister. Schools in Naas, Athy and Athgarvan are among the bemused and bewildered who can not understand the ad hoc decision making process engaged in by the minister.” Said Cllr Daly.

“For any level of planning and education provision, school managers need to know when their projects are to be advanced. Many schools have worked through the process for seven or eight years and still have no definite finishing date. Even when all stages of the process are completed the minister still has to wait for the right moment for an announcement.

Primary schools can be located on second level grounds or sports clubs with no definite future arrangement for their re-location while the minister claims that it is possible to design and build schools within a year.

While I applaud the one location in Adamstown where school facilities are leading population development, it must not be at the expense of the rest of the commuter belt. Every student has equal rights and their education facilities should not be dependent on the favouritism of a minister.” he added.

Kildare horticulture growers are to benefit from over €350 thousand in grant aid from the Department of Agriculture under the Grant Scheme for the Development of the Horticulture Sector, according to local Fianna Fail T.D. Áine Brady.

“The grants will assist Kildare horticulture growers with capital investments in new facilities.”

“The grants will cover all areas of the horticulture sector including mushrooms, protected crops, nursery crops, field vegetables, soft fruits and apples and bee-keeping and other.”

“The Kildare growers that will benefit include; Carragh Nursery's Ltd will receive €12,341 for nursery crops, Woodstock Trees and Shrubs who will get €22,940 for nursery crops and Dorans Nursery who will get €32,400 for nursery crops also.”

“The horticulture aid scheme began in 2000 and is now at its highest up-take. As consumers realise the importance of increasing the amount of fruit and vegetable in their diet and of buying local produce, there has been a growth in the business.”

“I would urge local people in Kildare to support these local growers and their produce,” concluded Deputy Brady.

NUI Maynooth is to benefit from funding of €320,000 under the Department of Education’s Strategic Innovation Fund according to local Fianna Fail T.D. Áine Brady.

“This funding will go towards supporting internal change in the Institute, improving teaching and learning and promotion of access and lifelong learning and supporting the development of fourth level education.”

“One of the projects that will benefit from this funding is a joint project involving eight third level institutions in Dublin to exploit their geographic closeness bringing together disciplines and staff in order to enhance opportunities for students.”

“A strong local university will provide a readily available high skilled local workforce that will in turn encourage investment in Kildare.”

“NUI Maynooth will also be participating in the Creating the Entrepreneurial Graduate Proposal. As part of this plan NUI Maynooth will work in partnership with UCD, Dundalk IT, Trinity College Dublin, DCU, IT Tallaght and the Dublin Institute of Technology and aim to link entrepreneurship education into existing technology programmes and promote organisational change within and between the institutions.”

“NUI Maynooth will also share in the €5.5million that has been allocated to promote partnerships between Universities around the country.”

“This fund will fulfil a commitment to mainstreaming supported flexible learning within and between the Universities in order to increase the numbers of people in the workforce engaged in education and development.”

“The continued investment in NUI Maynooth is vital, as it plays a vital role education and economy of the region,” concluded Deputy Brady.

Deputy Aine Brady, Convenor of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, has urged North Kildare Commuters to make submissions on the development of a reliable Bus Transport Network and measures on how to solve the traffic congestion problems to the Oireachtas Committee.

'The Committee is anxious to consult with all the stakeholders, including the Commuters of Kildare, on how best we can provide a reliable and efficient Bus Transport Network. While we have made significant progress on the improvements to our rail service, we have not made enough improvements for our Bus Commuters.' stated Deputy Brady.

'The Transport Committee is anxious to come up with proposals to improve the Bus Service. This request for submissions is an ideal opportunity for the commuter or other interested parties to come up with proposals to ensure that we improve our Bus Service and help solve our traffic congestion problem in Dublin.'

'Last year, I met with the Quality Bus Network Office and they have assured me that Maynooth, Celbridge and Naas will be included in their programme to roll out adequate Bus Corridors and assist with the provision of an infrastructure for Buses. For an efficient Bus service to operate, we must reduce the travel time for them.'

'Submissions should be made to the Clerk to Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Leinster House, Kildare St, Dublin 2 or e-mail to submissions.transport@oireachtas.ie . The closing date is 3rd of March next.'

A 4 week course in beekeeping for beginners with practical demonstrations, presented by North Kildare Beekeepers Association, will be hels at:

Naas Community Library, The Harbour, Naas

On Thursday Nights starting in February

• Thursday 21st February 2008 7:45pm – 9:30pm
• Thursday 28th February 2008 7:45pm – 9:30pm
• Thursday 6th March 2008 7:45pm – 9:30pm
• Thursday 13th March 2008 7:45pm – 9:30pm

Followed by outdoor practical demonstrations and further topics in the library during the rest of the year.

Admission Free

Course content to include:

• An introduction to bees and the craft of beekeeping,
• life cycle of the bees,
• beekeeping equipment,
• handling bees, bee flora, produce of the hive,
• spring & summer management,
• swarms & swarming,
• honey removal,
• wintering

At the outdoor practical ‘hands on’ sessions you will get to work with the bees and experience these marvels of nature close up.

