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

Town clock now gives good time again NAAS, 26 November 1999: by Brian Byrne. Naas Town Hall’s clock can now be relied on once again to tell the time accurately, following a repair of a damaged hand that had been causing it to stop almost every day since last April. With the help of the county fire service, clock service engineer Julian Cosby from England on Monday managed to find and fix the source of a problem that has been bothering the UDC since early in the year. The hand was damaged when it was blown off in a gale last January. “We wanted the clock to be working properly, particularly coming up to the millennium,” says town clerk Declan Kirrane. “The chimes are now working also and there are now two sets of chimes in the middle of the town operating once more, following the repairs to the bell in St David’s.” Naas UDC at their last meeting agreed to give a donation towards the cost of the St David’s repair. The clock was manufactured in 1862 and installed four years later at the Town Hall thanks to a public subscription. It requires winding once a week, a job currently carried out by caretaker, Pat McCormack. 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 A seminar for crime prevention/security advice for business people and post offices will take place on Thursday 2 December in the Town House Hotel, Naas, at 3pm. All businesses in the area are encouraged to have at least one representative present for a very informative event, especially in the run up to Christmas trading.

Religious sect exhibition for Athy ATHY, 26 November 1999: by Trish Whelan. An exhibition about the growth and development of of religious cults in South America will finish this year’s season of Arts Council exhibitions in Athy Community Library next week. ‘Soulwars - Conflict and Salvation in Guyana South America’ is a photographic essay by Leo Regan which examines the roots of these sects, which stemmed from the traditional churches. “The project is essentially a commentary about faith and the different ways we practice and understand this spiritual quest,” says librarian Josephine Coyne. “Leo Regan was awarded an Arts Council Bursary in 1996 to work on this project.” The exhibition runs from December 1-16, during normal opening hours.

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'Shameful situation' over Boxing Club NAAS, 26 November 1999: Dear Editor, I am writing to draw your attention to the shameful situation which is leading to likely demise of the St. David's Boxing Club in Naas. Two months ago, I had a motion on the agenda for the meeting of Naas UDC asking the Minister for Defence to grant permission to the Club to use the facilities in the former Devoy Barracks, as they had been doing for 30 years up until the closure of the Barracks in 1998. The motion received unanimous support from the Council, and was duly forwarded to the Minister. I was told last week at the Council meeting that the Minister has yet to respond to the request. What annoys me at present is the Minister has given permission for a film company to use the facilities in the barracks, and they are at present filming there. If this is acceptable, why cannot the boxing club use it once a week to give young people a much needed outlet for their energy? We all complain when young people get into trouble due to having too much time on their hands, yet they are now being denied an opportunity to participate in a healthy sport due to the action of a Government Minister. When the Minister closed the barracks, he was very anxious to 'strike a deal' with Naas UDC in order to have the land rezoned for housing, and thereby increase its value enormously. At the time he had many willing accomplices in the Council, and the deal was done. Where is the co-operation at present between the Council and the Minister? Is a sports outlet for young people of no consequence to our decision makers when important matters such as land rezoning and new Council offices are being considered? To add to the irony of the situation, the film being made has a boxing scene and the company is using the Club's boxing ring! I believe that the Boxing Club has generously given them permission for this, even though they themselves have not had access to it for over a year! Yours, Pat McCarthy (Member of Naas UDC).

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'Examine parking plan' - councillor LEIXLIP, 26 November 1999: by Brian Byrne. The people of Leixlip have been urged to look at the draft parking bylaws which are on display in Leixlip Library. They will remain there until the end of December. The byelaws include residential-only areas in Dun-Carraig, Buckley’s Lane and Ralph Square. There are one-hour only parking locations proposed and also two-hour only locations with a 20p per hour charge. Parking in those locations for longer periods than those specified will be liable to a fine. Submissions on the draft proposals will be welcome from members of the public up to 10th December. “There is an obvious need for additional car parking to be provided and the Council are working on proposals for this,” says Cllr Catherine Murphy. “The object of the bylaws is to make maximum use of the limited existing car parking, to reduce the incidence of all-day parking in the village centre, and ensure those who wish to go to the bank, post office or shop in the town will find it easier to do so. “The bye-laws will have an impact on those living in the town centre but will also have an effect on all car drivers - it is essential therefore that we encourage views before the closing date in December.”

