Fox will Not be Voting for High Levies
Friday, February 27, 2004
Independent Deputy Mildred Fox has reiterated that she will not be voting in support of the high levies that are currently proposed for those building in Co Wicklow.
The levies that have been discussed, if passed, will be the highest in the entire country. Deputy Fox feels that this is placing an unreasonable burden on those who are hoping to provide a home for themselves and she is not prepared to vote through this measure, if the levels of charges are at the high rates spoken about.
Loss of the Dual Mandate
Friday, February 27, 2004
Independent Deputy Mildred Fox has expressed her disappointment at the judgement of Miss Justice Laffoy in relation to the Dual Mandate.
With this decision, it will not be possible for public representatives to hold a Council seat and a Dail seat at the same time. It will however be possible for a Dail Deputy to also be a member if the European Parliament for three more years.
Deputy Fox says that she intends to continue to represent her constituents at as local a level as she can. She believes that this will reflect the wishes of most people, who want their representatives to be accessible and interested in the matters that have direct impact on them. For most people, this means planning, housing, local roads and services and maintenance of local facilities.
Large Turnout at Bray Public Meeting on Loughlinstown Hospital
Thursday, February 26, 2004
A large crowd turned out in Bray on Wednesday (February 25th) to protest at the threatened closure of the Accident & Emergency Department at St. Columcille's Hospital in Loughlinstown. The organisers of the Save Our Service campaign expressed delight at the large turn-out of members of the public.
"I want to thank everyone who helped to make our meeting such a success", said Maureen Masterson, Secretary of SOS. "It was very heartening to see such support in the town of Bray and in North Wicklow."
Ross Connolly, National Secretary of SIPTU Retired Members chaired the meeting and introduced the impressive line-up of speakers including Wesley Burrowes, renowned author; Cllr. Andrew Doyle, member of the East Coast Area Health Board; Philip McInenley of the INO; Madeleine Speirs, theatre nurse; and Liz McManus TD.
"This is a truly cross-party, broad-based campaign", declared Deputy Liz McManus, "and one that shows the depth of feeling on the issue."
One distinguished member of the audience was Peter Cassells, the Labour Candidate in the European Elections who pledged his support for the campaign.
A Motion was passed unanimously expressing full support for the maintenance and improvement of accident, emergency and acute services at St. Columcille's Hospital. This was proposed by Mrs. B. Kelly and seconded by Mr. Barry Nevin and is to be sent to the Minister for Health & Children.
Greystones Pair Help Homeless
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Three weeks ago two Greystones people distributed sleeping bags, blankets and warm clothes to the homeless on Dublin's streets. When Jenny Creed and Paul Geraghty heard that a man had died of hypothermia on the streets of Dublin they placed an ad in the parish bulletin in order to collect items to benefit those out in the elements. They put together "survival kits" from what they had collected which included a knapsack, a warm blanket, a sleeping bag or reflective silver thermal blanket, warm hat and gloves, thermal underwear, warm socks or thermal insoles, and a polythene sheet or rain gear. Both Jenny and Paul expressed gratitude to the people of Greystones for their generosity in donating items for the kits.
[Source: Irish Emigrant Publications]
Wicklow Hurlers Succumb to Carlow
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Carlow 2-11, Wicklow 0-9
UNUSUAL statistics and Carlow/Wicklow hurling games appear to go hand in hand.
A month ago in Aughrim the home county failed to score in the second half of the Kehoe Cup semi-final and still won. After 20 minutes of Sunday’s NHL game at the same venue Carlow, hurling into the ice-cold wind, led by the soccer-type scoreline of two goals to nil and Wicklow had racked up an appalling ten wides.
Indeed Carlow, or rather big Des Murphy, had struck for those priceless goals within six minutes of the throw-in, goals that set up the visitors for a merited victory and the ideal start to the league campaign for Michael Walsh’s charges.
In the fourth minute Carlow goalkeeper Frank Foley, having come to the left of his posts to deal with a tricky situation, eluded a couple of tackles to deliver a clearance to midfield. There Pat Coady’s first-time ground whip quickly brought play to the left of the Wicklow goal, Sean Michael Murphy collecting and scampering in a long the end-line before cleverly flicking the sliothar in the path of big Des who, from close range, batted to the net.
Two minutes later Des rambled out to the left wing side and in attempting to gain possession was fouled. Pat Coady appeared to mishit the resultant 45m free, travelling in on a head high trajectory but Des Murphy reacted quickly, grabbing the sliothar and, from inside the 13m line, burying it in the net.
Those were major body-blows to Wicklow and their attempts to undo the damage were severely hampered when backed by the stiff breeze the Garden County men hit a string of wides. The losers had brought their wides tally to an ugly 10 before John Keogh finally opened their account when pointing a 20th minute free and come half-time Wicklow had reduced the arrears to 2-3 to 0-7.
The winners three first half points had come from Pat Coady frees in the 22nd and 27th minutes, the second from the 45m line near the side-line after a foul on Willie Hickey, and a stylish Karl English effort from the right wing in injury-time.
John Keogh tacked on Wicklow points from placed balls in the 29th, 34th and 36th minutes, Trevor McGrath too pointed a placed ball, his a mighty effort from inside his own 65 in the 32nd, while Christopher Kavanagh and Wayne O’Gorman were successful from play.
Carlow, though, with the assistance of the elements killed off the game in the opening 20 minutes of the second half, by which stage they had established a 2-9 to 0-8 advantage. Indeed over the course of the second half the winners outscored their opponents 0-8 to 0-2, Wicklow’s second point coming in injury-time.
If Wicklow, with the stiff breeze, had encountered shooting difficulties Carlow were far more economical when presented with scoring opportunities backed by the wind and while they recorded seven second half wides, four of those came late in proceedings when the game, as a contest, was over.
Apart from Des Murphy’s two goals, Carlow’s most important scores were their opening three points of the second half, points worthy of note not only for the fact that they helped open up a healthy gap but also for the nature in which they were fashioned.
In the 7th minute sub Paul Kehoe made tracks for goal was fouled and Pat Coady dispatched the free, from the left wing side-line 35m out, straight over the bar. Two minutes later a huge Tommy Doyle clearance and crisp first time ground hurling by Andy Hickey and Karl English led to Sean Michael Murphy arrowing over a sweet point. From the puck-out Carlow attacked again, a Paul Kehoe run and pass freed James Hickey, a superb strike yielded an inspirational point.
While Jeffrey Bermingham, the Wicklow wing back, moved up field to nick a fine point from the left wing in the 11th minute, the home side were unable to make any real impression on the tight Carlow rearguard.
Another salvo of Carlow points, five on this occasion, well and truly clinched the verdict, defenders Eddie Coady and Adrian Corcoran directly involved in two scores apiece. Firstly Coady, in the 16th minute, took a pass from big Des and confidently drifted over a point. Four minutes ‘on’, back in his own patch, he won a free which his namesake Pat took and from, inside his own 65, arrowed an incredible missile over the bat.
Within a minute Des Murphy intercepted an attempted Wicklow clearance, point. Then enter centre-stage right full back Adrian Corcoran. In the 26th minute the No. 2 found himself up in attack, in possession, soloed through, was fouled and Coady pointed the free.
Two minutes later, further back the field, Corcoran was tripped by Don Hyland, who, having been yellow carded in the very early stages, was issued with a second yellow and the inevitable red. Pat Coady in putting over the resultant long range free became Carlow’s highest scoring hurler of all-time (see separate article inside).
While John Keogh struck a consolation point for Wicklow in time added on, Wicklow by then had been reduced to 13 play-ers, dual star Wayne O’Gorman issued with a straight red card following an incident at the pavilion end.
This was a good performance by Carlow, particularly tight at the back, conceding just three points from play. Credit many of Wicklow’s dozen wides to defensive hassling and harrying. The winners half back line were terrific all through. Edward Coady, Tommy Doyle and Willie Hickey not only cutting off Wicklow raids but setting their side attacking with prodigious clearances. Inside Shane Kavanagh was calm and collected on the edge of the square, Adrian Corcoran had a solid outing while Andrew Gaul, a starting corner-forward, reverted to the left corner after Michael Kehoe was forced to retire through injury.
James Hickey point in an industrious showing at mid-field. His partner Dessie Shaw was another to depart the scene early due to injury, Pat Coady coming out and faring reasonably well. The Carlow attack worked hard, big Des taking the scoring honours with 2-1 while Andy Hickey (first half) and Sean Michael Murphy were always menacing.
