Sallins is latest 'marauders' parking site SALLINS, 22 September 2000: 1.30pm by Brian Byrne. Sallins is the latest Kildare town to suffer from what have been described by Deputy Emmet Stagg as a ‘marauding bunch of lawless people’. For the second time this year, a large group of travellers have invaded the private property of the former Eurowest factory in the town, and local people say the situation is disgraceful. “If any of us did this, we’d be immediately up in court,” one woman told KNN today. “We’re not afraid of them, but we’re very annoyed.” As late as last night, more travellers were arriving, entering another section of the property by a gap broken in a post and rail fence (below). The larger group has been on the site for a couple of weeks, coincidentally with a similar group being legally forced off the Caragh Road property owned by Naas UDC, costing the authority an estimated £25,000 in clean-up and legal fees. Deputy Stagg (left), who was very outspoken in a similar situation in Celbridge during the summer, has a motion on the problem down for discussion at Monday’s meeting of Kildare County Council. It asks that Kildare County Council cooperate with the other local authorities in the county, the gardai, the Revenue Commissioners, and the Customs & Excise to form a task force ‘to respond effectively to the marauding bunch of lawless people who invaded the county during this summer, causing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage to public and private property’. Cllr Tony Lawlor also has a motion on the situation, asking that the relevant Government minister change the current law, while Senator Sean O Fearghaill is asking the council to pursue such travellers through the courts as a matter of policy, for the recovery of any damages arising from illegal parking of transient travellers in the county.

UDC condemns racism after chairman's warning NAAS, 22 September 2000: 8.30am by Trish Whelan. Naas UDC councillors were warned to be careful before discussing a motion that the Council ‘takes a positive action programme in discouraging racism among organisations, businesses and individuals in the town’. Issuing the warning, chairman Pat O’Reilly said 'it’s important to remember the existence of the Incitement to Hatred Act'. The topic was introduced by Cllr Mary Glennon (left) who told how a Cuban man living in Naas was unable to find employment in the area. She said the man, who is black, was ‘dignified and reserved’. He also has Irish citizenship. “I was horrified listening to his account,” she said. “He has applied for numerous jobs, only to be told: ‘We’ll get back to you’.” Cllr Glennon said the man, a qualified aircraft engineer, is in a state of deep depression over the situation and asked her to convey the pain and the isolation he was feeling. “He had previously worked in Russia for a number of years. He never encountered any problems arising from his ethnic background. He came to Ireland expecting such a situation. I promised him I would share his feelings with the Council. Just because you are black doesn’t mean you aren’t an Irish citizen and have a right to a job, like others who live in this town.” Cllr Glennon also told of witnessing a coloured man being kicked by a number of young children when collecting his own children from school. On remonstrating with them, they replied ‘We don’t care’. “That message is coming from adults down to children,” she said. “When young children express such an attitude, they didn’t scrape it up off the road.” Cllr Pat McCarthy(left) said he was pleased to second the motion. He said a council such as Naas should give leadership on the issue. He said racism should be ‘nipped in the bud’. Cllr Charlie Byrne hoped the case in question was an isolated incident. Cllr O’Reilly said the gardai had received no complaints. “This Council can only condemn those activities. We should welcome these people into our community and wish them well.”

Welcome for 'super job' on car park NEWBRIDGE, 22 September 2000: by Brian Byrne. The tarmacing and lining of the car park in Newbridge has been warmly welcomed by Cmmr Pat Black, who has campaigned since last November for the job to be done by Kildare County Council. "It took a long time to get it done, but I have to say now that the council has done a super job," he said yesterday. "It has increased the car parking capacity by about 20%, and in advance of our traffic management plan we now have entry and exit to the car park clearly indicated." Cmmr Black also noted that the new lighting in the car park will make it much more attractive for motorists to use the facility in the coming evenings of early darkness. "The lack of lighting was something that concerned many of us, including the local businesses. Now that is much improved." Cmmr Black urged that the proposed traffic management plan now be progressed to completion, so that the town could benefit quickly from a reputation it is gaining as one of the easier towns in mid-Kildare to shop in.

