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Traders raise £1,200 for Sudan appeal
NAAS, 24 April 1999: byTrish Whelan. Naas Retailers have been doing their share for the victims of the Sudan famine and for people left destitute by the Hurricane Mitch disaster. Representing the retailers, John Forde of Top Twenty handed over a cheque for £1,200 to Mike Garvey of Trocaire - the amount collected through the distribution of yellow fundraising buckets in shops over the Christmas period.
“In the midst of our harvest time, the Naas retail committee wanted to do something to help the less well off,” John Forde said on the occasion. “In conjunction with Trocaire, we left the buckets on shop counters with the message ‘Christmas time - our chance to give a little back’.”
He praised shoppers for dropping their loose change into the buckets saying the retail committee was delighted with the response. “I believe we could double that amount in future, with a bit more organisation” he added.
Mike Garvey said it was all too easy to forget people suffering in crisis situations. He explained that a £10 donation could feed a family of six for a month in the Sudan. “That puts the £1,200 in context and Trocaire are very appreciative of your good work.” He added that in emergency causes such as these, every penny collected goes to those in need.
Picture above: Mike Garvey of Trocaire is presented with the cheque for £1,200 by members of Naas Retailers Jerry McCormack of M&L Shoes and John Forde of Top Twenty. Also pictured is Mary Bhogal, executive director, Naas Chamber of Commerce. |
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THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND?
ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615
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CHAPMANS OF KILDARE
Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here.
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Concerns about hotel plans
NEWBRIDGE, 24 April 1999: by Brian Byrne. Concerns about the designs of the new Eyre Powell Hotel were raised at this month’s meeting of Newbridge Town Commission, when Cmmr Joe Kearns said the plans had been ‘changed three times’ since the first application for planning permissions had been made. “Were we as the elected representatives in the town made aware of these changes?’ he asked, saying that the matter had only come to his notice recently. “I don’t think so ... we must be very small fry indeed.”
“There’s now a balcony at the back of the hotel, where there could be parties and noise which would affect residents in the area,” he said, adding that the local authority had little time to ‘get its act together’ as the hotel’s licence application to the courts was imminent. He also complained that kerbs which blocked access through arches beside the hotel were still a problem, despite the fact that he had raised the matter at two recent meetings.
Town clerk Charlie Talbot replied that he and the planning officer had conducted an examination of the area since the last meeting, and this was part of a review which was still going on. Town manager Terry O’Niadh said that regardless what licence was issued by the courts, any use of the premises was strictly governed by the Planning Code. |
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MICHAEL MCWEY & ASSOCIATES, Auctioneers & Valuers in Kildare town can locate private, commercial and industrial property to suit every requirement
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Safety improvement for school bus route
 MAYNOOTH, 24 April 1999: by Brian Byrne. Kildare County Council Engineering staff have accepted a proposal by Cllr Senan Griffin to remove the grass margin from the entrance to Charter House to the entrance of the Girls Convent School, so that a bus bay can be created for collection and dropping of school children.
In welcoming the adoption of his proposal by the Celbridge Area Committee, Cllr Griffin said the safety of school children is of paramount importance, particularly for those children who use the bus service as a means of getting to school. The entrance to the school has become completely congested with cars and buses, resulting in heightened danger for the children.
He also complimented Fergal Barton of Barton Transport for his company's co-operation in offering to take the long way around to the school so as to fully utilise the bus bay. When this bus bay is put into place, it will also help to alleviate traffic congestion at the Dunboyne Road, and top of the Main Street. Cllr Griffin has asked that this project be given priority by the Area Engineer.
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Tune in, Athy Kavanaghs ...
NEW YORK, 24 April 1999:
Dear Editor,
Hi there from USA. I just got back from my Irish Club meeting telling them I was so excited. Ii found you by accident - I was looking for St Bridget of Kildare, scrolled down and just seen the name for Kildare and decided to just click on - what a find! ... thank you.
All I remember as a child is talk about a town called Athy? Say hello to all the Kavanaghs there - we are great people!
Theres a pub in NYC east 32nd St named Patrick Kavanagh's ...I believe was a distant relative?
(Ed's Note: our correspondent unfortunately forgot to mention his or her name ... but he/she can be contacted at WHALEY681@aol.com |
Centenary meeting of Kildare County Council held yesterday
 COUNTY HALL, 23 April 1999: by Brian Byrne & Trish Whelan. A celebration meeting of Kildare County Council held yesterday marked the actual 100th anniversary of the very first meeting of the council in 1899. It brought together current members (pictured above) and former councillors and a number of direct relatives of the original council members and provided an occasion to both reflect back through the century and to look forward to the authority’s role in a new millennium.
Cathaoirleach of the present council Jim Reilly (pictured above left with the oldest councillor present, 93-year-old John Malone now living in Broadford) noted that the founder members of the authority inherited a new form of democratic local government in a time of political unrest and upheaval. “It is to their credit and that of their successors that they shaped it into a major development corporation providing modern physical infrastructures and social and economic services for the community,” he said, “one worth over £100 million this year alone.”