Wicklow were a big disappointment to their followers in the small attendance of 150 with only the O’Neill’s, Michael John and Michael Anthony, Jeffrey Bermingham, Christy O’Toole and John Keogh standing out for the Michael Neary trained home side.
CARLOW: Frank Foley (Mount Leinster Rangers); Adrian Corcoran (Carlow Town), Shane Kavanagh (Naomh Eoin), Michael Kehoe (St. Mullins); Edward Coady (Mount Leinster Rangers) 0-1, Tommy Doyle (St. Mullins), Willie Hickey (Mount Leinster Rangers); James Hickey (Mount Leinster Rangers) 0-1, Dessie Shaw (Naomh Bríd); Andy Hickey (Mount Leinster Rangers), Pat Coady (St. Mullins) 0-6 (6f), Damien Roberts (Naomh Eoin); Sean Michael Murphy (Mount Leinster Rangers) 0-1, Des Murphy (Naomh Eoin) Capt. 2-1, Andrew Gaul (Ballinkillen). Subs: Karl English (Carlow Town) 0-1 for Shaw, Paul Kehoe (St. Mullins) for Kehoe, Seamus Smithers (Naomh Eoin) for Murphy.
WICKLOW: Thomas Fiun (Avondale); Michael John O’Neill (Glenealy), Graham Keogh (Carnew Emmets), Willie Collins (Carnew Emmets); Trevor McGrath (Faughs, Dublin) 0-1 (f), Casey O’Brien (St. Patrick’s), Jeffrey Bermingham (Kiltegan) 0-1; Christy O’Toole (Kiltegan), Michael Anthony O’Neill (Glenealy) Capt.; David Moran (Avondale), Gary Doran (Carnew Emmets), John Keogh (Kiltegan) 0-5n (5f); Don Hyland (Carnew Emmets), Wayne O’Gorman (Glenealy) 0-1, Christopher Kavanagh (St. Patrick’s) 0-1. Subs: Joe Murphy (Carnew Emmets) for David Moran, Gerry Murray (Kilcoole) for Kavanagh, Denis Moran (Avondale) for O’Toole, O’Toole for Doran.
Referee: Sean Whelan (Wexford)
[Source: The Carlow Nationalist ]
Councillor O'Reilly concerned about safety of school children in Newcastle
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Councillor Veronica O’Reilly has asked Wicklow County Council to provide a footpath from Newcastle village to St Francis school. Incredibly, despite the presence of a large national school for over 20 years, there is no footpath at the side of this busy and narrow road. Children are being encouraged to walk to school but it is not safe to do so in Newcastle.
‘Footpaths are a necessity in many towns and villages throughout the country and Wicklow County Council have been very slow in providing them when asked. They are not a luxury and we will be insisting Newcastle village is provided with a decent footpath in 2004.’
Safety in Roundwood
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Traffic calming measures are needed for Roundwood village before there is a serious accident says Independent Deputy Mildred Fox.
The road from Roundwood to Aras an Tochair urgently needs a footpath as it is widely used by children walking to the sports hall. The road is also unlit and this would greatly improve safety.
Local people have been looking for some traffic calming measures for years. Traffic speeds and volumes have increased steadily but there is not even a pedestrian crossing in the village.
Deputy Fox met with the County Engineer to urge that some traffic calming measures take place immediately and to budget for a well lit footpath from the village to Aras an Tochair.
Yewtree graveyard inaccessible to family visitors
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Independent Deputy Mildred Fox has called on Wicklow County Council to honour their legal obligations in relation to their historic graveyard, Yewtree at Balisland, Shillelagh. This graveyard which is a National Monument is over 200 metres from the nearest public road and the access road has been obliterated. Local people who have family interred here are angry that access to this graveyard is only available to those who are able bodied and fit enough to climb over a wired up gate, once they have walked in from the road.
Deputy Fox has contacted Wicklow County Council to ask that this matter receive attention this year to enable people visit this historic graveyard, particularly for those who have loved ones buried here.
Dick Roche TD Recieves Major Estonian Award
Monday, February 23, 2004
Wicklow TD and Minister of State for European Affairs Roche has received the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana from the Estonian President Arnold Rüütel. The Order of the Cross of TERRA MARIANA First Class is the highest award conferred by the Estonian authorities on non-nationals. The award is in recognition for Minister Roche's work for European integration and for the assistance which he has given to the Estonian authorities.
Carlow defeat Wicklow at Aughrim
Monday, February 23, 2004
Carlow.......2-11
Wicklow......0-9
Carlow gained revenge for their recent Kehoe Cup defeat to Wicklow when they recorded an eight-point victory over the same opposition at Aughrim.
The Barrowsiders laid the foundations for victory in the early stages when full forward Dessie Murphy bagged a brace of goals. The first came after five minutes when Murphy batted home from a Sean Michael Murphy centre, and three minutes later he collected a Pat Coady free before shooting home for close range.
With John Keogh in fine scoring form, Wicklow reduced the deficit to two points, 2-3 to 0-7, at the interval, but favoured by the wind in the second half, Carlow pulled away with points from Coady, Sean Michael Murphy and James Hickey.
Wicklow’s misery was compounded when they had key forwards Don Hyland and Wayne O’Gorman sent off, the latter for a straight red card offence.
Carlow - F Foley, A Corcoran, S Kavanagh, M Kehoe, E Coady 0-1, T Doyle, W Hickey, J Hickey 0-1, D Shaw, A Hickey, P Coady 0-6, D Roberts, SM Murphy 0-1, D Murphy 2-1, A Gaule. Subs: K English 0-1 for Shaw, P Kehoe for M Kehoe, S Smithers for Roberts
Wicklow - T Finn, MJ O’Neill, G Keogh, W Collins, T McGrath 0-1, C O’Brien, J Bermingham 0-1, C O’Toole, MA O’Neill, D Moran, G Doran, J Keogh 0-5, D Hyland, W O’Gorman 0-1, C Kavanagh 0-1. Subs: J Murphy for O’Toole, Denis Moran for David Moran, C O’Toole for Doran
Referee - S Whelan (Wexford)
[Source: hoganstand.com ]
Media Angling Competitiont be held in Annamoe
Friday, February 20, 2004
Annamoe Trout Fishery will host an inaugural Media Angling Competition on Friday 27th February 2004. The response to the event has been very positive with teams being submitted from a wide variety of media organisations both from Ireland and from the UK for the Failte Ireland Perpetual Trophy. Media organisations such as RTE, UTV, BBC, Angling Magazines and the National Daily’s have all submitted teams to compete in the event. The day will culminate in an evening dinner and prize giving ceremony at Lynhams Hotel, Laragh.
The purpose of this novel method of attracting respected domestic and overseas angling journalists to Co. Wicklow is to raise the profile of Co. Wicklow as a destination for angling holidays. Michael Brady, Tourism Officer of East Coast & Midlands Tourism, said that such media visits are crucial to the development of Co. Wicklow as premier angling destination. Through having these journalists in the county for one day affords the local, regional & national tourism organisations an excellent opportunity to further market Wicklow’s other tourism attractions & facilities.
Brian Nally of Annamoe Trout Fishery is hosting this year’s competition. The ‘Catch & Release’ fishery has developed, over the past 25 years, from a Family Box Pond to a facility that caters for the genuine fly-fishing angler. The fly-fishing aspect of the business provides enthusiasts with the opportunity to fish for prime brown and rainbow trout up to 20lb in weight. Tuition is provided and an excellent range of fishing gear is available to purchase. Corporate outings are also now a growing element of Annamoe Trout Fishery’s business. The remaining programme of events for 2004 at Annamoe Fishery will include a dry-fishing competition being held in the summer in addition to the annual winter league.
A positive tourism performance is predicated for 2004 according to the sounding taken from the State Tourism Agencies. Michael Brady said that even with this positive outlook there is no room for complacency and consequently this event should help to build upon any possible gains that might be achieved this year.
Public urged to Support Campaign to Save Services at Loughlinstown Hospital
Friday, February 20, 2004
Labour Party Deputy Leader and TD for Wicklow, Liz McManus, has today welcomed the support of renowned singer Mary Coughlan for the campaign to retain the Accident and Emergency Service at Saint Columcille's Hospital at Loughlinstown.
Deputy McManus was speaking in advance of the public meeting organized by the SOS (Save Our Service) campaign, in the Royal Hotel in Bray at 8pm on Wednesday 25th February.
