A young man stole cash, cigarettes and alcohol from a supermarket in Robertstown, Naas District Court heard.

Dylan Ennis (21) of Grand Canal View in Robertstown broke into the premises through a back window on November 19 last.

The court heard another teenage youth was involved in the incident but he cannot be named for legal reasons as he is underage.

Det Sgt Des McHale of Naas Garda Staton gave evidence that Ennis was identified on CCTV footage and he was later arrested at his home.

A quantity of alcohol and cigarettes was found in the attic of his house.

The court was told that Ennis was from a decent family, had made a full admission to gardai and was extremely co-operative during the garda investigation.

He was embarrassed and ashamed by the offence, solicitor David Gibbons said.

Judge John Cheatle noted that Ennis had a previously good character and made a 'bad mistake' in carrying out the burglary.

He added: "Burglary is a serious offence and would normally attract a custodial sentence."

However he ordered Ennis to carry out 100 hours of community service and adjourned the case to July 20.

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The first-ever register for children with autism is to begin working with families living in the Kildare and West Wicklow area.

The new Minister for Children Katherine Zappone launched the initiative in the Glenroyal Hotel in Maynooth.

The Registry will help identify the exact service needs for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by gathering vital information on a child’s diagnosis, development, medical and educational history.

Trinity College Dublin, NUI Galway and the Autism Speaks support group are leading the initiative in response to a call for a registry from affected families.

The pilot phase of the Registry will begin its work in Kildare/West Wicklow with hopes to extend it nationally later this year.

The Minister for Children was pictured at the launch with Sean Collins (10) from Kilcock who has autism.

An estimated one in 68 people worldwide has ASD, which makes it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and paediatric AIDs combined.

The data gathered will not only map out gaps in occupational health, speech and language and educational services but will also offer an important insight into the day-to-day realities for families living with autism.

The Registry will also inform future academic research into the causes of autism and improved interventions.

Professor Louise Gallagher, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin said: “I work with parents every day and know the immense challenges they face when it comes to access to the services they need for their child.

“The information gathered will allow us to identify the services that are lacking and to pinpoint exactly where they are needed.

"This will be the first step in helping children reach their full potential and in turn improve their quality of life.”

Dr Geraldine Leader, Director of the Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research at NUI Galway said: “The benefits of this Registry are far reaching, and it will allow us not only to demonstrate how widespread the condition is but to identify where extra medical and educational resources should be targeted.

"The Irish Autism Registry will serve as a national resource, targeted at the social, health, educational and long term needs of the Irish autism community.”

Professor Louise Gallagher (Trinity College Dublin), Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone and Geraldine Leader (NUI Galway).

Parents and guardians across Kildare/West Wicklow are miw encouraged to support the project by registering their child on the Autism Registry.

To sign up, please email Sarah-Marie Feighan on feighans@tcd.ie or call (01) 8962315.

Photos: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

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If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Kildare Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 045 409350. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 086 729 0010. Or you can email content@kildarenow.com at any time.

A man will appear in court tomorrow morning after Gardaí made a sizeable seizure of drugs in West Dublin yesterday afternoon.

As part of an intelligence led operation Gardaí from the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau(DOCB) stopped and searched a van in Clondalkin on Saturday. During the course of the search Gardaí discovered approximately three kilos of cocaine with an approximate street value of €210,000.

A 27-year-old male was arrested and taken to Clondalkin Garda station where he was detained under the provisions of section 2 of the Criminal Justice(Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 as amended. He was later charged on the 11th and is due to appear at Court No.1 Blanchardstown District Court on Monday morning at 10.30am.

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Fianna Fáil TD Fiona O'Loughlin has called on her colleagues and the wider political representatives in the country to take their heads out of the sand and address the abortion issue.

The Kildare South TD feels that the absence of comprehensive debate on the subject is not helping, and that people don't recognise that a huge amount of women are travelling to the UK to carry out crisis abortions.

Speaking on an Irish Times political podcast earlier this week, O'Loughlin was asked about her opinion on the eighth amendment.

