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McGinley blasts Telecom for 'wrecking' footpaths

MAYNOOTH, DECEMBER 19, 1998: 'Strong action' should be taken against Telecom Eireann because of the company's failure to repair footpaths and roads they have 'wrecked' across North Kildare, according to Cllr John McGinley. He says Telecom has consistently failed to carry out remedial works following their activities and he has called for a system of 'licencing' which would involve the prepayment of the cost of renewing any roads of footpaths before any work is done on them. And he said that Telecom Eireann should not be given any more permissions to dig up roads and footpaths until after they have fixed everything outstanding from their work around the county.

RealAudio : John McGinley on Telecom and the roads.

 

Check in with Farm.ie for Brendan Burke's top farming news and views

Tourism partnership 'needs to be nurtured'

KILDARE GENERAL, DECEMBER 19, 1998: The partnership between the directors of Kildare Failte and its members needs to be 'nurtured more' according to the person who carried out a survey of the members during last July and August. Researcher Barbara Hunter said the level of response from the survey was 'disappointing' at around 12% and that a 30-40% response rate would have been more useful to gain satisfactory information. But she said that the conclusions possible from the information returned were quite strong, and while they indicated the general level of apathy among the membership, it was clear that if the whole notion of the partnership between the directors and members was improved, then the organisation could work in a much more positive way. She said the survey also reflected the fact that Kildare Failte is strained both financially and administratively.

RealAudio : Barbara Hunter on the tourism survey.

 

 THE LEINSTER PRINTMAKING STUDIO

THE OLD CONVENT, CLANE

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Phone 045 868168 or 087 2310114

Kill residents come out strongly in support of Retail Village project

KILL, DECEMBER 18, 1998: by Trish Whelan and Brian Byrne. On the eve of a crucial decision on the proposed £20 million Retail Outlet Village at Kill, local community leaders and townspeople have strongly expressed their support for the project, which has been strongly opposed by Naas traders. Local Kildare Failte representative Liam Kelly (pictured left) said that it would be of great benefit not only to Kill, but to Naas, Newbridge and surrounds. "The real benefits will come for school leavers," he said, "with the project making hundreds of jobs available where none are now. Women taking the opportunity of going back to work will also have an advantage." He wondered 'what Naas traders are blowing their coals over' as he failed to see how it could affect them in any way. "As it is, Naas is under pressure with crowds and no car parking." He said he would love to know where the objections were coming from: "In my travels around the county on behalf of Kildare Failte, people are very positive about this ... so if there's a minority out there trying to dig out a bit of dirt, I don't see it working." Joan Kerr (below left) , chairperson of Kill Tidy Towns, said the people of Kill were very anxious to have the project. "If people come to a shopping area in Kill, they're going to go on to Naas if they don't like what they see here." She said a lot of schoolchildren coming out next year are not likely to get a job in the area, but could if this project was on their doorstep. Local councillor Anthony Lawlor (below right) says fellow councillors in the Naas area appear to be 'under severe pressure from the traders of the town'. "When supermarkets in Naas affected all the small shops in the villages around , there wasn't much uproar from those councillors then," he said. "Maybe this is our chance now in Kill to stand up. Hopefully we will be the David that slays the big villian Goliath in Naas." Meanwhile, when villagers were questioned about their feelings for the project, they were almost unanimously in favour, citing the possibility of local employment in many cases. KNN understands that county manager Niall Bradley is expected to make a decision on the planning application today. Following that it will be discussed by local area councillors, and then the final decision hinges on a two-thirds majority of the full council.

RealAudio : Liam Kelly, Joan Kerr and Anthony Lawlor.

RealAudio : Kill people's views.

 

 

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Call for change at Leixlip Credit Union

LEIXLIP, DECEMBER 18, 1998: by Brian Byrne. A former Director of Leixlip Credit Union has urged all members to attend the organisation's AGM and SGM scheduled for over the Christmas holidays, to make their feelings known about the situation at the union, which was strikebound for two weeks in November. Henry Bauress says problems at the union have 'hindered progress' and he has called on board members to 'step aside' to make possible a 'refreshed and happy' new board. He also suggests an expansion of numbers on the board, and in particular the seeking of some new board members under the age of 25 so as to be able to represent the problems and viewpoints of the many younger people in the area. Mr Bauress also wants more training for staff, whom he says have served members and numerous boards of directors very well, and he says they 'deserve better treatment'. The full text of Mr Bauress's statement is here.

