Thanks, Teachers

Our local schools have done a great job since day one of the COVID-19 restrictions. Teachers have been using technology to great effect and it’s amazing to see how young children have adapted to learning remotely. My thanks to teachers and staff for their quick response to ensure that the impact on our children’s education…

Support for Variation One

I voted today to support a variation of the County Development Plan that sets the projected population growth in our villages and rural areas to lower, but more realistic, levels. We don’t have the infrastructure we need in our villages, yet we see more and more houses being built. Developers are promising land for schools,…

Focus on Bog Security

I wrote to Bord na Móna on April 27th regarding security operations at Lodge Bog. The Turf Development Act requires the company and its subsidiaries to afford appropriate protection for the environment and archaeological heritage. The recent fires in the Timahoe South Bog, which started on May 8th, are still smouldering today. Work is ongoing…

Garda Action Plan for Fly-tipping

Today I had a conference call with the Garda Superintendent that looks after our Municipal District. Kildare Gardaí are already committed to working with Kildare County Council and community volunteers to combat fly-tipping. In addition to this, they have now agreed to put together an action plan to address specific areas as necessary.

Kildare Archaeological Society Archives Online

Kildare County Library Service have made the archives of the Kildare Archaeological Society available for free online. In the archives, I found a very interesting article that suggests that one of the ancient kings of Ireland, King Laoghaire, could have died at the old village of Shanavoola near Lullymore, having chased the locals along the banks…

Walking at Mount Lucas Windfarm

If you’re looking for somewhere to go for a walk or a cycle, where there’s plenty of space between you and others, then the Mount Lucas Wind Farm is worth a visit. It’s open to the public and only a 30 minute drive from Allenwood and 20 minutes from Carbury. I visited recently in order…

COVID-19 Home Schooling

Day 1 of home schooling and the homework is being done before it’s even 9:00! Please remember that the reason for closing the schools is to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Don’t arrange meetups or gatherings with children that are not absolutely necessary. Look after your health by going for walks in the fresh air…

KDFL AGM with Social Distancing

I attended the AGM of the Kildare and District Football League tonight, where all recommended precautions for preventing the spread of COVID-19 were taken. This included social distancing, by setting the chairs apart from each other. Please take care with any planned events to maximise the protection of vulnerable members of your community in the…

Action on Litter Fines

At our full council meeting yesterday, I raised a motion to ask if the council has every power available to it to stop fly tippers from desecrating our countryside. I also asked that the council formally notify the Minister for the Environment of our concerns over the ineffectiveness of the €150 fine. With the support…