County Kildare News

Pianist Barry Douglas and his orchestra Camerata Ireland announced today (Monday 21st April) details of their new chamber music festival ‘The Castletown Concerts’ to take place at Castletown House, Co Kildare, where Camerata Ireland is to be the resident ensemble at the invitation of the Office of Public Works.  The series of three concerts will take place on the 18 May, 31 August and 28 September 2008. The 2008 programme will include works by Penderecki, Schubert, Rossini, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Beethoven and a new work for flute by Dave Morris.

Established by Barry Douglas in Belfast in 1999, the orchestra has been looking for a home near Dublin to contribute to the ongoing dynamism of cross border cultural co-operation and to become a regular presence in the music-making calendar north and south of the island.  The Castletown Concerts will be a sister festival of The Clandeboye Festival in Co Down, established by Barry in 2003, which takes place annually with an emphasis on its masterclasses for young musicians from all around the island of Ireland.  At Castletown, there are plans to continue his commitment to supporting and nurturing young players by inviting undergraduates, music students and schools to Castletown to take part in a number of specially-designed events.

‘Being invited by the OPW to take up residence at Castletown, in itself a work of art, is a great honour and one we greatly look forward to’ commented Barry Douglas.  Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Noel Ahern, T.D. said, ‘The regeneration of Castletown is about populating the house with events, creativity and dialogue, as it was originally intended, and the Office of Public Works is delighted to have Camerata Ireland and Barry Douglas become our resident orchestra.’

The orchestra have recently returned from a month-long tour in March 2008 of the US including the cities of Boston, New York and Seattle. 

For further information and bookings for The Castletown Concerts, call (01) 1800 927361, email castletown@camerata-ireland.com, or see www.camerata-ireland.com
Tickets €40 (concessions €30)
Camerata Ireland, Castletown House, Celbridge, Co Kildare

Kildare County Council has this week launched an initiative to give the county’s commuters an opportunity to register their skills. The register will facilitate companies which want to locate their businesses in Kildare and will give commuters a better chance of spending less time on the road.

The initiative was officially launched last Tuesday 22nd April, by Niall Quinn, Mary Glennon (Mayor of Kildare) and County Manager Michael Malone

Kildare is one of the most rapidly growing counties in Ireland, with a population increase of 38% from 1996 to 2006. The county has also been a top choice for young families putting down roots outside of Dublin. This growth is accompanied by increased commuting, as more Kildare residents make the daily trip to work outside the county, with many of them travelling up to three hours a day to get to their place of work. For example, the M4 and M7 carry an estimated 70,000 vehicles per day as they approach Dublin. The daily toll of commuting has been shown to affect work and home life.

Commuters who wish to register can do so at www.itsyourtime.ie. Registration is open to all commuters, whether or not they are currently resident in County Kildare.

By registering on the website, commuters will be clearly stating that Kildare has a large and experienced labour force and potential labour force, of which businesses relocating to the county can take full advantage. Commuters who wish to register their interest on the website will be asked to provide employment  and skills details. All information obtained is strictly confidential and will be used only for statistical analysis.

The thinking behind the website is  that if people can cut out long commuting they will have more time for themselves, their families and their communities.

Registered users of the website will receive periodic updates from Kildare County Council on relevant newsworthy events in the county such as organisations establishing or expanding significantly in the region. This will be in the form of an electronic newsletter on the site, e-mails and or text messages. Further development of the website may see certain organisations, such as recruitment agencies etc., permitted to have a link on the site.

The project is supported by IDA and NUI Maynooth.

Kildare Players Gary Whyte and Gavin Smullen are among the nominated players for the Cadbury GAA Heroes of the Future.

As the Cadbury Under-21 Football Championship draws to a close, with the final between Kildare and Kerry on Sat 3rd May, the championship website is offering a chance for you to vote for your GAA Heroes of the Future.

Click here to see profiles of the nominated players and cast your vote.

Diversions will be in place. HGV drivers who wish to access Sallins from the Clane side are advised to divert via Straffan and Kill heading into Naas and then on to Sallins.

Courtesy www.aaroadwatch.ie

Maynooth Film For All, Film Club screens Lights in the Dusk on Thursday 1st May at 7.30pm in John Hume Building JHL2, NUI Maynooth. New members always welcome.

Dr Gavan Titley Director, and Denis Condon  from  The Centre for Media Studies, NUI Maynooth will facilitate a short introduction and discussion following the screening. Payment can 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

Lights in the Dusk is a modern morality tale of loneliness in the postmodern city. Shy nightwatchman Koistinen is virtually ostracised by his fellow security guards and lives alone in a modest apartment.

Until that is, he meets Mirja, who seems to respond sympathetically to his slightly old - fashioned, even gentlemanly manner.The film is set in Ruoholahti, a district south-west of Helsinki recently developed as part harbour, part business park (it is the former home of Nokia) and part residential area.

Following this screening  Maynooth Film for All, Film Club  takes a break until the Autumn. Please contact Brenda Tel: 045 448328 Email: bbrady@kildarecoco.ie if you want to be included in our mailing list for next season's brochure .

The Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin T.D. has approved the establishment of  a new Educate Together primary school in  Maynooth to open in September this year.

It is one of 12 new Educate together schools sanctioned to open in September. These new schools represent the largest annual increase in the Educate Together network in the 30 year history of the organisation. This growth is a remarkable indication of changing parental choice in Irish education. Educate Together is confident that there will be continued growth of the Educate Together network in the next few years, as long as the State continues to provide appropriate resources to meet parents' wishes.

The areas in which new Educate Together schools have been approved are:
Carrigaline, Co Cork.
Midleton, Co. Cork.
Kilcolgan, Co. Galway
Carlow Town, Co. Carlow
Wexford Town, Co. Wexford
Greystones, Co. Wicklow
Maynooth, Co. Kildare
Drogheda, Co. Louth
Skerries, Co. Dublin
Belmayne, Dublin 13
Lucan East, Co. Dublin
Swords, Co. Dublin

A spokesperson for Educate Together said:

"Educate Together applauds the work of parents and activists for their hard work and determination to make the Educate Together model  available in their community. The Minister's decision now allows us to immediately proceed with the process of recruiting a  Principal Teacher and to start the detailed work required to ensure that the school opens as smoothly as possible. Recruitment advertisements will shortly be placed in the national press, on our website and on other educational recruitment websites.

