Welcome for hospital upgrade announcement NAAS, 28 July 2000: 6.30pm by Brian Byrne. The news announced today that planning for Phase 3 of Naas Hospital is to start immediately has been warmly welcomed by local councillor Willie Callaghan (right), who said it will 'silence the cynics' who said that the hospital might close. "Now we can all see that it is not going to close, but is going to be upgraded substantially," he told KNN this evening. "A commitment was given and has been carried through. It's great news not just for Naas, but for the whole county." The £25 million phase 3 completes the overall plan for Naas Hospital, and will ensure that the people of Kildare will have a 'first class hospital' the minister for finance, Charlie McCreevy, said today. Building is expected to be completed by mid-2003. The new phase includes additional accommodation in the Out Patients Department, Day Services, a Physical Medicine Department, a Pathology Department, on-call accommodation, a mortuary and post mortem facility as well as additional administration and staff accommodation. Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here. And read Brian Byrne's review of the new Rover 75.

Fair Green parking plan would be 'act of vandalism' NAAS, 28 July 2000: 9.30am by Trish Whelan. Turning the historic Fair Green area into a car park would be ‘an act of vandalism’ according to Ger McCarthy (above) of Naas Local History Group. But he believes ‘powerful forces’ are at work to make it happen. He was speaking to KNN after he had spoken strongly against the idea at a meeting of residents of the Fair Green and Lakelands areas. “The Fair Green is one of the few historical sites left in Naas that have not been developed,” he says, noting that it was the site of a British military barracks in 1770 prior to the large barracks later built on the Newbridge Road. And he says drawings of the Fair Green structure are still in existence. Part of the Fair Green wall may date to around the time of the 1798 Rebellion. The military area was defined by a number of tall stones which still exist within the wall and around the green and which bear the inscription OB (Ordnance Board). One of the stones (left), just inside the outer wall, was broken by vandals last year and Ger has repeatedly, and without success, asked Naas UDC to have it repaired. That stone, uniquely, has a Bench Mark which used to be used for levelling purposes. Naas UDC received a Civic Award in 1979 from Bord Failte and the Royal Town Planning Institute for the way the Fair Green was preserved and designed as a public green area. Meanwhile, following Wednesday night’s packed meeting of local residents in Ballycane Church, a petition is being circulated throughout Naas and will be presented to UDC councillors saying that residents of the town are ‘totally opposed’ to the concept of converting public green spaces into car parks. A further meeting for local residents is planned for Ballycane Church on Wednesday 9 August, at 9pm. A public protest event for Naas people is to be organised prior to the 19 September meeting of Naas UDC. The Lakelands residents are also going to seek permission for a delegation to address the council at that meeting. Lt Col John Ryan of Lakelands Residents Association (left) said the proposal to make the Swimming Pool Field into a car park, as recommended by Cllr Pat O’Reilly, ‘is not a runner’ and this was the message that should go out from the meeting. He asked those present to make their views known to their local councillors and TDs as ‘it is people power at the end of the day that will make the difference’. Highlighting the strength of feeling about the issue, he said one local woman has threatened to ‘lie down in front of a bulldozer’ to stop such work. “We must take the initiative in this matter and say NO,” he said. “If we don’t, it will become a fait accomplit.” Cllr Charlie Byrne, the only councillor present at the meeting, said he was there to ‘safeguard the old Naas where he was born and reared’. He said he had been shocked when the list of possible parking areas was put to the council. And he said he had been told by ‘a certain council official’ that the amenity area beside the lakes on the Ballymore Road would either become a playground or a car park ‘whether he liked it or not’. “I have no objection to a playground, but where are we to put playgrounds if the green areas are taken over for cars?” he asked. Asked to convey the feeling of the meeting to his fellow council members, Cllr Byrne said since his stance against the Town Development Plan he has generally been ignored by them. But he pledged his opposition to any green site which may come up for a material contravention decision. Joe McDonald from Tower View said he believed the deal on the Fair Green and Swimming Pool Field ‘has already been done’. Chris O’Neill, chairman of Sunday’s Well Residents Association, said not all of the 13 nominated potential sites were in public ownership, and so may not be available to the UDC. He said the town does not have a car parking policy. Noting that he was himself a cyclist, he said if people are to use alternative means of transport, they must be provided for. One woman asked why the main UDC car park had been sold off to private enterprise and why two multistorey car parks were to be built at the same time. This prompted a query from Ger McCarthy if proper tendering procedures had been used at the time of the Corban’s Lane deal. Former councillor Teresa Scanlon (right), who retired at the end of the previous council's term, recalled that six tenders had been received for that property, but officials had said only one was acceptable. She had asked for copies of the other five, but had not been given them.

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Kildare under siege by travellers KILDARE GENERAL, 28 July 2000: by Brian Byrne. County Kildare is literally under siege by travellers who blatantly break into private and local authority lands knowing that the legal systems used to deal with their incursions are archaic and inefficient, and only costly to the public purse and the community. The latest incursion is yesterday’s invasion (above), via the Caragh Road Sports Ground, of the Naas UDC site for affordable housing by travellers who, according to local people, include among their number some of those who left Naas UDC with an £11,000 bill after they had illegally located at Parc na nOg some months ago. Those travellers subsequently entered private property in Robertstown, after leaving Naas just before a court-imposed deadline. On Wednesday, KNN observed a number of traveller caravans parked briefly on the Curragh plains (above) which left litter that included soiled nappies and MacDonalds packaging. They are currently parked in Kilcullen, again illegally. In addition, almost a dozen traveller families illegally parked on private property adjacent to the parish church in Kilcullen at 4am on Wednesday morning. An angle-grinder was used to cut open a barrier at the entrance to the property. Without direct and corroborated observation of that operation, nobody can be charged with ‘breaking and entering’. Local people believe the Kilcullen groups are the same travellers who have been illegally camped on private property opposite MacDonalds in Newbridge for a number of weeks. That site is now empty and is being protected by mounds of earth. An incursion into Penneys car park in Newbridge by travellers earlier this year now means that an important car parking facility is now permanently closed (below). KNN has been told that representations to Penneys by Kildare County Council to reopen the car park are meeting with a cold reception. Travellers also occupied the Iarnrod Eireann car park in Newbridge earlier this year (below). Earlier this week gardai were called to locations in Celbridge where groups of travellers were confronted by local people when they tried to enter private lands, situations to which gardai were called ‘to mediate’. All over the county there are barriers of clay, bollards, boulders and metal, and protective ditches testifying to the failure of the national and local systems to deal with people who know that they can manipulate the system with impunity.  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