Cllr Reilly recalled some of the challenges met by the council, including support for the move for Irish independence, the building of roads and infrastructures to support the emerging new state in the twenties, the ‘lean years’ of the economic war and more of them in the 1980s. “Those last are within the memory of everybody here,” he said. “They taught us one lesson and that is that local authorities should be independently and securely financed if they are to continue to be a flexible instrument in the service of citizens.”
The grandson of founding councillor Charles J Bergin of Kildare, Charles Bergin, said he was very glad the mantle and obligation taken on by the first county councillors are still being borne and that there are people prepared to go through the rigours of public life in order to provide and protect public services.
 The council leaders of the four main political parties each spoke at the meeting. Fianna Fail’s Cllr Paddy Power noted that ‘much has been accomplished’ but that the credit due to the people of the county who supported their councils must not be forgotten. Fine Gael’s Cllr Michael McWey said that the 21 men who sat down to the first council meeting a century ago were celebrating two things - they were the first democratically elected representatives of the people of Kildare, and the first local authority to govern Kildare. Cllr Timmy Conway of the Progressive Democrats (pictured right with Senator John Dardis examining the minutes book of the first meeting) recalled that the first council had an eye to priorities when they set the inaugural meeting so that it would not clash with Punchestown Races; and Cllr Colm Purcell, representing the Labour Party, made mention of a number of the ‘unseen’ works carried out by the early councils, such as the sanitary services infrastructure ‘which we take for granted until something goes wrong’, and he said that he was proud to be a part of a ‘democratic and accountable’ local government.
 County manager Niall Bradley (pictured here on the right with county engineer Jimmy Lynch) said that in one way he should not be there on the occasion as there were no county managers in the early days of such local authorities. He emphasised the importance of the local representatives, saying that if they did not exist ‘they would have to be invented’. “The presence of the council members is a very necessary part of the checks and balances which must exist in a local authority,” he said, and noted that local government ‘is not for the faint-hearted’. “Sometimes we have to take risks to make things happen, and this county would not be the way it is without the work which has been done by the elected representatives.”
 A reception followed the meeting at which all staff and workers of the council celebrated with current and former members and invited guests, who included (pictured right) former county secretary Harry Lyons and Naas town clerk Declan Kirrane. Among the guests who were related to the founding council members were Matthew Minch and Mrs Ann Minch (Matthew Minch of Athy), Michael Hanlon (John Cribbin of Kilmeague), Daniel Fenelon and Tony McNamee (Edward Fenelon of Kilgowan), Patricia Keegan and Charles Bergin (Charles J Bergin, Kildare), Thomas Fields (John Field of Kilcock), outgoing Cllr Jimmy O’Loughlin (Joseph O’Loughlin, Edenderry No 2 Rural District Council), Patrick Heffernan (John T Heffernan, Kildare) and Thomas Malone (Laurence Malone, Kilteel).
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THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND?
ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615
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CHAPMANS OF KILDARE
Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here.
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The most delicious of gifts from our finest Irish chocolates range are selling around the world from here.
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LOOKING FOR PROPERTY IN LEINSTER?
MICHAEL MCWEY & ASSOCIATES, Auctioneers & Valuers in Kildare town can locate private, commercial and industrial property to suit every requirement
Phone +353 (0)45 521714; Fax +353 (0)45 520186 Email mmcwey@tinet.ie
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PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING
Noreen McCabe, MNAPCP
Anxiety, depression, loss, phobias, childhood trauma, eating disorders, relationships, personal growth, coaching for work-related stress. Strictly confidential.
Moorefield Clinic, Newbridge. Phone (045) 432111 or call Noreen at (045) 431936; mobile 086 2496823; email dmccabe@tinet.ie
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NAAS BAPTIST BIBLE CENTRE
Everyone is invited to study God's Word, the Bible, with us, Sunday evenings 6.30, 45 Jigginstown Park. We are presently studying the life of Christ. Contact Rev Roger Parrow 045 894771. (Advt.)
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by Liam Cahill
The seminal account of the Limerick Soviet
Available here
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Kildare's attractions shown to tourism operators
 KILDARE GENERAL, 22 April 1999: by Trish Whelan & Brian Byrne. An appeal for hotel and guest house operators in County Kildare to network with each other and with tourist attractions was made yesterday during a familiarisation trip around the county for accommodation owners and management. Kildare Failte chairman Tom Malone (left) said the county had a wide variety of facilities and landscapes of interest to tourists and it was in the mutual interest of all operators that they should have a comprehensive knowledge of what was available, so that they could give first-hand recommendations to their guests when asked what could be done in Kildare.
 The participants in the tour were brought to the National Stud where they were given a full tour of the facilities by Anne O’Sullivan (right). For many it was the first time they viewed the new St Fiachra’s Garden (pictured top), the £5 million millennium project on the stud’s lands which will be opened officially by President McAleese in June.
