County Kildare News

Local Fianna Fail TD, Áine Brady has welcomed funding for Kare Housing Association in Naas.

“Funding of €534,671 that will go towards the provision of new homes has been awarded to Kare Housing Association and Kildare County Council by the Minister for Housing, Michael Finneran TD.”

“This funding is provided under the Department of the Environment’s Capital Loan & Subsidy Scheme.”

“I am delighted that this funding will benefit those on the Council housing list in the area,” concluded Deputy Brady.

Those eager to make an early start on preparations for this year's Heritage Week will be delighted to hear that the dates for Heritage Week 2009 have been confirmed as the 22nd to the 30th of August.

Heritage Week 2008 was the most successful yet with over 1000 events organised nationwide. Events ranged from night time bat walks, music recitals, poetry readings, historical walks, talks and re-enactments to whale watching, medieval festivals, children’s activities and wildlife and bio-diversity events. The Heritage Council is looking forwarding to building on this success in 2009 and hopes to encourage involvement from an even more diverse range of groups and organisations. 

Keep your eyes and ears open for news about Heritage Week event registration and new initiatives.
 
Heritage Week is co-ordinated in Ireland by the Heritage Council in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 40 countries across Europe.

Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick has been informed by John Curran T.D., Minister of State (with special responsibility for Community Affairs and the National Drugs Strategy) at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, that The Carers Association Naas has been approved for funding of €3,556.80 under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People being announced today.

The Scheme is administered and funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with the services delivered by local community and voluntary groups.

This Scheme assists qualifying older people, aged 65 years and over, by means of community based grants. Funding is provided towards the once-off cost of installing monitored alarm systems, door and window locks, door chains, security lighting, smoke alarms.

Deputy Fitzpatrick remarked “The work of the Carers Association is vital and valued and I would like to express my grateful thanks to them and to the many other volunteers who give so generously of their time to ensure the success of this scheme, the benefits of which are immense to the older members of the community.

He further added; "this scheme further demonstrates this Government’s on-going commitment to the targeting of resources to areas of greatest need.

Applications can be made by voluntary organisations throughout the year, thus allowing applications to be made as needs arise."

The Holy Family Secondary School Newbridge, Co. Kildare are looking forward to celebrating 50 Years of Education. at their upcoming dinner dance In the Keadeen Hotel Newbridge 0n 7th March at 7.30pm. 

The organisers are hoping to see all past pupils there,  as the night will be a great opportunity for a reunion.

Tickets are 50 euro and are available from Siobhan at the school reception. Phone 045 431957.

Dozens of sporting organisations, voluntary and community organisations and schools will be bitterly disappointed to discover that the government has decided not to fund any sports capital grants this year according to Athy’s Leas Cathaoirleach, Cllr Richard Daly FG.

“Athy in particular has benefitted greatly from Sports Capital grants because it is a RAPID town which has been prioritised in the allocation of funds to all varieties of sports clubs. The delivery of these grants to the variety of organisations has both given our youth access to a wide range of sport and has promoted social inclusion which is a prerequisite of being a beneficiary.

In time of recession the development of our sporting facilities becomes even more important and it seems very short-sighted of the Minister that instead of reducing funding in this area he has indicated that there will be no funding whatever for Sports Capital Grants.

Many of our sports clubs and some schools have postponed their applications until this year as they were not have been ready last year and will now be devastated to find that all funding to this programme has ceased.”

“Health promotion and youth activities will all suffer as sports organisations locally relied on these grants to provide facilities” concluded Cllr Daly

NUIM will launch an “NUIM Connect” event on April 1st 2009 in the premier setting of Carton House.

 The event will showcase how NUIM can work with industry and how NUIM can help grow businesses. The theme for this year’s meeting is:

“NUIM’s role in building a knowledge economy and delivering market focussed research”.

Click here to Register Online 

Download the Event Details here

The format of the event is outlined below:

Introduction and Welcome – John Scanlan (5mins)
John is Director of Commercialisation at NUIM and he will outline the role of the Commercialisation Office, its recent activities and the focus on working closely with industry.

A. Talks Session (each 15mins)

1. Dan Flinter – “NUIM and the knowledge economy”
Dan is Charman of the Governing Authority of NUIM and formerly CEO of Enterprise Ireland. Dan will speak about how NUIM is reaching out to industry and how this is critical to Ireland’s economic future.

2. Andrew Parish – “Case Study 1: Working with NUIM”
Andrew is CEO of Wavebob, a leading Irish wave energy company. Andrew will outline how he works with NUIM and what research and development and technology transfer from NUIM mean to his business.

3. Andrew Wood – “The role of Universities in creating new business opportunities for industry”
Andrew is Head of Research for Eli Lilly Europe. Andrew is responsible for all Lilly’s research activity and pipeline in Europe. He is passionate about the role of Universities in technology transfer and has strong links with Cambridge and UCL.

4. Jim Humphries – “Ireland’s new opportunity”
Jim is co-founder LGE Executives and former Vice President Dell Corporation. He will outline how the closure of Dell was inevitable and how we must now look to build our own home-grown multi-national competitive companies.

5. Colm Rogers – “Working with Universities and Tax Incentives”
Colm is senior partner with KPMG and was a key advisor to the government helping change the tax incentives for companies doing R&D. Colm will outline how outsourcing R&D to Universities has never been cheaper and how to maximize these benefits.

6. Seamus Butler – “Case Study 2: Working with NUIM”
Seamus is CEO of Butler Manufacturing Systems, a global supplier of wastewater treatment products. He will outline his experience of working with NUIM researchers and how it has impacted his business.

