County Kildare News

Allenwood Enterprise Park, Allenwood North, Naas, Kildare, Industrial Unit To Let Immediately

Suite of 3 Offices, canteen, Wash room & shower. 1230 sq,ft on 1st floor. 1130 sq ft Workshop/Storage area with roller shutter door. Wireless Broadband, three phase supply. Unit is located in Allenwood Enterprise Park where facilities and support services of Allenwood Community Development Association are available to Tenants.

Units are available on monthly license basis. No long term commitment is required. Longer term lease is available if required. Please ask to see other units available at Allenwood Enterprise Park. Rent € 1303 plus VAT

Contact : Ian Donald 086 1570496 or 045 870804 (Business Hours)

Email: idonald@acdal.ie

Allenwood Community Development Association Ltd (ACDAL) seeks an enthusiastic energetic person to manage existing business and continue the development of Allenwood Enterprise Park with an emphasis on promoting Green business innovation.

ACDAL is a community based not for profit organisation having charitable Status. It is an Equal Opportunities employer.

This is a full time position. Job specification is available on www.jobs.ie  ref:ACDAL and
www.acdal.ie

Salary based on experience €40k

Application by 18th January 2010   ONLY by e-mail to:  businessdevelopment@acdal.ie

You must include a ONE page résumé demonstrating suitability for this position.

ACDAL is part funded by the Irish Government under the national Development Plan 2007-2013

Local Fianna Fail TD Michael Fitzpatrick has welcomed the Government funding for the Kildare Volunteer Bureau as the numbers giving their time and expertise grows.

“Minister of State at the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has announced that the Kildare Volunteer Bureau is to receive almost €103,000 in funding.”

“At the Kildare Volunteer Bureau potential volunteers can find out about local opportunities, get advice on how to proceed and what kind of work would suit them free of charge. Local organisations can also have the Centre source volunteers for them, get assistance with taking on volunteers for the first time and get advice on issues such as references, expenses and other related matters.”

“Indications are that the numbers of volunteers have increased by up to 100% around the country and I know that these numbers are reflected in Kildare.”

“As people are losing their jobs, I am encouraged that they are willing to give back to their communities with their free time and expertise.”

“It is important that the Kildare Volunteer Bureau is supported in their work and I would like to commend them for the support that they give to willing volunteers,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

The recent 'Top Gear Live' show in Dublin saw the launch of Mondello Park's new 'Roadshow Challenge' race simulation. The challenge proved extremely popular with show visitors, thousands of whom joined the long queues to sample the circuits new and unbelievably life-like racing simulation for the first time.

The Mondello Park 'Roadshow Challenge' features the most accurate and authentic computer generated version of the Co. Kildare circuit available, and allows up to five drivers at a time compete against each other, while seated in realistic race car simulators. The advantage of the system is that it can be transported to any venue and quickly set up to a clients requirements to provide unrivalled day or evening entertainment. The excitement of the 'Roadshow Challenge' can be the centrepiece of a party, event or simply utilised as a side attraction at any social or corporate gathering

The 'Roadshow Challenge' is suitable for corporate events, team building, staff parties, social groups and as an add-on to product launches, training and conferencing. As part of an event, participants can race against each other over a series of heats with the best performers going through to the knock out stages. Quarter Finals and Semi Finals then whittle down the field for the Grand Final, while the defeated drivers can retire to the bar to make their excuses. As part of a larger corporate event where running a full Grand Prix is not feasible, the challenge can simply be to see who can set the fastest lap time over the course of the event.

If team building is the aim, Endurance Race and Rally Stage options are also available. The endurance format requires teams of drivers to compete over a two or more hour race, which takes place in both daylight and darkness, complete with driver changes, pit stops and fuel strategy. The team must decide and implement their strategy either with all team members driving or with one non-driving team manager in control. When rallying, a driver and navigator are required to complete the course as quickly as possible, with communication the critical factor. The navigator is supplied with 'Pace Notes' which describe the course, and these must be imparted to the driver in the correct way, and at the correct time, to enable the team to set the fastest time possible.

The 'Roadshow Challenge' offers many advantages over other similar events as no driving qualifications are required and there are no age limits. As it can run as a daytime or evening event, guests do not necessarily need to be enticed away from their desks during working hours to participate, thereby increasing the take up of invitations.

Mondello Park's driving experiences have always been one of Irelands most popular corporate entertainment options, either as a stand alone event or as an add on to a product launch or conference. That popularity is set to widen still further with the introduction of the 'Roadshow Challenge' which will bring the track to the customer for the first time.

