Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Did your child leave scooter in playground?

A child's scooter has been found in Kilcullen Playground.

The owner can retrieve it by phoning 087 2821697.

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Cycling group's vision to 'make everywhere cycle-friendly'

'Adopting' a local councillor who would be sympathetic to the needs of cyclists is one of the local actions suggested in a Vision for Cycling in Rural Ireland launched last week, writes Brian Byrne.

The document has been prepared by cycling lobby group cycling.ie in association with the European Cyclists Federation. It seeks an environment where all rural communities in Ireland will be cycle friendly and that cycling will be seen as a normal way to get around.

The hope expressed is that shopping by bike will be as normal as it is in many Northern European countries, and that the bicycle will be the transport mode of choice for all ages. To make this happen, those who prepared the document have outlined eight priority areas focused on accelerating a transition to 'a cycle-friendly society'.

These include creating an environment where 'cyclists are expected and respected' in all areas, the creation and mapping of 'connected cycle routes' in every locality, 'best practice design' in devising safe and comfortable routes, prioritisation of 'safe cycle routes to schools'.

The lowering of speed limits to improve accessibility for cyclists and reduce casualties is also called for. Improving how local authorities can access funding in a 'clear and timely' way is another priority, as is 'collaboration with all stakeholders' at all stages of design. The final item is the provision of cycle training 'for all ages, especially children'.

The document goes into detail on each of these aspirations, including proper road signage, adequate safe bicycle parking, including cycle infrastructure in the design and improvement of all streets and roads, and car free zones at school gates. Speed limits should be reduced to 30km/h in all urban areas, and also near all schools, according to the document, and minor rural roads should be re-classified and signed as 'Rothar Roads' where road users are required to drive at a speed where they can react safely to coming on cyclists around a corner.

Vision for Cycling in Rural Ireland also has links to further information on training, advocacy, roads design, sustainable mobility, and references in the current Programme for Government. It can be downloaded here

(Images from document.)

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Cllr seeks new avenue to get Pinkeen pedestrian bridge

The unofficial and dangerous crossing.
A proposal to build a pedestrian bridge over Pinkeen stream as a heritage project is being made by local councillor Tracey O'Dwyer, writes Brian Byrne.

Cllr O'Dwyer is to seek funds from the Local Property Tax to prepare a design for the bridge and bring the project to a Part 8 position. Currently children and adults cross over this stream at a dangerous mud bank, from Cnoc na Greine, Castlemartin and Sunnyhill estates to schools and to the many sports grounds and facilitates in the area.

While the possibility of providing proper pedestrian access across the stream has been raised many times over the years, Cllr O'Dwyer most recently raised the matter at the March meeting of the Kildare Newbridge Municipal District. “After pursuing many avenues with motions, and proposals on what funding to apply for, I proposed that we went down the route of local heritage," she says. "I was delighted to receive a positive response to this from the Heritage Officer who suggested seeking funds from the Local Property Tax to prepare a design and to bring the project to Part 8 in anticipation of other larger grant opportunities.

"The proposal I have come up with is to design the pedestrian bridge on a smaller scale to replicate the original bridge in Kilcullen. I believe this would make for a fantastic heritage project locally and alleviate an ongoing issue."

The issue has been raised at Council level since at least 2015, notably by Cllrs Rob Power and Fintan Brett. Previous Diary reports on the matter can be read below.

Simple solution to Pinkeen Stream crossing issue? 

'No resources' to provide Pinkeen Stream crossing

Billy has a thought on a bridge over Pinkeen.

Cllr seeks crossings, pedestrian bridge, for Kilcullen.

Local issues, election, discussed at FG AGM.

Cllr to raise need for safe walkway to schools.


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Autumn leaves, not yet tumbling

A reminder of the time of year, with these trees on the Curragh Road on the turn to some beautiful autumn colours. Pic Brian Byrne.

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Four years of Woodbine Books

A slightly belated congratulations to Woodbine Books which celebrated their fourth anniversary since the business opened, last Monday, writes Brian Byrne.