To give prospective parents the maximum clarity on the availability of places, we intend to make an initial offer of Junior Infant places  in the next few weeks. Parents still seeking places are advised to apply using the forms available from the Educate Together website, www.educatetogether.ie or from www.maynoothet.org .

Educate Together schools are based on a philosophy of human rights. They aim to provide an educational space of respect and equality in which children can grow and learn the essential social skills for 21st Century Ireland. They provide a comprehensive programme of ethical education where children can learn about different religions and belief systems during the school day. Any group of parents who wish to run specific faith-formation classes are facilitated to do so outside school hours so that religious instruction can be provided while no child feels excluded.

Educate Together is the representative organisation of the Educate Together schools and associations throughout the Republic of Ireland. It owes its origins to the movement to establish new multi-denominational primary schools, which emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Today there are 44 Educate Together schools, 22 of which are in the greater Dublin area. Educate Together aims to meet a growing need in Irish society for schools that recognise the developing diversity of Irish life and the modern need for democratic management structures. In particular, Educate Together guarantees children and parents of all faiths and none equal respect in the operation and governing of education.

Educate Together Schools are fully recognised by the Irish Department of Education and Science and work under the same regulations and funding structures as other national schools.

Fianna Fail T.D. for Kildare North, Áine Brady, has said that the provisions of the EU Lisbon Reform Treaty have nothing whatsoever to do with Ireland's corporation tax rates or inward investment strategies.
 
“Opponents of this Treaty are trying to claim that this treaty will affect our corporation tax regime and our inward investment strategies. This is simply untrue.”  

“The role of the European Union in the area tax matters is very clear. The EU cannot make any decisions in the area of taxation in Ireland or elsewhere unless it has the unanimous support of all 27 EU member states. In other words, Ireland has a veto in Europe on any proposed tax changes.”

“We should reflect on one key point.  Why is it that all the main Irish political parties and business groups such as IBEC, the IDA, US multi-nationals located in Ireland, the Chambers of Commerce in Dublin and in Cork have all called for a Yes vote? None of these groups would call for a Yes vote if they thought for one moment that this Treaty would affect our corporation tax rate into the future. The Irish corporation tax rate of 12.5% has played a vital and a pivotal role in helping economic growth in our country.”
 
“The ratification of this Treaty is very positive from an Irish economic viewpoint. It sends out a re-sounding signal to companies and to investors around the world that Ireland is a leading and respected member of the EU that is centrally involved in European Union policy making.”
 
“This Treaty will ensure that the EU puts in place structures which will allow it to bring forward legislation in a more simplified manner and will help to strengthen the European and Irish economies and help job creation and investment into the future.”
 
“In 2006, Irish based companies exported over 56 billion Euro in goods and services to the other 26 member states of the EU.”

“Under the terms of the EU Lisbon Reform Treaty, The European Union will not affect Ireland's existing policies in the field of inward investment strategies in any way whatsoever," concluded Deputy Brady.

Fianna Fail T.D. for Kildare South, Sean Ó Feargháil, has issued a reminder to local farmers that the closing date for receipt of applications under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme is Thursday May 15.

"The submission of a Single Payment Scheme application is necessary not only for a Single Payment Scheme but also for farmers applying under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, the Energy Crops Scheme and the Protein Crops Scheme."

"And for the first time this year, applicants under REPS are also obliged to submit a Single Payment application by the May 15 deadline."

"It is expected that there will be a large amount of applications so I would advise farmers to get their applications in as early as possible."

"Applications can be made online, and indeed this facility is becoming more popular with farmers generally acknowledging its user-friendliness. The take-up on the online facility this year already exceeds numbers from last year."

"Minister Coughlan has also issued a reminder to farmers about the new EU Commission requirements in relation to issuing payments, which come into effect for the first time this year."

"From mid October 2008 all EU funded or partially funded Scheme payments to farmers must be made by electronic means to a bank account.  Payment by cheque will no longer be an option.  Almost 60% of the Single Payment Scheme modulation refunds issued last month by the Department were paid directly into farmers' bank accounts and more than 80,000 farmers are already using this payment method."

"The Department will write to farmers again requesting that they submit their bank account details. This can be accounts in banks, building societies, some credit unions, and in the near future, Postbanks," concluded Deputy Ó Feargháil.

Kildare will meet Kerry in the Under 21 Football Final in Semple  Stadium, Thurles on Saturday, May 3rd at 7pm. Last Saturday, the team showed great determination in beating a strong Down team in Páirc Tailteann, Navan. Its 32 years since the Kildare footballers have reached the All Ireland Under 21 Final in 1976, which was also against Kerry.
Kildare won their only All Ireland Under 21 Final in 1965.

Kildare 1-10 Down 0-10
A Gavin Smullen goal after 25 minutes was the difference between Kildare and Down in Navan on Saturday evening.

Down were one point ahead at half time, 0-07 to 1-03, but 7 points in the second half compared to Down's three proved decisive and secured a place in the final for the Lilywhites. Kildare Captain Gary White was named Cadburys Man of the Match for a powerful display at centre back.

Manager Glen Ryan will be very proud of the effort of his players and all of them will relish the challenge of facing Kerry in a couple of weeks time.

All-Ireland under-21 Semi-Final Results:
Kerry 1-09 Mayo 1-07
Kildare 1-10 Down 0-10

A group of 8 students from Scoil Mhuire, Clane were presented with the winner's trophy at the Kildare County Student Enterprise Awards 2008 Final, held in the Osprey Hotel on Monday 7th April. Organised by Kildare County Enterprise Board, the event was sponsored by Osberstown Developments Ltd, Naas for the second year running. 18 mini companies from 11 different secondary schools throughout Co. Kildare battled it out for the prestigious award of Kildare Mini Company of the Year 2008.