Kilcock centre like 'scene from Ryan's Daughter' KILCOCK & COUNTY HALL, 28 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. Kilcock is a town which has suffered great dereliction in its centre, according to Cllr Paul Kelly (right). He was speaking during the discussion on the Kilcock Draft Town Plan at this week’s special meeting of Kildare County Council. He said it is appropriate that the town develops around the centre area. Cllr Senan Griffin said Kilcock needs ‘an injection of life’ and he described the town square as similar to a scene in the film ‘Ryan’s Daughter’. He said the people of Kilcock are positive to controlled development and appreciate that the town needs ‘an uplift and positive thinking’, but warned about the dual control of the town environs. “It’s important we control the services required by Meath County Council, who are building on their side of the town,” he said. Cllr Michael Fitzpatrick said the draft plan ‘is balanced and would be good for Kilcock’. The plan was adopted by a large majority of councillors, with Cllr Catherine Murphy abstaining and Cllr Tony McEvoy voting against. To Advertise on KNN, call 086 8267104, fax 045 481091, or email tellingtales@yahoo.com Advertising rates here

24 June 2000: Intel launches $2 million expansion ... Kildare artist uses personal tragedy for inspiration ... the fight against Dunstown ... Seamie Moore on the new Railway Walkway ... 'Cullen of the Arctic' on his latest trip. This is a KNN broadcast production in RealAudio. Earlier programmes here. (©2000trishwhelanbrianbyrne.)

Around and About the County... ATHY: The first steps have been taken for a state-of-the-art Community College in Athy with the announcement of Department of Education approval of £1.4m to purchase ten acres of land on the Monasterevin Road. The news was announced at a recent meeting of Co Kildare Vocational Educational Committee. NEWBRIDGE: Michael Mullally is the new president of the Rotary Club of Newbridge. Although born in Ballymore Eustace, the family later moved to live in Newbridge. Michael previously was area director with the IDA before taking up his present employment as manager of the Millennium Park business park project at Osberstown, Naas. The Newbridge branch of Rotary meet on Mondays at 6.15pm in the Hotel Keadeen. KILL: Next October Ann Carey from Kill will cycle 3,000 miles from San Diego in California to Charleston in South Caroline to help raise money for the National Council for the Blind of Ireland. She hopes to complete the trip in 25 days. The cycle challenge will be led by former Irish cycling international Sean Kelly from Carrick on Suir. Sports presenter Tracey Piggott, a member of the Blazing Saddles team, is also taking part. As a participant, Ann must raise £10,000. She already has £8,000. She is being helped fundraise by local Cllr Anthony Lawlor. Anyone wishing to help can contact 086 2548743. Donations can be left at The Old House in Kill. ATHY: Driver/Programme Assistant wanted to work with people with disabilities. Must have full D licence. This is a full time position. Apply to Sr Carmel at Teach Emmanuel, Athy, Ph 0507 38529. LEIXLIP: A design and costing is to be drawn up for a boundary between Glendale Meadows and St Catherine’s Park in Leixlip, following an inspection of the situation by assistant manager of County Kildare Tommy Skehan. Representations had been made on behalf of the residents by Deputy Emmet Stagg, who afterwards expressed his confidence that the matter would be resolved to the satisfaction of the residents. MAYNOOTH: The Minister for Education and Science, Micheál Martin TD, has approval for the allocation of £3 million towards the extension of the Callan Science Building at Maynooth University. This will create a minimum of 300 additional places in the area of software engineering to meet the emerging skills needs of high -technology industry. The funds are being made available through the £250 million Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund launched at the end of last year. STRAFFAN: Landscape architect Anthony M O’Neill has been commissioned by Kildare County Council to prepare the Straffan Village Renewal Scheme. The work will involve upgrading of footpaths, roads, building of stone walls, provision of decorative street lights, undergrounding of overhead wires, street furniture where required, provision of historical signage and traffic calming. Deputy Emmet Stagg says the architect will consult with Straffan Development Association in relation to the required works and there will be a public display period in relation to the proposals. He complimented the association for their positiver action in pressing for the provision of the Village Renewal. MAYNOOTH: A major investment totalling £40million will transform the Maynooth suburban rail service. The line is, at present, single track only between Clonsilla and Maynooth, which, together with other factors, restricts the number of services that can operate on the line at the moment. The investment provides for a doubling of track between Clonsilla and Maynooth and the upgrading of signalling. All stations on the route will be upgraded or renovated, and Park and Ride facilities will be provided. The work is expected to be completed by early 2001. COUNTY HALL: Kildare County Council has failed to make the public aware that it can provide composting bins at a cost of £20 each, when garden centres are selling them at £65 each. This was suggested by Cllr Tony Lawlor at last week’s meeting of the council which discussed and passed the county’s Waste Management Plan. “People are walking out with them at £65 a time from the Johnstown Garden Centre,” he said. To Advertise on KNN, call 086 8267104, fax 045 481091, or email tellingtales@yahoo.com Advertising rates here

