CHANGES TO BATTERY PROJECT 'REDUCE SOME HAZARDS BUT INCREASE OTHERS'

A public meeting about the project in Kilcullen in 2023.

The community campaign against a battery energy storage system at Dunnstown says changes made to the project have reduced some hazards but increase others, writes Brian Byrne. Two Mile House Says No were responding to the news that the BESS project has received planning permission from An Coimisiún Pleanála, following a resubmitted appeal.

The campaigners say that the changes to the Strategic Power Projects Limited plan prove the original concerns identified by the community — thermal runaway, toxic gas release, explosion, and contaminated firewater running off into the Curragh aquifer — had been valid. "When the proposal first came forward in 2021, the developer's position was that it posed no risk to the surrounding community," TMHSN's response says. "Five years of residents' work has shown otherwise."

The changes include a switch in battery chemistry from lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) to lithium iron phosphate (LFP), a halving of the battery storage area, purpose-built battery modules instead of adapted shipping containers, and an on-site water supply and containment of contaminated runoff to protect the aquifer. There's also improved access for emergency vehicles.

But TMHSN notes that while LFP batteries are harder to ignite, University of Sheffield studies found that such cells can release more than ten times as much hydrogen fluoride per unit of stored energy as NMC, and concluded that LFP is the more toxic of the two. LFP vent gas also becomes explosive at lower concentrations and is more likely to escape unburned, raising the risk of a vapour cloud explosion.

A continuing and major concern of the campaign is that no statutory body in Ireland is responsible for the operational safety of grid-scale BESS. There is no requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment, the COMAH regulations do not apply, and neither the EPA nor the Health and Safety Authority has jurisdiction.

"Communities across the country are now facing the same questions we faced in 2021," says TMHSN spokesman Hugh Dillon. "If the Government set mandatory safety standards and gave one body responsibility for enforcing them, communities would be protected and developers would face far fewer objections and delays. Good regulation works in everyone's favour."

The project was originally rejected by Kildare County Council in 2021, a decision overturned on appeal by An Bord Pleanála in September 2022. That decision was subsequently quashed by order of the High Court in March 2024.

The case was reactivated and lodged again on 16 April 2024, and the latest permission was granted on 15 September. A proposed substation related to the project is currently the subject of a strategic infrastructure development pre-application consultation with ACP.

READ: Dunnstown battery energy storage granted planning permission 

READ: Lack of BESS regulation and responsibility highlighted at Kilcullen meeting 

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ART AND CRAFT MEETUPS AT RIVERBANK

The Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge is hosting several art and craft meet-ups this season.

The Sketchbook Club with Kate Escolin returned for its sixth season on 24 September, and will continue on 22 October, 19 November, and 10 December. This monthly event fosters a community of artists in a relaxed setting.

A new addition, Co-Working Café, will be held on 7 October, 4 November, and 2 December, led by Roseanne Lynch. This meet-up offers a space for creative projects and community connection.

Craft Hook-Up will take place on 15 October, 12 November, and 3 December, providing a welcoming environment for crafters to share techniques and enjoy each other’s company.

Booking is available through the Box Office or online at riverbank.ie. Co-Working Café is free, while Craft Hook-Up and Sketchbook Club offer Pay What You Can options. 

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THE PASSING OF MARIA DOWLING

The death has occurred of Maria Dowling (née Dowling), Hillcrest, Kilcullen, on 25 September 2026, peacefully in the wonderful care of the nurses and staff of Curragh Lawns Nursing Home. 

Predeceased by her beloved husband Pat, Maria is sadly missed by her sons Patrick and Emmet, daughter Elaine, daughters-in-law Carol and Jennifer, son-in-law Noel, grandchildren Bronagh, Odhran, Emily, Niall, Rona, Lily, Patrick and David, extended family, relatives and friends.

Removal from her home on Tuesday morning at 10.15am to arrive at the Church of the Sacred Heart and St Brigid, Kilcullen, for 11am Mass, which can be viewed on this link. 

Burial afterwards in St Brigid’s Cemetery, Kilcullen.

House Private please.

May Maria rest in peace.

LOOKING BACK ON CULTURE NIGHT 2026

 

A lookback at the Culture Night 2026 presentation in Kilcullen Town Hall Theatre organised by the Drama Group, with Kilcullen Gospel Choir, Angel's Gymnastics and Dance Theatre, Roxy & Bianca, Irish dancing from the Landers and O'Dwyer schools, Dick Dunphy, Paddy Martin, Sean Corrigan, Mary Orford, Maurice O'Mahony, Pat Kelly and Canice Keane, Nessa Dunlea, Sabina Reddy, Brian Byrne, Esther Reddy, and the Lámh Choir from Camphill, directed by Lorraine Nolan. 