KFM's Clem Ryan, who is also no stranger to the classroom, presented the award to the winning project entitled "Brain Links". ' The Brain Links' group - Pamela Flaherty, Aoife O'Reilly, Stephen Sweeney, Robert Cribbin, Eric McCann, Bernard Dealy, Gordon Condon and Mark Halpin - produced an educational board game that assists students revise topics for the Junior Certificate in a fun way. The panel of judges was particularly impressed with the professional branding of the product and their excellent business savvy, which resulted in 'Byrnes World of Wonder' agreeing to sell the product.

"Brain Links" will now represent Kildare at the national final of the Student Enterprise Awards on 8th May in Tullamore. 'We are absolutely thrilled with the growing interest in the competition. This year over 600 Transition year students from 14 different schools participated in the programme'' said Mary Fitzpatrick of Kildare County Enterprise Board.

The Student Enterprise awards are a fantastic opportunity for students to build an entrepreneurial mindset, to learn valuable lessons from the experience of working in a team and to explore possible career paths for the future. We in Kildare County Enterprise Board feel strongly that exposure to the business environment of the programme benefits students greatly and introduces them to serious practical issues such as risk-taking, teamwork, accountability, management and communication skills to name but a few " she added.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Gerry Prendergast of Osberstown Developments Ltd commented that the quality of this year's entries had been hugely impressive. The energy and commitment shown by the students is further enhanced by the ongoing support of teachers and parents."

"As a company we are very focused on the contribution Osberstown as a project will make to the local community in the future as it delivers business and employment to the area and creates work opportunities for the significant pool of local employee talent, resulting in improved quality of life and reduced commuting. In the future, we look forward to hopefully meeting some of these budding entrepreneurs again in Osberstown, when they progress to set up their own businesses. "he concluded.

'Funtastic' from Newbridge College scooped the runner up prize with their entry which was a DVD of fun activities for primary school children.

The following mini companies also received awards

• Innovation award - FUDGE , Holy Family, Newbridge.
• Best Display stand  - K.I.D.S, Ardscoil na Trionoide , Athy
  
• Best Business Report - An Comhlacht Cliste', Newbridge College
  
• Judges Prize - TY TEFL, St. Patricks Community College , Naas,

The following schools contested the final:

• St Wolstans Community College, Celbridge
• Newbridge College
• Colaiste na Trionoide, Athy
• St Patrick's Community College, Naas
• Rathangan Post Primary School
• Scoil Mhuire, Clane
• CBS, Naas
• Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge
• St Mary's Secondary School, Naas
• Holy Family, Newbridge
• St Paul's, Monasterevan

The Kildare Rose of Tralee has just announced that Denise Healy will represent Kildare in the Regional Rose of Tralee Festival in June.

Denise a local from The Curragh, was well and truly shocked when she was announced as the 2008 Kildare Rose.

Denise was one of 15 local girls that took too the stage and showed their worth to the county of Kildare. It was an entertaining night with Rebecca Flood, sponsored by the Killashee Villa Spa showing the MC KCLR's Brendan Hennessy a step or two of Irish Dancing, to some budding poets.

It was a jammed packed evening of family entertainment and each Rose was supported by family and friends alike.

Denies will now go forward to the Regional Rose of Tralee Festival in the Heritage Hotel, Port Laois, from the 12th to the 15th June. Here Denise will meet the other Irish Roses and six will be selected to go forward to the International Festival in Tralee in August.

For more information contact Kate Markey on 087 7553099.

The closing date for entries for the Cecil Day Lewis Literary Awards, for young adults and children, has been extended to 23rd May 2008.

The Awards are presented by Athy Heritage Centre-Museum in association with Kildare County Council Arts Service and Athy Town Council.

The awards are presented for the best short stories, poetry and one-act plays in primary and secondary education levels.

Application forms are available online at www.athyheritagecentre-museum.ie

Entry fee for the competition is just 1 Euro.

11th Oct 2008 is the date for the first ever 10km fun run in
Donadea Forest Park.

Entry is strictly limited to 400 people, so be sure to register your interest soon as places are sure to go quickly.

Log onto www.donadearunningclub.com for details.

This website is updated regularly so be sure to check back often.

Kildare North Fianna Fail T.D. Áine Brady has welcomed the publication of the Dublin Transport Authority Bill by the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey that will facilitate the establishment of a new Transport Authority with overall responsibility for coordinating transport in the Greater Dublin Area of which Kildare is a part.

“The Minister has informed me that this new Transport Authority will have responsibility to delivering reliable, integrated and cost effective transport in the Greater Dublin Area which will be of great benefit to Kildare commuters.”

“The Authority will have the power to ensure that major infrastructure projects will be delivered in a cost effective way with the minimum disruption to the public.”

“The work to integrate public transport will also prove to be of huge benefit to Kildare commuters. Integrated ticketing will make using different forms of public transport easier and more convenient, encouraging more commuters out of their cars. This will not only ease traffic congestion, it is also good for the environment.”

“The main benefit of the Dublin Transport Authority will be the over-reaching strategic function that will ensure that integration of services, a traffic management plan that will take account for planned road or other infrastructural works and their impact and the regulation of public transport fares.”

“The fact that the Authority will manage all of these issues for not only Dublin, but Kildare, Meath and Wicklow is a realistic approach that recognises the fact that many people now commute into Dublin from surrounding areas and traffic congestion or public transport issues in Kildare can have an impact in Dublin also,” concluded Deputy Brady.

The Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey TD  will join Fianna Fail TDs Áine Brady, Michael Fitzpatrick, Sean Ó Feargháil and Minister of State Sean Power TD at the official launch of the Kildare Fianna Fáil EU  Reform Treaty Campaign in the Osprey Hotel, Naas this Friday night, April 18 at 8.30pm.

The meeting is open to members of the public and Minister Dempsey will be taking questions on the EU Reform Treaty from the floor.

The biggest Motorsport event of the season so far is about to hit Mondello Park with the arrival of Prodrift European Series in Ireland for the first time. The opening round of the pan European Drifting series, on April 19th and 20th, 2008, will bring drivers from eleven nations to the circuit for the first of six European championship rounds which will take them to Ireland, Sweden, Belgium, Finland and the UK.