 

 Leopardstown Tours

Ticknock, Dublin 18

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues

Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

New book on Naas Hospital launched

NAAS, DECEMBER 17, 1998: by Trish Whelan. A new book on Naas Hospital's early days as a workhouse has been produced by Naas Local History Group. 'A History of Naas Hospital - from Workhouse to Hospital' was launched this week at a special function in the hospital, during which a sculpture to the famine was also unveiled. The work was edited by Ger McCarthy and Nick Coy (pictured here with Ronnie Kinnane) with an editorial committee including Paddy Behan, Anne and Larry Breen, and Rose McCabe. The story begins less than 10 years before the Great Famine which was to devastate Ireland. The memorial is dedicated to the victims of that famine who died in Naas Union Workhouse 1945-1849, many of whom are buried in a field beside St Mary's where Naas Local History Group hold an annual memorial service. Publication of the book was delayed by six months following the discovery of a thought-to-be-destroyed collection of early photographs in an office in the hospital. The sculpture was by Newbridge artist Annette McCormack and was unveiled by hospital matron Breda Brislane (both pictured below - Breda Brislane on left). The 72-page book is priced at £6.50 for the paperback versions is available from the history group and from local booksellers.

RealAudio : Trish Whelan talks to Ger McCarthy.

 

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All developments should have 'affordable' housing - councillor

CLANE, DECEMBER 17, 1998: by Brian Byrne. A proportion of houses in any developments in County Kildare should be built at a higher density than the 6/7 houses per acre which is the norm, in order to bring down the price of the end product. That's the view of Cllr Sean Reilly, who says there are an increasing number of young people who can't afford houses of their own, given the escalating cost of homes. He suggests that Kildare County Council should meet with builders and developers and as a pilot scheme initiate some developments where properly-designed homes at a higher density could be made available to young people. "Otherwise they're going on our housing list or getting into private rented accommodation where they'll be at the mercy of the system for the rest of their lives," he says. And he adds that it should be mandatory, where a development is going to take place anyway, that a number of the houses should be made particularly affordable.

 

RealAudio : Sean Reilly on 'partnership' housing initiative.

 

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Wallchart promotion for band uniforms

NARRAGHMORE, DECEMBER 17, 1998: The Narraghmore Pipe Band has launched a new uniform fundraising campaign built around the sale of a full-colour wallchart featuring a picture of the band at the All-Ireland Championships in Kilkenny earlier this year, where it won a first prize in piping. The poster is supported by advertising from local businesses. The full name of the band is the Lord Edward's Own Narraghmore Pipe Band and it completed a very successful season by taking fifth prize at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow in August. This now means the band has been upgraded to Grade 3. Some of the band's most notable overseas trips include participating in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York in 1989; performing for Pope John Paul II in the Vatican in 1991; taking part in Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany, France in 1994 and representing Ireland at the 32nd EUROPEADE - European Folk Arts Festival, in Valencia, Spain in 1995.

 

Naas development plan scheduled for public display

NAAS, DECEMBER 16, 1998: by Trish Whelan. The Naas Draft Development Plan will go on public display in early January, following last's night's adoption of the document by a 6-2 vote of the Urban District Council. And town manager Terry O Niadh told the councillors that, provided there are 'no significant changes' following the three-month period, it could be finally adopted in mid-May. The plan will be on display in a number of locations around the town. Councillors suggested that there be a number of 'information nights' for groups such as residents associations to explain details of the plan. Earlier, a motion by Cllr Seamie Moore that the council give 'further discussion' to the the provision of relief roads in some of the submissions which have 'community benefit' offers - such as the Moorestar development for the canal artea - was withdrawn after discussion during which most councillors felt it was untimely and could further delay the adoption of the plan. Terry O Niadh told the councillors that, though he had personally advised against 'certain elements' of the draft plan, they should make their decision last night. The manager also said he had never seen such consideration given to any development plan as has been given to this one. The two councillors who voted against the adoption of the plan were Teresa Scanlon and Charlie Byrne. Cllr Scanlon said she felt that Naas 'had been sold cheap' in this plan. Meanhile Cllr Sean English, who supported the plan despite expressed reservations about some aspects of it, said it was a pity that the council had to be 'beholden to developers' to get some facilities.

RealAudio : Paddy Behan on the adoption of the Naas plan.

