homes & businesses WE DELIVER!- for 31 years NORTH EDITION Delivered to 44,500 WICKLOW Vote Saturday 8th February 2020

LOCAL who are looking for your number one vote this election TimesNORTH EDITION DELIVERED TO HOMES & BUSINESSES IN: SHANKILL, ENNISKERRY, BRAY, GREYSTONES, DELGANY, KILCOOLE, NEWCASTLE, KILQUADE, ASHFORD, KILPEDDER, NEWTOWNMOUNTKENNEDY, KILMACANOGUE, LARAGH, MONEYSTOWN, ROUNDWOOD. WICKLOWTuesday 28th January 2020 5 Eglinton Road, Bray, Co.HOSPICE Wicklow Tel: 01 - 2869111 www.wicklowtimes.net OPENED E-mail: [email protected] Minister for Health Simon Harris T.D. last Friday conducted the official opening of Wicklow Hospice, which will be the first specialist palliative care facility in the county, providing 15 public beds for those with life-limiting conditions.

Developed in when it opens to patients ple of Wicklow. We are Magheramore on a 3.5 in April this year. humbled by the efforts of acre site donated by the Chief Executive of groups and individuals Columban sisters, this is Our Lady’s Hospice & from around the county a section 38 facility with Care Services Audrey who have come together responsibility delegated Houlihan said; “This is to realise this dream to to Our Lady’s Hospice & an important milestone construct a state-of-the- Care Services for the people of art specialist palliative (OLH&CS) by the HSE, Wicklow and another care facility for the peo- who will meet the opera- positive step for pallia- ple of the county.” tional costs of the facility tive care in Ireland. This Paying tribute to the and fundraising for capi- development will trans- commitment and dedica- tal costs and enhance- form patients and fami- tion of all involved ments for patients and lies’ quality of life and Minister Simon Harris families will be driven by meet the changing care thanked everyone OLH&CS. needs of this and future involved in the Wicklow Wicklow Hospice’s 15 generations in the local Hospice project for their in-patient public beds community.” dedication. and specialist Chair of Wicklow “It is a real pleasure to Community Palliative Hospice Foundation, be celebrating this open- Care team will provide Sean Dorgan said; “This ing of a wonderful facili- care for patients and fam- is a truly wonderful ty. The commitment of ilies across the county achievement by the peo- the people of Wicklow to Discover THE BEST COUNTRY HOUSE Wedding Venue

Minister for Health Simon Harris conducted the official opening of the Wicklow Hospice on Friday. He is pictured cutting the ribbon with Chair of Wicklow Hospice Foudation, Sean Dorgan, Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services (OLH&CS) clinical nurse manager Sarah James, and Chief Executive of OLH&CS, Audrey Houlihan.

this Hospice has been will allow people to live immense. By its nature, as normal a life as possi- palliative care is rooted ble during a very precari- in the community and ous period of time. what you achieved is “Not only is this remarkable. The Hospice purpose-built facility a WEDDING FAIR will support the people wonderful asset to our Sunday 2nd February 2020. 1.00-5.00pm of Wicklow during diffi- community but it is an cult times and work with excellent example of • Book your Wedding on the day to get a €500.00 discount patients and their fami- people working together Vote lies to celebrate life and and I thank and congrat- • Register for Wedding Fair to reserve your FREE Wedding € ensure their dignity and ulate you most sincerely No.1 Goodie Bag (worth 250) on our Website comfort. for your efforts,” he said. Minister Harris added: Recruitment for “Today is such a special positions at Wicklow day for our community. Hospice will commence It recognises the end of in the coming weeks. one journey and the Applications will be beginning of another. invited for a range of For the past 11 years, roles. people across this county Members of the public have given hours of their were invited to public time, effort and money to open days on Saturday bring us to the point we 25th and Sunday 26th Tel: 01 2867928 are at today. Today, we January with guided are here to celebrate and tours taking place. [email protected] thank you for your work. To find out more Steven Matthews www.summerhillhousehotel.com “Today is also the about Our Lady’s Green Party start of another journey. Hospice & Care Services This Hospice will visit www.olh.ie, @stevensgreen1 become a home from Facebook, LinkedIn, Email: [email protected] home for many people. It Twitter or YouTube. WICKLOW

2 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 28th January 2020 Roundwood Variety Group presents: Robin Hood

Roundwood Variety Group returns to the Brockagh Resource Centre at the end of the month for four performances of their panto ‘Robin Hood.’ Join the swashbuckling Maid Marian as she is a upwards from the area Robin Hood! Robin Hood and his band ward of the Prince. So along with twenty adult Performances of of Merry Men as they our hero is set for a big /Teen cast members. ‘Robin Hood’ take place protect the people of battle has he strives to Among the talented on Friday, January 31st, Nottingham from the evil protect the people and get actors are Conor Power at 8pm, Saturday, antics of The Sheriff and his girl. Action, adven- as Robin Hood, Saibhe February 1st, at 3pm and his evil counterpart ture, music, song, love Smith as Maid Marian, 8pm and Sunday, Prince John’s mother - and bags of laughter are Ciara Dunne as Little February 2nd, at 3pm. Mumsie. While King the order of the day in John, Denis Healy as The Tickets are currently Richard the ruler of the this brand new and excit- Evil Sheriff, and his on sale on Eventbrite via land is away his simple ing Panto adventure. counterpart Ciara Conalty the Roundwood Variety brother Prince John holds These characters will as Mumsie, Brian Group website or they the throne but the evil be brought to life by the Higgins as King Richard can be purchased through Sheriff and Mumsie hold talented cast, which and Charlie Kelly as any member of the power. They also includes almost 50 chil- spoilt Prince John. Roundwood Variety have Robin’s girlfriend dren aged eight and Tally ho, here comes Group.

Miley Doyle of the Wicklow County Council Recycling Centre in Avoca makes a donation to A Music Night to Remember Free workshop: Prepare Your Hazel Killeen, Valerie McGee, Mary Delaney, Theresa Cerny, and Anna O’Brien at the Avoca ‘A Music Night to Remember’ will take place on Business for Customs Community Senior Citizens annual dinner at the Woodenbridg Hotel. Saturday February 1st at Christchurch on Church Road, Bray. Admission is €5 and all money raised A one-day free workshop on how to prepare your will go to the Caroline Foundation for cancer business for customs will be held in Wicklow research. The show kicks off at 7.30pm and County Campus, Rathnew on Thursday, 30th Free conversational English classes you can get more information by emailing January. This workshop, open to all business sec- [email protected] tors, will be of interest to anyone planning to move Bray Area Partnership’s Fáilte Isteach conversational English classes for people from new goods to, from or through the UK after Brexit. It communities have started up again in Bray and Kilcoole. will take place from 10am to 5pm. To book, see Delgany Thursday Club New http://bit.ly/30AYV6H. Classes are free (but a €3 donation towards costs is requested) and take place through friendly small group Year get together conversations, facilitated by volunteer tutors - on Wednesday mornings in Kilcoole Community Centre, Meet the candidates Wednesday evenings in St. Peter’s Parish Centre in Bray, and Thursday mornings in St. Kilian’s Community The next event will be on Thursday 6th February School in Bray. - a New Year get together with a talk by George Delgany Community Council is inviting election Fáilte Isteach Bray & Kilcoole is part of a national Third Age Ireland initiative - the idea is that people Jones on the story of the Delgany branch of the La candidates to a meeting in the Glenview Hotel on volunteer their time to teach practical conversational English to people from other countries who live and work Touche family followed by tea/coffee and light January 29th at 8pm. The event will give local in their community. Improving their English helps students to participate more fully in society, take part in refreshments. people the opportunity to meet the people that could further education and gain employment. The word Fáilte describes the spirit of the project - welcome to our It will take place in The Old Schoolhouse, have an influence on the policies and proposals that community. There are also regular talks from different services that provide supports in the local community. Delgany, at 3pm. There is no charge but donations will have a direct impact on their lives. Candidates This work is resourced by the government’s Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) welcome in aid of Dogs for the Disabled. will be given two muinutes to speak and then there 2018-22, funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Rural and Community Development and Would those intending to come to this event will be a number of round table discussions. co-funded by the European Social Fund under the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) please contact Peter on 086 8307644 or John on 086 This event is being organised as part of the Public 2014-2020. To register contact Lorna Lafferty or Jennifer Jones on 01 286 8266. Find out more at www.bra- 3566527. Participation Network (PPN) series of events. Chair yareapartnership.ie. of Delgany Community Council Zoe Woodward said “We want to make sure that our future TDs know First Saturday book sale about the issues effecting people in North Wicklow and we want to hear what they are going to do about The February First Saturday Book Sale, which them. We welcome everyone in the area to come ANDREW supports the Shankill Old Folks Association, will along and have their voice heard.” take place in the Shankill Old Folks Association Day Centre, Lower Road, Shankill, on Saturday, DOYLE TD February 1st, from 10am to 1pm, so make a point of Wicklow Historical Society calling in to obtain some excellent reading material. Down to Earth Politics Donations of books, other than school textbooks, Stan J. O’Reilly will present his talk on ‘Early will be considered for acceptance on the day provid- Christianity in Wicklow’ to the Wicklow Historical ed they are in good condition. Supporting the First Society at 8pm on Monday 27th January in the De Saturday Book Sale supports the wider Shankill La Salle Parish Centre, beside St. Patrick’s Church, I am asking for your community. Wicklow Town. BRAY No.1 Vevay Rd, Bray BRA FITTING SPECIALISTS • Free Fitting Nightwear & Swimwear • Free Measuring Service % Vote • Free In Home 20 SALE Please vote 2 & 3 in Advice & Design order of your choice Service • No Obligation for Simon Harris Quote NOW ON Quinsboro Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow and Billy Timmins. *12 Month Guarantee on ALL Blinds* Phone 01 2860910 34 Stillorgan Shopping Centre, Co. Dublin Tel: 286 5057 Fax: 201 4335 www.acmeblinds.com Phone 01 2831169 Always Putting email: [email protected] www.contour.ie WICKLOW Contacts: Wicklow 1st Shay Fitzmaurice, Managing Editor - [email protected]