Kildare Volunteer Bureau have announced a number of new opportunities for county Kildare people to serve as volunteers for various community organisations.

Organisations seeking volunteers include

• Chernobyl Children’s Project International
• Make-A-Wish Foundation
• The Sunshine Fund
• Kildare Youth Services

Opportunities include fund raising and working in Summer Camps.

Visit the Kildare Volunteer Bureau Website for full details.

A new Irish website for selling new and used cars has been launched.

The address is www.carshowonvid.ie and it features extensive video advertising , enabling users to produce their own video advertisements. The ‘Show on Vid’ branding has been set up by KeefG Media Group, of Kildare Town.

The company says that "the Show On Vid group of websites will be expanding to become Ireland’s first community-based, fully interactive online video advertising websites.”

Kildare farmers will be relieved by the news that the Minister for Agriculture has resolved the REPS issue according to the Kildare South Fianna Fail T.D. Seán Ó Feargháil.

“In discussions this morning the Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan has secured an important deal for Irish farmers as the Commissioner, Fischer Boel has agreed that Ireland can continue to pay REPS 2 and REPS 3 at the beginning of each contract year.”

“The Minister and her officials lobbied very hard on this issue and I know that the Minister is grateful that Commissioner Boel has recognised the on-going hardship by Irish farmers who had an expectation that they would be paid at the beginning of the contract year.”

“Since REPS was first introduced in 1994, the Department of Agriculture has paid the farmer at the start of each year of the five-year contract in recognition of the expense of necessary financial outlay to bring farms up to REPS standards.  It is a system which proved attractive to farmers and worked well.”
 
“REPS 4 operates under different EU regulations from previous versions of the scheme resulting change to the existing practice of paying the farmer at the start of each contract year.”  

“The Minister for Agriculture recognised that this would cause problems for Irish farmers so after explaining the situation to the farming organisations and with their encouragement, sought agreement from the European Commission to continue the existing system.”

“It was a shock when, without warning, the Commission informed the Minister in January that the Department had been wrong to pay REPS at the beginning of the contract year despite being fully aware of how the Department had issued REPS payments.”

“Up to this point the Commission had not indicated that the Irish Department of Agriculture should be doing any thing differently.”

“By the time the Commission informed the Department that it should not be paying Irish farmers up-front, more than €6 million had already been paid to Irish farmers in REPS.”

“The Department put further payments on hold while trying to resolve the issue with the Commission.”

“The Minister was quite rightly concerned about the knock-on effect that the delay in REPS payments would have for Irish farmers and the potential that their confidence in the EU and the REPS scheme might be damaged.”

“Now the farmers who have had their payments on hold since early January will get their money.”

“Commissioner Boel has no objection to the payments of REPS 2 and 3 contracts but discussions will continue in Brussels at official level regarding the new Commission Regulations governing payments under REPS 4.”

“I am confident that the Minister and her officials will continue to work hard and achieve results for Irish farmers,” concluded Deputy Ó Feargháil.

Kildare County Council and Athy and Naas Town Councils are to receive a massive funding boost to pay for work to the county’s regional and local roads, according to local Fianna Fail T.D., Sean Ó Feargháil.

“The Minister for Transport has announced that Kildare County Council will receive €28,178,630; Athy Town Council will get €287,000 and Naas Town Council will receive €605,000 for work to regional and local roads.”

“The funding that Kildare County Council will receive will pay for maintenance, restoration and improvement to the county’s roads.”

“Several roads will also receive funding for specific safety improvement work and specific improvement grants will be provided for several roads in South Kildare including €400,000 for Athgarvan Road, €1,000,000 for Adreigh in Athy and €360,000 for Ballycore Bridge.”

“I am especially pleased that substantial funding has been allocated for footpath provision and repair in Newbridge with Strandhouse Road getting €10,000, Barretstown Road receiving €59,000, Station Road getting €24,000, Edward Street getting €76,000 and Main Street receiving €32,667.”

“The funding for Athy Town Council of €287,000 will also have a significant impact and will be used towards a block grant and for carriageway and foothpath repairs.”

“This essential funding for Kildare roads and foothpaths will give a major boost for commuters, residents and visitors to the county,” concluded Deputy Ó Feargháil.

The Glebe Primary Montessori School in Celbridge is hosting an open evening for parents interested in enroling children for September 2008.

The Open Evening is on 26th Feb 2008 at 8.00pm.

The Glebe is a primary Montessori school, covering the full National School Curriculum and catering for children between the ages of 3 & 12 years.  Established in 1978 and using the Montessori Method of education.  The Glebe offers small classes (16:1), individual attention for all children and a warm and inviting atmosphere in which to learn. 

The Glebe is a 6 teacher school and is a member of the Association of  Independent Junior Schools.

We are now taking enrolments for September 2008. 

Contacts: Marie Hoffman, Principal, Denise Geanet, Vice Principal

Phone: 01-6242525

Email: Principal@glebemontessori.ie

Website: www.glebemontessori.ie      

Kildare Rose of Tralee are now accepting applications for the 2008 Rose Selection. The whole county will be watching to see who will be chosen as this years Kildare Rose of Tralee 2008.

