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Naas tidy towns awards recognised local effort

NAAS, 17 December 1999: by Trish Whelan. The Annual Awards night for Naas local Tidy Towns prizewinners was one of those special events that promote an awareness for the town as well as publicly recognising the efforts of the townspeople. Pictured above receiving the Super Valu Perpetual Cup from Louise Cashin for Best Overall Estate are Paddocks representatives Hugh Crawford and Tom Size, with Naas UDC chairman Seamie Moore. On left, Patrick and Catherine Fennessy of Rose Cottage receive the De Burgh Perpetual Cup from Major John De Burgh.

Larry Breen of Naas Tidy Towns committee said the national organisation of the Tidy Towns plays a very important role in raising awareness and local concerns in towns and villages by challenging people through competition. “Essentially, Naas Tidy Towns committee are just a part of the overall picture,” he said adding the night was to show appreciation for the people of Naas who have given their best shot during the year.

Cllr Seamie Moore said overall it had been a good judgement result for Naas, up 8 points over three sections, lifting the town score into the 200 points category for the first time. But he said the control of litter cost the town two points over that section score for 1998 and in turn affected the overall outturn.

Work in progress at many town locations had prevented the judges from increasing the points in the Tidiness section. But they identified this as an area where extra points could accrue when work is completed.

Praise was also given to the namestones on some of the estates near the hospital and to the Artisans Cottages on the Newbridge and Caragh Roads which were seen as ‘a gentle reminder of old Naas’.

Black spots were the entrance to the Sallins Road car park and ‘the labyrinth of service cables crisscrossing the road at several points on a side road to the harbour by the Courthouse is visibly shocking’. While the overall appearance of the town was said to be ‘quite favourable’ the judges said there is scope for a greater pedestrian focus along the main streets.

A special appreciation was included in the report for the efforts of the local Tidy Towns Committee, the work of the UCD and various bodies and groups involved in caring for the environment, including the setting aside by the UDC of the Wildlife corridor in the Development Plan.

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Naas Tidy Towns Awards - full results

NAAS, 17 December 1999: by Brian Byrne. BMK Stationery at Hyland View won the first prize in the Shop Fronts category, taking both the Winners Plaque and the Traders Perpetual Cup. Brendan Mulhern of BMK was presented with both awards. Graingers of Poplar Square came second and Mattimoes of North Main St were highly commended.

The winner of the Best Business Premises was McDonalds Restaurant on North Main St, who also received the Chamber of Commerce Perpetual Cup. Alison Mitchell represented McDonalds on the night. Sean Merrins of Newbridge Road came second in this category.

The Best Commercial Premises was QK Meats, followed by Green Isle Foods. McKiernans of Kilcullen Road took the award for Heritage Preservation, for which they were also presented with the Naas History Group Perpetual Cup.

The Hayes trophy was presented by Pat and Ann Hayes in memory of their son Patrick, who was a junior member of the Tidy Towns, to the Naas Youth Parliament, while second placed went to the Nas na Riogh and Fairyfax Brownies (pictured above receiving their award from UDC chairman Seamie Moore are Karen Laheen, Helen Scully, Eleanor Jones and Clair Comerford). In Environmental Endeavour, Naas UDC were presented with the Winners Plaque and their own UDC Perpetual Trophy. Andy Kelly (left) accepted a Plaque on behalf of Naas Library also in this section.

Gardens Section winners were: Small gardens: The Fennessy family, Esmondale. Medium gardens: Pat and John Murphy, Oldtown Demesne. Best Overall garden: Patrick and Catherine Fennessy of Rose Cottage were presented with the de Burgh Perpetual Cup. The Fennessys feature consistently in the annual awards. Their house and garden is a familiar sight to people parking their cars in Corban’s Lane car park.

Small Estates: The Sycamores, accepted by Tom Stapleton. Large Estates: Kingsfurze Avenue, Winners Plaque was accepted by Donie Conway. Best Overall Estate: The Paddocks, which also received the Super Valu Perpetual Cup.

NAAS LIBRARY OVER CHRISTMAS

Christmas Miscellany: An evening of festive readings, music and refreshments will be held in Naas Library on Monday December 20th 1999 at 8pm. Come along and hear some local writers and musicians read and play their favourite Christmas pieces. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Christmas Closing arrangements. Naas Community Library will close on Thursday December 23rd 1999 at 8pm and re-open on Tuesday January 4th at 10am. A very happy Christmas to all our readers.