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Daffodils planted to greet new millennium. NAAS, 26 November 1999: by Trish Whelan. Hollywood Park residents have planted in excess of 3500 daffodil bulbs throughout the estate and which they hope will provide a ‘spiritually uplifting welcome’ for the new millennium. “In deciding to plant daffodils we were looking for something of meaning and value, and something which would touch the hearts of as many people as possible,” says local residents association spokesman Gerry Halton. “Daffodils are always welcome and symbolise the arrival of spring, or the perhaps the beginning of the end of winter. They bring fresh hope and renew the spirit for the year ahead; they are generally imagined accompanied by beautifully vibrant spring sunlight. "Energy levels rise in the person and before long we are well awake from our winter slumber and full of hope and promises. Unlike statues and inanimate memorials they are alive and part of mother earth, and depend on the environment for their life, just like humans. They are tough and fragile, never beaten by bad weather or severe cold, but delicate to the touch. Their season is short and they ask only to be allowed fulfil their promise and grow to maturity offering to multiply and return the following year in greater numbers.” Aside from the symbolism, Gerry Halton notes the daffodils are maintenance free and great value for hard-gathered money.

THE LEINSTER PRINTMAKING STUDIO THE OLD CONVENT, CLANE Artists' resource, Training, Gallery sales. Phone Margaret Becker 045 868168 or 087 2310114 Rugby fans? ... check in to Naas Rugby Club's home page for the latest news on the club's activities   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

Waterways initiative launched for Kildare/Offally EDENDERRY & KILDARE WEST, 25 November 1999: by Trish Whelan. A waterways initiative involving counties Kildare and Offaly based on a plan produced in 1998 for the Grand Canal Liaison Group was launched yesterday at a function in Edenderry Town Hall. The event also introduced the newly appointed Canal Development/ Regeneration Officer, Patricia Keenan (pictured above with Pat Leogue of OAK, Hugh O'Donoghue of Offally County Council, and Anne-Marie Conneely from North Offally Development Company), who said her brief was ‘to promote and encourage exploitation of waterways of the Grand Canal and the Barrow Line as a community and tourist resource.’ Speaking at the launch Kildare County Council chairman councillor P J Sheridan said it was a partnership that made good sense because it ‘is designed to bring a variety of financial and expert resources together in a way which crosses the sometimes artificial boundaries of counties, and focuses entirely on the rivers and canals irrespective of where they flow.’ He believed the waterways have huge potential but said it will be important in exploiting them to remember their sensitive ecology. He said there are particular opportunities for waterway development in the rural parts of Kildare and Offaly and he looked forward to seeing them getting the chance they deserve. He, too, welcomed Patricia Keenan in her role as facilitator and liaison officer. Pat Leogue of the OAK Partnership welcomed representatives from the towns involved in the plan including Rathangan, Monasterevin and Athy from County Kildare and said he looked forward to working with them on the project. He would like to see the project further developed by the involvement of both the public and private sectors. Hugh O’Donoghue, representing the Offaly county manager, and a member of the Grand Canal Barrow Navigation Liaison Group, said hopefully the project will see the improvement of the canal from Daingean to Monasterevin. Welcoming the initiative, ASK chairman Colm Flynn said it would not only benefit the people of both counties but would ‘open up access to the west and to the south as far as New Ross ... a lovely new option for tourism in Kildare and for its people’. Patricia’s job also involves organising information seminars and events which will inform local communities and private individuals of opportunities on the canal as well as providing technical backup. She hopes to create a network of the five towns involved, as well as other towns, in December. The waterways initiative is funded by a partnership between Kildare and Offaly county councils, OAK, KELT, Action South Kildare and Offaly LEADER. Pictured below are Kieran Duggan, chairman of KELT; Colm Flynn, chairman of ASK; Karl Duffy; Brian Kelly of KELT; and Brendan McGrath of Kildare County Enterprise Board. In the background is Brian Goggin of the Inland Waterways Association and his dog Goldie.