LOCAL Ian Colgan, News Editor - [email protected] @AndrewDoyleTD Constituency Office: 0404 66622 Times is published by Erika Doyle, Features Editor - [email protected] AndrewDoyleTD_ Email: andrew.doyle@oireachtas.ie Wicklow Times, 5 Eglinton Road, Bray. @ADoyleTD Website: www.andrewdoyle.ie Tel: 01-2869111 General enquiries - [email protected] WICKLOW

Tuesday 28th January 2020 TimesLOCAL NEWS 3 SECOND DATA CENTRE DEVELOPMENT IN ARKLOW WELCOMED A second data centre development in Arklow was announced last week, with Echelon agreeing to purchase a second site for future data centre development or for the generation of renewable power. The announcement centre in the town. McWilliams of Echelon "Apart from the 500 comes a year after "It is understood that from the beginning. The construction jobs that will Echelon announced plans Irish-owned Echelon's total investment is be needed for the substan- for the first data centre on newly acquired site covers €1 billion and will trans- tial redevelopment of the the site, planning for 60 acres of land, with form these brown field site, the data centre will in which was finally development expected to sites into a major data turn initially employ 100 approved in July of last be undertaken in two centre with 100 mega high skilled jobs and will year by An Bord Pleanala phases. The first phase watts of capacity in phase in the future become a hub after an appeal was could see the construction 1 which will in turn attract for a business park which lodged. of a 100MW, 450,000 sq ft industries in the valuable is the model that US data Arklow Chamber made data centre.” technology and software centres have evolved into. a statement welcoming Welcoming the news of sectors. Tech companies prefer to "the further potential the second data centre, "In another exiting ele- locate adjacent to these employment” in the area, Fianna Fail TD Pat Casey ment in this development data centres and therefore saying: "A second phase is said "I have worked on is the determination of the potential for Arklow understood to have been this game changing project Echelon to use renewable and the South Wicklow earmarked for either fur- for over two years and am energy sources to drive the region is very exciting. ther data centre develop- delighted that Echelon Data Centres. The big "This development by Celebrating the official opening of the Wicklow Hospie on Friday were Miriam McGrath, Chris ment, or for the generation have now announced the players in the global tech Echelon is the beginning Steele, Michelle Hickey and Dessie O’Toole. of renewable power. 2nd Data Centre which market now demand that of a new era of economic Given the Kish data centre now makes Arklow a renewable energy is development and jobs for is a similar size to national leader in the tech sourced and that the con- Arklow and I am delight- Echelon's first 100MW sector. sumption of power is ed to have been of assis- Contract signed for Kilmac parallel service road Arklow centre, it could "This is the largest located adjacent to the tance in getting this pro- involve an investment of investment in industry and generation of electricity ject to this crucial state. I A contract for the construction of the N11 Parallel Service Road at Kilmacanogue has been around €500m from the jobs in Co Wicklow in which again benefits the will continue to work signed by Wicklow County Council with SIAC Construction Ltd. Dublin company. generations and I am green credentials of closely with this company, The contract provides for the construction of a parallel service road to segregate traffic entering and exit- "Announced last year, delighted to have played a Arklow. the IDA and Wicklow ing the residential and commercial properties on the southbound carriageway at Kilmacanogue as well as the original Arklow data part in ensuring that this "I led a strong commu- County Council to ensure traffic exiting the mainline traffic at Junction 8. centre, located at the project was brought to nity and online campaign that this project proceeds The scheme seeks to enhance traffic safety on this section of the N11 by providing for safer traffic move- Avoca River Park, is set to Arklow. The Data Centre where petitions were col- into construction. ments to and from the mainline traffic at Kilmacanogue. The service road will have a speed limit of 50kph. create 450 construction alone is a game changer lected and local businesses Wicklow based employ- The proposed scheme is approximately 1.6 km in length between southbound Junctions 7 and 8. The par- jobs, followed by another for the South Wicklow in Arklow gave their ment is one of my main allel service road will commence approximately 600 metres north of the Junction 8 diverge and will incorpo- 90 positions to operate the region but Echelon have 100% support to the priorities and I am deter- rate the existing exit ramp for Junction 8. Construction of the service road will require widening of the car- facility. Echelon Data exciting plans for this development of the Data mined to see this project riageway into the central reserve. Site works will commence in the coming weeks and it is anticipated that Centres has agreed to pur- iconic site. Centre. This is a great day benefit jobs and commer- the main works contract will take between six and nine months to complete. It is anticipated that two lanes chase a site at the Kish "I have been working for the region and to the cial activity not just in of traffic will be maintained in both directions during construction, apart from isolated night-time closures. Business Park as it looks on this project with Niall future of Arklow based Arklow but the entire The scheme is being funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. to develop a second data Molloy and Graham construction and tech jobs. South Wicklow region."

Bray: 01 204 0876 Gorey: 053 94 202 58 WICKLOW

4 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 28th January 2020 Funding for West Wicklow swimming pool turned down Wicklow County Council was unsuccessful in its application for funding towards providing a The Community Pool for West Wicklow campaign Tourism & Sport. The application was to carry out an public swimming pool in West Wicklow, it emerged last week. group said that they were “deeply troubled and angry” in-depth feasability study to confirm the site for the with the decision and that they are looking into alter- swimming pool and to comission specialist architect native funding streams and grants. The group said that drawings. they will continue to work closely with Wicklow Deputy Brady said “The application was unfortu- County Council who are “one-hundred percent com- nately unsuccessful. Yet again West Wicklow has mitted” to the project. been ignored by this Government. West Wicklow is The group said: “West Wicklow is missing out. the only district in Wicklow that has no swimming Drowning is now the second most common cause of pool. It has essentially been discriminated against. death among children in Ireland and yet the children The of West Wicklow are being denied access to local campaign group have put forward all the reasons why swimming facilities. Why is the life of a three-year- we need a pool in West Wicklow and they have the old child from Blessington or Baltinglass or Donard full support of the community in the west. or Hollywood not worth the same as a three-year old “To move the project on the the next stage, govern- from Wicklow Town Bray, Greystones or Arklow? ment funding was critical. I had been in contact with These are the questions we will be asking the General the Minister and the Department to support the appli- Election candidates when they come knocking at our cation, so it’s really dissapointing to get the news that doors for votes.” the funding is not forthcoming to move this important John Brady TD said that he was extremely project forward. dissapointed by the news, and that West Wicklow has “This is a real set-back, however we must work to “again been ignored by this Government”. identify different funding streams and grants. I will Wicklow County Council made an application for continue to work with the Community Pool for West Stream 1 funding under the Large Scale Sports and Wicklow campaign group and Wicklow County Infrastructure Fund to the Department of Transport, Council until this project is delivered.” Appeal lodged against Blessington Housing Development An appeal has been lodged with An Bord of traffic on a small road that would lead into the pro- Pleanala against a housing development of 56 posed estate and also exiting on an already bad junction units at Burgage Mor in Blessington. on the N81. This amount of units will not benefit the area and will only encroach on residents' privacy and The Council gave permission for the development on have a detrimental impact on their quality of life." the site which is located within c1.5km from Blessington The Council's planners report stated that "It would town centre, and is bound by existing residential devel- appear that a vast majority of the tress & hedgerows to opment to the northwest and southwest. The site is cov- be removed are located along the public roads which ered in grass and contains a number of mature trees and bound the site and will be removed to facilitate the pro- hedge on and bounding the site. vision of a new footpath with 50% of these trees being A petition containing 58 signatures from local resi- of a category C and appear to be dead, unstable and dents opposing the development on the grounds of unsafe as per the report submitted. The Tree Survey increased traffic and the cutting down of 46 of 58 mature Report also outlines proposals for the protection of the trees and an established hedgerow, was submitted to tress and hedgerows to be retained on the site during the Wicklow County Council. Those against the develop- construction works. This site is located on and adjacent ment argue that it is unnecessary to cut down so many of to urban zoned lands earmarked for development and the the trees, as it would a negative impact on biodiversity. poor condition of a large number of the trees on site, the The petition stated that "We are strongly opposed to a removal of trees as proposed would in general be consid- large number of old trees being cut down to make room ered acceptable." for these units. We are strongly opposed to the increase The case is due to be decided by ABP by 30th April. Your Team