B. Town Hall session
A panel of 5 including representatives from industry, funding agencies and the University will answer questions from the audience in an open and free flowing Q&A session.

C. Showcase displays
- NUIM will showcase how it works with industry, some case studies and how it works
- EI will showcase how it supports and funds University / Industry links
- KPMG (tax), McCann Fitzgerald’s (legal), FR Kelly (IP) will be available to offer advice

 Expected Audience:
 A large part of the audience will be made up of SME’s from Dublin, Kildare and Meath. Our aim is to reach out to these businesses and make them aware of how we can help them. Industries we currently work with will wear special identifying badges so new partners can talk to them first hand about their experiences working with NUIM.

We will also have substantial representation from NUIM researchers so we can promote our expertise and help develop new links.

Enterprise Ireland and other state and local agencies will also attend and outline how they can help promote this critical activity.

Itinerary:

8:15am Registration
8:45am Talks session
10:45am Coffee
11:15am Q&A Town Hall session
12:45pm Lunch 

Kildare roads will receive a funding boost of €113,279,637 for improvements and maintenance in 2009 and the north of the county looks to benefit significantly according to local Fianna Fail TD Áine Brady.

“This year Kildare roads will receive €111,108,379 for vital improvements and almost €2,171,258 for the maintenance of roads.”

“The funding allocation is being made under the Transport 21 Programme and the National Development Plan (NDP). The overall allocation represents an average investment of €120 million per month in Ireland’s national roads.”

“On the N4 at Celbridge €100,000 has been allocated for work to the bridge. In Celbridge the interchange will receive €60,000. The Naas Road widening scheme will get €4,720,000 and Newlands Cross will get 7,907,000.”

“The Naas Bypass will also receive €325,000 under the pavement and minor works allocation.”

“North Kildare commuters in particular will benefit from the work to the Tallaght bypass extension which will get €200,000 and the Tallaght to Hollywood Cross road bypassing Blessington will get €200,000 also.”

“A total of €1,887,860 will be allocated for the maintenance of national primary routes and €283,398 will go to maintenance of national secondary routes. The maintenance works will include resurfacing, bridge maintenance, route lighting and winter maintenance and roads in the north of the county look set to benefit.”

“This vital funding is a welcome investment in our roads. The improvement to roads helps to decrease journey times and increase the safety of drivers,” concluded Deputy Brady.

Suite of 3 Offices available as an independent own Key unit or as single office units.

Located within central administration building in Allenwood Enterprise Park where facilities and support services of Allenwood Community Development Association are available to Tenants. Units are available on monthly licence basis. No long term commitment required. Longer term lease available if required.

• Parking
• Phone Lines
• Alarm
• Toilets
• Reception
• Meeting Rooms
• Kitchen Area
  

More information at  www.daft.ie/541168

Contact Ian Donald: Phone: 086 1570496, 045 870804

The Jack & Jill Children's Foundation, Johnstown, Naas, has launched an appeal to recycle unwanted mobile phones.

The Foundation provides  home respite to families with children up to the age of 4, with brain damage requiring extensive medical and nursing care at home.

They are also asking people to donate old PCs and laptops, inkjet cartridges and mp3 players.

The Foundation has linked up with Irish waste recyclers Folamh, who will contribute funding for the Foundation for all goods recycled .

Folamh will provide  free collection boxes, freepost stickers and envelopes. Large loads will be collected by van.

If you would like to start helping the children cared for by the Foundation, call Ergo on 1850 525 545 and ask for Jenny or Catherine. Alternatively email Jenny at jenny@folamh.com

More information at: www.jackandjill.ie

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council are holding a Nature Craft Fun Camp on the 31st January to celebrate World Wetlands day at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre. 

Nature crafts on the day will include St. Bridget crosses, harvest knots, gift boxes, dream-catchers and greeting cards using recycled materials. 

Also students will get an opportunity to pond dip for freshwater invertebrates and they will use identification charts to identify great diving beetles, water boatmen, freshwater hoglouse and many more. 

The camp will run from 10am-1pm at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre and is open to 7-13 year olds. 

The cost is 15 Euro per student and warm clothes are advised.  Places on the fun camp are limited so booking is essential by calling 045-860133. 

Come on and celebrate World Wetlands day with us.

Broadband will be delivered areas in north Kildare that were previously without the service before September 2010, according to local Fianna Fail TD Áine Brady.

The service will be delivered under the National Broadband Scheme to 3 electoral divisions in north Kildare that have been without the service to date including Ballyshannon DED, Carrigeen DED and Cloncurry DED.

The Government this week awarded the contract for delivery of the Scheme to ‘3’.

Confirming the news, Deputy Brady said that broadband is a crucially important part of the infrastructure in Kildare and will open up opportunities for business development and inward investment.

“The Government has now awarded the contract for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme to ‘3’ and the company has committed to delivering the Scheme in the next 21 months.”

 “Half of the area under the Scheme will be provided with broadband by the end of this year, so while the completion date for the Scheme is in 21 months, some areas may well be connected well before that.”

“An investment of €223 million from a combination of Exchequer funds, EU funding, and from the company ‘3’ will create 170 direct jobs in the provision of the scheme.”

“More importantly for Kildare however, indigenous industry will be empowered to operate on a truly global scale with the provision of broadband.”

“The broadband product provided will be affordable for most at €19.99 per month with a connection fee of €49.”

“I want to warmly welcome this commitment under the NBS. I know that people in rural parts of Kildare have been frustrated at the lack of broadband availability, and it is undeniable that the lack of broadband is an impediment to job creation.”