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Family appeals to be allowed stay in home they refurbished BALLYMORE, 27 July 2000: 11.00am by Brian Byrne. A young Ballymore man is appealing to Kildare County Council to let him and his young family stay in the council house that he grew up in, and which was built on land originally owned by his family. But Jack Doyle of Broadleas is knocking himself against a blank wall of officialdom in the council's housing department. He and his wife Grainne, and their sons David and 'little Jack', (with his parents above) are under notice to leave. The irony is that the house had been wrecked over a number of years (below) while occupied by another family member, who was eventually evicted five months ago by the council for non-payment of rent. Jack and his family occupied it illegally two months ago and spent up to £6,000 making it habitable, including replacing all the broken windows, completely rewiring it, and installing central heating. But when he approached to council to try and make arrangements to pay rent, he was told they couldn't accept it 'because then everyone would do the same thing'. "I can see where they're coming from, but this is completely different," Jack says. "This is the house I grew up in, and until I moved in it was lying derelict. In fact, when I first approached them before I moved in, the council said they didn't have a house on their books here. It took me several calls to convince them, and then they immediately sent out a crew to board it up." Jack and Grainne have been on the housing list since they got married two years ago, and prior to that Grainne had been on the list as a single mother for 12 years. For the last two years they've lived in a flat behind the Anvil pub in Ballymore, receiving rent assistance from the Department of Social Welfare. The Anvil is now up for sale, and the landlord told them in January that they'd have to find alternative accommodation. "We've tried five places around, and all of them wanted up to £600 a month," Jack says. "I'm on a FAS scheme, and that's completely out of our reach. The council said they couldn't help me, so I had no choice but to move in here." The house was built by the council in 1984 because the family - Jack's mother and her six children - were living in a three-room house on their land, which was afflicted by damp and felt by the district nurse to be completely unsuitable. "There were only two rooms usable, and we all slept in one of them," Jack recalls. "The council agreed to build us a four-bedroom house, the one we're in now, but my mother had to transfer the land to them for £20 so they could do it." Despite appeals to the council to regularise their position, and even an offer by Jack to pay all the previous arrears on the house from the prervious tenant, Kildare County Council have simply sent a letter ordering them to quit under threat of legal action. There is very strong local support for Jack and Grainne to get the house, as they are highly thought of in the community, and they've shown that they're prepared to put the work into making their life better. Jack is also very involved in training young people in the local GAA Club. Neighbours in Broadleas are organising a petition to Kildare County Council that they be allocated the house in which Jack grew up. "Before he moved in, it was a derelict eyesore (below), with wild parties and the gardai calling regularly," one neighbour told KNN. "We want them to have the house." In Paddy Murphy's pub in Ballymore, there was nothing but support for the family. "Jack is very well thought of around here, and he's a hard worker and ready to help out anyone who needs it," one customer told KNN. "His situation at the moment is all wrong ... they deserve the house." Kildare County Council told KNN that they don't comment on individual housing cases. In legal terms, Jack Doyle and his family probably don't have a leg to stand on. In human terms, though, there's a very strong moral case that the council should find a way to accommodate them. Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here. And read Brian Byrne's review of the new Rover 75.

'Medieval village' remains being investigated at Kill KILL, 27 July 2000: 8.30am by Michael Freeman. Archaeologists are believed to have found the ruined remains of a medieval rural village on the site of a new housing development at Kill village. A team of professional archaeologists, commissioned by the developers College Crest Homes Ltd, are reported by local Glendara residents to have found relevant antiquities which may date back to the 12th century. They are digging carefully by hand, inch by inch along what is believed to be the outline of the perimeter wall of the old village. The site of thevillage was discovered about 100 yards from the old 12th century Norman Castle Motte and Bailey, a recorded national monument, and is close to the foot of Kill Hill. Various associations are being ascribed by local people and experts to its proximity to the motte and bailey, the Old House Pub in the village and to the nearby historic St John's Church of Ireland church which is believed to have been built on the site of a more ancient church from medieval times. Some local people are now asking if this is the site of the original village of Kill. The finding is believed by local experts to be significant, but unlikely to stop the College Crest Homes development to be completed early next year within its nine-month deadline. Some of the planned houses and apartments are already built to the roof stage, but no building is being allowed at present around the site of the find. Residents of the adjoining Glendara, River Lawns, and Earls Court estates have expressed their concerns for a number of years that the historic motte and bailey nearby - now a secluded wilderness (above) - is suffering from serious erosion. They question that if the motte and bailey is recorded as a protected national monument by Duchas - the Government Heritage Service- why Kildare County Council have not put a railing around it or even a notice warning that trespassers will be prosecuted? The causes of the erosion are, they believe, from badgers who live in the wilderness there, and from teenage gangs who have secret drinking parties in hide-outs that are hidden by the ancient trees and thick foliage there on week-end nights. Local Gardai have entered the motte and bailey and broken up such parties, confiscated drink and 'interviewed' the culprits on numerous occasions. Gardai are also believed to be investigating the theft of paint, tapes and tools from the archaeology team's own office at the newly-discovered ancient village site.

Road should be taken in charge BALLYTEAGUE, 27 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. The road at Grangeclare/Ballyteague along the Barrow branch of the Grand Canal should be taken in charge and restricted to certain types of traffic, according to Clane Area county councillors. Cllr Michael Fitzpatrick (right) said this is of vital importance to the people in this rural area of Ballyteague. He urged the Council to meet with local people on the matter. Cllr Fitzpatrick said the road is in a perfect state of repair - the best road in the area - and Duchas, the heritage body, is relectant to hand it over to the Council. He explained that a meeting took place between Duchas and Kildare County Council but the problem at the time was the condition of the road which was so bad that the Council would not take it in charge. He said the road was built by a local voluntary group who provided invalid facilities for fishermen, with a number of stands along the roadway. “At one end they have erected a restrictive barrier but at the other end they have put up three bollards so invalids cannot drive the whole way through,” he said. “In conjunction with this the Ballyteague Gaelic Football Club built an extension to their clubhouse, including a kitchen and tearoom facilties, and to facilitate this development. All these facilities now remain unused. Cllr Jim Reilly (left) suggested they request an official of Duchas to meet with the Clane Area councillors. He said a number of cars have gone into the canal.