Pat Stephen CASEY DONNELLY WICKLOW

Tuesday 28th January 2020 TimesLOCAL 5 WICKLOW

6 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 28th January 2020 Wicklow house prices to rise 2% in 2020 The price of the average three-bed semi in County Wicklow is expected to rise by 2% in the next 12 months, according to a survey carried out by Real Estate Alliance. Prices in the county quarter, said, “we have fall (-0.6%) since the end 0.05% in the commuter fell by 2.3% to €284,200 seen a positive end to the of September and have counties in the past three in 2019 - with no change year, with a slight upturn decreased by -4.3% com- months, with the average between September and in confidence in the mar- pared to December 2018. house now selling for December. ket. We are feeling posi- The price of the aver- €246,500 - an annual fall The REA Average tive about 2020 as Brexit age three-bed semi- of 1%. House Price Survey con- moves on,” said Matt detached house in the Prices in the country’s centrates on the actual Forkin of REA Forkin in capital’s postcode districts major cities outside sale price of Ireland’s Wicklow Town, where now stands at €425,833 - Dublin - Cork, Galway, typical stock home, the the average price is now down €20,000 from Waterford - remained three-bed semi, giving an €310,000, down -3% in €445,167 a year ago. largely unchanged up-to-date picture of the 2019, but stable in Q4.” The absence of small The highest annual second-hand property Average house prices investors due to Brexit price increases (2.8%) market in towns and nationally fell annually uncertainty and a lack of were once again seen in cities countrywide. for the first time since the incentives has also the rest of the country’s “The market is stable, economic recovery, the removed stimulus from towns which rose in sell- rather than falling. A pre- Q4 REA Average House the resales market and ing price by an average of € Luke Gaynor, Des O’Toole, John Brady, Dominick Brady, and Martin Donoghue are pictured at dicted softening response Price Index found. added to supply in many almost 5,000 in the past the launch of the mental health ‘community reaches out’ leaflet. Pic: Joe McQuillan to strong price guides has The price of a three- cases as landlords leave year and 0.3% in the past occurred, which is helpful bedroomed semi-detached the market nationwide. three months to in discussions with poten- house across the country Prices fell slightly by - €162,207. tial vendors,” said Simon fell by -0.6% over the Murphy of REA Murphy past year after a 4.6% New SEED project to support in Belssington, where annual rise in 2018. average prices are The average family €295,000, and Baltinglass home nationally now social enterprises (€170,000). costs €234,704, the sur- “The market is slow in vey found - a drop of - Are you an individual or community group interested in setting up a Social Enterprise to making decisions, and 0.1% on the Q3 figure of benefit your community or the environment? Or are you an existing Social Enterprise? bank funding is not being €235,009. A new local project called SEED will be providing free training in setting up and running Social released with any urgen- However, drops across Enterprises from February to June 2020 and wants to hear from you now about your training needs. cy - which is typical at the country are far lower SEED stands for Social Enterprise Expansion and Development. The SEED project aims to build a more end-of-year when lending than the preceding quarter vibrant and sustainable Social Enterprise sector and help groups build their capacity to trade successfully. targets have been (-0.4%), indicating that The project is a collaboration between Bray Area Partnership and Southside Partnership and covers the reached. some confidence returned Bray and Greystones Municipal District and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown areas. “The approach by to the market in the final A Social Enterprise is a business that trades in order to provide goods and services in the community, banks in early 2020 will 13 weeks of the year, with tackle problems in society and address environmental issues. Profits generated from trading are reinvested identify the extent of the the prospect of a resolu- back into the business or local community. Examples of social enterprises could be a community café or Brexit factor.”_Karl tion to Brexit uncertainty. shop, a recycling or upcycling project or a workshop creating products for sale - perhaps providing train- Tracey of REA Forkin, Three-bed semi- ing or employment for marginalised groups.Contact Eithne Gunning on 01 286 8266 at Bray Area Bray, where prices fell by detached houses in Partnership to find out more and discuss your training and support needs. For more information see 4% in 2019 to €340,000, Dublin city registered a www.brayareapartnership.ie. but were static in the final fourth consecutive quarter WICKLOW

Tuesday 28th January 2020 TimesLOCAL 7

Casey’s solutions for Wicklow includes: • Affordable Housing for all • Better Public Transport Services for Wicklow Commuters • Wicklow based Jobs for all areas • Affordable Childcare for all • Tourism development for all of Wicklow • A fair deal for Wicklow Farm Families • Equal access to Health Services for all people in Co. Wicklow • More Gardai and resources to fight crime and drugs in all Towns and Villages WICKLOW

8 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 28th January 2020 ‘No country for old men...or women’ Independent councillor and Dáil candidate, Joe Behan has made an impassioned plea to the government to "Stop humiliating older people." "Respect for older peo- this country with their often impossible for At the signing of the contract for the development of Fitzwilliam Square were Brian Gleeson, ple should be the basis of hard work whether it was many older people and Tony Quirke, Sean McNamara, Joan Sinnott, Cllr Shay Cullen, Rosemary Kavanagh, Chief a civilised and caring in the factories, the now the Revenue Executive of Wicklow County Council Frank Curran, Mark Chambers, and Colm Leary. society but all I see from offices, the family home Commissioners are this Government is or the land. They paid aggressively pushing humiliation of our senior high taxes and social everyone to deal with citizens," said Cllr Behan. insurance and yet they are them online. "Whether it is a 90 still means tested to this "Older people are Contract signed for year old lady bent over a day for medical cards, being forced to share hospital trolley waiting to pensions and housing mixed gender hospital receive emergency treat- adaptation grants. Many wards with all the humili- ment, a homeless elderly older women had to give ation, upset and embar- Fitzwilliam Square woman eating her food at up work to rear their chil- rassment this causes and a shop window, or an dren and now they are in yet no one in authority older man having been the older age bracket they seems to care. Local beaten savagely after are refused pensions Cllr Joe Behan authorities rarely seem to Improvement Scheme thugs broke into his because this Government consider older people's house, it is clear to me says they did not pay "Older people often safety when designing that the powers that be in enough social welfare feel forgotten about in road crossings ignoring A contract for the Fitzwilliam Square Improvement Scheme in Wicklow Town was signed this country don't care stamps. This is a national their later years. They are the fact that older people by Wicklow County Council on Thursday, 23rd January, with Shareridge Limited. about older citizens. disgrace which should be entitled to feel that they need more time to "The current row about put right immediately. are valued by the actually get across the The scheme involves the creation of a multi-functional space within Wicklow that will improve accessi- pensions clearly shows "I stood up for older Government and the pow- road safely. bility, enhance the presentation and. public realm of the historic town core at Fitzwilliam Square. that the mentality of the people in 2008 after the erful institutions in the "Someone has to shout The renewal of the Square will be of major benefit to the town centre, improving pedestrian access, powers that be is to put Government took medical State. Yet in this country, ‘stop’ to this ongoing creating a more attractive public realm and a more commercially vibrant town. people at the age of 65 cards from hundreds of post offices are being humiliation of our older The lower side of Fitzwilliam Square will be pedestrianised and Bridge Street made one-way which will yrs on the dole rather thousands of older people allowed to close, banks people. If I am elected on enable the widening of the footpaths. than give them the digni- because I was outraged at are making it impossible February 8th, I will work Part of Church Street will also be made one-way from the junction with Bridge Street to the entrance to ty of a pension which the stress, worry and for older customers to night and day to make the Car Park. This, along with the footpath widening on Church Street and narrowing of the roadway on they have already paid for extreme hardship this deal with an actual sure that the rights of our Abbey Street, will improve accessibility in the town centre. in their social insurance callous decision would human being at the older people are protect- Site works commenced this week and it is anticipated the main works contract will take 12 months. Site payments throughout cause to the generation branch and are forcing ed and the humiliation supervision of the main works contract will be provided by O’Connor Sutton Cronin, Consultant Engineers. their working life. who gave us everything them to conduct their they suffer will be ended The scheme is being substantially funded under Project Ireland 2040, Building Ireland’s Future. "Older people built up we had. business online which is for good.”

Bray Institute of Further Education FREE Pre-Apprenticeship Course in IT February 2020

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Tuesday 28th January 2020 TimesLOCAL 9 A Fresh Voice for Wicklow Paul O'BRIEN OUR 5 CORE PRINCIPLES • Labour will build 80,000 homes • Labour will provide equality in healthcare • Labour will ensure better pay & job security • Labour will ensure a fair start for every child • Labour will guarantee climate Justice Looking for your Number One Vote SUPPORTED BY

Liz McManus Jack Sheila Nunan John Byrne, Cllr Anne Kevin Ryan, Rosemary Ronan Tracy our former TD & former President of former Wicklow former Wicklow O'Connor, the Irish Congress of Ferris, Kavanagh McManus, O'Brien, Minister former president Trade Unions and Co. Councillor former TD Co. Councillor former Bray former Bray of Siptu former General Councillor Councillor Secretary of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation WICKLOW

10 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 28th January 2020 Saturday Andrew Doyle (Fine Gael) 8th February Andrew Doyle TD was appointed Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture in June 2017 having previously been appointed in May 2016. He is a member of Dáil Éireann and repre- sents the constituency of Wicklow-East Carlow. 2020 Married to Ann with whom he has four children, he was first elected at the 2007 general election to the Dáil and became the Deputy Spokesperson on Agriculture with Special Responsibility for Food and Horticulture. In 2010, he was pro- moted to the opposition frontbench as the spokesperson for Agriculture. Deputy Doyle was re-elected to the Dáil at the 2011 general election. He was previously a member of Here are the 20 hopefuls looking for Wicklow County Council from 1999-2007 and was Cathaoirleach of your number one vote this election Wicklow from 2005 to 2006. He lives in Roundwood.

Billy Timmins (Fine Gael) Joe Behan (Independent) John Brady (Sinn Fein) Billy is a former army officer and served with the UN. He is a NUIG Joe Behan has served the people of Bray, Kilmacanogue and John is married to Gayle and lives in Bray with their 5 children. He has graduate in Economics and Law. He is self-employed and has experi- Enniskerry and the wider community in County Wicklow as an been to the fore in attempting to bring about transparency and account- enced first-hand the challenges that over regulation and bureaucracy pre- Independent Councillor for the past 6 years. “In that time, I have ability in politics. Since first being elected as a TD for Wicklow in 2016 sent in our economy. He wants to see greater clarity in how our taxes are worked hard to represent people in the challenges they face in dealing John has been to the forefront in standing up for the Wicklow at a spent and believes that education is with Wicklow County Council and national level. John is the Sinn Féin the key to lifting all boats. He says it is other local and national bodies. spokesperson for Employment Affairs necessary to have the funding avail- Whether your issue is housing, envi- and Social Protection and has played a able to improve our physical infras- ronment, planning, jobs, education, leading role in exposing the flawed tructure and invest in education and health, social welfare, community, JobPath scheme, addressing Bogus development, public transport, hous- disability, crime, climate or any other, Self Employment and banning Zero ing and protect Wicklow's environ- I will work tirelessly to help resolve Hour Contracts. John is spearheading ment. “Our tax system must be fair that issue with you and for you. the campaign to put a halt to the and we should strive to endeavour that There has never been a greater need planned hike of the pension age to 67. no one is left behind. Despite major for an Independent TD in this He is also a leading campaigner in investments many vulnerable people Constituency to speak up for the peo- Wicklow on the housing on homeless are suffering so we need to change our ple of County Wicklow. If elected, I crisis. John continues to fight for an social models with the aim of achiev- will be fearless and tireless in repre- end of the government neglect of ing equality of opportunity. The chal- senting you in Dáil Éireann. If you Wicklow and is pushing for funding lenges facing our young people are elect me, I will be accountable to you for infrastructural projects such as the unprecedented and our response must ; not a political party. I will put your N81 and an upgrade of the rail line be the same.” needs first. I will not let you down.” between Bray and Arklow.