"I think it's very important. It's a very emotive issue, and we have to think about the women that find themselves in crisis pregnancies number one, and also their partners and their families. It's a very divisive subject. I think the fact that we haven't had a mature debate about it since 1983 means that there is a generation left behind in terms of having their voice there," she said.

Asked whether or not her own personal feelings mirror those of the Fianna Fáil party, Deputy O'Loughlin stated that the party will have no stance on the matter until the wording of the proposed amendment is made clear to them.

"While my party position is quite clear, that it will be left to the individual TD or senator in terms of Oireachteas debate, and that the party wants to see the wording of the proposed amendment before they would make any decision relating to it."

She also said that the party would not be pressuring its members into voting a particular way.

"There will be a free vote on it. Micheal Martin did write to the Minister for Health last July to ask that an all-party committee would be put together to start looking at the proposed wording. I think that's essentially important," said O'Loughlin.

"From my point of view, while understanding very genuinely the arguments on both sides, and I think it is incumbent on us to protect the most vulnerable, including the unborn, at the same time we have to protect the women's health issues. We have to take our heads out of the sand in relation to the number of women that are travelling in real crisis situations over to England and we have to own up to and face this challenge that faces us as a society."

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It has been revealed that a number of toll stations across the country will no longer be able to accept the eFlow tags that tens of thousands of customers use every day.

A contracts dispute between Transport Infrastructure Ireland- the group which operates the eFlow service- and the Celtic Roads Group- the group which operates the tolls on some of the country's roads- means that thousands of people will have their tags switched off at some stations.

The toll stations involved are the M7/M8 near Portlaoise, the M25 Waterford bypass and the M1 at Drogheda. Customers with tags will not be able to approach the barriers and expect them to go up anymore, instead they will have to pay with cash. The switch off will happen at the end of August.

"It is with regret that we are making preparations to cease collection services on those roads at the end of August. From August 31, eFlow customers' tags will no longer work at those CRG plazas," said TII's head of tolling, Cathal Masterson.

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Councillor Mark Wall has called for  funding from the National Transport Authority to improve the safety of Kildangan Bridge.

The Labour Party politician said all users of the structure have serious concerns' about it.

Local people recently led protests at the bridge and called for action from the Council to improve its safety.

Cllr Wall added: "All avenues of funding be also investigated, given the serious concerns of all users of the bridge and considering previous motions and current designs for the safety of all users of the bridge."

The politician will raise the issue with officials at a meeting of Athy Municipal District on June 20.

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A Co Kildare-based social entrepreneur has been shortlisted for the annual Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards Programme, sponsored by DCC plc.

Over 170 entries were received by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, with 50 being shortlisted to attend Social Entrepreneurs Bootcamp held recently in the RDS.

The prestigious social-funding competition, now in its twelfth year, has supported 190 social entrepreneurs to date and invested €6.2m in direct funding to projects in areas including community and active citizenship, education and learning, environment and sustainability and mental and physical health.

The shortlisted entry from Co Kildare was Talk2MeMore which is a digital service empowering parents to enhance their child’s language exposure at an early age.

Their mission is to address the ‘Word Gap’ between children brought up in different socio-economic environments, to extend quality parent-child interactions, and help all children to be more prepared entering school.

This year the competition will be providing €420,000 in direct funding to nine social entrepreneurs.

In addition, direct support valued at €180,000 will be made available to successful applicants ensuring that they are equipped to bring their vision to fruition as soon as possible and have a positive impact on their respective communities and beyond.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Kildare Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 045 409350. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 086 729 0010. Or you can email content@kildarenow.com at any time.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Kildare Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 045 409350. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 086 729 0010. Or you can email content@kildarenow.com at any time.

Kildare will meet Westmeath in the Leinster Senior Football Championship semi-final after the Lake County men held off a spirited fightback by Offaly in the second half of their Leinster quarter-final in Cusack Park.

The home side started well in Mullingar, with marquee forward John Heslin slotting over a trio of scores as Westmeath raced into a 0-4 to 0-0 lead. With Offaly's main attacking threat, Niall McNamee, non-existent in the first half, it was left to the likes of Bernard Allen, Nigel Dunne and Graham Guilfoyle to notch the scores for the Faithful men.

