KildareNet News is the INDEPENDENT internet news service for and about Kildare, located on the County Kildare Community Network. KNN has no affiliations to any network, authority, group, party or other organisation. The service is operated by TELLING TALES LTD. Site best viewed with NETSCAPE browser and with the VERDANA font. All content © Telling Tales Ltd. Phone 045 481090 or 086 8267104; Fax 045 481091; Email tellingtales@yahoo.com SCROLL for CURRENT stories. EARLIER stories and ARCHIVES KNN Special FEATURES Visit our flagship sponsor For audios get free REALPLAYER KNN-KildareNet News was awarded three shamrocks by Doras THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND? ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615 Looking for something?   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie Ireland's Daily National News Ireland's only COMPLETE motoring magazine on sale now at all good newsagents. 'Simply the Best'  THE LEINSTER PRINTMAKING STUDIO THE OLD CONVENT, CLANE Artists' resource, Training, Gallery sales. Phone Margaret Becker 045 868168 or 087 2310114

Local opposition grows quickly to proposed power station DUNSTOWN, TWO MILE HOUSE, 12 November 1999: by Brian Byrne and Trish Whelan. A power station proposal for Dunstown Wood at Two Mile House has raised the hackles of local residents who say they’ll fight the plan all the way. The project is being developed by a consortium comprising Bord na Mona, the Fortnum energy group of Finland, and French hydrocarbon provider Elf Aquitaine Gaz. But residents, including local FG councillor Billy Hillis, say the proximity of the plant will devalue their homes and expose them to possible pollution risks. “We already accepted enough when we didn’t object to the ESB transmission station behind us a number of years ago,” says Cllr Hillis. “If Bord na Mona wants to build a new generating station, why don’t they do it on one of their bog sites where the workforce already exists and it wouldn’t be bothering anybody? There’s a huge resistence to this ... when the word came out, I got 27 phone calls in just 30 minutes about it.” Catherine O’Loughlin (right), who runs a plant nursery nearby, said she’s not looking forward to seeing ‘a massive big tower’ every time she goes out her gate. “We have had enough to live with around here with all the pylons. This is just too much. It’s going to throw out tonnes of toxic fumes and it won’t do the area any good. People around here are obviously extremely concerned about having this on their doorstep.” The existence of the ESB's 400Kv transmission station is cited by the promoters as an important consideration for locating the plant at Dunstown. Other strategic reasons include proximity to the national natural gas grid and closeness to the east coast where most of the company’s ‘eligible customers’ are located. The station’s output is aimed mainly at large commercial consumers. Representatives of the developers began canvassing local families on Wednesday, explaining the proposal. Exhibition and information events will be held in Two-Mile-House Community Hall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of next week. It is estimated there are 200 homes in the vicinity of the proposed station. Bord na Mona bought the site last August from the state forest management company Coillte, who this week have been clear-felling the trees in the centre of the wood (below). “We bought the property on the basis of our site being ‘vacant’,” Bord na Mona spokesman Charles Shier told KNN last evening. “The trees are mature and are due to be harvested anyway, but we have asked Coillte to leave those surrounding our site to maintain the treeline.” Local people have been told that the station will have a 65-metre stack, and that any emissions from the natural gas-fired plant will be much lower than from any other type of fuel. Only the stack will be visible above the treeline, the company indicates on a brochure distributed locally. The consortium intends to apply for planning permission in December. According to its schedule, it expects to receive permission in March of next year, begin construction in April 2000 and be in operation by November 2001. However, planning permission may require a material contravention of the Kildare County Development Plan as the site is on land currently zoned agricultural. In this case, 18 of Kildare’s county councillors will have to vote for the contravention. There may also be protests from conservationists, as the wood is a well known foxes covert and is the base for one of the Kildare Hunt’s regular outings in the Carnalway area. Up to 150 people will be employed in the construction phase, while the promoters say 40 skilled people will be employed directly in the plant when commissioned. They estimate a further 40 jobs will be created indirectly by suppliers to the station. Bord na Mona also says that the project specification exceeds the toughest environmental standards laid down by the EU and the Irish Government. Meanwhile, Ireland faces at least two winters of uncertain electricity supply as the ESB warned last weekend that demand has been close to exceeding supply recently. Blackouts were threatened in the last two weeks, and some large commercial consumers have been offered discounts to cut back power use during teatime peak hours. Ireland’s current generating capacity of 4,485Mw has left little margin with demand expected to peak at 3,800Mw over coming weeks. The ESB forecasts greater difficulties through until 2002 when a number of new generating stations come on line as part of the deregulation of the power market here from February. There are a total of six consortia currently looking to build generating plants here, including the ESB and Statoil, Viridian and CRH, Finland-based IVO, and Scottish Power and Arco as Ireland Power Energy. 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. GARDA PATROL ADVICE OF THE WEEK Gardai are concerned that there could be a spate of burglaries in the run up to Christmas and are anxious that householders become more security conscious and observant in their areas. Sgt Kevin Gralton of Naas Garda Station says Neighbourhood Watch people should now be reactivating their schemes and become aware of the fact that the dark evenings tend to favour such activities. He advised homekeepers to instal proper locks on doors and windows. “Vigilance is of the utmost importance. Persons who encounter anything of a suspicious nature should use the 999 line straight away.”

