An electric car, stolen last night in Co Kildare was last tracked to Co Armagh this morning, police said.

The PSNI are appealing for help in locating the dark grey coloured Nissan Leaf (similar to pictured).

A PSNI spokesperson said the battery may have died by now but its last tracked location was travelling towards Armagh City along the Newtownhamilton Road around 7am this morning.

The registration on the car is 191-KE-2735.

Anybody with information is asked to contact the PSNI.

The standard Nissan Leaf has a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery and has a range of up to 240km (150 miles).

However the Nissan Leaf Plus has a 62-kwh battery pack with an estimated 226 mile range (363 miles).

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Kildare Co Council said it is 'confident' that the abandoned Naas Shopping Centre will be put up for sale soon by its receivers.

Councillor Sorcha O’Neill raised the issue at today's local Municipal District meeting.

The politician asked if the Council could confirm if the Naas Shopping Centre building site has not gone up for sale as promised for the second time.

Cllr O'Neill also queried if the site qualifies for either the derelict or vacant site registration, if so, when can those penalties apply?

Niall Morrissey, Director of Services, Roads, Transportation and Public Safety Department with the Council, said:

"Kildare County Council have been working very closely with the Receivers for the site in question and are confident that the site will be on the market quite soon."

The buildings were the scene of a large fire in July 2017 and there has been a number of cases of anti social behaviour in the area.

A receiver was appointed two years ago to take over the unfinished shopping centre which fell victim to the economic crash in 2008 and has laid vacant and under-developed ever since.

The receivers gave new hope that something could be made of the once-promising venture in Naas town centre.

Punchestown Week 

At the same meeting, Cllr O'Neill also called on the Council to suspends all road or footpath works and road closures that will affect
the Main Street in Naas or traffic going to or from Punchestown Festival later this month.

Naas Municipal District officials said they have advised all utility firms of this requirement and will monitor the situation during Punchestown week.

Bus Stops 

The Council also said that the National Transport Authority (NTA) is currently engaging with the Roads Department with regard to upgrading bus stop poles at a number of locations throughout the county.

The upgrade relates to standardising bus stop infrastructure in tandem with the new bus contracts being awarded by NTA.

The Roads Department will bring the issue raised regarding bus stops in the vicinity of Esmondale to the attention of NTA.

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The Draft Alcohol Bye-Laws for the County of Kildare have been agreed with the council's legal advisors and the maps for the 20 town/villages have been prepared.

The members will be briefed in June on the new bye-laws before they go on public display.

It is proposed to bring a report on the bye-laws back to the members at their September Municipal District meetings with a view to them being listed for consideration at the full council meeting in September.

The list of towns included in the bye-laws are Athy, Ballymore-Eustace, Castledermot, Celbridge,

Clane, Johnstown, Kilcock, Kilcullen, Kildare, Kill, Kilmeague, Leixlip, Maynooth,

Monasterevin, Naas, Newbridge, Prosperous, Rathangan, Robertstown and Sallins.

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Join in the 'Egg-citment' this Easter Holidays with Whitewater Shopping Centre. They have an Easter Market on The Avenue from 18th until 20th April.  Then from 19th there will be  a mini carnival including a magical carousel.

The Shopping Centre  will be closed on Easter Sunday and will reopen again on Easter Monday from 11am-6pm.

ODEON Cinema will  open on Easter Sunday as well as Fujiyama on the Avenue, Milano, Nandos & Subway on Cutlery Road.

On Monday, April 22nd, Easter Bank Holiday, they will  have the cutest 'Bunny Zone' petting corner. Come along and have  a cuddle with the Easter bunnies!!

Before the children head back to school after Easter  there will be  lots more fun with a Family comedy show on Saturday April 27th & the very popular Reptile Zoo will return on Sunday April 28th.

Centre Manager Ingrid Ryan noted:- “Easter is a wonderful time at Whitewater. With the free family-friendly entertainment, we hope to add to the magic of this wonderful Spring Break. We would like to wish all of our customers a very Happy Easter”.

