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 under the editorial direction of BRIAN BYRNE and TRISH WHELAN. 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

Roads restoration has 'rural bias' COUNTY HALL, 2 October 1999: by Brian Byrne. There is a 'very significant' rural bias in the Roads Restoration Programme 2000-2004 which was circulated to councillors and adopted at the recent monthly meeting of Kildare County Council. That was the view expressed by Cllr Catherine Murphy, who said that if this bias existed, then it must be counterbalanced in urban areas of the county in terms of traffic calming and management measures and the provision of foothpaths and maintenance of estate roads. "The roads must be of a certain length to qualify for this programme, and I think that is why the bias comes about," she said. In reply, Des O'Connor of the Roads Department said that the apparent bias came about because the rural areas actually had more miles of roads, and the areas involved have more roads that need restoration and reconstruction. Cllr Murphy's stance was supported by Cllr Sean O Fearghaill who said their was a need for a 'parallel' programme to deal with these areas. But the 'rural bias' was defended by Cllr Jim Reilly (right) who said that the people of North West Kildare had been complaining about 'every mile' of road in their area for many years. Meanwhile, the timing of work on Kildare's roads was questioned by Senator John Dardis. He asked why was the resurfacing of the Main Street in Newbridge left to be done in the weeks when the schools reopened, with consequent traffic disruption and dangers? Mr O'Connor said the boom in the construction industry at the moment meant that contractors had to slot such work into a busy schedule and the council had little control over the timing of such slots. Senator Dardis also congratulated Eircom for their provision of 'traffic calming' in Athgarvan in recent weeks. "How can it be that we have done an excellent job in tarmacadamming the village and then have Eircom come along and dig it up?" he asked. "Is there no communication at all between the council and such services?" 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. Check out the weather here

Tom Dowling's KNN Weekend Racing Commentary The CL Weld Group Three race for juveniles and the Ladbrooke Irish Cesarwitch are the feature events at the Curragh this Saturday and both events pose big problems for punters trying to stay ahead of the layers. More

Ploopluck Bridge to get temporary lights ... footpath for Caragh road NAAS, 1 October 1999: by Brian Byrne. Work can begin on a new footpath from Caragh Court estate to the Ploopluck canal bridge 'within three weeks' Naas town engineer Tom Cuddy told councillors at this week's adjourned meeting of the UDC. The work will cost £30,000 and will include a path on the Naas side of the bridge from St Gabriel's Place. In addition, councillors voted to provide a 'temporary' traffic lights solution to the dangers posed to pedestrians crossing the bridge, pending the preparation of a design for a new footbridge, estimated to cost between £50,000-£100,000. Councillors were told that 'money was available' as over £200,000 had been collected in development levies in the area. Mr Cuddy said that traffic lights were not the ideal short-term option, as appropriate signage and new road markings would probably work better, but the councillors adopted the motion of chairman Seamie Moore that 'synchronised traffic lights' be installed. Council officials have been in discussion with Duchas on how to design a pedestrian bridge which would fit in with the environment around Ploopluck Bridge. Meanwhile, in other traffic-related discussions, councillors passed a motion by Cllr Pat McCarthy that the 30mph speed limit sign taken down by a developer at Mill Lane (above) in 1997 be replaced immediately. He said there was only one sign left on the road and it was covered by trees (right). The town clerk also acceded to a request that Kildare County Council's Technical Department be instructed to extend the speed boundaries in the area. A motion submitted by Cllr Anthony Egan that developers be required to build footpaths on access roads at the same time as housing estates were built was ruled to be legally impossible by town manager Terry O Niadh. But it was passed after the insertion of the phrase 'where possible'.

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 leoptour@indigo.ie A Great Tradition of Hospitality Killarney Parknasilla Rosslare Galway Shannon Dublin

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

Water supply wanted for cemetery toilet and drinking facilities CASTLEDERMOT, 1 October 1999: by Brian Byrne. A community group in Castledermot could not avail of grant aid for a proposed water supply for the local cemetery, Cllr Rainsford Hendy was told at this month's meeting of the council. The grants are only available for domestic water supply needs. The group need the supply for the proposed provision of toilets and drinking water at the cemetery (above), which is a distance outside the town and far from any such facilities. A request for support is currently with the council and the group are awaiting a response. The request drew a derisive remark from Celbridge Area councillor Deputy Emmet Stagg, who asked was the council seriously being asked to provide drinking facilities for mourners at funerals?

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

GARDA PATROL ADVICE OF THE WEEK Business people in Newbridge are being warned not to leave money on their premises overnight. This follows a spate of robberies of money in recent weeks. Sgt Con O’Sullivan of Newbridge Garda Station says that with the facilities now easily available for lodging money to banks after hours, there is no good reason why people need to keep large quantities of cash on their premises.

'Leave refusal at that' appeal to developers LEIXLIP, 1 October 1999: by Brian Byrne. An appeal has been made to developers refused planning permission for extra houses in a Leixlip estate to refrain from trying to get the permission by other means. Kildare County Council refused the application by Orlynn Homes Ltd, for permission to build 24 apartments at Dun Carraig in Leixlip, and Cllr Paul Kelly has appealed to the company to leave it at that. "I’m delighted that the Council has acted to protect this valuable natural amenity in the middle of our town,” he said. “The residents of Dun Carraig are entitled to the benefit of the Special Area of Conservation right on their doorsteps, which they have cared for since the estate was built. I would now appeal to Orlynn Homes Ltd not to pursue this opportunistic application any further, and not lodge an appeal to An Bord Pleanála. In any event the grounds upon which the Council has refused permission would seem to make any appeal a futile exercise, so I feel that Orlynn should cut their losses and bow out gracefully. This will enable the Council to complete the taking in charge of the estate, and protect it from future applications like this.”