Mondello Park’s season opener will feature the top drifters from the European series alongside the best of the Irish drivers that make it through from Saturday qualifying into the forty driver’s final line-up. Adding to the interest for Irish Motorsport fans will be the first competitive drifting appearance of World Rally Championship driver Kris Meeke who will drive a Nissan 180SX supplied by WKD Imports.

Also on the programme for the action packed event will be the second round of the Mondello Park Time Attack Championship which is supported by media partners Modified Motors. With some interesting new cars ready to take to the track for their biggest event of the season, the time attack entry should close at around fifteen cars. Top of the list will be Round one winner Sonny Boyd who along with round one runner up Martin Tracey and third placed Brian Sexton will be out to be the first to break the one minute mark.

Alongside the competitive events the circuit has also lined up some track demos to keep the crowds entertained. For the first time in Ireland Nissan’s latest Supercar, the R35 GT-R, will make an appearance. The car will be on display at the circuit on Sunday and will complete some demonstration laps alongside the owners brand new Cyber built Mitsubishi Evo Time Attack car. The final element of the days track action will be a Motorsport sprint featuring some of the top cars from Irish circuit racing’s saloon and sports car classes.

Tickets will be available from Mondello Park at advance booking discounts up until Friday morning and those spectators wishing to be sure of a prime viewing spot in either the permanent main straight grandstand, or the specially erected for this event, turn two grandstand, should book early.

Event details are available from www.mondellopark.ie or www.prodriftseries.com.

TIMETABLE
Saturday
10.00 Pro Practise first 16
10.40 Pro Practise second 16
11.30 Top 32 Knockout
13.00 Lunch Break
14.00 Top 16 Run-Off
16.30 European Series practise

Sunday
09.00 Time attack Practise
09.35 Prodrift Practise (Group 1)
10.10 Prodrift Practise (Group 2)
11.00 Time attack qualifying
11.35 Prodrift Qualifying
13.00 Lunch Break
13.30 Driver Autograph Session
13.50 Time Attack Final
14.20 Motorsport Demo
15.00 Prodrift Top 16
17.30 European Series Round 1 Award Presentation

Fianna Fail T.D. for Kildare South, Sean Ó Feargháil, has welcomed a funding boost for playground facilities for The People’s Park in Athy.

“The People’s Park is to receive funding of €33,000 under the Playgrounds Grants Scheme from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department of Health.”

“This funding will be used to further enhance the play facilities at the Peoples Park creating more game areas for children and young people.”

“The sort of funding helps to improve and enhance facilities for young families in Athy and is an important investment in the community.”

“Encouraging outdoor play is also important for the health and well-being of young children, helping to keep them fit and develop social skills,” concluded Deputy Ó Fearghail.

Dubai Duty Free are to be the new sponsors of the Irish Derby on a five-year contract.

The new backers, taking over from Budweiser, will sponsor the race from 2008-2012.

The Irish Derby takes centre stage at the three-day Festival which this year will be held from the June 27 to 29. The Irish Derby  will have 1.5 million euros in prize money.

Minister Noel Dempsey hosts a Public Meeting on EU Reform Treaty in the Osprey Hotel, Naas on Friday night April 18th at 8.30pm.

The purpose of the Reform Treaty is to enhance "the efficiency and democratic legitimacy of the Union" and to improve its coherence.

Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick added "this meeting is being facilitated by Kildare Fianna Fail, and I am calling for a big turn out, everyone can play their part in supporting Ireland's future growth, jobs and prosperity by voting YES. "

The EU Reform Treaty is being put to the people of Ireland by way of a Referendum in June. Fianna Fail is calling for YES vote and indeed all of the major Political Parties in Dail Eireann will be canvassing for a YES vote.
 
It is imperative that everyone be provided with clear and unambiguous information which is the aim of this meeting.

Please come along on Friday night to learn more.

The recent cancellation and rescheduling of the opening round of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch has forced Mondello Park into making changes to the schedule for it’s three round ‘Mondello Masters’ series.

Last weekends opening BSB event was cancelled due to snow and immediately re-arranged for May 11th, the scheduled date for the second Mondello Masters event at the Kildare track. The May 11th race meeting was to be the biggest of the season for the circuit, with the ‘Masters’ prize fund doubled to €14,000 in order to entice UK BSB teams to travel to Mondello on the way to the following weekends North West 200.

With the rescheduled Brands Hatch races now being run on this date, the circuit has been left with no option but to also change its own dates and transfer the doubling of the prize fund to the final ‘Masters’ race of the year in October. The new date for the second ‘Mondello Masters’ has been chosen as July 6th the day after the Skerries road races, and the one off race will now be run as part of the Clubman championship event running on that day. With the doubling of the prize money for the October event the ‘Masters’ purse will return to €7,000 for the July 6th race.

Speaking of the change of date, John Morris Managing Director of Mondello Park said. “This alteration is not what we would have wanted but under the circumstances we have no alternative. The circuit could not justify the huge investment in the prize fund for an event which clashes with a round of the BSB, as this would be counter productive for everyone involved, including the competitors who wish to race in both. We feel that the new date will offer us an excellent opportunity to again attract a top line entry and offer spectators another quality event. The transfer of the prize fund to the end of season will hopefully make that an even bigger event than we might have had in May. The changes to the schedule have only come about due to the enormous support and assistance of Motorcycling Irelands Short Circuit Committee and The Fingal Motor Club and we are extremely grateful to both.”

The ISB round scheduled for May 10th & 11th will proceed as planned but without the ‘Mondello Masters’ race. The Fingal club will however run ‘The Race of the Year’ as an additional race at that event, over fifteen laps with a €3,000 prize fund

Speaking on behalf of the Fingal Motor Club Eamonn Medlar said, “ we are happy to facilitate these new arrangements as we realise the risks involved in running a ‘Masters’ event that clashes with the BSB. The financial risks are too high for all concerned and could have a devastating long term impact on our sport.”

The new ‘Mondello Masters’ race will be an invitation event with the fastest ten riders from either the ISB or Supersport classes at each of the two preceding ISB rounds being guaranteed an entry. The remaining grid slots will be filled with invited riders and wildcard entries to be decided on by Fingal and Mondello Park.