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Art club to hold joint exhibition in Wales twin town NAAS, 22 September 2000: by Trish Whelan. Naas Art Club is extending the hand of friendship across the Irish Sea by means of a joint art exhibition with artists in St David’s in Wales (left). Naas is twinned with the city of St David’s, which has a population of about 2,000. The exhibition will take place in the Town Hall in St David’s from October 21-27. Besides visits by rugby teams from both areas and visits at twinning committee level, little has happened culturally to allow both areas to get to know each other - until now. The idea follows a visit by Andrew Hamilton to Ian Panton, administrator of St David’s 2020, Economic Regeneration & Tourism, who started the ball rolling. “The idea progressed at the Welsh end with local artist Monica Groves taking a keen interest. We kind of progressed it between us and she checked out local interest by amateur artists there,” Andrew explained. When seeking funding for the exhibition, he found none available either from Naas UDC or Kildare County Council. “But we’re hoping for an increased UDC grant in retrospect, which would help,” Andrew said. Naas Art Club members will be paying their own costs. The club has some 25 members who meet in the Parish Centre in the Convent on the last Monday of every month. Ian Panton can be contacted at 2 Caerfai Road, St David’s, Pembrokeshire SA 62 6QT, Wales, UK. Tel: 01437-721422; Fax 01437-720075 To Advertise on KNN, call 086 8267104, fax 045 481091, or email tellingtales@yahoo.com Advertising rates here

Wants more businesses to be tidy conscious LEIXLIP, 22 September 2000: by Bill Trapman. While some of the commercial premises in Leixlip show ‘great civic pride’ in their efforts towards helping to keep the town tidy, Cllr Catherine Murphy (right) says it would be nice if others ‘caught the bug’. She was speaking at the presentation of prizes to winners of the local tidy town competition, held in tandem with the national event. She noted that the town had increased its points in the national competition by six to 192. “There is still clearly a lot of work to be done,” she said. “But we must be pleased with progress made.” Cllr Murphy outlined the work of her Town Commission colleagues in the Main Street, including the changes made to the rear of St Mary’s Church. She said the linear park being constructed will only come into its own when a proposed new hotel is built. “Obviously the Town Commission are not the only ones at work,” she said. "The Tidy Towns Committee, for example, introduced hanging baskets in the area around the fountain this year and they looked very well. The point I am making is that we are all in this together ... tonight there will be both delight and disappointment, but the one thing everyone here has in common that we all tried to make a difference.” Those presented with prizes were: Best Small Estate - Rockingham £200; Ryemount Abbey £100. Best Medium Estate - Leixlip Park £300; Dun Carraig £100. Best Large Estate - Glendale Meadows £500; Castletown £200. Most Improved Estate - Dun Carraig (Prize sponsored by Intel and presented by Carina Howley) £200. Best New Entry - Elton Court £100. The Leixlip Garden Centre Perpetual Trophy and a cheque for £200 (sponsored by Intel) was presented to Leixlip Park for being the Best Overall Estate. The Front Garden competition - a cheque for £100 was presented to Kathleen Poynton, Glendale Meadows. A voucher for £50 from Orchard Nurseries was presented to Michael and Breda Meehan, 208 Ryeview Lawns, and a voucher for £25 from Leixlip Garden Centre was presented to Tony & Corina Gough, 19 Rockingham Grove. Certificates of merit were presented to a selection of gardens judged to receive special commendation. This was the 10th year of the local competition and there were 14 entrants. Estates were judged on absence of litter, evidence of community effort, neatness of gardens and premises, presentation of grass verges, absence of roadside weeds and general appearance and upkeep. Front gardens were judged from a shortlist compiled by residents associations. The judges were Pearl Voight, Environmental Section, Kildare County Council; Rachel Doyle from Carlow Arboretum; and Tom Hamilton, Clerk of Works, KCC. Every commercial building was automatically entered in the competition and the judges selected Ryeview Tavern as the best presented. A specially commissioned wooden plaque was presented to Paddy Hannigan from the Hannigan Group who own the tavern. Highly commended were Leixlip House Hotel and the Salmon Leap Inn.  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