MCs for the evening were Letitia Hanratty and Ray Kelly, and the show was officially opened by Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council.

A Rough & Ready Production by Brian Byrne for Kilcullen Diary.

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CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES DAY

Kilcullen Community Library will celebrate National Public Libraries Day TODAY, 26 September, with tea, coffee, and biscuits available. 

The event takes place through Saturday morning.

Everybody welcome.

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KWWSPCA MASSIVE BOOK SALE

A reminder that the Kildare and West Wicklow Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (KWWSPCA) is holding its next Massive Book Sale in Kilcullen Town Hall, the final day TODAY, Saturday, from 11am to 4pm. 

Patrons can browse a wide selection of books, with most adult titles priced at just €1 each and children’s books available for only 50 cents apiece.

All proceeds go towards supporting the animals in the care of the KWWSPCA.

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WOODBINE BOOKS CELEBRATING TEN YEARS

Just a few of the many events recorded at Woodbine over the decade.

Dawn Behan and all the team at Woodbine Books are celebrating the 10th anniversary today of the opening of their shop, writes Brian Byrne. Make sure to drop by and congratulate them on a decade of providing Kilcullen with not just a bookshop, but a hub of writing, crafts, games and social enjoyment.

Book clubs, book launches, readings, theatrical presentations, open mic evenings for writers and musicians, all have been part of Kilcullen life over the last ten years thanks to the constant efforts at Woodbine to be more than just a shop. Most especially, though, Woodbine Books is a place where a smile is guaranteed when you walk through the door on even the most dismal of days. 

In the last two years, grant awards from the Books at One Community Fund have allowed Woodbine to expand the social engagement aspect of an enterprise that should be cherished by all in the community. Among these are the monthly Sketchbook Club sessions where people can travel their own artistic roads in a non-competitive space. Involvement in children's reading and writing is another passion for all in the shop.

Support for local authors and craftspeople has been a key part of the Woodbine crew's activity, along with partnering for local drama and film club ticket sales.

The bookshop was the Irish Region winner in the Independent Bookshop of the Year competition in the British Book Awards 2018. 

The impact of Woodbine Books on Kilcullen over the decade has been so much more than we can tally here in a few short words. So, all we'll finish with is, Happy Tenth!

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STEINER SCHOOL CERAMIC CLASSES

Kildare Steiner School offers Monday and Tuesday afternoon ceramic classes from 3:30pm to 5pm at the Le Ceile building Library, Rathargid, Gormanstown. 

These open workshops allow participants to follow projects or pursue personal ideas, creating items such as seasonal gifts, kitchen utensils, and jewellery. Participants will learn clay shaping, decorating, and glazing techniques, with the option to use a potter’s wheel. 

Classes can be attended once or multiple times, costing €30, which includes guidance, materials, and firing. 

Sign up with Grazyna at 085 7071143.

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TODAY IS WORLD LUNG DAY

On World Lung Day, today, the various organisations that support those with respiratory difficulties are calling for a phased introduction of free Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) inhalers, starting with children aged 12 to 17.

Representatives of these groups met with members of the Oireachtas yesterday, ahead of Budget Day, to push for further investment in lung health.

The event was organised by the Asthma Society of Ireland as a collaborative initiative, giving each participating organisation a platform to speak to the issues facing its own patient community. Together, the organisations highlighted the gaps in access to timely diagnosis, standardised and evidence-based care and specialist services. They also called for sustained investment in respiratory research and disease registries, alongside action to address preventable risks to lung health, including air pollution, climate change and smoking. 

Participating organisations included the Asthma Society of Ireland, the Irish Thoracic Society, the Cystic Fibrosis Registry of Ireland, COPD Support Ireland, Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland, the Climate and Health Alliance, the Tobacco Free Generation Alliance, Pulmonary Hypertension Ireland, and representatives from the Paediatric Severe Asthma Registry.

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TOWN BUS SERVICE PLANNED FOR NEWBRIDGE

A new Town Bus service is being planned for Newbridge by the National Transport Authority (NTA). A public consultation process will take place during October, which will include in-person public information sessions with NTA personnel.

The initiative, which is part of a national Town Bus Programme, has been welcomed by local Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, who says the nature of the town means that people living on the large edge estates can be several miles from the centre and the railway station, and need cars to get to the station.

"There is a serious lack of connectivity within the town itself," she says. "The small travel distances of just a few miles are congesting our roads and streets. It makes absolute sense to have a commuter bus to link the train station, our places of education and work and our shopping and health facilities."

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