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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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The presentation was delivered on Friday, June 2 last. File pic.
A presentation outlining road projects in the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District (MD) was delivered to North Kildare councillors.
Stephen Deegan, a senior engineer with Kildare County Council, delivered the presentation at the latest MD meeting, which was held on Friday, June 2.
The presentation outlined a six month plan for road projects in the MD.
It was noted that the total cost of works underway was valued at €37.65 million.
Mr Deegan said that the Maynooth Eastern Ring Road road was '85 per cent complete.'
He added that the project was at the Detailed Design stage, and that the tender process would likely commence in Q3 of this year.
Construction is estimated to commence in Q2 of 2025, and will be valued at an estimated €32 million.
Regarding the Maynooth Local Transport Plan, Mr Deegan explained that the final draft of the plan has been received and is currently under review prior to publication.
However, he added that this information will be provided to councillors in advance of publication.
Stage Academy Newbridge get the gold!
On Sunday 30th of April, Director and Producer Brenda Malone Gilroy and Director Tanya Gallagher took 80 students from Stage Academy Newbridge to the TLT Theatre Drogheda for the first ever ShowTops Variety Competition Final and came away as champions!
ShowTops Variety Competition, by Kim Rice Shorthall, is a brand-new variety competition showcasing some of Ireland’s top stage school talent. Each show is between 50-55 minutes and consists of a variety of dances, comedies, songs and scenes of all different genres and styles. Stage Academy competed in the heats on April 15th against 4 other schools and successfully made it to the final last Sunday against Funky Feet from Dundalk. Not only did they take home Overall Winner but also a plethora of other awards such as Best Creativity, Best Group Dance (Hip-Hop Medley choreographed by teacher Shauna Walsh), Best Group Vocal (composed by teachers Caoimhe Gately and Fiona Ryan), Star of the Show- Alex Sheppard and Top Solo Vocal- Shauna Walsh. Judges special mention went to Lauren Smullen. Each child was also made feel extra special with Showtops Medals!
All members of the team from 5 years to 24, put in a trojan of dedication, time, and commitment to make the show possible. Rehearsals began before Christmas and took place almost 3-4 per week since outside of their regular weekly classes. In the weeks before showtime, parents and past students were brought in to help with props, costumes, lights, running orders and backstage. It really takes an army!
Stage Academy, opened in 2006, is a multi-award-winning stage scho ol based in Newbridge Co Kildare. Directed by Brenda Malone, Stage Academy are no strangers to variety competitions having won 3 All Ireland Titles in 2014,2015,2017. Outside of Ireland they have had huge success in the states having compete twice as Team Ireland at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles. In 2016 they were crowned Vocal Champions of the World. They pride themselves in having a friendly family atmosphere and strive in creating the perfect environment to build, learn and grow whilst receiving top level training in a variety of dance, tap, musical theatre, hip-hop, drama, singing and ballet. Their students have gone on to train at prestigious colleges across the UK, America and Ireland and have made appearances on international television and radio.
Stage Academy are currently preparing for their end of year show on May 27th. They will also be holding a summer camp the two weeks of July. Information can be found on their social media pages! They will be accepting new students in September. Anyone ages 3+ is welcome to join!
Find us on Facebook
Stage Academy Newbridge or on Instagram @stageacademy_newbridge for updates on all upcoming events!
Mr Deegan also said that a consultant has been appointed to deliver the Junction Programme Phase 1A.
He noted that works had been conducted at ten separate bridges in the MD in 2022, and in particular said that repair works had been successfully carried out at the Millicent Bridge, and the road has been reopened.
Key projected figures related to carbon emission reduction within the MD were also highlighted by Mr Deegan.
According to the statistics featured in the presentation, the modal share of car journeys is expected to drop from 72 per cent to 53 per cent by 2030, while 30 per cent of 'escort to education' car journeys will be avoided or will shift to more sustainable modes of transport by 2030.
In addition, it is estimated that 30 per cent of the car fleet will be made up of Electric Vehicles by 2030.
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