National University of Ireland, Maynooth today announced that it has reached agreement with global computer giant Intel to deliver an innovative ME degree programme (Master of Engineering) providing advanced engineering education for Intel engineers.  In its first year the programme will see up to 15 Intel professionals based at its Leixlip plant take the course, and it is expected to be offered to employees across Intel’s 86,000 strong global workforce from 2009.  This is the first formal accreditation link-up between the company’s College of Engineering and any university worldwide and places NUI Maynooth at the forefront of University-Industry collaboration in Europe. 

The modules will be tailored specifically to the innovative and highly market-sensitive work undertaken by Intel in its multi billion microprocessor development industry.  Intel’s Technology Campus Europe, located at Leixlip currently employs approximately 5,000 people directly and indirectly.  Its IFO operation which produces flash memory and logic devices is equipped to run over 65 individual products – three times that of any other similar Intel plant in the world.  Its Fab 24 plant, also at Leixlip is one of Intel's most technologically advanced, high-volume manufacturing facilities in the world building multi-core microprocessors. In all, about 75% of Intel Ireland employees have higher level qualifications in the fields of science, engineering or technology.

NUI Maynooth President Professor John Hughes said, “Intel is a true global leader in every sense of the word.  It is very important to the Irish economy and of course, is a great neighbour of ours in Kildare.  We are building a reputation for international excellence at NUI Maynooth and we were delighted to support Intel in delivering top class industry-relevant accredited Masters education to its staff.  Strong links between universities and industry are vital for the sustainability of the global economy and it is something we value highly at NUI Maynooth”.  Jim O’Hara, Intel Vice President, Technology and Manufacturing group and General Manager Intel Ireland said, ‘‘The standard of learning delivered through the Master of Engineering programme at Maynooth is world-class and we were delighted to build this relationship which will see it drive and accredit the work of our College of Engineering.  This programme is unique within the Intel organisation and we plan to roll it out to employees at our campuses throughout the world”.

The ME programme allows Intel engineers to advance their skills in the highly specialised technologies of their own workplace, while also acquiring advanced level knowledge in broader related areas.  Intel students will receive a ME degree award from NUI Maynooth at the end of their studies which may be undertaken over two or three years on a part-time basis through distance learning over the internet.  The cooperation follows on the recent establishment of Intel’s US based College of Engineering that is responsible for developing and directing in-house courses and other solutions for the educational requirements of Intel’s engineering staff worldwide.

The Intel ME programme will be complementary to the current highly regarded Master of Engineering programme offered at NUI Maynooth and will share up to half of its taught modules.  Academic experts from NUI Maynooth worked alongside engineers from Intel advising on the appropriate academic content for Masters level accreditation.  Dr Padraig O’Murchu, Education and Research Manager at Intel, said, “This is a great boost for employee development at Intel, it is testament to the quality and technical content of the internally developed college of engineering modules, employees on successful completion of these modules can now gain credits towards an accredited Masters of Engineering qualification at NUI Maynooth.”

Dr Frank Devitt, Head of Department of Electronic Engineering, NUI Maynooth said “We are very proud to have developed such an innovative relationship with Intel, one of the powerhouses of the world economy.  Close working relationships between industry and universities is recognised worldwide as means of driving excellence and safeguarding our futures.  We look forward to supporting Intel in its staff development programme and the mutual benefits this relationship will bring.”

NUI Maynooth and Intel already have strong established links through the Innovation Value Institute (IVI) which was set up in 2006 as a partnership between the college and the Intel Information Technology Innovation Centre in Leixlip.  IVI is a multi-disciplinary research and education institute which develops frameworks to help organisations achieve sustainable economic value from IT and to quantify and understand the true business value of strategic IT investments.  Among the companies currently working with IVI to inform their own IT investments and those of their clients are Intel, Chevron, The Boston Consulting Group, ESB and Ernst &Young.

The first group of students, based in Intel Ireland, will enter the programme in September 2008, and it is expected that the model and the number of students availing of it will grow in the coming years. 

National University of Ireland, Maynooth is Ireland’s fastest growing university with about 9,000 students including 1,000 postgraduate students across 300 programmes.  In 2008 the University has seen a 14% rise in its CAO first preferences – the highest of any institution in the country.

Due to the success of theirmorning talks during April, Leixlip Library are now offering a follow-up series of talks on "managing our health as we grow older".

The talks will take place in the library every Thursday evening from 7.00pm to 9.00pm for the month of May and they will be presented by Richard Lanigan, chiropractor.

Please Note that there will be no talk on Thursday 22nd May.

The news that KELT, Kildare Community Partnership & The Oak Partnership are to merge to form one body, Cill Dara Ar Aghaidh Teo, has been warmly welcomed by Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick. 

Deputy Fitzpatrick also expressed his appreciation to the three organisations, their boards of management, and staff who have worked successfully in Kildare.  These companies were responsible for a range of activities including education, community development; supporting and mentoring new and emerging small businesses.

“I wish the new body well and promise it my full support in any way I can” added Deputy Fitzpatrick.

23 local businesses recently completed Kildare County Enterprise Board’s Management Development Programme which was certified by Waterford Institute of Technology.

At a ceremony held at the Osprey Hotel Naas on Tuesday 25th March 2008, Mr. Paddy Brennan, Chairman of KCEB and Mr. John O’Connor of Waterford Institute of Technology presented certificates to the successful participants.

Mr. Blaise Brosnan of Management Resource Institute delivered the programme on behalf of Kildare County Enterprise Board.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mark O’ Loughlin said he “could not praise the programme highly enough and would recommend it to any owners / managers of a small business.  It has been responsible, he said, in transforming his business”.

The Management Development Programme is aimed at small young businesses.  It enables owners / managers to develop their knowledge in a range of business skills.

The programme is subsidised by Kildare County Enterprise Board.  For information on these and other training programmes, visit www.kildareceb.ie or call the Enterprise Board at (045) 861707.

