Area Committee chairman named

Kilbeggan"s own Paul Daly has been named as chairman of its Area Committee, a position that he will hold for the next year before the chair is rotated. Labour Councillor Ger Corcoran will then take up the mantle.The handover took place at last week"s monthly meeting and outgoing chairman Joe Flanagan, who topped the poll at the recent election, was warmly congratulated for his hard work and dedication during his time in the office.Council members also commiserated with former Councillor Michael Newman and said that he would be sadly missed for his hard work and energy which he had always brought to the table.Barry Kehoe, who formerly held office with Athlone area, has taken over as director of services for the Kilbeggan area and said that he was looking forward to working with the team and getting as much necessary work done as quickly as possible.At the first meeting it was noted by both councillors and council staff that restrictions on budgets would mean that tough decisions would have to be made about prioritising public works including hedge trimming and remedial repairs to roads in the Kilbeggan area.But there was some good news, the first round of grants from the €250,000 pot which funds essential house repairs and alterations for the elderly and disabled has now been given out.Priority was given to the disabled and the second allocation of funding will now commence.Kilbeggan residents living in fear says Councillor DalyAt his first meeting as chairman of Kilbeggan Area Committee, Councillor Paul Daly raised the sensitive issue of traveller camps which have recently been set up on the M6 between Kilbeggan and Horseleap.Both councillors Daly and Corcoran said that they had been contacted by people who said that they had been 'living in fear' since the camps had been erected and called for the area to be fenced off to prevent further incidents.Councillor Daly also asked if it was possible to fence off the entire length of the M6 between Kilbeggan and Horseleap.Director of Services Barry Kehoe said that even without the current financial restrictions faced by the council, the idea was unfeasible.'This has not been a problem previously as far as I can remember,' said Mr Kehoe.'But it is becoming an increasing problem and we need to take measures now to stop it becoming worse,' said councillor Daly.Mr Kehoe also said that travellers had been served notice to leave the area by the council and that it would look at further ways to curb the problem.Kilbeggan Gun Club NoticeA reminder to all members that a meeting of the club will be held on Thursday July 23 in McCormack"s lounge. All membership fees for the coming year must be paid on the night.Insurance for the coming year must also be paid on that date as our insurance expires on July 31. Colm Troy PROSafe Pass TrainingNext Safe Pass Training Saturday July 18, 2009 in Grand Canal Harbour Building, Kilbeggan. For further information contact: SWEETS Offices Kilbeggan at 057 9332030.Kilbeggan Youth ClubClub meets every Thursday at Scoil an Chlochair commencing at 7.30pm to 8.30pm for under 12"s. Over 12"s meet at 8.30pm to 9.30 pm. New members always welcome. St. James" Hall also provides much needed facilities and space. Contact Anne Corcoran (Chair) on 086-0628496.SWEETS Computer TrainingIntroduction to Computers, Computer Literacy FETAC Level 3, Computer Applications FETAC Level 4 and Information Technology Skills FETAC Level 4. For more information contact the SWEETS office on 057 9332030.SWEETS Computer Treks Summer CampFrom August (10 to 14), 8 to 10 years. From August (17 to 21), 11 to 13 years.Occupational First Aid Training Course FETAC Level 5.Courses taking place in SWEETS in Kilbeggan for further information contact the office.Kilbeggan Toddler GroupKilbeggan Toddler Group meets every Wednesday at Kilbeggan Pitch and Putt Club from 10 to 12 pm. Come along for a chat and a cup of tea. All welcome. Further information contact Grace 0877860902.BingoBingo continues every Tuesday night at 8pm in St James"s Hall.Kilbeggan and District NotesAnybody wishing to have a notice included in Kilbeggan and District Notes please drop it into the SWEETS Office, The Crescent, Kilbeggan or alternatively on 0579332030. Notices received before 10am Friday will be included in the following week"s notes.