Naas report for 2020 expected soon NAAS, 7 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. An interim report on the needs of Naas during the next two decades years is expected to be delivered shortly to the town’s UDC. This was revealed during a recent discussion on a motion by Cllr Anthony Egan (right) who asked that any outstanding infrastructure requirements agreed in the 1992 Naas Town Plan and not yet in place should be carried out before any further development takes places. He suggested that few of the 1992 plan objectives had been implemented and said that Naas, as a town, needs more than just the whim of what a developer wants zoned. While nobody is against developers making money, there should be a balance,” he said. Cllr Pat McCarthy felt that something ‘has gone terribly wrong’ with planning in Naas and said the quality of life is deteriorating in the town. Town clerk Declan Kirrane explained the UDC had not been in a financial position to cement some of the objectives contained in the 1992 plan. He said an application for funding is presently with the Department of the Environment in relation to some roads in the area and a major study is being undertaken to determine the needs of the town for the next 10-15 years. The interim report is due by the end of the month. 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.

Fianna Fail 'being made litter scapegoats' KILDARE GENERAL, 7 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. Fianna Fail has been prosecuted in Kildare under the Litter Act for erecting advance notices of church gate collections. Deputy Sean Power said the practice is widespread among political parties but the prosecutions seem ‘selective’. “We’re being made scapegoats. It’s not as if we leave the posters up. Where we have been prosecuted, the notices were put on sandwich boards and taken down immediately after the collection.” he said. He asked the county manager to note the matter. He claimed the litter warden said if he had been approached on the matter in advance of the posters going up, ‘he would have given me the green light’. FG Cllr Jim Reilly said the right impression should be that everything displayed should be treated as litter after a period of time. “We have no difficulty enforcing the law in certain sections of society but the Council seems to be exempt from prosecution under this Act. There are notices up on every hedge - some have been there since the spring and have been seen by the litter warden. But no action was taken,” he said. FG Cllr Fionula Dukes said bins on the side of the road create litter problems. She told how prior to the recent visit of President McAleese to the town, she had phoned the area office on two occasions to have litter cleared away, but said it was only when she phoned the litter warden that the job was done. She commended him on his prompt action to save the day. “We could have the situation of the litter warden fining the County Council for littering the town. It’s an eyesore, particularly outside the CYMS and Scoil Bride, who are trying to earn their green flag. There should be control over the litter problem,” Cllr Dukes said.  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK 'Shooting the messengers' is an environmentally-unfriendly activity, as they are finite in numbers and could become an endangered species. Endangered species usually become extinct or evolve aggressive survival mechanisms. Either eventuality can have significant consequences for those who wish to send messages.

Timmy tries to name-drop COUNTY HALL, 7 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. A motion calling on the Turf Club to drop the English names of races such as the Cambridgeshire, Rockingham, Cesarewitch and Lincoln, was defeated at a recent meeting of Kildare councillors. Cllr Timmy Conway said since Kildare has adapted the Thoroughbred Horse as its emblem and there was no need for English titles to races here. “What’s the difference between that and the Grand National?” demanded Cllr Catherine Murphy who said she was surprised to see the motion on the agenda. “And the Derby at the Curragh in June, which is named after Lord Derby,” quipped Cllr Anthony Lawlor, who added: “ I think this is ridiculous. We would be a laughing stock.” “I don’t believe we would be a laughing stock. It’s a progressive motion,” replied PD Cllr Conway. “I’m only asking it be adopted. I don’t see any great area for a row.” “What about a maiden? Would you get rid of a maiden?” asked Deputy Power. “I think there is gross indecency in relation to this proposal. We are entitled to bring forward proposals,” interupted Cllr Jim Reilly. “I think it should be withdrawn,” said Cllr John McGinley. The motion was defeated by 8 votes to 5.

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Signs needed to show alternative Naas motorway exit NAAS, 7 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. If traffic heading for the southern end of Naas was shown that there is a motorway exit to the south of the town, it could help reduce traffic levels coming through the town from Dublin. Cllr Pat McCarthy has called for signage indicating the alternative to be placed at the Dublin end of Naas where south-bound traffic separates for the motorway and the town itself. He was told such signs are the responsibility of the National Roads Authority (NRA). Cllr Anthony Egan agreed that proper signage would be a good way of reducing traffic into the town. The matter of 40-foot trucks going through Naas Main Street each day was raised by Cllr Willie Callaghan who felt the town clerk should write to the people involved. The motion was agreed.  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email GARDA PATROL Marking your property is one of the best ways of making sure that it is quickly returned to you if recovered by the gardai.

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.)