THE LEINSTER PRINTMAKING STUDIO THE OLD CONVENT, CLANE Artists' resource, Training, Gallery sales. Phone Margaret Becker 045 868168 or 087 2310114 Ireland's only COMPLETE motoring magazine on sale now at all good newsagents. 'Simply the Best' Rugby fans? ... check in to Naas Rugby Club's home page for the latest news on the club's activities   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

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Roadworks are 'lethal' - councillor NAAS, 25 November 1999: by Brian Byrne. Two sets of minor roadworks on the Kilcullen Road between Swan’s shop and Naas Garda Station are ‘lethal’ to motorists, according to a Naas UDC councillor, who said Kildare County Council needs to get things in order in such matters. “Motorists would want to have luminous eyes,” Cllr Charlie Byrne said angrily last night as he surveyed cone surrounds to the roadworks which stretched right out into the carriageway without any lighting or advance warning (in fact, a warning sign for the second set of works was set up without adequate ballast and was flat on its face on the pavement). “If somebody hits either of these and swerves out to the right, there’ll be a head-on collision,” Cllr Byrne, who has long criticised inadequate overnight protection of roadworks in Naas, added. “It’s tremendously dangerous. I’m surprised the gardai haven’t called the council to have things put in order.” As he spoke, and as if to reinforce his argument, a car heading south moved out suddenly as it came on the works near the Garda Station and clipped one of the cones into the side of the road.

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Internet marketing for tourism AGM KILDARE GENERAL, 25 November 1999: by Bill Trapman. The AGM of Kildare Failte next week will hear presentations on the newest and the oldest sides of tourism. A discourse on ‘How to use the Internet to sell your product all over the world’ will be given by Kevin Kelly and Reg Youster from the Kildare Community Network, while environmentalist Dr Anne Behan will detail the wealth of hidden woods in the county. The AGM takes place in Keadeen Hotel on Tuesday at 8pm. All those with an interest in tourism should attend. Social evening for Paddy Power KILDARE GENERAL, 25 November 1999: by Brian Byrne. A social evening to honour the retirement of former Government minister, TD and county councillor Paddy Power will be held in Newbridge next week by the Thomas Dunne Fianna Fail Cumann, Newbridge. The event will be held in the Eyre Powell Hotel on Wednesday 1 December, with a buffet served at 8.30pm sharp. Tickets are £12.