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

KNN is a completely INDEPENDENT professional news service for County Kildare, with no affiliations to any network, authority, group, party or other organisation. It is our policy to report accurately and fairly on any subject, and we offer right of reply to anyone who has differing opinions to those expressed in any story. Any such opinions published on KNN are not necessarily the views of KNN's proprietors or any network on which we are hosted or to which we may be linked. Email us, or phone 045 481090; fax 481091.

Much adoo-doo about Naas at UDC NAAS, 1 October 1999: by Brian Byrne. It's not often that discussions of a local authority meeting can be described as ‘pure sh*te’ in a non-figurative context, but that was legitimately and literally the case at this week's adjourned meeting of Naas UDC when two separate motions on excrement were discussed. A request made by Cllr Evelyn Bracken that signs be erected in the canal area asking people to clean up after their dogs led to exchanges that dumped to various levels of poo-puns and at one stage prompted Cllr Mary Glennon to say things had 'got out of hand'. With Cllr Bracken asking that money be put aside in the Estimates for the signs, chairman Seamie Moore wondered if councillors were proposing that 'exercise levies' be imposed on dog owners. Cllr Glennon asked that the matter be taken a stage further and that 'dog toilets' be provided for the disposal of excrement recovered by owners. Town clerk Declan Kirrane said that putting up signs was not necessarily the answer, as unless the regulation was enforced it would simply bring the regulations into 'disrepute'. He noted that such activity was already an offence under the Litter Act, but that while two Litter Wardens were being appointed next month, he didn't see this resource being allocated to chasing dog owners. The motion was scatalogically passed. In another discussion, on pig slurry, brought up by Cllr Pat O'Reilly's motion asking that the minister for agriculture be asked to bring in legislation to minimise or eliminate the spreading of slurry on farmland, reference was made to a 'stench' which had lain over the town several times recently. Cllr Charlie Byrne said local farmers were being blamed, but that the slurry was coming from 'further afield'. Cllrs Mary Glennon and Seamie Moore both opposed the motion, on the grounds that the the use of organic fertiliser methods was preferable to the use of chemicals. Cllr O'Reilly said he was talking of 'containers of 1,000 gallons' and he was concerned that the kind of pollution which happened in other counties from pig slurry didn't happen in Naas. Declan Kirrane said there was a Code of Practice for the use of such slurry, and that if people were concerned about any particular situation they should 'go and see what was happening' for themselves. "Without specific cases, we're talking here in a vacuum," he said. The motion was defeated.

A Great Tradition of Hospitality Killarney Parknasilla Rosslare Galway Shannon Dublin

NEWS OR VIEWS? Something happening in your community that's bothering you? Or do you simply want to share the news from your village or town in County Kildare? You can, by emailing us at KNN

For Ireland's best motoring news and reviews, visit MotorWeb

Ancient graveyard to be focus of Naas millennium project NAAS, 30 September 1999: by Brian Byrne. The restoration of the Abbey Graveyard (above) near the Moate in Naas is to be the key component in the town's millennium project. The proposal, prepared by town clerk Declan Kirrane, also includes a programme of pedestrianisation of areas around the graveyard and down to the canal. In all, the whole project could cost £100,000. The graveyard was last cleaned up in 1995, but has become overgrown. Mr Kirrane (right) told KNN that the headstones would remain in place, but walkways and seating would be incorporated in the scheme. The restoration of the graveyard was enthusiastically accepted by the members of the UDC this week. Concerns that it would not be a public park and might be be vandalised as the old workhouse graveyard had been were allayed by Declan Kirrane and town manager Terry O'Niadh, who suggested that the method followed by the establishment of a number of Dublin ancient graveyards as 'places of peace' be followed. Mr Kirrane said South Dublin County Council's Parks Department had been asked to look at the area to advise on best the work could be done. He suggested that the graveyard could also become a focus point in a 'mini interpretative centre' outlining 'the story of Naas'. He said there was currently £40,000 in the budget for the town's millennium project, but that the balance could be raised over a number of years as the work on the complete programme progressed. He told KNN that the area could eventually be part of a development of the town which would incorporate the canal amenity much more directly with the town centre. This would involve opening up old lanes and providing attraction centres which would draw people from the main street to the area in circulatory walks. During the UDC discussion on the project, Cllrs Mary Glennon and Willie Callaghan noted that they both had 'mutual relatives' in the graveyard, and would not like it to become a public park. But as it was outlined by the officials, they would have no problems with the plan.

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 leoptour@indigo.ie A Great Tradition of Hospitality Killarney Parknasilla Rosslare Galway Shannon Dublin

VIOLET'S FLOWERS Do you need to send flowers home for that special remembrance? Station Road, Kildare - Registered Teleflorist - Phone 045 522210

ONE OF THE KILDARE WILD GEESE? Are you involved with any Irish organisations or groups abroad? Let us know where you are and what you're at by emailing KNN. And find out about your fellow wild geese.