“The delivery of high-speed broadband around the country is vital for job creation, and for the positioning of Ireland as a location the development of digital services and telecommunications technologies. That is why I have lobbied so hard for the extension of broadband since getting elected and I am delighted that north Kildare will benefit from the National Broadband Scheme. I will be in continuing contact with the Minister for Communications to ensure that the broadband provision is put in place as quickly as possible,” concluded Deputy Brady.

The Mullingar Arts centre will host an exhibition of works by the Kildare Artists.org at the Market House Gallery, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath on the 5th February 2009, at 730pm.
 
Ana Leddy (head of RTE Radio 1 and deputy head of RTE Radio) will offically launch the opening.

The exhibition will continue for 2 weeks
 
Kildare Artists is a democratic, non-profit making organisation, formed by artists for artists working or living in County Kildare. The functions of Kildare Artists are to improve the creative and financial status of its members (see aims and objectives below). Central to this policy is the maintenance of high professional standards while ensuring greater accessibility of members work. Kildare Artists achieves accreditation by fulfilling the criteria of standards of the former Association of Artist in Ireland (AAI), now V.A.I. Members work in a variety of media, painting, drawing, sculpture, video, photography, installation and print.

History
AKA was established in 1995 and included sculptors such as Bríd Ní Rinn, Eileen McDonagh, Fifi Smith, the late James McKenna and painters such as James Flack,  June Brilly, Leslie Fennel, Patrick Cahill and Elizabeth Cope among its members. The association held its annual exhibition in a venue in County Kildare, the most recent being at Barberstown Castle and at the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge.  All funds accrued by AKA were re-directed into the development of resources and support for artists. AKA  published a catalogue of members work in 2000.

In 2008 it was decided by members to revamp the organisation by developing a website and inviting more Kildare artists to join the group. The idea is to form an umbrella organisation for all visual artists in Kildare. The name was changed to KILDARE ARTISTS.

Visit www.kildareartists.org for more information

A commitment for funding for the construction of Athy’s Southern Distributor Road must be given by government now if the project is not to be delayed according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael.  

“Following the most recent update on the progress of the Southern Distributor route it now seems that unless immediate funding is provided for the route that progress could come to a halt. Environmental issues and negotiations with CIE to allow acquisition of the disused rail track have progressed and the project now needs the commitment of funding of in excess of €40 million if it is to progress.  

A hearing with An Bord Pleanala and the compulsory purchase orders for tracts of land would be the next steps following the commitment of funding but these would be unlikely to be initiated without money being allocated.  

Athy Town Council and the various lobby and business groups are hoping that the request for finance for this project will receive a favourable response from the Department of Transport.” Said Cllr Daly  

“This route is vital for the development of a town which is choked by traffic and which has a very high percentage of commuters. There now seems to be total local political and community support for the Southern Distributor Road and we must capitalise on this consensus.”

North Kildare Fianna Fail TD, Áine Brady has confirmed that a local community group is to receive a funding boost under the Government’s Community Development Programme.

Funding of €105,562 will go to North West Kildare Community Development Association in Allenwood.

Deputy Brady welcomed the funding, which was sanctioned by her colleague John Curran T.D., Minister of State (with special responsibility for Community Affairs and the National Drugs Strategy) at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

“This funding comes under the Government’s Community Development Programme and will be used by North West Kildare Community Development Association to cover the costs of staff and overhead costs.”

“The Government is committed to supporting local organisations and targeting available resources at the most in need in our communities.”

“I want to take the opportunity to pay tribute to all the organisations that operate so successfully in communities throughout Kildare, making a real and significant contribution to the quality of life of others. Their work is to be commended and I am glad that the Government continues to recognise and support their good work,” concluded Deputy Brady.

Kildare farmers will benefit from the first round of payments under REPS 4 next week according to local Fianna Fail TD Michael Fitzpatrick.

“Under new EU rules all administrative checks have to be completed before the first payments can be issued.

“Farmers should be aware that applications on the eREPS system speed up the new checks required by the EU. The Minister for Agriculture has informed me that a quarter of the applications were paper applications and required manual checks which was understandably slower.”

“Those applications not requiring correction will be paid out first. However, a significant number of applications have contained errors and omissions and this is slowing down payments to farmers. I will be in discussion with the Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Smith regarding this issue as I know he is keen to ensure that the application process is amended in a manner that will minimise these errors to ensure that farmers get payments as speedily as possible,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

Deputy Emmet Stagg has expressed his deep disappointment at the announcement by Diageo Ireland of a Review of their Brewing Investment Programme in Ireland because of the current difficult global economic situation.

Last September stated Deputy Stagg Diageo had announced that they would be investing €550 Million in a new State of the Art Brewery, to be known as the ‘Arthur Guinness Brewery', at Leixlip in Co. Kildare. Over 170 jobs were to be provided and the move heralded the return of Guinness to the Town where Arthur Guinness had first opened a Brewery in 1756. In addition to the jobs at the Brewery the project would have provided a considerable boost to the local Economy in terms of construction jobs and spin off jobs. The Live Register Figures for the Maynooth Labour Exchange has more than doubled in the last 12 months going up from 1,767 people signing on to 3,256 people signing on and the New Brewery gave some hope of reversing the tide of unemployment given the fact that the Government seems incapable of managing the economy or reacting to mass job losses.

Whilst the outcome of the Review will not be known for a number of months Deputy Stagg has called on Diageo to fulfil the words of their Irish  Chairman when announcing the details of the new brewery last September that they were not only demonstrating their commitment to Ireland but that they were staying true to the roots and heritage of the Guinness Brand and Arthur himself.