The meeting will be addressed by:
Chair: Ross Connolly (Nat Sec SIPTU Retired Members Assoc)
Philip McInenly (Irish Nurses Organisation),
Liz McManus TD (Labour)
Cllr Andrew Doyle (Fine Gael),
Wesley Burrowes (Author)
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mary Coughlan, asked members of the public to "turn out in larger numbers in support this worthy cause."
Maureen Masterson, Secretary of SOS said, "We are organizing this public meeting and a petition to show how important the services of Loughlinstown Hospital are for people in Co Wicklow."
Deputy McManus concluded, "Everybody is welcome and urged to attend to lend their support for the Campaign to Save the Accident & Emergency Service in St Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown."
Wicklow's Paul McShane nears FA Cup double
Thursday, February 19, 2004
Manchester United youth team skipper, Wicklow man Paul McShane is nearing an FA Cup double, for the Irish U19 International defender led his side through to the last eight of the competition after a 4-2 win over Norwich on Tuesday evening.
With five reserve’s appearance under his belt now, McShane is also concentrating on leading his side to glory, as United look to perform the double by wining the illustrious trophy that has been graced by professionals such as Ryan Giggs' and David Beckham.
Just 18 years of age, Paul has been under the close scrutiny of senior boss Alex Ferguson while Ireland U-19 manager Sean McCaffrey drafted McShane into his squad this season for the European Championship qualifiers in San Marino, with Paul scoring at this level against France in a friendly last December.
Paul and his teammates will now face the winner of the game between Blackburn Rovers and Gillingham and the ties are to be completed by Saturday March 6.
Early Music Duo to Perform in Tinahely
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
WEDNESDAY 10 MARCH
"If Jordi Savali brought the viola da gamba to the 20th century public and Wieland Kuijken’s research made playing the unwieldy instrument today technically possible, Hille Perl is quite possibly the person doing the most to pave the way for the gamba’s future." The Strad, 2001
It’s hard not to be bewitched by Hille Perl’s gorgeous, sensual playing or bowled over by her boundless enthusiasm for the seven-string viola da gamba, the stately and delicate great-aunt of the cello and star of the film Tous les Matins du Monde. As part of Music Network’s 2004 Spring Season, Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely presents the early music duo, Hille Perl (viola da gamba), and her regular duo partner, Lee Santana (lute and baroque guitar) at the Courthouse Arts Centre on Wednesday 10 March at 8.30pm. A winner of the German Echo ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ award, Hille plays on a variety of gambas to suit different areas of her repertoire. Their concert programme will feature early music from Italy and Spain and will include works by Ortiz, Bonnizzi, Notari, de Murcia and Rogniono. Tickets, at €12 and €9 concession, are available from (0402) 38529. This tour is made possible by kind assistance from the Goethe Institute.
"…both historically informed and pitched at today’s listeners, Hille Perl’s playing is intensely physical yet profoundly reflective; intellectually rigorous but full of fantasy; sonorous and engaging," said The Strad of a recent Bach recital in Berlin. Hille Perl was born into a family of musicians in Bremen, Germany, and began playing the viola da gamba at the age of five—she is one of the few early musicians of her generation not to have ‘converted’ from a modern instrument. She studied music in Hamburg first with Pere Ros and later with Ingrid Stampa at the Musikhochschule. She pursued advanced studies at the Akademie für Alte Musik in Bremen with Jaap ter Linden and with Ireland’s Sarah Cunningham. In 2002, she became a professor at the Hochschule der Künste.
Hille has travelled extensively performing all over Europe, the USA, Australia, Japan, Israel and Mexico. As a solo performer her programmes of Bach, Sainte-Columbe, Ortiz and related German, Italian and French composers are increasingly in demand worldwide. She remains a very active chamber musician playing with The Harp Consort and the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra as well as with Sirius Viols, and Gambas Y Otros. She also works with conductors such as Jordi Savall, Thomas Hengelbrock and Claudio Abbado. Her first solo CD Seven strings and more appeared in 1997 on Deutsche Harmonia Mundi/BMG with music by the reclusive 17th century teacher and virtuoso Monsieur de Sainte-Columbe, popularised in the film Tous les Matins du Monde. In 1999, she released ‘…per la viola da gamba…’ featuring arrangements of works by J.S. Bach, her CD of Italian madrigal diminutions Doulce Memoire followed in 2000 and Why Not Here on Carpe Diem in 2003. For high Baroque repertoire requiring the seventh string, she performs on a German reproduction of a Joachim Tielke viola da gamba and for Italian, Spanish and English music, she performs on an adapted copy of a gamba from around 1600. For further information on Hille Perl, see www.hillenet.net.
Lute-player Lee Santana has performed with Hille Perl since 1984 and together they have played concerts in many part of the globe. Lee was born in Sarasota, Florida and moved to Germany in 1984. Lee’s childhood and early youth were spent playing mainly rock and jazz guitar, but in college he switched to classical guitar and, concentrating on new music and early music, he developed a fascination with the lute family of instruments. He later studied performance practise, and early music at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. His main teacher for lute was Patrick O'Brien in New York and subsequently he studied privately with the lutenist Steve Stubbs in Europe. Also a gifted composer, Lee is active as a soloist and as a member of The Harp Consort and the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra.
Hille Perl and Lee Santana’s concert programme includes the following works:
Diego Ortiz Recercada sobre Canto Llano
Diego Ortiz Recercada Primera
Diego Ortiz Recercada sobre La Gamba
Vincenzo Bonnizzi Jouissance vous donneray (after Willaert)
Angelo Notari Ben qui si mostra il ciel (after Cipriano)
Girolamo Kapsberger Ballo from Libro IV
Santiago de Murcia 'Cumbees & La Jota', from the Salvidar Codex
Richardo Rogniono Anchor che co’l partire (after Cipriano)
Antonio Martín Y Coll Differencias sobre Las Follias
Wed 10 Mar Tinahely
Courthouse Arts Centre, 8.30pm
Tickets: €12 (€9 conc.)
Booking: (0402) 38529
Promoted by Courthouse Arts Centre
Sinn Fein Criticise lack of Bray St. Patrick's day parade
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Sinn Fein spokesperson John Brady said " This is a disgraceful situation that Bray as Co Wicklow's largest town and probably one of the largest in the country is not to hold any St. Patrick's day parade for the fourth consecutive year. When Bray chamber of commerce stopped organising the parade it was left to Bray Town Council to do it. Now with March quickly approching we are in the same position as previous years. The elected representives on the Town Council are supposed to act and represent the public. The failure to organise a parade shows the lack of political will there is in the Town Council to be representive of the people. If smaller towns like Greystones and Wicklow town can organise parades, why can't Bray?.
The St Patricks day parade is more than celebrating a Saint, its a celebration of nationhood, of diversity, of whatever it is to be Irish, it isnt sectarian, it isnt party political,it isnt denominational, it is about showcasing the good things about Bray like the community groups that operate in the town like football clubs, scouting organisations, dancing schools and numerous others. Its about promoting a positive aspect of Bray and attracting more visitors to the town.
Last year the failure of the Town Council to organise any parade didnt detere the Council in sending the town clerk and the chairperson of the Council abroad supposedly to represent Bray at St Patricks day celebrations there, the irony of which is unbelievable.
Bray Sinn Fein are calling on these Civil servants and public representives to stay at home this year and invest the saved money into funding a St Patricks day festival in which all the people of Bray can be a part of, and be proud of it".
Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team Celebrate 21 Years
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Lost Hill-Walkers, Fallen Climbers, Dramatic Rescues, Missing Person Searches, Broken limbs, Tragic Accidents & Happy Endings...
Providing a Voluntary 999 Rescue Service for the past 21 years, The Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team have seen it all!
The Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team was formed in February 1983, when the need for a quick response local mountain rescue team was identified. There were 3 accidents in the area in quick succession - one of which was fatal. 21 Years and 100's of call-outs later, the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team continue to provide an excellent 999 Rescue Service for the Wicklow Mountains.
Awarded the 'Wicklow People of The Year Courage Award 2003', the Team are celebrating their 21 Years of Voluntary Service by hosting a Free Open Day & Exhibition in The Glendalough Hotel, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow and invite everyone to pop in and say hello.
Local people, Walking Clubs and Visitors to the area have always been extremely generous and supportive of Mountain Rescue. This Event provides a wonderful opportunity for people to learn more about what we do, speak with our Rescue Team Members, examine our equipment and so on.