Kilcullen prepares for expansionary leap in new millennium KILCULLEN, 30 September 1999: by Brian Byrne. Kilcullen's first major housing development for decades could involve a 148-unit housing scheme which would include apartment blocks, town houses, and 3-, 4- and 5-bedroomed houses. Local businessman Brendan O’Connell has applied to Kildare County Council for permission for a development on land (above) at the back of the Market Square which has extensive river frontage along the Liffey. The development would include a linear park along the river, and access would be through the Market Square (below) in the area formerly occupied by Healy Exhausts Ltd. Additional pedestrian access would be near the John F Kennedy Hall at the back of Berney’s Pub. The project as proposed would involve the demolition of a house on the square to provide access, and the building of a gateway entrance. An ESB substation and other infrastructural elements are included in the plan. Kilcullen has had no significant development in housing for some 20 years, due to lack of sewerage services. These are now being put in place and are expected to be linked with the Osberstown Treatment Plant next year. A number of parcels of land in the town have recently changed hands for large amounts of money and the town is likely to see substantial growth in coming years. Meanwhile, with the news this week that Kilcullen will be one of the five towns in Kildare to receive funding for town renewal in the first phase of the latest tax incentive scheme, it is understood that the Market Square itself may become the focus of development which could include a hotel, apartments and a substantial retail area development. KNN has learned that a number of the properties on the square have been acquired by developers who are endeavouring to put a package together which would see the area become the focal point of the town. The square has river frontage, with a small riverside park area that is currently being extended downstream of the bridge, using privately raised funding. In addition, the Town Hall Theatre is being rebuilt (below) to provide a larger stage and new foyer area, as well as a heritage centre. It is hoped to have it completed in time for the ringing in of the new millennium.

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 leoptour@indigo.ie A Great Tradition of Hospitality Killarney Parknasilla Rosslare Galway Shannon Dublin

NEWS OR VIEWS? Something happening in your community that's bothering you? Or do you simply want to share the news from your village or town in County Kildare? You can, by emailing us at KNN

For Ireland's best motoring news and reviews, visit MotorWeb

Barrow to be source of water for South Kildare KILDARE SOUTH, 30 September 1999: by Brian Byrne. Approval for new ground water sources and abstraction from the River Barrow (above) is expected to be given to Kildare County Council next month, as part of the council's programme to improve water service in South Kildare. The acting county engineer, John Murphy, told councillors at the September meeting of the council that tender documents for the new water system in Castledermot were being prepared and the work would be going to tender before Christmas. He was replying to a query from Cllr Martin Miley (left). Mr Murphy also said the work was conditional on clearance being given by South Dublin County Council that they would be able to supply enough water pending the sourcing of new supplies for the South Kildare Regional Scheme. The matter arose during a discussion on the progress of the council's Rural Water Programme in relation to group schemes and well grants. Liaison officer Adrian King told councillors that there had been 276 applications for grants for the provision or improvement of individual water supply to houses, of which 202 had so far been approved. In regard to Group Schemes, 65 of 82 such schemes not taken in charge by the council were circulated with details of a subsidy scheme towards their operational costs. Of the 25 who responded, only three have so far submitted complete documentation for payment of the subsidy - Lipstown and Narraghmore, Gormanstown and Usk, and Ballindoolin. Eighteen schemes are seeking to be taken in charge by the council. To date, the council has taken in charge 72 schemes in the county. Meanwhile, county manager Niall Bradley (right) has asked councillors to provide details of any difficulties which constituents might be experiencing over maintenance of water quality from grant-aided wells. This follows a query from Cllr Jim Reilly on the possibility of further grant aid for such situations. Cllr Reilly was told that the maximum allowable for any individual grant in this respect was £1,600, and that no further aid was available - though if the original grant had not amounted to £1,600 the balance could be applied for in respect of further work. Mr Bradley said that it would be helpful to have details of any such cases, with a view to making a national case for expanding the system. "If it is happening here, it's happening elsewhere," he said.

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie A Great Tradition of Hospitality Killarney Parknasilla Rosslare Galway Shannon Dublin  THE LEINSTER PRINTMAKING STUDIO THE OLD CONVENT, CLANE Artists' resource, Training, Gallery sales. Phone Margaret Becker 045 868168 or 087 2310114

Naas 'needs relief ring roads' network NAAS, 30 September 1999: by Trish Whelan. The necessity of providing a series of relief ring roads linking all the major roads in Naas so as to divert traffic away from the heavily congested town centre was highlighted by councillor Anthony Egan at a recent meeting of Naas UDC. He stressed a structure for the entire town was needed. Town manager Terry O Niadh pointed out that road proposals had been part of the Town Development Plan adopted by the previous Council in June. But he said plans not fulfilled could be changed when the new Town Plan was being adopted in five years time. However, he hoped that some, or all, of the ring roads planned will be achieved within that time. Councillor Pat O’Reilly said three ring roads are proposed which will relieve congestion. Supporting the motion, chairman councillor Seamie Moore said adequate funding was at the core of the matter. Terry O Niadh said the imminent pedestrianisation of Basin Street will lead to more traffic on the Newbridge Road. “Short term measures will create problems,” he warned. He had advised against the pedestrianisation of Basin Street (between the Harbour and Main Street) until the ring roads were in place. It was pointed out to avoid the heavy traffic on the Newbridge Road, people were opting to go down the motorway to access the town! Councillor Mary Glennon said traffic is often backed up as far out as Arconagh Estate on the Newbridge Road. “It’s back to pre by-pass days and it’s not going to get any better, so what’s the solution?” she asked.