Naas estates to be taken in charge NAAS, 27 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. The estates of Roselawn, Cherry Grove, The Paddocks and Woodside Park - all built for 25-30 years - are to be taken in charge by Naas UDC. Town engineer Tom Cuddy said essential works required to bring them to a reasonable standard have been undertaken but there will be ongoing maintenance costs to the council. He said maintenance to roads and services in the four estates will cost the authority £37,500 a year. Cllr Timmy Conway proposed the estates be taken in charge and this was seconded by Cllr Seamie Moore. Replying to fears expressed by Cllr Charlie Byrne at the intention to take over The Paddocks while residents complained of road subsidence, Mr Cuddy said no complaints had been received following public notice of the Council’s intent to take the estates in charge. Cllr Byrne pointed out that it had been advertised in the Town Hall while people were at work. Mr Cuddy said any works in the estate can be carried out once the road is taken in charge by the Council. It was agreed that the work would be carried out at the first available opportunity. Cllr Pat McCarthy said he hoped it would not take so long for estates now being built to be taken over by the authority.  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

Green areas would be cheaper for car parks NAAS, 26 July 2000: 1.00pam by Brian Byrne & Trish Whelan. An analysis of the estimated costs of developing alternative car park sites around Naas makes it clear that Naas UDC would favour covering existing green areas because of financial grounds. The cost per car of developing these areas ranges from £1,832-£2,133 per car space, compared to £5,103-£8,500 per car space for commercial and other in-town sites. In addition, turning areas such as the Swimming Pool Field and the Fair Green (above) into car parks (841 spaces combined) would provide substantially more parking facilities than are available in other locations, which would accommodate between 20 (Parish Church lawn frontage) and 125 (Friary Road monastery garden). Two other locations, the Ballymore Road (296 spaces) and the Rathasker Heights corner (140 spaces) are less favourable because they are 700 metres and 400 metres walking distance respectively from the town's business centre. Town engineer Tom Cuddy told last week's monthly meeting of the UDC that temporary surfaces could not be used on any of the proposed sites, because there would be public liability implications. "All costings are based on permanent surfaces," he told councillors. The issue of using green spaces to provide alternative parking while private developers build multi-storey facilities on the current UDC car parks at Corban's Lane and Sallins Road has raised considerable anger in Naas, particularly among residents around Lakelands and the Ballymore Road area. Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here. And read Brian Byrne's review of the new Rover 75.

Car parking meeting tonight likely to be stormy NAAS, 26 July 2000: 8.30am by Trish Whelan & Brian Byrne. A public meeting tonight in Ballycane Church to discuss a proposal that the Swimming Pool Field in Naas be used as a car park is likely to hear strong criticism of planning in the town. The meeting, organised by Lakelands Residents Association, is scheduled for 9pm, and according to Lt Col John Ryan (above) of the association, feelings against the plan are running very high. He said he has already spoken to the chairman of the UDC, Cllr Pat O'Reilly, and asked for a meeting with him and his councillors as soon as possible. Cllr O'Reilly (left) made the original proposal that the field, which is owned by Kildare County Council, should be acquired by the UDC for use as a car park. Last week he said he 'stood by' his original motion. The field is one of six green areas identified as potential car parking areas while development work is being carried out on the town's existing car parks at Corban's Lane and Sallins Road, which are being transferred to private developers. A leaflet being circulated in Lakelands describes the proposals for using green space for car parking as 'lunatic'. Lt Col Ryan told KNN yesterday he had received expressions of support from other residents' associations in the area, and he intends to gather further support from those affected by suggestions for other green areas to be used as car parks. "I have also been in touch with An Taisce, as there are archeological and heritage implications in using both the Swimming Pool Field and the Fair Green, which is also being proposed." KNN understands that these concerns include a belief that a force of Spanish soldiers sent to help in an Irish rebellion was slaughtered at the site, which is also one of the original 'moats', or fortified sections of Naas. Meanwhile, one of the area's councillors has strongly distanced himself from the proposals, saying the current row is directly related to the plans to hand over the town's car parks for development by private enterprise. Cllr Charlie Byrne (see story below) said he would never have supported those moves if he had known 'every green space' in the town would be turned into a car park as a result. [ED NOTE: the inclusion of KNN's website address 'for information' on the above-mentioned leaflet was done at the Lakelands association's own instigation, as KNN had broken the story of reaction. It does not indicate a KNN involvement in the matter beyond reporting the issues.] Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here. And read Brian Byrne's review of the new Rover 75.

Villages will become 'bloated commuting towns' KILDARE NORTH, 26 July 2000: by Brian Byrne. The draft town plans adopted by Kildare County Council on Monday last will 'condemn village communities to a future as bloated commuting towns’, according to the Kildare Planning Alliance. The plans were for Maynooth, Clane, Kill (left) and Kilcock. In a reaction to the plans (see OPINION below) the alliance says several locations are likely to be 'swamped by a sea of anonymous housing estates'. It says lands subject to flooding, lands adjacent to high voltage transmission lines, and lands which bisect stud farms, have all been rezoned for housing in contravention of policy enunciated in the County Development Plan. The Alliance also expresses its concern over 'vagueness' in relation to how ring roads and relief roads will be financed. Its reaction document also says the donation of land parcels to sports clubs in several towns is 'questionable' on several grounds. The document concludes with a question mark over the 'donation' of water and waste treatment facilities for 1,500 people to County Meath as part of the Kilcock plan. The alliance urges residents of the towns affected to give 'careful consideration' to the plans while they are on public display.