In a subsequent visit to Crookstown Mill, Kildare Failte’s guests were given an enlightening and entertaining dissertation on the history of milling in general and its place in the Griese Valley in particular by the man who restored the Crookstown attraction, Jim Maher (pictured below). Later the group were entertained to lunch at the Robertstown Grand Hotel and took a barge trip to Lowtown.
 At the Lullymore Heritage Park and nearby Peatland World the visiting operators were brought through the Famine and megalithic recreations as well as the extensive range of exhibits detailing the place of turf in the history and culture of the region and in the development of Ireland’s industrial revolution. The tour concluded with a visit to the Straffan Steam Museum, whose ‘Power House’ is the former St Jude’s Church from Inchicore, taken stone by stone to Straffan and rebuilt.
 Throughout the day naturalist and geographical historian Dr Anne Behan provided a commentary on a wide variety of the interesting areas of Kildare. While the county does not have spectacular landscapes, it has many unique features, she said, including the raised bogs, Pollardstown Fen, many important parts of the canal system, and a great range of historical connections. In terms of the flora and fauna, Kildare also has many rare and fascinating interests. “It is the kind of place where you start out by looking at the ground,” she said.
The tour was organised by Kildare Failte administrator Bertha Cooke and was accompanied by the company’s marketing director, Tony Bhogal, farmhouse accommodation director Raymond Pelin, and advisor to Kildare Failte Gerry Ward. In conclusion, Tom Malone told the participants that what they had seen during the day was only a 'very small selection' from the myriad of attractions which they could recommend to their own visitors.
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THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND?
ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615
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CHAPMANS OF KILDARE
Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here.
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Carcase protest wins KCC meeting
KILDARE, 22 April 1999: by Brian Byrne. A French Furze sheep-farmer who yesterday dumped in the office of Kildare County Council’s new county secretary the carcase of one of his flock which had been killed in a traffic accident is to meet with Tom Skehan this evening at French Furze Road, Kildare, to discuss a long-standing plea for road safety measures in the area.
Percy Podger, whose action at St Mary’s resulted in the gardai being called to escort him from the premises, told KNN this morning that the matter wasn’t just about sheep, but about ‘people’s lives’. “There have been many road accidents on this stretch over recent years, the latest just two days ago involving two vehicles and resulting in injuries,” he said.
In 1997 a number of local residents petitioned Kildare County Council to provide speed limit and warning signs on the road, which links Kildare with Brownstown and the Curragh Camp. According to Mr Podger he had been told by local representative Cllr Sean O Fearghaill that the ‘matter had gone through’, but it seemed in fact that the council were ‘putting the thing on the long finger’. “They came out recently with one sheep warning sign, but there’s been no more action,” he said.
Subsequent to yesterday’s action, Mr Podger’s plight received national publicity on the Pat Kenny Show, and was prominently featured on daily newspapers. |
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Planning change in Naas refused
NAAS, 22 April 1999: by Trish Whelan. Naas UDC has decided not to allow an application by Shane Lawlor seeking the removal of a preservation order on buildings at the Kennels at Jigginstown outside Naas. Mr Lawlor had proposed to demolish the buildings and replace them with larger size apartments. Planning permission already exists to allow for the conversion of the former buildings formerly used as kennels for hounds into 16 apartments as well as for four detatched dormer bungalows on the site.
Mr Lawlor had also wanted to increase this to eight two-storey houses per acre on the land (instead of the four dormer bungalows for which permission exisits) and this was refused.
During discussions, Cllr Teresa Scanlon pointed out the Kennels are part of the history of the town. Cllr Paddy Behan said the owner had stated the existing buildings were in poor repair. Cllr Mary French Coughlan said she ‘could see the sense in lifting the order’ and Cllr Seamie Moore proposed the UDC accommodate the owner with the four extra houses. However Cllr Evelyn Bracken felt the preservation order should remain.
Town manager Terry O Niadh said the reason planning permission had been granted was ‘to facilitate Punchestown’ and he recommended that members stick with the permission already granted. Planner Philip Jones said Mr Lawlor had stated he would need to double the width of the existing buildings but if this happened ‘their history was gone.’ He said the project appeared to be ‘grossly excessive density’ outside the town centre and said he would not recommend the proposal.
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LOOKING FOR PROPERTY IN LEINSTER?
MICHAEL MCWEY & ASSOCIATES, Auctioneers & Valuers in Kildare town can locate private, commercial and industrial property to suit every requirement
Phone +353 (0)45 521714; Fax +353 (0)45 520186 Email mmcwey@tinet.ie
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KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP
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 NEWS OR VIEWS?
Something happening in your community that's bothering you? Or do you simply want to share the news from your village or town in County Kildare? You can, by emailing us at KNN
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'Territorial seizure' in Newbridge
NEWBRIDGE, 22 April 1999: by Brian Byrne. Newbridge youngsters skateboarding on the square in front of the Courthouse are engaged in ‘territorial seizure’, Newbridge town clerk Charlie Talbot told this month’s meeting of the Town Commission. And he said that he had been in discussion with the gardai about the matter.