 

 

 

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As part of an intelligence led operation, targeting organised criminality in the Dublin area, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau stopped and searched a vehicle in West Dublin this afternoon.

Cannabis herb with an estimate street value of €1.5 million euro (subject to analysis) was seized and a 66 year old man was arrested at the scene. He is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996 at Lucan Garda Station.

Investigations ongoing.

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Following the announcement yesterday by Kildare County Council that the opening of  three lanes of the M7 Naas road has been delayed, the Chamber are calling for definitive date for completion of the works.

Allan Shine, CEO of County Kildare Chamber said: “This road is one of the businesses roads in the country and carries almost 70,000 vehicles every day and is the main network connection to Waterford, Cork and Limerick."

The scheme involves widening of 13.5km of the M7 motorway from two to three lanes. Once completed it is hoped the work will have a significant impact on motorists from both a safety and reduced travel time perspective.

Mr Shine said: “It will be of huge benefit to business in the Mid-east region when the works have been completed but we need certainty as to the date when it will be completed.  Media outlets are now reporting different months for completion and this is adding confusion to the daily commuters on the M7 and to our members."

He said: "We understand that the opening of the 3 lane will be phased until fully completed. We require the council to inform the business community and the public of the roll out of these dates and to provide as much certainty as they can as to the dates of the phased roll out”.

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Former Rose of Tralee and current MEP Candidate, Maria Walsh has encouraged more women to join the Defence Forces.

The events and media consultant from Co Mayo made history as the first-ever member of the LGBT community to be crowned Rose of Tralee in 2014.

She is also a Trooper in the 1st Armoured Cavalry Squadron based at The Curragh.

She is among 236 women who are currently members of the Reserve Defence Forces.

She took part in her first formal military parade at Dublin's Collins Barracks to mark the 90th anniversary of the foundation of the volunteer force, the MEP candidate hopes to encourage more women and minorities to follow in her boot steps.

"April is recruitment month, so we're really just trying to make it as diverse as possible. The more women in it, the better diversity," she said.

Defence Minister Paul Kehoe unveiled a new handbook that highlights the benefits to employers of having members of the RDF work for them.

The booklet stresses the unique skills reservists acquire during their military service and training that can be invaluable to the workforce, including leadership, teamwork, and mental and physical agility.

"Recruitment is currently under way, providing opportunities for young men and women to expand their potential," the minister said.

"New recruits can expect to start with basic military skills encompassing marching, weapons use and tactics.

"They can then progress to mission planning and tactical command; experiencing the many benefits provided by the Defence Forces."

He also thanked more than 200,000 current and deceased members of the RDF for their commitment to the State since the force was founded in 1929.

Among the recent recruits to the force is naval reservist Oluwafemi Ake.

The 30-year-old MBA graduate moved to Ireland on his own from his native Nigeria just four years ago.

Although he gets some affectionate slagging from fellow recruits, he said they have become a second family and he is proud to serve his adopted home.

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A financial services worker who caused a disturbance after he was refused entry to a pub had been drinking whiskey on an empty stomach.

The man in his 20s from Leixlip was arrested over his behaviour in the incident.

Judge Anthony Halpin struck the case out after he made a €250 charity donation.

The accused admitted threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour, and failing to comply with Garda directions.

Dublin District Court heard that the incident happened in Fleet Street, Dublin, on March 9.

Gardai saw that the man appeared intoxicated and was arguing with people.

He had been refused entry to a pub and was complaining about this.

The accused refused to move on and was arrested. He had no previous convictions.

He was out on the night, had not eaten and "proceeded to drink whiskey", the court heard.

He had no meaningful recollection of what happened after that, his lawyer said.

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Roads are mostly dry this morning but it’s quite foggy in places.

The weather conditions are affecting visibility on long stretches on the M4 in north Kildare, said AA Roadwatch.

Fog is reported on the M4 around Maynooth.

There are similar conditions on the M4/N4 around Leixlip.