In conclusion Deputy Stagg called on the Tanaiste to hold high level talks with Diageo Ireland to ensure that the Investment proceeds and that the Investment remains in the home of Guinness.

Classes for all levels in various forms of dance. Ballroom, Latin American, Salsa, Tango, Jive, Hip Hop, Line Dancing, Breakdancing, Street Dancing and more. See our website; www.dancetones.org for time table.

Also Mother & Toddler introduction to dance class and Dancefit classes.

DanceTones is situated behind Newbridge Silverware. Fully refurbished dance studio with 2 studios in excess of 1,000 square feet and main ballroom of 2,500 square feet.

Dance teachers for other forms of dance can contact Breda for rental details.

Contact:

Breda Kelly Lynch
(045) 446484 or 086 8315468
dancetones@eircom.net

17 Year Old Singer & Producer Sean Dempsey from Co.Kildare is releasing his second CD release at the end of January.

On January 30th 2009 Sean Dempsey will be in Tower Records on Wicklow Street selling his second release after his first single went on the Irish Charts.

The new CD, called “Ain’t It Lovely - The EP Edition” contains 5 tracks which are “pure R&B”.

The CD will also be available to buy online and you can already purchase the single mix of the single “Ain’t It Lovely” by texting “Music 1153″ to 57501. [Costs 99cent & Downloads to your computer].

Kildare County Council Arts Service invites applications for the following :

Arts Act Grants Scheme
• Arts Education/ training projects
• Bursary awards for individual Kildare based artists for the development of their work.
• Assistance to groups/organisations/schools towards the cost of projects or events that stimulate public interest in and improve arts practice in the county.
• Assistance to groups / organisations for the purchase of equipment

 Download the Application form here

Cecil Day Lewis Literary Bursary Award

The annual Cecil Day Lewis Literary Bursary Award is open to both established and emerging writers and critics in all genres to enable
• Research:  towards the production of new writings
• Formal or informal training:  Participation in a professional or post-graduate course, mentoring, or other initiative, which will expand existing practice.

 Download the Application form here

Kildare Dance Summer School Bursary Award

Two bursary awards will be made to dancers, teachers or facilitators to participate in the Kildare Dance Summer School at NUI, Maynooth 20th- 24th July 2009.  The Summer School will have workshops in Choreography, Education, Youth dance and Dance with Disability.  The awards include tuition fees and light refreshments.  

 Download the Application form here

Tyrone Guthrie Residency Bursary Award

Two bursary awards will be made to artists from all fields for a two week stay at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, the artist’s workplace in Monaghan.  Artists will be selected on the basis of their previous achievements and the project they intend to further during their working residency. For information about the Tyrone Guthrie Centre see www.tyroneguthrie.ie

Download the Application form here

Drama League of Ireland Summer School Bursary Award

Two bursary awards are offered for participation on the DLI Summer School Saturday 1st – Saturday 8th August 2008. For information about the Drama League of Ireland see www.dli.ie

Download the Application form here

Recording Bursary @ Leixlip Library

Two Recording Bursaries awards are offered to emerging, established and professional musicians living in or from County Kildare. Each award will consist of 3 days recording time in the Recording Suite @ Leixlip Library with the House Engineer. For further information see www.kildare.ie/artsservice

Download the Application form here

Closing date for receipt of applications for each scheme is
5PM WEDNESDAY 18TH MARCH 2009.

figure8 fitness for women has opened a new fitness centre in Maynooth.

figure8 specialise in health and fitness for women using a unique 3 tier circuit, for weight loss, toning and special areas of focus.

Figure8 provides a friendly environment, and uses a combination of the most advanced training techniques, pilates and yoga, together with metabolism balancing expertise, to provide members with a lifetime of wellbeing and vitality.

Situated in Unit H7 of the Maynooth Business Campus, they are open from 9am to 9pm.

For more details visit their website at www.figure8.ie

The aim of the IWS/ILAM Ireland, Pool Lifeguard Award is to enable a
candidate to act as a designated lifeguard, trained in pool rescue and BLS
techniques. He/She will also have an awareness of first aid and pool water
management.

Course starts Saturaday January 24th in Naas Swimming Pool and will take place on Saturdays

Saturday dates Jan 24th &31st - Feb 7th & 14th (10am to 4pm)

Cost is 200euros

Further information or to book a place  email : info@kildarewatersafety.ie 

MINIMUM STANDARD ENTRY LEVEL

• Be able to swim 100 metres on their front and 100 metres on their back.
• Be able to surface dive and recover an object from the deepest part of
  the pool.
• Be 16 years of age, or older, at the time of the examination.

The specification for the qualification is:
Unit 1 Basic Life Support 1,2 and 3
Unit 2 Life Guarding
Unit 3 Pool Operations

Lifeguard certification is awarded at either of two levels.

Level 1 certificates are awarded to those who are judged to be competent
to supervise swimming pools or sections of a swimming facility, where the
water depth does not exceed 1.5m.

Level 2 certificates are awarded to those who are judged to be competent
to supervise areas of water in a swimming facility where depths are
greater than 1.5m.

Candidates can upgrade from a Level 1 to a Level 2 award during the
validity period of the Level 1 award. Candidates undertaking such an
upgrade do not have to complete the entire course.

Visit www.kildarewatersafety.ie  

Fianna Fail has selected three candidates to contest the up-coming local elections for Kildare County Council from the Clane LEA.

Sitting Councillors Liam Doyle and Darragh Fitzpatrick will be joined by PJ Sheridan.