“I feel particularly angry that a project in which I took a very personal interest is being treated in this way, with young people skateboarding on street furniture which was put in place for people who are law-abiding,” he said.
He was replying to a query from Cllr Spike Nolan as to whether gardai paid any attention to complaints from members of the commission. |
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Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie
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Welcome for Leixlip developments
LEIXLIP, 22 April 1999: by Brian Byrne. Cllr Senan Griffin has welcomed Kildare County Council's recent announcement that it will carry out the developments at Newtown House which will include a Branch Library incorporating Community Arts Facility, offices for the Town Commissioners and the provision of a Garda Station and Community Resource Centre in one integrated campus.
"This is the first of three steps to be taken at Newtown House,” he noted. “I hope that all three will move in tandem and that they will benefit the whole community of Leixlip. "The Community Resource Centre has recently received donations from Intel and Hewlett Packard and with this encouragement, the proposers of the Centre should now progress with their application for additional funding from the Department of Finance.” |
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The Naas twinning trip to Dillingen - full stories are here
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New library premises opened
 MONASTEREVIN, 21 April 1999: by Trish Whelan & Brian Byrne. The new sub-library premises at Monasterevin was officially opened yesterday by the cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council, Jim Reilly. The branch is now in its third location over a period of almost half a century, and assistant county librarian Michael Kavanagh paid tribute to the Donnelly family in Monasterevin who had been associated with the service over that time. Pictured above are Michael Kavanagh, librarian Rose Clancy, and Kildare county secretary John Skehan.
 Cllr Reilly said he hoped the new premises, on the town’s main street, would allow librarian Rose Clancy to provide an enhanced service to Monasterevin and its hinterland. “Local demand meant the library had outgrown its previous premises,” he said, and added that this opening was just part of a programme of renewal and growth of the library service throughout Co Kildare.
Michael Kavanagh complimented Rose Clancy particularly on the collection of old photographs of Monasterevin which adorned the walls of the premises. The library was then given a ecumenical blessing by Fr John Dunphy and the Reverend Hugh Dickinson (pictured above).
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THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND?
ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615
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CHAPMANS OF KILDARE
Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here.
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'Sharp' lobby on Leixlip parking
LEIXLIP, 21 April 1999: by Brian Byrne. A Leixlip group concerned with the parking problems in the town is to undertake a professionally-developed ‘sharp, intensive lobbying campaign’ to try and have an extra 400 car parking spaces developed in the town centre. This follows a public meeting organised by the Leixlip Car Parking Task Force, well attended by business concerns and local politicans. A strong annoyance was expressed at what the LCPTF says is an ‘ignoring’ by Kildare County Council and county manager Niall Bradley of the provision of a ‘civil right’ for citizens of Leixlip.
The group has researched and developed a professional recommendation as to how the situation could be remedied. “But despite a 15-month responsible lobbey, Mr Bradley has ignored approaches and refuses to meet with the LCPTF coordinators to discuss the issue,” says Mike Parle of the LCPTF. He said the task force will ‘take whatever measures are necessary’ to attain its goal.
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LOOKING FOR PROPERTY IN LEINSTER?
MICHAEL MCWEY & ASSOCIATES, Auctioneers & Valuers in Kildare town can locate private, commercial and industrial property to suit every requirement
Phone +353 (0)45 521714; Fax +353 (0)45 520186 Email mmcwey@tinet.ie
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The most delicious of gifts from our finest Irish chocolates range are selling around the world from here.
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Canal buffer zone is extended
NAAS, 21 April 1999: by Trish Whelan. Naas UDC has agreed a buffer green belt zone of 100m along the right hand side of the canal bank between Abbey Bridge and Tandy’s Bridge to help preserve the canal area and a distance of 180m on both sides of the canal from Tandy’s Bridge to the end of the town boundary near the motorway.
Planner Philip Jones said the distance should be measured from the rural side of the towpath. However, he said it was his opinion the council should not zone land anywhere near the canal. He said the previously proposed 90m buffer zone was not adequate and that the 180m buffer would not interfere with plans by Naas GAA - who have decided to move to Oldtown Demesne - for a third pitch on the land, as one of the allowable uses of green belt is playing fields. But, he said, the club could not put their club house near the canal.
Naas UDC has agreed that an objective of the Council will be to cul de sac the canal road from Abbey Bridge to Tandy’s Bridge with access by the back of the Town Hall ... subject to overall traffic and pedestrian requirements. This follows complaints of speeding on the narrow stretch, a favourite area for walkers. The Council also agreed to remove plans for a link road over the canal from the draft plan.