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Incinerators are so dangerous, 'they simply should not be built' MAYNOOTH & KILCOCK, 24 November 1999: by Brian Byrne. “If this incinerator is built, and if authorities continue with the ‘easy solutions’ of landfill for waste disposal, then you will still be at the same situation here in 25 years’ time.” That was the stark message to more than 700 people who turned up for a special information meeting held in Maynooth last night and sponsored by the North Kildare & South Meath Alliance Against Incineration. Dr Paul Connett, the main speaker, is Professor of Chemistry at St Lawrence University, New York. He has specialised in the study of dioxins generated by incineration and is convinced that incinerators pose such a health risk that they simply should not be built. The meeting was organised to ‘send a clear signal’ to An Bord Pleanala, which is currently examining the reasons why Kildare County Council refused planning permission to Thermal Waste Management Ltd for the incinerator proposed for Kilcock. The meeting also heard presentations from a number of organisations which proposed alternative methods of waste management. Declan Dukes of the Kilcock Integrated Waste Initiatives told of a programme which they have already begin to implement with a view to eventually cutting the local waste generation by up to 50%. The programme includes home composting - which could deal with 40% of domestic refuse - recycling of glass, metal cans and textiles, elimination of the use of plastic bags, and dealing with toxic waste such as batteries. “We have already taken delivery of the first 25 home composting units here, provided by Kildare County Council,” he reported, adding that a battery disposal bin for domestic batteries has also been set up in Scoil Dara. “And it is our intention that plastic bags will not be used in Kilcock in the new year.” Bill Bodenhem of Green Sunrise Group, operators of Ireland’s only EPA-licenced toxic and hazardous waste treatment facility, told how his organisation employs over 60 people in County Kildare operating recycling and disposal facilities for companies which include Intel and Hewlett Packard. “We have state-of-the-art programmes for the recycling and reintroduction into the economic cycle of a wide range of packaging materials, electronic materials, plastics and electronic scrap,” he said. Other speakers included Vyvyan Howard, a pathologist from Liverpool University; and Peter Scanlon of US-based waste management company Startech. The meeting was attended by local representatives who included Alan Dukes TD, Bernard Durkan TD, Emmett Stagg TD, Cllrs Anthony Lawlor, Senan Griffin, Catherine Murphy, Geraldine Conway, and P J Sheridan, chairman of Kildare County Council.

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Fears for students' safety over mooted lopping of 'lollipop' man NAAS, 24 November 1999: by Trish Whelan. A Naas school principal has voiced his concerns over the increased volume of traffic on the Newbridge Road and the danger it poses to pupils from his school. He fears nothing will be done about the situation ‘until a serious accident occurs’. St Patrick’s Post Primary principal Tom Keegan was speaking amid speculation that a traffic warden, who has been doubling as lollipop warden outside the school, is to be redeployed as a litter warden. He said he would view such a proposal ‘with concern’. “The traffic on the road is up to pre bye-pass levels and, despite the 30mph speed limit, cars have picked up speed by the time they reach the school,” he said, and urged, if at all possible, that the supervised crossing be left in situ. “Children can do unpredictable things at times and the sight of a uniformed traffic warden helps the situation.” Mr Keegan said that, while the afternoons are also a cause for concern, he is especially worried at lunchtime when some 400 people, including students and cars, leave the building, with an added problem of pupils exiting in groups. Councillor Mary Glennon said the idea of redeploying the lollipop man had been presented to the members of Naas UDC as one of the measures in the Estimates 2000. She said the removal of the lollipop person would be ‘a big mistake’. "It’s imperative that the service remains at the school where a number of accidents have occured in recent times. It is a very busy area with many businesses, as well as the Care of the Aged Centre, all generating traffic besides that coming off the motorway." She also drew attention to how the warden at Ballycane School is to be replaced by a ‘lollipop lady’ and asked why is this not also the case on the Newbridge Road. "Ultimately it’s the safety of the children that we have to care about. What price is a child’s life?"

Rugby fans? ... check in to Naas Rugby Club's home page for the latest news on the club's activities   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

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Gardai to target pubs and 'problem towns' in drink driving check KILDARE GENERAL, 24 November 1999: by Brian Byrne. At least four hours of checkpoints are being mounted in each 24 between now and January 9 in order to clamp down on drink driving over the Christmas and New Year period. The activity is part of ‘Operation Eagle’, and will be carried out by the Carlow/Kildare Garda Division’s Traffic Corps in addition to their regular duties. The checkpoints will be mounted all over the county, and particular attention will be paid to towns and public houses which are known to be the sources of significant drink driving problems. “We’re also going to be very strict on the public houses during the period, and we’ll be watching the cars parked outside to see whether their owners will be driving home,” says the Traffic Corps’ director, Sergeant Kevin Gralton. A number of the checkpoints will include armed members of the gardai, as part of the force’s campaign to thwart criminals in their activity over Christmas. “It’s not that we’re expecting a particular problem, but we’ll be ready for it,” noted Sgt Gralton, who also pointed out that motorists had been very cooperative in the drink-driving campaign last year in his division. Operation Eagle began on Monday last.