 

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

DK Music makes Christmas sing

For Christmas, make it music. And get the tune right at DK Music in Newbridge. To see what's in store, look in their shop window here.

Dance development programme's school tour 1999

NEWBRIDGE & KILDARE GENERAL, 16 December 1999: by Brian Byrne. A tour of County Kildare schools by the Time & Motion dance development programme finishes on December 17 when a total of 20 schools will have been accommodated in the series, which was first organised in 1997 under an initiative by Kildare dance artist-in-residence Cathy O'Kennedy, Kildare County Council and the Arts Council. (Pictured above are Kildare Arts Officer Mary Lenihan with dancers Lucy Dondon and Kevin Murphy and Cathy O'Kennedy. and children from St Conleth and Mary's Primary School, Newbridge.)

The performances consisted of a variety of colourful dance pieces with audience participation through children joining in the dances, and in asking and answering questions after each piece. The themes included feelings and behaviour and well as abstraction and rhythm exercises. There are also post-performance workshops available during the programmes.

It was very clear during any of the 45-minute sessions that children quickly got into the spirit of the adventure and were quite uninhibited in their participation.

The pictures here are from a performance in St Anne's Parish Centre, Newbridge.

 

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

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

Kildare has many authors of both fiction and non-fiction. We have a special page available to promote their work, which you can access here. Please support those of your county people who travel the long and often lonely road of the pen and typewriter to tell you stories.

Walked in Chile for charity

KILCULLEN & CHILE, 16 December 1999: by Brian Byrne. Two Kilcullen people travelled recently to South America to help raise £100,000 for the Mater Hospital Accident & Emergency service. Brendan O'Connell and Tony Gahan (right and left, above) were among the group of Mater Healers who journeyed to Chile for two weeks, walking and pony-trekking through 7,000-foot mountains. Also on the trip was another Kildare man, Hal Sisk of Clane.

The event was the latest in a series of such journeys over the last few years, which have taken the healers to Cape Town, Hong Kong and Tanzania. In all, 76 people took part in the latest trip.

 

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

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

GARDA PATROL ADVICE OF THE WEEK

Take precautions when doing your Christmas Shopping. Try and not carry large quantities of cash. Park your car in a recognised and secure car park. Don't leave bags lying on the seat of the car when travelling or parked. When paying for goods, don't show large amounts of cash. Don't transfer goods to the boot just after parking your car - do it somewhere else earlier.

Appeal for computer equipment for youth centre

ATHY, 16 December 1999: by Trish Whelan. Two youth clubs attached to Athy Youth Centre have set up a project to go on-line in the new year, but they need a suitable computer to do it. The clubs are Aontas Ogra which has been working with young people in the 14-plus age group for over 40 years, and Son Seekers which has both junior (6-11) and senior (12 plus) clubs.

The aim of the project is to set up a computer room in the Youth Centre. There is a suitable room, but no money to buy computer equipment. The project is appealing to any companies or individuals prepared to donate such equipment.

“The purpose of running the clubs is not just to entertain them, but to equip them with life skills,” says William Workman of Son Seekers. “Computers are very much part of everyday life in modern society, so we would like to help young people get the best out of modern society. Schools do provide training in computers, but often students are very restricted in the time they can spend on them, and with many of our club members coming from socially disadvantaged areas, parents cannot afford to give them home computers.”

Mr Workman says the project will provide training on the internet and its use to promote links with with other youth groups through the internet. The Youth Centre also wants to set up its own home page on the World Wide Web. “With the aid of Co-operation Ireland, Son Seekers has been developing cross-border links with young people in the North and we would see the internet as a means of furthering that development.”

Anybody wishing to help can contact William Workman at 0507 25193 or email Browne39@eircom.net

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NAAS LIBRARY OVER CHRISTMAS

Christmas Miscellany: An evening of festive readings, music and refreshments will be held in Naas Library on Monday December 20th 1999 at 8pm. Come along and hear some local writer's and musicians read and play their favourite Christmas pieces. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Christmas Closing arrangements. Naas Community Library will close on Thursday December 23rd 1999 at 8pm and re-open on Tuesday January 4th at 10am. A very happy Christmas to all our readers.