Motoring News, Views and Reviews here

Car of the Week Alfa Sportwagon

Around and About the County... ATHY: An Athy man was the Key Animator for the record-breaking feature cartoon comedy Chicken Run, which took in $17.5 million on its opening in the US. Seamus Malone is an animation graduate from Ballyfermot Senior College and works for the Bristol-based Aardman Animation. The movie has been released in Ireland. MAYNOOTH: Deputy Emmet Stagg is to raise further the continuing delay on the provision of an extension to St Patrick’s Post Primary School in Maynooth. County Kildare VEC sought the extension almost a year ago and the Planning Unit of the Department of Education is still examining the matter. Some 712 students are enrolled in the school, which was built to cater for 630 pupils. HAZELHATCH: A drainage scheme for the Shinkeen River presently being designed by the Office of Public Works will alleaviate persistent flooding problems at Hazelhatch. The flooding has particularly affected the activities of Celbridge GAA and the town’s Lawn Tennis Club. An ecological consultant has been commissioned to asses the environmental impact of the scheme, which could be under construction in the autumn. LEIXLIP: A £750,000-a-year development plan for Lucan Demesne can now go ahead following the acceptance of Kildare, Fingal and South Dublin county councils of conditions for the funding, coming from the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. The programme to develop St Catherine’s Park (above) will run for five years. CELBRIDGE: A Celbridge nurse found an Everglade Rat Snake in her garden recently while hanging out her washing. Marie Leonard originally thought the bright orange reptile was a fake snake, but when she realised it was real she caught it and called the ISPCA. An inspector said it was obviously a pet that had escaped. KILDARE GENERAL: Kildare County Council has launched a new pocket-sized guide to motor taxation. It includes information on registration certificates, imported vehicles, change of owenership, roadworthiness certificates and other legal aspects of motor tax. It was the idea of staff member Maria Hughes, who submitted the proposal as part of a quality initiative competition conducted by Kildare County Council. ATHY: The minister for housing & urban renewal, Robert Molloy TD, has approved the construction of 12 houses for the Kilurney Housing Association at Kilberry. The houses will be allocated to people on the council's waiting list. NAAS: Naas UDC is to investigate the possibility of bus shelters on the Naas side of the Fishery Lane and on the opposite side of the Dublin Road. Cllr Timmy Conway asked the UDC to write to the bus services as many people who work in the nearby industrial estates have to stand in the rain while waiting for a bus. Town clerk Declan Kirrane said the situation will have to be looked at as a whole, including the exit of Fishery Lane, the junction of the Monread Road/Dublin Road interchange, and The Gallops estate. He also noted that other planning permissions along that stretch of road will have to be taken into account. LEIXLIP: Leixlip is to get its new set of traffic lights today (Monday), after serious delays were suffered by pedestrians and motorists alike over the past 9 months while the lights were on order. The new lights will have an additonal pedestrian facility. A pedestrian light is to be fitted also on Main Street at the car park, probably by next week. The cost of the work is in the order of £35,000. The arrival of the lights has been welcomed by local councillor Catherine Murphy.  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING Noreen McCabe, MNAPCP Anxiety, depression, loss, phobias, childhood trauma, eating disorders, relationships, personal growth, coaching for work-related stress. Moorefield Clinic, Newbridge. Phone (045) 432111 or call Noreen at (045) 431936; mobile 086 2496823; email dmccabe@tinet.ie  THE LEINSTER PRINTMAKING STUDIO THE OLD CONVENT, CLANE Artists' resource, Training, Gallery sales. Phone Margaret Becker 045 868168 or 087 2310114 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.

Canal being 'used as rat run' by speeders NAAS, 6 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. Motorists driving at speeds of up to 70mph along the narrow roadway from Abbey Bridge (above) have turned the narrow byway into a death trap, claims Elsie Lloyd who lives along the canal bank from the bridge. She says the road is being used as a rat run for cars avoiding the town. Ramps have long been promised by Naas UDC and local residents want them installed without delay. “If we could only get the promised ramps along the canal road, I am sure the situation will improve,” Elsie told KNN this week. Besides anger over speeding cars, teenage drinking parties in the area of the Convent School playing fields, Abbey Graveyard and Abbey Bridge, are another cause of local concern. “The youngsters can see the Garda cars coming and can make their escape,” they claim, leaving behind dozens of empty beer cans and plastic bags (above right and below). The average age of the youngsters is believed to be about 15 years. 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.

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING Noreen McCabe, MNAPCP Anxiety, depression, loss, phobias, childhood trauma, eating disorders, relationships, personal growth, coaching for work-related stress. 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.