List of Companies who completed Management Development Programme and received Certificates:

1. Mark O’Loughlin, Sanctuary Landscapes, Naas
2. Colin Walsh, Colin Walsh Construction Ltd., Blessington
3. John Cowper, Redbox Design Ltd., Kilcullen
4. Ioana Mansard, Riana Ltd., t/a Prinstine, Clane
5. Clive Reilly, Riana Ltd., t/a Prinstine, Clane
6. John Fortune, John Fortune & Sons, Kildare
7. Helena Fortune, John Fortune & Sons, Kildare
8. Liam Kavanagh, KNL Enterprises Ireland Ltd., Naas
9. Claire Farrell, ISS Recruitment, Naas
10. Kevin Connolly, Healthy Living, Athy
11. Des Maguire, HHM Architects, Leixlip
12. Ronan O’Daly, Blade Runner Ltd., Clane
13. Arthur Irwin, Blade Runner Ltd., Clane
14. John McCormack, Orchard Kitchens, Kildare
15. Willie Barry, Orchard Kitchens, Kildare
16. Sara Dillon, Larchfield Park Nursing Home, Naas
17. Bernie Byrne, Larchfield Park Nursing Home, Naas
18. Sinead O’Grady, Martinstown Holistic Centre, Curragh
19. Conor Holmes, Outside the Box Learning Resource Ltd., Naas
20. Alastair Wallace, OMOS Ltd., Naas
21. Richard Lyons, OMOS Ltd., Naas
22. Patrick Kinsella, Classic Technology Ltd., Johnstown
23. Ann Fay, The Carpentry Store, Naas

Kildare North Fianna Fáil T.D. Michael Fitzpatrick has urged the local community groups to apply for funding under the Community Graffiti Reduction Programme, a new national programme to support local communities in their bid to improve their local environment.
 
"Under this programme, funding will be made available to assist local communities to tackle the issue of graffiti with the support of the Departments of Justice, Environment and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs,”

"A budget of €3.75 million has been set aside for the programme during 2008. This funding will assist community groups in a range of activities and supports including graffiti removal, preventative anti-graffiti measures and educational initiatives.”

“The first round of funding to be allocated will be ring-fenced to RAPID areas but all areas of the county are eligible to apply for subsequent sets of funds, with applications being accepted from May 2008.”

“This second round of funding will be directed towards, not only the removal of graffiti from public spaces or publicly visible private property but the also the identification of improvements that can be made with planting or fencing to prevent new graffiti.”

“Targeted initiatives, including training, will also be funded, working with young adult offenders or at risk young people to include them in anti-graffiti activities.”

“Educational initiatives will also be supported and may include work with youth or sporting groups informing them of the effects of graffiti on their local community and environment.”

“Businesses will also be assisted in removing graffiti with cleaning kits and advice on preventive measures.”

“I also welcome the pro-active aspect of the programme that will fund community arts projects to work on the creation of outdoor publicly visible arts projects which will allow young people a space for artistic creation without negatively effecting their local environment.”

"I would urge local community groups, including Tidy Towns Committees to apply for funding for this valuable programme as soon as possible," concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

Not only has Sean Dempsey just got his first single remixed by big chart toppers DJ Tiesto & DJ Shadow, he has just succeeded in two more outstanding achievements.

Sean, 16, entered the charts at number 13 last week on the New Music Billboard R&B. The next week the single rose to number 5. The surprising thing is that the single isn't even the one that was remixed by the top DJ's. Sean is delighted with this. "I am amazed, I love it!" he says.

Click here to see the chart

Sean has also just released his own clothing line, which is called "SMD". The clothing line is to represent his music. Jumpers,T-Shirts and shoes are all available to purchase on his own site right now.

"I've gotten 3 orders already" says Sean on his myspace two days after the release of his line! The clothes are fun and flashy and in-style. Even if you're not a fan of the music, the catchy style on the clothes is the latest craze.

The clothing line ia available at www.smdmerchandise.tk

The FAI Summer Soccer Schools come to Athy on July 28th to August 1st 2008.

These camps have been a great success in the past and are growing every year. The camps are run by the FAI and all coaches are highly qualified for the job.

See www.fai.ie and click onto the"Summer Soccer" area to register, or you can obtain a registration form in local schools, shops or Athy Town AFC.

Lots of freebees with each child registered.!!!

The new www.hotline.ie website was officially launched on 2nd April 2008.

The hotline.ie service provides a secure and confidential environment for the public to report suspected illegal content encountered on the Internet.

The primary focus of the Hotline is to combat Child Pornography. Other forms of illegal content and activities exist on the Internet and may be reported using this service.

The Hotline, run by the Internet Service Providers Association of Ireland (ISPAI) since November 1999, is part financed by the European Commission’s Safer Internet Plus Programme. It is supervised by the Department of Justice, Office for Internet Safety (OIS), in cooperation with An Garda Síochána and is a member of INHOPE, the International Network of Hotlines.  

Internet users can report content that they suspect to be illegal which they encounter on websites, unsolicited email, peer-to-peer file sharing networks, online forums, bulletin boards, blogs, social networking sites, newsgroups, online chat rooms or instant messaging.

Intercultural and Anti Racism Week 2008 runs from 7 April to 14 April and features a wide range of events celebrating diversity in Ireland. The focus of Intercultural and Anti Racism Week 2008 is education.

You can find out more about the week from the website of the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI).

The Enterprise Department of Ardscoil na Tríonóide are currently seeking a company to work with the TY class of 2008/9. This stimulating and rewarding work involves working as a business mentor to the mini-company groups in association with the class teacher and following a carefully structured and well resourced programme.
 

For more information please contact Mr. Reeves at Ardscoil na Tríonóide, or Contact Junior Achievement and ask about the Company Programme.

The entry list for the opening Mondello Masters race has this week been boosted by the addition of some big name riders. A number of riders currently competing on the British Superbike package have committed to the April 13th event which also includes Mondello’s first 2008 Irish Superbike Championship races and will be organised by the Leinster Motor Club.

The Mondello Masters series is a new, major prize money, initiative designed to attract Ireland’s top racers to compete in the three Mondello Park ISB rounds. Instigated by Mondello Park to breath new life into the circuits Motorcycle race events the series also has the backing of Motorcycling Ireland. Between the two bodies the prize fund for the three race series is over €33,000 not including the standard ISB purse.