Caution advised in affected areas.

The foggy conditions persist on the N4 at Lucan.

Use your fog lights in any affected areas but remember to switch them off afterwards so as not to dazzle other road users.

Commuter routes are likely to be lighter this morning with many schools on mid-term break.

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Kildare 2-18

Roscommon 4-12

Senior Football Challenge

Kildare and Roscommon played out an entertaining draw in a Senior Challenge game as part of Robertstown GAA’S Centenary Celebrations.

The game was Kildare’s first since the end of the League and while they would have been more than pleased to notch 2-18, Cian O’Neill’s men still looked very open at the back with Roscommon strolling through for a number of goal chances.

Both Eoghan O’Flaherty and Neil Flynn kicked five points apiece for Kildare and Paddy Brophy also got a much needed brace of goals but they had to settle for a draw when John McManus fisted a point in added on time for the Rossie’s.

From the moment Roscommon opened the scoring with a Niall Kilroy point it was clear that they would be capable of causing the Kildare defence problems and they soon had a three point lead with another score from Conor Hussey followed up by a goal from Diarmuid Murtagh after he converted a penalty when Ronan Daly was fouled by Mark Dempsey.

Kildare who were playing in a new alternative green jersey kept in touch with points from Jimmy Hyland and Fergal Conway and they soon got a bit of momentum going with scores from Kevin Feely and Eoghan O’Flaherty helping them to an 0-8 to 1-2 cushion at the midway point of the half.

Roscommon responded with points from Murtagh and Kilroy after Mark Donnellan had earlier provided a couple of point blank saves from Tadhg O’Rourke and John McManus.

Jimmy Hyland kicked four points in the half and his last attempt briefly stalled Roscommon’s momentum but it was only brief as the Connacht side raced into half-time with the lead after points from Kilroy and Ronan Daly were followed up by a goal from Niall Kilroy.

As a result Roscommon held a 2-6 to 0-9 lead but after Anthony Cunningham made a number of substitutes, Kildare were able to get back level with points from O’Flaherty and David Slattery while Kevin Feely was out of luck as he cracked a shot off the outside of the post.

Neil Flynn appeared as an early second half sub and he knocked over a quartet of frees which were cancelled out by Roscommmon points from Donie Smith and Cathal Cregg.

There was thus nothing between the sides entering the final ten minutes before both teams went goal crazy scoring two goals each.

Caoileann Fitzmaurice firstly palmed in a goal in the 60^th minute and while Paddy Brophy replied almost immediately after great work from Kevin Feely and David Slattery it was Roscommon who were back in front with a fine fourth goal from range by Enda Smith.

That goal looked like it would give Roscommon victory after Conor Cox shared points with Feely and Flynn but Kildare struck for goal in the 69^th minute when Brophy fired home after he found space on the back of quickfire passes from Slattery and Keith Cribbin.

Kildare couldn’t hold out though as John McManus scored for Roscommon in the next move with things ending all square on a 2-18 to 4-12 scoreline.

Kildare: Mark Donnellan; Mark Dempsey, Mick O’Grady, Mark Hyland, Cian O’Donoghue, Eoin Doyle, David Hyland, Kevin Feely 0-2 (0-1f), Fergal Conway 0-1, David Slattery 0-1, Kevin Flynn, Conor Hartley, Jimmy Hyland 0-4, Paddy Brophy 2-0, Eoghan O’Flaherty 0-5 (0-5fs).

Subs used: Peter Kelly for Doyle 19 mins, Neil Flynn 0-5 (0-4fs) for Hyland 40 mins, Mark Barrett for O’Donoghue 39 mins, Tommy Moolick for O’Flaherty 50 mins, Keith Cribbin for M.Hyland 52 mins, Aaron O’Neill for Donnellan 56 mins, Tony Archbold for Hartley 56 mins, David Malone for Conway 63 mins.