The Kildare Rose Entrants will be presented to the public at the Balck Tie Gala Kildare Rose Ball, which will be hosted by the Kilashee House Hotel and Spa on Saturday 15th March at 8pm.

We are welcoming all clubs, societies, family, friends, businesses and associations to enter an applicant for the 2008 Kildare Rose.

Entrants must be between the ages of 18 and 28 years. Must be unmarried or never have been married and must not have represented any centre at the National or International event. The entrant must be of Irish Birth or ancestry.

Following the Roses inaugural event, they will be presented on stage at the Kilashee House Hotel and Spa on Saturday19th April at the Kildare Rose Selection. By the end of the Selection night one of the Roses will be chosen as the 2008 Kildare Rose of Tralee.

This Rose will then be sent forward to represent her County at the Regional Rose of Tralee.

Applications are available from www.kildareroseoftralee.com

Or by contacting Paul on 086 8650714 or downloading them from
www.kildareroseoftralee.com or why not drop into the White Water Shopping Centre, in Newbridge on Saturday 23rd February and have a chat to us, we will be there all day.

Both the Black Tie Gala Rose Ball and the Kildare Rose Selection Night are open to the public and tickets can be purchased through Kate on 0877553099 or Paul on 0868650714.

The Kildare Rose of Tralee 2008 is proudly Sponsored by Kilashee House Hotel and Spa.

Timolin Tidy Towns and Moone Tidy Towns committees sent three represntatives to Aughrim,  2007 National Winners to see how the best in the country go about climbing up the Marks ladder. They got 299 out of a possible 400. Last year Timolin got 218 marks and Moone 229 .

The trip was organised by Anne Marie Conneely of Kildare County Council to give all the smaller town contestants a chance to see the winning town. Bernie Harrow, Brenda and Sean Cleary went on the trip from this area. Ten towns in all went to Aughrim.
Aughrim is unique in that the Tidy Towns Committee owns the Town Park which includes a 4 acre man made lake, a community centre, restaurant and its own shop. And they aquired it and built it themselves. While we were there the weekly Farmers Market was in progress - all seasonally indoors.

The Lake is developed as a Rainbow Trout Fishing centre and was Ireland's first Disabled Fisherperson friendly location. It is reguarly re-stocked - last year at a cost of Euro 25,000 and we were told you are almost certain to catch at least one. You can keep whatever you catch. Fishing is paid for by the hour and they will even hire you the rod. This is their main source of income and with it they also service the huge borrowings that built and developed the centre.

The comittee is what can only be described as a 'CAN DO' organisation. If they decide to improve some thing or place then they get on and do it. Organising funding is just another part of the job not a barrier to progress. They would regard grants as a help not a necessity.
As committee members walked around the town with us they picked up the odd bit of litter and put it into Litter Bins as a matter of course. Litter begets litter is their motto and if the place is kept clean soon everyone gets the message. If a premises is in need of a coat of paint they will offer to paint it and if the owner can then get  part of fullly paid for it. If they don't get paid, so be it, the town looks the better and others who can afford it will keep their premises looking fresh and fine.

There was not an over- dependance on flower beds and and high maintainance decor. Rather they have developed natural areas that enhance views, recreation areas and a series of walks.

The most impressive features of their philosiphy were that you do what you can do, well ( Rome was not built in a day -it took them 20 years to reach the top ! ) and that you think positively. Sooner or later those who do not have an interest in helping keep their own place and environment in good shape will see that they are only hurting themselves more that their neighbours. Then they too will come on board and they will be welcomed without any acrimony.

62 Reserve Field Artillery Regiment is the local Army Reserve unit for Monasterevin.

This unit is now accepting new members. Closing date for applications is 1st April 2008.

You can visit our website at www.62regiment.ie

Former Irish Olympic swimmer Dr Gary O'Toole is calling on fellow swimmers to join him in swimming across San Francisco Bay to raise essential funds for local Special Olympics athletes in Dublin, North Wicklow and East Kildare.

Taking place in October this year, the annual San Francisco Tiburon Mile is hailed as the most competitive and prestigious international open water swim event in the world. Swim one nautical mile (roughly 2,000 yards or 1,800 metres) with World Champions and Special Olympics athletes while raising funds for athletes in your local area.

If you'd like to get involved, please contact Brenda in the Special Olympics Eastern Region office on 01 869 1626 or email tiburonmile@specialolympics.ie.

Kildare County Council Arts Service invites submissions from interested Artists across all disciplines for inclusion in the 2008 rollout of the Arts in Libraries Programme. The programme aims to provide quality arts experiences for children and young people delivered in community library settings throughout Kildare.

Interested artists should submit proposals outlining workshop ideas for one-day workshops and longer-term residencies in Libraries during 2008.
A facility to adapt and tailor to specific needs with the ability to focus on specific groups or targeted service users is desirable.

