Traffic warden issuing fines in Kilcullen

Enforcement of parking regulations at the new layout in downtown Kilcullen must be through a combination of traffic warden and Garda traffic policing, the recent Kilcullen Community Action AGM heard, writes Brian Byrne. The matter arose during a discussion about motorists who had parked on the recently completed footpaths. 

Eoin Houlihan suggested to the meeting that extra bollards could be installed near the pedestrian access points to discourage motorists from using them to get onto the footpath. 

Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer told the meeting that the council’s traffic warden was visiting the town every week and is issuing fines. “I know, because I’m getting the calls about them,” she said, adding that, while expensive, if extra bollards are needed, they will be provided. It was noted that footpath parking incidents were mainly happening in the evenings, when there was no traffic warden around. 

Dangerous and bad parking at pinch points on Main Street was also discussed. Antoinette Buckley reported one recent occasion when cars were parked so badly that a truck had great difficulty in getting through. 

The need for a pedestrian crossing at Nicholastown was also raised by Eoin Houlihan, who described the situation there as 'lethal', with lots of children needing to cross the road to the GAA campus. Cllr O'Dwyer said a request for a crossing had been considered by the council, along with town gates traffic calming. The council had confirmed it was warranted. "There is a commitment to do it, but it's down to funding."

READ: Tidy Towns gold medal a defining milestone - KCA AGM 

READ: KCA financial position is good 

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2025/2026 Nature Hero Awards deadline

Schools across the Republic of Ireland have until 29 May to enter the 2025/2026 Nature Hero Awards, Ireland’s standalone outdoor learning awards, writes Brian Byrne. The awards cover many topics from biodiversity actions, conservation and ecological literacy to responsible citizenship as well as physical and mental wellbeing.

Coordinated by Biodiversity in Schools in partnership with Glenveagh, the annual awards recognise biodiversity action and outdoor learning projects by students at pre-school, primary and secondary level. 

Participating schools can compete for a share of a €10,000 prize fund to improve their gardens, while achievement is also recognised through Bronze Badger, Silver Stag and Golden Eagle awards.

The winners will be announced in September.

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Kildare CU supports Halverstown CC

Members of Halverstown Cricket Club visited Kildare Credit Union to collect their cheque as part of the Credit Union's Community Outreach Programme 2026. 

Kildare Credit Union has branches in Kilcullen, Narraghmore, and Kildare.

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30 years of TY to be celebrated at CPC

A reminder that a reunion to celebrate 30 years of Transition Year at Cross and Passion College (CPC) in Kilcullen will bring together past and present members of the school community next month.

Current and former pupils, parents and guardians, staff, and local community members who have taken part in or supported the Transition Year (TY) programme are being invited to the school for a special TY30 Celebration on Wednesday, 6 May. The event will begin at 7:30pm in the school's Assembly Hall.

The evening will be an opportunity for shared memories, music and refreshments. Organisers say they are looking forward to welcoming familiar faces and marking the contribution that Transition Year has made to school and community life over the past 30 years.

If you're attending, please RSVP at this link.

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Fallons opening times for Punchestown

Fallons is now taking bookings for the Punchestown Festival and looks forward to welcoming guests for one of the restaurant's favourite weeks of the year.

Great food, great atmosphere, and a brilliant week in Kilcullen. Opening times are: Tuesday-Thursday: 5pm-9pm; Friday & Saturday: 12:30pm-9pm; Sunday: 12:30pm-7:30pm

Book online at www.fallons.ie.

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Junior prize for Kilcullen rider

Kilcullen Cycling Club rider Conor Regan took the Junior honours at the Bohermeen Youth 2 Day yesterday.

He's pictured being presented with the Jack McGlure Plate.

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Narraghmore call for planter/flower bed minders

Narraghmore Development CLG is asking members of the local community to help keep the village blooming this summer by taking care of one of its flower planters or beds.

Families and households are being invited to choose a planter or garden bed and look after it over the summer months. The commitment would involve regular watering and occasional weeding to keep the displays looking well.

Residents who would like to take part can select their preferred planter or bed on the sign-up form at this link, after which one will be allocated to them. Prizes will also be awarded at the end of the summer for the best-kept planters.

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Kildare Inclusivity Festival 2026

The 2026 Kildare Inclusivity Festival will be held at The Curragh Racecourse on Sunday, 10 May, from 11am to 6pm, bringing together families, community groups and organisations for a day focused on disability inclusion, accessibility and celebration.

Following a successful debut last year, this year’s festival will have a range of new features designed to make the event more welcoming for everyone.

The free family-friendly event, hosted by County Kildare Access Network (CKAN), Kildare County Council, and partners, will include a dedicated Quiet Zone, a Quiet Entrance, and a Quiet Hour from 11am to 12pm to support visitors who may benefit from a calmer environment.

Among the additions for 2026 are a Vehicle Demonstration Zone, an external music stage and the KARE Inclusive Sports Zone. Returning attractions will include the Family Fun Zone, Barretstown Magic Moments and CKAN’s Our World Inclusive Toy Display.

More information at www.ckan.ie.

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Have you lost your keys?

A set of keys has been found in the playground. They can be retrieved by calling 087 2821697.

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Lily Beetle infestation time

This is a Lily Beetle, a pest that has become increasingly problematic in recent years and has been found in the Kilcullen area, writes Dave Byrne. The pest attacks outdoor lilies. 

The critical period for infestation is from April to July. The primary method of control involves manual removal of the beetles, followed by drowning them in soapy water. 

It is the larvae produced by the beetles that are responsible for the damage, which can destroy a potted lily overnight. 

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Strong interest in Riverside Manor rent-to-own initiative

There were more than 700 expressions of interest for seven rent-to-own housing units at Riverside Manor when the offer went live this week, writes Brian Byrne. The units are 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom homes in the current development by Alchemy Homes.

The initiative is operated by Homely Technologies Limited, which acts as an intermediary between the developer and people who want to settle long-term in a community but are not yet in a position to buy their home. The Homely platform provides them with a stable renting option that gives the client the right to buy their home after a minimum of three years.

According to Homely co-founder Andrew Lynch, who was showcasing the homes to applicants over recent days, the scheme is for the 'forgotten middle' range of clients who can afford monthly payments but have not yet got a mortgage approval or an adequate deposit.

The Riverside Manor rentals are from €1,850 a month, with an optional monthly payment of up to €600 that builds towards a deposit. That payment also secures the tenant's right to purchase the property after three years. 

The seven homes in the current Kilcullen scheme are in an apartment block overlooking the Liffey. Andrew Lynch told the Diary that there's a possibility of further rent-to-buy units in the development, subject to interest. Homely has similar initiatives underway in Meath, Limerick and Waterford.

Rent-to-own is not currently covered by specific legislation in Ireland, but the Homely principals have been in discussion with public representatives in the Dáil with a view to progressing such legislation. 

During the rental term, the occupant is considered a tenant, and the agreement is bound by Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) regulations on rent caps and tenant rights. The Law Society of Ireland advises that all parties obtain independent legal advice in such rent-to-own agreements.

(Photos below are of the 1-bedroom apartment.)

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Plant Swap planned

Kilcullen Community Action is organising a Plant Swap on Saturday, 2 May, outside the former bank building. The event will run from 10 am to 12pm.

People are encouraged to bring along any surplus plants or seeds and swap them for varieties they do not already have. 

The idea promotes gardening, sustainability, and community spirit by giving people the chance to refresh their gardens and connect with others with gardening interests.

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