Councillor Liam Doyle was first elected to Kildare County Council in 1985. He is a member of the Finance Committee and the Enterprise Board. Councillor Doyle is also a member of his local GAA club in Kilcock.

Councillor Darragh Fitzpatrick is a local Bookmaker who was co-opted on to Kildare County Council following the election of his father Michael to Dail Eireann in June 2007. Councillor Fitzpatrick is Chair of Rural Water Monitoring Committee. He is also a member of the Housing SPC and Kildare VEC.

PJ Sheridan is a former Councillor and former Mayor and was one of the first people nominated to the County Enterprise Board. He also served for 30 years on the Community Council which is a local voluntary organisation that looks after community affairs. PJ is also involved with the Senior Citizen’s Day Care Centre in Clane.

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) is seeking a person to fill the post of Development Officer.
 
The IPCC is an environmental organisation based in the Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Co. Kildare. This is a centre of excellence for peatland conservation, education and research, which is open to visitors. The role of Development officer is crucial in communicating our campaigns to the public and raising funds to achieve our mission of conserving a representative sample of the peatlands of Ireland for future generations to enjoy.
 
The job will involve the following tasks: 

• Increasing the supporter base of the charity substantially by implementing a variety of fundraising and supporter development schemes.
• Increasing awareness of peatland conservation and biodiversity protection through the provision of printed newsletters, supporter welcome packs, press releases, press interviews, web mail, organisation of events and meeting and guiding visitors to the nature centre.
• Maintaining a database of supporters including inputting all responses such as funding donations, volunteer activity and other responses.
• Generating fund raising and supporter appeals from the supporter database as part of the annual fundraising strategy of the IPCC.
• Office and Nature Shop management – ordering stationery, stock purchase and stock control, invoicing, post, telephone, email, reception duties, book keeping, cash analysis, annual stock take.
• Nature Gift Shop Business - preparing the annual Christmas Card and Gifts Catalogue for printing. Processing and dispatching mail order parcels and developing a network of external outlets for IPCC’s shop products.

 
IPCC operates in a Macintosh environment for all its data-basing and desk top publishing work. The successful applicant will have relevant database, business management, web site, writing/publishing and fund raising experience; excellent inter-personal, communications and organisational skills; computer and internet literacy, an interest in the environment and natural habitats; a willingness to be flexible in terms of working hours and learning computer packages operational within the organisation and a proven record to deliver results.
 
Ideally the successful candidate must be suitably qualified with a background in environmental or heritage studies combined with a business qualification and should enjoy meeting people.
 
The applicant will work from the IPCC headquarters at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare on a daily basis.
 
Full time 24 months employment contract to include annual leave entitlement and an extension option. Contract value for 24 months: €48,000 plus work-related expenses.
 
Further information www.ipcc.ie
 
Applications by curriculum vitae to Dr Catherine O’Connell, Chief Executive, Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare.
 
Closing date for applications is Friday 30 January 2009

Newridge artist Rosemary Burns believes that "everyone can paint" and it is in this belief that she is offering painting courses in Connemara, Spain and France for anyone who would like to combine their holiday with some painting. Courses are limited to small groups, and most participants are women, although men aren't excluded and Rosemary also offers a discount for non painting partners.

Rosemary chooses the locations for her painting courses very carefully.  The Spain Painting Course, for example, takes place in Comares, Spain where the would-be painter can be inspired by the typical Andalucian architecture and stunning mountain views, olive groves and wild flowers.

Rosemary also offers the opportunity to combine walking and relaxation with your painting holiday. On the Spanish painting holiday, there are optional daily Yoga classes every morning, organised hill walking on 3 mornings and aromatherapy and Shiatsu massage on request.

For more information on all of Rosemary's painting courses, go to www.arc-designs.ie

Its that time of year again, when brides all over the country start to gear up for their big day. There are lots of wedding fairs all over the county in the coming weeks and months. Listed below are dates, locations and a link to each hotels' website for more information.

 If you would like your Kildare Wedding Fair listed on kildare.ie, please email events@kildare.ie

Despite the doom and gloom pronouncements for the next few years, Nurney Primary School must be included in the Springtime list to be announced by the Department of Education and Science according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael.

“Both in my capacity as a public representative and as a school principal I am extremely aware of the plight of the Primary School community in Nurney who have been left on the waiting list for far too long. The condition of the permanent building and the proliferation of prefabs send out a signal of neglect to the local community. I am only too well aware of the negative impact of inadequate and outdated buildings on the morale of students who should be our priority.

I am delighted with the advances being made in the construction of my own school project and have given a commitment that I will put every effort now to ensure justice for Nurney School which is in our catchment area and which has been overlooked for too long by the Department of Education and Science.

I am encouraging residents in the area to let public representatives know that Education will be an election issue in the forthcoming local and European elections. A window of opportunity exists where pressure can be put on the government which will not arise again for a number of years and it must not be ignored.

In my capacity as a school principal I attended a meeting of parents in Nurney following their omission from last autumn’s list where a general feeling of frustration was apparent. A number of local schools had benefitted from recent investment but despite almost a decade on the building list Nurney was once more kicked into touch and progress deferred.

Education is probably the most important area for investment to prepare us for once more attracting investment in our economy and will reap the surest of rewards and the excuse that these are difficult times cannot be used.

Now is the time to loudly let it be known that Education will be an election issue for Nurney” said Cllr Daly

Kildare County Council have warned that due to very low ground temperatures, many water pipes, connections and services have been frozen, causing interrupted water supplies throughout the county. This will continue until ground temperatures rise over the coming days.

