Permission granted for Oakway Homes development

Oakway Homes have been granted planning permission for the Large Residential Development at New Abbey Road, writes Brian Byrne. The permission for the 180 homes development is subject to 51 conditions.

The original development has been revised following a request for further information by the planners. The revisions include the design of two new access/exit points as potential connection points for the proposed Kilcullen Relief Road, a change of six homes from 4-bed to 3-bed, the reduction of a 4-storey block to three storeys, colour changes to brickwork and the use of natural stone at entrance walls on New Abbey Road. 

There are also upgrades to boundary treatments along active travel routes, and details of pedestrian crossings, bus stops, public seating and bicycle parking, and the relocation of a proposed pumping station.

There had been 114 public submissions to the original planning application, and more than 80 further ones related to the responses to the RFI.

Controversial permeability links are to go ahead, according to the grant of permission, with the developer required to provide, in advance of commencement, detailed drawings for these. The condition provides for a 3-metre-wide combined footpath-cycle path and other works, and the developer must pay the cost of this work on existing roads. Permeability links must be completed in advance of any occupation of the development.

A €1.4 million development levy is being imposed for the development, and in addition the developer has to pay a special levy of €1.5 million towards the design and cost of the proposed relief road to the R448.

The developer also has to provide a design for upgrading of the signalised crossroads R448/R413 junction. Two 'Toucan' pedestrian and bicycle crossings are to be built across the R448 to link with the proposed new cycle track detailed in the upgrade to Cross and Passion College.

Another condition requires that a childcare facility will be provided at an early stage in the development.

Anyone wishing to appeal the grant of permission to An Bord Pleanala must do so within four weeks of the date of grant, 20th May 2025.

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Kilcullen News Update

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Donadea and Naas nature for Biodiversity Week today

An audio journey through the past and the flora of Donadea Forest Park and a Nature Cycle around Naas are two items of interest today in the Kildare programme for National Biodiversity Week, writes Brian Byrne. 

The first can be heard this morning on the KFM Kildare Today series of Kildare's Wild Places documentaries by Juanita Browne — it features Jim Lawlor talking us through the old Donadea demesne woodlands and the remains of the castle and walled garden that was the home of the Aylmer family. The forest is also one of only two sites in Ireland known to be the habitat of two species of fungus.

The Naas Nature Cycle is this evening starting at 7pm from Monread Car Park and over an hour and a half will take in Naas Harbour, the Canal, and nature support initiatives by Naas Biodiversity Group. No booking is needed, just turn up with your bicycle, helmet, and hi-viz vest. Most of the route is traffic-free.

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Lots going on at Kilcullen GAA

If you think GAA is just for children and teens, think again, writes Brian Byrne. Kilcullen GAA shows that involvement in games is for everyone at any stage of their lives.

Dads 'n' Lads social football runs sessions every Friday evening at 8pm, aimed at the 35-40ish (and older!) men. It's for all levels of fitness and ability and is a great way of getting exercise in a relaxed and social environment. Call Joe on 086 1481447.

The Gaelic 4 Mothers and Others initiative from Kilcullen LGFA is for women over 25 who want to get out and get active. All are welcome on Mondays at 7pm on the club's training pitch and further information can be had by messaging through Facebook or Instagram.

Meanwhile, the Cill Chuillinn Abú Wall Plaque fundraising programme has now reopened for applications. A key part of the Field of Dreams funding, plaques cost €100 per person, which can be paid in monthly instalments of €10. Call Debbie on 087 2317181.

And last, but by no means least, for three lucky winners, the weekly Kilcullen GAA Draw Jackpot was won this week. €19,100 is being shared between Tommy Farrell, Dermot Burke, and Moira Behan.

The next Lotto draw will take place on Monday, 26th May, when the Jackpot will reset back to €1,000 - get your entries in by 7pm that day to be sure of inclusion.

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Lots of energy at TMH Community Games

Two Mile House Community Games held their first official Athletics event last Sunday, 18 May at the village's GAA grounds, writes Brian Byrne. The official opening of the event was carried out by Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer.

In the glorious sunshine of the day there was a big turnout of children, great energy, and lots of medals.

Images here were provided by the organisers.

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Girl Guides recruiting new Leaders

The Irish Girl Guides organisation has launched a recruitment drive for 130 new Leaders, to help deal with a waiting list of 1,500 young girls who want to take up guiding, writes Brian Byrne. The IGG currently has 10,000 members across Ireland and some 1,600 volunteer Leaders.