Ireland's Daily National News

Call for guidelines to incinerators siting gets important support LEIXLIP, 12 November 1999: by Brian Byrne. The Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly and the Mid-East Regional Authority are to recommend to the minister for the environment & local government that guidelines be introduced to regulate the siting of incinerators. This follows representations from Cllr Paul Kelly (right) of Leixlip, who represents Kildare on both bodies, at their recent meetings. Cllr Kelly pointed out that there are guidelines and regulations in place governing the construction of most public works, such as telephone communications masts, but there is nothing about incinerators, even those proposing to deal with toxic and hazardous waste, such as the one proposed for Kilcock which raised many local objections and a 'black balloon' demonstration (above) and is currently the subject of appeals to An Bord Pleanala. “If such guidelines were in existence, regulating the distance from schools or built up areas, then the Kilcock proposal would never have got off the ground,” he says. The use of ‘closed loop systems’, where no emissions are produced, would also help to allay public fears, and the Mid–East Regional Authority agreed to seek to have such a standard included in the Environmental Protection Agency’s plan. “The anti-incinerator campaign have called for such guidelines to be introduced, and I was glad to have been able to raise this at regional level, as the views of these bodies have to be considered at the highest levels." Cllr Kelly raised the concerns of Kildare people in the course of debate on the proposed National Development Plan, and the draft National Waste Management Plan issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. His proposal received the unanimous support of the Mid East Regional Authority, and the issue is to be considered at a future meeting of the Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly. "Waste management, and particularly the disposal of our own hazardous waste, is one of the most difficult problems facing local authorities,” he said. “The input of regional bodies can be of great assistance to them in grappling with it.”

Looking for something?   Check in with Farm.ie for Brendan Burke's top farming news and views Ireland's only COMPLETE motoring magazine on sale now at all good newsagents. 'Simply the Best'

Corporate Magazine Production & Publishing - Business Writing - Journalism & Broadcasting Training - Internet Marketing Consultants - Web Site Design - Book Writing Telling Tales Ltd, PO Box 106, Naas, Co Kildare. Phone 045 481090, 086 8267104; Fax 045 481091; Email tellingtales@yahoo.com

Naas Harbour pedestrianisation work begins NAAS, 11 November 1999: by Trish Whelan. The Harbour area in Naas is closed off to traffic from today as work commences on the pedestrianisation of the area. But Basin Street will be open to vehicular traffic as far as the Canal Stores according to Naas UDC. It means that cars will not now be able to access the Newbridge Road from the Main Street to avoid the lights at Murtagh’s corner. There will also be no through traffic from Abbey Street, the Newbridge Road or Sarto Road, making the area safe for pedestrian use. The work, expected to cost in the region of £200,000, is part of the Urban and Village Renewal Scheme and 50% of the grant is coming through Kildare County Council under this initiative. The contract is expected to run for about three months.