Major development plan for town centre NEWBRIDGE, 6 July 2000: by Brian Byrne. A material contravention of the Newbridge Town Development Plan will be required to allow a £60m development of shops, apartments, multiplex cinema and multi-storey car park on the former Irish Ropes site at Cutlery Road in Newbridge. The 7.9-acre site (above), currently zoned industrial, has been derelict since May 1998, when a store owned by Irish Ropes was destroyed by fire. Developers Newbridge Investments Ltd are hoping to have the project completed by 2002. A planning application lodged with Kildare County Council indicates the main pedestrian access from Main Street (Edward Street) while car traffic to the car park will be through Cutlery Road and Athgravan Road.  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

THE LEINSTER PRINTMAKING STUDIO THE OLD CONVENT, CLANE Artists' resource, Training, Gallery sales. Phone Margaret Becker 045 868168 or 087 2310114

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 'Shooting the messengers' is an environmentally-unfriendly activity, as they are finite in numbers and could become an endangered species. Endangered species usually become extinct or evolve aggressive survival mechanisms. Either eventuality can have significant consequences for those who wish to send messages.

Asylum seekers numbers to be capped KILDARE TOWN, 6 July 2000: by Brian Byrne. The total number of asylum seekers and refugees to be housed in Kildare Town is to be capped at 450, according to the Directorate for Asylum Support. There are currently some 236 Kosovar refugees in Kildare, at the former Magee Barracks. It’s understood that a first batch of 50 asylum seekers will be arriving on the site this week. There’s been strongly-expressed concerns (right) in recent months over Government plans to relocate asylum seekers at Magee. The Kildare Community Services Group says it is anxious to ensure that integration takes place and is having regular meetings with the Directorate.

Ireland's only COMPLETE motoring magazine on sale now at all good newsagents. 'Simply the Best'   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email

To Advertise on KNN, call 086 8267104, fax 045 481091, or email tellingtales@yahoo.com Advertising rates here

Angst on Parc na nOg continues NAAS, 6 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. People living in St Gabriel’s Place in Naas feel ‘they have been told lies’ that the builder’s yard in Pairc na nOg is being moved, Cllr Charlie Byrne told a recent meeting of Naas UDC. He asked officials what was the current situation regarding the yard, which is located on what was a childrens’ playground. “It’s going as soon as possible,” was the official reply. “A commitment has been given and that will be honoured.” Cllr Willie Callaghan pointed out that the builder would be in the compound until the eight houses in Sarto Park deemed beyond repair would be reconstructed. He said residents who live on the opposite side of the road are concerned that the reconstruction work could cause structural damage to their houses. He felt they should be given a guarantee that any problems caused would be sorted out. Cllr Evelyn Bracken asked when the Council will repair the potholes on Sarto Park Road. She said she would not drive her car down Sarto Park road because of the potholes as they would ‘wreck it’ she said.  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email GARDA PATROL Marking your property is one of the best ways of making sure that it is quickly returned to you if recovered by the gardai.

Ryston pollution source discovered by council? NEWBRIDGE, 5 July 2000: by Brian Byrne. At least one source of the pollution of the River Liffey at Ryston in Newbridge (right) may now have been discovered by Kildare County Council, KNN has learned. And a statement detailing a ‘definitive result’ could be forthcoming shortly, even early next week. A council spokesman this morning declined to comment on speculation circulating in Newbridge in which the name of a prominent local business is mentioned. Meanwhile, the pollution - which the council says was on at least one occasion caused by a type of diesel oil - was said last night by local people to have been ‘the worst ever’, with a clear smell of diesel emanating off the river downstream of Ryston. The issue has been extensively raised both by the local town commission and in Kildare County Council for a number of years. According to Cmmr Brian Maginn, whose home overlooks the pipe through which the pollution enters the river, and who has been strongly campaigning on the matter with colleague Cmmr Pat Black in recent months, he has been complaining to the council since he bought his home there 17 years ago. Both commissioners are pictured below at the outflow point. Last week, both commissioners called on the council to erect signs on the town’s Riverside park area warning against swimming in the river downstream of Ryston. In a statement issued to KNN this morning, Kildare County Council says their investigation is ‘still in progress’. The investigation has involved chemical analysis of the oil, inspection of drains (including closed-circuit television surveys), visits to various premises, discussions with property owners, and assessment of oil-based installations. 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.

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING Noreen McCabe, MNAPCP Anxiety, depression, loss, phobias, childhood trauma, eating disorders, relationships, personal growth, coaching for work-related stress. 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.