Further scores from John Connellan, Denis Coroon and Heslin helped Westmeath saunter into a 0-9 to 0-3 lead at the interval over an Offaly side that offered very little going forward.

There was a remarkable change in the pace of the game following the restart as Offaly, backed by the wind, outscored their hosts by 0-9 to 0-4 in the second 35 minute period.

Scores from Nigel Dunne, who was excellent in his free-taking duties, and Peter Cunningham helped Offaly to reduce the gap to one point midway through the half, but Westmeath always managed to retain their lead, with the likes of Connellan and Heslin picking off scores.

James Dolan kicked a late score to make it 0-13 to 0-11, and although Cunningham cut the gap to one, Westmeath held on for a nervy win to set up a meeting with Kildare. It will be a familiar face in the opposite dugout for manager Cian O'Neill, as Clane native Tom Cribbin is in charge of Westmeath.

That tie is scheduled to take place on Sunday June 26 in Croke Park at 2pm, while Meath and Dublin will meet in the other semi-final at 4pm.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Kildare Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 045 409350. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 086 729 0010. Or you can email content@kildarenow.com at any time.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Kildare Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 045 409350. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 086 729 0010. Or you can email content@kildarenow.com at any time.

A Kildare based company is expanding massively in the next 18 months as a €2.5million investment is going to create 50 new jobs.

Murphy Surveys, a company that is based in Kilcullen, have made the investment to expand the technology available to employees and to further expand their workload in the UK.

The survey consultancy company have pumped the money into new technologies that include drone and laser scanning equipment for geological work. New divisions have been opened in the past year that has seen the company bring in services such as unmanned aerial vehicles and bridge inspections. Those investments have helped them to expand their clientèle in areas in the north of England.

Murphy Surveys currently employ 120 people in their Kilcullen base, and they also have offices in Cork, Dublin and Belfast.

Raymond Murphy, Managing Director of Murphy Surveys, outlined that the investment puts them ahead of the competition.

"In Ireland and Britain, we're ahead of our competition by quite a bit and that really stood to us during the hard times, when our focus was on getting things done more efficiently. We have a growth path of £1 million this year out of London, but we are also winning contracts in the north of England," he said.

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A Co Kildare Judge slammed insurance companies stating that young people are being 'discriminated against.'

A young man appeared before Naas District Court charged with no insurance. He pleaded guilty and had no previous convictions.

The 19- year-old was driving a 1996 car and had only purchased it a few days previously. He informed the court that the car cost him €200.

Defence Solicitor, Conal Boyce, outlined how the accused was working in a local stable but due to the downturn is now unemployed.

Mr Boyce said: "The age of the car did not help getting insurance, he is a good lad."

The court heard how the young man's insurance quote could be €1,000 until he is 29- years-old.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said: "Young people are being discriminated against. It is pushing people to do this."

The accused was convicted and fined €400 for not having insurance.

Judge Zaidan warned the young man: "If you are convicted for a second time, you will be automatically disqualified."

Are you currently renewing your insurance, and if so, how much has the premium increased by?

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Kildare Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 045 409350. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 086 729 0010. Or you can email content@kildarenow.com at any time.

The death has occurred of Alan HOPKINS of Athy, Kildare / Crumlin, Dublin.

Died peacefully after a short illness in the loving care of the staff of Naas General Hospital. Sadly missed by his loving son Robert, his sister Vera, nieces Orla and Aoife, extended family and friends.
May he rest in peace
Reposing at the Brian McElroy Funeral Home, Crumlin Village on Tuesday from 2pm to 7.30pm. Funeral on Wednesday after 2pm mass in the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome, followed by cremation. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu to Naas General Hospital.

The death has occurred of James (Jim) CLANCY Celbridge, Kildare.