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

KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

Traffic problems throughout county are highlighted COUNTY HALL, 11 November 1999: by Trish Whelan. The huge increase in the volume of traffic in the county, and the problems it brings to towns and villages, was highlighted at this week’s adjourned meeting of Kildare County Council with a motion by Celbridge Area councillor Senan Griffin seeking to have traffic studies in all towns of in excess of 2,000 inhabitants, with a view to identifying the need for car parking facilities and relief ring roads. (This was later raised to 2,500). He believed progress is being inhibited by heavy traffic in almost all the main towns in the county and said the Council should be seeking to ensure relief ring roads are put in place so as to bring back pedestrian life to the streets. And he says the rise in the number of cars sold here, at 9,200 new cars this year, up on 4,800 in 1998) is adding to the problem. The motion was seconded by councillor Kate Walsh who said people who live in the centre of Celbridge are ‘prisoners in their own homes’ because of indiscriminate carparking. She pleaded with Council officials to investigate the problem before someone is hurt ... ‘or worse’. Clane area councillor Jim Reilly said the authority should also look closely at the villages and smaller areas, many of which are on regional road networks, and where there is a total disregard for speed limits. This, he said, should particularly apply to villages with schools. He also wondered if the time had now come where people would be prepared to pay to park their cars. Leixlip-based Councillor Catherine Murphy said because council staff are overstretched timewise, there was a need for a project manager to deal with such issues. Councillor Emmet Stagg TD highlighted the problem in Straffan, now effectively on what is a regional road, with volumes of traffic going through the village. He feared the motion might exclude some towns of slightly more than the figure proposed in the motion and Senan Griffin said he had no problem raising the figure by 500.

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

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

Parking places to be marked NEWBRIDGE, 11 November 1999: by Trish Whelan. Arrangements are to be put in place for the marking of the car park at the rear of the Town Hall in Newbridge and to ensure that the gates to the car park be made one-way only at each entrance. Cmmr Pat Black has appealed to officials to have the work carried out as quickly as possible in order to avoid congestion. He said the traffic flow had been held up for 15 mins recently due to congestion at the entrance to the car park off the Main Street. Members also agreed his request that Kildare County Council be asked to provide a roundabout or other suitable traffic calming measures at the junction of Roseberry Road and Sex’s Road on the Naas side of the town. Cmmr Black said it was a very danagerous junction and he could se a very serious accident happening at the spot. Cmmr Colm Feeney spoke in support of the proposal.

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

Extra day for November Sales NAAS, 11 November 1999: by Brian Byrne. The Goffs November Sale will now run an extra day, taking place from Wednesday 24 to Sunday 27 November, following a significant increase in the numbers of horses being offered for sale. Some 700 foals are catalogued over the first three days and 400 mares thereafter. Goffs Managing Director, Philip Myerscough said the November sale is ‘going from strength to strength’. “The exceptional value of the Irish pound is an additional attraction,” he noted yesterday. The sale features foals from the first crops of Classic winners Desert King and Entrepreneur, as well as Champion two-year-olds Alhaarth and Revoque.

Looking for something?

Corporate Magazine Production & Publishing - Business Writing - Journalism & Broadcasting Training - Internet Marketing Consultants - Web Site Design - Book Writing Telling Tales Ltd, PO Box 106, Naas, Co Kildare. Phone 045 481090, 086 8267104; Fax 045 481091; Email tellingtales@yahoo.com

St Gabriel's 'invaders' leave £10,000 bill for collection NAAS, 10 November 1999: by Trish Whelan. Legal and restoration costs involved with the illegal encampment by a large number of travelling families at Pairc na nOg in Naas could reach £10,000, according to Naas town clerk Declan Kirrane. The UDC was represented in Naas Circuit Court today where they asked that they be allowed pursue the travellers for the full cost of the matter. “We had over 40 names on the list but expect it will be very difficult to try and collect the money - but we’re going to make every effort to do so,” Mr Kirrane told KNN today. The last of the travellers left last night in advance of being arrested on warrants issued following the winning of attachment orders against them in Dundalk Circuit Court last week. This morning, council workers were busy barricading the former tennis court and canalside land adjoining it. Meanwhile, the Midlands and Eastern Regional Tourism Organisation (MERTO) and Robertstown Development Association are this week seeking a court injunction against a group of the travellers who left St Gabriel’s Place last week and parked in a car park belonging to the Grand Hotel at the tourist spot (below). The hotel is owned by MERTO and leased to the RDA.

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

	SOLD!!!! 1993 Suzuki Swift. 62K on clock. Two owners. Price £3,400 including stereo. Immaculate condition. Phone 086 8302470, 045 879187.
NOTE: KNN takes no responsibility for car condition or descriptions. All dealings CAVEAT EMPTOR. Mention KNN when calling.	1967 Classic VW Beetle. Fully restored and undersealed. Porsche wheels (originals available). Beautiful condition - must be seen to be appreciated. Engine perfect. Phone 045 860287.
Fax details to 045 481091 or email (pictures should be in JPEG format and sent as attachments). Ads will be left up for one week unless renewed.	1991 Renault 5 Campus. Pristine condition. Red with sunroof. £1,950 ono. Phone 0502 23571.
For Ireland's best motoring news and reviews, visit MotorWeb	1990 Renault 19 Van. Due for the new National Car Test in March 2000. £900. Phone 086 2633298.