New software to track development levies

LEIXLIP, 16 December 1999: by Brian Byrne. Kildare County Council's Planning Department is getting new software to enable a more detailed tracking of development levies. Councillors have been told that there are over 2,000 files to be examined in order to ascertain if development is commenced or complete on each.

The issue was raised again recently at the Leixlip Area councillors meeting and Cllr Catherine Murphy, who has fought for details of development levies to be provided for the past two years. "I made the point at the meeting that lists of developments should go to the area meetings, and councillors with local knowledge would be able to short-circuit the process," she says. "I again sought names and developments in the electoral area in order to satisfy myself that the council will get what it is due."

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MAYNOOTH CAMPUS NOTES

by Ann Lowney

On my way to the student's union bar I noticed some fellow students handing out leaflets. Nothing unusual in that, only that the information contained in the leaflets I found quite different. On them was written a warning to students not to supply alcohol to minors. It appears to be that the gardai of Maynooth are strongly clamping down on the underage drinkers.

The University of Maynooth is currently in the process of a major new building on the campus. This new building is hoped to be completed in time for the new academic year of 2000. In this building will be new departments in engineering. These developments are all part of the University's gradual upgrading, that it's akin to all the other NUIs in the country. The Arts department has already added another subject, psychology, which can be picked in the new academic year of 2000. This year the new subject was Spanish.

On the matter of last month's MTV AWARDS, I have been hassled over the past few days by two of my friends that went to one of the AWARDS’ after-show parties. They are pestering me because they are not content with making me jealous but they want to make everyone jealous! Elaine Kennedy and Steve Milton, both from Naas, headed off for the MTV LICK party in the Temple Theatre music centre. Both dressed to impress, they looked every inch the VIPs, Steven Dorff and Louise Kennedy eat your heart out! The next day the glassy-eyed pair relayed their "fantastic celebrity stories", and not for the first time, I hasten to add. So here's all the scandal!

Trevor Nelson the DJ and compere for the night is actually "really small" according to Elaine, she also added Mariah Carey "ain't all that". She concluded in a philosophical tone,"We could all look as good as her if we had the money and the right lighting". Elaine also wasn't enamoured to what she was wearing, "She had these jeans which were ripped everywhere - you think that she could have dressed up a bit more".

Steve was on cloud nine because he touched Missy Elliot's hair! She is a famous US rapper. But the drama doesn't stop there, oh no, he shook the hand "constantly of the really thin one" from the British ladies band the Honeyz. They both agreed that the Honeyz lip syncing was top class, well done girls! He talked to Mariah Carey,the famous US songster, but she didn't talk back, she was probably too busy looking for the right light! He asked Puff Daddy, another famous US rapper, "Where's Jennifer Lopez?". Jennifer is, yes you've guessed it, another famous US singer who happens to be Puffy's girlfriend. Puff replied, "At home". This left Steve in complete and utter awe. Steve also added that he wasn't impressed with Edith Bowman, a MTV VJ and presenter - “she was all smiles on camera but when the camera was off she was so moody".

He talked to Whitney Heuston, but yet again she didn't talk back! When they left on the "red carpet", Puffy and his entourage were leaving also. They saw a man call Puffy over, his bouncers advised him not to go over but he did anyhow. He should have listened to his bouncers because the man went to attack him and a scuffle broke out. So there you have it, a taste of the high life. Next time you're watching MTV and they are showing the Lick Party, keep an eye out for a boy and girl jumping up in the background, trying to get their moment of fame!

ASK programme's success 'due to people on the ground'

BALLITORE, 15 December 1999: by Trish Whelan. The success of Action South Kildare to date is a testament to local communities, to people on the ground who have made it work, ASK chairman Colm Flynn told the gathering at the launch of its Review and Annual Report 1999, held yesterday in Mary Ledbetter’s restored house in Ballitore village. Renovation of the building was a major programme carried out in conjunction with Ballitore Development, FAS and ASK. (Pictured above at the launch are Pauline McLoughlin, from the homework group with the LHD (Lakeside, Highfield and Dara Park in Newbridge) New Family Resource Centre, Rosie McInerney, a traveller from Athy, Karl Duffy of ASK and Colm Flynn.)