Eileen Gunning (National Party) Jennifer Whitmore (Social Democrats) Anthony Fitzgerald (Independent) Eileen Gunning is a nurse from Greystones and a first-time Dáil candi- Cllr. Jennifer Whitmore is a Social Democrats councillor and works Athony Fitzgerald is from Bary and is running as an independent date for the National Party. She has worked overseas and has experience closely with local communities to get important projects done, including candidate. He previously ran in 2011. in pro-life campaigning. She is opposed to the conversion of Wicklow's the South Beach playground in Greystones. Jennifer is also the SocDems "I speak with an independent voice and will approach each issue and only hotel, The Grand Hotel, into a Direct Provision Centre. Spokesperson for Children, whose unpaid Parental Leave Bill was policy on an individual rather than a rigid party basis. "Issues such as An Páirtí Náisiúnta is an Irish nation- passed in the Dáil giving working par- health and a lack of affordable hous- alist party dedicated to the fulfilment ents an additional 8 weeks parental ing in Ireland are ongoing and well of the Irish national idea. The Party leave. versed. I, myself, rent a house and am states that it "believes in the Irish peo- Jennifer's professional background also a single fatherwho has experi- ple, our right to exist as a nation and includes qualifications in Ecology and enced both ends of the financial spec- our right to defend and lay claim to Environmental Law. She wants to use trum during a ful life. our homeland. We seek an Ireland that expertise to address the climate "Having run my own business I am united, Irish and free. change and biodiversity crisis we are aware of the difficulties faced by small "We stand against the criminal finan- currently facing. She recently and medium sized enterprises and the cial institutions which have enslaved launched the SocDem's policy on bio- heavy tax burden placed on PAYE future generations of Irish men and diversity highlighting the crisis of bio- workers to pay for an often inefficient women to debt without end. diversity loss in the country. Jennifer and bloated Public Service bureaucra- “We stand against the project of a fed- believes her international and profes- cy. Other concerns for me are global erated European Superstate which is sional expertise, work ethic and ability warming and te need to protect rural explicitly anti-national and therefore to get things done would make her a Ireland, the cost of insurance, crime anti-Irish. very effective TD for Wicklow and for rates child care andexcessive legal the country at national level. fees."

Charlie Keddy (Independent) John Larkin (Independent) John Snell (Independent) Charlie Keddy from Kilcoole claims he is "The only socialist indepen- John Larkin lives in Newtownmountkennedy and has 40 years of Former Sinn Fein Councillor John Snell from Rathnew is running as an dent who has campaigned for many years to stop abortion. To the people health board experience in places such as Newcastle Hospital and Independent candidate in this General Eelection. who voted no in the referendum to let the unborn live: Don't give up! I Community Care Wicklow. Cllr Snell was elected to Wicklow County Council in 2009 and was re- am Charlie Keddy and not a turncoat. My principles are the same today He says "fixing the health services is incumbent on persons who elected in 2014 and 2019. He has served as Chair of the Council's as they were on my first venture as a Labour candidate many years ago. have worked within the health ser- Housing Special Policy Committee since 2014, and believes that his Being a mudguard for capitalist parties wasn't my thinking. Because I vices. They have learnt on the job, experience as Chair of the Housing stuck to my principles against water at the coalface. They know the job, SPC could be utilized to good effect in charges and service charges in gener- the culture, the inner workings, the The Dail. al. To shut me up, a coup was nuances and ultimately the He says that TD sare needed who a arranged. I have been independent strengths, the weaknesses, the full grasp of what's happening on the ever since that day. I am almost twen- advantages and the threats of the ground locally and who can speak ty years trying to stop corruption with- organisation". their minds. He has also served on the in Wicklow. I want to stop the tax on Other issues Larkin has been cam- Joint Policing Committee, and is for- the owner living in their own home. I paigning on are Housing; Law & mer Chairman of East Wicklow went to stop the two-tier health system Order; Social Justice/Taxation Electoral area and WCC Burial Board. we have. I went to stop all parking ("people have a basic right to live Cllr Snell believes that Wicklow needs charges in public hospitals and in all and not merely survive, the hard- an alternative, independent voice to public places when your car is taxed pressed squeezed middle pay bring about effective change. to be on the road. I want much more record levels of taxation"; child- He is campaigning on the issues of effort going into the promotion of our care costs; Education. employment, investment, roads & language." transport, and health. WICKLOW

Tuesday 28th January 2020 TimesLOCAL NEWS 11 Pat Casey (Fianna Fail) Pat has been a TD since 2016 and is Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Housing and Urban Renewal. He previously served on Wicklow County Council for the Wicklow Electoral for 12 years and is a hotelier by pro- Saturday fession, running his family Hotel in Glendalough. On Wicklow based Jobs, Pat has worked with Echelon Data Centre to 8th February deliver a €1 billion high tech invest- 2020 ment that will bring 800 construction jobs and up to 200 full time positions on completion. Pat has worked to ensure increased affordable and social housing for all who are in need of homes in Wicklow. Pat's 30 years of experience in the Tourism Industry has been instrumental in the delivery of Wicklow's vital outdoor recreation sec- tor and Pat has been a lifelong support- Here are the 20 hopefuls looking for er of Greenway Developments. As a community activist and businessman, your number one vote this election Pat has led the campaign for Insurance reform and reduced red tape.

Paul O'Brien (Labour) Simon Harris (Fine Gael) ) Steven Matthews (Green Party) "I am from Wicklow Town, but I have many family and friends spread Simon has represented Wicklow in the Dail and was also previously a "I understand the needs of County Wicklow for housing, health and out across the county. I have been a soccer referee for the past twenty- member of Wicklow County Council. At a national level, Simon has environmental protection and for sustainable solutions to support our five years and have travelled the length and breadth of Wicklow, meet- served as a Minister of State in the Department of Finance, as Minister economy, our communities, to create jobs and encourage investment. ing people from all walks of life. I am for the OPW and as a senior Wicklow needs good planning, a reliable public transport system and a the current national President of the Government Minister since 2016. He clean environment that we can enjoy. The Green Party has always been Referee's Society and a full-time had previously established an Autism the leading voice on Climate Change. County Councillor. If I have the hon- support group in County Wicklow We have the policies and the solutions our of beinf elected, I look forward to called the Wicklow Triple A Alliance. in Housing, Planning, Energy, following in the footsteps of past As a TD, he has worked on many Transport and Environment that will Labour Party stalwarts such as Liam campaigns and initiatives across the address climate change. These poli- Kavanagh and Liz McManus and county including campaigning for new cies will protect our health, environ- working for all the people of County schools and school extensions, devel- ment and quality of life and secure a Wicklow. I am asking for your num- oping Primary Care Centres, support- future for our young people. These ber one vote." ing the Wicklow Hospice, setting up a key areas will underpin our economy, Paul's platform is focussed on new Out of Hour GP Service for encouraging investment and job cre- 'Building Better Society', through North Wicklow, delivering funding for ation which will provide reliable building homes, seeking equality in greenways and working to improve funding for Housing, Education, healthcare, better pay and job security, public transport. Health and Public Services now and climate justice, and seeing that every Simon is looking for your No. 1 vote for the future. I am asking for your child gets a fair start. so he can continue to represent No1 vote so that Wicklow can have Wicklow at a national level its first ever Green TD, thank you."

Seamus Connor (Aontu) Stephen Donnelly (Fianna Fail) Sharon Briggs (People Before Profit) Seamus Connor is founder and chairperson of Bray Coastcare. Seamus's First elected in 2011, Stephen is Fianna Fáil's spokesperson on health. Sharon Briggs is a Bray native, a mother of three and a recent University platform is focused on the health crisis and mental health, the environ- Before politics, Stephen worked for an international management con- College Dublin Graduate in Social Science. "People Before Profit is a ment, sports and recreation, and the housing crisis. sulting firm specialising in improving the performance of healthcare sys- real alternative to the current and previous political establishment and is Séamus is highly passionate about the tems. For the past two years Stephen's been working with the Fianna committed to breaking the cycle of a Fianna Fail/Fine Gael government environment, nature and cares deeply Fáil team, and engaging with health- monopoly." Sharon has been an about climate change. In 2007, care professionals across Ireland, to activist on all the issues that are mak- Séamus founded, and is Chairperson, develop an approach to modernise ing life hard for people. She was of Bray CoastCare Group and also Ireland's public health system, to pro- involved in the campaign against the facilitated the setting up of Brittas Bay vide high quality universal healthcare. imposition of Local Property Taxes, and Arklow Coastcare Groups.Séamus At the same time, he has developed a was a founding member of the has been a strong advocate over the plan to tackle to collapse of access to Right2Water Campaign, she also last two decades for sports and recre- healthcare in Ireland. actively campaigned for the Repeal of ational facilities. Stephen believes that a healthy econo- the 8th Amendment, for Marriage Throughout Séamus' career of 14 my, strong community and great pub- Equality, she protested the downgrad- years as a secondary school teacher, lic services work together, and make ing of a local hospital A&E and is cur- he has voluntarily set up many groups each other stronger. He believes all rently immersed in the National for young people. children should grow up with the same Housing and Homeless Coalition. If Séamus wants to work hard to sort out opportunities, and that the challenge of elected, Sharon will work to have the mess in regards to the housing our times is sustainability - environ- People Before Profit policies enacted crisis and unaffordable rent prices in mental, economic and social, all of and will stay true to her campaign Wicklow. which require radical action. promises.”

