Call for Kilcullen By-Pass opening memorabilia

An engineer writing an article for the 20th anniversary of the opening of the M9 Kilcullen by-pass is looking for any photographs that might be available about the event, writes Brian Byrne.

The first 6km section of the M9 was opened on 24 October 1994, changing utterly Kilcullen's position as a landmark point on the main road from Dublin to Kilkenny and Waterford.

Pictured above are the then Minister for the Environment Michael Smith TD, watched by Cllr Michael 'Spike' Nolan, chairman of Kildare County Council and Deputy Emmet Stagg TD.

Paul McDonald of Kildare County Council National Roads Office is researching the article, covering the engineering and other aspects of the building and opening of the section. He is particularly seeking interesting photos of the road and other ceremonial opening photos.

He can be contacted at 045 988905 or by email pmacdonald@kildarenrdo.com. (Anyone who wants pictures scanned and passed on to him can also do so by contacting the Diary on kilcullendiary@gmail.com.)

Pictured above during the '100 Years' Festival in 1994 to coincide with the opening of the Kilcullen Bypass: Jim Collins, Paul Mullen, Nuala Collins and your Editor.