NAAS, 28 February 2002: by Trish Whelan. Naas Mayor Willie Callaghan has been invited to act as Grand Marshall at the Omaha St Patrick’s Day Parade by that city's Mayor, Mike Fahey.

He will also attend a special banquet in Omaha to be hosted by the Mayor. Other guests will include the Governor of Nebraska and the Irish Ambassador to the US as well as a number of Congressmen and Senators.

But the trip has been labelled a 'waste of money' and 'a gravy train' by opposition colleagues.

Willie Callaghan will be accompanied on the trip, to take place during St Patrick's week, by Cllrs Timmy Conway (who instigated the twinning) and Seamie Moore, along with Naas town clerk Declan Kirrane. Full Story.

Deputy Sean Power, Lucina Russell, Des Egan, Cllr Michael Fitzpatrick, Cllr John O'Neill, chairman of Kildare County Council and Cllr Fionnuala Dukes.

NAAS, 27 February 2002: by Trish Whelan. Representatives from 30 countries will attend the 15th Gerard Manley Hopkins International Summer School, based in Monasterevin, from July 19-26. These include countries such as Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Brazil, Canada, China, Iceland, Iran, India, Israel, Hungary, Japan, Korea, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the USA. Full story.

St Corban's Car Park closed for resurfacing

NAAS, 11 February 2002: by Brian Byrne. The printing of the holders' names and addresses on Naas Town Council's long-term parking permits could lead to burglaries of the holders' homes while they are away at work. Full Story.

STRAFFAN, 8 February 2002: by Trish Whelan. Lights at Ovidstown Cross in Straffan have been put in place after a long campaign by local residents and public representatives. Full Story.

MAYNOOTH, 6 February 2002: by Trish Whelan. Deputy Emmet Stagg is furious at the refusal of the Minister for Arts Sile de Valera TD to sanction Phase 2 of the Restoration works to Maynooth Castle which involves a new roof on the Keep of the Castle and an auditorium. Full Story.

KILDARE GENERAL, 5 February 2002: by Bill Trapman. According to Justice Minister John O’Donoghue garda strength in the Carlow/Kildare Division at present stands at 323 gardai or a 10% increase since 1997. Full Story.

KILDARE, 3 February 2002: by Bill Trapman. The ESB is to replace a number of spans of power cable in the Tully/ Newtown/ Tully West/ Shanacloon/ Fennor area near Kildare Town, in order to help deal with an unusual number of power supply interruptions which have occurred in the area. Full Story.

CELBRIDGE, 3 February 2002: by Bill Trapman. The filling of Kilwogan Bog in Celbridge has recommenced, angering local people with concerns for the environment. Full Story.

LEIXLIP, 2 February 2002: by Bill Trapman. Football pitches at St Catherine’s Park in Leixlip will be ready for playing on from next August, according to Dr Christy Boylan of South Dublin Council’s Parks Department. He told a recent meeting of Leixlip Area councillors that the pitches will be let on an annual basis and Kildare County Council will cut the grass. Full Story.

NAAS, 1 February 2002: by Trish Whelan. Five members of the Naas Unit of the Order of Malta were presented with special citations at a recent ceremony in Naas Care of the Aged. Full Story.