Feb 1983 - Feb 2004
Free Open Day & Exhibition
The Glendalough Hotel, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
12 noon - 6pm
Sunday 29th February 2004
(Reception & Guest Speakers from 6pm by invitation. Press Welcome)
For further information contact Cindy Doyle on 086-8030151
Greens criticize delay on Enniskerry Traffic Plan
Monday, February 16, 2004
Green Party councillor, Deirdre de Burca has strongly criticised Wicklow Council's delay in adopting a traffic management plan for the village of Enniskerry.The Green Party representative made her remarks following a recent meeting of the Bray Electoral Area Committee at which the proposed Traffic Plan for Ennisskerry was discussed.
Councillor de Burca claims that the issue of adopting a Traffic Management Plan for Enniskerry was first discussed at a meeting of the Bray Electoral Committee in October 2003.
"It was proposed by a number of councillors at the October meeting that the whole issue of a traffic plan for Enniskerry should be shelved until after the local elections" she says. "It was felt that the consultants, Clifton Scannell Emerson, who had been commissioned to draw up a trafiic management plan for the village, had failed to provide a plan which satisfied the demands of local people" says de Burca.
Councillor de Burca claims that she insisted in October that a modified version of the consultant's plan should be adopted for Enniskerry. "I disagreed with the proposal to shelve the plan and reminded councillors that the people of Enniskerry had marched in protest at the the traffic situation in the village prior to the General Election in 2002" she says. "My fellow councillors eventually agreed that a modified plan should be drawn up and this was to be presented to councillors at the February meeting".
However, councillors failed to resolve the issue at the recent meeting in February and discussions on a new plan have now been deferred until the next meeting of the Committee in May. "The sticking point was really the issue of the 3 tonne weight limit on trucks that are using the village as a rat- run" says de Burca. "A number of councillors wanted to do away with the limit altogether because they had been subject to strong lobbying from certain interest groups" she says.
Councillor de Burca claims that a 3 tonne limit is essential on access roads to the village as long as it does not prevent local business people from carrying out their business. "The consultant who presented the plan made it clear that exceptions would be made to the 3 tonne limit on access roads to the village for local business people, or for those making deliveries to businesses in the village" she says.
The Green Party councillor believes that some councillors are determined to do away with the weight limit altogether, regardless of how the ordinary residents of Enniskerry feel about the issue. "Essentially the issue has now been deferred until May and I wouldnt be surprised if nothing is decided until well after the local elections" she says. "It is my hope that business interests are not prioritised over the interests of the people living in the
village. The challenge for us as local councillors is to find an acceptable balance between the two".
Proposal for recycling centre at Southern Cross, Bray
Monday, February 16, 2004
The Green Party has welcomed a proposal from Bray Town Council that a new recyling centre for Bray may be located at the Bray Business park on the Southern Cross Road.
Green Party councillor, Deirdre de Burca and Local Area Representative, Caroline Burrell, were informed of a new proposed location for a civic amenity centre for Bray when they recently met with Bray Town Clerk, Catherine Halligan, to discuss the future development of the Southern Cross Area.
"We were delighted to be told that the council is currently in discussion with the IDA regarding the location of a new recyling centre for Bray in the Business Park on the Southern Cross Road" says Councillor Deirdre de Burca. "We have been campaigning for a long time to have this facility provided for the people of Bray and have always been told that the council cannot identify a suitable site. We believe this new site has great potential and wish the council well in its negotiations with the IDA".
Local Area Representative, Caroline Burrell, claimed that it is no longer acceptable that the people of Wicklow Town have access to a 'state of the art' recycling centre at the Murrough, Wicklow Town and that the people of Bray have no such facility available to them. "We are very hopeful that the council will be in a position to locate the new recycling facility in the Bray Business Park and believe that this is a very suitable location for such a facility" she says.
The Green Party points out that the civic amenity centre in Wicklow Town accepts a wide range of materials including glass, newspapers, magazines, textiles, greeting cards, diaries, calendars, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers, steel food cans, ink jet cartridges, batteries, phone books and tetra paks. The party claims that the people of Bray deserve to have access to a similar recycling facility to serve the 30,000 or so people who live in the town.
Bray Emmets Notes by John Smith
Sunday, February 15, 2004
Lady luck has certainly smiled on our club. On Saturday last we won first prize in St Brendans school draw. We won a Fiat Punta. At the time of going to press we have not decided whether to take the cash option, or to raffle the car. Anyhow the money, as always with our club, is badly needed. Talking about money, we are running a golf classic at Druids Heath, on 29th April. Guest speakers at the dinner will be Niall Quinn, and Michael O'Muircheardaigh. We need your help to make it a success.
Our annual dinner dance, at the Royal Hotel, on Saturday night was well attended and was a great success. Many thanks to Liz Lee, and Christy Maloney who organized it. Our guest of honor was Jimmy Dunne, Director of Coaching for Leinster. It was great to see so much silverware on display, the Swan, and the Hill cup for senior football, and the Championship, and league cup for ladies football.
Our players of the year are as follows :Dara O'Hannaigh for Senior football , Maurice Doyle , Junior "A"football,, Des Kelly Jun, Junior "B" football, Michael Priest Jun., Junior "A" Hurling, and Christine Murphy, Ladies football.
Our Club person of the year is P.J. Cunningham. Our Treasurer, Dave Richardson presented awards to three former officers of the club, who contributed immensely to Bray Emmets over the years, namely Tom Loftus, Jim Sweeney, and Oliver O'Farrell. Dave Barry received an award from the club for his work with ladies football, and Aisling O'Hannaigh, on behalf of the ladies senior football team also made a presentation to him. Congratulations to everybody who received an award.
Two lotto draws were made for 1,000 euros. Tony O'Reilly, Newtownmountkennedy with ticket no. 398, won one, and our own Mark Walsh, Duncairn Terrace, with ticket no. 193, won the second. Well done to both our winners.
Wicklow places up for grabs ahead of Sunday match
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Wicklow boss Hugh Kenny has left one vacancy in defence and two in attack ahead of Sunday's National League meeting with Louth.
Wing forward Thomas Harney is likely to be sidelined for several weeks after picking up a leg injury in the draw against Down last weekend. Barry Sheehan, Liam Og Mooney, Stephen Hurley and Stephen Byrne - all of whom came on as subs last Sunday - will be challenging for starting places.
Wicklow (SF v Louth): R Hollingsworth; C Hyland, C Foley, T Burke; A Foley, G Doran, AN Other; B O hAnnaidh, C Clancy; A Ellis, T Doyle, AN Other; W O'Gorman, T Gill, AN Other.
[Source: hoganstand.com ]
Draft Wicklow Heritage Plan adopted
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Wicklow County Council has adopted a Draft Wicklow Heritage plan. “The aim of the Wicklow Heritage Plan is to conserve the natural, built and cultural heritage of the county, and to increase awareness and enjoyment of it among all the people of Wicklow”. The plan has been prepared by the Wicklow Heritage Forum, a widely representative group initiated by the Heritage Office of Wicklow County Council in association with Bray, Greystones, Wicklow and Arklow Town Councils, and with the support of The Heritage Council.
Copies of the Draft Plan are available from County Buildings, Town Council Offices and public libraries or on the web, www.wicklow.ie. The Heritage Forum invites you to attend a public information meeting (see below) and/or send in your views on the draft plan as a written submission to: Heritage Plan submission, c/o Heritage Officer, Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Wicklow Town or e-mail to dburns@wicklowcoco.ie, to be received before the 22nd March 2004.
Public information meetings will take place as follows:
17th Feb. Wicklow Town, Grand Hotel, at 7.00 PM.
19th Feb. Blessington, Poulaphuca House, at 8.00 PM.
23rd Feb. Bray Town Council Offices, at 7.00 PM.
24th Feb. Woodenbridge Hotel, at 8.00 PM
28th Feb (Sat) Glendalough, Upper Lake, National Park Education Centre 2pm.
For further information please contact: Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer, Wicklow County Council Tel: 0404 20191/100
History is made in Council Chamber
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Last Monday’s meeting of Wicklow County Councilors saw the adoption of the first ever Draft Wicklow Heritage Plan. “This draft Plan is a new initiative for Wicklow” says Heritage Officer, Deirdre Burns, “and represents a new approach to actively planning for the future management of heritage as a resource”.