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

KNNeDigest: We have a regular email newsletter to keep people up to date with main news and features from Kildare. If you know somebody who would like to be on the mailing list, email us at tellingtales@yahoo.com

Horse is now officially the brand symbol for Kildare KILDARE GENERAL, 29 September 1999: by Brian Byrne. The horse has officially been adopted as the symbol of Kildare in terms of creating a brand for the county worldwide. Kildare county councillors officially endorsed the idea at their September meeting after a presentation by the chairman of the Kildare Horse Development Company, Michael O'Rourke (pictured on right below with the company's development manager Shane Dolan). Mr O'Rourke said KHDC have been developing the concept for the last two years in conjunction with the Kildare Leader company KELT. Noting that a professional survey and the use of focus groups had shown the county to be already associated with the horse industry, it was an ideal opportunity for Kildare to become 'the Kentucky of Europe' as that state in the US was globally associated with the horse industry in the US. "It is important to take control of our image," he emphasised, calling attention to the image of Limerick, for instance, which had become associated with stabbings because of news media stories. KHDC proposed the incorporation of the horse as a promotional symbol in tandem with the traditional symbols of the county. "We should have every business in the county putting the symbol on its letterheading," Cllr Timmy Conway suggested, supporting the idea. Shane Dolan said said that there would be a continuing programme of initiatives which would reinforce the image. The councillors were being asked for their approval at this stage because there is a major tourist trail signposting programme beginning in a month's time in a combined venture between KELT and Kildare County Council, and it was proposed to include the horse symbol on these signposts. Cllr Catherine Murphy supported the move, with the caveat that there were a lot of other tourism options to be developed besides the horse, especially in the North of the county. Cllr Sean O Fearghaill suggested the formation of a working group between KHDC and the council to see how best the symbol could be progressed.

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 A Great Tradition of Hospitality Killarney Parknasilla Rosslare Galway Shannon Dublin

NEWS OR VIEWS? Something happening in your community that's bothering you? Or do you simply want to share the news from your village or town in County Kildare? You can, by emailing us at KNN

For Ireland's best motoring news and reviews, visit MotorWeb

'Codswallop' remark was 'insult to the chair' of Naas UDC NAAS, 29 September 1999: by Brian Byrne. A remark that councillors were being fed ‘codswallop’ fanned angry exchanges at last night’s adjourned meeting of Naas UDC, with chairman Seamie Moore (right) demanding that an ‘insult to the chair’ be withdrawn. The row began during a discussion on the controversial site for the proposed new school at Sallins Road, which had been raised under a suspension of standing orders by Cllr Charlie Byrne. Cllr Byrne said he had been receiving phone calls from people ‘concerned and confused’ about the school’s non-progress, and was himself concerned that while the chairman had asked councillors not to talk to the press about the matter following last week’s discussion in committee, the chairman was quoted about the school project in the Leinster Leader the following morning. Cllr Byrne said he believed the Department of Education had ‘no commitment’ to the plan for a school at Sallins Road, and that no application had been received by the UDC for permission for the school, hailed during the rezoning controversy earlier this year as being open in September 2000. Cllr Moore disagreed, saying he had been in touch with education authorities both in Dublin and Tullamore and they ‘were very much aware’ of the project. he said he had been taking advantage of a delay in the presenting of an application for the school to examine safety fears raised by local residents. Cllr Mary Glennon (left) demanded that the ‘truth be told’ about the ownership and status of the Oldtown Estate site, proposed originally for the school as part of a community benefit offer in return for rezoning. “This is not a mushroom factory where we can sit here and be fed codswallop” she said. Cllr Moore took offence at the remark and demanded that it be withdrawn, saying it was the second time in a week that Cllr Glennon had ‘insulted the chair’. After further exchanges, Cllr Glennon withdrew the word ‘codswallop’ out of ‘respect to the office of the chair’, but said she needed to know the position about the site. Cllr Moore said that as far as he understood the site had been ‘honourably handed over’ to the Boards of Management of the town and that it would remain in the property of the parish regardless of the eventual location of the school. Cllr Willie Callaghan said the acquisition of the site had been done in response to a request of the Boards of Management made some 18 months ago. “Nobody can blame anybody on this council for their delay in applying for permission,” he commented. “We did our bit ... it’s up to them to pick up the ball.”

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie  THE LEINSTER PRINTMAKING STUDIO THE OLD CONVENT, CLANE Artists' resource, Training, Gallery sales. Phone Margaret Becker 045 868168 or 087 2310114

Parking in County Kildare ... NEWBRIDGE & NAAS, 29 September 1999: by Brian Byrne. A new parking area for elite cars has apparently been provided in Newbridge. As seen from the picture above, the recently cobblelocked area in front of the old church is ideal for a Range Rover with the unique registration number 99 KE 1999. In a recent discussion by the commission on parking problems in the town, concerns were expressed that the new area might inded become a car park extension. Meanwhile, in Naas, which has had its own controversies over parking in recent years, and which has a diligent team of wardens ready to write tickets at any hint of overtime parking, there’s apparently a new licence available for all-day parking on South Main Street (below). All one needs is a painting contract in the Courthouse and have an official Court Stamp on a piece of paper noting that situation. Will this system also be offered to the ratepaying businesspeople of the town when they have contractors working on their premises?

KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more. A Great Tradition of Hospitality Killarney Parknasilla Rosslare Galway Shannon Dublin

KNNeDigest: We have a regular email newsletter to keep people up to date with main news and features from Kildare. If you know somebody who would like to be on the mailing list, email us at tellingtales@yahoo.com

Alcohol consumption restrictions on way for North Kildare towns MAYNOOTH & CELBRIDGE, 29 September 1999: by Brian Byrne. Kildare County Council is to seek legal opinion on whether residents associations and other bodies can get exemption from proposed bye-laws on alcohol consumption in public for the purposes of events such as street parties. This follows discussion on the bye-laws, due to come into force in Maynooth and Celbridge on 1 November, at this month's meeting of the council during which Cllr John McGinley brought up the matter of neighbourhood New Year's Eve street parties. Councillors were also assured that gardai would be able to enforce the by-laws despite the fact that the regulations as drafted specify only 'an authorised officer' of the council as the enforcing authority. The regulations forbid the consumption of alcohol or the carrying of an unsealed container containing alcohol on an footpath, footway or road in the two towns, or in any cemetery, schoolyard or church grounds. Beers which are described as 'non-alcoholic' are also prohibited because they do contain a small amount of alcohol. A fine of £25 will be levied on anybody who contravenes the bye-laws. Under the new laws, it is permitted to consume alcohol in private gardens, and at tables outside pubs and restaurants properly licensed.

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

NEWS OR VIEWS? Something happening in your community that's bothering you? Or do you simply want to share the news from your village or town in County Kildare? You can, by emailing us at KNN

For Ireland's best motoring news and reviews, visit MotorWeb

Councillors 'have no function' for housing allocations NAAS, 29 September 1999: by Trish Whelan. A motion that the elected members of Naas Urban District Council ‘retake the responsibility of housing allocations’, prompted an official response that allocating houses had never been the business of the council because by law it is an executive function of the town manager. Cllr Seamie Moore told of receiving complaints every time outsiders are allocated houses in Naas. “While the manager ultimately makes the decision, he is influenced by another authority, the Eastern Health Board,” he said. He spoke of regular requests from people seeking to be housed ‘from addresses that have nothing to do with Naas as the council is obliged to look after the needs of people from all over the country who walk up the Town Hall steps in Naas seeking to be housed in the town’. Cllr Evelyn Bracken believed councillors ‘know more about the people out there, and their needs, than the EHB’. But Councillor Mary Glennon felt the move would be ‘dodgey area and a retrograde step’. She felt the points system to be a fairer and more transparent way of dealing with a housing list. The competence of councillors to decide on allocations was questioned by Councillor Charlie Byrne who said he didn’t think they would be up to the job ... and it could leave them open to more abuse than they were presently getting! Explaining the current procedure, the town clerk said ALL applications have to be considered. Applications are then inspected by the Health Board which reports on the conditions of each applicant. These reports then go to the town clerk who makes the recommendations to the manager. He advised proposals in relation to the points system are to be put to the members in the near future. At present there are some 330 people seeking to be housed in the town. In the light of this explanation, Cllr Moore then withdrew his motion.

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

KNN is a completely INDEPENDENT professional news service for County Kildare, with no affiliations to any network, authority, group, party or other organisation. It is our policy to report accurately and fairly on any subject, and we offer right of reply to anyone who has differing opinions to those expressed in any story. Any such opinions published on KNN are not necessarily the views of KNN's proprietors or any network on which we are hosted or to which we may be linked. Email us, or phone 045 481090; fax 481091.

Kilcullen replaces Ballymore on town renewal list after protest KILCULLEN, 28 September 1999: by Brian Byrne. Ballymore Eustace was yesterday unceremoniously dumped from the first phase of the new Town Renewal Scheme after vociferous protests by many councillors over the non-inclusion of Kilcullen on the list of five towns submitted for their approval. Ballymore had been included with Castledermot, Kilcock, Monasterevin and Rathangan for the scheme, which is designed to increase the attractiveness of towns with populations between 500-6,000 and to stabilise their populations. Cllr Timmy Conway led the charge against the exclusion of Kilcullen, saying it was ‘unbelievable’ that the town had been left out. “In the 50s it was the most promising town in the county, but was hit badly by emigration,” he said. “Without a shadow of doubt, it needs a kick-start.” And he asked where a resolution passed unanimously by the Naas Area councillors that Kilcullen be included had gone? Deputy Sean Power said that if anybody took the trouble to go to Kilcullen they would see how much it ‘needs this injection’. “It is a community which has always been very proactive and a byword for self-help,” he said. “But I think they have been penalised for the efforts they have made in the past rather than being supported.” He also criticised what he called a ‘lack of consultation’ between the planners and the councillors on the scheme and said he ‘would not rubber-stamp’ anything he had no ‘hand, act or part’ in. Senator John Dardis expressed his ‘absolute astonishment’ that Kilcullen was not on the list, noting that the town had received a ‘miniscule’ amount of money after it had been bypassed. He also noted the significance of the date on which the list had been compiled, on 2 September, before several submissions from development groups in the town had been received. “This is a quite intolerable situation,” he concluded. Cllr Rainsford Hendy also supported the inclusion of Kilcullen, saying it would help the development of the rest of south Kildare. Vocal support also came from Cllrs Billy Hillis, Jim Keane, Mary Glennon - who said she had received many phone calls from Ballymore people who said they ‘didn’t want to be included’ - and Sean O’Fearghaill, who said it would be ‘imprudent’ to include Ballymore at this stage, and that what people said about Kilcullen currently being 'devastated' was true. A proposal to switch Kilcullen for Ballymore was carried by concensus.