Cars pushed into canal in orgy of vandalism NAAS, 5 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. Two cars were deliberately pushed into the canal in the Harbour area of Naas town in the last week. One car, with a Northern Ireland registration, had earlier burst into flames in the carpark at the side of the Canal Stores in the middle of the week. Local man Jackie Bracken (above), who was passing through the area, said he saw smoke from the car and went to the aid of the driver. But the man jumped out and ran off before it went up in flames which were later doused by the fire service. The car wreck later ended up in the canal. Another car (right), owned by a local resident, was pushed into the canal between the Harbour and Abbey Bridge at the weekend. Oil quickly formed a slick on the water, causing distress to the wildlife along the canal. These include a family of swans, a heron, ducklings and waterhens who already had to navigate their way through slime, cans, bottles, pallets and assorted other debris. Jackie Bracken, who is also a founder member of the Save the Canal group, has roundly condemned those responsible for polluting the canal in and near Naas Harbour and says something has to be done over ‘mindless vandalism’ in the area. “As residents, we put up a big fight to save the canal and its environs, getting 5,000 signatures to a petition, but vandalism at night is becoming worse.” One such incident was the recent burning of a wooden railing at The Knox near Tandy’s Bridge. He praised the work of Duchas, the heritage department in charge of the canal, who have cleaned the stretch from Abbey Bridge to the Caragh Road Bridge and out to Jigginstown.

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING Noreen McCabe, MNAPCP Anxiety, depression, loss, phobias, childhood trauma, eating disorders, relationships, personal growth, coaching for work-related stress. Moorefield Clinic, Newbridge. Phone (045) 432111 or call Noreen at (045) 431936; mobile 086 2496823; email dmccabe@tinet.ie  THE LEINSTER PRINTMAKING STUDIO THE OLD CONVENT, CLANE Artists' resource, Training, Gallery sales. Phone Margaret Becker 045 868168 or 087 2310114

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 'Shooting the messengers' is an environmentally-unfriendly activity, as they are finite in numbers and could become an endangered species. Endangered species usually become extinct or evolve aggressive survival mechanisms. Either eventuality can have significant consequences for those who wish to send messages.

Minister 'dismissing' calls for more gardai KILDARE GENERAL, 5 July 2000: by Brian Byrne. The minister for justice is being 'dismissive' over calls to increase the strength of the garda force in County Kildare, which has the lowest civilian/garda ratio in the country. This despite the fact that the county suffers from the ravages of Dublin-based criminals who use the road links between the capital and Kildare's built-up areas as access and escape routes for robbery and other illegal activities. In response to a Dail Question from deputy Emmett Stagg, asking when additional personnel will become available, minister John O'Donoghue said that overall policing arrangements 'are continually monitored and reviewed' and that 'as personnell become available for allocation, the needs of Carlow/Kildare will be fully considered within the overall needs of other garda divisions throughout the country'. Deputy Stagg says he found that response 'of no benefit whatsoever'. "It is up to the minister to ensure there is an appropriate level of policing throughout the country," he said in a statement. "There seems to be no allowance for the fact that the population of Kildare continues to grow at a phenomenal rate and yet the garda authorities, with the blessing of the minister, use figures for deployment based on the 1996 census." In previous representations on the matter, deputy Stagg noted that the ratio of gardai/civilians in Carlow-Kildare was 1:563, compared to 1:492 in Waterford-Kilkenny division. He estimated that 73 extra gardai needed to be allocated to the division just to bring it on a par with County Mayo, where the crime rate was dropping instead of growing as it is in Kildare.

Ireland's only COMPLETE motoring magazine on sale now at all good newsagents. 'Simply the Best'   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email

To Advertise on KNN, call 086 8267104, fax 045 481091, or email tellingtales@yahoo.com Advertising rates here

Veteran aviator's view on Tuskar crash seems vindicated LEIXLIP, 5 July 2000: by Brian Byrne & Trish Whelan. A belief that mechanical failure caused by maintenance problems was the cause of the Tuskar Rock Aer Lingus crash has always been the view of Ireland’s most veteran pilot. Straffan-born Captain Darby Kennedy, has long called for a new investigation into the 1968 tragedy that claimed almost 60 lives but has never been satisfactorily explained. In an exclusive interview with KNN last year he told us he believed there are things about the crash ‘that should be exposed’. (We reported the full story here last March.) Now a full investigation is at last to be opened, following a report to the Government which has left the minister for industry & enterprise, Mary O'Rourke TD, 'deeply disturbed'. This morning Captain Kennedy told KNN that it is 'such a pity this has taken so long to come out'. Captain Kennedy, the founder and chairman of Weston Aerodrome at Leixlip, has a special interest in the truth being told. He was an Aer Lingus pilot himself at the time, and had regularly flown the same route as the doomed flight 712. “But for the grace of God, I could have been on it,” he said, and he claimed that 'stuff had been dragged under the carpet'. "A whole lot that was investigated was never published ... because they hoped it would go away.” He believes that failure of a control cable to one of the trim tabs on the tailplane caused the aircraft to rapidly go out of control and spin into the sea. It’s a theory backed up by the fact that part of one of those particular control surfaces was found on a beach north of Wexford, a considerable distance before where the main bulk of the wreckage was found. He said detail ‘explanations’, such as the claim that the piece of trim tab found on a beach north of Wexford was carried there from Wexford Harbour on a piece of seaweed, simply don’t wash. And he suggested that one reason for the failure to find the cause of the crash is because it might show up maintenance procedure inadequacies at the time. “These are all things that are quite scandalous, and should be opened up again," he told us. "The sad part about it is ... it suited someone to try and get this thing forgotten.” (Full audio interview with Captain Kennedy here.)  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email GARDA PATROL Marking your property is one of the best ways of making sure that it is quickly returned to you if recovered by the gardai.