 

 THE LEINSTER PRINTMAKING STUDIO

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Phone 045 868168 or 087 2310114

Rathangan £100,000 in doubt

RATHANGAN, DECEMBER 16, 1998: by Trish Whelan. A £100,000 village renewal scheme for Rathangan is in jeopardy because the final plan for the scheme has been delayed by a concern from the roads design section of Kildare County Council. So says Cllr Jimmy O'Loughlin, who asked for clarification of the position at this month's meeting of the council. Assistant county manager Terry O Niadh confirmed that the council had written to the Department of the Environment seeking to draw down the funding in 1999, as they would not be able to comply with the submission regulations for this year. Mr O Niadh said that he understood the same difficulties were being experienced by a number of local authorities and the DoE have made a case to the Department of Finance for greater flexibilty in administering the scheme. "It may be that we will lose the money if the flexibility we have experienced in the past is not available." Cllr O'Loughlin said he was not satisfied with the response, as the plans had not been completed by the officials. He warned that if the allocation was not received he would be putting down a motion of no confidence in officials. County manager Niall Bradley said money should be allocated 'on a project basis' and not by the ends of years. "The whole thing needs fundamental reappraisal."

 

 VIOLET'S FLOWERS

Station Road, Kildare

Registered Teleflorist

Phone 045 522210

Window display certificates presented

NAAS, DECEMBER 16, 1998: by Brian Byrne. An innovative course mainly funded by FAS and organised Naas Chamber of Commerce has resulted in a significant improvement in the many shop window displays in the two. The general course for retailers was operated by Barbar Bourke from Bourke College of Marketing and Design in Dublin, originally from Two-Mile-House where her father was a schoolteacher for 40 years. There were 22 participants on the 6-week course which was held in Lawlor's Hotel. During the presentation of certificates, Naas Chamber of Commerce executive director Mary Bhogal said the town's window displayes were 'terrific' this year. She congratulated Barbar Bourke and FAS Management Services to Business representative Assunta Delaney for providing the course. Ms Delaney said that while walking along Main Street to the event she was able to spot at least six examples of the participants' work. "This is the first time we have actively taken part with Naas Chamber of Commerce in the retail sector, which is an area that has been a bit neglected," she said. "It is an area of huge competition and businesses in small towns have to hang on to their competitive edge." And she added that FAS is developing links with Naas and Newbridge chambers and hopes to be 'a lot more active' in business-driven activities in Dublin West and Kildare. This week tthe participants competed against each other in a shop window display competition run by the Naas chamber, with independent judges. Winners were in order of merit, Fabucci in the Moat Mall, second Joan Prout's, Main St, and third, Catriona's Fashion Shop on Main St. The judge's said there had been a big all-round effort on behalf of the traders in the town. Pictured with Mary Bhogal (front) are Assunta Delaney of FAS and tutor Barbara Bourke.

RealAudio : Brian Byrne talks to Barbara Bourke, Assunta Delaney, and Mary Bhogal.

 

Check in with Farm.ie for Brendan Burke's top farming news and views

Ire over Eyre proposal

NEWBRIDGE, DECEMBER 16, 1998: by Brian Byrne. A proposal that a new Newbridge hotel be be named after a local landlord of the mid-1850s has raised hackles in the town according to Cllr Spike Nolan. He claimed Kildare County Council planners had made the suggestion of 'Eyre Powell' for a new hotel being built on what had traditionally been the site of the old Central Hotel. "I have been approached by several people angry at the prospect of the hotel being named after a member of the landed gentry who 'screwed the people' of Newbridge," he said."It is totally wrong that we should name places after absentee landlords of the likes of the Lord Lucans, or the estate of a man which owns half of Newbridge." It is understood that the planners had been favour of a name with 'a local connection', but following Cllr Nolan's representations, county manager Niall Bradley promised to 'look into the matter'.

RealAudio : Spike Nolan on Eyre Powell.

 

'Row in behind' tourism development plans call

ATHY, DECEMBER 15, 1998: by Trish Whelan. The potential of Kildare Failte to make the most of marketing the county in tourism terms has been 'curtailed' by lack of proper funding, according to Frieda O'Connell, who has stepped down as marketing director of the organisation. "We have been struggling to survive on sponsorship and grants from Kildare County Council, and this has been a huge disadvantage," she said following the recent AGM of Kildare Failte in Athy. But she pointed to a strong record of achievement by the organisation despite the difficulties, including the provision of a county tourism map and several brochures about the county's tourism amenities in general as well as special interest brochures produced by affiliated groups. She called on all the tourism businesses and operators in Kildare to 'row in behind' the recently-appointed tourism development officer Justin Larkin, saying that the way to improve the future of the industry is by everybody working together. On a personal note, Frieda said the high point of her time as an officer of the organisation was being appointed by then then tourism minister Charlie McCreevy to represent small tourism interests on the National Tourism Council.