Welcoming those present, Karl Duffy said the venue had been chosen ‘to show what a community group in which ASK is involved can achieve' in restoring the house which four years ago had a tree growing up its midst. He said the report and review ‘is part of looking back on our period of ups and downs, mistakes and achievements’. He said there is still a need for a focus on disadvantage in exclusion and to include those at the fringes of society in all aspects.

Kevin Kelly, manager of the Kildare Community Network internet site, explained its background and where he felt it would go in the next few years. The Community Network went online in January 1998. Mr Kelly recently made a presentation on the Network to the Taoiseach’s office in Dublin.

Other speakers included Pauline McLoughlin from the Newbridge-based Lakeside/Highfield/Dara Park Family Resource Centre (set up two years ago with ASK funding) and Rosie McInerney from Athy Travellers Club, who spoke on her experiences as a traveller and about the exhibition of the travellers’ way of life, currently on view upstairs in the house. She hoped it would improve understanding by the settled community, and help.

5Austin Fleming of Ballitore Development said Mary Ledbetter’s house ‘is an example of what can be done by a community ... with a little help from people like ASK, FAS and Kildare County Council’.

Colm Flynn said ASK is now respected for its efforts in community development and in delivering with issues of marginalisation. He said ASK is not there to solve problems, but is rather a conduit to solving problems. He stressed the importance of people taking ownership of their projects. (Pictured above are Cllr Martin Miley, Marie Hill of Teagasc in Naas and retired councillor Paddy Power.)

ASK is a community based local development company, formed in 1993 as a response to the issues of long term unemployment and social disadvantage in the South Kildare area. It is one of 34 community-based groups around the country, approved to implement the Local Development Programme and represents an investment of some £1.2 million in the area.

 

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

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

DAVE CULLEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Have you run out of ideas for what to do to commemorate the turn of the century and Christmas? Well, we have an amazing gift idea to make you the toast of the millennium!

A family portrait with a difference!. You and your family will be photographed at whatever time you wish in our studio, but in the finished print you will appear to be on the Burren at dawn. A stunning picture set in a celtic dawn that will make you the envy of your friends You can be one of a limited edition of 2000 families if you act now.

If you can't avail of this offer now... you can reserve a position by buying a gift voucher thereby reserving your place in this limited edition. (this makes a great corporate gift!) For further details phone Graham or Dave on 01 453 3303.

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Gormanstown Cemetery to be extended

GORMANSTOWN, KILCULLEN, 15 December 1999: by Trish Whelan. Kildare County Council has agreed plans to extend the existing cemetery at Gormanstown into an adjoining field, thus providing some 140 new grave spaces. The existing graveyard around the church, which is full, has been described as being 'the best kept graveyard in Kildare'.

The work will also involve the creation of a new entrance off the public road for an access driveway to cater for hearses and service vehicles, boundary walls and fences, landscaping and planting.

The site is located between two road junctions and a road improvement line runs to the east of the proposed graveyard extension entrance. It is recommended that the scheme should proceed generally as planned, with access from the public road to be temporary in nature pending the road realignment at the two adjacent road junctions. When the road is re-aligned a new entrance onto the Dunlavin Road may be required.

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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

Proposes pilot scheme on restrictions to HGV parking

CELBRIDGE, 15 December 1999: by Brian Byrne. A pilot scheme in Celbridge to restrict the parking of heavy goods vehicles in residential areas is to be proposed by local area councillor Emmet Stagg TD, following the extension of the period of a similar scheme in Fingal County Council after its first six months’ trial.

Deputy Stagg has tabled a number of motions asking for such by-laws to be introduced in Kildare under Sections 35 and 36 of the 1994 Road Traffic Act. These related specifically to Dara Court Estate and Castletown Estate in Celbridge.

When the issue was raised in previous years, councillors were told that there might be a problem with such restrictions if alternative parking provisions for HGVs were not included.

 

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

GARDA PATROL ADVICE OF THE WEEK

Take precautions when doing your Christmas Shopping. Try and not carry large quantities of cash. Park your car in a recognised and secure car park. Don't leave bags lying on the seat of the car when travelling or parked. When paying for goods, don't show large amounts of cash. Don't transfer goods to the boot just after parking your car - do it somewhere else earlier.