'Positive spin' plans have faults KILDARE NORTH, 26 July 2000: OPINION by John Sweeney, Kildare Planning Alliance. In an embarrassing display of togetherness, Kildare County Councillors (bar one) voted on Monday to display the Draft Development Plans for Maynooth, Clane, Kill and Kilcock. Positive spin was put on each of these by their respective area councillors, despite the extent to which they condemn the towns concerned to, in some cases, huge growth of population and traffic over the next five years. This stage of the planning process was supposed to be guided by the Strategic Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area produced by the consultants Brady Shipman and Martin. In this document a two-fold distinction was made for Kildare between Metropolitan areas and Hinterland areas. Maynooth and Kilcock fall into the former category and were specifically recommended in the report for ‘limited further development’. Despite this, and evidence already emerging that these towns are growing faster than intended in the County Development Plan, councillors voted to rezone enough land to more than quadruple the size of Kilcock and add 50% to the population of Maynooth, as compared to the last census figures. This was called "sustainable development". Some positive aspects such as non-development-led ring roads and new recreational spaces can be welcomed for these two towns, though much greater clarification of the detail is necessary before a true assessment of such potential benefits can be made. Development outside selected urban centres in the Hinterland area was to be ‘strictly limited to local need’ in the Strategic Guidelines. Clane and Kill fall into these categories. Once again, on the recommendations of the consultant, ‘local need’ was interpreted as providing 100% increases in population! Rezonings were proposed accordingly. Kildare Planning Alliance regrets the extent to which Brady Shipman Martin in drafting the various plans have ignored their own recommendations and suggests major questions now need to be asked regarding their role in the whole procedure. It is not good enough to repeat the mantra that "people have to live somewhere" as a professional explanation for their failure to comply with their own Strategic Guidelines. Interestingly, at no time was the major Brady Shipman Martin conclusion for the Greater Dublin Region quoted by the consultant present namely that: "Currently zoned, though not necessarily serviced residential land could accommodate two thirds of the anticipated growth in household numbers up to 2011". Several areas of concern exist in the procedures by which these draft plans have emerged. Firstly, unauthorised changes appear to have been made between meetings of area councillors in the case of at least one of the town plans. Secondly, lands subject to flooding, lands adjacent to high voltage transmission lines, and lands which bisect stud farms, have all been rezoned for housing in contravention of policy enunciated in the County Development Plan. Thirdly, ring roads and relief roads which figure prominently in most of the plans remain vague in terms of how they will be financed. In the case of Maynooth, part of the key ring road on which the logic of the plan depends is located in County Meath. Finally the donation of land parcels to sports clubs in several towns is questionable on several grounds. In condemning village communities to a future as bloated commuting towns, the actions of the Council on Monday will long be remembered. In the Clane Development Plan, for example, page 6 states that: "The danger is that Clane develops as a dormitory suburb of Dublin and the town’s unique character is swamped by a sea of anonymous housing estates." Yet this is precisely what is now likely to occur in several locations. Finally, although never formally discussed at council level, the donation of water and waste water treatment facilities for 1,500 people to a neighbouring county forms part and parcel of the Kilcock Plan. One assumes we will never again be asked to conserve water in Kildare! This generous donation provides for a potential population of 9,000 for this town of 1,825 (1996 Census). Elected representatives and county officials would do well to remember that it was this town which voted overwhelmingly in 1996 to reject a similar development trajectory, and which may once again demonstrate its determination to retain its identity in the face of this latest attempt to swamp it. The plans are likely to go on display in early August for a period of three months. Kildare Planning Alliance urges careful consideration of them by the residents of each town concerned and will provide further comments on them during the display period.

Too much littering at public events KILDARE GENERAL, 26 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. People attending public events such be encouraged and educated not to leave litter in their wake, according to Deputy Sean Power TD. He was speaking during the debate prior to the recent adoption of the Waste Management Plan by Kildare County Councillors. Deputy Power said events such as races at the Curragh and matches at Croke Park result in huge amounts of rubbish being left behind on stands or thrown on the ground. “It seems to be normal and accepted practice for people to throw their litter under the seat or on the ground. It’s not just young people we want to educate, but adults as well.” He also said there are no incentives for people to segragate their rubbish for collection by the local authority saying people feel they should fill their bins to get value for bin charges. “We have to change their thinking and attitude,” he said.  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

Watch out! Wonky loads! KILDARE GENERAL, 26 July 2000: The country roads of County Kildare are at present filled with tractor/trailers carrying bales of hay and many of the local farmers are not taking as much care as they should be in securing their loads ... so watch out for falling bales and dangerous loads as this picture by our Athy and Kildare correspondent Mark McLoughlin illustrates.

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Wants safety railing around harbour NAAS, 26 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. Original plans for the Harbour area of Naas did not include a safety railing along the water’s edge but had showed a ‘sunken walkway’ to stop people from falling in. This was claimed by Cllr Seamie Moore (right) last week when he asked that the UDC bring forward finished designs for the area, including a safety railing, for approval before the contractor moves out. He also wanted a safety barrier in keeping with the area to reflect original plans for the sunken walk along the edge. KNN has reported many times over the last six months on residents’ concerns for safety at the still-incomplete harbour renovations. The safety issue was previously raised by Cllr Evelyn Bracken last February (below). Cllr Moore also criticised the ‘broken stonework design’ saying it is totally unsatisfactory with stones being taken up by those with nothing better to do. Cllr Timmy Conway claimed stones from the harbour were recently used to break a window in the nearby Library. He believed cameras should be put in place to curb vandalism. He also said parked cars at the entrance are obstructing pedestrians from the walk through area. However, Cllr Anthony Egan (right) said the council itself had agreed with the plans as presented and said he was the only councillor to oppose them since he had been elected as a member. “I was told then the design had already been agreed by this council,” he reminded his colleagues. “I don’t understand how you thought it was safe then.” Cllr Willie Callaghan told of complaints that people in wheelchairs are not being able to access the pedestrianised area because of parked cars while Cllr Moore asked for a footpath to join up with the existing footpath in Basin Street so people did not have to walk out on the road. To Advertise on KNN, call 086 8267104, fax 045 481091, or email tellingtales@yahoo.com Advertising rates here