 Cllr Evelyn Bracken said she would like to see the road a cul de sac and this was agreed by Cllr Timmy Conway. However, roads engineer Dick Burke expressed reservations. “When you take out the M41 over the canal and pedestrianise the Harbour and put in this cul de sac, you’re doing a great job in moving traffic down the town, which is what you did not want to do. You should look at the overall situation,” he warned. |
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Newbridge loo 'in the pipeline'
 NEWBRIDGE, 21 April 1999: by Brian Byrne. The ‘superloo’ for Newbridge is on order and its delivery ‘is in the pipeline’ town manager Terry O Niadh assured members of the town’s commission after a discussion triggered by a scatalogical doggerel from Cmmr Spike Nolan (‘My Newbridge Loo’) on the delay in replacing the public convenience in the town which had been dismantled four years ago. He said the town engineer had already been instructed to carry out the preparatory works for its installation.
During the exchanges, Cllr John O’Neill commented that the queues outside the Post Office for social welfare services were nothing compared to those which would be outside the new convenience. “One loo is not enough for a town the size of Newbridge,” he added. “And anyone walking the street at night will find that walls are being used for urination ... it is rampant in the town.”
Cmmr Fiona O’Loughlin wondered if those responsible would bother to use the new convenience anyway? Commissioners generally condemned the practice and welcomed recent prosecutions, one of which cost the ‘penny-spender’ £150.
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Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie
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The Naas twinning trip to Dillingen - full stories are here
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By-pass objectors urged to reconsider their position
KILDARE, 21 April 1999: by Brian Byrne. Objectors to the Kildare By-pass who have lodged an objection with Brussels have been urged to ‘reconsider their position’ by Kildare South TD Sean Power. In a statement he said that the £68 million road is ‘vital’ and that a number of tragic fatalities have been recorded in recent times on the existing road - two in the last month alone. Pictured above is a bridge south of Kildare town currently under construction as part of the project.
Deputy Power said the objectors must ask themselves a number of questions: why did they not object when the project was first proposed. and why did they not attend and make submissions to a public inquiry into the road? “Every stage of planning and development of this vital project has gone through the legitimate procedure,” he said. “It has been shown that the road development would have significantly less effect on the area than the seasonal variations of water levels that take place.”
At a meeting of Kildare County Council this week, county engineer Jimmy Lynch said it would take five years to resurrect the project if the objection was upheld by Brussels. The objection is based on claims that cutting into the Curragh acquifer to the depth proposed would have a serious impact on the Pollardstown Fen. |
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Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie
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Final shape given to Naas draft development plan
NAAS, 20 April 1999: by Brian Byrne & Trish Whelan. Naas UDC councillors have completed their consideration of submissions to the Naas draft town development plan and have established the shape of the plan. The oral hearing process is now completed and the UDC has considered all submissions, both written and oral. The maps and text now have to be amended and will go back on public display by the end of the week for another month. During that month the public may make further submissions and comments but there will be no entitlements for further oral hearings. Some 100 acres of land has now been rezoned for residential purposes, despite reiterated opposition from town manager Terry O'Niadh and county planner Phillip Jones.
Meanwhile, just 180 of over 1,480 people who asked for oral hearings on the Naas Draft Development Plan turned up to make their representations, according to officials of Naas UDC. "A number of people who made requests for oral hearings did not give their addresses, so we scheduled 1,467 actual hearings," town clerk Declan Kirrane said.
The councillors spent yesterday afternoon and evening discussing the submissions to the plan. Declan Kirrane is pictured above in the Council Chamber during a break in the discussions.
Since the week after Easter, officials of the council have worked to hold the oral hearings, and staff from neighbouring local authorities were drafted in to help with their processing. The requests for the hearings were among almost 2,500 submissions to the draft plan which were presented by Naas Planning Alliance and the Sallins Road Action Group, as well as other groups and individuals.
“The low turnout for the actual oral hearings compares dramatically to what happened with the County Development Plan,” commented county planner Philip Jones. “With that we had 106 submissions, 61 of which were requests for oral hearings, and 59 of those actually turned up.”
Both Naas Planning Alliance and SRAG have criticised the way the oral hearing notices were sent out, saying they gave unreasonably short notice to many people. However, Declan Kirrane told KNN that anyone who had a problem with the scheduling of their hearing was facilitated with another time. "I don't think anybody was denied the opportunity."
Meanwhile, Cllr Teresa Scanlon, who voted against the plan, takes issue with the notion that the number of people who turned up for the oral hearings was 'a minority' as headlined in an earlier edition of this story. She said 'for a town the size of Naas, it was an unprecedented turnout'. (See her letter below) |
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THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND?
ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615
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CHAPMANS OF KILDARE
Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here.
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KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP
Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.
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Naas councillor disputes 'low turnout' report
NAAS, 20 April 1999:
Dear Editor,
I would not agree there was a small turnout for the Naas Draft Development Plan hearings. There were 2,475 objections to the Plan displayed. Out of that approx. 205 people turned up for oral hearings. For a town the size of Naas at the moment this was an unprecedented turnout.