Tom Dunne (Independent) Valerie Cox (Independent) William King (Independent) Farmer Tom Dunne was one of the final candidates to put his name Journalist, author and campaigner Valier Cox entered the race late, just a Entering the race late, William King has thrown his hat into the ring as forward to contest the upcoming general election as a candidate for day before the registration deadline, shaking up the race. an Independent candidate. Wicklow. As a journalist for over 40 years, Valerie is well known for highlighting Aged 71 and from Dublin, William works as a self-emplyed electriaian Tom is a part-time cattle and sheep farmer who hails from Hollywood injustices and the struggles of people across Ireland. Valierie says she is in Bray, and is campaigning on the issue of housing. but is now living in Laragh. hoping to become a voice for the He says that he was driven to put his A member of the Irish Sheep Shearing voiceless. name forward out of an exasperation Association for the last ten years, and Her campaign is focussing on issues with the housing and rental crisis and also its chairperson, Tom has repre- such as; life-long taxpayersbeing the selling off of properties to 'cuckoo seented Ireland as an international deprived of pensions; forced retire- funds'. No photo judge. ment; older people waiting on hospital "It's 104 years since the rising and He has now resigned from his position trolleys and being trapped in hospital here we are going back to a situation available as its chairperson so he can focus on awaiting care packages to go home; of absentee landlords. The present the election. old people being forced into nursing Government are selling off the coun- Tom is determined to represent the homes without a Fair Deal Scheme to try bit by bit. We're heading towards a people of Wickow and ensure their emain in their homes. situation where a month's pension will be equal to a week's rent - it will voices are heard, with everyone treat- Valerie says that basic human living happen here as it's happened elsewhere. People can't get out of rental ed equally. Tom will stand as an conditions for all citizens is also top accomodation, not everyone has a TD's pension.” Indpeendent candidate. of her agenda, with urgent priorities King says that he was "incensed beyond endurance" by the case of Blake He is campaigning on the issues of including homelessness and health- v Attorney General 1982, where the Supreme Court struck down the housing, health, and traffic, particular- care. Valerie is a patron of the Rent Restrictions Acts. ly the N81. Wicklow Hospice Foundation "I'm running because it's time to stand up, and I want to have my say." WICKLOW

12 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 28th January 2020 Post offices in danger of closure, postmasters warn Postmasters are calling for an election commitment from candidates and parties to a Public Service Obligation (PSO) for post offices. They are warning that the post office network "faces collapse on a massive scale", with hundreds of post offices across the country in danger of closure over the next two years unless urgent action is taken by the Government. Here in Wicklow, Roundwood Post Office is the latest to come under threat of closure.

About the serious con- restricted customers is better and the Government were to close, it would cerns that Roundwood totally unacceptable. and An Post must act to have drastic consequences Post Office is to close, Pat Time and time again rural protect these vital ser- for the current Post Office Casey TD said “This is Wicklow is being hit by vices.” business model. another hard blow for the lack of interest by There are currently 952 “The impending crisis rural Wicklow and again Government. An Post offices in the post office of the Post Office network highlights the lack of must ensure no interrup- network, including 897 needs to be an election imagination or determina- tion of service for Postmaster un offices, 45 issue with commitments tion to keep vital services Roundwood and ensure a An Post company offices given and inclusion of a in rural Wicklow. The smooth transition to a and ten temporary PSO, and roll out of new current office is due to new service.” closures. There are 23 post services, in the next pro- close at the end of He continued “this is offices across Co. gramme for Government,” January. The residents of totally wrong and will Wicklow. Mr Martin said. Laragh, Annamoe, bring great hardship to the IPU President and IPU General Secretary There was a trio of awards for Dunlavin at the Wicklow GAA Awards night in the Arklow Bay Glendalough, people of Roundwood South East Spokesperson Ned O’Hara said that post Hotel; Ladies Footballer of the Year Jill Heatley Fadian, Intermediate Footballer of the Year Cian Trooperstown already and the rural hinterland as Sean Martin said: “A pillar office business is declin- O’Sullivan, and Camogie Player of the Year Katie Daynes. have to travel at least ten the distance to Bray or of the 2018 Post Office ing year on year, and that kilometres to either Rathdrum is far too great Network Renewal Plan hundreds of post offices Roundwood or Rathdrum for many people. It is has not been delivered on are now at the tipping to avail of postal services. essential that the by this Government. This point of viability. When you consider that Government ensure that was a commitment to “This election is criti- ‘Pension age hike next Laragh is adjacent to one An Post provides a post delivering many new cal for post offices,” he of Irelands top tourist office continues in Government services via said. “In order to maintain attractions the lack of Roundwood. There the Post Office. This has a network, State support imagination in generating should not even by a tem- not happened to date and including a PSO will need year must be halted’ additional services for the porary closure as this will that needs to change with to be sanctioned. Under a post office is breathtak- effect many older people the next Government. current Renewal Plan top ing. who collect their pen- “While new services up payments are tem- Speaking in relation to Labour’s proposal to halt the rise of the pension age, the Labour “There are serious con- sion.” will help to maximise the porarily being paid to the Party candidate for Wicklow Cllr Paul O’Brien said that we don’t need to raise the cerns that Roundwood Deputy Casey conclud- Network’s offering, it will majority of Post Offices, pension age to 67 in 2021 as this is unfair to a cohort of workers who have already worked Post Office may close as ed by stating that “I and not be enough to address as part of a new contract. for long enough. there as been no response Cllr Gail Dunne have con- the crisis expected in July However, these payments Cllr O’Brien said “The economy has stabilised and the public finances are back in balance, thanks to the to the call for someone to tacted An Post to ensure 2021. It will not just be are due to run out in mid sacrifices made by the people over the last ten years. Labour has been calling for a halt in the increase of run the service and this that there is no interrup- rural Offices that are at 2021. The next the pension age from 66 to 67 that is due to happen in 2021. would mean that Bray or tion of service due to the risk, but also a large num- Government must plan for “We have a relatively young population compared to most of Europe. While we do need to plan for the Rathdrum would be the proposed closure of ber of urban offices who this, or the Network faces growing number of older citizens, that does not require us to have a higher retirement age than most other nearest postal service Roundwood Post Office. carry out a majority of net- collapse on a massive European countries. which for older and more Rural Wicklow deserves work transactions. If they scale.” “At present, people are not entitled to the State Pension until 66 and this is due to rise to 67 in 2021. In future, people who go to third level and only begin their careers in their mid-twenties or later may well work beyond the age of 65. But society is not ready yet. Some of those who are now approaching retire- ment came into the labour market in their teens and have done nearly fifty years of work; and paid up to Motor Insurance Bureau records fifty years of tax and social insurance contributions. It is unjust to require them to wait another two years to receive their pensions when it is no longer necessary in terms of the public finances. “Many people are tied into contracts that require them to retire at age 65. While some might choose to increase of claims in Wicklow work longer if they could, many do not have that choice. People in this cohort end up seeking Jobseekers The Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland highlighted the high level of claims relating to unin- Benefit, and the government has even created an exception to the rules to allow this payment to continue (MIBI) recorded a 14% increase in claims sured drivers they received in 2019, saying it under- until a person actually retires. lines the importance of the new automatic number “There is simply no need to require thousands of older people to enter a pre-retirement waiting period from Wicklow during 2019, after receivibng a total of 41 claims from across the county plate recognition system (ANPR), which allows for a year. The Social Insurance Fund is projected to have a surplus of €3.8 billion at the end of this year. Gardai to more easily detect if a vehicle is being We have the funds to slow down the rise of the retirement age, to give society more time to adjust. We can during the course of the year. driven without insurance.Uninsured drivers afford to allow 66-year olds to continue to access the full State Pension, which they have rightly earned. This represented five more claims than were sub- accounted for the majority of total claims received “Following the next general election, Labour will not support any government, including from opposi- mitted to the MIBI from Wicklow in 2018, when 36 by the MIBI last year. tion, unless they agree to leave the age for the State Pension at 66 for the lifetime of that government.” claims were made. In its national figures, the MIBI The MIBI is a not for profit organisation that wa sestablished to compensate victims of road traffic accidentscaused by uninsured and unidentified vehi- cles. Speaking about the claims figures, David Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of MIBI, said "Looking at the figures it is clear that there has been very little change in the number of claims received by the MIBI over the course of the past two years, even though the number of claims from Wicklow did increase last year. On a national basis, it is particu- larly concerning that there has been no movement How Clean is Roofing Specialists on the level of claims relating to uninsured vehicles, which suggests there continues to be a substantial your water tank? • New Roofs • Roof repairs number of uninsured vehicles driving on Irish • Chimney’s • Pointing • Gutters roads. Don’t wash in dirty water! 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They will then face heavy penalties. & FITTED • Plumbing & Heating • Renovations • General Building Anyone caught driving without insurance can have Secure your • Tiling their vehicle seized on the spot, will face a manda- tank with a • Property Maintenance tory court appearance, a heavy fine and five points fitted lid and • Bathroom Renovations on their licence. avoid unwanted • Water Filters "Uninsured driving is illegal and represents a real contamination threat to Irish road safety. We believe the introduc- • Industrial & Domestic Tank Cleaning tion of ANPR will tighten the net on uninsured drivers and will make a significant, positive impact Tel: 087 673 7357 www.atticwatertankcleaning.ie towards rish road safety," Mr Fitzgerald concluded. WICKLOW

