New call for tenders for Design Statement

A new call for tenders for the Kilcullen Design Statement has been issued by Kilcullen Community Action, writes Brian Byrne.

The project was paused last March, following a decision by the previously-appointed consultants that they were not in a position to proceed.

The plan developed as part of the process will work with and expand on other KCA-led projects, including the Market Square redevelopment, the Polytunnel and Composter initiative, and the Town Signage — both last of which are also pending financial support from Leader. The substantial promotion of biodiversity currently under the wing of KCA will also link with the Design Statement. More details on what is sought are here.

The €22,000 initiative is funded by the the County Kildare Leader Partnership and LPT funds from Kildare County Council members. The submission deadline is Friday 18th June 2021. The full tender document is available here. 

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The Daily Cast: "We had to get out at Kinneagh Hill to give the van a push"

The Daily Cast on Kilcullen Diary, a podcast to start Kilcullen's day, on Friday the 7th of May 2021.

Today's Person of Interest is Rachel Carson, American marine biologist, author, and environmentalist. Our Feature of the Day is another extract from my 1984 conversation with my late uncle Tommy Byrne, about cars, bicycles and trains and Kilcullen in his younger days. We also briefly nod to the stories of the day in our local and national news outlets.

Produced by Brian Byrne.

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Weatherday: Travel young, or young at heart

A bright clear morning, then some cloud will move in over lunchtime. Sunny spells in the evening. It should stay dry.

High of 12deg in light variable winds, freshening towards evening from the south-east.

On this day in 1931, the An Oige Irish Youth Hostel Association was established. Today it operates from 24 sites around Ireland offering budget accommodation and fostering appreciation of the Irish countryside and culture.

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Preparation for Riverside Manor building

Fencing has been installed as preparation for building work at Riverside Manor, writes Brian Byrne.

The barriers have fenced off part of a green area and footpath, and caused some comments of concern by residents.

Other areas of the estate have also had barriers erected. The works involve both the completion of homes on infill areas, and preparations to build Phase 2 and 3 of the Riverside Manor estate.

Meanwhile, the former machinery yard at the entrance to the estate has been cleared and will be the location for the builder's site office. In the original planning approval, this area is earmarked for a creche.

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Bollards damaged in bridge crash

Bollards on Kilcullen's bridge were damaged yet again earlier this week by a vehicle which went out of control, writes Brian Byrne.

It's just the latest in a long series of such damaging incidents, the previous occasion in September 2019 when a load of hay and its trailer overturned.

Before that there were bollards smashed by cars twice in April 2016.

"Like before, it's a miracle that nobody was on the bridge at at that point at that time," Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer told the Diary. 

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The Daily Cast: Mac & Norman Rally people hope to meet again

The Daily Cast on Kilcullen Diary, a podcast to start Kilcullen's day, on Thursday the 6th of May 2021.

Today's Person of Interest is Robert O'Hara Burke, an Irish explorer who didn't do so well. Our Feature of the Day has Trish Sully talking about the hopes for a resumption of the Mac & Norman Rally in August, after last year's pandemic cancellation. We also briefly nod to the stories of the day in our local and national news outlets.

Produced by Brian Byrne.

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Weatherday: "How far we have come"

The light frost will clear quickly in a sunny morning. Partly cloudy through  the afternoon, with a possibility of showers in early evening.

Highest temperatures 11deg in light northerly breezes.

On this day in 2008, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley came together to officially open the Battle of the Boyne heritage site in Co Meath.

(Head: A comment from Ian Paisley on the day.)

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Scam! Scam! Scam!

Just a reminder about this phone scam going about, as I got it this morning, writes Brian Byrne.

On answering an 087 number I got an opening of 'This is a recorded message from the Department of Social Protection'. Then a short spiel about a problem that needed my urgent attention.

It closed off by telling me to 'press 1 to speak to a federal officer and avoid legal action' and 'have a good day'.

And in case you are in any doubt about the spuriousness of the call, we don't have 'federal officers' in the DSP.

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A little bit of luxury in Calverstown

19 Carrig Glen, Calverstown, Kilcullen, Co Kildare. In turnkey condition, ready for a new owner to occupy. Appleton Property have great pleasure in bringing this beautiful, well designed, well built, spacious, energy efficient four-bedroomed dormer home to the market for sale. Comprising c. 1735 sq ft of internal living space, this modern, fresh, light-filled detached property comes to the market with many top quality fixtures, fittings and features.

With High Speed Fibre Broadband, located in the much sought-after Carrig Glen development in Calverstown, this property is on a cul de sac and faces onto a large green area. With brick front wall matching the open porch facade, this property has a low maintenance front garden with off-street parking for up to three cars, vehicular access to the rear, gated side entrance to both sides, large granite patio area to rear with large rear garden primarily in lawn, with landscaped borders.

This home briefly comprises wide bright entrance hallway with tiled floor, large open plan kitchen/dining room with modern fitted kitchen units extending into all year-round sunroom overlooking the patio and rear garden. Adjacent the kitchen is a large fully fitted utility room with rear door and access to the ground floor bathroom. In addition on ground floor level is a separate formal living room with open fireplace, and a large ground floor bedroom currently in use as a home office/music room.

On first floor there is a large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom and fitted walk in wardrobe. Bedroom 3 and Bedroom 4 are also at first floor level with main bathroom in addition. This is a deceptively spacious, beautifully finished country home in a small development in the highly sought after area of Calverstown. Interested parties are well advised to book an early viewing as property of this calibre, at this price, in this area moves quickly. Further details and appointment to view through sole agent, Austin Egan MIPAV of Appleton Property, Kilcullen. In-person physical viewings can now be scheduled. Covid restrictions will apply. Phone 045 482759 or email appletonps@gmail.com.

More details here.

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Kilcullen in Bloom and Fairy Trail GoFundMe appeal

A reminder that Kilcullen In Bloom is again going ahead this year, despite the difficult times, writes Brian Byrne.

But with many normal fundraising opportunities not possible again this year because of the pandemic, Kilcullen Community Action has set up a GoFundMe page for donations from those who wish to support the project.

There are two projects involved in the appeal this year — the KIB and also the upgrading of The Valley Fairy Trail.

"Support through GoFundMe last year was fantastic," says KCA's Antoinette Buckley. "Our thanks to all who helped, and hopefully 2021 will be even better."

The GoFundMe page can be accessed here. 

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The Daily Cast: Magic in a small rural school

The Daily Cast on Kilcullen Diary, a podcast to start Kilcullen's day, on Wednesday the 5th of May 2021.

Today's Person of Interest is Kate O'Brien, writer and feminist. Our Feature of the Day is about Brannoxtown Community National School's first three years, recalled by Principal Sarah Fitzpatrick. As usual we also briefly nod to the stories of the day in our local and national news outlets.

Produced by Brian Byrne.

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Weatherday: Death of a hunger striker

A mix of sunny spells and partly cloudy through the day. Showers beginning at lunchtime will persist through the afternoon.

Highest temperature 10deg in light to moderate breezes from the west.

On this day in 1981, IRA prisoner Bobby Sands died at Long Kesh prison on the 66th day of a hunger strike.

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