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

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Land being transferred to Naas UDC NAAS, 24 November 1999: by Trish Whelan. Formal transfer arrangements are being finalised for the transfer of 87 acres of land to Naas UDC under the terms of rezonings granted in the formation of the town’s Development Plan 1999. The largest single amount is 20 acres of the gardens at Oldtown House, to be transferred from Lehmex International for green belt/amenity use. An associated company, Bandenberry Ltd, is transferring 18 acres of land at Osberstown for community/education use and five further for new residential. Other parcels include five acres at Jigginstown from J McDonald, five at Craddockstown from P Osborne, four at Rathasker Road from Naas Development Ltd, three at Ballymore Eustace Road from Twangbrook Ltd, seven at Newbridge Road from the Minister for Defence, 10 at Newbridge Road from Murphy International, five at Newbridge Road from Brophys, and five Blessington Road by Ballymore Homes. Transfer is also under way of The Moat from the Convent of Mercy.

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Call for school safety programme, cycle path links NAAS, 23 November 1999: by Trish Whelan. Naas UDC has been asked to create safe routes to schools for children and to provide cycle paths throughout the town, linking all major residential areas. Councillor Anthony Egan also sought a special programme to examine all features of safety including school bus safety (seat belts, supervision), safety at school entrances, pedestrian and cycle friendly routes, speed limits and ‘any additional areas that need to be examined’. In reply, town clerk Declan Kirrane said the safety of children going to and from school is ‘of the utmost importance’. He said the vast majority of children are now travelling to school by private car or by bus but a small number cycle or walk to school on a daily basis. "This school traffic, both in the morning and in the evening, is contributing significantly to traffic congestion in the town and it would be desirable if some of this traffic could be removed from the town," he said. In its 1999 Development Plan Naas UDC has included an objective to provide cycle ways throughout the town and in particular in new residential areas. But Mr Kirrane said the construction of such cycle ways can only take place when funding is made available or through the imposition of conditions in a planning permission. On the speed issue he said all the schools are located within 30mph speed limit zones and the enforcement of the limits is a matter for the Gardai while the safety of school buses is a matter for the Public Service Vehicle inspectorate of the Garda Siochana. "The Council has been operating for some time school warden crossing points at three of the national schools in the town and one is the post-primary school. Because of the locations of the schools it is not possible at this stage to carry out improvements to the roads serving the schools. However the provision of additional signs, road markings etc will be examined to see if these need to be improved." And he said the Council is always willing to discuss with the school authorities and parents associations any proposals they have in relation to improving the safety of the children attending their schools.

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

Youth centre urgently needed - councillor NEWBRIDGE, 23 November 1999: by Trish Whelan. The necessity for a youth centre for Newbridge was raised at the November meeting of Newbridge Town Commission. Explaining the current situation, councillor Fiona O’Loughlin said the Newbridge Community Development Group were seeking help in providing such a centre and believed they were deserving of support in their endeavours to help the young people of the town. She said there are currently some 5,000 teenagers living in Newbridge many with no place to go to cater for their interests - hence the need for a drop-in centre. She told the meeting that the old Health Centre at the Court House had been suggested as one possible solution. Supporting the suggestion of a centre, commissioner Colm Feeney said: "Any people involved in residents associations will be familar with groups of young people gathering under the street lights at night. Young people have to go somewhere when they have done their study." He said while there are many ‘great facilities’ in the town, they do not cater for the interests of all the young people. Chairman, councillor John O’Neill said the issue has been raised on many occassions down the years and should be supported.