The key attributes being sought in new Leaders are enthusiasm, responsibility and compassion, with the ability to inspire and empower the young people in their charge.

Founded in 1911 in Ireland, the Guides offer a safe space where girls from the age of five and young women can be themselves and do their best, with the support and guidance of their peers and Leaders.

Irish Girl Guides is part of the global World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts network.

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Parish Lottto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 20 May 2025 were 1, 11, 21 and 26. There was no Jackpot winner, and next week's main prize will again be €20,000. The value of the follow-up Draw stands at €13,800.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Colm Egan (Promoter Vanessa Clarke), Sabina Reddy (The Parish), and Eugene Hall (Miriam McDonnell).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were The Parish Office and Nancy Fitzpatrick, and the winner of the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Sheila Peacocke.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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Kilcullen News Update

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Busy day for National Biodiversity Week

A Butterfly Walk and Talk will be held at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Lullymore this morning, as part of National Biodiversity Week 2025, writes Brian Byrne. Hosted by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, the free event is open to all. 

Lullymore is home to 26 of Ireland's 35 butterfly species. Participants are recommended to wear strong footwear and appropriate clothing for the weather. Refreshments will be provided after the walk, which will take three hours.

Meantime, if you can't make that, there'll be a talk on Pollardstown Fen by Michael Jacob broadcast on KFM Radio this morning, on the Kildare Today show between 9am-11am. It is part of a series on Kildare's Wild Places produced by Juanita Browne and Crossing the Line Films.

And this evening from 9.29pm, a Bat Walk at St Fiachra's Garden will be conducted by the Kildare Bat Group and David Rowan. Booking is essential at irishnationalstud.digitickets.ie.

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KCCEC AGM upcoming

Members of staff and Board of Management at last year’s celebration of 50 years since foundation of Naomh Bhride Community Playschool.

The AGM of the Kilcullen Community Childcare & Education Centre will be held on Monday next, 26 May, at 6.15pm, writes Brian Byrne. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend.

The Centre was opened in 2014 and has more than 220 children registered for the various services on offer. Last August, it celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of the original Naomh Bhride playgroup by Peggy Walker and Maureen Keogh, the group which subsequently evolved into KCCEC.

In December, the first Peggy Walker Childcare Bursary was awarded to Emma Woods, a second-year student at Maynooth University studying a BA in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning.

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Thank you from Kilcullen Lions Club

Kilcullen Lions Club would like to thank all those who bought ducks and kindly supported their recent Duck Race in conjunction with The Fairy Trail Family Day in the Valley last Saturday. 

Special thanks to KCA for hosting the day, Kilcullen Canoe Club for all their work in making sure the ducks made it safely to the finishing line, and to our MC, Paul Dixon, for his entertaining commentary. It was a special day when all the community came together, young and old.

Duck Race Prize Winners — 1st: The Farrell Family; 2nd: Conor Behan; 3rd: The McAuley Family; Jar of Sweets: Ada McDermott.

Proceeds will go to St John's Oncology Ward, Crumlin, and local charities.

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Appleton Property Listing: 11 Lipstown Manor, Narraghmore

Appleton Property has great pleasure in bringing this substantial home to market for sale in Narraghmore. Comprising c. 209 sq m on a site of c. 0.2 acres, this property comes with a large conservatory connecting the kitchen/dining to the living room adjacent. With high-speed broadband connectivity, C1 BER rating.

A lovely home in a highly sought-after development, we expect interest to be brisk. Full details linked on Daft.ie. 

Contact Austin Egan at Appleton Property for an appointment to view on 087 1311133, 045 482759. 

Thinking of selling? ... For Best Results, Contact Austin Egan at Appleton Property.

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Yoga at Kalbarri for Maintain Hope

The postponed Yoga in the Garden event at Kalbarri in aid of Maintain Hope will be held this coming Sunday, 25 May, between 7.30am-8.30am.

Run by Warrior Wellness, the Community & Connection event promises a magical morning in a stunning garden environment.

Bookings can be made at this link. 

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The Kilcullen Football Academy is back

Boys and girls who want to be a part of a great GAA family and make new friends can take part in the U5-U12 Kilcullen GAA Football Academy on Saturday mornings. 

No previous playing experience is needed: this is all about fun and getting to know the game. 

At the clubhouse from 10am — and don't forget the sunscreen!

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