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.)

Road flooding 'will be addressed' NAAS, 5 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. A proposal to address flooding on the Ballymore Road following heavy rainfall has been drawn up by town engineer Tom Cuddy. This was in response to frustration on the situation being raised by local Cllr Charlie Byrne who said it was not acceptable that no move had been made to counteract the flooding and no warning signs had been put up during recent flooding of the road. “Once the details are clarified and a contractor is on site, it will happen,” engineer Tom Cuddy promised. Chairman Cllr Pat O’Reilly said the situation is becoming ‘more and more dangerous each month’ and he did not want to be sitting around the council table extending sympathy to a family who had lost someone because of flooding on the road. “Don’t let it be on our heads,” he pleaded. He hoped work would be started before the next UDC meeting. However officials said that ultimately the responsibility for the road is with Kildare County Council and not Naas UDC. To Advertise on KNN, call 086 8267104, fax 045 481091, or email tellingtales@yahoo.com Advertising rates here

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.

Up, up ... and RE/MAX away!! Ena Loakman, general manager RE/MAX Town & Country of Portlaoise, Newbridge and Naas, with managing director Columb Brazil, and Newbridge office manager Maura Donohue, at the official launch of the business in Newbridge. NEWBRIDGE, 4 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. Newbridge auctioneer Columb Brazil’s business quite literally took off last week when the logo of the world’s largest estate agency business, RE/MAX, took to the skies over the town in the official opening of his affiliation to the organisation. The hot-air balloon was launched at Kilbelin from the Paddy Byrne Construction development for which Columb has the selling rights. The event was attended by Dennis Curtin, RE/MAX Regional Owner; and Co-Regional Director of RE/MAX Ireland, Tamara Libbey; and a number of invited guests from the locality. RE/MAX, started in Denver, Colorado, in 1973, operates in 34 countries and plans to set up 75 franchises throughout Ireland linked by a computerised system. It now has 15 franchised offices, ahead of schedule. It hopes to expand this by another 15 franchises this year. The RE/MAX operation includes a high-tech communications system between all its franchise owners, and an internet web site for each on which prospective owners can check out properties available in their area, or somewhere else to where they’re thinking of moving. Ena Loakman, the manager for Columb Brazil’s offices in Portlaoise, Newbridge and Naas - now operating under the style RE/MAX Town & Country - says business has increased by around 30% since the operation affiliated to RE/MAX on June 1. Columb Brazil says one in 12 people who read a RE/MAX property website buys from the company. He believes the majority of properties will soon be marketed through technology rather than through front window auctioneers, with would-be purchasers viewing properties on the internet, in the comfort of their own homes. The hot-air balloon which will be used in promotions all over Ireland is eight stories high and can hold four people. It is powered by a pair of gas burners outputting 20 million BTUs. 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.

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING Noreen McCabe, MNAPCP Anxiety, depression, loss, phobias, childhood trauma, eating disorders, relationships, personal growth, coaching for work-related stress. Moorefield Clinic, Newbridge. Phone (045) 432111 or call Noreen at (045) 431936; mobile 086 2496823; email dmccabe@tinet.ie  THE LEINSTER PRINTMAKING STUDIO THE OLD CONVENT, CLANE Artists' resource, Training, Gallery sales. Phone Margaret Becker 045 868168 or 087 2310114 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. Ireland's only COMPLETE motoring magazine on sale now at all good newsagents. 'Simply the Best'