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Naas car parks row result of 'big mistake' by UDC NAAS, 25 July 2000: 5pm by Trish Whelan & Brian Byrne. A UDC councillor says the present rising anger (see KNN yesterday) over potential car park sites in green areas in Naas is a direct result of a ‘a big mistake’ by the council when it agreed to lease the town’s main car park on Corban’s Lane to private enterprise. The proposals for alternative car parking options as revealed at last week's UDC meeting for July has infuriated local residents and community associations Cllr Charlie Byrne now believes the UDC should have put up the money itself to build a multi-storey facility in its car park at Corban’s Lane ‘without the trimmings of shops and a hotel’, or else should have sought an investor to build it. “We weren’t told at the time we made the decision to lease that they would have to turn every bit of green area in Naas into a car park to support this development. Had we been given that kind of information, no way would I have supported it. “We listened to officials. Officials give us a line and you go down the line - but I’m not taking their advice on this one because this is crazy,” he told KNN this afternoon. Cllr Byrne said the only information previously given was that Hederman’s Yard was to be used as a car park during construction work at Corban’s Lane. “I had no problem with that - but nobody would forgive us if the green areas were turned into car parks.” He said the Fair Green and Swimming Pool Field (above), being considered for car parking, ‘is the only green vista people in the area can see when they get up in the mornings’. “Words couldn’t describe this type of bombshell if it were to hit Naas. People would want to get out of the town if every green space was gone.’ Cllr Byrne said he wanted it highlighted that he is the only sitting member of Naas UDC to have voted against the Naas Development Plan last May. “This is like the Development Plan rows all over again, and I want it clear where I stand on this issue.” Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here. And read Brian Byrne's review of the new Rover 75.

Kildare gets £62.5 million for water and sewerage KILDARE GENERAL, 25 July 2000: 9am by Trish Whelan. County Kildare is to benefit from a major investment package of £62,510,000 in public water and sewerage scheme services. The announcement by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government Noel Dempsey TD has been welcomed by Clane Area Cllr Michael Fitzpatrick (right). This investment is allocated for schemes already in construction, for serviced land initiatives, the rural towns and villages initiative and for schemes approved to enter planning. The Minister said this will enable the projects listed to be progressed and will be of benefit to the whole community. Schemes to benefit in the Clane electoral area include Prosperous Sewerage and Water Schemes, Derrinturn Sewerage Scheme and Kilcock Water Scheme. Cllr Fitzpatrick said he is particularly pleased that Allenwood has been approved to enter the planning stage. He had special praise for Allenwood Residents Association and in particular the chairman Tommy Byrne and secretary Kathleen Mullins who have been actively promoting this project. Allenwood Residents Association, together with Allenwood Community Development Association and OAK Partnership have provided funding for an Environmental Impact Study of the area. This study was carried out by Bord na Mona. He also paid tribute to Kildare County Council which last year employed consultants Dwyer & Partners to update the Council’s plans for a scheme for Allenwood thus ensuring the approval by the Department of the Environment in the current year. Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here. And read Brian Byrne's review of the new Rover 75.

Four draft town plans are adopted KILDARE GENERAL, 25 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. Kildare County councillors have adopted draft development plans for the towns of Kill, Clane, Kilcock and Maynooth. Clane Area Cllr Tony McEvoy (left) voted against the adoption of all four town plans with Celbridge Area Cllr Catherine Murphy opting to abstain on the Kilcock vote. The plans will now go on public display for a period of three months during which time submissions may be made by members of the public and interested groups. Draft town plans for Castledermot and Celbridge will be discussed on Monday next at the June meeting of the authority.  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

'Must continue to try and acquire Devoy Barracks' NAAS, 24 July 2000: by Brian Byrne. Naas UDC must 'throw its hat in the ring' to try and acquire Devoy Barracks for affordable and social housing before any deal is done by the minister for defence. That's the emphatic view of Cllr Pat McCarthy, who last week took issue with town manager Tommy Skehan over his failure to carry out an instruction of the council and put in a tender for the property. In the event, only one tender was received for the 14 acres, zoned for housing, and the department is now reviewing its options and may well go to a private treaty sale. "We now have a second chance to get the property and go a long way towards solving the serious housing crisis in the town," Cllr McCarthy said last weekend. "I have again spoken with the town manager, and he has assured me that he will contact the minister's department to see what's possible in terms of putting in an offer." Cllr McCarthy was very disappointed to find that the UDC had not put in a tender, despite the unanimous passing of his motion that it should do so, two meetings ago. "My idea was that even if we didn't have the highest tender, that our expression of interest would be there so that we could be talked to about it. I believe that the Government as a whole is sympathetic to Naas's plight, and it wouldn't make any sense for the minister for defence to bankrupt the town for the sake of an extra profit." And even if the UDC had to raise a significant amount of money to buy the property, and then used it for affordable and social housing, there would be no long-term harmful effect on the council's finances, as the money paid would eventually be recouped from the Department of the Environment. "We've got to be in there if we're serious about our housing problem. We can't afford to lose the chance by default, and I'll be pursuing the town management right through the coming weeks to make sure that we take this last opportunity."

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A year's wait for pedestrian bridge NAAS, 25 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. Residents of the Caragh Road could have to wait a year for a pedestrian bridge so they will be able to cross the canal in safety, a recent UDC meeting was told. Cllr Anthony Egan had called on the UDC to make available the necessary funds for a pedestrian bridge, agreed by the Council in September. He said he did not understand why it had dragged on for a year with zero progress. “It’s not that major a job,” he said. He said said many who walk over the Ploopluck Bridge take their life in their hands with speeding traffic over the 200 year-old bridge which is believed to be in an unsafe condition. Cllr Pat McCarthy supported him, saying it’s a miracle that a serious accident hadn’t occurred, with the volume of traffic over the bridge. The discussion was against the background of recent damage (below) to the bridge, following an incident where a car failed to make the turn on Caragh Road side, and knocked a section of wall into a field 20 feet below. Cllr McCarthy said the army could install a Bailey Bridge in a matter of days to deal with all sorts of traffic but the Council is only looking for a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, yet it hadn’t happened. Cllr Seamie Moore said they were ‘going at it the wrong way’. He said the UDC should be looking at restricting 3-tonne vehicles from using the bridge and imposing a 15mph speed limit. He favoured a walkway for pedestrians on the bridge, shared only with one vehicle at any time - controlled by a one-way traffic lights system. He said a pedestrian bridge was ‘down the road’. A report read out at the meeting said plans are underway for a pedestrian bridge beside the existing bridge but it could be a year before it is built. Town engineer Tom Cuddy said in the meantime work would start ‘almost immediately’ on temporary traffic lights, signs, road markings and kerbing on Ploopluck Bridge at a cost of £15,000. He said Duchas have been requested to do an overall repair and he presumed that would require a structural investigation. Cllr Egan said a Bailey bridge would suffice in the short term. To Advertise on KNN, call 086 8267104, fax 045 481091, or email tellingtales@yahoo.com Advertising rates here