Included in that 205 were Representatives of Residents Associations. Lakelands alone have 200 houses, allowing 2.5 people per house that would come to about 500 people. Two representatives spoke at the oral hearings on behalf of Morrel Court, Morrel Rise, Morrel Grove and Morrel Way. Two people represented the Residents of Abbey Bridge/Canal Road. Hollywood Park had representatives, Canal Reservation Group had their representatives, Lakelands Residents Association, Oldtown Residents Association were representing Oldtown Sallins Road Action Group were represented Woodlands Residents Association spoke on behalf of that estate.
The above alone, not to mind the hundreds of individual objections made up thousands of objections to the Naas Draft Development Plan. From 7 1/2 hours going through all proposals and objections yesterday the outcome showed very little difference. There were some minor differences to the Plan but it still almost stands the same, 100 acres and now maybe more will be rezoned for housing. Some decisions have been shelved for further information.
Industry stays the same.
Nothing much changed.
Teresa Scanlon
Independent Councillor, Naas UDC |
KCC aquifer questions response almost ready
KILDARE, 20 April 1999: by Brian Byrne. Kildare County Council will ‘respond comprehensively’ before the end of April to the questions raised in the An Taisce appeal to the EU which threatens to hold up the completion of the Kildare by-pass for up to five years. County Engineer Jimmy Lynch told a special meeting of the council that a delay in dealing with the matter was because a decision had been taken by the monitoring committee involved to have fresh investigations of hydrogeological and environmental issues dealt with during the public hearing on the by-pass held in 1993.
Mr Lynch also said that although a mathematical model used for the hydrogeological study in 1993 had been found to be flawed, a revised model had shown the conculsions to be ‘exactly the same’ - that any changes due to the excavation of the Curragh acquifer were ‘minimal’ compared to normal seasonal variations over the period of the study. “In relation to the independent ecological investigation, while the final results are not yet in, I can tell you that it also found no difference to the conclusions in 1993,” he added.
The matter had been raised by Cllr Michael McWey, who expressed his concern about recent publicity for claims that the excavation of the acquifer would not alone damage Pollardstown Fen, but would also undermine foundations in Kildare town. Mr Lynch said that the latter suggestions was ‘way over the top’ and in no way could such damage happen.
Responding to a query from Senator John Dardis as to why work could not proceed on the project while a European Court appeal was being processed, Mr Lynch said that at the time of the public hearing there was no Habitats Directive in force, but that since had come into effect.
“Three contracts are nearing completion,” he told the meeting, “the bridge outside Kildare, the outfall works for drainage, and the National Stud accommodation works. The EU has given permission for the other contracts to be processed, and the situation is that Kildare County Council currently receiving contracts from seven shortlisted contractors, but the contracts will not be awarded until after the judgement from the European Court.”
Mr Lynch confirmed that it would indeed take five years to get the project back on track if the European Commission upheld the appeal by the representative from An Taisce. Cllr McWey said such a situation would be ‘intolerable’. “The project is of major significance for Kildare,” he said, and noted that this had been recently tragically highlighted by two road traffic deaths.
The county engineer also rubbished claims that some reports on the matter were being suppressed by the council. “All the material was made available for the public hearings, and is still available for inspection by whoever wants to see it,” he said. |
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Ring road should be 'a priority' for Maynooth - councillor
MAYNOOTH, 20 April 1999: by Brian Byrne. A Labour councillor's motion that 110 acres of land at Moyglare Road and Rathcoffey Road in Maynooth be rezoned was strongly criticised as ‘oblique and hapahazard’ by Cllr Senan Griffin at a recent meeting of the Celbridge Area Committee. Instead, he said, a ring road should be their priority. The councillors were considering the Maynooth Development Plan and the proposed rerzonings were 66 acres on Satchwell’s land and 44 acres on Twomey’s land.
"The Road Engineering staff should be preparing a programme for a ring road to alleviate traffic congestion on the main street of Maynooth,” Cllr Griffin said. “Proper planned infrastructure is essential, rather than an oblique type of zoning. The plan, which I support, should aim to take into account the needs of the entire community, through orderly planning, and not this type of haphazard zoning.”
Cllr Griffin said the priorities should be affordable housing, amenities (parks and pitches), traffic management, ring and relief roads, education requirements, and protection of the environment. |
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The Naas twinning trip to Dillingen - full stories are here
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Kilcullen land makes £2m-plus
KILCULLEN, 20 April 1999: by Brian Byrne. A 9.5-acre residentially-zoned site at Kilcullen has been sold for ‘substantially in excess’ of £2 million. The property, at Hillside, Kilcullen, was owned by local farmer Jim Byrne. The prime site overlooks the town, and is the latest in a number of parcels of land which have fetched high prices in the so-far undeveloped Kilcullen.
Development in the town, which has a parish population of around 2,500, has been restricted for almost two decades because of the lack of an adequate sewerage system. For the last several months work has been going on for a new system, which will be linked to the extended Osberstown Treatment Plant in two years’ time. |
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Roundabout proposal for Newbridge bottleneck bridge
 NEWBRIDGE, 19 April 1999: by Brian Byrne. A proposal that a roundabout at the bridge in Newbridge would help to solve traffic bottlenecks in the town was made at the most recent meeting of the town’s commission. The matter was raised by Cmmr Joe Kearns, who said that the benefits of the new roundabout at Buckley’s Cross (near Wyeth) were being negated through the slowdown caused by the lights. He suggested that a roundabout at the bridge itself would go a long way towards solving the problem.