Minister 'should sit down with Naas Hospital management' NAAS, 4 July 2000: by Brian Byrne. The minister for health ‘should have sat down’ with the management of Naas Hospital months ago to sort out its inability to employ enough doctors, Labour’s health spokesperson Liz McManus has said. Speaking in the Dail, she said patients in the hospital, which has a busy accident and emergency department, given the volume of road accidents on the Naas dual carriageway, ‘are now bearing the brunt’ of what she called the minister’s ‘failure to take a hands-on role’ in the situation. "The medical manpower crisis in our hospitals is not being caused by some natural disaster or disease, but by the appalling failure by the minister and his Department to deal with problems as they arise," she said, speaking on the Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill. "Warnings of an impending staff crisis have been clear and unequivocal. The fact that Irish hospitals are now short 132 non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) arises from both the exploitation of young doctors and by the difficulties created by the Medical Council for non-EU doctors coming to work in Ireland. "Of course the minister's primary aim should be encourage Irish trained doctors to stay in the system. While the package negotiated between the IMO and the hospital employers is a sign of progress, much good will may be undermined if this current manpower shortage impacts - as it inevitably will - on NCADs being available of its benefits." To Advertise on KNN, call 086 8267104, fax 045 481091, or email tellingtales@yahoo.com Advertising rates here

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

From Spain to Kill for English (and football?) lessons KILL, 4 July 2000: by Michael Freeman. Forty young Spaniards from the Mediterranean city of Valencia on Spain's East coast arrived in Kill village in Co Kildare at the weekend with the purpose of learning English. Within minutes of their arrival, just as many local young men and women were on the street to escort them around the sights of Ireland's many times award-winning tidy village. (Pictured above are Maria Soriano Sanchez, Eugenian Morales Gonzalez, Carla Soez Martinez, David Kelly of St Patrick's Park and Andrew Kearney of Glendara, Kill, and Alicia Monleon Ventura.) They'll be here for a month - to the end of July - in the care of their leader Tony Romana Bas from Valencia and are being hosted in their homes by local residents in Glendara, The Gables and Patrick's Park. Every day they will take instruction from English teachers Jerry Flanagan, Mary Pierce, Mike Malone and Zeta Robinson in the local Kill primary school. They will also participate in drama classes presented by one of Ireland's leading drama director/producers, the award-winning Shaun Purcell. On Fridays they play sports. For many of the group, who are between the ages of 11 and 17 years, it will be their first time to be here. Others like Soledad Palop Cocheteux (in Spain, the Christian name is followed by the mother's and father's surnames respectively) have been here three or more times before. Soledad, whose host family are businessman Tom Quigley, his wife Dolores and their 14-year-old daughter Rachel, said the reason she comes back is that 'Kill is a lovely place and it is the best place in the world to learn English'. The willing gentlemen friends of the beautiful and articulate Spanish young ladies, Andrew Kearney of Glendara and David Kelly of St Patrick's Park, nodded in agreement. Of course. We asked them how the visitors occupied their time when English lessons were over. The group of Spaniards and Kill natives chorused in unison - 'Football!'. “It's mixed football,” explained Maria Soriano Sanchez in perfect English, “boys and girls on the teams.” And is this great event organised specially we inquired further? “It just happens,” said Andrew Kearney, on the Green at Glendara or anywhere they might find to play football. The winners are usually the Spanish team, we said provokingly. “Not so,” said the Kill representative, dribbling ably for his side. “Up to now it's been about 60/40 in favour of Kill.” Those odds will be changed promised the Spanish side. The banter augured well for development of future international friendships and intensive competition on the international football field. July has become' Spanish Students' month in Kill and its hinterland and is eagerly awaited each year by local young people just released from exams and school for their Summer holidays. Pictured above are a group of Spanish students from Valencia with their spokesperson Soledad Palop Cocheteux (in front, second from right) in an informal 'cultural exchange' on The Green at Glendara Park.) The annual visit is organised by Lucie Brady, a French-Canadian from The Gables estate in Kill village who met the principals of the English Centre in Valencia and started the first visit more than nine years ago. “They love it,” said Lucie, expressing thanks to the managers of the schools in Valencia and Kill. She said that more than 25% of the students from Valencia return to Kill every year. “Their young Irish hosts love the fact that they're here too, and express the hope that they'll keep returning forever.” Viva Espana.

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email GARDA PATROL Marking your property is one of the best ways of making sure that it is quickly returned to you if recovered by the gardai.

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.)

GAA talks 'ongoing' - councillor NAAS, 4 July 2000: by Brian Byrne. Discussions between a triumvirate of Naas UDC councillors and development company Lehmex Ltd over the Naas GAA situation 'are ongoing', according to the facilitator of the group, Cllr Willie Callaghan. He also said that a perception of a two-week time limit on the process before they were to report back to the GAA was 'incorrect' "That didn't come from me," he told KNN today. The other members of the group are Cllrs Seamie Moore and Timmy Conway. They were selected after a private meeting by a number of councillors with the GAA, following a request by that organisation that they intervene to solve an impasse over promises made by Lehmex to them. These related to an offer by the developers that they would be accommodated in a relocation to Oldtown Demesne, an offer which was subsequently withdrawn. Lehmex was a major beneficiary of rezoning in the 1999 Naas Town Development Plan. To Advertise on KNN, call 086 8267104, fax 045 481091, or email tellingtales@yahoo.com Advertising rates here

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.