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Kildare is robbed again! KILDARE GENERAL, 25 July 2000: OPINION by Cllr Catherine Murphy. A ‘cloak of secrecy’ covering the rationale behind the recent £20m distribution of Motor Tax funds to local authorities needs urgent explanation. In the share-out, Leitrim received the highest per capita allocation at £228.76, followed by Longford with £199.23 and Roscommon with £172.98. The national county average was £108.10 while Kildare, which has one of the largest traffic volumes in the country passing through it, received just £74.22 per capita. The £20m which comes from buoyancy in the Motor Taxation Fund was the first allocation following an unpublished report to the minister for local government from Galway County & City Councils, where a needs and resources study was conducted by them on the minister’s behalf. Ironically a whopping 36% increase over their 1999 allocation saw Galway well rewarded for the task. Authorities like Kildare, South Dublin, Fingal, Meath and Wicklow, who are experiencing massive population inflation did poorly by comparison. The situation cannot continue where these Counties are required to accept ever increasing population and car numbers with no compensation for that growth, in effect putting existing population of these counties at a considerable disadvantage. When Motor Taxation was ring-fenced as the source of funding Local Authorities, an equalisation fund was to be a feature where a percentage of the Motor Taxation Fund from the wealthier counties would be allocated to the poorer counties. In effect the combination of inflation in the economy and population inflation is eating up any increases in the most densely populated part of the State making them the poor relation. The minister must explain the bias on the recent £20 million. He must explain how the equalisation fund will work, he must explain why an increase in population does not mean an increase in income to the relevant authority. He must explain to counties like Kildare and ironically Meath why he continues to put pressure on them to expand and does not provide them with the resources to manage the expansion.

Chairman shot down by colleagues NAAS, 25 July 2000: by Brian Byrne. An attempt by Naas UDC chairman Pat O’Reilly to impose new rules on discussion of motions was shot down by members at last week’s monthly meeting of the council. Cllr O’Reilly had said he would restrict discussion to proposer and seconder and one speaker against and if there was no speaker against the motion would be declared passed without further discussion. Immediately on the attack was Cllr Charlie Byrne who said it was unfair that only two speakers might have their say and only their names would be reported in the media. Cllr Seamie Moore said that very good points could be missed out if the discussion was restricted. In the face of universal opposition to his suggestion the chairman backed down saying it was only in the interests of trying to streamline the meetings.  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

Growing town anger over 'green area' parking proposals NAAS, 24 July 2000: 8.30am by Trish Whelan & Brian Byrne. Naas UDC faces a rising tide of anger from town residents over proposals to take over public green spaces for use as car parking, presented in a plan at last week’s meeting of the council. This weekend, residents bluntly told the authority: ‘hands off our green areas’. Among the sites suggested are the Fair Green (above), strongly favoured by town clerk Declan Kirrane, and the Swimming Pool Field, which UDC chairman Pat O’Reilly has vigorously promoted as a car parking area in recent months. In all, six of 13 sites identified for parking by town engineer Tom Cuddy are public green spaces, including Our Lady’s Place and the area bordering the end of the lakes on the Ballymore Road. Lakelands residents say they will fight any proposal for a car park in the Swimming Pool Field as suggested by Cllr O’Reilly. They are also totally opposed to the use of the Fair Green for car parking. “This is not acceptable under any circumstances,” Lt Col John Ryan (above) of Lakelands Residents Association told KNN. “This land is a public amenity, but they want a car park slap bang in the middle of it. Apart from taking over one of the town’s few green spaces, it is already a nightmare trying to exit our estate each morning and then face the Fair Green junction with the existing traffic levels. A car park capable of 600 cars on top of all that doesn’t bear thinking about.” Lt Col Ryan added that that motorists simply wouldn’t park there anyway to shop down town. “People won’t change their habits, and this is clear from hospital staff refusing to park in Ballycane church car park during renovations to the hospital, despite the fact that a shuttle bus service has been laid on.” He is also scathing about how the current available UDC car park in the town centre (above) ‘is about to be turned into a shopping complex’. He believes the management of the town is ‘appallingly bad’ with decisions being made in a ‘ham-fisted’ manner. “You wonder do they know their jobs?” Lt Col Ryan said Lakelands people 'had paid top dollar' for their homes and had maintained their estate when the council could not, or would not, do so and the authority had no right to do what was suggested with the Swimming Pool Field. And he noted that despite several requests from the residents, it had been impossible to get a simple tarmacadam walkway from the bottom of the field up to the Swimming Pool road, despite the fact it has been used as a short cut for years. Denis Hanly, who lives on the Ballymore Road across from the lakeside UDC amenity land (above) also under consideration, says the council ‘can think again’ if they want to park cars on that site. And his views are supported by other residents of the area. “They wouldn’t put a playground there years ago and there’s few enough of them in the town. It would be terrible if it was made a car park. It’s extensively used as an amenity area.” Former member of Naas UDC Donal Corcoran, in an email to KNN today (see below) asks where is the proper planning that allows developments to be carried out in the town’s two main car parks. “Where is the proper planning and development in the provision of adequate parking while this development is going on, without vandalising our existing open spaces,” he wonders. “Who is doing the planning and development in this town? Planners? Councillors? or Developers!” Town resident Chris O’Neill also emailed KNN to express his ‘disgust’ at the proposals. “Why not simply tar everything, including all the front gardens in the town?” he asks. “It is only the foolish who still try to facilitate cars in towns. The wisdom throughout Europe, learned through bitter and costly failure, is that cars are not suited to the centres of towns. Towns work best when used by pedestrians, cyclists and buses.” Councillors will consider further the proposals at their next meeting, scheduled for the end of September. Among the other areas identified as a potential parking site is the lawn area in front of the Parish Church (below). Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here. And read Brian Byrne's review of the new Rover 75.