• Workshops will be offered to all children and young people throughout the Library Service
• Artists will need the ability to plan, implement and manage projects
• The Arts Service will be the initial point of contact between Artist and Libraries. Subsequently Artists will be expected to develop and maintain autonomous relationships with library staff
• Collaboration and consultation with library staffs concerning design of workshops to target particular groups, service users or specific events will form an integral part of the process.
• Artists will be expected to inform and update Library Staffs on content, processes and expected outcomes of workshops
• Evaluation of previous programming would indicate a need for both short and long term projects at this time. Therefore delivery in some locations will be of a more ‘one day’ nature while affording a longer lead in and delivery time in other situations
• Ideally artists will have previous experience working with groups or, in an education / community context
• Possess good communication skills
• The Arts Service is particularly interested in new and innovative approaches to engage and challenge local audiences through contemporary art practices
• Before submittiting proposals Artists should bear in mind that branch library characteristics vary from small rural locations to urban commuter town
• Artists will need their own transport

TIMELINE
 
It is envisaged workshops will be delivered during April, May, June and again during October through to early December

Proposals should include

• Detailed description of workshop content with projected outcomes
• C.V./ Biography
• Outline of current areas of work and interests
• Documentation of work (images, DVDs, CDs, etc)
• Any other relevant supporting material

Please contact
Brenda Brady, Acting Assistant Arts Officer,
Kildare County Council Arts Service, Riverbank, Main St.,
Newbridge, Co Kildare
Tel: 045 448328 Email: bbrady@kildarecoco.ie
Web: www.kildare.ie/artsservice

Closing date for proposals is Friday the 7th of March 2008 at 5pm.

Successful candidates will be informed by Friday 14th March 2008

7.00am - 9.30am Thursday February 14th 2008

The Leixlip Community Library Cupids presents
2,500 Valentine’s Day Library Gift Packs to Leixlip Commuters

This Gift Pack contains:
  A Lovely Love Story, by Edward Monkton
  & Tickets for a Free Romantic Lunchtime Concert for Two.

Don’t Miss
The Astral String Quartet
Performing in Leixlip Community Library
12.00pm – 2.00pm Saturday 16th February 2008

To celebrate and highlight their range of valuable services, K.L.A.S. (Kildare Library and Arts Services) is providing a unique opportunity to Leixlip commuters to check out www.kildare.ie/library for forthcoming Kildare Library and Arts Events.
Commuters are also invited to become members of their library in Leixlip.
Leixlip Library, the flagship library of Kildare was officially opened in May 2007 by An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern.

Leixlip Library and Arts Services includes:

• Free Internet Access (12 PCs on broadband)
• Assistive Technology including JAWS and Kurzweil
• Vast collections of Books, Audio Books, CDs and DVDs   
• Open 51 hours per week, including lunch, Saturdays and late nights
• Historical Research and Genealogy Service   
• Local Information Service
• Recording Studio     
• Multi-purpose/Exhibition space
• Mezzanine Study Area and Newspaper Corner      
• Wide programme of Children’s Events
• Adult Writers Group & Bookclubs    

Further Information on A Lovely Love Story
A Lovely Love Story
 
'The fierce Dinosaur was TRAPPED inside his CAGE of ICE. Although it was COLD he was HAPPY in there. It was, after all, HIS cage. Then along came the Lovely Other Dinosaur." —A Lovely Love Story
The perfect valentine, A Lovely Love Story will be a welcome gift for romantics of any age, as it tells the story of love that spans time and evolving feelings, A Lovely Love Story promotes happiness, committed relationships, and love despite petty differences.

Heart & Soles’, a new art exhibition by Irish designer and artist Nina Divito, opens at Kildare Village outlet shopping on Monday, 11 February 2008. Just in time for St. Valentine’s Day, the romantic paintings of every lady’s favourite possession are sure to excite all its visitors. This is Nina’s first major exhibition outside Dublin.

While all women love shoes, Nina Divito has taken her devotion a step further by creating a stunning series of paintings of heavenly high heels. Nina has produced 20 exclusive paintings for the ‘Hearts and Soles’ exhibition, featuring heavenly high heels, pretty pumps, and sexy sling-backs. Nina’s work celebrates the sexiness of shoes in all their sassy, sensual glory, and at the same time pays homage to the woman who loves striding out in a pair of sky-high heels.

Nina’s collections of paintings are based on her own design ideas. She paints shoe portraits, giving them a life of their own and a dream like, surreal essence. Her work celebrates women’s shoes in all their glory.

Dubliner Nina began her career in fashion at the Sallynoggin Senior College before moving on to the College of Art, Technology & Design in Dun Laoghaire where she studied fine art. She then continued her studies in the UK, gaining a degree in design from the arts institute in Bournemouth. After some time working in the film industry, she was accepted into the prestigious shoe making course in Cordwainers at the London College of Fashion.

Since graduation, Nina has been working to establish her own footwear label, and has also been putting her designs on canvas. In 2006, Elle Magazine described Nina as “the next big talent” and Nina has since enjoyed continued success with her paintings. Her most recent exhibition “Champagne & Shoes” featured at Krystle Nightclub, Dublin.

Limited Edition Nina Divito shopping bags will be on sale for €10 with all proceeds going to Barretstown, Co. Kildare

‘Hearts and Soles’ opens on Monday 11 February 2008 and runs until TBC. Admission is free. Visit www.ninadivito.com for more information.