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

£100 million to be spent on Kildare's roads COUNTY HALL, 28 September 1999: by Brian Byrne. Up to £100 million will be spent on Kildare’s roads over the next five years, it was suggested at yesterday’s monthly meeting of Kildare’s County Council. Advising councillors to adopt a proposed five-year Roads Restoration Programme worth £23.4m, county manager Niall Bradley (right) said it represented ‘perhaps a quarter’ of the total funding which would be available over the period. The plan continues on from a previous five-year programme during which £15m was spent on Non National road improvements, involving 500 schemes and over 800km of roads. More than 400 schemes are proposed in the new plan, on over 500km or roads. Senior executive engineer (Roads) Des O’Connor said the programme would mean Kildare could be ‘pothole-free’ at the end of it. At yesterday’s meeting there was strong anger expressed by councillors who felt they had not been given enough time to peruse the report. Cllr Catherine Murphy said there had been a similar problem at the presentation of the first programme, while Cllr Sean O Fearghaill said it was ‘utterly unacceptable’ that he and his colleagues had not the time to study a report which involved the spending of £23m. In response to a query from Deputy Jack Wall (left) as to whether the adoption could be delayed until the next meeting of the council, Mr Bradley said that such a move would be ‘inadvisable’ as the Department of the Environment would take that as having no submission from Kildare. He assured councillors that there would be enough flexibility in the programme’s implementation to make whatever changes were thrown up by the county’s very rapid growth. The plan was adopted on a vote of 15-3.

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

VIOLET'S FLOWERS Do you need to send flowers home for that special remembrance? Station Road, Kildare - Registered Teleflorist - Phone 045 522210

ONE OF THE KILDARE WILD GEESE? Are you involved with any Irish organisations or groups abroad? Let us know where you are and what you're at by emailing KNN. And find out about your fellow wild geese.

UDC makes offer on homes demolition to Sarto Road residents NAAS, 28 September 1999: by Trish Whelan. Naas Urban District Council has made an offer to seven families in Sarto Road, Naas, whose homes - built by the Council 30 years ago - are to be demolished because of structural faults. “A long term accommodation and recompense offer has been made by the Council to all seven residents which we hope will be a satisfactory solution to all,” town clerk Declan Kirrane told a recent UDC meeting. This followed a motion by newly elected councillor Mary Glennon that ‘every effort be made to facilitate the residents and tenants who are facing a winter of extreme hardship as a result of their living conditions’. She outlined the danger of Weil’s Disease from rat infestations, as well problems of floors collapsing and of door frames at odd angles in the homes. “If I was in their position I would have taken the litagation route,” she said, adding that a local builder at the time, Nicky Brennan, had refused to build on the site ‘but the Council had gone ahead themselves’. “He knew better,” she emphasised. It was pointed out that other councillors had also made representations on behalf of the families and that the town clerk had given ‘endless time to meetings and consultations on the matter’. Outlining the present position, Declan Kirrane said the Department of the Environment has approved plans to demolish and rebuild the houses - and to fund relocation expenses - but he said two tenant purchasers are not prepared to accept the offer as they want to live elsewhere. He stressed the houses will be rebuilt in accordance with building regulations and a tender is with the Department of the Environment for approval.

Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie A Great Tradition of Hospitality Killarney Parknasilla Rosslare Galway Shannon Dublin

BEER for Ballymore Wild Geese NEW SOUTH WALES & BALLYMORE, 28 September 1999: Dear Editor, Congratulations to KNN for a great web site that is most informative to people worldwide. My name is Tim Clarke. I was raised in Broadleas, Ballymore Eustace a few years ago. I live in the area of Sydney, Australia, where there are hundreds of kangaroos and Irish people I have been keeping a watch on KNN web site for almost a year & I am impressed with the content. I saw the letter on Wild Geese from Rob Mullally (Jamaica) who has now moved to San Diego. I contacted Rob to realise that he was the brother of my schoolmate Michael Mullally. I have exchanged mail with Matt Purcell, also a Ballymore man who contributes most interesting writings to the Ballymore Bugle newsletter. Through contact with Matt Purcell I elected to form a reunion in Ballymore Eustace in September 2000, starting on Saturday 9th with activities throughout the week and ending on Sunday 17th. The week-long activities will be a fun way for people worldwide, away from their place of youth and memories, to be rekindled with relatives and friends while at the same time everyone's participation will be directed at raising funds for the youth of Ballymore Eustace. This is a great opportunity for the local business houses and any person in Ballymore Eustace who can supply goods and service for the reunion. The reunion will be named BEER - Ballymore Eustace Emigrant Reunion I would like to hear from persons who would like to make the BEER a success by their presence or participation. For further information please contact Tim Clarke, PO Box 14 Tahmoor NSW 2573 Australia, or E-mail timdrive5@hotmail.com Thank You KNN. Tim Clarke

GARDA PATROL ADVICE OF THE WEEK Business people in Newbridge are being warned not to leave money on their premises overnight. This follows a spate of robberies of money in recent weeks. Sgt Con O’Sullivan of Newbridge Garda Station says that with the facilities now easily available for lodging money to banks after hours, there is no good reason why people need to keep large quantities of cash on their premises.

