Cllr Maria Dollard was welcomed the funding for the development of Cootes Lane

Funding of €120,000 will see the reinstatement of a footbridge

"This is a fantastic project for those of us who enjoy walking, cycling and our natural and built heritage" enthuses Maria. The project will include the reinstatement of a foot bridge over the Bregagh River "or the Beodic as it is known locally by those just a little older and a little wiser than myself" laughs Maria.

"This investment in Cootes Lane follows on from the significant involvement of Keep Kilkenny Beautiful" she continues " and will see Cootes Lane become a heritage outdoor amenity area and outdoor classroom for the children in the nearby schools." The project is funded as part of an allocation awarded to Kilkenny County Council under Minister Eamon Ryan's Active Travel programme.

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful have already installed Acorn Boxes along the lane. "As we eagerly await the appearance of the saplings later this Spring, I was interested to learn from mid 1800s Ordnance Survey maps that Cootes Lane was home to 2 orchards and a plant nursery at that time." Maria believes we all need to reimagine our concept of what is beautiful and not be afraid to look to our heritage for inspiration.

She is enthusiastic about this year's Tidy Towns Competition which focuses on nature and biodiversity. "I think we are slowly remembering that nature's insects, birds and wild mammals are part of life's rich pageant and that we must be willing to share space with nature. This is how we see the beauty all around us" says Maria, continuing "the work that KKB are engaged in this year and their plans for a "Pollinator Path" along Cootes Lane will complement the great work of Kilkenny County Council and enhance the area for many years to come. I look forward to walking that path very soon".

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Legislation to Cap Excess Profits for Energy Companies

By Maria Dollard • September 4, 2023

New bill to combat high electricity costs welcomed by Kilkenny Councillor by Liam Kelly O’Rourke Kilkenny People 01 Sep 2023 4:48 PM Kilkenny Green Party Councillor, Maria Dollard, has welcomed the publication of the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Cap on Market Revenues) Bill. The Bill provides a cap on the market revenues genered by non-gas generators in the wholesale electricity market between December 2022 to June 2023. The estimated proceeds from the cap on market revenues are in the range €80 million to €150 million and these will now be retained and used in the electricity sector to provide financial supports to households and businesses affected by high energy prices. Cllr Dollard, commented: "This is good news for Kilkenny consumers who will see the money collected ring fenced to be returned to consumers who have been paying way too much for electricity for a long time now. We need to support those on the lowest incomes. There’s no doubt some people are being hit harder than others and without access to good insulation, bills can be very high for some, especially older people and people with reduced mobility." Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, claimed the move would 'ease the impact of high energy prices on electricity consumers' and stated he intends to bring this Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas when the Dáil resumes after the summer recess. https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/local-news/1287190/new-bill-to-combat-high-electricity-costs-welcomed-by-kilkenny-councillor.html