Kildare Village outlet shopping is situated off the M7 at Exit 13 and is open seven days a week and has late night shopping on Thursday until 8pm. For information, please visit www.KildareVillage.com

Maynooth Film For All, Film Club        
John Hume Building JHL1, NUI Maynooth
Thursday 14th February @ 7.30pm

From the Italian director Paolo Sorrentino, Maynooth Film for All Film Club gives you a wicked modern-day fairytale. An alternative to red roses and satin hearts on   St. Valentine’s Day! Picture the scene, in a small town, an aging loan shark memorably played by the charismatic Giacomo Rizzo lives with his mother, totally assured in his worldview that life’s cruel and only the greedy prosper. Until, that is, he meets his match in the statuesque Rosalba (Laura Chiatti), whose father has been reduced to seeking his services to pay for her wedding.

The Family Friend intensely explores extreme emotions, whilst playing out a clever  confidence – trick plot. Making the central character a loathsome 70 year old small time moneylender who puts the squeeze on his unfortunate clients while claiming that he’s got their best interests at heart and is undone by his desires and fatal attraction to a young woman.

All the screenings are preceded by a brief introduction by staff from various Departments of NUI Maynooth. On the 14th February Denis Condon, Media Studies Department will give some contextual information. An opportunity to reflect on  the movie will be available following the screening and Denis will again  lead the discussion.

Membership is open to all over 18yrs. and costs €20.00 for the rest of the season with concessionary rates available to students and senior citizens, plus joining fee to the Library Service if you are not already a member.For further information and all membership queries please contact Maynooth Film For All, Maynooth Community Library, Tel: 01 6285530, Email: maynoothlib@kildarecoco.ie

This initiative is a three-way partnership between The Arts and Library Services of Kildare County Council and The Media Studies Department, NUI Maynooth

Mazda Motor Ireland and the Mondello Park Motor Racing School have announced the signing of an exclusive 5-year deal which will see Mazda Motor Ireland as the exclusive supplier of vehicles to the Mondello Park Motor Racing School

Under the agreement terms, Mazda Motor Ireland will supply Mondello Park with 10 race-ready Mazda3 vehicles which will be used throughout the coming race season.

The Mazda3 is renowned as one of the most responsive and sharpest handling cars in its class, and this dynamic chassis will now provide the platform for the fleet of ten race-prepared Mazda3 vehicles.

Mondello Park’s Racing School has been in operation since 2000 and with over 5,000 drivers completing courses in 2007, its reputation as the best motor sport experience in Ireland is firmly cemented. The addition of the Mazda3’s to the race school fleet is set to add extra ‘Zoom-Zoom’ to the initial stage of the course, where drivers learn the skills and techniques necessary to drive one of the school’s single seat racers.

“We are delighted to be in partnership with the Mondello Park Motor Racing School,” said David McGonigle, Managing Director, Mazda Motor Ireland. “It’s a great fit for both of us, where the dynamically superior Mazda3 models will provide the driving thrills which Mondello Park Racing School customers except.”

John Morris, Managing Director, Mondello said: “Mazda is clearly a brand on the move and we are delighted to have them join us in the Motor Racing School. There is no doubt that the addition of the Mazda 3’s will significantly enhance the product as a whole and provide participants with an even better experience in 2008 and beyond”.

While the Mazda3 is available in four and five door models with a choice of 1.4 & 1.6l petrol engines in conjunction with frugal 1.6 diesel variant, Mondello Park Motor Racing School has chosen the responsive 1.6l petrol 5-door model as its official track car.

As part of Mazda’s partnership with Mondello, two BT-50 pick-up’s will also be supplied to the circuit. These vehicles will be fitted out as Fast Intervention vehicles for use during race events at the circuit. Their kit will include fire fighting and towing equipment, in addition to being dressed for circuit use with high visibility signage and warning lights.

The Racing School is also benefiting from a new partnership with Safety Direct, who will be the exclusive suppliers of all-new safety clothing and race helmets.

Mondello Park Motor Racing School is currently taking bookings for the 2008 season for its beginner, intermediate and advanced courses.

Batchelors have announced their intention to close their packaging plant in Athy in June, which will mean the loss of 16 jobs in the area.

They are planning to move their packaging operations to Dublin.

Redundancy talks are due to begin in Mid February.

However, An Post have announced the decentralisation of 20 jobs to the Business Campus in Athy, and hope to have the new sorting office operational before the end of 2008.

On foot of the news of the New Primary School for Maynooth, Deputy Emmet Stagg sought assurances from the Minister for Education that the New School would not affect the agreement to provide an Extension to St. Mary`s Boy`s National School in Maynooth.

 Deputy Stagg stated that Maynooth Boy`s N.S. had 440 pupils at present with 17 classrooms and that an extension comprising 8 additional classrooms had been agreed between the school and the Department to relieve overcrowding.

The Minister has advised Deputy Stagg that ‘The proposal to open a further primary school in Maynooth will not affect the planned expansion of this existing school (Maynooth B.N.S.) to a 24 classroom school'.

