Councillor pushing for Green Dog Walkers scheme

Cllr Mark Leigh and, inset, the Kilkenny scheme.

A Green Dog Walkers scheme, aimed at changing attitudes towards dog fouling among a small group of owners, is being proposed for County Kildare, writes Brian Byrne. Athy-based councillor Mark Leigh has the issue on the agenda for the full council meeting on Monday, 23 February. 

The councillor's idea is that responsible dog owners would register for the scheme, pledging to always clean up after their dogs, and the council would provide branded hi-viz vests and dog waste bags to highlight their care for the community and environment. The local authority would also run awareness campaigns on local and social media. 

"I've been in touch with councillors in Kilkenny who introduced a similar scheme, and they tell me that there's a lot less dog fouling of the streets now," Cllr Leigh told the Diary. "It has been very successful there and in other counties, but we are lagging behind on the issue in Kildare." 

The councillor says that in Kildare, dog fouling seems to be 'left to everybody else to deal with'. "In Athy, we put up four dog waste bins, but that was through the Tidy Towns, and I sponsored one myself. In fairness, the council did install them for us, but a Tidy Towns community employment scheme person empties them. The council seems to have recused itself from anything that has to do with dog waste." 

Cllr Leigh, a dog owner himself, emphasises that the vast majority of dog owners are responsible in dealing with their waste. He believes that the visibility of a scheme that says, "I take pride in my dog, AND my environment" is a non-confrontational way to encourage others to take more care. 

He says that paying for the scheme should not be an issue, as there would likely be funds available from An Taisce and similar bodies to cover some of the expense.

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Rás Tailteann coming via Kilcullen

The final stage of Rás Tailteann 2026 will be via Kilcullen and Athgarvan on Sunday, 24 May, as part of the route from Carlow to the finish line at Dunboyne, writes Brian Byrne. The 142.4 km ride will include a climb at the Hill of Allen after passing through Newbridge and Milltown, continuing through Kilmeague and Prosperous before leaving County Kildare.

The grand finale begins in Carlow with a ceremonial roll-out before proceeding across mostly flat roads through Carlow and Kildare.

After crossing the finish line in Dunboyne for the first time, riders will tackle three laps of a challenging and technical 15 km circuit, where the final stage winner and overall champion of Rás Tailteann 2026 will be crowned.

Over the five-day race, beginning in Portlaoise and passing through counties Limerick, Kerry, Cork, Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, Kildare, and Meath, the riders will have covered over 656 km.

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CPC Students on Garda TY programme

Image: Garda Siochana.

Students from Cross and Passion College recently participated in the Naas Community Policing Unit's TY Programme, during which they gained practical experience and insight into the work of An Garda Síochána. 

Highlights included taking part in the Early Drive Programme at Mondello Park to learn about road safety and responsible driving, acquiring lifesaving CPR skills with Kildare Civil Defence, visiting the Criminal Courts of Justice to observe the justice system in action, and touring the Garda College in Templemore, where future Gardaí undergo training. 

The students displayed impressive engagement, maturity, and enthusiasm, with such programmes helping to foster understanding, strengthen community bonds, and potentially inspire future members of An Garda Síochána.

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CU special loan rate for EVs

Kildare Credit Union is offering a special loan for electric and hybrid vehicles, with a variable interest rate of 6.25% (APR 6.43%). 

Customers can borrow €30,000 for an electric or hybrid car, with monthly repayments of approximately €336.85 over 10 years. The total repayment will be €40,407.82. 

Contact the credit union by phone at 045 521928, visit branches in Kildare, Kilcullen, or Narraghmore, or apply online.

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CPC student gets UCD Entrance Scholar Award

Image: CPC.

CPC student Emma Cremin, who graduated as part of the Class of 2025, was recently honoured with an Entrance Scholar Award at UCD. 

Accompanied by her proud parents and CPC Principal Joe Leonard, Emma was recognised for her exceptional academic achievement in the Leaving Certificate while attending CPC. All at CPC wish her continued success in her studies. 

A plaque marking her accomplishments will be displayed at the school to inspire others toward academic excellence.

Entrance Scholar Awards are given to the Leaving Certificate entrant with the highest points score from each school in the Republic of Ireland, provided the score is at least 500 points. 

Awards are also given to applicants with the highest points score from each of the main EU qualifications, subject to the same minimum score. These awards are part of a range of UCD initiatives that recognise exceptional students as they join the University.

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Progress at new Dunleas site

Images: Dunleas.

The foundations are down for the new showroom and workshop being built by Dunleas out beside the Link Business Park.

The new premises are scheduled to open in winter 2026.

Progress reports will be regularly posted by the company.

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Take it handy on the roads

Image: Christopher Politano via Pexels.

Following last night's heavy frost, drivers are advised to watch out for black ice, especially in shaded areas or near walls, where it can be particularly slippery. Other precautions include clearing all windows and mirrors of ice and mist before setting off — use a scraper or de-icer, not hot water. 

While driving, reducing speed and making gentle, smooth movements when steering, braking, or accelerating can help maintain control. Also, avoid sudden manoeuvres, such as harsh braking or acceleration, and stay in the highest possible gear to prevent skidding. 

Generally, drivers should check their tyres to ensure they have at least 3mm of tread and are properly inflated for optimal grip.

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GAA Bingo night coming back

Kilcullen GAA Bingo is returning on Friday, 6 March 2026, at 7:30pm in the clubhouse. 

The event is organised by the Healthy Clubs committee, with more details to be announced closer to the date. 

Bingo fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare their bingo pens.

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Food suppliers survey under way

The Agri-Food Regulator has launched its annual anonymous survey for suppliers of food, drinks, and plants to the retail and wholesale sectors. 

The survey aims to collect feedback on trading experiences with specific retailers and wholesalers, supporting the Regulator in enforcing fair trading practices and safeguarding smaller suppliers from larger buyers. 

Conducted independently by RED C, the online survey takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Suppliers interested in participating can find more details and access the survey at www.agrifoodregulator.ie.

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Is this your missing dog?

UPDATE: DOG REUNITED WITH OWNER.

This dog arrived at a Ballyshannon resident's home this afternoon. He’s wearing a red electric collar with a black box.

The resident lives at No 2 Lugatanna Park, Ballyshannon. 

She'll keep him tonight, but if not claimed, he will be left with KWWSPCA after 9am tomorrow.

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Cinema on Tuesday: Souleymane’s Story

Cinema is back on in Kilcullen next week after an unplanned interruption, writes Teresa Nurse of Kilcullen Lions. Showing next Tuesday, 17 February, is Souleymane’s Story.  

This is an award-winning film about an asylum seeker living day to day in Paris. A raw, compassionate and quietly devastating portrayal of one man forced to live precariously on the fringes of society. 

Tickets on sale in Woodbine Books, Kilcullen, and on Eventbrite.

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Sketchbook Club Monday evening

A reminder that a Kilcullen Sketchbook Club will be inaugurated on 16 February at 6pm at Woodbine Books. The initiative is funded by the Books at One Community Prize Fund, and is open to all from older teens upwards.  

Initiated by the organisers of the previous Drop-in & Draw events, the monthly meetups are open to all and provide a great opportunity to draw, chat, and exchange ideas. The cost is a €15 sketchbook available for purchase on the first night, after which the evenings are free.

This is a collaborative, encouraging, and open space for meetings and chats, to exchange ideas, encourage each other, share, or not share work. For more information, send a direct message here. 

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