RealAudio : Trish Whelan talks to Frieda O'Connell

 

A tasty way of making money

NAAS, DECEMBER 15, 1998: by Brian Byrne. Three Naas schoolgirls have come up with a tasty way of making money in their mini-company project during their transition year. 'Tastes from Naas' is a book of recipes compiled by Niamh Dunney, Niamh McCabe and Susan Walsh at St Mary's College. The recipes are the favourite foods of a number of local celebrities, including racing guru Ted Walsh, historian Con Costello, town councillor Charlie Byrne and many others. "We also have one from local barber Seamus Curran, who also kindly provided the illustrations," says Niamh Dunney. The publishing run is 100, and the books are selling like the proverbial hot cakes at £4 each, with the help of a number of local shopkeepers who have agreed to stock it. According to the girls' business studies teachers Mary Claire Keogh and Margaret Walsh the project is just one of many in the transition year aimed at helping young people understand the principles of entrepreneurism. "It is an experience which they can hopefully use in their later life," says Mary Claire, while Margaret says that even though some projects fail to make money, there is always something learned. Pictured (right) are Susan Walsh and Niamh McCabe with a copy of their book, and (below) Margaret Walsh, Niamh Dunney and Mary Claire Keogh sampling some of the results of the recipes.

RealAudio : Brian Byrne talks to the authors and their teachers

 

 VIOLET'S FLOWERS

Station Road, Kildare

Registered Teleflorist

Phone 045 522210

Call for parking and toilet facilities at Moone High Cross

TIMOLIN, DECEMBER 15, 1998: by Brian Byrne The need for parking and toilet facilities at Moone High Cross in Timolin was highlighted at the December meeting of Kildare County Council when Cllrs Rainsford Hendy and Paddy Wright both criticised the lack of progress on a matter they had been raising for several years. Cllr Hendy said the 'finest example' of an Irish Celtic cross was a very valuable heritage and tourism asset to the county and access to it should be reflected in the facilities around it. He has called on the council to issue a compulsory purchase order to acquire land for the facilities and says he hopes that the climate is now right for funding for the project to become available. "If Moone High Cross was in any other part of Ireland it would be hallowed," he said.

RealAudio : Rainsford Hendy on Moone High Cross

 

 Ray O'Brien (Motors) Ltd

Newbridge, Co Kildare

Main dealers for Mazda cars & Mercedes-Benz commercials

Phone 045 431130

Rathangan sculptor's exhibition

RATHANGAN, DECEMBER 15, 1998: by Trish Whelan. The Lord Mayor of Dublin will tonight open an exhibition of the works of Rathangan-born sculptor Brian O'Loughlin in the National Treasury Building at Grand Canal St Dublin. Brian developed his interest in sculpture from the late Fr Henry Flanagan while a student in Newbridge College and his current display of 13 pieces are crafted from 4,000-year-old bog oak. He has had two previous exhibitions and has been commissioned to do several pieces, including a centrepiece for the foyer of the new Monaghan Credit Union building which consists of a family group holding aloft the Credit Union logo. The Treasury Building exhibition runs until next Saturday.

 

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Leixlip garda station still a long way off

LEIXLIP, DECEMBER 14, 1998: byBrian Byrne. Leixlip will have to wait at least a further 3/4 years before it gets a proper garda station, despite the fact that the new site at Newtown House has been approved by the Department of Justice. This is because funds will not be available to build the station until then, unless additional funding can be made available for it as a special case. Though the area councillors approved the plan for a new garda station, library and civic offices, and community & youth centre on the lands around Newtown House, and the library element is expected to begin in 2000, the rest elements of the project will follow 'their own time frame' according to the Garda Planning Division. The building of the garda station would be a 'partnership' arrangement between the OPW and Kildare County Council. Though one of Kildare's largest towns, Leixlip has only had a 'shopfront' garda office for less than a decade, with full management of garda activities in the town being managed from Lucan.

 

 THE LEINSTER PRINTMAKING STUDIO

THE OLD CONVENT, CLANE

Artists' resource, Training, Gallery sales

Phone 045 868168 or 087 2310114

ESB a 'Scrooge' claims commissioner

NEWBRIDGE, DECEMBER 14, 1998: byTrish Whelan. Newbridge Town Commr. Murty Aspell has accused the ESB of 'being the Scrooge of Christmas' in Newbridge because of the annual problem over the erection of Christmas lights in the town. He is strongly critical of how the company says it does not have the time to erect the lights. He believes it is unfair of them to hold the town to ransom in this way - despite the fact that millions of pounds are spent annually by the people of the town with the company. He is seeking a meeting between the Town Commissioners, Newbridge Chamber of Commerce and the company to reach agreement on the future erection of festive lights in the town. He was supported by Commr. Richard Daly who said the ESB 'are abusing their monopoly situation' in this regard.