Tuesday 28th January 2020 TimesLOCAL NEWS 13 Permission granted for 426 New Homes at Farrankelly Full planning permission has been granted by mented by 10 acres of with stepped access open- An Bord Pleanála to Cairn Homes for a additional open space ing out into the adjacent strategic housing development at Farrankelly, incorporating a substan- open space. Delgany. This new development provides for tial 650 metre pedestrian “Farrankelly will be a and cycle route greenway 426 new homes comprising 245 houses, 93 unique residential devel- located along the northern opment where our resi- apartments and 88 duplex units within an boundary and separately dents and the wider com- overall site of 52 acres. running and training munity will benefit from areas. At the heart of the this broad range of ameni- dential development. The site is bounded by development is a residen- ties right on their door- “Our design approach the Kilcoole Road (R761) tial amenity building step, while our residential to Farrankelly put an to the east and Priory which will contain a well- amenity building will emphasis on placemaking Road to the west, Eden appointed multi-purpose support and enhance the and a focus on public Gate and Glenbrook Park residents room, gym and sense of community with- realm and landscape with to the south. management facilities, in the development.” A digital image of the completed housing development at Farrankelly Cairn Homes stated the creation of new “The unique character amenity spaces. The and quality of our development will feature Farrankelly site, which is over 11 acres of active located on the outskirts of open space which will Bray boy, Denis Gilevskiy, wins Delgany village, with its include a sports pitch as exceptional views of both well as a tennis court and the Wicklow mountains an all-weather multi-use and the Irish sea, provides pitch, a children’s play area and an informal kick- the highly prestigious British us with an unrivalled opportunity to deliver a about area. truly signature Cairn resi- “This will be comple- U17s Nationals Squash Title BIFE student wins n November 2019 Presentation College, Bray pupil Denis Gilevskiy won the prestigious British IU17s Nationals Squash title to add to his 2017 U13s British Open title. Ironically, as a quirk of major music award history, Irish squash players can enter Britain’s national squash championships. And it’s the first Graham Davy, a Higher National Diploma time an Irish boy has won this title. student at Bray Institute of Further Keir Worth, chief executive of English Squash, said that “what Denis has achieved is not only a fantastic Education picked up a prestigious accolade at achievement for himself but for Irish squash as well.” He hoped his performance would “boost the sport in the recent Pearson Higher National Awards Ireland.” Ireland 2019 in Dublin. One of Denis’s biggest challenges is where to train as he said “there are no squash court facilities in Bray or Graham won the “Ireland Student of the Year my surrounding areas. This means my parents are travelling with me to Leopardstown, Ranelagh, Howth and Music” award at the ceremony, which took place even Carlow six times a week.” late November 2019 at Clontarf Castle Hotel. His main sponsor, Rory Gillen, a squash player himself and living in Greystones, has set up the The awards ceremony “aims to recognise those Greystones Squash Initiative recognising that a lack of good squash court infrastructure in Ireland is one of BTEC Higher National students who truly embody a vocational ethos, have worked hard to get where the key issues holding back the game in this country. they are, demonstrated passion for what they do and His vision is to put the town of Greystones on the squash map by establishing state-of-the-art, not- are ambitious to achieve further”. According to his for-profit squash court facilities in the Greystones area accessible to everybody in the local community head tutor Philip Dobie, “Graham was 100% com- and the wider East Coast region. mitted to his studies and had a hugely positive Young Denis Gilevskiy believes such a facility “would be a blessing and feels that a club in the effect on the class and helped to foster a positive area would open this wonderful sport up to hundreds of other young people in the East Coast of learning culture.” Wicklow”. The event was attending by nominees and staff Mr. Gillen is liaising with the Wicklow County Council and local Greystones councillors in an from a host of Further Education institutes around Ireland including Dublin, Limerick and Cork and effort to locate a suitable piece of land for the project and comments that “all parties have been was presented by Alasdair Melville, Director of encouraging and supportive to date”. International Schools Qualifications & Assessment, Ali Farag, the Egyptian winner of the World Squash Championship in Chicago in March 2019, Pearson. who knows about the Initiative, has given his full support and has also said “I would be happy to turn up for an exhibition match at the opening." Madeline Perry, Irish No 1 Squash player 1996–2016, said “If Squash in Ireland needs anything, it’s more infrastructure and Rory’s plans for squash court facilities in Greystones are a sure winner”.

Pictured is Philip Dobie (BIFE tutor) with award winner Graham Davy WICKLOW

14 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 28th January 2020 Planning application lodged for Newcastle mixed development A planning application has been lodged with Wicklow County Council for a mixed Hello cousin! development of 11 residential dwellings units and four commercial units in Newcastle. The Labour Party’s General Election Candidate, Cllr. Paul O’Brien paid a surprise visit to his The location for the proposed development is an infill site adjacent to the GAA field, 400m to the south east. It cousin during his canvass in Bray last Thursday. is located within Newcastle’s Primary Development Zone according to the Newcastle Settlement Plan as per the Wicklow County Development Plan 2016-2022. The development would consist of four 4-bed semi-detached Henry Longmore, who Institute for Further its range of courses in the NWETSS at any time if two-storey units; One 1-bed ground floor apartment; One 2-bed two-storey duplex type apartment; Two 1-bed first lives in Roger Casement Education (BIFE) where coming years. However, I they wish to outline their floor apartments; Three 2-bed first floor apartments; and Four ground floor commercial units. There will also be Park, was a well-known they were greeted by the also acknowledge that the own set of needs to me.” 24 car parking spaces provided. It’s understood that it is the intention of the Council’s Housing Section to acquire and popular face around Principal, Ray Tedders North Wicklow Educate Paul spent the rest of the two-bed apartment unit, via a Housing Agency. the Bray area during the and other staff members. Together Secondary the day in Bray with the According to the planning application cover letter, the majority of the proposed buildings will be oriented thirty years he spent as a Paul is a member of the School (NWETSS) is in local Labour members towards the Main Street and Sea Road. The style of the front elevation of the buildings would be similar to the postman. Paul and Henry Kildare-Wicklow dire need of a permanent canvassing various hous- appearance of the existing buildings, with pitched roof on the semi-detached residential units similar to the exist- spent a good while catch- Education & Training home. The members of ing estates where he ing adjacent buildings. The Council is due to make a decision on the application by March 9th. ing up on all the news and Board (KWETB) and he the KWETB are still wait- believes he was well- reminiscing about their listened to the case being ing to see the ‘master received. “I would like to family ties. made by BIFE to retain plan’ being drawn up by thank everyone I met in “I was delighted to the campus for adult edu- the Department of Bray on Thursday for the have the opportunity to cation only. Speaking Education so there is no courtesy and support they NOTICE OF POLL call in to visit my cousin after his visit to BIFE, solid information avail- showed me and I hope to Henry and to see him Paul said, “I certainly able just yet. I would be meet many more Bray res- CONSTITUENCY OF WICKLOW looking so hale and understand the fact that very happy to meet with idents over the coming hearty”, said Paul BIFE has plans to expand representatives from the few weeks”, Paul said. Take Notice that, pursuant to a writ issued to me by the Clerk of Dáil Éireann, I will take a poll on 8th February 2020, O’Brien. “Henry is just between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. to elect 5 members of the Dáil for this constituency. one of a large section of my family that have lived The names and descriptions of the candidates standing nominated and of their proposers (if any), and the order in and raised their families in which they will appear on the ballot paper, are set out hereunder. Bray and it was great to hear how everyone is DESCRIPTION doing.” As well as visiting his Name Address Occupation Name of Political Proposer, cousin Henry, Paul had Party, if any if any the opportunity to also drop in to the Purple Joe Behan 55 Richmond Park, Public Representative NON PARTY Self House Centre on Parnell Road and he was accom- Bray, Co. Wicklow panied by former Bray TD John Brady 54 Mountain View Drive, Public Representative SINN FEIN Self Liz McManus and former Boghall Road, Co. Wicklow Councillor John Byrne. They had a good meeting Sharon Briggs 113 Sugarloaf Crescent, Shop Assistant SOLIDARITY - Self with Conor O’Leary who Bray, Co. Wicklow PEOPLE BEFORE runs the Centre and who PROFIT outlined to the Labour representatives their long- Pat Casey Glendalough, Co. Wicklow Public Representative FIANNA FAIL Self term plans for a new home for Purple House. Labour candidate Paul O’Brien in Bray last week with Henry Longmore, Seamus Connor Hollybrook Park, Secondary School Teacher AON TU Self Next on Paul’s agenda John Byrne, Liz McManus, and (back row), John Kenna, Joe O’Mahony, Kilruddery Demense West, was a visit to the Bray Con Sammon, Tracy O’Brien, Marie O’Rourke, and John Graham. Bray, Co. Wicklow Valerie Cox Scratnagh, Ballymoyle, Journalist. NON -PARTY Self Arklow, Co. Wicklow Funding protected structures Stephen Donnelly Barna Cottage, Knockroe, Full Time Public FIANNA FAIL Self Wicklow County Council reminds interested parties that the deadline for applications to the Co. Wicklow Representative Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) schemes in County Wicklow is Friday 31st January. Andrew Doyle Lickeen, Roundwood, Public Representative FINE GAEL Self € € Co. Wicklow Both schemes are funded by the Department of grants of between 2,500- 15,000 (not exceeding 50 Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and set out to assist per cent of total costs) may be awarded to eligible pro- Tom Dunne Cullentra, Rathdrum, Farmer/Joiner NON -PARTY Self owners of Protected Structures and buildings in jects. This year, there is also a new allocation to support Co. Wicklow Architectural Conservation Areas to look after their prop- small-scale (under €2,000) minor works of maintenance erties and to carry out essential repair and conservation and repair. Anthony Fitzgerald Coburg Mews, Company Director NON -PARTY Self works. Under the Historic Structures Fund (HSF), Stream 1 Upper Dargle Road, Bray, "Historic buildings are part of our heritage and con- will offer grants from €15,000 up to €50,000 and Stream Co. Wicklow tribute greatly to the character and attractiveness of 2 will offer a small number of grants nationally from towns, villages and countryside in County Wicklow," €50,000 up to €200,000. Eileen Gunning Chrysanthemum Cottage, Nurse. THE NATIONAL Self explains Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer, Wicklow Application forms and further information about each Blacklion, Greystones, PARTY County Council adding: "Furthermore, the conservation of the schemes is available at www.wicklow.ie or can be Co. Wicklow and continued use of historic building stock plays an posted by request. Completed applications should be important role in promoting a low carbon , more resilient clearly marked either BHIS or HSF and returned to email Simon Harris 14 Thorndale, Public Representative FINE GAEL Self built environment for future generations." [email protected] or by post to Planning Section, Delgany Wood, Last year, a total €90,000 was drawn down by owners Wicklow County Council, by 31st January. Delgany, Co. Wicklow and custodians of historic properties in County Wicklow. For queries and further information contact Deirdre Under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) Burns, Heritage Officer on Tel: 0404 20100. Charlie Keddy Sea Road, Kilcoole, Plumber NON -PARTY Self Co. Wicklow William King 4 St. Itas Road, Electrician NON -PARTY Self Botanic Avenue, Dublin 9 John Joseph Season Park Health Employee NON -PARTY Josephine Larkin NewtownMountKennedy, Doyle Co. Wicklow Steven Matthews Sydenham Mews, Electrician GREEN PARTY Self Sidmonton Road, Bray, Co.Wicklow Paul O Brien 11 Castle Park, Public Representative LABOUR PARTY Self Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow John Snell 81 Seaview Heights, Public Representative NON -PARTY Self Rathnew, Co. Wicklow Billy Timmins Baltingalss, Co. Wicklow Public Representative FINE GAEL Self Jennifer Whitmore Dromont, Delgany, Public Representative SOCIAL Self Co. Wicklow DEMOCRATS Fine Gael General Election candidate Billy Timmins campaigning in Bray last week with local Returning Officer: MARY DELAHANTY Date: 24/01/2020 councillors Aoife Flynn Kennedy and Melanie Corrigan. WICKLOW