Ms. Burns presented the Plan to the elected members on behalf of the Wicklow Heritage Forum; a widely representative group consisting of 22 members in total that was responsible for producing the draft. “This is still a consultation document” states Ms. Burns “ the Plan marks the putting in place of a framework that will allow us to deal with heritage in a more planned way over the next 5 years. It is now up to the public to let us know what they think, and to make recommendations or suggestions as they see fit. I know that there is a huge interest in Wicklow in preserving and improving our natural and built heritage. We have had tremendous input to the Heritage Plan process from the public and from various organisations, community groups and individuals to date, and I hope that this shows in the draft Plan”. Wicklow County Councilors were enthusiastic in their support of the draft plan, and commended the work of the Heritage Forum over the last year. The plan will now undergo a public display and consultation period of 6 weeks, during which time recommendations from the public will be taken on board, before a final plan is prepared.
The draft Wicklow Heritage Plan is available free of charge at all council offices, public libraries or on the website www.wicklow.ie. All written submissions on the plan should be posted to Heritage Officer, Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Wicklow Town, or e mailed to; dburns@wicklowcoco.ie, to be received before 22nd March 2004.
A series of public meetings at various venues throughout the county is planned in coming weeks, and will be advertised shortly. Watch this space for further developments!
Council holds key to Greystones swimming pool project
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Last year the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr. John O'Donoghue, T.D., following intensive lobbying by Minister for European Affairs, Dick Roche, T.D., gave the green light for the building of new swimming pools in Bray and Greystones.
The Minister approved the appointment for consultants to both swimming pool projects before Christmas and reports are now being prepared by the consultants on both projects.
In the case of the Bray Swimming Pool, Bray Town Council has agreed to fund the local contribution for the Project from its own resources. This will mean that the Swimming Pool Project can be progressed with minimal delay as soon as all design, planning and approvals are forthcoming.
In the case of the Greystones Swimming Pool, a local swimming pool committee has done remarkable work in collecting part of the local funding from the community. Some considerable time ago it was decided that the County Council would dispose of the Old Council Depot in Greystones and that the funds released from the sale of this land, which is conservatively valued at over €1 million per acre, would be released for use on the Greystones Swimming Pool and Greystones Community Centre Projects, with any surplus funds going into other social infrastructure in the area.
Cllr. Eleanor Roche has been lobbying the County Council to dispose of the lands at the Old Council Depot, Greystones without delay in order to create a fund which would allow the Greystones Pool Project to be "fast-tracked". Surprisingly, given that all Councillors in the area have supported the proposals to dispose of the Old Depot, the Council has not progressed with the land sale putting forward the excuse that the sale "is tied into developing the replacement Depot of Council owned lands Priestnewtown".
Cllr. Roche has rejected out of hand this proposition. She has suggested that the Council is dragging its feet on a decision which has already been made and is attempting to "brow beat" Councillors into agreeing unacceptable proposals for the Priestnewtown site. A meeting of all public representatives in the area will shortly be held to discuss the issue.
Cllr. Roche said, "the Minister has given the necessary approval for the Greystones and Bray Swimming Pool Projects. He has now approved the appointment of the consultant team. In the case of both projects the ball is very much in the court of the local Councils. Bray Town Council has made a very positive decision in this matter and I am now calling on Wicklow County Council to show the same positive approach. Foot dragging on the sale of the Old Depot in Greystones should not be allowed to impede in any way the Greystones Project. A small local committee has done fantastic work in collecting funds. The ball is now in the court of Wicklow County Council.
Greystones Town Council has fully supported the idea of deposing of the Old Council Depot and using the significant funds that will be released from the sale to support both the Greystones Community Centre Project and the Swimming Pool Project. Currently Wicklow County Council has a yard to the rear of Greystones Town Council Office which could be used for all its ongoing maintenance needs if it were properly cleaned out and developed. It is imperative that all public representatives pull together on this project. Major funding has been agreed by Government.
In the case of the Greystones Pool local funding has been collected from the community. Decisions where made some significant time back by Greystones Town Council and by Wicklow County Council itself to dispose of surplus land and use the resources to fund the
Greystones Pool. I note with dismay that the Council is now attempting to intertwine developments on the pool with the question of planning levies and with its attempts to develop a controversial site at Priestnewtown. It is absolutely imperative that all public representatives combine forces to ensure that there is no prevarication or foot dragging by the Council on the
Greystones Swimming Pool Project and to ensure, further, that the Council does not succeed in its attempts to tie in the development of the swimming pool to the controversial issue of the development of the Priestnewtown lands or to the issue of planning levies. The land at the Old Council Depot in Greystones belongs to the community. It was bought and paid for by the people of Greystones over the years when Greystones was the single most important source of funding for the County Council. I am calling publicly on all elected representatives in the Greystones area to ensure that the Greystones Swimming Pool Project is brought to fruition at the earliest possible date and to ensure above all that it is not used as a pawn! in any other games which the County Council is playing", Cllr. Roche said.
Fox welcomes CCTV in Bray
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
The operation of the CCTV system in Bray will be of particular satisfaction to Deputy Mildred Fox. The provision of this system was one of the key items Deputy Fox secured funding for as a condition of her support for the government for the 1997 – 2002 term.
Deputy Fox feels that traders in Bray have had a very hard time in recent months. The long awaited Florentine Centre has been delayed leaving many empty retail units diluting the appeal of the town centre. A recent decision by Iarnrod Eireann to cease all weekend services until further notice has had a severe effect on local business. Deputy Fox says that the commencement of the CCTV system will bring some relief to retailers who have to carry, through their rates bill an ever increasing burden to fund services.
Deputy Fox also hopes that the CCTV will act as a major deterrent to incidents of street crime and vandalism.
Affects of the Kilpeddar Median Closures
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Following the closure of the medians at Willow Grove and Kilpeddar, there has been a dramatic change in traffic patterns in the Ballyronan area. Large vehicles are now traveling form the Newtown interchange to Kilquade via the Ballyronan road, a narrow country road completely unused to traffic.
This has caused huge concern to local residents in the vicinity including the Garden Village. They have little public lighting and the proper footpaths and are very vulnerable as a result of this additional traffic.
Deputy Fox said she considered it grossly irresponsible to close the median in the interests of safety which makes quiet residential roads considerably more dangerous as a direct result. She asked Wicklow County Council to provide footpaths and additional lighting in the Garden Village area ad asked that Wicklow County Council examine what measures could be taken to slow down traffic and minimize the number of heavy vehicles on roads that are inappropriate.
Central Heating!
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Independent Deputy Mildred Fox has noted the self-help scheme operated by Bray Town Council for tenants of Council housing that have no central heating. Under this scheme, the Council assists with the costs of installing a heating system subject to demand. A considerable proportion of the Local Authority housing stock does not have central heating and the addition of this would be of great benefits to all.
Deputy Fox is asking Wicklow County Council to make an allocation to operate a similar scheme. She said that this would be money well spent as it would enhance the value of their housing stock while it would enhance the quality of life for their tenants. She asked for a formal response to this request as soon as possible.
Iarnrod Eireann decision affecting business
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Independent Deputy Mildred Fox says it is ironic that Iarnrod Eireann have jumped to reclaim money for lost business when the broken crane halted service for two days last week. She said that Iarnrod Eireann’s announcement (with minimal notice) that they were closing down all south-side services at weekends for an indeterminate period was causing immense harm to many businesses.
In the town of Bray, local businesses have really noticed the result of the closure of the rail service. The Dart carries many visitors out at weekends, so businesses on the seafront have been severely affected. Shops on the main street and surrounding areas have also felt the reduction in visitor numbers.
Deputy Fox said ‘I think that Iarnrod Eireann should not have been allowed to close an entire line for two days at a time for months on end. I realise it might take longer and cost slightly more to have upgraded one station at a time but it should have done this way. The travelling public and many businesses all along the line have had to pay dearly for this decision.’
Dick Roche Demands Public Apology
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Wicklow TD and Minister of State Dick Roche has demanded a public apology from Cllr. Derek Mitchell on the basis of continuing dishonest and seriously misleading claims which have been circulated by Cllr. Mitchell.
In the short time since Cllr. Derek Mitchell appeared on the scene in Co. Wicklow politics he has proven himself to be one of the most dishonest and discreditable public representatives that the Council has ever seen.
Recently Cllr. Mitchell has taken to rifling through planning files in Wicklow County Council in order to make deliberately misleading claims.