'Will fight' for 7-day street cleaning

MAYNOOTH, 15 December 1999: by Brian Byrne. Labour party activists are to continue to fight for extended street cleaning and parks maintenance services for Maynooth, according to local representative Cllr John McGinley.

Following the refusal of Kildare County Council to provide a seven-day cleaning service for all major towns and doorstep collection of separated waste, on the grounds that there ‘was not the money to do so’, Cllr McGinley said that he and his party colleagues would continue to work to ensure that Kildare ‘gets services that are appropriate to the 21st century’.

“Such services are the norm elsewhere in the EU, and, indeed, in Ireland,” he said. “It is quite extraordinary that a country with a surplus of £6,500 million cannot provide enough funds to Kildare County Council to clean the streets at weekends, to cut the grass in Pound Park or Carton Avenue, or to provide playgrounds for our children.”

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Naas Credit Union back in its refurbished offices

NAAS, 14 December 1999: by Trish Whelan. Naas Credit Union is now back in its own place again, with the completion of an extension and refurbishment programme at its premises beside the Town Hall that cost a total of £1.5 million. While this was taking place, the CU had operated from a temporary location on the Sallins Road.

Following the AGM last week at the Town House Hotel, Jack Field remains as honorary President. Tony Moyles has been elected chairman, while Josephine Broderick takes over as treasurer from Lynn Mulhern. Pat O’Reillly remains as secretary.

In his message, Jack Field said he had been associated with the organisation since a meeting in Naas Town Hall 32 years ago when the decision was taken to form Naas Credit Union. Over the years he has been involved in many positions within the organisation.

“I hold the distinction of being the third honorary President after the late Fr Shortall and the late Ger Kinchella who followed him. It is now incumbent on me to follow in those illustrious footsteps.”

The AGM heard that the CU’s assets now exceed £20 million, up from nearly £16.5 million last year. In his report, outgoing chairman Declan Moore said that a reduction in interest rates from 12.68% to 10.5% in March had been the first decrease in interest since the CU’s foundation in 1968. He said that continuing growth and competition demands an ever-increasing commitment and professionalism from those involved in Naas Credit Union.

“It is essential that we put ourselves in a position where we are operating effectively and efficiently,” he said. “With this in mind, staff, directors and supervisors together have undertaken a strategic management programme and have employed the services of Tom Garvan, Professor of Vocational Education and Training at Limerick University.”

He noted that five members of the Naas organisation had graduated with diplomas in Credit Union Studies, the latest being Joan Corrigan Maher, and he congratulated her.

 THE LEINSTER PRINTMAKING STUDIO

THE OLD CONVENT, CLANE

Artists' resource, Training, Gallery sales. Phone Margaret Becker 045 868168 or 087 2310114

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

Kilcullen to have Kildare's best Millennium Eve party

KILCULLEN, 14 December 1999: by Brian Byrne. Kilcullen’s Town Hall, currently undergoing a £120,000 renovation, will be officially reopened with a street theatre event from 9pm to 12 midnight on New Year’s Eve 1999, culminating with a frantic farewell to the old millennium and an optimistic welcome to the new.

The event is expected to involve practically everyone in the community, dressed up in costumes reflecting many different periods of modern Irish history, with locations along Kilcullen’s street and town square being devoted to Easter 1916, the Charleston era of the 20s, a Tinker’s Camp where ‘The Tinker’s Wedding’ by Synge will be reenacted, the Irish Literary Revival where Yeats, Wilde, Behan and Kavanagh will be in attendance, and a 60s forum with The Beatles, Elvis, JFK and Martin Luther King. There’s much more too, and the event will probably be the best community effort in the county to welcome the year 2000.

Meanwhile, a voluntary donation fundraising campaign has been put in place to fund the renovation of the Town Hall. The original building was provided by the voluntary efforts of the majority of the community of the early 1930s. “The success of the Town Hall during the intervening years was, we feel, largely due to the fact that so many people had a personal stake in it which gave them a real sense of ownership,” the organisers of the campaign say. “In an effort to maintain this important understanding that the Town Hall is ‘our’ Town Hall, belonging to all the people, we invite them to make a donation towards the cost of the new renovation. We really don't mind how small or how large that donation may be. However we would be very anxious that as many people as possible should be part of this effort. Let's say £5 will purchase a block, £10 will purchase a rafter, £20 will purchase a light and £50 a window.”