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Seeing the red rock symbol ... AYRES ROCK, AUSTRALIA, 23 November 1999: SPECIAL FEATURE SERIES by Susan Cunningham. In many ways Ayres Rock was to be the highlight of our trip. Once we actually saw it, stood beside it, got our photo taken in its shadow, we would have seen Australia. It is indeed all they say it is. Huge because it is surrounded by the flat, flat desert. It stands at 363 meters but it looks like 1000 meters. It is truly awesome. As you drive through central Australia you can feel, see and know that this is a continent with a history that is thousands of years old. The Aboriginal culture is alive and respected here. Ayres Rock is a symbol of the Aboriginal way of life. The Rock itself is very sacred to its people. That the area around the rock is not very commerical says a lot for their culture and the respect they have for it. The fact that more and more people are ignoring their request that no one climb the rock says even more about ours and the respect we have for theirs. The facilities around the rock are surprisingly good. We chose to camp. A hastily made decision as temperatures at night in the desert plummet after the sun goes down. Speaking of which their is no need for a time piece here as the only time that matters is either sunrise or sunset. Feeling that sunrise is just sunset in reverse we chose the latter. It is important to see Ayers at one or either as at any other time she is brown. As the sun sets or rises the Rock goes a scarlet red before hiding behind the darkness. After we leave Central Australia we all know that our trip is just about over. Really all that is left is the most dreaded part. We must now return to where we began. The Kings Cross car market in Sydney awaits. With any luck will will mix a bit of business with a lot of pleasure as we finish up our year travelling in the land down under.

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New water supply contracts signed KILDARE SOUTH, 23 November 1999: by Bill Trapman. Development opportunities in South Kildare have been opened up by Kildare County Council which this week signed a contract for a new water supply to Moone, Timolin and Ballitore. The new supply is part of the South Kildare Regional Water Scheme, and will be fed from the Council’s major reservoir at Old Kilcullen. The work involved is expected to take about four months to complete and will include 13.5 kilometres of new pipeline between Ballyshannon and Ballitore. New booster pumps and monitoring and treatment equipment will be installed at Ballitore. The starting date for the new pipeline has been advanced to allow for construction of the Moone-Timolin-Ballitore By-Pass which is expected to begin early in the New Year. The roadworks will disrupt the existing local supply at Ballitore and a replacement must be put in place to allow the roadworks to go ahead. The £1.3million contract for laying the new pipeline has been awarded to Messrs. Coffey Construction Ltd., of Athenry; work will start within the next few weeks and is expected to last for four months. Funding for the project is being provided by The Department of the Environment and Local Government and by the National Roads Authority. The South Kildare Regional Water Scheme will eventually be extended to serve Athy, and this phase of the project has been approved by the Department of the Environment and Local Government subject to adequate supply being guaranteed via the reservoir at Old Kilcullen by Dublin Corporation. Speaking at the signing of the contract, County Council Cathaoirleach, P. J. Sheridan, stressed the need to provide South Kildare with a quality water supply. "Reliable water supplies are an essential element in the development of modern communities, and the County Council has been working for a number of years to give South Kildare the opportunities which it deserves. This is provided for in the County Development Plan which was adopted by the Council in May of this year, and we want to see new growth being encouraged in South Kildare to ensure balance in the development of the County". County Manager Niall Bradley emphasised the importance of water supplies in protecting public health and in providing a foundation for successful economic growth. "Water is the most essential public service" he said. "Our business is to ensure that it is delivered to the highest standards to homes, factories, shops, schools, hospitals and offices. We have embarked on an ambitious programme for the improvement of infrastructures on behalf of the community, and we are determined to ensure its success".

