Old photo recalls self-starting Kilcullen

This fuzzy photograph is somewhere in RTE's archives, and was flashed up last night during an introductory sequence in the TV programme 'What Are You Working For?', writes Brian Byrne.

The programme was a repeat broadcast from the opening episode back in September, with Phillip Boucher-Hayes examining the nation's pay packets — tackling everything from gender pay gaps and the 'gig economy' to what we most value about our jobs.

That programme is worth a look at any time, as it poses real questions about those racing ahead and those being left far behind in our 'resurgent' economy, and you can do so here until 9 May.

But the photograph of a 'Factory Sites Available' sign in Kilcullen — with the comment during the programme on how the Lemass government was changing Ireland from an inward-looking country to an open and growing economy — is a reminder of a time when a group of local people took the future of Kilcullen into their own hands.

In doing so, Kilcullen Development Association put in train a process which was far ahead of future government policies, including IDA advance factories, and the provision of affordable housing.

It's a great story, and out of its own local history, there are probably still lessons for today.

KDA thanked for fence funding

A long-awaited new fence along the pedestrian walkway to Bishop Rogan Park has been constructed by the local residents with the help of Kilcullen Development Association, writes Brian Byrne.

Our before and after pictures set show just what a difference this makes to the walkway, as pointed out by Pat Kelly and James Delaney of the BRP Residents Association.

“We really have to acknowledge the generosity of KDA for its grant for this work,” says Pat, noting that the residents first mooted the project over a decade ago. He and James, and Steve Davis, comprised the working committee to finalise the work once the funding came through.

The palisade fence, sourced from McDermott Fencing in Kilashee, Naas, was erected by Gareth Corrigan.

New sculpture commemorates Kilcullen vision and creativity

Kilcullen has a new sculpture in place this morning, to commemorate all who were involved in Kilcullen Development Association, writes Brian Byrne.

'The Magician', by local artist Noel Scullion, celebrates local vision and creativity, in particular the contribution to the town's mid-20th century development by the late Paddy Nugent and Michael St Leger.

An official unveiling event will be organised later, but the piece was put in place early this morning at the bridge.

Pictured are Gerry O'Brien, Brendan O'Connell of KDA, artist Noel Scullion, Nessa Dunlea of Kilcullen Heritage Group, and stonemason Seamus Fahy who prepared the location for the piece over recent months.

The sculpture is made from Indian black granite, the same material as the 'Spear' sculpture by the same artist at the Dun Ailinne Commemoratove Park in Nicholastown.

A feature of the design is that the eyes of the face 'follow' people as they walk or drive slowly by. Other elements will show when it is lit at night.

The artist says the joined hands in the design represent the creativity that is found right across a community, something for which Kilcullen has always been known.

Kilcullen Development Association was founded in 1949, and among other things was responsible for bringing industry to the town and developing affordable housing in the Moanbane Park and Bishop Rogan Park developments. The organisation also contributed to the development needs of many local community organisations.