Surgeon's 'enchanted life', in Dr Gibson's own words NAAS, 9 November 1999: by Trish Whelan. Former Kildare county surgeon Dr Jack Gibson has written a book on his experiences which to many will be a fascinating account of aspects of his life and times, including his 20 years in Naas Hospital. ‘Memoirs of an Irish Surgeon. An Enchanted Life’ was launched by Dr Brendan O’Donnell, a former medical officer with County Kildare. The launch was held in the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin on Dr Gibson’s 90th birthday. The stories are both fascinating and humorous. His work extends into seven decades, long before antibiotics were discovered or the National Health Service started and Dr Gibson, even in retirement, is still catering to peoples’ health needs. “I was persuaded by friends to write my memoirs earlier this year and wrote it in just three months,” he says. When he first started working in Naas Hospital he worked ‘all day and all night, seven days a week ... and ‘we didn’t have as many holidays then as they do now. But I loved every bit of it’. It’s not his first book to be published as he previously wrote about the use of hypnosis in his book ‘Relax and Live!’ published in 1989 and now in its third impression. Another book, based on the stories of people who he has treated under hypnosis, is almost completed. Dr Gibson is also very well known for having pioneered the use of hypnotism in place of anaesthetics in Ireland and has performed over 4,000 operations using this method. Forty years ago his relaxation cassette tapes were the first of their kind in the world. He still provides tapes for treatment of various disorders and addictions, including stopping smoking, stammering, blushing, binge eating and how to stop snoring. “About 98% of people who use my treatment to stop smoking, are successful,” he says. A website devoted to Dr Gibson’s work is currently being set up

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

Corporate Magazine Production & Publishing - Business Writing - Journalism & Broadcasting Training - Internet Marketing Consultants - Web Site Design - Book Writing Telling Tales Ltd, PO Box 106, Naas, Co Kildare. Phone 045 481090, 086 8267104; Fax 045 481091; Email tellingtales@yahoo.com

Joe stays true to the showband generation KILL, 9 November 1999: by Brian Byrne. It was a night for the showband generation. And some others too. Even some not born when Joe Dolan was in his prime. Funny thing, he still is. More prime even than many of his first-time-around fans ... And he showed it last weekend at Goffs. And they showed they still love him. They sang, they waved and cheered, they bopped in the aisles and stood to show the man in the white suit that as he turns into the Millennium with his latest album, they’re going to stay faithful. Joe Dolan was faithful to them in Goffs. His songs were those that had made them love him. The voice was the same gravelly baritone that by some miracle of larynx manipulation he can make almost hit soprano at times. At the end, we all wanted more. And, of course, we got ‘More’. And we remembered why we were the showband generation.

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

KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

Celbridge ring road 'roadblock' in course of being dismantled CELBRIDGE, 8 November 1999: by Brian Byrne. A ‘roadblock’ which has held up the completion of Celbridge’s Ring Road (above) for more than three years seems to have been lifted following a meeting on Friday between officials of Kildare County Council and the landowners of the property over which the remainder of the road will pass. “A deal has been done in principle,” local councillor Catherine Walsh (right), who arranged the meeting, told KNN. “Although details still have to be worked out by the legal people, it now looks as if we will see the road completed significantly earlier than we had anticipated. I’m very pleased that, having been elected as a community candidate to Kildare County Council, that I have been able to bring this situation towards a successful conclusion. This road is very important to the community of Celbridge and to the people who drive through Celbridge on their way to work.” The break in the lockjam means that there will now be no need for compulsory purchase orders and court action, and the completion of the Ring Road will also help towards solving the controversial traffic control measures which had angered local traders in recent months - to the point that Kildare County Council had to step back from proceeding with planned traffic lights on either side of the bridge in the town. The road will also provide safer access to five schools and substantially ease the ‘school run’ traffic which has contributed its own share of congestion. “I’ve spent the past two months trying to get the relevant people together,” Cllr Walsh says. “It’s the old story - get people talking and you will get conclusions. I’ve always believed in the adage, ‘if you want a chop, go to a butcher’ ... in this case, we went to the people who had it in their hands to solve the problem.”