Consultants to design footpaths, cycle lanes CELBRIDGE, 22 September 2000: by Brian Byrne. Consultants Ove Arup have been retained by Kildare County Council to design cycle lanes, footpaths and traffic calming measures for the Maynooth Road, Celbridge. Upgrading of existing junctions regarding sightlines and safer access for motorists and pedestrians will also be included in the study. The move follows a year-long campaign instigated by a submission from local residents associations. Deputy Emmet Stagg (left) has urged that the study be completed as soon as possible, so that the improvements required can be put in place before the new access to the motorway is opened. To Advertise on KNN, call 086 8267104, fax 045 481091, or email tellingtales@yahoo.com Advertising rates here

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Around and About the County... MAYNOOTH: The exit from the Glenroyal Centre to the Straffan Raod is to be widened to allow for left and right turning lanes. Cllr John McGinley has also asked that cycle lane and pedestrian lane crossings be clearly marked on the road across the exit so that motorists will have no doubt that pedestrians have right of way. CELBRIDGE: Funding for additional public lighting in the Celbridge area has been allocated by local councillors. The new lighting will be installed on the Oldtown Road, the Loughlinstown Road, St Patrick's Park, Vanessa Lawns and Baybush in Straffan. Kildare County Council will also grant-aid the floodlighting of the Church of Ireland churches in Straffan and Celbridge. MAYNOOTH: Kildare County Council is to be asked to grant £15,000 to Maynooth Soccer Club under its recreational development programme. This follows an agreement to a proposal by Cllr John McGinley at the last area meeting of councillors. ATHY: A collection of paintings from the Irish Museum of Modern Art will be on display in Athy Library from October 4-27. The exhibition includes works by some of Ireland's most prominent artists, including Sean Scully, David Crowe and Patrick Scott. British artist Albert Irvin will also be featured.  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more. To Advertise on KNN, call 086 8267104, fax 045 481091, or email tellingtales@yahoo.com Advertising rates here

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State of Naas canal 'the public's fault' NAAS, 21 September 2000: 8.30am by Trish Whelan. The carelessness of the general public is to blame for the state of the canal-basin in Naas, this week’s meeting of Naas UDC was told. Town clerk Declan Kirrane condemned the actions of people who throw litter and other items into the water. In response to a motion by Cllr Evelyn Bracken asking that Naas UDC take over the job of cleaning the canal basin in Naas, he said the authority could not take over the work without agreement from Duchas, the heritage body with responsibility for the canal systems. He also spelt out the financial implications involved to the Council. Cllr Bracken said the canal was filthy with rubbish, traffic cones, even a car. She said the basin needs to be cleaned out on a monthly basis, summer and winter. Cllr Seamie Moore said that during recent dredging by Duchas, some 36 shopping trollies had been taken from the waters. He said plans are underway for a boating regatta into Naas next year and said it would be disastrous if there wasn’t enough water in the basin to allow standard type boats up to the Harbour. He said few boats had ventured into Naas over the last 30 years. Speaking on water levels, he said the supply of water coming into the Harbour had been redirected by Kildare County Council to go straight into the River Liffey and not Naas Harbour to allow for the motorway. He suggested the UDC talk to Duchas also about the water level issue. “The canal is the greatest amenity we have,” Cllr Pat McCarthy said, adding that when the water level was low, it was ‘like an open sewer’. He suggested a meeting with Duchas on the cleaning issue. Cllr Mary Glennon (left) agreed. “We should be propelling a rocket in the direction of Duchas who are not fulfilling their obligation in regard to the inland waterways,” she stormed. “We need to remind them of their obligations.” Mr Kirrane said he would not recommend the UDC take on any more responsibilities when they are not able to meet existing requirements. “It is impossible to get contractors to take on work for this Council,” he said. Cllr Charlie Byrne said the lakes in the town were also littered with cans and bags. Chairperson Pat O’Reilly said there is an onus on the Council to encourage people not to dump in the canal. “They’re casting a blight on the area and it reflects poorly on the town.” It was agreed that representatives of Duchas be invited to the October meeting of the authority to discuss the issues raised.