Kildare County Council have announced that Christmas trees can be left at the following locations from Tuesday 6th of January 2009

• Silliot Hill, Kilcullen
• Gallows Hill, Athy
• Council Nursery Naas road, Newbridge (please DO NOT leave trees at the Ryston site in Newbridge)
• Council Depot, Leinster St., Maynooth

Naas Town Council will be offering the same service on Saturday 10 and Saturday 17 January between 9am and 4pm at the following locations:

• Monread District Park Car Park
• Fairgreen Car Park

All trees are shredded and used as landscaping material.

Happy New Year to all our members from Maynooth Film For All, Film Club. Thank you for your support in 2008 and we look forward to seeing you
all back for our continuing season in 2009.

Writer, Director Fatih Akin’s The Edge of Heaven will be screened on Wednesday 14th January @ 7.45pm. Please Note – there is a change of venue – for one night only we will be in Callan Hall on the old campus of NUI Maynooth.

The destinies of six characters are bound together by fate in this gripping and moving feature from acclaimed director Fatih Akin (Head On, Crossing the Bridge). The film opens and closes in Turkey during a bayram (Turkish festival or holiday). The story begins as widower Ali seeks out companionship, setting in motion a chain of events that will link three families across different cultures, countries and generations. Skillfully constructed and brilliantly played by an outstanding cast.

The point at which a good director crosses the career bridge to become a substantial international talent is vividly clear in The Edge of Heaven, an utterly assured, profoundly moving fifth feature by Fatih Akin.

All the screenings are preceded by a brief introduction and some contextual information by staff from various Departments of NUI Maynooth, with a chance to engage in some lively chat and discussion afterwards.

These screenings are friendly, informal and intimate- a chance to see top quality art-house cinema from around the world, in friendly company.

Membership is open to all over 18yrs. and costs a recession-beating €27.00 for the remaining season of five films. Cost to students €2.00 per screening with valid student card and admission for non members is €8 on the night.

For joining and full membership details for Maynooth Film for all Film Club log onto http://www.kildare.ie/artsservice/. Or telephone Maynooth Community Library on 01 6285530 Email: maynoothlib@kildarecoco.ie.

The Arts Service and Media Studies Dept., NUI Maynooth welcomes feedback and suggestions re film club programming and development. For further information or queries please contact Brenda Brady Tel: 045 448328 or Email: bbrady@kildarecoco.ie

The Government has established a €4 million scheme to assist apprentices who are out of work, according to local Fianna Fail TD and Convenor of the Oireachtas Enterprise Committee, Michael Fitzpatrick.

“The Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme will be operated by FAS until the end of the year.”

“The purpose of the scheme is to give redundant apprentices the opportunity to complete the on-the-job phase of their apprenticeship in order to gain the required experience to progress to the next off-the-job phase or to complete their apprenticeship.”

“It is set to benefit up to 500 apprenticeships in carpentry and joinery, electrical, plastering, plumbing and bricklaying.”

“The scheme will support redundant apprentices on-the-job training related to Phase 3, Phase 5, and Phase 7. They will also be scheduled to do off-the-job Phase 2, Phase 4 and Phase 6 in accordance with scheduling criteria.”

"FAS will work with employers to place the redundant apprentices to replace any existing apprentices that have been released to attend scheduled off-the-job phase of their apprenticeship. The employer will provide workplace training and assessment for full or part of the relevant phase of the apprenticeship."

"Employers taking part in the scheme will be required to pay the agreed industry rates for the specific apprenticeship trade and FAS will make a contribution of 340 per week towards employment costs incurred based on a 39 hour working week."

"This is the latest in a number of initiatives set up by the Government and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan TD, to assist redundant apprentices in completing their training.”

“Many young people have been badly affected by the recent downturn and the Government must continue to give assistance possible to facilitate the completing of their training,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

In August 2008, the two computer courses, both based in Jigginstown, joined in name to become the Naas Technology Project (formerly ASK Network Project and Enterprise Publications Project).  They still remain two separate projects, run independently, and are both funded by FÁS and sponsored by The Kildare Community Partnership (KCP).

On each course, trainees receive training over a six-month period in computer skills, office skills and personal development.  Work experience is incorporated into the course, allowing participants to develop their skills learnt and gain valuable experience in a working environment.  Both courses work on a continuous intake basis, which means it’s difficult to give exact starting times.

Certification is given in ECDL and FETAC level 3 (full award) for one project and the other provides trainees with computer skills and certification in FETAC level 5 (full award).  The course caters for persons returning to work and equips trainees with the skills necessary to obtain employment in the administration/office sector.  As the overall aim of the project is to get a job, it is important that participants show an interest in the course.

To access this training, please contact and register with the nearest Local Employment Services, Newbridge on 431372 or Obair on 435666.  A placement officer will interview you before putting your name down for a suitable course.  When places become available for that course, you will be contacted to come for interview.  Our interviews consist of a series of aptitude tests in English, maths and comprehension to assess which of the two courses, you initially seem more suitable for.  On starting either course, you will then be taken through a week’s training and everyone will be given a basic test at the end of the first week to ascertain further, which course is more suitable for your needs at that time. This is to allow for people’s language difficulties, coping skills, previous computer skills, etc, which may not have been reflected in the initial aptitude tests.

If you wish to contact us directly, please call Cathal on 045 879275 or Eleanor on 045 894261.  You can also email us at eppnaas@yahoo.ie (Cathal) or ntp5@kildare.ie (Eleanor) for further information.