“The situation is causing huge delays, and I’m asking the commissioners to support me in demanding that Kildare County Council look at the position,” he said.
Meanwhile, commission cathaoirleach Seamie Finn remarked that he had complaints from motorists that flowers planted in the Buckley’s Cross area were ‘too high’ and obstructing the vision of drivers. And Cllr John O’Neill asked that the bollards on the roundabout should be lighted. “As they stand, they might as well be down at the graveyard,” he quipped.
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THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND?
ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615
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Figure dancers celebrate 25th
NAAS, 19 April 1999: by Trish Whelan. It’s 25th anniversary time for members of the Nas na Rí Irish Figure Dancing Class who are set to celebrate with a knees-up ceile in The Johnstown Inn on Sunday next. (April 25). The group were this year presented with a Civic Award by Naas UDC for outstanding contribution to the cultural life of the town at a special civic award night at the Town Hall.
Committee chairperson Marie Kelly said while Newbridge was the first such class in the county, several other classes followed shortly after, including Naas which had its origins in the Town Hall on Tuesday nights at a cost of 50p an hour. “The late Cllr Bill Callaghan got the hall for us because we were a voluntary organisation and the cost of the class per child was 10p,” explained Marie.
The class quickly grew to 220 children but in recent times figures have fallen to around 56 dancers and Marie Kelly was delighted to have six new recruits following the dancers’ participation in the Naas Easter Parade. Any other children wanting to learn Irish dancing will be sure of a welcome.
The class has been involved in regular Feis’s involving classes from Athy and Ryston in Newbridge and also holds exhibitions at senior citizens’ parties, festivals, parades .... in fact anywhere they are invited. Funds are raised through sponsored walks, ceilies, bag packs, quizzes and flag days which help pay for buses to bring the dancers to competitions. An annual Christmas party and summer outing to Mosney are also eagerly looked forward to by the dancers.
Admission to the ceile on Sunday will be £7.50 (this can be paid at door) and includes a supper. According to Marie Kelly: “We would love to meet all our ex dancers and ex committee members for fun and craic on the night ... have one big reunion for all.” |
CHAPMANS OF KILDARE
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The most delicious of gifts from our finest Irish chocolates range are selling around the world from here.
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Any Quinns from Naas?
SURREY, 18 April 1999:
Dear Editor,
I saw your page and would love to hear from any of my deceased mother’s family. Her maiden name was Quinn and I believe she came from a large family possibly connected to the army.
She was born in Naas and I believe it was called Rose Cottage. She moved to England in late 50s or early 60s. She had a brother called Peter and sisters Mary, Josie and Katie. There are possibly more. She once said her nephew was a jockey.
If this rings any bells please contact me c.schooling@whichnet
C Schooling, Surrey, England. |
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'Don't buy premises yet', Newbridge commission advised
NEWBRIDGE, 19 April 1999: by Brian Byrne. Newbridge Town Commission has again been advised to not make a decision on the purchase of a site or premises for themselves, pending the determination of the minister for the environment on the future position of all local authorities.
Town manager Terry O’Niadh told the monthly meeting of the commission that the debate on the status of ‘town councils’ will be decided within a year ‘or two years at most’. “I think we should wait to see what will be the function of such councils before spending the commission’s money on somebody else’s building,” he said.
Mr O Niadh’s comments were in response to the regurgitation of an old chestnut at commission meetings, that the commission should ‘find a little home of its own’. He said he believed the Town Hall, which is owned by the commission, ‘is still the best site’ for a base for the authority, though he agreed that a suggestion from Cmmr Murty Aspell that the area under Newbridge Courthouse could be refurbished and used ‘in the short term’ as a location for the commission. Cathaoirleach Seamie Finn said that if the commission was going to go for a permanent place of residence, it should do so in terms of the ‘next century’ and have ‘modern offices’.
The commission has £300,000 in its capital account which could be spent on a permanent premises. |
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LOOKING FOR PROPERTY IN LEINSTER?
MICHAEL MCWEY & ASSOCIATES, Auctioneers & Valuers in Kildare town can locate private, commercial and industrial property to suit every requirement
Phone +353 (0)45 521714; Fax +353 (0)45 520186 Email mmcwey@tinet.ie
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Kilcullen Drama Group Plays On!
 KILCULLEN, 18 April 1999: by Brian Byrne. The latest play from Kilcullen Drama Group opened with a Gala Reception on Friday night and played to the usual packed house. ‘Play On!’ is a ‘rollicking comedy’ about a drama group rehearsing ‘Murder Most Foul’. So this time, the audience get to see just what kind of carry-on happens during real life rehearsals ... although members of the Kilcullen group could never be accused of similar behaviour!