No government funding has been given to this project to date. Anyone wanting to contribute can put their donation in envelopes into boxes which will be provided at Supervalu, Bernard Berney's, Andy Nolan's, the Post Office, Bank of Ireland, Berney's Pub and Greg Doyle's. The important thing is that personal support, no matter how small or large, is registered for an interest in the Town Hall which will hopefully continue to be a great focus for community involvement in the new millennium. The Town Hall Millennium Project Committeen are Bernard Berney, Jim Collins, Dick Dunphy, Paul Mullen and Pat Dunlea.

Kilcullen Town Hall Committee is affiliated to Kilcullen Community Development.

 

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

DAVE CULLEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Have you run out of ideas for what to do to commemorate the turn of the century and Christmas? Well, we have an amazing gift idea to make you the toast of the millennium!

A family portrait with a difference!. You and your family will be photographed at whatever time you wish in our studio, but in the finished print you will appear to be on the Burren at dawn. A stunning picture set in a celtic dawn that will make you the envy of your friends You can be one of a limited edition of 2000 families if you act now.

If you can't avail of this offer now... you can reserve a position by buying a gift voucher thereby reserving your place in this limited edition. (this makes a great corporate gift!) For further details phone Graham or Dave on 01 453 3303.

Proposal for business campus

MAYNOOTH, 14 December 1999: by Brian Byrne. The Glenkerrin Group, which operates the Glen Royal Hotel in Maynooth, has made proposals for a business campus at Moneycooley which would require a material contravention from Kildare county councillors to get under way.

The proposal includes a 240,000 sq ft high spec technology-based office development, 194,000 sq ft of computer-based office development, and an advanced enterprise centre of 130 sq ft. The planning permission application includes a proposal that the existing exit from the motorway be removed and replaced with a £33 million roundabout in the field opposite Barretts. According to Kildare’s county engineer, this would ‘permanently solve’ the traffic ‘chaos’ which motorists currently have to tolerate when coming off the motorway.

A presentation on the proposal, which would be located on land that is currently zoned for agricultural use, was made at the recent Leixlip Area meeting of councillors by Ray Grehan, on behalf of Glenkerrin.

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Call for new park facility at site of recent traveller incursion

NAAS, 14 December 1999: by Brian Byrne. Residents of St Gabriel’s Place in Naas have suggested that the tennis courts and football field which were recently occupied by travelling merchants should be replaced by a park which would include deciduous trees and a meandering walkway to the canal bank. In addition, they have proposed to Naas UDC that the canal banks themselves should be tarmaced on both sides from Abbey Bridge to Herbertstown Bridge, allowing the public a ‘linear walk and cycleway’ from the opposite end of town and encouraging more use of the Caragh Road sports facilities.

These proposals emerged at a recent meeting of St Gabriel’s Place residents which was attended by residents from the neighbouring estates of Caragh Green, Caragh Court, Corbally Court and Sarto Park. The meeting felt that the tennis courts and football field had now ‘outlived their usefulness’ and at night time in particular they had ‘attracted a wrong element who had desecrated it with broken glass empty lager tins and associated anti-social behaviour’.

The area should be secured by means of a wrought-iron railing which should be sufficiently high to prevent incursion by vandals, the residents suggested. A secured gate at the Sarto Park end would allow access when required for grass maintenance and other such needs.

The consensus view was that the appearance in the first instance of a building contractor’s compound at the Pairc na nOg playground had alerted the travelling merchants that this area was one where they ‘could squat with impunity’. That they did so to the extent of using the under-bridge area as a toilet (above) was part of the reason that residents had been ‘incensed’ by the state in which the merchants had left the area, which now attracted rats and was a public health hazard.

 

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

NAAS LIBRARY OVER CHRISTMAS

Christmas Miscellany: An evening of festive readings, music and refreshments will be held in Naas Library on Monday December 20th 1999 at 8pm. Come along and hear some local writer's and musicians read and play their favourite Christmas pieces. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Christmas Closing arrangements. Naas Community Library will close on Thursday December 23rd 1999 at 8pm and re-open on Tuesday January 4th at 10am. A very happy Christmas to all our readers.