Roscommon: Darren O’Malley; David Murray, Sean Mullooly, David Neary, John McManus 0-1, Conor Hussey 0-1, Ronan Daly 0-1, Tadhg O’Rourke, Niall Daly, Hubert Darcy, Ultan Harney, Henry Walsh, Andrew Glennon, Diarmuid Murtagh 1-2 (0-1f), Niall Kilroy 1-2.

Subs used: Donie Smith 0-2 (0-1f), Cathal Cregg 0-1, Enda Smith 1-0, Caoileann Fitzmaurice 1-0, Conor Cox 0-2 (0-2fs).

Ref: Cormac Reilly (Meath)

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An Garda Síochána and The Road Safety Authority (RSA) will today launch the 2019 Easter bank holiday weekend road safety appeal.

Drivers will be urged to put their mobile phones away while driving so that they can focus their attention on the road.

Gardai will have a visible enforcement presence over the Easter weekend to target motorists who continue to ignore the risks associated with using a mobile phone will driving.

Public appeals will be made today by Assistant Garda Commissioner David Sheahan, Roads Policing & Major Event Management and Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive Officer, Road Safety Authority.

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Photos by Ciara Tibby Doyle

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The death has occurred of Sean Byrne
Ardee Row, Aughrim, Wicklow / Athy, Kildare

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478 admitted patients are waiting for beds this morning, according to today’s INMO Trolley Watch. 346 are waiting in the emergency department, while 132 are in wards elsewhere in the hospital.
The worst-hit hospitals today are University Hospital Limerick (61), Cork University Hospital  (47) and St Vincent’s University Hospital (32).
Every morning at 8am, INMO members count how many patients are waiting in the Emergency Department for a bed and how many are waiting in wards elsewhere in the hospital. This morning there are five people waiting for a bed at the Emergency Department in Naas  while there are four people elsewhere waiting for a ward.
The INMO Trolley Watch counts the number of patients who have been admitted to acute hospitals, but who are waiting for a free bed. These patients are often being treated on trolleys in corridors, but they may also be on chairs, in waiting rooms, or simply wherever there’s space.

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Kildare Co Council said it's happy to discuss the future of White's Castle in Athy with its owners.

Cllr Brian Dooley had asked the Council write to the owner of White's Castle asking what are their intentions in relation to the Castle structure and the upkeep of the building.

The famous landmark was built in 1417 by Sir John Talbot, Viceroy of Ireland, to protect the bridge over the River Barrow and the inhabitants of the Pale.

It was later acquired by the Doyle family and sold in 2005 to its current owners.

The issue was raised at the Athy Municipal District meeting this week.

A Council spokesperson said: "The statutory duty of care for upkeep and maintenance of a protected structure is the responsibility of the owner/occupier.

"White's Castle is in private ownership and consequently the duty of care for the upkeep and maintenance of the Castle lies with the owner.

"The previous District Manager had engaged in discussions with the owners, and as the District Manager had previously stated, the Council is happy to discuss future proposals for White's Castle with its owner."

A family member of the owners, Terry Doyle, who now lives in the UK, suggested to KildareNow in 2016 that a trust should be set up with a mission to collect funds and purchase the property in the future.

Mr Doyle, who lived with his family in the Castle from 1965 to 1977, said he was sad and disappointed to see the deteriorating condition of the landmark building.

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North Kildare Gardaí are on the hunt for a raider who is reported to have  punched a shop worker in Celbridge early this morning.

At 12.30am, on Wednesday, April 17, a raider is understood to have entered Spar, Clane Road,Celbridge.

The premises is undergoing construction work and the worker had returned to collect an item from the store.

At the shop, a raider demanded the worker to open the till.

However, when the worker refused, the raider is reported to have punched the worker in the face and threatened to stab the worker.

The worker fled and the raider left with a quantity of cigarettes.

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Kildare Gardaí are on the hunt for a lone raider armed with a wheel-brace.

It is reported that on Thursday, April 11, last, a raider entered a garage in Kildare town.

A small amount of items were stolen from the premises.