Over the last 6 years, three families who have lived for generations on Bray Head have applied for planning permission to build homes for family members on lands owned by the families in question for generations on Bray Head. A number of public representatives, including myself, made representations on behalf of these families.
Cllr. Mitchell's colleagues in the Fine Gael Party have supported the applications from each of these three families. They were right to do so. Cllr. Mitchell has quite despicably leafed through private planning files in Wicklow County Council in a vain attempt to discredit me.
In one particular case where Cllr. Mitchell is conducting an unprincipled vendetta, the planning file will show that in the past Cllr. George Jones and Deputy Billy Timmins, Cllr. Mitchell's Party colleagues, have themselves made representations in support of planning permission. Given that the family in question has owned lands on Bray Head for two generations and given that the family members in question had no other way of providing homes for themselves and their children, this was and is the correct thing to do. The homes in question were not for speculative development purposes, but for private use and would be appropriately screened. They would, meet all planning requirements.
Cllr. Derek Mitchell's behaviour is all the more bizarre given that in recent times he has been the only member of Wicklow County Council to actually propose the development of speculative housing development on Bray Head.
At a briefing meeting held last year in the Glenview Hotel, Cllr. Derek Mitchell proposed that millionaire bungalows should be built on a section of the lands which Wicklow County Council has designated for a public park on the foot of Bray Head. Mitchell proposed this speculative development as a means of part funding the Greystones Harbour. Had the Council been foolish enough to accept Cllr. Mitchell's proposals, land which has been designated for recreational use for the people of Greystones would have been handed over to speculative developers. Views which the residents of Redford Park and the adjoining estates currently enjoy across the sea would have been impaired and a unique opportunity to provide the people of Greystones with a seaside park would have been prejudiced. It is disturbing that a Greystones Councellor would on the one hand campaign against Greystones families building homes on family farm land while proposing the building of millionaire bungalows on public land.
In recent times Cllr. Mitchell who seems to feel under some personal pressure regarding the upcoming Local Elections has been making increasingly dishonest and desperate charges. His latest behaviour, however, plumbs new depths. Going to private files in the planning section in Wicklow County Council and presenting a distorted and dishonest view on the contents of those private planning files indicates just how unsuited Cllr. Mitchell is for public office, Minister Roche said.
Garden County Local History Magazine Launch
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
The Wicklow County Genealogical Society has launched "Wicklow Roots", its annual journal which, in this bicentenary year of Robert Emmet, contains a personal recollection of the rebel leader. New York journalist John Francis Byrne wrote a story centred on the memories of his grandfather, Ferdinand Byrne, who in his youth supported Emmet, and his memories were passed down through the generations. Also featured is James Scannell's national inventory of war memorials and an article on the activities in Wicklow National School in 1882 which includes the marks achieved by the pupils.
Wicklow town celebrates tenth anniversary of Montigny twinning
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Wicklow town is this year celebrating the tenth anniversary of its twinning arrangement with the French town of Montigny, and next week the annual general meeting will confirm events organised to mark the occasion. Already a group has represented Wicklow at the annual market in Montigny where items from the Kilmantin Arts Shop and copies of "Avoca", Sean Olohan's album, were on sale. A large group from Montigny, including footballers invited by Wicklow Rovers, is due to visit Ireland at the end of May while in June the Breda O'Connor dancers and the pipe band are hoping to visit the French town.
€78 million funding for Wicklow roads
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Welcoming the latest government investment of over €78 million funding for County Wicklow's national roads Minister Roche said In the four-year period since 2001 government funding for Co Wicklow Road has topped the €290 million mark, a staggering figure.
This phenomenal rate of investment by central government in Co Wicklow's road system has never been beaten by any other government in the history of the state and indeed surpasses the level of investment by all governments in the preceding 10 year period.
In the national road allocation for the year 2004 the government has provided over €77 million for road improvements and a further €970,000 for the maintenance of national roads.
This latest allocation also gives the go ahead to take the improvement works on the N11/Enniskerry Junction and the critically important N11 junction improvements at Kilpedder/Delgany through the statutory approval
process in 2004.
The allocation of over €78 million for Wicklow's national roads comes on top of the recently announced injection of over €11.75 million to the county council and the three town councils in Wicklow for non-national roads.
It will come as a surprise to many motorists in Co Wicklow that since 1997, in addition to the hundreds of millions that have been invested for national roads, Wicklow County Council has received in excess of €57 million for non national roads in the county council administrative area alone. This does not take into account the additional funding which has been made available through the three Urban authorities in the County.
Serious questions must be asked about the efficiency with which much of this money has been expended. It seems that Wicklow's councils have an insatiable appetite for funds -- it is not, however, always clear that the huge amounts of money which are being received by the councils are reflected in real improvements in the road network and in particular in the non national road network.
Recently, for example, when the county council was taken to task for allowing roads in several parts of the County to become mud covered to the point that they were dangerous the Chairman of the Councils Strategic Road Committee instead of apologising for the Council's failure launched a savage attack against the government. With this attitude is hard to see that Wicklow tax payers and motorists will ever see value for money. The Council has the legal power and indeed it also has the funding to at least keep the roads clean.
On top of record levels of government funding for county and national roads Wicklow County Council has also raised millions by way of planning levies and planning charges. There is no publicly available record of how much money has flowed into the county council in levies ostensibly raised for road improvement work. There is also no publicly available record as to where these funds have gone.
It is time that the taxpayers and motorists of County Wicklow saw value for money for the massive funding that is being handed over to the local authorities for infrastructure development and in particular for road development.
Given that Wicklow County Council has been given record level of funding I am now calling publicly on the Council and the Council members to ensure that we see value for the money that has been provided, Minister Roche said.
Concerned at Proposed Sewage Effluent Discharge into Aughrim River
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Green Party representative Tess Enright said this week that she was "appalled and alarmed" at an application to Wicklow Co. Council for a permit to discharge sewage effluent into the Aughrim river at Annacurragh. She is particularly concerned about the serious environmental damage this would cause not only to the water quality of the river, but also to the fish farm
situated in the Aughrim river. The Aughrim river flows into the Avoca river at Woodenbridge.
"No ordinary person would be allowed to discharge sewage effluent into the river- or any water course for that matter", said Enright, "yet it seems to be permissible for developers". "As far as planning permission in county Wicklow is concerned there seems to be one law for the developers and another for ordinary people. Wicklow County Council should be there to protect the rivers of this county from this activity".
The application for permission to discharge sewage effluent into the Aughrim River was made by Annacurragh Development Ltd. and primarily caters for sewage from a development of 25 houses being built by the company at Hayes Hill, Annacurragh. However the application was only lodged with Wicklow County Council by Annacurragh Development Ltd. on the 26th January.
Problems with "overstreched" Bray Post Office
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Wicklow TD and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Liz McManus TD is contacting the Chief Executive of An Post in relation to recent difficulties being experienced at the Main Post Office in Bray.
"I am extremely concerned at the fact that there isn't a full service in the Main Post Office in Bray at present", said Deputy McManus. "This is unfair to both the customers and staff of the post office and clearly the cutbacks are having a serious impact on services in Bray.
"I understand that the Main Post Office is being forced to close without any warning for short periods and many people including Old Age Pensioners who depend on the post office for their pensions and parents with young children are being discommoded.
"Over the years we have seen other post offices close down in Bray and it is clear that the staff in the Main Post Office are overstretched. It is vital that this post office is working at full capacity. I am writing to the Chief Executive of An Post to express my grave concern and urging him to ensure that adequate funding is provided for the Post Offices in Bray to meet the needs of the growing population in Bray", concluded Deputy McManus.
McManus calls for central heating in Council houses
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
The Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Liz McManus TD is calling on Wicklow County Council to provide central heating in all Council houses that don't have such facilities.
"I believe it is unacceptable in this day and age that people living in older Council houses are unable to have central heating installed while all new Council houses are being built with central heating and other modern facilities", said Deputy McManus.
"The lack of central heating in these old Council houses is causing serious health problems for families. It is also the cause of dampness and the deterioration of these houses. In particular, young families with small children and elderly people who suffer with respiratory problems are badly affected by not having central heating in their homes.
I believe that the Government has to support Local Authorities to ensure that all Council houses are brought up to a proper standard. I am calling on Wicklow County Council to carry out a survey on all their housing stock to see where central heating is needed and to immediately implement a Central Heating Programme for these houses", concluded Deputy McManus.