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

Community Night provided more than mere money NAAS, 8 November 1999: by Trish Whelan. The annual Community Night held at Naas Town Hall last weekend saw grants presented to representatives of many residents associations, cultural and recreational groups, and a number of arts organisations. The recipients were welcomed by the chairman, Cllr Seamie Moore, and heard details of the reasons for the grants from town Clerk Declan Kirrane. Following the presentation of grants there was time given over for refreshments and talking between the various groups. “When we first started these community evenings, I was very surprised at how many people involved actually had never met each other,” Cllr Moore said. “So quite apart from the cash involved, the evening serves an even more important function in getting people together to network.” The recipients of cultural and recreational grants were the Citizens Information Centre, Naas Athletic Club, Naas Cycling & Touring Club, the 4th Kildare Scout Unit and Naas Care of the Aged. Arts grants went to Naas Art Group (members Frances Graham. Gertrude Walsh and Arthur Hamilton pictured above), Naas Local History Group (members Laurie Breen, Rose McCabe, Ger McCarthy and Nick Coy pictured below) and Naas Musical Society. Pictured clockwise from above left are Joe Curtis of LESN with Cllr Charlie Byrne; Caroline Brown and Carol Harrington from Riverview; and Noreen Hyde and Brendan Kenny from Arconagh Residents Association with Cllr Evelyn Bracken.

Looking for something?   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND? ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615

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

Exhibition to focus on diversity in Ireland ATHY, 8 November 1999: by Brian Byrne. An exhibition exploring Irish attitudes to diversity will run in Athy Community Library from 8-22 November. The event is aimed at launching ‘Diversity Ireland’ as an ongoing project to promote and celebrate diversity in Ireland. “It is hoped that this will encourage people to focus on how Irish society can be more inclusive refugees and asylum seekers and black and ethnic minority groups, including travellers,” says Athy Librarian Josephine Coyne. “Admission is free and all are welcome.”

Ireland's Daily National News

Corporate Magazine Production & Publishing - Business Writing - Journalism & Broadcasting Training - Internet Marketing Consultants - Web Site Design - Book Writing Telling Tales Ltd, PO Box 106, Naas, Co Kildare. Phone 045 481090, 086 8267104; Fax 045 481091; Email tellingtales@yahoo.com

Give us back our park! NAAS, 8 November 1999: by Trish Whelan. Residents of the area of Pairc na nOg in Naas, the scene of a large traveller encampment in recent weeks, say they want their park back! Paddy Power (above), the initiator of effort to develop the park, said generations of young children have used the playground and it should now be restored to today’s youth. But he asks who is going to reestablish the hard tennis courts and the football pitch after the recent traveller ‘invasion’. “Will the travelling community pay up for the damage they’ve caused? If one of their expensive vehicles was impounded, half of the cost of the damage caused by these ‘palaces on wheels’ would be recovered,” he asked last week, adding that he also wants legislation put in place to prevent travellers from returning to the site. Carmel Walsh (left) from St Gabriel’s Place said what happened was ‘an awful slur on the memory of the people who helped out and who have since died to see it being used as a halting site.’ Meanwhile, gardai in Naas have received arrest warrants for 37 people illegally parked at the site, following the successful application for Committal Orders by Naas UDC at Dundalk Circuit Court last week.

Ireland's Daily National News Looking for something?   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

PREVIOUS STORIES: Earlier news of the week, and access to weekly archives, are available here

	by Liam Cahill The seminal account of the Limerick Soviet Available here
				PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING Noreen McCabe, MNAPCP Anxiety, depression, loss, phobias, childhood trauma, eating disorders, relationships, personal growth, coaching for work-related stress. Strictly confidential. Moorefield Clinic, Newbridge. Phone (045) 432111 or call Noreen at (045) 431936; mobile 086 2496823; email dmccabe@tinet.ie
		NAAS BAPTIST BIBLE CENTRE Everyone is invited to study God's Word, the Bible, with us, Sunday evenings 6.30, 45 Jigginstown Park. We are presently studying the life of Christ. Contact Rev Roger Parrow 045 894771. (Advt.)

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.

PREVIOUS STORIES: Earlier news of the week, and access to weekly archives, are available here

Motoring News	Garda Patrol	Farming Info
Results are here. Coverage is here. Candidates details are here.	Kildare's Wild Geese	Upcoming Service

 

Produced by

PO BOX 106, NAAS, CO KILDARE, IRELAND. All material on these pages © Telling Tales Ltd.

Links must be notified to tellingtales@yahoo.com