Enda and Eibhlin get 50th surprise! NAAS, 3 July 2000: by Trish Whelan. Some 120 family members and close friends attended a surprise 50th wedding anniversary party for popular Naas couple Enda and Eibhlin (better known in Naas as Evelyn) Bracken in Killeen Golf Club last Saturday night. The event came as a complete shock to the couple, despite the fact that a number of their children who live abroad had been ‘hiding’ in Ireland for up to a week while preparing for it. Enda is a retired electronics engineer and Eibhlin has been a councillor on Naas UDC for several terms, regaining her seat at last year’s poll. She also serves on the County Kildare VEC. The couple live in Arconagh. Of their children, Fiona and Orla live in Naas, Rioghnagh and Eimhin are in Dublin and Sighle, Niall, Maire, Trasa and Niamh live in Toronto. The family are confirmed users of the internet to keep in touch, and used email extensively to manage the arrangements for the party. "As Dad and Mam are not the partying type and prefer to live quietly - except for politics for Mam! - we hope this surprise party will not be too much for them," Fiona said on the night. "Keeping the secret quiet with relativesand friends who were invited has been a real strain this past few weeks, trying not to let the cat out of the bag." Included among the guests was Fr John Dunphy, a nephew of Eibhlin’s, who led a commemorative service during the evening. 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.

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING Noreen McCabe, MNAPCP Anxiety, depression, loss, phobias, childhood trauma, eating disorders, relationships, personal growth, coaching for work-related stress. Moorefield Clinic, Newbridge. Phone (045) 432111 or call Noreen at (045) 431936; mobile 086 2496823; email dmccabe@tinet.ie  THE LEINSTER PRINTMAKING STUDIO THE OLD CONVENT, CLANE Artists' resource, Training, Gallery sales. Phone Margaret Becker 045 868168 or 087 2310114 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. Ireland's only COMPLETE motoring magazine on sale now at all good newsagents. 'Simply the Best'

Noxious sample wrinkles noses at commission meeting NEWBRIDGE, 3 July 2000: by Brian Byrne. A sample of the pollution of the River Liffey at Ryston in Newbridge was passed around members at last week’s meeting of the town’s commission, as Cllrs Brian Maginn (right) and Pat Black tried once again to highlight a problem which has plagued the area for 17 years. The fruit-jar of liquid had been lifted from the Liffey that same day, and consisted of clear water with a substantial black ‘head’ of another liquid which smelled of diesel. “I’ve heard the term ‘sucking diesel', but this beats the band,” Cllr Spike Nolan commented as he took his turn to sniff at the noxious substance. Cllr Black said that Kildare County Council should put up signs on the town’s Riverside Park warning parents not to let their children swim in the river. The sample was taken away by town manager Tommy Skehan, who said it would be analysed. The pollution has regularly been raised at both commission and county council level, but so far investigations by Kildare County Council appear to have failed to find the source of the effluent, which issues from a pipe (below).

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email GARDA PATROL Marking your property is one of the best ways of making sure that it is quickly returned to you if recovered by the gardai.

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.)

Pollardstown dump to close down POLLARDSTOWN, 3 July 2000: by Brian Byrne. The operators of an illegal dump at Pollardstown have been fined £750, with prosecution costs of £20,000, and have promised a court to ‘turn it into a green field’. Thomas Munnelly and his son Patrick were convicted under the Waste Management Act of 1996 in a prosecution taken by the EPA, whose inspector told the court of finding rubbish, newspapers and black plastic bags in a dump which was only supposed to take builder’s rubble. Local residents had long complained of heavy truck traffic (below)and flies infestation in the area. The matter has been repeatedly raised at Kildare County Council by Senator John Dardis, who expressed his concern also for the nearby Pollardstown Fen. To Advertise on KNN, call 086 8267104, fax 045 481091, or email tellingtales@yahoo.com Advertising rates here

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.

'Will not do penance for former FF members' sins' NEWBRIDGE, 3 July 2000: by Brian Byrne. Kildare South TD Sean Power says he has no intention of ‘doing penance for the sins of former members of Fianna Fail’ and he looks forward to playing his part in restoring confidence in the political process. Speaking during the vote of no confidence in the Dail on Friday, he said it should not be underestimated how much work needs to be done to restore that confidence. “It is obvious from election turn-outs that people do not have the same trust in politicians,” he said. “It is true that the public has become very cynical about the political process and the revelations at the tribunals have only served to increase that cynicism.” But deputy Power said there had been many ‘fine achievments’ by the current Government, citing progress in Northern Ireland, employment, anti-crime measures and tax cuts. "The Government can be proud of the achievements of the past three years. Many of the fundamental problems facing the State, the issues dominating the last general election campaign, have been dealt with by the Government in an efficient manner," he said.