Welcoming this assurance from the Minister Deputy Stagg stated that the parents of pupils attending Maynooth B.N.S. will be relieved at the Ministers commitment.

Whilst Capital Funding was not provided by the Minister for the Extension in her initial announcement of the School Building Programme on Friday 1st February Deputy Stagg stated that a further tranche of projects will be given the go-ahead after Easter and he vowed to keep the pressure on the Minister to sanction capital for the extension to St. Mary`s Boy`s National School.

Last year’s winners embark on a journey to bring their college project to market.

Students from NUI Maynooth are today (Feb 4th) travelling to Silicon Valley to complete a three week programme designed to help them transform their college project into a commercial reality. As part of the programme they will have the opportunity to meet Microsoft chairman, Bill Gates. The trip is part of their prize for winning last year’s Imagine Cup competition, and they joined Microsoft Ireland today to encourage Irish students to register for Imagine Cup 2008 on www.imaginecup.com before February 8th. This year’s competition encourages students to "imagine a world where technology enables a sustainable environment".

Last year over 200 students from 25 third level colleges across the North and South of Ireland entered the competition. It was Ireland’s first time to participate in the Imagine Cup and two Irish teams participated in the global finals in South Korea. Students from the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) secured second place in the Web Development competition while students from NUI Maynooth finished in the top six of the overall Software Development competition.

Based on their performance at the finals, the team from NUI Maynooth was chosen to travel to the United States to participate in an innovation programme which has been designed to help them transform their project into a commercial business.  Dan Kelly, from the NUI Maynooth team said, “2007 was a fantastic year for us. The competition was an amazing opportunity for the team and now we’re off to the United States to see how we can bring our project forward. The whole Imagine Cup experience has been amazing and we’d highly recommend it. It was fantastic fun. We hope that this is the beginning of something big for us and we are very excited to be meeting Mr Gates.”

Liam Cronin from Microsoft Ireland said, “Imagine Cup 2007 was a phenomenal success. The passion and enthusiasm of the students and the faculties took us by surprise. The quality of projects submitted by Irish teams far exceeded our expectations and that standard was reflected in the success of our teams in the world finals. We are looking forward to building on that success this year and we hope there will be lots of Irish teams at the world finals. The Imagine Cup is designed to encourage students to pursue careers in technology, engineering and the sciences by demonstrating the practical and innovative applications of their work and attract the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.”

Last year, Microsoft brought together a group of leading companies to support the initial Irish Imagine Cup competition. The success of last year has seen those sponsors return and a number of new sponsors getting involved. This year the Gold sponsors are Enterprise Ireland and Riverdeep Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing. Other sponsors include Lenovo, Imag!ne Telecommunications and Lero, the Irish Software Engineering Research Centre.

Fianna Fail T.D. for Kildare North Aine Brady is the newly appointed Chairperson of the Arts Sports and Tourism Party Policy Committee.

"This position will allow me to reflect the views of Fianna Fáil to my colleagues on the Arts Sports and Tourism Committee."

"As a representative for Kildare North I obviously have priorities for my own area, but I know that these priorities are reflected across the country by other Deputies."

"I have been a long time supporter of a swimming pool at Leixlip and know that access to a local pool is an issue for those in other large towns around the country."

"Kildare has huge Tourism potential with resources such as the Canal and its Walkway, Equestrian pursuits."

"I recently attended the Failte Ireland launch of their Tourism Development Plan for the East and Midlands Region.

"It is estimated that the East and Midlands Region will generate €505 million in tourism revenue by 2010 with more than 900,000 holiday visitors set as a target."

"I was pleased to see such a well thought out and detailed plan for the area. I know this will be replicated in other parts of the county."

"It is also a priority of mine to support the Community Arts Groups both in Kildare and around the country as this is often the first contact people have with the arts and makes the arts accessible to all."

"I look forward to hearing the views of my Fianna Fáil colleagues on these issues and representing their views to the Arts Sports and Tourism Committee," concluded Deputy Brady.

If you are a tenant of Kildare County Council you can apply for a grant to carry out home improvements.

The Scheme covers items including replacement of: defective windows and doors, defective internal doors/press doors/hot press doors and kitchen units. Other items also included are repair/replace fascia soffit and installation of electric shower.

Application forms and further details are available from:

Self Help Grants, Housing Department, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare.
Tel: 045-980705

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5.00 pm on Friday, 25 April, 2008.

Deputy Emmet Stagg has called for the provision of additional Garda Resources for Kildare following the release of the Provisional Headline Crime Statistics for the Carlow/Kildare Division for 2007 which show an increase in Serious Crime of 12% in 2007 compared to 2006.

This increase of 12% stated Deputy Stagg compares very unfavourably with a 2% increase Nationally in the same period. Also worryingly the 2007 figure is up 94% on the number of serious crime incidents recorded in 2000.