In another boost for the series Dunlop have been announced as the official tyre partner for the Mondello Masters. The agreement will provide some excellent advantages for riders who decide to run on Dunlop rubber. A full tyre service, similar to that provided at the BSB, will be provided by Dunlop Motorsport UK and in addition the top three riders running Dunlop’s will receive awards. A full set of tyres will go the top Dunlop runner with second receiving a rear tyre and third place getting a front.

Top of the entry list for next weekends first of three events will be two of Irelands most successful overseas competitors, Marty Nutt and Adrian Coates, who will be joined directly from the opening BSB rounds by Yamaha R1 Cup competitor Jack Kennedy and Superstock rider Alastair Seeley. Also on the entry list is another rider planning, but yet to commence, his BSB assault, Brian McCormick.

Scotland’s Keith Amor and regular ISB front runners Michael Pearson, Declan Swanton, Kirk Jamison and Denver Robb will also be on the grid giving a very strong group of ten riders, who anyone wanting to lift the top prize of €3,500 will have to beat.

The grid for the Masters race will be mainly made up of Superbike riders but Supersport competitors will also be eligible to take part. With over one hundred competitors entered between the two classes the battle for qualification will be one of the hottest ever seen at the circuit. The fastest 20 ISB and Supersport riders on Saturday will be invited to take part in the Masters qualifying session along with four wild card entries. The Masters decider will then be a single race to be held at 16:00 on Sunday.

The feature race will not be the only opportunity for fans to see the big names in action, as Sunday’s programme will also include two Irish Superbike Races and two Supersport races for which the Masters competitors will also be eligible. Also on the programme will be races for 125cc and 250cc GP machines, Minitwins, Pre ’97 machines & Sidecars.

Kildare Library & Arts Services (KLAS) is seeking to engage a researcher to undertake qualitative research with all relevant stakeholders to inform its space and provision, for children and young people throughout the Library and Arts Services in County Kildare. Research will be guided by existing national and local policies and by the expressed needs of stakeholders. The completed research document will inform Kildare County Council Policy.

 The fieldwork aspect will involve:

Conducting semi-structured interviews with young people and youth groups, Library & Arts Youth Facilitators and Staff and all other relevant stakeholders throughout the County of Kildare.

The Data management aspect will involve:

Desk research, data analysis and production of a Research Report.
The researcher will be expected, as an integral part of the contract, to conduct interviews, transcriptions and desk research together with associated data entry and processing. The contract sum includes an allocation to cover travel costs and will require a degree of late evening and Saturday availability in order to facilitate community-based interviews.

Skills and Competencies required.

Those interested in making proposals should have a third level qualification in the broader social sciences area and proven experience in qualitative research methodologies.  Experience of working in the area of youth education, or youth arts and culture or leisure will be an advantage as will as an understanding of the broad policy area.

Budget: €26,000

Applicants should submit a letter of application and CV to include the names of two referees to Eimear McGinn, e-mail: emcginn@kildarecoco.ie / or by post to:

Eimear McGinn,

Senior Executive Librarian,

Kildare Library & Arts Services,

Riverbank,

Main Street,

Newbridge,

Co. Kildare.

Closing Date: 18^th April 2008

Kildare Sports & Leisure Facilities Ltd is constructing, and will subsequently operate, the Kildare Sports & Leisure Facilities at Naas & Athy. Both facilities are due to be completed in the later part of 2008. The Company will also manage and operate other sports and leisure facilities to be determined by way of management agreements with Kildare County Council.

The Naas facilities will include:

6 lane deck level 25m swimming pool
Separate teaching pool
Sauna and steam room
Fitness suite gym
Aerobic studio

The Athy facilities will include:

6 lane deck level 25m pool with moveable floor
Sauna and steam room
Fitness suite gym
Aerobic studio

Kildare Sports & Leisure Facilities Ltd  are seeking a Chief Executive who will oversee the complex completion and fit out and will take on the overall facilities management which would include setting up management and administrative structures and arranging staff recruitment.

The successful candidate will be an experienced sports and/or leisure industry professional, customer focused, target driven with excellent people, financial and management skills and will be capable of developing and sustaining the facilities to its full potential.

Salary range €60,000 to €70,000 plus performance related bonus.
A three year contract will be offered.

A full job description and application form is available on www.kildareleisure.ie

It was with  regret that I heard of the Taoiseachs  statement on Wed 2nd April that he would tender his resignation as Taoiseach on May 6th. The statement came as I was chairing the Kildare electoral area monthly meeting and I felt it appropriate to interrupt the agenda for a brief period to pay tribute to the man who has been at the helm of National Govt in Ireland for the last 11 years, and to his singular visionary leadership both during that time, and indeed as Minister for Labour and Finance.  I was gratified that Director Des Page, on behalf of the Manager joined in paying tribute to Bertie Ahern also.

I have no doubt that Bertie Aherns legacy will benefit generations to come. His selfless and huge commitment to the island of Ireland is unequalled and will never be repeated.  I have had the privilege of being closely involved with the last two General Election campaigns with the Taoiseach and can attest to his huge energy, dedication and passion for the political process and always…..he put people before politics. There is no doubt that he made personal sacrifices for the sake of politics, and as I said at last Thursday nights National Executive meeting, I have no doubt that he will bring his unique and many talents and experience to other stages for the benefit of others.

Tanaiste Brian Cowen is a very worthy successor and as a Fianna Fail member and public representative I look forward to working under his leadership for many years to come.

A big thank you to Kildare Town from Grey Abbey Conservation Project.

The Grey Abbey Conservation Project have had the gates at Grey Abbey and Dunmurry cemeteries re-mounted and the gate at Grey Abbey has now been re-painted. Work was carried out by Gateworks under the close eye of Patrick Nolan.

This is just one example of how the group have been utilising funds from the sale of their publication Church of the Oak and from the collection boxes and Annual Church Gate Collection. The book proved to be so popular that they have had to re-issue another 300 copies as the initial print-run of 1,000 copies sold out. They are available locally in Kildare Town Heritage Centre, Malone’s newsagents and Kildare Parish Centre.

In 2007 they bought a new heavy-duty lawn mower and high-powered strimmer and have bought another such strimmer in 2008 – essential tools for the dedicated workmen who maintain Grey Abbey, St. Brigid’s Well and Dunmurry, as well as helping out in the parish grounds.  2007 also saw the unveiling of a monument to all those buried without record at Grey Abbey, which was financed by the group. The Civil War Monument was restored in late 2006 by the National Graves Association after a request from the group.