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

LISTEN TO the weekly roundup of Irish views and stories presented by Brian Byrne and Trish Whelan and broadcast from Vancouver on the Celtic Voices programme carried by Canada's largest independent radio network. You can stream it at 56k, or download to listen to later. Changed every Sunday.

O'Loughlin gets commission chair NEWBRIDGE, 30 June 2000: by Brian Byrne. Fiona O’Loughlin was last night elected to the chair of Newbridge Town Commission at the authority’s AGM, succeeding Cmmr John O’Neill. She was proposed by Cmmr Colm Feeney and seconded by Cmmr Ray O’Brien. The vote was 5-3, with Cmmr Murty Aspell abstaining. Cmmr O'Loughlin is pictured above with Cmmr John O'Neill and Cmmr Colm Feeney. At the meeting, a special presentation was made to town clerk Charlie Talbot, who is retiring from the position after nearly 16 years. He was appointed a Project Officer in Kildare County Council last October. “The developing nature of that job means that I can’t give the commission the level of service they need, so it was time to step down,” he said. He is being replaced by Bernard Duff, a revenue officer with Kildare County Council. Pictured below are outgoing vice-chairman Cmmr Pat Black, outgoing chairman Cllr John O'Neill, and Charlie Talbot. 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.

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING Noreen McCabe, MNAPCP Anxiety, depression, loss, phobias, childhood trauma, eating disorders, relationships, personal growth, coaching for work-related stress. Moorefield Clinic, Newbridge. Phone (045) 432111 or call Noreen at (045) 431936; mobile 086 2496823; email dmccabe@tinet.ie  THE LEINSTER PRINTMAKING STUDIO THE OLD CONVENT, CLANE Artists' resource, Training, Gallery sales. Phone Margaret Becker 045 868168 or 087 2310114

Ploopluck Bridge damaged by car NAAS, 30 June 2000: by Brian Byrne. Ploopluck Bridge on the Caragh Road, Naas, may be getting traffic lights sooner that was expected, but for all the wrong reasons. The bridge was damaged last weekend when a car coming from the Naas direction knocked a 15-foot length of the parapet wall into the field below. “We may have to put emergency lights there now, because there will have to be some form of traffic management while the bridge is being repaired,” Naas town clerk said yesterday. Mr Kirrane said the UDC is awaiting a report from Duchas on the state of the bridge, which is preserved, and until that was forthcoming they couldn’t say when repairs will be able to be commenced. The bridge has long been the subject of complaints from pedestrians and motorists because it is dangerous. Last year, Naas UDC agreed that traffic lights would be installed to regulate matters, but they’ve not yet been put in place. At Tuesday night’s AGM of Naas UDC, Cllr Anthony Egan said the recent accident highlighted once again the need for a separate pedestrian bridge over the canal to facilitate people going to and from the Caragh Court area. He said that even if the pedestrian bridge later became redundant because of the construction of a new bridge over the canal, it could be dismantled and put somewhere else it might be needed.

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. Ireland's only COMPLETE motoring magazine on sale now at all good newsagents. 'Simply the Best'   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email

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.)

Appeal for jobs, accommodation, for Germans NEWBRIDGE, 30 June 2000: by Brian Byrne. The chairman of Newbridge’s twinning organisation, Cmmr Ray O’Brien, has appealed to business people of the town to provide summer job opportunities for a group of young people from Badlippspringe in Germany who will be arriving next week. Cmmr O’Brien said that there were already a number of Newbridge young people in the town’s German twin who had been found accommodation and jobs, courtesy of the Burgemeister. “We must do the same,” he said. “It will be the acid test of our twinning commitment.” To Advertise on KNN, call 086 8267104, fax 045 481091, or email tellingtales@yahoo.com Advertising rates here

GARDA PATROL Marking your property is one of the best ways of making sure that it is quickly returned to you if recovered by the gardai.

LISTEN TO the weekly roundup of Irish views and stories presented by Brian Byrne and Trish Whelan and broadcast from Vancouver on the Celtic Voices programme carried by Canada's largest independent radio network. You can stream it at 56k, or download to listen to later. Changed every Sunday.

Motoring News, Views and Reviews here

Car of the Week Alfa Sportwagon

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.)

LISTEN TO the weekly roundup of Irish views and stories presented by Brian Byrne and Trish Whelan and broadcast from Vancouver on the Celtic Voices programme carried by Canada's largest independent radio network. You can stream it at 56k, or download to listen to later. Changed every Sunday.

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