For further information please contact Mondello Park on 045-860200 or see www.mondello.ie/corporate-events/roadshow/.

Athy becomes first town in Ireland to roll out new tourism initiative

Athy will be the pilot town for an exciting new tourism initiative, called SHINE TOWN, which aims to reinvigorate the traditional Irish welcome offered to overseas visitors.  Developed by Tourism Ireland in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and in response to approaches from local tourism interests, the project will be rolled out in Athy from this week and over the coming three months.   

The overall objective of the SHINE TOWN programme is to ensure that tourists visiting Athy experience the best possible service wherever they go in the town.  The entire community in Athy will be behind the programme – and not just those people working in tourism.  So, when visitors to Athy come in contact with all frontline staff – in shops, pubs, garages, and so on – everyone they meet will deliver the best possible customer experience with wonderful, friendly service and will be striving to display the four key behaviours of the original SHINE programme rolled out earlier this year: S-omeone who is H-appy, I-nterested, N-atural and E-xpert.

At the end of the pilot programme in Athy, research will be undertaken by Tourism Ireland to measure the success of the project and a blueprint will be developed and shared with other towns around the island of Ireland, to help them roll out SHINE in their own communities.

The roll-out of the SHINE TOWN programme in Athy over the coming months will include:

• training programmes for all frontline staff, run by Fáilte Ireland;
• competitions for schools to get the local children involved and thinking about the project;
• promotions and competitions on local radio to help raise awareness; 
• the local council putting up signs saying “Athy - Ireland’s First SHINE TOWN”; and the creation of a special SHINE map in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, listing the top ten things to do in and around the town.

Commenting on the initiative, Brian Twomey, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Marketing Communications, said:  “In our marketing overseas, Tourism Ireland promises potential visitors an experience that is unique and full of spontaneity, engagement and fun.  When those visitors arrive, the people they meet around Ireland are the ones who actually deliver on that promise.  They can do this by performing at their best - by being happy, interested, natural and expert.  The message is simple: when our people shine, Ireland radiates!

“Athy will be the pilot town for this project following approaches to Tourism Ireland by a number of people from the town who were aware of the SHINE programme and were keen to become more involved.  We were impressed by their enthusiasm and commitment and we look forward to working with them in 2010, to make their aspiration a reality and to kick off something that can be replicated in other towns around Ireland.”

Kevin Kidney, Fáilte Ireland, said: “We look forward to working with the people of Athy on this project over the coming months.  It is a great opportunity for the town to generate the same enthusiasm for tourism as an economic driver that is already evident in the ShopAthy initiative.  We are confident that the commitment already shown by the local committee will lead to a successful outcome.”

The Community Foundation for Ireland has established a Flood Recovery Fund to assist the people who have been seriously affected by the recent floods.

Grants will be made available to Voluntary and community groups who:

· Are providing immediate relief to people who have been affected by the floods
· Will be providing longer term community rebuilding project
· Have an annual income below €250,000
 
Priority will be given to community and voluntary groups providing support to one or more of the following:

· Older people
· Families with young children
· People with physical or learning disabilities
· People with mental health needs
· People on low incomes

And to projects:

· Showing evidence of collaboration with other service providers
· Maximising the use of volunteers

Grants are available up to a maximum €5,000 for each group.

Details of how to apply for grants and to donate to the fund are available at www.foundation.ie/grants/

The impact of the budget on people who are currently out of work will be discussed at a Newbridge meeting on Thursday, December 17 at 11.30am.

The morning meeting in Newbridge Parish Centre, Station Road, is open to all and representatives from the Citizen Information Centre (CIC) will be present to answer questions.

The meeting is an initiative arising from the Newbridge Forum, which has already held three meetings over recent months. The meeting is open to all who are unemployed, working short time or who fear their job may be at risk.

Free tea and coffee will be provided at the meeting and questions can be raised arising from changes to entitlements brought in through the budget. Other topics relating to the
reality of unemployment will also be discussed. The budget will have a serious effect on everyone’s lives, particularly those who are out of work.

This meeting in Newbridge Parish Centre will provide an opportunity to discuss issues relating to unemployment and for people to, if they wish, share their experiences and knowledge.

Questions that arise from the December budget can be raised at the informal meeting and the CIC representatives will provide an update on entitlement changes.

The first Newbridge Forum meeting in September identified the need to provide a network for people who are out of work. The December 17 meeting on budget issues is a first step
towards this. The Newbridge Forum is organised by Newbridge Community Development, a voluntary organisation in the town.