Kildare County Council will hold pre-planning information meetings, for prospective applicants’ for a house at rural locations in the county or other small-scale development in 2009.  

In addition to the clinics held in Aras Chill Dara it is proposed to introduce pre-planning information meetings in Clane and Athy as part of their Out Reach Service, to facilitate prospective applicants within the Clane and Athy electoral areas.

Venue:  Aras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare
Dates:  
Thurs 22nd January
Thurs 19th March
Thurs 21st May
Thurs 23rd July

Venue:  Athy Area Office, Rathstewart, Athy
Dates:
Tuesday 13th January
Tuesday 10th February     
Tuesday 10th March    
Tuesday 14th April    
Tuesday 12th May    
Tuesday 9th June     

Venue:   Clane Area Office, Woods House, Clane
Dates:
Wednesday 14th January 
Wednesday 11th February
Wednesday 11th March
Wednesday 15th April
Wednesday 13th May
Wednesday 10th June

All meetings will be held at 15 minute intervals between 9.30 and 1.00 pm.

This will give an opportunity for interested parties to meet a relevant planner or other senior official who can advise them in broad terms about their proposal.  Prospective applicants attending a pre-planning meeting should bring the following documentation:

•  Site location map
•  Sketch design of proposal
•  Photographs of the site

It is important to note that individual sites cannot be inspected in advance of the information meeting.

The information meetings are particularly appropriate for prospective applications for houses in rural areas of the county, where Kildare County Council’s Rural Housing Policy applies (Chapter 6 of Kildare County Development Plan 2005).

Please contact the Planning Department to make an appointment through our offices by contacting the number below. 

Telephone: 045 – 980845
E-mail plandept@kildarecoco.ie
Website:   www.kildare.ie/countycouncil

Programme of Talks & Walks 2009

Wed 7th Jan – 110 Years of Kildare Co. Council with Liam Kenny

Wed 4th Feb – Newsreels 1922 to 1941, from the Civil War to the Emergency with Adrian Mullowney

Wed 11th Mar – The Life and Times of Gerard Sweetman (1908-1970) with Tony O’Donnell

Wed 1st Apr – The Trunk in the Attic, a case study with Dr. Barbara Walsh

Wed 6th May – Memorabilia/Memories Night

Sat 6th Jun – Annual Outing to the Battle of the Boyne site and Old Mellifont Abbey. Pre-booking essential

Wed 1st Jul – The 2009 Hayden Lecture. Bride Street Revisited, a history of Kildare Chilling Company with Mary Connolly

August – Summer Break

Wed 2nd Sep – How I Traced My Family History with Rory Hopkins

Wed 7th Oct – From Kildare to Korea with James Durney

Wed 4th Nov – Stories from the Foot of Slieve Bloom with Paddy Heany

Wed 2nd Dec – Kildare Town 1909, 1959 and 1979, What it said in the Papers with Mario and Joe

Talks begin at 8.00 pm in the Kildare Education Centre (Old Parochial House), Friary Rd., Kildare Town.

All are welcome

Almost €85,000 in funding has been allocated by the Government for the purchase of high-tech IT equipment at three north Kildare schools according to local Fianna Fail TD Áine Brady.

Welcoming the funding, Deputy Brady said that the Government is committed to making information technology a central part of the learning process from the early stages of education.

“Scoil Naomh Padraig in Celbridge will receive €30,500 for outfitting 16 classrooms; Maynooth Educate Together will get €13,500 for 8 classrooms and Gaelscoil Nas na Riogh in Nás will get €41,000 for 10 classrooms.”

“This is the first time there has been funding per classroom at primary level and I’m delighted that such significant funding has been allocated to these schools.”

“The Government is very conscious of the need to invest in education in technology from at early stage. These schools are among 72 other national schools around the country in which major construction work was completed in 2008, and which are now to receive this considerable ICT investment.”

“The National Centre for Technology in Education will advise the school of the range of equipment available and of appropriate equipment specification which may include a fixed digital projector, an internet-enabled laptop computer and a visualiser along with classroom computers.”

‘The longer term goal of the Government to increase the take-up of science, engineering and technology courses in third-level institutions to help build up what the government is calling a ‘knowledge’ economy, which will help the country remain strong in the globalised economy.”

“IT skills are required in many jobs now and this advancement in equipment provision will benefit children regardless of what industry they eventually work in,” concluded Deputy Brady.

The E1m. ticket for the Lotto Millionaire Draw was purchased in Winkle newsagents at the corner of Emily Square in Athy.  The holder of the winning ticket has not yet come forward. The winning ticket number is 199008.

Athy Community Library are holding a Parent and Baby Programme Signing Programme from January  15th - February  12th @ 11.30am-12.30pm. Baby sign language allows parents to communicate with their infant before they can speak. Children can begin to learn sign language at between six and eight months of age.

For more information Telephone:059 8631144 Email: athylib@kildarecoco.ie

The Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) 2008 Litter League results have been announced.

The final survey for 2008 revealed that only 3 of 55 towns surveyed were deemed "seriously littered" while there are now no towns classified as "black spots".

Most Kildare towns did well in the survey with Naas, Maynooth and Leixlip ranking 21st, 22nd and 23rd respectively, and have been classed as 'Clean to European Norms'. Athy, however, ranked at 48 as was classed as being 'littered'.

Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) was set up in 1996 as an alliance of companies who believe that litter has a significant impact on our economic well-being. A major IBAL initiative has been the Anti Litter League which ranks the performance of each local authority in combating litter in a league table format. The league is no co-funded by the Dept. of the Environment. 