Cheaper car parking proposal recommended for Leixlip

LEIXLIP, 14 December 1999: by Brian Byrne. Consultants charged with providing proposals for car parking in Leixlip have recommended an option of building two surface car parks costing approximately £1.2 million. This is a modified version of the cheaper of two options, the other which would involve the construction of a multi-storey car park that would cost £3.5 million. The consultants say that the latter option is ‘clearly better’ in terms of capacity and development potential, but the surface facilities are recommended because of the ‘significantly greater’ cost, longer planning and construction timescale for the multi-storey.

In the proposals, the upper level car park would be accessed from Captain’s Hill and the lower level from Mill Lane. Kildare County Council’s Road Design Department has noted that the omitting of a linking road between the car parks would result in a saving of £100,000. Senior executive engineer Charlie O’Sullivan pointed out to councillors that a proposal by the consultants to develop the lower level car park so that it could subsequently be developed as a multi-storey facility would bring the overall cost of this option to £4.4 million.

The draft study has been returned to the consultants for clarification on a number of matters. Cllr Catherine Murphy (right) has asked for a report on how the car parks should be financed ‘so that the car park report not be merely academic’.

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Garda seminar on Christmas crime prevention

NAAS, 13 December 1999: by Trish Whelan. How to act in the event of an armed hold-up as well as general security guidelines especially over the Christmas period, were just some of the advice given to local businesses and post office workers at a recent Garda Crime Prevention Seminar in Naas. Pictured at the event in the Town House Hotel are Michael Guerin, student Garda, Naas; Sgt Mary Corcoran, Crime Prevention Officer based at Naas Garda Station; Sgt Trevor Shiels, National Crime Prevention Office, Errol Flynn, manager Quinnsworth, Maynooth and Maureen Richardson, Customer Team Leader, Quinnsworth, Maynooth.

While not all businesses were represented, there were plenty of people present when Naas-based Superintendent Tom Neville, Sgt. Mary Corcoran and Sgt Trevor Shiels from the National Crime Prevention Office in Dublin, gave good advice on security matters.

Information also included advice on how to handle cash, as this is what criminals prefer to depart with. Shopkeepers were advised to avoid letting cash accumulate in tills and questions from the floor included how to apprehend shop lifters. There were also queries on restricting access to premises and on improving security arrangements.

While the thrust of the seminar was aimed at businesses, there was also advice for shoppers as well as on home security. Crime Prevention Officer, Sgt Mary Corcoran, can be contacted at Naas Garda Station, tel 045 - 884361 for further information.

 

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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Kilcullen writer gets Leitrim prize

KILCULLEN & CARRICK-ON-SHANNON, 13 December 1999: by Bill Trapman. A Kilcullen man, now resident in Dromahair in County Leitrim, has won a Leitrim Guardian literary prize for a short piece he wrote about how Leitrim might look in the year 2099 A.D.

Garreth Byrne, who spent his childhood in Kilcullen, was awarded second prize for his contribution at a gala launch of the annual magazine published in Leitrim in the county town of Carrick-on-Shannon early in December. His article is a humorous imaginary chronicle of main events in the North West county one hundred years from now. Garreth predicts extreme blizzards and flooding in Leitrim as a result of accumulated damage to the Ozone layer. His chronology takes us through the year 2099 A.D. in a month-by-month summary of Leitrim events.

As a sampler from Garreth's award-winning contribution, here are the entries from a local newspaper for April and May 2099:

April: Bog Protection Commission prosecutes 31 persons for illegally cutting turf. Two men are fined 100,000 euros after being convicted for a third offence. New solar energy panel factory announced for Drumshanbo. Survey shows that 40 per cent of Leitrim households obtain electricity generated by communal windmills.

May: GAA President Sheila Mulligan is given a civic reception by the Mayor of Carrick-on-Shannon and makes a tour of twelve Leitrim schools. She calls for more boys to take an interest in football and help redress the current gender imbalance in the game.

The prize was awarded, along with the annual Leitrim Person of the Year award, at a well attended event in a Carrick hotel by the Bishop of Kilmore, Dr Leo O'Reilly. Bishop O'Reilly was particularly intrigued by Garreth's wry comments about the state of religion in Leitrim and in Ireland in the year 2099.

The Leitrim Guardian has appeared annually since 1968 and is published by a voluntary committee. It helps to keep Leitrim's many thousands of overseas exiles in touch with the neighbourhood of their birth. Apparently it is the only County magazine published in Ireland.