It can be contacted by email at ncdforum@gmail.com and details are online at www.ncdforum.blogspot.com

SIMPLY THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Motor Racing School - time to really DRIVE!

Want to improve your track driving skills? What better way than with a Mondello Park Motor Racing School course. Our courses are one of the most popular Christmas Gifts available and are suitable for both complete novice drivers and those with track experience who want to hone their skills, while enjoying the very different driving experience of being on-board a single seater racing car.

By now most of you will be familiar with the Mondello Park Motor Racing School format where we provide classroom and on-track training, in a race prepared Mazda 3, in preparation for the climax of your adventure behind the wheel of a Formula Sheane Single Seater. What you may not be aware of is the fact that we have reduced our prices back to 2005 levels making the 'Start Line', 'Home Straight' and 'Chequered Flag' courses even more attractive as gifts. To find out more see HERE.

Quest at Mondello Park - time to get DIRTY!

Have you ever dreamt of piloting a tank, 4x4 off-roader or Hovercraft, well now you can. Its time to get DIRTY! with Quest at Mondello Park, Irelands only complete off-road driving experience centre.

Quest courses offer drivers the unique thrill of controlling a 10 tonne monster as it trashes across the contours of Irelands only Tank driving experience. Participants will also find out how to master the impassible terrain of our 4x4 course, at the wheel of a Landrover, and learn the techniques required to fly a Hovercraft. Your visit to Quest will also include additional activities selected from our list of toys which include Blindfold driving, Reverse Steer driving and Archery.

Full and Half day courses are now available, for further information see HERE.

Christmas Gifts Made Easy: Riverbank Launches Lively New Year Line-up

There won’t be a hint of Winter blues at Riverbank Arts Centre this January as the Arts Centre announces a lively line-up for its January to March programme 2010.

If choosing a gift for friends and family is proving difficult then perhaps a gift voucher for great music, film, theatre and comedy at Riverbank Arts Centre will solve all your worries.

The New Year gets off to a flying start at Riverbank with Athy man Jack L performing on Friday January 15th and The All New Hannah Montana & High School Musical Show on Saturday 16th. Loved by children everywhere this event gives fans ‘the Best of Both Worlds’ by combining two of the most loved shows on one stage- not to be missed.

On Friday January 22nd, Riverbank Arts Centre presents a very special night with the powerful choral group Anuna. This event will take place at the impressive location of St Conleth’s Church Newbridge. Anuna are well known for their involvement in the Riverdance phenomenon, they sang the opening choral section entitled ‘Cloudsong’, and this promises to be an exceptional night out.

Other highlights on the music front inlcude Gemma Hayes, Fionn Regan, The 4 of Us, the Mercury-Prize nominated Portico Quartet and the incredible Irish instrumental band Lunasa. If it’s comedy that you’re after then Kevin McAleer, Ardal O’Hanlon and Neil Delamere will keep you laughing through the coming months.

The new Riverbank programme also includes a great selection of local theatre productions- from Silken Thomas Players’ ‘The History Boys’, Open Door Theatre’s production of ‘Sive’ and Stageworks’ energetic ‘Dancing through the Decades’ while In Our Shoes Theatre Company, made up of an integrated cast & crew of people with and without intellectual disabilities proudly presents its first production, ‘You Wish!’

The stage will be packed with a variety of acclaimed and award-winning theatre shows. Jasango Theatre’s ‘Bombshells’ brings an explosive and hilarious tale of several generations of women on the edge, Michael Harding’s Tinker’s Curse gives us an insightful glimpse into the life of a heartbroken traveller. Due to unprecedented popular demand, the award-winning Stones in His Pocket return for a two-night run in March.

Kids have plenty of treats in store with great workshops and shows for children, kids movies, a Roald Dahl Film Season and more. And for all film lovers, the new Riverbank CINEMA Club offers a great line-up of films at unbeatable prices.

Riverbank Arts Centre vouchers are available in any amount and are a sure way to solve any Christmas shopping dilemas.

The full Riverbank Arts Centre Programme can be viewed online at www.riverbank.ie or call Box Office on 045 448327 for further details.

Punchestown racecourse have launched the new look www.punchestown.com website.

Punchestown.com is a ‘one stop shop’ for race goers who are planning a trip to the Irish National Hunt Festival or indeed any fixture at Punchestown. The revamped website offers a stream-lined and secure purchase system, pre-Christmas booking discounts, comprehensive accommodation listing, full transport guide, details on the extra value Group Packages and much more. The fresh, vibrant and exciting design reflects the very essence of the Punchestown Festival and well worth a visit to avail of pre-Christmas discounts.