Apart from being a business selling books, the enterprise established by Dawn and Aidan and their team has been a centre for all that's good in community over those years. Openings, launches, author talks, music, theatre and other cultural events have found their way to this downtown Kilcullen hotspot of knowledge, friendliness, and fun. The interruption of Covid highlighted just how essential a social part of Kilcullen Woodbine has become.

"We've been overwhelmed with the support and encouragement that we've received from customers and authors both local and from further afield," Dawn posted on their Facebook page on Monday. "Even in these difficult times, you have gone out of your way to support us and for that we are extremely grateful. We look forward to a brighter, pandemic-free future and to serving you, our friends, in the years to come." Amen to that.

Our pictures here give just a flavour of what has happened in Woodbine Books over the years. They include book launches by several authors including Hazel Gaynor and Audrey Moore and Donal Ryan to name just a few. There was drama from John MacKenna, the launch of last year's Kildare Readers Festival, an evening with some of the best local authors, exhibitions, and much, much more. There will be more of that again.













   

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Last reminder: Today is Mattress Recycling Day

A last reminder that there's an opportunity to get rid of old mattresses free courtesy of Kildare County Council.

The Council is holding a free mattress recycling day today, Wednesday 30 September at the Silliot Hill Recycling Centre, between 9am and 3pm.

Only three mattresses per vehicle will be accepted.

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Weatherday: Society of Gaels

The wet start will clear to a cloudy morning. From lunchtime there will be more rain steady through until early evening.

Highest temperatures of 13deg will slip back to a chilly night. Wind from the south and west up to moderate.

On this day in 1900, Arthur Griffith formed Cumann na nGaedheal, which later becomes Sinn Féin.

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Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on Tuesday 29 September were 5, 15, 18 and 19. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will be again €18,000.

The value of the follow on draw stands at €5,600. The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Michelle Reddy (Promoter Berneys Chemist), Liam Gainey (Vivian Clarke) and Danny O'Dwyer (Adrienne Byrne).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Tom O'Connell and Miriam McDonnell, and the winner of the Draw for those in the Parish centre on the night was Eilish Aspell.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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Dead deer brings warning into focus

The recent warning about deer crossing on the R448 between Siliott Hill and Two Mile House cross has been brought sharply home with the discovery of a dead deer on the road, writes Brian Byrne.

The deer is pictured here (ED: removed) courtesy of Paul Leighton, who has written to local councillors seeking the provision of deer warning signs on the road. It appears that deer are regularly crossing there, and the situation is currently at its most serious because it is the animals' mating season.

Local gardai have also issued a warning to motorists about the danger, as the area all around Kilcullen has a significant number of resident deer.

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Christmas Market fully booked

The Kilcullen Christmas Market is now full for stall-holders.

No more bookings can be made at this stage, but anyone wanting to go on a waiting list should DM on their Facebook page.  

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Kalbarri brunch again Saturday

There's a distinct autumn feel in the air, but that's another nice reason to try brunch at Kalbarri Cookery this Saturday.

Open 9am-2pm, with private dining rooms and outdoor seating available.

Bookings 087 2932501.

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Weatherday: "on my knees I beg you"

A bright day, with sunny spells most of the time. A little more cloud in the late afternoon, but it should stay dry until late in the evening.

Highest local temperatures 14deg, in light to moderate southerly breezes.

On this day in 1979, John Paul II becomes the first pope to visit Ireland.

(Headline: The pope's appeal to gunmen in the North of Ireland to "turn away from the path of violence".)

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Monday, September 28, 2020

Asthma and College — learn how to manage

An Instagram Live will be hosted on Wednesday by the Asthma Society of Ireland for young people to familiarise themselves with the basics of asthma management and having an Asthma Action Plan in place, as they start or return to college.

The event will be at 4pm on @AsthmaSocietyOfIreland and will be led by respiratory specialist nurse Ruth Morrow. A focus will be on the importance of taking asthma medication as prescribed.

The Society is is appealing to young people to put extra protections in place to help manage their condition amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Students are also encouraged to make use of the resources available and encouraged to reach out to the Asthma Society’s Sláintecare funded Asthma and COPD WhatsApp messaging service with any concerns or questions. Just send a text via WhatsApp message to 086 059 0132 for one to one support with an asthma or COPD nurse.

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