Draft heritage plan for Wicklow on display
Monday, February 9, 2004
The Green Party has welcomed the new draft Heritage Plan for Wicklow that is currently on public display for a period of six weeks. According to Green Party councillor, Deirdre de Burca, this plan is long overdue and provides 'a framework within which the protection of the county's heritage can occur'.
The proposed Heritage plan has a life of five years and will be funded by Wicklow County Council and the Heritage Council. It's implementation will be closely monitored by the Heritage Forum, a body made up of a range of interest groups from the county including councillors, council officials, statutory bodies, community groups etc.
"The draft Heritage Plan is very imaginative in terms of what it is proposing" says councillor de Burca. "It envisages establishing a Heritage website for the county, organising heritage seminars and exhibitions, developing new education programmes in heritage awareness, setting up a Public Rights of Way working group, providing training for owners of historic properties, setting up new walking trails and 'greenways', developing heritage trails in towns and villages and establishing a County Heritage Museum" she says.
Councillor de Burca has expressed her satisfaction with the emphasis that has been placed upon heritage as a "resource" for County Wicklow within the Plan. "Too often I hear heritage been spoken of as some kind of obstacle to development on Wicklow County Council" she says. "We must begin to take a more balanced approach to development in the county where we show more
respect for the past, and for our amazing natural heritage. If we continue to destroy it in the name of progress and development, we will lose all sense of who we are as a people, and where we have come from".
Councillor de Burca urges members of the public to view the draft Heritage Plan over the coming weeks and to make writtten submissions where appropriate.
Wicklow remain undefeated
Monday, February 9, 2004
Wicklow 1-5
Down 0-8
New team, new manager. Wicklow football seems to have taken a turn for the better as they picked up their third point of this year's division 2b campaign with a draw against Down at Aughrim on Sunday, February 8.
Following last Sunday's impressive win over Waterford, Wicklow manager Hugh Kenny saw his side push last year's Ulster finalists all the way and indeed the Garden County should have taken full points but for a brilliant save by Down goalkeeper Michael McVeigh from Wayne O'Gorman's shot.
Trevor Doyle put Wicklow in the lead after only three minutes but Down replied through John Clarke and Liam Doyle to edge them in front in the early stages.
Wicklow's goal was one of pure class as four players were involved before O'Gorman side footed past McVeigh, the sides then exchanged points to leave the half time score 1-4 to 0-6 in the home side's favour.
Down levelled in the third minute of the second half when Clarke scored with Brendan O'hAnnaidh replying for Wicklow, the Mourne County drew level once again when Aidan O'Prey pointed but amazingly this was to be the last score of the match after only nine minutes of the second half.
Both sides had chances to win the match but some wayward shooting along with strong defending at either end of the pitch ensured that the match ended in a draw.
Wicklow - R Hollingsworth, C Hyland, C Foley, T Burke, A Foley, G Doran, C Davis, C Clancy, B O hAnnaidh 0-1, A Ellis, T Doyle 0-1, T Harney, W O’Gorman 1-0, T Gill 0-3, A Furlong. Subs: L Og Mooney for Harney, S Hurley for Furlong, B Sheehan for Davis, S Byrne for O’Gorman, P Dalton for Clancy
Down - M McVeigh, B Ward, A Molloy, A Scullion, R Sexton, Sean Ward, S Farrell, B Coulter, D Gordon, L Doyle 0-3, J Clarke 0-4, C McCrickard, E McCartan, A O’Prey 0-1, D Hughes. Subs: M Higgins for B Ward, Shane Ward for O’Prey, S Kearney for McCartan, M Cole for McCrickard
[Source: hoganstand.com]
Couple sentenced over stolen Russborough paintings
Monday, February 9, 2004
A couple who hid €18.5m worth of paintings stolen from Russborough House in Co Wicklow in the attic of their Clondalkin home have been sentenced to three years in prison.
The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard the couple had no previous convictions and were both of good character.
The court heard they hid the paintings because the criminal gang who carried out the robbery were not the kind of people you said 'no' to.
Judge Desmond Hogan said Thomas and Noeleen Douglas were asked to take the paintings because they were of good character, but he had to impose a custodial sentence.
However, he suspended the final two years in the case of Thomas Douglas and the final two and a half years in the case of his wife.
Bray Emmets Notes by John Smith
Monday, February 9, 2004
I hope to see you all at the social occasion of the year, on St Valentines night, which is this Saturday. I refer of course to our annual dinner dance, which is in the Royal Hotel, at 8pm. It will be a great night, and we have P.J. Cunningham engaged to be our M.C., who promises that the speeches will be few, and short, even though we have medals, awards, and trophies to give out. Christy Maloney tells me that he has a few cancellations left, and you can contact him at 2860395.
I was taken to task by our hard working club man, Des Kelly, that no credit was given for the great work he did, together with John Curran, putting up, and taking down the bunting, during the celebrations of our involvement in the County final, last year. This was a major task, which required a lot of hard work, and it was done very well. Indeed the club received a lot of favorable comments about it. However the fact it was not mentioned in the club notes was not due to carelessness on my part. Each club is limited to 200 words by the Wicklow People, and a lot of important items have to be left out due to this. Belatedly, and in public, many thanks to Des, and John, and hopefully we will need you to do it all again, this autumn.
Our treasurer, Dave Richardson, pointed out at our management meeting on Tuesday night last that very few people have renewed their subscription. It costs a lot of money to run our club, and we would appreciate it if everybody would pay their sub as soon as possible. You can pay it at our club shop.
Greens concerned about future of Collattin Woods
Monday, February 9, 2004
The Green Party has claimed that it is concerned about the future of Collattin Woods following a recent meeting of Wicklow County Council.
At that meeting, councillors were asked to agree to a Disposal Notice which recorded the sale of the land at Coolattin to the Minister for the Environment.Councillors expressed concern at the low price which Wicklow County Council had received for the land and also queried whether the Minister had any particular plans for the land at Coolattin.
Green Party councillor, Deirdre de Burca, has since pursued the issue with senior planning officials of the council, and claims that she has serious concerns about the Minister's intentions with regard to Coolattin Woods.
"I have ascertained from the planning officials that the sale of these lands by the council to the Minister of the Environment happened in 1996" she says. "Apparently the Office of Public Works was the body mentioned on the Disposal Notice at that time, rather than the Minister himself. The Law Agent of Wicklow County Council says that he is now trying to regularise the legal situation by putting a new Disposal Notice in front of the councillors, mentioning the Minister as the other party in the transaction rather than the OPW".
The Green Party councillor has queried why Wicklow County Council needs to 'regularise' the legal situation eight years after Coolattin Woods has been sold. She is concerned that the Minister may have 'other plans' for this important public amenity and claims that she will oppose any attempt to interfere with the current status of the woods.
"The council officials are to present the councillors with a report about the Minister's plans for Coolattin Woods at our meeting in March" she says. "I have no intention of agreeing to sign this land over to the Minister unless we receive firm assurances that the use of the woods will remain that of a public amenity".
Aldi and Lidl plan new stores in Wicklow
Sunday, February 8, 2004
Aldi has applied for planning permission for new stores in Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow in recent weeks, while Lidl is planning two stores in Blessington and Bray.
Aldi and Lidl have eaten into the market share of Tesco and Dunnes since the German chains began an aggressive expansion in the late 1990s.
[Source: businessworld.ie]
Wicklow beats down in Division 2B
Sunday, February 8, 2004
Wicklow earned their second win of Division 2B under new boss Hugh Kenny, 1-5 to Down's 0-08 in Aughrim today.
Wicklow band ‘Better than Life’ wins Looney Choons
Sunday, February 8, 2004
A Wicklow Town based band, Better Than Life, has won the Looney Choons aibblastbeat concert held on Friday night last in Gorey Community School. The members of the band, Andy Boland, Ferrau Lynch and Riain Clifford, all from East Glendalough School, describe their music as experimental rock. Influenced by Radiohead, Prefuse 73 and Pink Floyd, the band qualified with Emesis to go through to the regional finals and will record a track for the Blast:beat Volume 2 CD. The National Battle of the Bands final will be held in May.
Down will be a Challenge for Wicklow, says Kenny
Saturday, February 7, 2004
Wicklow football boss Hugh Kenny has expressed his concern that his young squad may be in for a torrid test this weekend in their NFL clash with Down.
Working with a squad whose average age is just 23, Kenny has also introduced a lot of new faces and Down, he says, represent a big hurdle to overcome.