To mark the occasion Punchestown are offering a Free €10 Ladbrokes betting voucher with every Festival ticket purchased before the New Year. In addition to the complimentary betting vouchers, customers will automatically be entered into a draw to win a €1,000 Hospitality voucher for the 2010 Irish National Hunt Festival. This voucher can be redeemed against packages in any one of the three key venues; the Killashee Punchestown Pavilion, the Panoramic Restaurant or the Festival Pavilion.

The user friendly website also offers details on exclusive pre-Christmas hospitality discounts whereby clients can save up to €200 per table by booking before the end of the year. Full details of the Festival group packages can also be found on www.punchestown.com. The Lunch Pack is a new addition to this product group alongside last year’s Party @ Punchestown Package. Both bundles are priced at €29 per person for a minimum of ten and offer a saving of €14 each.

Register on www.punchestown.com to win FREE Festival tickets for the 2010 Festival.

Calling all movie buffs and local filmmakers!

In the New Year, Riverbank Arts Centre will showcase a series of shorts by local filmmakers. Riverbank is calling on local filmmakers to submit their short films for consideration for the next cinema season.

Screened before the Monday Night feature film, this series of shorts will provide a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work and will highlight the burgeoning film talent from around the county.

Those interested in submitting material for consideration should contact Riverbank Box Office on 045 448327 or boxoffice@riverbank.ie for further details.
 
For movie buffs, Riverbank Arts Centre will also be introducing a fantastic new Riverbank CINEMA club to enhance its current cinema programme.

If you love film and would like something a little different to the usual cinema experience then Riverbank CINEMA may be just the thing for you.
 
With pre-film drinks/coffee from 7pm on Monday nights, you’ll also receive regular e-bulletins keeping you up to date on the latest film news and special screenings at Riverbank.

Full membership is only €48.00 per person and includes all 11 Monday night screenings in this season- Irresistible value for money.
 
For more information on the film club and for short film submissions please contact Riverbank Box Office 045 448327.

Local Stageschool, StageWorks presents "The little Match Girl" at the Riverbank Arts centre Newbridge on Sunday 13th December @ 2pm and 8pm.
 
The classic Hans Christian Andersen story of "The little Match Seller" will be adapted and brought to life in a magical performance of ‘The little Match Girl’ at Riverbank Arts Centre on Sunday 13th December.  Produced & directed by Paula Conlan of local performance school, StageWorks, ‘The Little Match Girl’ is a modern version of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale.

The show tells the story of Dodge, a twelve-year old girl, an orphaned street kid, cleverly fending for herself. On New Year’s Eve, she meets James, a fourteen-year old runaway whose sour outlook on life, Dodge finds challenging. Dodge decides to show James "the good stuff" of his life by revealing to him the power of the magic matchsticks given to her by her Grandmother and so the story unfolds. Both her life and his will never again be the same.

With the main parts played by local teenagers, Sara Ryan (Dodge) and Conor Mulpeter (James), this highly suspenseful play, with flashes of great action, humour and warmth will captivate and delight audiences.

This magical performance of ‘The Little Match Girl’ is the perfect event for both young and old to enjoy in the run up to Christmas.

 Tickets Adult's €10, Children & Senior Citizens €5. Available from Riverbank Box Office 045 448327 or book online at www.riverbank.ie

The programme includes a Chocolate Exhibition, Cribs from around theWorld, a Christmas Parade, Puppet Show, Street Entertainment, ChocolateBeauty Workshops,
Christmas Floral Workshops, Orgami Gift Boxes, Christmas Crafts and Artisan Food Fair,
Santa's South Pole Christmas Grotto, Adult & Childrens Cookery Workshops,
Sissie Claus Storytelling on the Canal, Choral Festival, and Late Night Shopping & Many More Bargains Throughout The Town.

Download the Full Christmas Chocolate Festival Programme here.

Why not start the Festival with a Free Early Morning Family Fun Swim At K Leisure Athy's new Pool and Leisure Facility on Sunday Morning  8.30am to 9.30am.

You can then follow this with

• Breakfast in Athy's Restaurants
• Visit the Crib Exhibition in Athy Library
• Chocolate Art in the Wetpaint Gallery
• Wonderful Children's and Adult's workshops.
  
• Santa's South Pole Christmas Grotto in the Heritage Centre
• Cookery Workshops.
  
• Sissy Claus story telling and other activities

The Amazing Choral Festival with Carols will be performed by many Choirs.