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 Ireland's only COMPLETE motoring magazine on sale now at all good newsagents. 'Simply the Best'

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Objectors turn up to power station information sessions DUNSTOWN & KILCULLEN, 22 November 1999: by Brian Byrne. Up to 100 people attended the information sessions on the proposed Dunstown Power Station which were held at Kilcullen Community Centre at the end of last week. According to the developer’s representatives, the majority of those appeared to be in opposition to the project, despite assurances that it is of a type that is most acceptable environmentally. The gas-fired plant will cost £190m to build and is a joint project between Bord na Mona, the Finnish group Fortum, and French fuel provider Elf Gaz. The station will output 400Mw, substantially in excess of the peat-fired station currently being built near Edenderry. “At least four such 400Mw stations will be built around the country over the next ten years,” representative Charlies Schier (pictured above centre with colleagues Pat Fitzgerald and Jori Liimata, operation manager of the Edenderry Power Plant) told KNN. “Each represents approximately two years’ worth of the expected growth in power requirements for the National Grid.” A number of visitors to the exhibit were not impressed by the assurances that the station would not impact on their environment, and claimed that photographs taken to show the low profile of the proposed station had deliberately been taken to show surrounding property at its worst. “Where do they show the beautiful trees that have been taken down to make way for this,” one local resident asked. Coillte, who transfrred the land at Dunstown Wood to Bord na Mona for the project are currently clear-felling the mature trees which the promoters say were ready to be harvested anyway. They say that new trees will be planted to augment those left in place to screen the plant. “We’ll fight you all the way,” was the objector’s parting shot. Meanwhile, KNN understands that Kildare County Council is taking legal opinion as to whether the zoning for the project will require a material contravention of the county development plan. If it does, then at least 18 councillors will have to vote in favour of it.

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 Rugby fans? ... check in to Naas Rugby Club's home page for the latest news on the club's activities

Roadbuilders 'not doing their job' - motoring writers chairman DUBLIN & KILCULLEN, 22 November 1999: by Trish Whelan. Those charged nationally with providing the roads infrastructure ‘have simply not done their job’ the chairman of the Irish Motoring Writers Association said last week, at a function announcing the Semperit Irish Car of the Year. Kilcullen-based Brian Byrne (pictured above, second from right, with Dr Tim Mahony of Toyota Ireland and Don Kealy of Semperit Ireland) said there’s no point in these authorities saying that there ‘hasn’t been the money to do so’, because with more than 14 per cent of the nation’s tax revenue coming from motoring, it’s an ‘argument that doesn’t wash’. “I’m glad to see that in the National Development Plan, there is serious commitment to putting in place the kind of motorway system that will get people efficently and safely to and from the important corners of the country. I just hope that it doesn’t become bogged down in the talking shop that other transport initiatives have. We are, unfortunately, a nation good at talking about doing things ... but but somewhere along the road we lose our way to actually getting where we’re going.” The Toyota Yaris won the Semperit Irish Car of the Year 2000 handsomely, with a total of 127 points against its nearest rival, the Fiat Punto at 94 points. Opel’s Zafira came third with 91, Rover’s 75 at 62 and the Lexus IS200 at 57 ending the shortlist placings. The competition is run by the Irish Motoring Writers Association and sponsored by Semperit Ireland. Presenting the award to Dr Tim Mahony, chairman of Toyota Ireland, Semperit managing director Don Kealy said the car was a ‘highly distinctive’ addition to a high-selling and ultra-competitive segment in the market in Ireland’. During his address to the assembled journalists and members of the Irish motor industry, Mr Kealy warned about what he termed the ‘growing victimisation’ of the motorist in Ireland, saying that the car is being made the ‘scapegoat’ for what is really a direct result of years of traffic mismanagement. “It is being painted in some quarters as a threat to the very mobility it seeks to provide,” he said. “The industry must make every effort to ensure public censure is directed where it is warranted, and has been richly earned.” Accepting the award, Dr Tim O’Mahony noted that the Government will take in a total of £880 million in VRT and VAT receipts this year. He asked that the minister for finance should consider strongly the idea that support should be offered to the ‘green’ car segments in order to help the Irish motor industry to protect the environment.