"To be fair about it, I think it would be a better test for us in maybe six months time.
"Playing a team of Down's strenghts is a challenge that's come a bit too soon for our younger players but they'll be up for it and it will be a good experience for them," Kenny stated.
[Source: hoganstand.com]
Hospitals Under Pressure
Wednesday, February 4, 2004
The recent disturbing and tragic events in Cavan, resulting in the death of a small child have highlighted the dangers in closing the A&E department of a major hospital says Independent Deputy Mildred Fox.
Deputy Fox was referring to the proposals to close the A&E unit at St Colmcilles Hospital, Loughlinstown referring all casualties bar the most minor, through the heavy traffic and road works of South Dublin to St Vincents Hospital. This in turn will put huge strain on their already busy A&E unit and emergency vehicles will be under additional pressure to move casualties quickly through the congested roadways. Unfortunately, given the experience of this system in Cavan with Cavan and Monaghan hospitals, the possibilities of similar occurrence must be very real.
Deputy Fox says the Minister of Health should rethink this proposal and instead should devote additional resources and staff to the existing A&E unit in Loughlinstown. Casualties from Loughlinstown are added to the existing workload at St Vincents and mistakes could be made due to pressure of work.
Wicklow in 11-point victory over Waterford
Monday, February 2, 2004
Wicklow.......1-16
Waterford......0-8
Tommy Gill and Trevor Doyle scored 1-11 between them as Wicklow powered to an 11-point victory over Waterford in this Division 2B game at Kill.
Gill accounted for the only goal in the 29th minute to help his side to a 1-6 to 0-8 interval lead after playing against a strong wind. The sides were on level terms on four occasions in the opening 26 minutes before points from Shane Walsh and John Coffey restored the home side’s advantage. But Gill’s goal had Wicklow in front at the break.
Waterford should have retaken the lead two minutes after the restart, but Shane Walsh’s goal effort was off-target and they failed to score thereafter.
Wicklow - R Hollingworth, L Glynn, C Foley, T Burke, C Hyland, A Foley, C Davis, C Clancy, G Doran, A Ellis, T Doyle 0-6, T Harney 0-3, W O’Gorman 0-1, T Gill 1-5, A Furling 0-1. Subs: B Brady for Glynn, S Byrne for Furlong, B Mernagh for C Foley, C Flannery for Gill, L Og O Maonaigh for Ellis
Waterford - P Houlihan, M Crotty, K O’Keeffe, T Dunphy, N Hennessy, E Rockett, P Fitzgerald, W Kavanagh, A Hubbard, C Watt, G Power 0-1, J Coffey 0-1, N Curran 0-2, S Walsh 0-4, L O’Lonain. Subs: T Costelloe for Crotty, T Whelan for Coffey, J Ryan for Watt, J Hearn for Kavanagh, P Queally for Hubbard
Referee - T Quigley (Wexford)
[Source: hoganstand.com]
Rathnew GAA Club Presented with AIB GAA Wicklow Club of the Year Award
Monday, February 2, 2004
Rathnew GAA club were celebrating today after being presented with their AIB GAA Club of the Year award for Wicklow, which included a €2,000 development award.
Club chairman Patrick Doyle accepted the award on behalf of the Club from Donal Forde, Managing Director AIB, and Seán Kelly, President of the GAA.
Dublin Club St. Jude’s were the winners both of the Leinster Club of the Year award, and the overall Club of the Year award. They other Provincial awards went to Portumna (Connaught), Patrickswell (Munster) and Malin (Ulster), to take the top award, and pick up the additional prize fund of €10,000.
Speaking about the Awards, Donal Forde, Managing Director AIB said, “We are delighted to have initiated the Club of the Year awards, and to be in a position to acknowledge the contribution that GAA clubs around the country make to their local community. Through this award scheme, we are able to honour the countless dedicated volunteers who work behind the scenes in administration, fundraising and ground development. Without them, and their work, there would be no clubs”.
Rathnew G.A.A. faced tough competition to claim the Wicklow award. Rathnew have recently won their 8th County Senior Football Championship title in a row. The club is closely involved with the local community and all club facilities are available for use by local schools and clubs. Rathnew recently completed their new juvenile pitch and have acquired a new senior playing area. They have also received planning permission for new clubhouse, which they plan to commence work on this year. The judges felt the club had good community involvement and that they had excellent administrative and development structures in place
President of the GAA, Mr. Sean Kelly, said that he was delighted to be once again associated with AIB in such a worthwhile venture. "The club is without doubt the most important unit of the Association,” he said. "The current strength of the Association comes from the tremendous work that takes place year in year out at grassroots level. Congratulations must go not just to St. Jude’s, and all our winning clubs here today, but also to each and every club around the country who entered this awards scheme. It is a testament to the strength and purpose of our clubs that they continue to provide playing, social and coaching facilities that are the envy of so many other organisations."
Roche calls for solution to problems at Ballywaltrim/Glenthorn
Monday, February 2, 2004
Minister for European Affairs Dick Roche has called on Bray Urban District Council to "immediately resolve the problems that have arisen at Ballywaltrim/Glenthorn Close where open space has become 'a dumping ground' and is causing major problem for residents."
Roche said, "When building was underway at Glenthorn Close, the Council was advised that it should block off an adjoining piece of open space which had already become something of a "dumping ground". Incredibly the Council ignored the advise and decided to designate the piece of open ground as a "play area / recreational area".
It was obvious to everybody, except the Council that the space in question should have been incorporated into the gardens of house being built at Glenthorn Close. Anybody could see that the land in question would become a problem. Regrettably the Council would not listen to good advice offered at the time and now there is a major problem in the area. The Council has now effectively abandoned the open ground.
Bray Town Council has a moral responsibility to resolve this matter sooner rather than later. Families that have built new homes at Glenthorn Close and long-term residents in the adjoining estates should not have to tolerate the type of problems which have occurred because of a lack of planning or poor foresight by the Council.
Rather than defend an already defensible situation, I am now calling on Bray Town Council to resolve this matter once and for all, by incorporating the land in question into adjoining properties. It is also imperative that Bray Town council meet its responsibilities by carrying out a full clean up and by ensuring that the Councils own property is maintained at a far higher standard than is currently the case" Minister Roche said.
Wicklow County Council calls for public participation in preparing County Development Plan
Monday, February 2, 2004
Wicklow County Council are holding facilitation clinics Jan/Feb 2004, where there will be the opportunity to view the Draft County Development Plan and related information and meet the planners who prepared the document in one-to-one sessions. The last one will take place at the Wicklow County Council Area Office in Blessington this Wednesday 4th February from 2pm to 8pm.Closing date for any submissions on the Draft County Development Plan 2004 - 2010 is 13/02/2004. This document is available for viewing on our website wicklow.ie or local area offices/libraries and at County Buildings.
Wicklow defeats Carlow in Kehoe Cup semi-finals
Sunday, February 1, 2004
In the Kehoe Cup semi-finals, Wicklow, despite failing to score in the entire second half, held on to defeat Carlow on a scoreline of 0-11 to 0-09, while Meath hit 1-10 in the second half against DIT to run out winners on a scoreline of 1-14 to 2-07.
[Source: RTE]
Bray Emmets Notes by John Smith
Sunday, February 1, 2004
Christy Maloney tells me that tickets are going very fast for our dinner dance, and awards night, on Saturday week, 14th February. (St Valentines night) This promises to be a great night, as our club had a lot of success during the year, so we will have some decent silver ware on display. Our M.C., P.J. Cunningham tells me that the speeches and presentations will be very short. The venue is the Royal Hotel, Bray, time is 8pm to 2am, and music is by the Men in Black. Tickets which must be pre-paid, can be obtained at our shop, at 2 Village Arcade, or from Christy at 2860395.
Our popular senior football coach, Pat Monaghan, was the principal speaker at our seminar on the development of juvenile teams, at St Cronan's school, on Thursday evening, last. He also played a video that explained the SAQ method of fitness training. There was a good attendance, which included some teachers from a number of local national schools. Many thanks to Pat.
Our club lotto draw for 1,000 euros, which was held in Kelly Lounge on Saturday night, was won by Anita Carty, from Gorey, Co. Wexford. The winning ticket, no 492, was sold by Tim Healy.
Congratulations to the players and management of our County Senior football team who had a great win over Waterford, in the Allianz National football league, on Sunday. Keep this up boys, and give us all an interesting summer.