The raider  was described as being of slim build and going bald.

He escaped in a small, white hatchback car.

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A group of musicians from Co Kildare are banding together to support brave 8-year-old girl Ella Dempsey who is battling a rare form of cancer, with a fundraising gig taking place in the Lucan Spa Hotel this Thursday 18 April from 8pm.

Young Ella Dempsey is 8-years-old and her family is originally from Kilcock, but they are now living close to Cork. Last October Ella was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that grows in the bones or soft tissue around the bones.

Brave Ella has had aggresive chemotherapy for her cancer at Crumlin Children's Hospital in Dublin and has been struggling as of late in her attempts to walk, with more treatments on the cards in the form of advanced radiation treatment in Germany in the coming weeks.

After hearing of young Ella's brave battle against cancer, a group of musicians including the acclaimed Dublin musician Brush Shiels, Kildare band Harlequin, Ella's aunt Heather Kelly and Beatrix Nova are set to perform at a fundraising gig in the Lucan Spa Hotel in Dublin this Thursday.

Speaking to KildareNow ahead of the gig, one of the organisers Grant Nicholas, who lives in Celbride and plays drums for both Harlequin and Brush Shields, said that they want to raise funds to send Ella and her Mum to Germany for her radiation treatment.

"Ella is only 8-years-old and she has a rare form of cancer. She is a relation of a friend of mine and as soon as I heard about her I wanted to try help her and her family, I'm in the music business playing drums for Brush Shiels and Harlequin and we're getting together to raise some funds. Her family are originally from Kilcock but now live near Cork and Ella's grandfather was formerly a Vicar for Celbridge in the 1990's," explained Grant.

He added: "We have a fundraising goal of about €2,500 and we're hoping it will be a good night, the funds raised will go towards accommodation for Ella and her Mum when they travel to Germany."

Ella's family would like to thanks theLucan Spa Hotel for providing the venue for the gig and also a special thanks goes to Shane McGrath from Harlequin for providing P.A. and the lights.

Tickets for the 'Gig for Ella' event cost 10 at the door of the Lucan Spa Hotel and the night kicks off at 8pm on Thursday April 18 and it's sure to be a great night filled with music and plenty of fun!

For more information visit the Facebook page Gig For Ella 

Brave Ella Dempsey is battling Ewings Sarcoma and needs to go to Germany for radiation treatment

Local Kildare band Harlequin will perform at the Gig for Ella tomorrow night in the Lucan Spa Hotel

Dublin musician Brendan Franics 'Brush' Shiels will also play at the 'Gig for Ella' tomorrow nigh in the Lucan Spa Hotel in Dublin

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If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

PHOTO GALLERY: As part of their Centenary Year Celebration, Robertstown GFC hosted a challenge game in their grounds between Kildare & Roscommon on Tuesday 16 April.

PHOTOS PAT TINSLEY

IKP Refreshment smiles from Carmel Cooke and Tara Moran.

IKP Sophie,Jasmine and Sadie Kelly.

IKP Mentors for the girls underage teams were Collette O'Reilly and Sarah Mullaney.

IKP Arabella Smal and Erin Whyte.

IKP Young Alfie Farrell with the best seat of them all,his daddy James's shoulders.

IKP Can we play too? The Robertstown underage players rearing to get going on the pitch at half time.

IKP Kamala O'Brien,with son Bobby, presents a memento trophy to Kildare captain Eoin Doyle.

IKP Joe Kavanagh presents a memento trophy to Roscommon captain Enda Smith.

IKP Referee for the evening was Cormac O'Reilly(Meath) who was ably assisted by Liam Carthy and Sham Moran.

IKP Patsy Foley and Kathleen Moolick.

IKP Jack,Siobhan and Aoife Higgins.

IKP Deirdre and Oisin Mullally with Aoife O'Riordan and Jack Kavanagh.

IKP James Matthews and Kyle Raihil.

IKP Best of frenemies,the Robertstown underage girls pose together for a photo before doing battle at halftime.

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