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Intel, HP, 'not to blame' for pollution LEIXLIP, 21 September 2000: by Brian Byrne. Neither of the two large industries in Leixlip town are responsible for the high levels of sulphur dioxide recorded in the town, believed to be the highest nationally. This was the conclusion accepted by members of Leixlip Town Commission at a special meeting this week during which they were addressed by Ian McClean and Dr Padraig Larkin of the EPA. Both EPA representatives said that the Intel and Hewlett-Packard were operating ‘well within the limits’ set for them in their licences, and this posed no health risks to the local population. “The questions we were asking were generally the ones the public are asking,” Cllr Catherine Murphy (right) said yesterday. “They didn’t fudge any of the questions, and I felt the meeting was well worth having. It would appear that neither of the two industries are the cause of the high levels of SO2.” The Town Commission has set up a Task Force to enquire into the issue, which arose from a 1998 report on air quality. Concerns have been expressed locally about animal health problems on farms in the area, but no reasons for these situations have been ascertained.

History federation seminar KILCULLEN, 21 September 2000: by Paddy Behan. The County Kildare Federation of Local History Groups is organising a one-day seminar on Saturday 30th September 2000, starting at 10am and finishing at 1pm, the venue is the New Heritage Centre in Kilcullen. The theme of the seminar is "Kildare involvement in the Great Wars" The programme for the day will include some speakers, a visit to the local museum, a display of books and periodicals about Co Kildare. And the usual "chat over a cup of tea". The Co Kildare Federation of Local History Groups is the county umbrella body representing ten local history groups from Athy, Curragh, Donadea, Kildare, Kilcock, Maynooth, Naas, Newbridge, Timahoe and Kilcullen. The objectives of the federation is to optimise the resources of local history groups, share experiences, foster communications, exchange ideas, and raise the awareness of local groups within the county. The Federation was founded just over a year ago. Information on the seminar can be had from the Chairperson, Ger McCarthy (above left), phone 045-879108, or the Secretary, Larry Breen, phone 045-897445. To Advertise on KNN, call 086 8267104, fax 045 481091, or email tellingtales@yahoo.com Advertising rates here

Naas GAA crux breakthrough? NAAS, 21 September 2000: by Trish Whelan. A deal which would see Naas GAA Club getting a new 16.5 acre site in Oldtown in exchange for its present site on Dublin Road (above), is to be put to GAA members at a special EGM of the club on Monday, September 25. News of the breakthrough in negotiations between Naas GAA and Lehmex International came at Tuesday’s meeting of Naas UDC. The Facilitator Group, selected in June to re-open talks which had broken down between both parties, comprised of councillors Willie Callaghan, Timmy Conway and Seamie Moore. Cllr Callaghan (right) said the package of arrangements is acceptable to the principals of both parties and the terms will now go before the GAA members for final consideration. That EGM gets underway at 8pm. Cllr Callaghan said negotations had been ‘very difficult at times’. The deal includes for a new site in Oldtown, large enough to accommodate four sports pitches. The club will also receive a ‘programmed’ £1.263m cash settlement to build its new Clubhouse and layout facilities. The Facilitation Group has committed itself, at the request of both parties, to oversee the finalities of the arrangements, legal, structural and financial, until the project is completed.  KILCULLEN ESSO AND XL STOP 'N' SHOP Open 7am-10pm for Fuel, Groceries, Toiletries, Flowers, Newspapers, Deli Food, Fresh Coffee and more.