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Residents want parking spaces NEWBRIDGE, 24 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. Residents of Dawson Street in Newbridge are seeking to have residents-only parking places opposite their homes so their families can park their cars during the day. They want to see the designated parking provision included in the town’s forthcoming Traffic Bye-Laws and for the rule to be enforced. They claim they are often unable to access the narrow street because of indiscriminate parking from 9-6pm and blame much of the problem on people working in local shops. They fear the situation will become worse when another shop opens soon close to them. Pauline Somers (pictured above on right with neighbour Mary Rainbow and Mary's daughter Maeve), who has lived on Dawson Street for the past 20 years, says she would like to see three car parking spaces reserved for residents along the wall across from their homes and for parking to be restricted to one side only. “We also want to see cars stopped from blocking the road.” She fears emergency services would not be able to access the street if required. Pauline told how her niece, visiting recently from Wexford, had to phone from her car to say she could not get up the lane because it was blocked by other cars. Mary and Arthur Rainbow have lived on Dawson Street since 1980 and say there is always something blocking the road. Their daughters Maeve and Marie regularly call to take their mother shopping as she doesn’t drive. A blocked road often means bags of shopping having to be carried up the street to the family home. Mary says oil deliveries have to be made at 7am before the cars start arriving. Vandalism is another problem being experienced by Dawson Street residents, Pauline told KNN. She and her husband John have had damage to cars they owned and now park overnight at a friend’s apartment. Other longtime residents Bridget and Vincent Keenan say they are often unable to access their own driveway as cars block the gate. On a recent night a radio and tape deck were stolen from their car. All three families intend making submissions when the draft Bye-Laws go on display. The plight of the Dawson Street residents was recently raised by Cmmr Pat Black at the monthly Town Commission meeting.

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Horse protest against Dunstown power station DUNSTOWN & NAAS, 24 July 2000: by Brian Byrne. More than 120 horses were ridden through Naas on Saturday as people involved in the Kildare horse industry protested against the proposed gas-fired power station at Dunstown Wood. The riders included bloodstock owners, trainers, operators of stud farms, riding schools, and children on their ponies. They came from a wide area, including Brannockstown, Two-Mile-House, Ballymore, Naas, Kill and the Curragh. The Dunstown issue will come before Kildare County Council next Monday in a vote of councillors on a proposed Material Contravention of the County Development Plan to allow the station, which is being promoted by a Bord na Mona-led consortium. Last week, seven councillors and two county officials travelled to Finland and Norfolk in the UK to look at similar operations. The issue has raised a great deal of anger in the Dunstown area. To Advertise on KNN, call 086 8267104, fax 045 481091, or email tellingtales@yahoo.com Advertising rates here

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'Surprised and amazed' at car parking plans NAAS, 24 July 2000: Dear Editor, I was surprised and amazed to see in your recent report that Naas UDC is considering car parking facilities on a vast array of open spaces in Naas. And this is just 12 months after they adopted the Development Plan for the town that was supposed to determine how the town would develop over the next five years. The making and adoption of a Development Plan is the one area of Local Government where councillors can have a real say on how our town develops. All proposed developments then have to conform to this plan and this ensures orderly development. In the past this is what was done when the planning was for the general good of the town. Land was set aside for public housing and playing fields many years ago and we are now seeing the wisdom of past councils bearing fruit. Appropriate parcels of land were designated for various developments such as industrial, housing, commercial etc. All of this was done by the councillors with advice from the planning officials. It had been recognised nationally that Naas was a well developed and maintained town, in that it won the National Tidy Towns award for large towns, four years in a row. But what is happening now? It seems that developers are setting the agenda. It is crazy planning to be bringing in so much development into areas of the town that are already inadequately served with parking facilities, and where, because of the upwards of 2000 children attending school there, past councils for safety reasons were always very careful of the development that was allowed. Where is the proper planning that allows developments to be carried out on our two main car parks? Where is the proper planning and development in the provision of adequate parking while this development is going on, without vandalising our existing open spaces. Who is doing the planning and development in this town? Planners? Councillors? or Developers! Who should be doing the planning on our behalf? Well, let's see them doing it. If they (councillors) don't live up to their responsibility, developers will ruin our town. Future generations will not thank them for reneging on their duties to the electorate. Yours sincerely, Donal Corcoran Lakeside Park, Naas. (former member of Naas UDC)

'Disgusted' at car parking plans NAAS, 24 July 2000: Dear Editor, I read your article re parking with disgust. Why not simply tar everything including all the front gardens in the town! Naas does not need any more parking facilities. The idea that it does arises from a wrongheaded and inane approach. Before a single extra space is provided, charges for parking must be introduced at a high enough level to make all-day parking prohibitive. Services to other users of the town also need to be in place, in particular cycle lanes and traffic calming. It is past time that the realisation dawned on all those responsible that it is not possible to provide "enough" parking. No town or city in the world has ever managed to do so and Naas will not succeed either. The success of an effective car parking regime can be seen in Dublin where there is now parking available throughout the day. The result of a high-price policy and the excellent work of those urban heroes THE CLAMPERS. The next logical step which is now in hand in Dublin is the closure of parking spaces in multi-storey parking lots. The wise learn from the mistakes of fools. It is only the foolish who still try to facilitate cars in towns. The wisdom throughout Europe , learned to bitter and costly failure, is that cars are not suited to the centres of towns. Towns work best when used by pedestrians, cyclists and buses. I write this letter knowing that my views will be ignored and regarded as "cranky" or "green". I also know that in four or five years’ time my view will hold sway and I simply want to be able to point to the public record to be able to say to those who are going to make this further mess of Naas "I told you so !" Chris O Neill  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

24 June 2000: Intel launches $2 million expansion ... Kildare artist uses personal tragedy for inspiration ... the fight against Dunstown ... Seamie Moore on the new Railway Walkway ... 'Cullen of the Arctic' on his latest trip. This is a KNN broadcast production in RealAudio. Earlier programmes here. (©2000trishwhelanbrianbyrne.)

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