Tuesday 28th January 2020 TimesLOCAL 15 WICKLOW

16 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 28th January 2020 Birdwatch Ireland publishes manifesto for nature Birdwatch Ireland, which has its headquarters in Kilcoole, has published “People need nature tises support fo the farm- a Manifesto for Nature, saying that Ireland needs to reset its relationshi and we are part of it. We ers undertaking low- with nature and prioritise the safeguarding of ecosysterms. love hearing bird song, intensity High Nature seeing wildflowers, walk- Value farming which is The manifesto consists species in less than 20 Oonagh Duggan, ing by the sea and in the so critial to our grassland of a set of proposals for years; one third of our Birdwatch Ireland’s woods. It’s good for our biodiversity like Curlew, the next Government to wild bees are threatened Assistant Head of mental health. We depend many bee and butterfly restore nature in Ireland, with extinction; 85 per- Avocacy, said on it for food, fibre, and species, wildflowers and to address declines in bird cent of internationally “Biodiversity in Ireland is to regulate air, water and more; ensuring that species, other wildlife and important and EU desig- in A&E and it needs the climate. It is our life sup- afforestation policy does- habitats, and to tackle cli- nated habitats are in bad full backing of political port system and we must n’t impact important mate change. The organi- condition, with agriculture parties and the public to support it now too.” areas for birds and other sation is calling on mem- impacting 70 percent of work together to halt and Some specific policy wildlife and is composed bers of the public to put those. Only one-third of reverse the declines in decisions which mainly of native tree the issues of biodiversity hedgerows surveyed are species and habitats. Birdwatch Ireland say species; developing a loss and climate change in good ecological condi- Birdwatch Ireland calls can be taken straight new law to protect Robert Lambert from Aughrim with the Junior Hurler of the Year front and centre with gen- tion. River and estuaries’ on political parties to away, include; deleloping hedgerows; ensuring that award and Mark Kenny from Ballymanus who won the County Senior eral election candiidates. water quality is declining. commit to immediately and implementing recov- the environment is pro- Footballer of the Year award at the Wicklow GAA Awards night in the “Ireland’s biodiversity Overfishing continues to establishing a Citizens ery plans for a range of tected on the whole and ecosystems are in bad deplete fish stocks and Assembly to address bio- species on the brink of island of Ireland through Arklow Bay Hotel. shape,” Birdwatch Ireland other wildlife. Habitat diversity loss as per the extinction; filling the crit- the Good Friday said. “Two-thirds of our destruction and fragmen- Dail decision in May ical gaps in our knowl- Agreement; increasing regularly occuring wild tation, pollution, and other 2019. We cannot delay edge on several bird the budget of the bird species are Red or human-induced factors are any further and we must species so we can protect National Parks and Amber listed birds of con- the main reasons for act together to save nature then; ensuring that the Wildlife Service (NPWS) servation concern; there degradation and the in Ireland and in a way current round of negotia- to €1 million; fully has been a 40 percent impacts will be exacerbat- that sets us on the path to tions on the Common implement the Common decline in waterbird ed by climate change.” address biodiversity loss. Agriculture Policy priori- Fisheries Policy. Bray local stars in major new ad campaign Galina Moraru, originally from Moldova but now living in Bray, is Literacy Organiser at gain the confidence to featuring in a major new RTE campaign this January called ‘Take Kildare and Wicklow learn new ones.” the first step’. Fronted by Joe Duffy, Brenda Donohue and Marty ETB, said: “People often In Wicklow people can Morrissey the Take the first step campaign aims to support people in think they are the ‘only phone Kildare and one’ but at the moment Wicklow ETB at 01 276 Ireland who have difficulty with reading, writing, maths or there are thousands of peo- 1350 to find out about free technology to get the help they need. ple returning to learning to classes available. When Galina moved to me. I relied on my hus- becoming a taxi driver. As improve their reading, There is also a national Ireland two years ago she band for everything,” well as my English classes writing, maths and com- Freephone number 1800 didn’t know any English. Galina says. Galina’s hus- I also took some computer puter skills. Whatever the 20 20 65 and website She started English classes band had already moved to classes at the centre to help reason for going back to www.takethefirststep.ie at Kildare and Wicklow Ireland but her fear of the me prepare for the test. It learning, the benefits are that people can contact to ETB to help her settle into unknown put her off join- wasn’t easy but I didn’t always the same. Not only get more information on the local community and ing him for eight years. give up. I did it five times do people improve their adult education services she has since gone on to Luckily for Galina, one before I passed it and I was old skills, but they also nationally. qualify as a taxi driver. She of her new neighbours in so happy.” first got involved in the Bray was from Ukraine so “We are delighted that campaign when the they were able to speak to RTÉ are supporting ‘Take National Adult Literacy each other in Russian. the first step’ as the cam- Agency (NALA) asked her “I told her I didn’t know paign represents a very to share her story last English and I was having a important public service September on social difficult time and didn’t message. Often people media. Since then RTE know what to do. She was who return to education has partnered with NALA the person who encour- say the hardest part was to promote Galina’s and aged me to go to classes in making the first call or tak- other real-life stories of Bray Adult Learning ing the first step into an students on RTE televi- Centre to learn English. So Adult Education Centre. sion, radio and online. The I brought my husband with The aim of this campaign campaign aims to encour- me and called into the cen- is to encourage people to age adults who have diffi- tre to find out about the take the first step to get the culty with reading, writing, classes. After that I started help they need. Thanks to maths or technology to doing classes twice a week Galina sharing her story so contact a Freephone sup- and it has been an incredi- honestly through this cam- port line 1800 20 20 65 to ble experience.” paign, many people won’t get the help they need. As well as making feel as alone and I have no Once they make contact friends and becoming part doubt they will be encour- the National Adult of her local community, aged to pick up the phone Literacy Agency will put Galina wanted to learn to us to get information them in contact with their English so that she could about different courses to local ETB Adult Education get a job. In Moldova, she suit their needs - all of Centre or tell them about worked as a nurse but she which are free,” says Dr other free services that will knew she wouldn’t be able Inez Bailey, CEO, NALA. meet their needs. to do that here. This includes NALA’s “I would like to have “I had to think about Distance Learning Service moved here earlier but I what I could do instead. I where tutors work with was afraid of moving to a like driving so I thought I people over the phone to new place where I couldn’t would try that. But first I improve their reading, Galina Moraru, originally from Moldova but speak the language and had to prepare for the writing, maths or technolo- now living in Bray, is featuring in a major new didn’t have any friends. It National Transport gy skills. RTE campaign was a big challenge for Authority’s entry test for Niamh Maguire, Adult WICKLOW