Died peacefully at his home and surrounded by his family. James (Jim), beloved husband of Sheila, dear father of Noel, Kieran, Brian, Douglas, Alan, Gareth and Carol and a devoted grandfather to his ten grandchildren. Sadly missed by his loving family, brothers Brian, Douglas and Desmond, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
R.I.P.
Reposing at Cunningham’s Funeral Home, Ardclough Road, Celbridge on Monday evening from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. Removal to St. Patrick’s Church, Celbridge on Tuesday morning, arriving for Requiem Mass at 11.00am followed by cremation in Newland’s Cross Crematorium. Family flowers only, please. Donations if desired to the Kildare/West Wicklow Homecare Service.

The death has occurred of Denis DOYLE of Kilberry, Athy, Kildare.

Deeply regretted by his loving Wife Mary, Children - Joseph, Marilyn, Tony, Victoria, Catherine, Denise and Brendan, Brothers, Sisters, Sons-In-Law, Daughters-In-Law, Brothers-In-Law, Sisters-In-Law, Grandchildren, Relatives and Friends. Removal on Monday at 1.30pm to arrive at St. Michael's Parish Church, Athy for Requiem Mass at 2pm. Burial afterwards in St. Michael's new Cemetery, Athy.
The death has occurred of Patrick (Paddy) DUNNE of St Martin's Avenue, Naas, Kildare.

Sadly missed by his beloved wife Maeve, sons Seamus, Patrick, Kieran, Peter and Fergal, daughter Rita, brothers Bobby and Joe, sisters Betty, Sally, Rosaleen and Biddy, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Reposing at the George Mullins Funeral Home, Kilcullen Road, Naas on Sunday from 6pm with Prayers at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Monday at 10am in the Church of Our Lady and Saint David, Naas. Burial afterwards in St. Corbans Cemetery, Naas.

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It will be mild today with a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers.

Highest temperatures will be 15 to 19 degrees.

Some of the showers will be heavy and thundery but they will become isolated this evening.

Tonight will see rain will be turn heavy and persistent in places.

Temperatures will dip no lower than 11 to 13 Celsius.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Kildare Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 045 409350. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 086 729 0010. Or you can email content@kildarenow.com at any time.

A proposed Kildare nursing home has been rejected because planners didn't like how it looked.

The facility, which could have employed 50 people, was deemed to have “substandard” design.

Planning permission had been sought for the 90-bedroom development by Cavan-based LKD Developments, reports business website Fora.

However it has been denied planning permission due to its “inappropriate architectural design”.

Kildare Co Council said the development - beside the historic Carmelite Church (pictured) - would “negatively alter the distinctive character of the area [and] negatively impact the the visual amenities of the area”.

Read the full story HERE.

Photo: Ed Mooney.

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All lanes of the N7 southbound are open again after Gardai earlier closed the route due to a crash.

The incident happened on the southbound carriageway near the Naas South (Junction 10) before 6am.

Gardai attended the scene as well as other emergency vehicles.

However the route was open again within an hour just in time for the Monday morning commuter rush.

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Sarsfields GAA fan Kathleen Scanlan had a surprise 80th birthday party in the clubhouse in Newbridge last night.

Kathleen, from Newtown Commons outside Kildare Town, celebrated with her husband Jim - who turns 83 next month - and extended family and friends.

The birthday girl also had a surprise guest she hadn't seen in decades - old school friend Monica who now lives in the US.

Kathleen still goes social dancing every week and has no intention of slowing down.

We wish her a very happy 80th birthday!

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Kildare Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 045 409350. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 086 729 0010. Or you can email content@kildarenow.com at any time.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Kildare Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 045 409350. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 086 729 0010. Or you can email content@kildarenow.com at any time.

The Kilmeague/Robertstown Road is still closed due to an incident that happened at 6am.

Emergency services are currently at the scene.

Gardai are also dealing with a a crash on the Straffan Road (R406) near the Glenroyal Hotel in Maynooth.

Meanwhile Gardai are still dealing with a collision on the N81 Blessington Road northbound at Brittas.

Delays are being experienced in the area.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Kildare Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 045 409350. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 086 729 0010. Or you can email content@kildarenow.com at any time.