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 Rugby fans? ... check in to Naas Rugby Club's home page for the latest news on the club's activities

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

'Buy castle', Naas councillors urge NAAS, 22 November 1999: by Trish Whelan. Naas UDC should now seek to purchase the historic St David’s Castle and gardens in Naas for the people of the town, councillor Timmy Conway told this week’s meeting of the authority. And his enthusiasm to buy was not dampened by town manager Terry O Niadh saying that the council does not have the money to buy the property which he estimated at about £1m with another £350,000 needing to be spent on refurbishments. It has long been an aspiration of Naas UDC that the Castle be used as a museum or as a heritage centre for the town but Mr O Niadh said it probably would not be suitable for such use. The ‘listed’ building is possibly the oldest in the town and is owned by former county surgeon, Dr Jack Gibson (right), who the manager said ‘was anxious that they come to a conclusion on the matter’. Town clerk Declan Kirrane said the question of the uses of the castle would have to be carefully considered before any decision is taken. He said as a planning authority Naas UDC could ‘exercise control over what goes in there.’ He warned members that any operation there would have to be self-financing and not result in a burden on the Council’s revenue budget. “In addition there would be difficulties with `access for disabled people and car parking facilities for coaches would also have to be provided.” He said it was feasible it could be used for offices and a coffee shop or restaurant but said the authority has no requirement for these facilities at present. Mr O Niadh also informed of ‘a private proposal’ to provide a heritage centre/museum in Naas. It was agreed to keep the Castle objective on the Council’s agenda.

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

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Environmental projects for Kildare COUNTY HALL, 22 November 1999: by Brian Byrne. The development of a permanent nursery and tree-planting programme for Kildare County Council is one of a number of projects which are being developed under an Environmental Graduate Internship Programme. The project will use local and native tree stock in conjunction with community groups to improve biodiversity within the county. “A lot of the present tree-planting is Millennium-related, but what happens after that,” asks environmental graduate Dara Wyer, who is conducting the overall programme. “Many voluntary groups are involved in native seed propogation, and the council can support this by providing resources such as secure nursery sites, for instance.” Dara also suggests that education aspects of the project can be addressed by using a newsletter and the council web-site. Other projects under the programme include investigation of the feasibility of the development of teleworking at a pilot location in the county, which would require the identification of a company in Dublin willing to relocate to a rural area. “This could be an internet-related company, and would require the integration of council services and other bodies such as Eircom,” Dara says. “From conversations with people in this area, it would appear that some would be interested in moving out of the Dublin commuting situation.” The programme is also to look at possibilities for renewable energy within the county, alternative uses for scrap tyres, expansion of the battery recycling project to include domestic as well as car batteries, and work with two community groups to formulate and develop a number of key environmental improvements.

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News Lines ... News Lines ... NAAS: Bus Eireann have asked the advice of members of Newbridge Town Commission on a suitable location for a bus stop in the vicinity of Michael Murphy’s store on Main Street. Currently only the Dublin/Cork service serves the town. Commissioner Seamie Finn said the Limerick bus does not stop in the town and suggested that a stop could be sited close to the traffic crossing at the Credit Union building. “It would be an ideal place for people to cross the road in safety,” he told a recent meeting of the body. LEIXLIP: Leixlip Credit Union’s directors are recommending a 5% dividend on shares and a 12% rebate on loan interest paid at its AGM, which will take place this Wednesday in Leixlip House Hotel. The CU dropped its interest rates by 1.5% earlier this year. Total income is up 5.5% to £562,751 despite a drop in interest income from the CU’s deposits due to the fall in interest rates offered by financial institutions. The branch’s surplus for the year is £400,771, a 3.2% decrease from last year. Leixlip CU’s total assets reached £6,883,566, up 16.7% on the previous year. KILDARE GENERAL: A lump sum payment and pension increases for War of Independence veterans has been welcomed by Kildare South TD Sean Power. The move will increase such pensions and allowances by 50% from January 1. “This is a very fitting tribute on the eve of the new millennium to the men and women and their families who helped found out modern thriving state,” he said. “It acknowledges times and events in the past that shaped our future.”

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

	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.

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	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.)

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