Some of the key areas where increases and decreases occurred in the Carlow/Kildare Division are as follows:

• Aggravated Burglary up 78%
• Theft from Private Motor Vehicles up 11%
• Burglaries up 8%
• Theft from shops up 7%
• Arson up 75%
• Assault causing harm down 12%
• Robbery of Establishments down 18%.
• There was 1 murder in 2006 and 3 in 2007

Deputy Stagg stated that the Gardai in the Carlow/Kildare Division are doing their best but they are seriously undermanned with the worst ratio of Gardai to people in the State at 1 garda for every 558 people. This compares with the Clare Division which has 1 Garda for every 311 people and the Donegal Division with 1 Garda for every 312 people.

If we are to tackle this serious increase in Crime which is against the National Trend then more Gardai must be assigned to our area.

Deputy Stagg concluded that the creation of the New Kildare Garda Division by Summer 2008 and the provision of a 24 hour Garda Station in North Kildare gives us the opportunity to resolve our manpower and infrastructural deficiencies and he insisted that his campaign for the 24 hour station in North Kildare would continue.

At the Healthy Way Health Food Store and Yoga Centre in Ralph Square, Leixlip.

Mar 9/10th  Sat/Sun  10am to 5.30pm.     Cost 200 euro

Based on the principles of Chinese Medicine this workshop looks at the relationship between the Seasons, the Emotions, and the Internal Organs, and related physical symptoms.

It is an experiential workshop which deepens our own self-understanding, and gives us keys to understanding the behaviour of others and the way they affect us, for better or worse.

The workshop is of value both for people in general and for healthcare practitioners.(Eligible for CPD points). 

Facilitator:   Seamus Lynch, B.Arch, Lic.Ac., M.B.Ac.C., M.N.R.R.I., originally trained and worked as an architect and also worked as an actor and director in the theatre.  He studied 5 Element acupuncture at the College of Traditional Acupuncture, U.K., and has been practicing in Dublin since 1993.  He introduced Indian Head Massage to Ireland and has been teaching these techniques since 1994.  he is also a certified Zero Balancer and Yoga teacher.

To book a place contact Seamus on (01) 284 6073

The Fifth annual Irish Stablestaff awards were held in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co Kildare Saturday night the 26th of January. Once again a sold out attendance of 550 people were present to celebrate the achievements of Irish Stablestaff at the Horse Racing Ireland sponsored event. Eight awards categories were up for decision and an enthusiastic young crowd welcomed the winners.

I.S.A President, Minister Sean Power stated “I am delighted to see the Awards recognise the hard work that goes on behind the scenes of Irish Racing. Irish Stablestaff are a highly skilled workforce and their input into the success of the Irish Racing Industry is greatly appreciated.” Brain Kavanagh CEO of H.R.I was in attendance to present the award for best National Hunt Team.

I.S.A Chief Executive Dan Kirwan said “The night was thoroughly enjoyed by all and I would like to congratulate the winners of awards. I would also like to thank Horse Racing Ireland for their continued Sponsorship of the event and the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association for the specially commissioned trophies on the night”.

All proceeds on the night were donated to the John O’Mahony rehabilitation Fund a stablestaff employee who was badly injured in a fall from a horse. The night was also used to highlight the problem that there is very little available to stablestaff when they are unable to work due to injury. The establishment of an Injured Stablestaff fund similar to the excellent Injured Jockey Fund was called for and the ISA would seek for its implementation.

Naas Musical Society's production for 2008 is the wonderful Rodgers and Hammerstein Classic, "Carousel".

The production will run from Saturday 1st to Saturday 8th March at the Moat Theatre in Naas.

It tells the story of Bigelow, a barker at the Funfair operated by Mrs. Mullin's. Fond of the ladies, he chats up the naive Julie Jordan, much to Mrs. Mullin's dislike; a row ensues and Billy is fired. He takes off with Julie and the two fall in love.

"Carousel" tells the story of Billy's struggle to find a job and descent into a life of crime and Julie's struggle to bring their daughter up alone. The comedy element of Carousel is portrayed in the Characters Mr and Mrs Snow and their brood of children. The show is full of well known and loved tunes like "June is Busting Out All Over", "If I Loved You" and of course the very famous Liverpool anthem, "You'll Never Walk Alone".

The talented, award winning, Mona Conroy is back at the helm as Director, with Graham Walsh debuting as Musical Director, and after a break of two years, Evelyn Donnelly returns to get all those left feet moving as Choreographer.

Last year tickets for the society's annual offering sold out extremely quickly and there were many left disappointed not to get to see "Hello Dolly", which won five Volkswagen/AIMS nominations and successfully took home four of those awards. So early booking is advisable.

KYS officially launched their 5 Year Strategic Plan in their Canal Stores Office in Naas on Friday 25th January. The launch was very well attended by National, Regional and Local political representatives from the area as well as many statutory and community representatives from different parts of the county.

The strategic plan will provide a roadmap for KYS as a voluntary organisation for the next five years as it continues to develop accessible, quality services for children, young people and their families in all areas of Co. Kildare.