 Unusually, the production this time was NOT directed by Paddy Melia (pictured right), and perhaps there is some significance in the fact that director and assistant director in the programme are named only as A N Other. But those who do lend their names to the production include Bernard Berney, Sabina Reddy, Dick Dunphy, Esther Reddy, Lesley O’Brien, Mischa Fekete, Pat Cullen, James Healy, Marlena Healy and Eilis Phillips. In addition, the ‘usual suspcts’ of the large front-of-house and backstage workers are all in attendance.
 The show runs until 23 April and bookings may be made by phoning 481497. Incidentally, the Town Hall Theatre is hoping to have a brand new look for the Millennium, if they can get planning permission for a new foyer and a heritage centre. “The money is in place and the plans complete,” says set designer Pat Dunlea. “We’re just having trouble getting planning permission ... other places in the county got big grants and had no problems for similar ventures. We didn’t look for a grant, raised the money ourselves, and they’re putting difficulties in our way. Maybe we should have looked for a grant ...?”
Nevertheless, it’s hoped to have the new premises opened on New Year’s Eve.
  
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THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND?
ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615
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CHAPMANS OF KILDARE
Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here.
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NAAS BAPTIST BIBLE CENTRE
Everyone is invited to study God's Word, the Bible, with us, Sunday evenings 6.30, 45 Jigginstown Park. We are presently studying the life of Christ. Contact Rev Roger Parrow 045 894771. (Advt.)
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Jamaica calling Newbridge, Ballymore ...
KINGSTON, JAMAICA, 18 April 1999:
Dear Editor,
Loved your site. I am originally from Newbridge and Ballymore Eustace, and have now lived in Kingston, Jamaica, for the past 17 years, having spent 10 years in England before that. There are 20-30 native-born Irish living here, with a few ex-pats from Guinness who now own the local Red Stripe brewery.
Plenty of Irish place names, including a "Kildare", which was owned by the Fitzgerald family back in the days of slavery. There are still jamaican families with that surname ... along with Murphys, Kellys, O'Briens, O'Connors ... one of my best friends is "Daniel O'Reilly Kelly"!
I have a Scottish friend, Mike Bambrick, who is enquiring about a pub called "the 5 Jocks", or something similar, called after his uncles ... any light, anyone? Also an english friend, Matthew Pragnell, who thinks his family may once have owned the property that is now Hotel Keadeen?
I’d love to hear from shortgrass people at home and abroad at mullally@kasnet. com.
Rob Mullally. |
Sheltered workshop expertise share offer from Germany
NAAS & DILLINGEN, BAVARIA, 18 April 1999: by Trish Whelan. A sheltered workshop society in Dillingen, Bavaria, has offered to share expertise and experiences with similar organisations working in County Kildare, following a visit to Dillingen recently by a delegation from its twin town of Naas (pictured above after the unveiling of the twin town sign). The society was founded in 1972 and provides over 200 handicapped people with useful employement while giving them necessary care and attention.
Society chairperson and founder John Kabrhel said ‘every kind of course and therapy is available, including a therapeutic swimming pool and lift’. He explained that a new extension under construction will double capacity. While most employees continue to live at home, accommodation is also provided and many local firms help by subsidising contract work.
“We buy in and sell out, and do not make a profit,” he said. Each employee is only expected to work to his/her own levels and the centre is manned by a staff of 95. The local council works closely with the centre which costs arounf DM 5/6 million a year to run. Employees of 20 years are entitled to a state pension.
John Kabrhel suggested that representatives of similar organisations from the Naas area should travel on the next trip to Dillingen. Pictured below are Cllr Paddy Behan and Orla O'Connell during the visit to the workshop complex.
NOTE: previous Dillingen stories here.
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The most delicious of gifts from our finest Irish chocolates range are selling around the world from here.
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LOOKING FOR PROPERTY IN LEINSTER?
MICHAEL MCWEY & ASSOCIATES, Auctioneers & Valuers in Kildare town can locate private, commercial and industrial property to suit every requirement
Phone +353 (0)45 521714; Fax +353 (0)45 520186 Email mmcwey@tinet.ie
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Not in my backyard?
LONDON, 18 April 1999:
Dear Editor
I see you still have a NIMBY [not in my back yard] problem in Naas. I refer to the pathetic outpourings of the prospective Labour candidate re. housing development in the town.
How does this woman propose the 300 families on the housing list obtain a toe-hold on the housing market if there is a complete halt to house-building.
I am afraid that the rubbish espoused in this person's letter is what turned me off the Labour party in both England and Ireland, although I remain a staunch trade-unionist.
More power to the elected representatives who are attempting to steer the much needed development in the right direction.
I look forward to seeing more of the improvements in my old home when, like many an exile, I return for the Punchestown festival.
John McAllister
 THE LEINSTER PRINTMAKING STUDIO
THE OLD CONVENT, CLANE
Artists' resource, Training, Gallery sales. Phone Margaret Becker 045 868168 or 087 2310114
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