Another warning on Japanese Knotwood

The issue of Japanese Knotwood was raised again at the recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action, and the importance of people being able to recognise it, writes Brian Byrne.

Esther Kiely said it was now being described as 'the plant that's eating Britain', and it's causing serious problems there.

Celia Travers said it is also in Ireland, and in Kildare, and that it is very difficult to eradicate. "If you find it, you must never cut it," she noted. "That makes it spread even more." She added that in Britain, banks were refusing mortgages in areas where the plant had been established. "Houses are being degraded by it."

Esther Kiely said the invasive plant can be spread by spores picked up on clothes.

Parish Lotto Draw

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto held on Tuesday 22nd July 2014 were 2, 4, 8 and 31. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will be €3,200.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Sarah Burke (Promoter Robert Archbold), Trish Byrne (Trish Byrne), and Gary Collins (PJ Lydon).

The winners of the Promoters Draws were Wednesday Bridge and Vivienne Byrne, and the winner of the Draw for those present in the Parish Centre on the night was Gavin Duane.

Amendments to Kilcullen Draft LAP

Elements in the Draft Kilcullen LAP have been recommended for amendment in the Acting County Kildare CEO's Report on the public consultation on the Plan, following submissions, writes Brian Byrne.

A proposed dezoning of lands from Existing Residential to Agriculture on the George Brown development opposite Moanbane Park has been reversed following communication from BMA Planning on behalf of the developer.

BMA noted that Kildare County Council had previously granted planning permission for the 3ha site, which comprises the rear two-thirds of the development originally built in the 1970s. The relevant site has services and infrastructure already in place, adjoins established residential areas, and is no longer suitable for Agricultural.

A submission by Niall McDonnell referred to the non-mention of the 100-space Eurospar car park in the indicative development plan for the Mart Expansion Lands, and also to the impossibility of having the proposed 198 dwellings on the 40 percent of the property allocated to New Residential. The CEO now recommends texts in the Plan to be amended to reflect these submissions, including changing the 198 figure to 80.

An amendment to allow Retail use in the Mart lands is also recommended, as is one to allow continuation of Transport & Utilities use at the existing car showroom and petrol station on the Naas Road, both also on the submission of Niall McDonnell.

A section of lands owned by Castlemartin Stud will also be subject to amendment from the Draft LAP, following submissions by David Mulcahy Consultants. The lands referred to in the submission in total comprise 17.5ha, due to be rezoned from New Residential to Agricultural. The CEO's recommendation provides for the retention of 3.7ha of these, south of Lui Na Greine, as New Residential.

The Draft LAP was on public display from 7 May to 17 June 2014. There was a total of 14 submissions from individuals and bodies, and the CEO's Report will be discussed at next Monday's meeting of the full Council.

Thanks for Summer Flowers support

Appreciation for all who contributed to the Summer Flowers Project was expressed at the most recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action, writes Brian Byrne.

Expenditure on the project for this year has been in excess of €4,500, the meeting was told. Funding has come from a Street Collection earlier in the year, and from donations by individuals and businesses in the town.

The meeting heard that there was still a shortfall between the Project's cost and funds. A subsequent discussion on bridging the gap decided on follow-up to previous letter appeals, and asking local clubs to consider a contribution.

'Budgies' flying final gigs

The very successful local band 'Flock of Budgies' is disbanding, writes Brian Byrne.

The band was formed four years ago and established a big fan base through the region.

The final Budgies gig will be in O'Connell's Bar on 9 August. Before that they will play in An Goban Saor in Kildare on 2 August, and McTernans in Kilcullen on 3 August.

The members have expressed thanks to all who supported them over the four years.

(The picture above is from early days, March 2011.)

'Make house alarm holiday arrangements' homeowners urged

Residents of Castlemartin Lodge estates have appealed for homeowners to make provision for dealing with house alarms while on holiday, writes Brian Byrne.

On the Facebook page of the area, the residents note that it's the middle of the holiday season and alarms are on in order to protect properties while owners are away.

Owners are asked to leave a key with a neighbour, or a phone number of someone who has a key, in the event of an alarm going off while they are away.

Obviously, this is good advice for homeowners right across the community.