The plan was officially launched by Mr. Sean Ashe, CEO of Kildare Vocational Education Committee. In addressing those present, he congratulated KYS on what he felt was a most comprehensive and detailed document.  Mr. Ashe commended KYS for their quality work with young people in clubs and groups right across the county.  He reaffirmed the need for a non formal educational approach, provided by Youth Services, based in the community, which complements formal education. “We are lucky to have KYS in Kildare” he said. Mr. Ashe went on to point out that in his many years experience of working with young people in education and other areas he still held fast to his fundamental belief that all young people are good citizens and have a lot to offer their communities.  In cases where young people experience difficulties both in their education and in their personal lives he said, “If you are dedicated enough with the right supports and resources behind you, then everyone one of us can help turn a corner and even more so watch young people turn a corner for themselves”. In terms of facilities Mr. Ashe pointed out that it is unfortunate to see in some areas of Kildare young people and families having to leave the county in order to access second level education.

Ms. Joan O’Flynn, consultant, gave a detailed presentation on the process she developed with all the stakeholders to shape the plan.  This she outlined involved several consultation meetings with Young People, Volunteers, KYS Board Members, Statutory and Community Agencies and Groups. She said that within the plan there is scope to allow for flexibility in addressing local communities needs whilst also providing for clear measurable outcomes for all participants using KYS. She went on to explain that KYS now has eight guiding principles which over arch its work at all levels and these will be upheld by the five strategic objectives which provide more detail on what KYS hopes to achieve and help young people to achieve over the next five years.

Mr. Traolach Shortt, spoke on behalf KYS Board of Directors he outlined the importance of having direction and a vision. He said “There is a strong focus on voluntary services in KYS- youth clubs, steering and management voluntary committees.  We will continue to
focus on young people being supported to be active critical citizens through youth work, counselling and family work”

Traolach then emphasised the need to work together as agencies in order to achieve an overall positive social change or outcome for all young people in our county. He said “so that our quality work in Kildare can be duplicated and used to the benefit of young people right across Ireland”

Finally Liz O’Sullivan, Regional Director KYS thanked those in attendances for supporting KYS and in particular Mr. Ashe. Ms. O’Sullivan said she looked forward to continue to work in partnership with the VEC’s, especially in relation to the new areas of responsibilities under the Youth Work Act.

Ms. O’Sullivan went on to outline that the needs of young people are very similar to times gone by, but there are many differences in the social environment in Co. Kildare that young people experience today. The majority of young people in Kildare both in the past and today have nowhere to go that they can just hang out, socialise with their friends, develop new skills outside of a school setting.  There are just two dedicated youth facilities at the moment in the county- Curragh and Leixlip. “Two facilities to serve one of the most densely populated area of young people in the country”. She also said, “What kind of message are we sending out to young people if we do not provide them with dedicated youth facilities in their local area?” She said “KYS cannot do it alone- we need help.”  She called on the Public representatives, the County Council, the VEC and other stakeholders to work in partnership with KYS to ensure that we together provide quality youth facilities in towns right across the county.  “Young people need and deserve quality safe spaces, supervised facilities and professional youth services more than ever before” Liz said.

Finally Ms. O’Sullivan went on to say that the next five years will be very exciting for the organisation and those it works with, “with the agencies and groups we work with there is huge potential to influence developments in favour of young people and their families in Kildare, we look forward to working even closer together to ensure that we bring about positive change for all young people in Co. Kildare.

L to R Joan O’ Flynn Consultant, Liz O’ Sullivan KYS Regional Director, Sean Ashe CEO VEC, Diarmuid Kearney Chief Executive with Youth Work Ireland

Brendan Murphy of Advanced Personal Fitness in Tullywest, Kildare Town, has announced details of a free Health & Fitness Competition.  Prizes include four personal fitness training sessions at the studio in Kildare Town plus a heart rate monitor sports watch and 3 nutritional consultations along with a quality hamper of health and organic foods.

To enter, just go to the Advanced Personal Fitness website www.personaltraining.ie/competition.htm to read the competition questions and send your answers to quiz@personaltraining.ie

The relocation of 20% of the planned number of revenue personnel to Athy is a very positive step in the fortunes of the town according to Fine Gael’s Cllr Richard Daly.

“I hope that four years after the announcement by Mr McCreevy of the decentralisation programme of the government that completion of the move will not take another four years. Athy has anxiously sought the location of a government department for the last number of years and welcomes the first 50 employees to the town. This is simply the advance party and we are anxious to see the real decentralisation of the promised 250 personnel.” Said Cllr Daly

“The relocation of these workers will have a strong economic effect on the economy of the town as these are the most secure of jobs. While we are seeing the closure of manufacturing outlets and the steady decline of the building industry on a daily basis we can be assured that taxation will be with us as long as we have government.

This initial development will further advance the plans of many of the entrepreneurs who are about to invest heavily in the town. We have seen Athy become an attractive location to invest in as our population increases with so many people choosing it as a place to live and while most of the fifty Revenue employees are already living locally there will undoubtedly be economic benefit to the local outlets.

Kildare County Council currently have vacancies for:

• Technical Support Officer in the IT Department
• Environmental Technician - Grade 1

Closing date for applications for both posts is 15th Feb 2008

Job conditions and application forms may be downloaded from the County Council website at:

 www.kildare.ie/countycouncil/HumanResources/StaffVacancies