Naas Musical Society on the fairway NAAS, 28 September 1999: Dear Editor, Naas Musical Society held its first ever Golf Classic last Friday (24th) in Killeen Golf Club. A great day was had by all, with prizes galore. Everyone was more than happy with the standards on the day, especially so with the prizes, with some golfers saying they were the best they'd seen at a classic in years. Winners on the day were: 1st Kavanaghs Pub - each team member received a colour TV; 2nd Liam Whelan (one of the society’s own members) and his colleagues - each received green fees to the K-Club; 3rd Lunar Communications - each received the latest APS camera system. There were many other winners on the day, Teamsoft Ltd, Colgan Print & Design, First Active and the Waterbabes, to name but a few. Every one sang well into the night with entertainment supplied by the society’s talented members, Sean & Paul. Everone is already talking about next years classic, so all you golfers out there watch this space! The committee of the society would like to thank all the local businesses who supported them with the calssic. Without all the donations and spot prizes these events would not be possible. The continued support of all these people is deeply appreciated. Tina O'Kelly (Chairperson)

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.

Festival of Speed recalls Curragh motor racing glory ... and tragedy THE CURRAGH, 27 September 1999: by Brian Byrne. The unveiling of a commemorative stone at the Curragh Camp on Saturday marked the 50th anniversary of international motor racing on the Curragh, and started a weekend Festival of Speed which brought more than 40 open and saloon racing cars back to the venue. The stone was unveiled by Michael Nugent, representing the monument’s sponsors Motor Import Ltd, who hold the BMW franchise in Ireland (pictured above with Olivia McCrossan, designer of the monument; racing driver Bobby Newell and the stonemason, Matt Doyle of Carlow). The event was organised by the Curragh Local History Group and the Irish Motor Racing Club, and included two afternoons of sprint racing around the ‘short course’ which took in roads and squares within the camp itself. Among the veteran entrants was Bobby Newell and the oldest car there, a 1926 Alvis 12/50 - the only driver/car combination at the event which had taken part in the early races 50 years ago. Other names from the past which were recalled were Stirling Moss, Roy Salvadori, Anthony Powys-Lybbe and Joe Kelly, all of whom provided thrills on the ‘big circuit’ which took in the Curragh, Ballymany Cross and Kildare. Cars which thrilled the spectators at the weekend included a 1938 ERA GPI, a 1954 Jaguar C-Type and a 1953 Frazer Nash as well as an assortment of MGs, Triumphs and ‘Specials’. “The Curragh Historic Speed Festival will add another chapter the record books to uphold County Kildare’s claim to be the home of motor racing in Ireland,” said Reg Darling, chairman of the IMRC. He thanked the Acting O/C of the Defence Forces Training Centre, Col Mossy Canavan, for the help given by the Defence Forces in the organisation of the event. The stone's designer is the daughter of Newbridge-based photographer Oliver McCrossan, who has been a long-time car racing fan and who vividly remembers the tragic crash at Ballymany in 1954 which effectively ended open-road car racing in Kildare. The disaster happened when Joe Quinn from Derry touched wheels with another car on the approach to the corner and lost control. He killed a young soldier doing traffic marshall duty and a spectator, and died himself when a rope barrier tangled around his neck. “I was watching from across the road but only witnessed the final moments as the car came slowly to a halt with the driver’s body hanging grotesquely from the cockpit,” Oliver recalls. “The accident happened about 20 minutes from the finish and spectators only a few hundred yards away were unaware of the tragedy as the race continued. The Army medical services attended to the injured at the scene and the more seriously injured were rushed to the nearby Drogheda Memorial Hospital.” Oliver is pictured below on the left, with Adrian Boyd from Newtownabbey and his 1960 Austin Healey Speedwell Sprite.

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 leoptour@indigo.ie A Great Tradition of Hospitality Killarney Parknasilla Rosslare Galway Shannon Dublin  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

KNNeDigest: We have a regular email newsletter to keep people up to date with main news and features from Kildare. If you know somebody who would like to be on the mailing list, email us at tellingtales@yahoo.com

St David's School parents want traffic calming as a priority NAAS, 27 September 1999: by Trish Whelan. The parents of children at a Naas school have taken issue with an Urban District Council view that traffic calming measures near their school are not a priority. The Parent/Teacher Association of St David’s National School which has exists both on the Dublin Road and the Sycamores say that the use of the minor road as a rat run by motorists between the Sallins Road and the Dublin Road is putting their children in serious danger. “We have asked the UDC for traffic calming measures,” says PTA member Jackie Bissett “but have been told that while money is available for traffic calming, priority is being given to ramps for Monread. “Our view is that basically any school should be regarded as a priority. We would routinely have children crossing that road all the time with two gates leading on to it, one for cars and the other for children,” she says. One small gate also opens onto the Dublin Road beside the controlled pedestrian lights crossing. “We were very grateful when this crossing was installed but the problem is a lot of motorists come up through the Sycamores not realising there is a school on the road as there is nothing to suggest it is there.” The school has erected a sign on the school wall onto the Dublin Road, put there deliberately to raise awareness that the building is in fact a school. But Jackie says people who have lived in Naas for years still don’t know where St. David’s school is even though it’s been there for over 100 years! I think the money to be spent allocated for ramps in Monread is very well spent but priority should also be given to our school.”