( Photograph from the Liexlip Tidy Town Assocation website www.ltta.ie)

Scoil Mhuire Clane has launched their handbook and Day Time and Evening Courses for Spring 2009. There is an excellent range of evening courses on offer from Salsa Dancing to Firstt Aid, Energy Efficiency to Cake Decorating. The Day Time Courses include ECDL, Beauty Therapy and Special Needs Assisting. The course brochure is available at various retail outlets around the county and is also available on their website www.clanesm.com.

Enrolment is available by telephone 045-868255  9:30am - 4:30pm Daily  or in person from 9.30am-1.00pm. Evening enrolment is available on Time Wednesday 7th January 7:30pm - 9:30pm. Online enrolment is also available on the website www.clanesm.com

Courses Begin on the following dates:
Monday 19th January 2009
Tuesday 20th January 2009
Wednesday 21st January 2009
Thursday 22nd January 2009
Friday 23rd January 2009 

 

Pilates classes in Kildare Town are starting again Jan 13.

Beginners and Progressive classes @ Kildare parish centre (Aras Bhride)
Every Tuesday & Thursday:

Tuesdays: 7pm Beginners, 8.15 Progressive
Thursdays: 7pm Beginners, 8.15 Mixed level

7 week course is 95 euros, 10% discount if doing two classes a week!

For details and booking contact Aoife:

Tel: 045-520144       

Mobile: 087-6674863       

Email: pilates_kildare@mail.com

Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael and leas Cathaoirleach of Athy Town Council has welcomed the public meeting being called by the local branch of the IFA to organise a campaign to advance the solution to Athy’s crippling traffic problem.

“The IFA are being very proactive in addressing an issue which is very important to the business development of Athy. As a group of people who are daily affected by the difficulty of accessing the town they are calling a public meeting to get opinion and advance solutions in the interest of all who use the town.

The remit of any organisation is to address the issues which concern their members and their community and Athy at this stage is almost synonymous with traffic jams and delays. Having a group as powerful as the IFA putting its weight to a solution can be very favourable for the town.

Over recent years some progress has been made on planning for a Southern and Northern route around the town but progress has been slow. Even with an expected date for the construction of the Southern Distributor road proposed for 2010 it is dependent on sourcing the necessary finance which is not guaranteed.

The support of every organisation to ensure that the €40 million needed for the route is guaranteed is imperative and at a time of economic decline spending on such infrastructural projects could be seen as a way of supporting the construction industry while at the same time creating future potential in a town which was outside the influence of the Celtic Tiger.”

“I would urge all interested people to avail of the opportunity to express their views and support at the public meeting in the Clanard Court on Jan 7^th and help to make 2009 a positive year for Athy” said Cllr Daly.

Chief Superintendent Michael A. Byrnes, Naas Garda Station announces changes to the Garda boundaries in the County Kildare area.

A project board has being established locally to manage the change and is being led by the Chief Superintendent. Commenting on the establishment of the project board Chief Superintendent Byrnes said:
“This is an opportunity to shape the future of policing in this area. We are bringing the Garda Divisions into line with local authority boundaries so we can work more effectively with joint policing committees and work in partnership with communities to deliver an efficient, focused and professional service to everyone.

In the coming months we will be planning the way forward. We will start implementation on the 1st January 2009.”

What the changes will mean to the general Kildare Public?

The Garda Stations serving the Kildare community within the Carlow / Kildare Garda Division are structured as follows until the 31st December 2008;

Leixlip Garda Station is presently in the Dublin Metropolitan Region policing area. The Superintendents’ Offices are presently in Naas and Kildare Garda Stations.
From the 1st January 2009 the Garda Stations serving the Kildare community will be structured within the Carlow / Kildare Garda Division, as follows; 

Chief Superintendent Byrnes stresses the importance of ensuring that the community is aware of the changes in the Garda Station areas within the County. Various communications initiatives are in place which are designed to keep the public, local businesses, elected representatives and local authorities aware of the changes to the boundaries in the Kildare area.

Under the new arrangements, the Chief Superintendent’s Office for Kildare will remain in Naas Garda Station with Superintendents’ Offices in Naas, Kildare and Leixlip Garda Stations.

The creation of the new Garda District of Leixlip will result in the appointment of a Superintendent and support staff to Leixlip Garda Station.  Leixlip Garda Station, presently open on a 24hr basis, will continue to provide this service and will support the administration of the other stations within the Leixlip District.

The level of service provided by local Gardai will not suffer as a result of these changes, it will actually improve.  All Garda stations will maintain and improve its level of service to all communities within County Kildare.  The telephone numbers of the Garda Stations will not change.

The re-alignment of the Garda Boundaries within Kildare will involve some internal organisational and logistical arrangements, these issues have been considered and measures put in place to aid transitions. All Gardai in Kildare will have their Shoulder Identifications changed to KE (Kildare) followed by a number.

Some townlands throughout the County have been re-aligned to other Garda Station areas, this has been done to improve the level of service and administration of those areas.  Firearm Certificate holders who have been moved will renew their applications in 2009 as normal and any changes to their Certificates will be managed by the Garda Station listed on the renewal notice. All other service areas such as Alarm activations, Garda assistance etc will not be effected. The townland areas that have been changed are listed below.

We hope that the transition will be smooth and you will not notice any change, but we would ask for a little understanding during the transition period in early January.

Townlands moving area as a result of Garda Boundary Changes:

Any queries relating to Boundary Changes within the Kildare Garda Division should be addressed to:

Sergeant Tim Burke
Naas Garda Station
 (045)884323 or timothy.f.burke@garda.ie