 

 

 VIOLET'S FLOWERS

Station Road, Kildare

Registered Teleflorist

Phone 045 522210

Kill dump causing flooding?

KILL, DECEMBER 14, 1998: byTrish Whelan. A large lagoon at Kill dump, formed by surface water and swelled by heavy rainfall could be partly responsible for the flooding of some 20,000 acres in the Paynestown and Turnings areas. Local councillor Anthony Lawlor told a recent meeting of Kildare County Council that when this happens, the water is pumped out and ends up in the Morrell River. He believes this sudden sourge of water is one cause of flooding in areas down the line. He says the increase in sediment in the river could also be responsible for blocking bridges which in turn causes more flooding. The flooding problem was raised at a recent meeting of Kildare County Council when Clane area Cllr Sean Reilly said some people blame the recent developments in Johnstown, and the extra lane provided on the dual carriageway for the flooding.

 

Naas seasonal events

NAAS, DECEMBER 14, 1998: A number of pre-Christmas events in Naas will provide a strong element of seasonal feeling to the town and beyond. A 'Ceremony of Light' celebration of gifts will take place at 7.30pm in the Church of the Irish Martyrs at Ballycane. All are welcome, and those coming are requested to bring food for sharing. On the same evening there is a special function in the Pro-Cathedral, Marlborough St, Dublin, in aid of the Kildare Animal Foundation, featuring St Mary of the Angels Gospel Choir. Time 8-10pm, admission £3/5. On Sunday 20 December the Nas na Riogh SIngers will sing in Naas Parish Church during the 12.30pm mass, while on Tuesday 22 there will be a carol service in the Church of the Irish Martyrs at Ballycane. Voluntary contributions will go to the Honduras Relief Appeal.

 

 Leopardstown Tours

Ticknock, Dublin 18

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues

Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

 

 KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP

Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more

 

Murphy turns towards DL/Lab merger

LEIXLIP, DECEMBER 13, 1998: by Brian Byrne. Leixlip-based Democratic Left councillor Catherine Murphy spoke in favour of her party's proposal to merge with the Labour Party, during a special party meeting yesterday afternoon. Her stance was a turnaround from what it was a relatively short time ago. "Three months ago, I could not have imagined I would be standing here saying I'm supporting such a merger," she told delegates. "I have come to the conlusion it deserves a real chance ... but making a success of this political merger will not come down to having a good constitution, or a good written agreement. It will be about people, it will be about leadership." Cllr Murphy said both parties have traditions and both have political baggage, but that each must learn from the past rather than 'looking back with nostalgia or overvaluing tradition." At separate meetings yesterday, both Democratic Left and Labour voted overwhelmingly to merge. (The full text of Catherine Murphy's speech is here.)

 

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ESB 'needs to be more careful'

NEWBRIDGE, DECEMBER 13, 1998: by Trish Whelan. The ESB should be more careful in tidying up after cutting trees on private property or local estates which interfere with overhead electricity wires, according to Newbridge Town Commissioner Colm Feeney. He says if people allow the company access to their property to trim trees, certain standards should apply. While he could understand that such work is necessary, he said the company should show more goodwill to its customers and could have done a 'tidier job' in some cases. He said where trees were lopped to clear a path for lines some now look somewhat unsightly. He said the company should lay down standards for contractors in this regard, especially in public estates and that some results do not 'look particularly well done.'

 

 Leopardstown Tours

Ticknock, Dublin 18

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues

Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

Need for cycle lanes in Naas

NAAS, DECEMBER 13, 1998: by Trish Whelan. A call for cycle lanes for Naas has been made by Cllr J J Power, in order to provide extra safety for children going to school. But he said he was given the 'brush-off' by Kildare County Council's engineering department when he first suggested it three months ago. "First I was told that there was a delay in Government guidelines being issued, then when they were issued and I bought a set myself for £50 I was told they still had not been acquired by the council." Cllr Power said he had been told there was no room for cycle lanes on Main St, yet after the recent road resurfacing there was now parking on both sides of the narrowest section of Main St. "Such lanes are half the width of a car parking space, so there certainly would have been room," he said. Meantime, county manager Niall Bradley says he fully supports the principle of introducing cycle lanes in the town.

 

 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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