Planning application for communications tower

AI-generated file image.

A reminder that an application has been lodged with Kildare County Council for permission to erect a 24-metre high telecommunications lattice tower at Beechmount, Yellowbog Common. Tomorrow 11 August is the last day for submissions to the application, reference 2460633.

The application is from global telecommunication infrastructure specialists Icon Tower, and includes all associated works with antennas, dishes and associated equipment attached, and with equipment cabinets at ground level all enclosed by security fencing.

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The future that arrived

In the Tacoma News Tribune in the USA, on 11 April 1953, one Mark R Sullivan is reported making what turned out to be a very prescient forecast.

That was certainly time to buy shares in Apple.

(Oh, Apple wasn't even conceived then … the embryo computer company only came along in 1977 … and the iPhone didn't happen until 2007.)

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Mobiles mast application for Mart

The mobile phone company Three Ireland is seeking planning permission for a telecommunications mast at Kilcullen Mart, writes Brian Byrne.

The application refers to a 21-metre monopole support structure, carrying shrouded antennas and transmission dish, with associated equipment units and security fencing.

Last submissions from interested parties must be made by 19 September 2017.

The application number is 17919.

Decayed pole replaced

D'you remember when we used to call them 'telegraph poles'? writes Brian Byrne. Well, they have a finite life, and this one was being replaced in Kilcullen this morning.

It had been flagged as an 'emergency' replacement, because it had decayed and potentially posed some danger.

The life of these wooden poles is up to 35 years, and if you're interested in them each has a date carved in which denotes the year it was placed.

There's a project there for someone with an interest in Kilcullen's infrastructural history.

Kildare South broadband — if sufficient demand

Fine Gael Kildare South TD Martin Heydon has secured a commitment from Imagine to enter the broadband market in Kildare South should sufficient interest exist in their product.

“Availability of good quality broadband in rural areas of Kildare South is the single biggest issue that I faced on the campaign trail, reinforcing with me the need for a speedy solution,” the deputy says. “Progress is continuing on the state investment in broadband infrastructure but due to the nature and scale of that project, it will take time to be fully rolled out. In the meantime, I believe we also need to look to the commercial providers to give more options for those living in rural areas who need access to quality broadband immediately.”

Deputy Heydon says Imagine are interested in entering the market in Kildare South if sufficient interest exists in their product. “I have undertaken to gather expressions of interest forms from households and businesses in the area that will determine if they make the investment. Imagine recently rolled out rural broadband services in areas of North Kildare which proved popular and successful.”

Imagine are investigating the use of an existing mast at Old Kilcullen that would serve Kilcullen, Calverstown, Narraghmore, Suncroft, Athgarvan, Brannockstown, Nurney, Two Mile House and many other areas within a 13km area. If successful they could extend their coverage with the use of other masts in time.

“Details for expressions of interest can be emailed to me at martin.heydon@oir.ie, to include name, address and contact number or email and Eircode details if possible.”

Imagine has recently completed testing in North Kildare and now has a live service up and running in North Kildare, South Limerick/North Cork and is going live with sites in Galway, North Kerry and South Wexford in the coming month.

“I want to ensure that Kildare South is included on this list of services,” Deputy Heydon concluded.

Brannockstown broadband 'within 12 months'

Two hundred homes in Brannockstown are earmarked for connection to the rural broadband programme just outlined by Eir, writes Brian Byrne.

The scheme will use fibre systems strung from telegraph poles, and Eir says it is aiming for 1.9m premises being in the scheme by 2020.

Speeds of up to 1Gbps are claimed to be available by Eir, which rolled out its programme ahead of the State's National Broadband Plan that hasn't yet been awarded to any tenderer.

Because it is a direct exchange to the home system, the speeds available will actually be faster than the cabinet-based systems already in use in larger towns.

By wiring up specific towns and villages now, Eir is taking them out of the NBP, as EU rules don't allow the State to subsidise commercial schemes.

The plan is that the 100,000 premises throughout Ireland in this phase will have their broadband available within 12 months.

It's understood that Eir prioritised hedgegrow trimming in advance of March 1 to facilitate stringing the cables to the first communities to be wired.

Some 50 apprentice places are also being made available for trainees to help with the work.

Eircode information campaign by Muintir

An information campaign on the new Eircode post-code system being introduced in Ireland is being undertaken at local level by Muintir na Tire, writes Brian Byrne.

The group is particularly aiming at elderly people who might need the system explained, or confusion or misunderstandings cleared up, and is inviting people with elderly family members or neighbours to contact them.

Conor O’Leary of Muintir na Tire is contactable on 086 6000753 or conor@muintir.ie.

This summer a letter will be sent to all addresses in Kildare notifying them of the Eircode for that address. People simply include the Eircode at the bottom of their address in all correspondence.

Conor O'Leary says there are many benefits to using Eircode, including making it quicker and easier for medical emergency services and others to locate addresses. "It is safe to give an Eircode to anyone you would normally give your address to," he adds.

New local newspaper goes on sale

In addition to the Kildare Nationalist, the Leinster Leader and The Bridge - and the Diary - there's a new source of local information on sale in the Kilcullen area.

It's The Borderline newspaper, a fortnightly tabloid which is designed to reflect the people and happenings in the West Wicklow/East Kildare region.

The first edition of The Borderline is now on sale, price €1, in Daybreak and Centra in Kilcullen, Narraghmore PO, and McCann's in Calverstown.

In the Kildare Nationalist

Kilcullen interest in this week's Kildare Nationalist, out today, includes Drumming up an international spirit, Cottonwood Tree is set to blossom, and Jane's tweet treats to help charity and a fair bit more.

Remember, the Kildare Nationalist is the local paper that gives Kilcullen and its people's activities the share of coverage that it deserves.