This Project is supported by Athy Town Council & Kildare County Council

A fundraising evening of song & story for St. Brigid's Hospice, The Curragh will take place in St. Brigid's Church, Curragh Camp on Sunday 13th December at 6.30pm.

Ticket price:
Adult €10.
OAP / Child €5.
(This show is not recommended for very small children)

Tickets are available from:

• Top Twenty Record Store, Newbridge Tel 045 432915
• The Curragh Camp Post Office.
• Farrell's Bookshop, Newbridge.
• Yvonne's Newbridge.
• Jean's Jewellers, Newbridge.

(some tickets will be available on the door)

This is good value entertainment & is a lovely way to support the work of the Hospice as the Christmas season begins!

LORRAINE NOLAN is a native of Newbridge,
She is perhaps best known for her part as LEAD VOCALIST in RIVERDANCE with which she toured the USA, and AUSTRALIA for two years & for her singing of "The Curragh of Kildare" as the horses go to post for the Irish Derby.

Lorraine has charmed audiences in Ireland with her concert tour of SONGBIRD - The Story of Eva Cassidy. Her live album "THE SONGBIRD COLLECTION"  is available on www.lorrainenolan.com  and in record shops.

Kildare Town Heritage Centre has just launched their exciting new website.
On the website is a Heritage Trail of Kildare Town and a description  of all the local attractions including St. Brigids Cathedral, Round Tower, National Stud, Japanese Gardens and Kildare Village to mention a few.

They have also launched an Online shop which sells a large selection of local crafts and books. Being the home of St Brigid they have a beautiful selection of Brigid products including Jewellery, Rushes, Bronze Crafted Crosses.

They pride ourselves on selling books of National and International interest that have been written by local authors including "The Forgotten Heritage of Kildare" by Ger McCarthy, "Silence of the Glasshouse" by Martin Malone, "Kildare - Visions of Cill Dara" by Con Costello,  "Far from the Shortgrass" by James Durney amongst others.

For Christmas they are selling Kildare Town Christmas Cards and Kildare Town 2010 Calendars.

If you are looking to buy a local product from a local company, look no further and log onto their online shop - www.kildare.ie/kildareheritage - or feel free to visit them in the Heritage Centre and see their full range of local crafts and books.

Calling all Speech and Drama enthusiasts! The North-Kildare Speech & Drama Feis returns again in January 2010 for the third year running. The Feis will host an array of competitions for all ages including Poetry categories, monologue, duologue's and group improvisation amongst others.

The North-Kildare Feis aims to give children the opportunity to compete and perform material they have worked so hard on in their Speech and Drama class in a comfortable and relaxed environment! The Feis will take place in the Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth, Co Kildare on Sunday, January 24th 2010.

Get your entries in soon, closing dates for all participants is Friday, 18th December 2009.

 For more information, a brochure or an entry form please contact nkfeis@gmail.com or contact Geraldine O’Brien on 087 2618118 or Eimear McVeigh on 087 9119168!

Kildare County Council are to receive a funding boost to assist them with the costs of running their bring banks and other recycling facilities according to local Fianna Fail TD, Michael Fitzpatrick.

“Kildare County Council will receive funding of just over €120,000 from the Government’s Environment Fund to help to meet the costs of running the recycling facilities including bring banks around the county.”

“The Environment Fund exists as a result of the plastic bag and landfill levy. It is important that everyone can see that these levies go directly back to helping the environment.”

“It is essential that everyone plays their part in protecting the environment and recycling household waste goes a long way. The provision of accessible and convenient recycling centres is vital if people are to be encouraged to recycle so I am delighted that this extra support is being given to Kildare County Council for this.”

“I would like to commend all of the staff at the recycling centres in Kildare who provide this excellent service,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

There is good news for hard pressed retailers and businesses in Kildare as upwardly only rent review clauses are to be banned, according to local Fianna Fail TD and Convenor of the Oireachtas Enterprise Committee, Michael Fitzpatrick.

“The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Dermot Ahern, TD, has banned upwardly only rent review clauses in business leases.”

“The Minister signed the banning order today under section 132 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act.”

“Kildare retailers and other businesses will see the benefit of this new law when it comes into operation on 28 February 2010. The delay of three months will allow the proposed changes to be taken on board by the market.”

“I am pleased that this law has come into effect. It is only right, that at a time when residential rents are dropping and the cost of living is reducing that Kildare businesses should also be able to take advantage.”

“Retail sales have decreased and many other businesses are also under pressure so this new law will give peace of mind to those feared that a rent increase might put them out of business.”

“I am happy that the Government is giving this practical support to retailers and other businesses and I am confident that this measure will assist them,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.