Approval given for next phase of school extension NEWBRIDGE, 21 September 2000: by Brian Byrne. Approval has been given for a building programme at the Holy Family Secondary School in Newbridge to go to tender. The project includes the construction of six general classrooms, a language laboratory, a mathematics room, social studies room and science laboratory. There will also be a technology room and a computer room as well as a guidance suite in the 1,918 sq mt extension. The progress has been welcomed by Deputy Sean Power.

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Kildare youngsters had time of lives NAAS & KENTUCKY, 18 September 2000: 8.30am by Trish Whelan. Six young people from County Kildare (pictured above with American friends and Cllr Mary Glennon in the US) had the time of their lives during a summer exchange visit to Kentucky, which is twinned with County Kildare. The exchange visit took place in July. The first leg had involved six American teenagers and their teacher, Ann Murray, coming to stay with host families here. The families included Colette and Bernard Healy (Clane), Noelle and Larry Sheridan and Mary and Eugene Glennon (Naas) and Marian and PJ Willis (Ballitore). “The idea for the exchange arose from a visit to Kentucky last November by the Women in Business group from the County Enterprise Board,” explains Cllr Mary Glennon who accompanied the teenagers t6o Kentucky. She said the common theme had first been the horse industry. However the Kildare Twinning Committee had sought to expand this to include cultural and business links. Mary Glennon hopes other exchanges will follow, with other councillors and members of the Twinning Committee expanding the links further. “Twinning should be all about encouraging friendships among young people and these teenagers proved it by forging friendships I believe will be life-long.” Letters and emails have been flying back and forth since their return and most of the American host families are now planning to visit Ireland. When in Kentucky, the youngsters had visited the famous Horse Park, the equivalent of Kentucky’s National Stud, and the 30-mile long Mammoth Caves, the largest in the world, as well as a Shaker village at Pleasantville - now a tourist attraction. Here, the Americans (pictured below with their Irish friends during a day out at Glendalough) had enjoyed a day at the Derby thanks to the Kildare Horse Development Company. A ticket into the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs is about $400! Another day out was hosted by Deputy Emmet Stagg - this time to Dail Eireann. Mary Glennon had also taken the American teacher Ann on a 400-mile whirlwind trip around Ireland, including the west coast. She said it was a ‘great tribute to the Irish teenagers that the American families thought they were so well-mannered and well brought up.’ “They were marvellous ambassadors for their county.”

Hopes UDC will get Devoy for affordable housing NAAS, 18 September 2000: by Trish Whelan. Naas UDC has finally put in a bid for land at Devoy Barracks and UDC Cllr Pat McCarthy is hopeful it will be seriously considered. September 29 is believed to be decision-day on the future of the former Barracks. “If it is sold to a developer, it would be nothing short of a scandal with 350 on the UDC’s housing list,” he says. The price offered by Naas UDC has not been disclosed. Cllr McCarthy believes the £7m price tag put on the land by the Minister for Defence was ‘an artifically inflated figure’ and says this would not have been the case if the previous council had refused to rezone the land for residential use. A motion by Cllr McCarthy, passed by the council earlier this year, to bid for the land directed the town officials to submit a tender while the property was being disposed of in that way. However only one tender was received and it was not from the UDC. The Minister for Defence then put the property up for sale by private treaty. “There seemed to have been a reluctance on the part of officials to bid before this. After all, it’s only taking money from one government department to another as the Department of the Environment should give us a grant to fund the cost of buying the Barracks.” He said another source of funding could be the Housing Finance Agency which gives loans to local authorities. Pat McCarthy says the decision is ‘largely a political one’ between the three Government ministers involved and it is up to them to see where their priorities are. He believes that developers had shown no interest in tendering pending the outcome of the Supreme Court decision on the Constitutional position of providing 20% of land for affordable housing.

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