Incidentally, Garreth Byrne had a rented cottage in the townland of Newtownmanor, about 4 miles from Dromahair, in 1981 and 1982. Newtownmanor in County Leitrim is where well-known Kilcullen businessman Joe McTiernan spent his childhood. Joe McTiernan made his mark on the economic life of County Kildare over the years. Maybe it is poetic that a Kildare man should now make a small ripple in Leitrim!

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

Carol singing and Sweet Charity

CLANE, 13 December 1999: by Brian Byrne. Clane Musical Society will be holding a seasonal carol-singing at the Londis Supermarket in the town next Saturday at 3pm.

Meanwhile, the society recently held their auditions for next year’s production of Sweet Charity and all parts were successfully cast from within the group. Members taking the 13 principal parts are Edel Marron, Francesco Fusco, Aidan Donoghue, Helena Reynolds, Angela Clifford, Alan Maleady, Marie Reynolds, Fiona White, Amanda Lister, Nikki Devine, Eamonn Rogers, Fiona Shirran and Aidan Gately.

Sweet Charity includes such well known songs as ‘Big Spender’, ‘If they could see me now’, and ‘The Rhythm of Life’. It will be presented in March 2000.

Most of the cast members are pictured above.

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DAVE CULLEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Have you run out of ideas for what to do to commemorate the turn of the century and Christmas? Well, we have an amazing gift idea to make you the toast of the millennium!

A family portrait with a difference!. You and your family will be photographed at whatever time you wish in our studio, but in the finished print you will appear to be on the Burren at dawn. A stunning picture set in a celtic dawn that will make you the envy of your friends You can be one of a limited edition of 2000 families if you act now.

If you can't avail of this offer now... you can reserve a position by buying a gift voucher thereby reserving your place in this limited edition. (this makes a great corporate gift!) For further details phone Graham or Dave on 01 453 3303.

'Affordable housing' difficulties noted

NAAS, 13 December 1999: by Trish Whelan. Naas UDC councillors have been advised of ‘difficulties’ in restricting its planned affordable housing for those born and reared in the town and who are currently being priced out of the property market ... but they could introduce a points system with points allocated based on the length of residency in the town.

Councillor Timmy Conway said affordable housing ‘had been a very important issue and was one of the reasons they rezoned land in the Blessington Road area, with five acres for this purpose transferred to the council. He wanted the housing for the indigenous young people of Naas to allow them live and work in the town. He pointed out many now have to go to Athy to buy a house because they could not afford a house in their home town while houses were being bought up in Naas by outsiders.

Councillor Charlie Byrne said he had been inundated by young couples seeking a house in the scheme. “Their at their wits’ end and are getting very fed up with it all. They can’t even get a loan of £100,000 to buy a home.”

The 60 affordable houses on the Caragh Road are aimed at the middle income bracket who cannot afford to buy at home. It is anticipated they will be ready in 12 month’s time.

Councillor Pat O’Reilly said the cost of houses is so high in Naas that indiginous coupleshave no alternative but to look elsewhere to buy a house.

Town manager Terry O Niadh said he would endeavour to keep down costs to try and ensure couples could afford the homes.

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Ballymore Chronicle ready for millennium

BALLYMORE, 13 December 1999: by Brian Byrne. The Millennium edition of the Ballymore Chronicle has been completed and will result in a 150-page book of words and photographs depicting the Ballymore of living memory. Included are the history of the old Woolen Mills, and works on subjects as varied as greyhounds, fishing, music, gardai and the village’s dead from WW1. The book will sell for £8.50.

Meanwhile, Ballymore Eustace has set out on a very difficult Millennium task - to find the community’s ‘Person of the Year’. The title carries a suitable Millennium-sized cash prize of £50 and will be bestowed on the man, woman, child or group who have made valiant efforts as members of the community, and reflects best the ethos of Ballymore during 1999 in making it a better and happier place to live.

Submissions should be left with the editor of the Ballymore Bugle not later than Friday, December 31, in a sealed envelope marked ‘Person of the Year’. Last year’s holder of the office was Rose O’Donoghue (pictured above during her appearance on the Late Late Show in the campaign against excessive development of the village.

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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

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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