A Great Tradition of Hospitality Killarney Parknasilla Rosslare Galway Shannon Dublin  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

Call for more security at old people's homes NEWBRIDGE, 27 September 1999: by Brian Byrne. Concerns about the security in old people’s homes in Newbridge were raised at the town’s recent monthly commission meeting. The homes have recently been subject to a number of robberies carried out by pairs of thieves. Commission chairman John O’Neill said he wanted Kildare County Council to make the homes more secure, and he also wanted the commission to make representations to the local gardai to provide more security for the old people, given that ‘they were just up the road’ from their homes. There was unanimous support for the matter from all commissioners for the proposal.

A Great Tradition of Hospitality Killarney Parknasilla Rosslare Galway Shannon Dublin

GARDA PATROL ADVICE OF THE WEEK Business people in Newbridge are being warned not to leave money on their premises overnight. This follows a spate of robberies of money in recent weeks. Sgt Con O’Sullivan of Newbridge Garda Station says that with the facilities now easily available for lodging money to banks after hours, there is no good reason why people need to keep large quantities of cash on their premises.

Naas needs its parkland ... NAAS, 27 September 1999: Dear Editor Just some history/comment on the positioning of the new Sallins Road school in the Monread Triangle as opposed to its current proposed positioning. Fifteen or so years ago when the park/civic amenity was proposed it came about when it was suggested by the developer that the open space that was in front of every house (eg Lakelands and other estates of the time) could be combined into one large park. Yes, density would be greater beside the individual houses, but they would have one big park area as opposed to lots of bits. In this area would be a school and other community areas. This was one of the matters that allowed the development of the Monread Triangle to occur against opposition. But the park gradually became eaten into by successive rezoning applications, with little opposition from the town’s elected representatives. Then the school was quietly dropped for the area. Finally, the Monread residents began to see that all the developers were going to do was put in houses and structures that would yield profits for them and the park was being eaten into. (At one stage the designated park area was virtually a dump - I personally made a complaint to the council about the dumping by the builders of specified risk waste materials on the land contrary to the Waste Management Act) The residents organised themselves and started to push and push hard. This slowed down and eventually stopped the encroachment, but not before the site originally designated for the school and much of the park land had been built upon. There is an impression being put around by the Town Hall that this park is only for the Monread residents and that only they will suffer if it is further encroached upon. The implication is that for the greater good they should compromise. This park is for ALL the people of Naas. Look at the size of the town and the size the Naas Town Development Plan envisions it to be. PEOPLE NEED SPACE to walk and relax. There is only one such area in the town at present - the Lakes - and look how crowded this is on a Sunday afternoon. That area is a mile away from the Monread triangle and all the estates down that end of town. Look at the rezoning plan and its implications for open space around the town. All the favourite walks of the people of Naas will soon be built upon. The Craddockstown Road is houses nearly all the way to Punchestown. The canal is more houses and will get worse. WE NEED THIS PARK. While the likes of Seamie Moore may abhor open spaces (refence your coverage during the local elections and my Letter to the Editor on same), he and his likes should not be allowed to destroy the much-needed pressure valve and recreation space that the park located in Monread will provide. To go back now and say that they want to return to the site identified 15 years ago where the school should be located is fine. All the developer has to do is buy back the houses/apartment complex on the school site, demolish them and put up the school. It is true to say that there are road dangers on the Sallins Road but why accept speeding and dangerous driving? Why not put in barriers and ramps that control the dangerous driving on the road? Alternatively, a site the size of that taken from the park for a school should be taken out of the Oldtown development and be designated as a park and connected to the Monread Park by a pedestrian bridge over the Sallins road. I see similar around Dublin, in Tallaght or in Fairview with the pedestrian bridge between Joey's CBS and Fairview Park. That way the people of the town get a park AND a school. Furthermore I would suggest a statement should be made that no developer can develop in Oldtown until both are complete and handed over to the people of Naas. Otherwise, anybody give me odds on their being more houses and less public amenities?. Learn from what happened to the Monread Park. Finally, I wonder if this change in plan has any implications for the other lands that the Oldtown Estate has promised for public use on the death of the DeBurghs? John Kavanagh.

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 leoptour@indigo.ie A Great Tradition of Hospitality Killarney Parknasilla Rosslare Galway Shannon Dublin

KNNeDigest: We have a regular email newsletter to keep people up to date with main news and features from Kildare. If you know somebody who would like to be on the mailing list, email us at tellingtales@yahoo.com

NEWS OR VIEWS? Something happening in your community that's bothering you? Or do you simply want to share the news from your village or town in County Kildare? You can, by emailing us at KNN

For Ireland's best motoring news and reviews, visit MotorWeb

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