In partnership with Kildare Town Heritage Centre, Cill Dara Historical Society (their parent organisation), Kildare Cathedral and Kildare Village they have helped initiate regular weekend Historic Walking Tours in the town in 2007 and these will run again during the summer of 2008. One of the most important stops on the tour is the beautifully maintained Grey Abbey itself.

Their website www.kildare.ie/greyabbey is dedicated to the history and heritage of the town and now features over 170 articles and averages some 350 hits per week. Close associations with FÀS, Kildare Co. Council, Kildare Community Network and KELT have greatly benefited these projects but it is the local support that makes the group continue their efforts with such obvious satisfaction. The group would like to thank everyone who has supported and continues to support their efforts. A big thank you to Kildare Town.

Their Annual  Church Gate Collection takes place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May and all support is welcome – the funds raised will again be put to good use and will help the group promote and preserve the rich and varied history of the Grey Abbey itself and Kildare Town as a whole. The group however could do with some help on the days in question and if anyone could help collect at any of the six masses they can contact Mario Corrigan at 086 8913274

Kildare carers are set to benefit from increases in their payments in April as changes announced in Budget 2008 for Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit come into force according to local Fianna Fail T.D. Áine Brady.

“Almost 800 Kildare carers could benefit from changes to the Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit schemes which will come into effect this week.”

“It is only right that the Government, through the Budget each year, should continue to recognise the great contribution that carers make to the welfare of so many people in our society.”

“The changes relate to a carer's income disregard or discounted income which was announced as part of a €37.7 million carer's package in Budget 2008. This should allow even more carers to qualify for payment.”

"Increases to the Carer’s Allowance income disregard provided for in Budget 2008 means that from this Thursday, 3 April, a single person can have an income of €332.50 per week and a couple can have an income of up to €665 per week and still qualify for the maximum rate of Carer’s Allowance."

"The previous levels were €320 and €640 per week respectively. The earnings threshold for Carer’s Benefit is being similarly increased so that a carer with earnings of up to €332.50 per week can still qualify for Carer’s Benefit from 3 April."

"I am very much in support of this change, which allows for further, practical supports for the important work that carers do."

"The upward adjustment to the income levels means that over 3,000 carers nationally will receive a weekly increase in their carer’s payment with some carers now, for the first time, coming in under the net and qualifying for a carer’s payment.”

"The changes to come into effect this week follow payment increases which came into effect in January, further underlining the Government's commitment to supporting carers who do such vital work in our communities."

"Furthermore carers receiving these payments can engage in employment, self-employment, education/training outside of their caring role, for up to 15 hours per week.

"Carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance can also avail of Free Travel and receive the Household Benefits Package which includes an electricity/gas allowance, telephone allowance and a free television licence."

"And recipients of the Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit automatically receive the annual Respite Care Grant, which increases to €1,700 in respect of each care recipient from June."

“There is also an opportunity to participate in the consultation process for the National Carer’s Strategy which continues until April 18.”

"The Strategy will set out the Government’s vision for family and informal carers and establish a set of goals and actions in areas such as income support, health care and services, housing, transport, information services, labour market issues, programmes of training, social inclusion and research and technology development," concluded Deputy Brady.

Submissions on the development of the National Carer’s Strategy can be made to the Department of Social and Family Affairs by:

emailing carers.strategy@welfare.ie;

faxing to 01-7043457, or by

post to National Carer’s Strategy Consultation, Planning Unit, Floor 1, Department of Social and Family Affairs, Áras Mhic Dhiarmada, Store Street, Dublin 1.

On the day Bertie Ahern announced his resignation from the office of Taoiseach, Kildare's Fianna Fail TDs have paid tribute to the leader of their party.

"Peace in Northern Ireland and a stable Assembly is the great legacy of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern", said  Kildare North Fianna Fail T.D. Áine Brady, "...Bertie Ahern played an integral part in bringing the peace process to fruition delivering on his objective to see a stable administration based on the power-sharing model take root in Northern Ireland. It brought about a new way of life in Northern Ireland that many thought they would never see."

Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick said "Mr Ahern has served the country well for many years and has played a crucial role in the success that Ireland is experiencing today, with his endless commitment to achieving economic success and peace on this island."

Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare South, Sean Ó Feargháil added "An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD has served the country's interests with a commitment and drive unequalled by anyone of his political generation. He became Ireland's youngest Taoiseach in June 1997 and is now one of Ireland's longest serving leaders."

"He led the country to a period of peace and prosperity never before enjoyed in Ireland. In Kildare we have seen the fruits of that labour in unprecedented infrastructural improvements, in educational advancements, and increases in employment."

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern announced today that he will tender his resignation to President Mary McAleese on 6th May.

Maynooth Film For All, Film Club screens Gabrielle on Thursday 10th April in John Hume Building JHL2, NUI Maynooth. New members always welcome.

Set in early twentieth - century France's opulent belle époque, Gabrielle is the tale of a marriage that unravels and spins wildly out of control. Adapted from Joseph Conrad's short story The Return, director Patrice Chereau's film is an exploration of the emotions hidden just below the surface.

"Gabrielle" begins and ends with the performances of its two stars: Isabelle Huppert and Pascal Gregory. Huppert is alternately steely, vulnerable, vindictive, and kind; Greggory for his part perfectly adapts to be her foil. The film is a psychological thriller in the classic sense, heavy on dialogue and essentially devoid of violence; as Jean and his wife Gabrielle orbit each other with murderous looks, they are plainly incapable of making any physical contact.

Every unhappy marriage is unhappy in its own way. When love dies, earlier intimacy empowers each partner with an almost forensic insight into precisely how and where to hurt the other most...........ask Paul McCartney!!

Dr Michael O'Dwyer of the French Department will introduce the film and Denis Condon Centre for Media Studies, NUI Maynooth will facilitate a short discussion following the viewing. Payment can 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' 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 comments Brenda Brady, Acting Assistant Arts Officer would love to hear from you at bbrady@kildarecoco.ie or by phone on 045 448328.