Tuesday 28th January 2020 TimesLOCAL NEWS 17 Over €11.6m allocated to roads

Wicklow is to benefit from €11.64 million in regional and local road allocations, Minister Simon Harris has said. Minister Harris said he A sum of €325,000 is mountkennedy Main “National Road Safety has received confirmation to go towards bridge Street - junction, lights guidelines state that from the Department of rehabilitation works on and markings; Kenny’s roads of equal impor- Transport, Tourism and regional and local roads - Corner, Carnew; tance should meet at a 90 Sport of the significant Sally’s Bridge, Wicklow Killough Upper; degree angle or as close allocation for Wicklow Town Bridge, Killacloran Tonlegee crossroads; as what is achievable. for 2020. andRoddenagh bridges in Bray Road (21 bends), Both roads converging at “This is a huge invest- Aughrim, Killaveny Enniskerry; Schools the junction are regional ment for the county of Bridge, Carrigmore Road, Bray. roads of equal impor- Wicklow. This will Bridge, in Aughrim, Rathdrum based Cllr tance but currently meet improve roads the length Boley Bridge, Highpark Pat Kennedy has wel- at around 33 degrees and breadth of Wicklow Bridge in Kiltegan, comed the long awaited leading it to be extremely and will assist people Johnstown North Bridge funding for the major dangerous. travelling across the coun- and Beechdale Bridge in Rathdrum-Ballinaclash “With the allocation of ty. Kilcoole. Road Junction Plan. this funding we can now “Wicklow’s national A sum of €333,000 Cllr Kennedy said proceed with Phase 2 of road network is a key will go towards safety “Having worked on get- the project and get the asset for the county. improvement works at ting the Rathdrum/ junction realigned in Preserving it will not only the following locations; Ballinaclash Junction order to make it much benefit our daily use of Vale Road between upgraded for the last safer for all road users. the roads, but can signifi- Arklow and number of years, I am “I want to thank the cantly assist and drive Woodenbridge; Junction delighted to see that local people who live in economic activity. of Newcastle and €250,000 has been allo- the area who helped me “I welcome this invest- Woodstock Roads in cated to the project. along with locaI TD Pat ment, which is a signifi- Kilcoole; Windgates, Phase 1 of this project Casey. I also want to cant increase on 2019,” Greystones; Wexford was the installation of the thank the three Wicklow Minister Harris concluded. Road (North), Arklow; footpath from the grave- County Council engi- The Council will Saint Saviour’s National yard to the junction. This neers who have been € receive 350,000 for the School, Rathdrum; footpath stopped short of involved in this and who Pictured are Bill Porter, Valerie Cox, and John Brady TD at the opening of the Wicklow Hospice Glendalough Scheme and the junction in order to have engaged with me Wexford Road (South), on Friday. Deputy Brady said “I have to commend the Committee and team of volunteers that €250,000 for the Arklow; Aughrim allow us to seek funding over the number of years worked for 11 years to make this dream a reality. The Hospice will provide critical support for Ballinaclash Rathdrum to Rathdangan Road for the re-alignment of in order to push this for- Scheme. at Ballytiege; Newtown- the junction. ward.” people from across Wicklow at a very difficult time it their lives and the team will have my continued support into the future. It was the ordinary people of Wicklow who worked tirelessly to get the funds together to bring this vital service to Wicklow. They showed the determination St Gerard's and St Mary's to represent Wicklow in and community spirit that is the best of this county.” Money Smarts Challenge Grand final Teams from St Gerard's in Bray and St Mary's in Arklow emerged victorious from the recent 553 residential buildings Wexford and Wicklow final in the Bank of Ireland Money Smarts Challenge, held in the Amber Springs Hotel, Wexford on Monday, January 20th. A total of 212 students from 53 teams drawn from secondary schools across both counties took part in the final, comprising eight rounds of money-related questions and puzzles, with St Gerard's taking the top prize and under construction the St Mary's team emerging as runners-up. The teams from both secondary schools guaranteed their place in the Money Smarts Grand Final next April, A total of 553 residential buildings were There were 1,881 residential property transactions and now have the chance to claim the top prize of €25,000. The Wexford and Wicklow event was the twelfth under construction in Wicklow in December in Wicklow in the 12 months to October 2019, with € regional contest to take place in the challenge to date. The Money Smarts Challenge is designed in conjunction an average property price of 342,743. The average 2019, according to the latest GeoView € with business studies teachers and Financial Wellbeing experts, and is part of Bank of Ireland's five-year Residential Buildings Report, published by residential property price nationally was 290,209. Financial Wellbeing Programme. The aim of Money Smarts is to increase financial awareness among teenagers, Greystones was the town in Wicklow with the GeoDirectory and EY-DKM last week. € presenting core elements of financial wellbeing like spending, saving, earning, credit and debt through interac- highest residential property price ( 431,423), while € tive content and real life scenarios. The majority of the buildings under construction Arklow had the lowest average price ( 205,851). Rory Carty, Head of Youth Banking, Bank of Ireland, commented: "It was fantastic to see such a strong in Ireland were located in Dublin and surrounding Wicklow’s vacancy rate stood at 3.2% in turnout of Wexford and Wicklow schools at the Money Smarts Challenge in the Amber Springs Hotel. It's not counties of Meath, Kildare and Wicklow, further December 2019, 1.5% lower than the national always easy to get teenagers engaged about money management and financial literacy, but Bank of Ireland's new emphasising the capital’s role in driving residential vacancy rate of 4.7%. The highest vacancy rates secondary school competition puts students to the test and offers a fantastic prize of €25,000 to the winning construction activity. The counties with the lowest were found in the mid-west and north-west of the school. Congratulations to St Gerard's and St Mary's on their qualification from the final, we look forward to the levels of construction activity were located in the country, notably in Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, welcoming them to Citywest for the Grand Final next April." north-west and midlands in December 2019. Leitrim Donegal and Sligo. There are 18 Money Smarts regional finals taking place between November 2019 and February 2020. (24), Longford (88), Roscommon (96) and Sligo Dublin remains the county with the lowest resi- Secondary schools from across Ireland can enter up to three teams, and school principals and teachers can find (96) registered the lowest number of buildings under dential vacancy rate at 1.3%. Neighbouring counties out more about the competition and how to register by visiting boi.com/moneysmarts. Early registration is construction. Kildare and Wicklow also recorded considerably low advised as places are limited. 965 residential addresses in Wicklow were added vacancy rates. Of the 12 counties in Leinster, 10 to the GeoDirectory database in 2019. Dublin counties recorded vacancy rates lower than the accounted for almost a third of all new address national average. points in 2019, with 6,189 in total. Cork registered Speaking about the GeoView Residential the second highest total with 2,146, while commuter Buildings Report, Dara Keogh, Chief Executive, counties Kildare (1,988) and Meath (1,452) also GeoDirectory said, “In 2019, the Greater Dublin recorded significant numbers of new dwellings. In Area of Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow had overall terms, 65.1% of all additions to the the most buildings under construction, the most new GeoDirectory database in 2019 were located in address points and the lowest average residential Leinster. vacancy rates, while counties in Connacht and Ulster At the other end of the scale, Longford (53), continue to lag way behind in terms of activity. The Leitrim (67), Cavan (169), Roscommon (176) and latest GeoView Residential Buildings Report takes a Sligo (180) recorded the lowest number of new resi- wider look at property price trends in Ireland over dential addresses. the past ten years. It shows that we ended the decade Analysing property prices over the past decade with an average residential sales price 14% higher highlights the volatile nature of the property market than at the start of the decade. In addition, by 2019, over this period. In 2010 the average residential the number of properties sold for greater than property price in Wicklow was €312,581 increasing €1 million was four times higher than in 2010.” by 15% to €358,238 in 2019. Annette Hughes, Director of EY-DKM Economic The past decade has seen a considerable rise in Advisory Services said, “One in five residential the number of residential properties in Ireland sell- property transactions in the 12 months to October ing for more than €1 million. In 2019, 751 residen- 2019 involved a newly built dwelling. Just over tial property sales broke the €1 million barrier. This 14,000 residential buildings were under construction Pictured are St. Gerard’s Bray students Jennifer Mooney, Jack Egan, Jordan Fahy, and Lucy Culliton, equated to €2.3 billion worth of sales, averaging nationally in December 2019. While this is an and St. Mary’s Arklow students Ellie Kenny, Aoife Mooney, Riona Furlong, and Anjelica Foley at the €3.1 million per property. In 2010, 186 residential improvement on previous years, it is still well below Wexford/Wicklow regional final of the Money Smarts Challenge in the Amber Springs Hotel. Also properties were sold for over 1 million, equating to the required supply levels, which are estimated to be pictured is Maria Coleman, BOI County Manager, and CianDoyle, BOI youth banking co-ordinator €340.5 million in total and an average of €1.8 mil- closer to 35,000 units per annum.” for Co. Wicklow lion per property. WICKLOW

18 LOCAL BSUINESS / NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 28th January 2020 Local businesses get international shot at local enterprise showcase Businesses from Wicklow had the opportunity to meet buyers from all over the world last week as part of the Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2020 in the RDS in Dublin. Tweed In The Valley, Innovation, officially ing talent of Irish craft benefits of the Local Kaïkø Studio, and Holly opened Showcase 2020 and design. Many of the Enterprise Showcase and Somerville were all at the RDS, Dublin. The exhibitors here will be the chance to meet buy- exhibiting at the Local show, which marked its just starting out, working ers from Ireland and all Enterprise Showcase, part 44th edition this year and with their Local over the world. They of Showcase 2020, that ran until Wednesday 22 Enterprise Office and try- have the chance to poten- saw over 2,700 buyers January, is one of ing to make the most of tially make business and from retailers across the Ireland’s largest and most the opportunity this event life changing deals so it’s globe attend the four-day important international brings. Others have been an exciting few days event in Dublin looking to trade fairs. Showcase is here before and know the ahead for our clients.” secure new sales and part- presented on behalf of ners for the year ahead. Design & Crafts Council Anna Dobson is the Ireland, with support creator of Tweed In The from Enterprise Ireland Valley. She designs and in promoting the trade manufactures beautiful show internationally, and tweed accessories and the Local Enterprise fashion pieces for men, Offices nationwide. women and children. The Wicklow compa- These pieces are elegant nies were selected by the and contemporary. Holly Local Enterprise Office Somerville is a Botanical Wicklow to take part in Artist of illustration and this year’s Local Pauline Lynch and Allison Banton of Brooke & Shoals, Greystones, at the Showcase Ireland 2020 painting. Her illustrations Enterprise Showcase at exhibition in the RDS. are captured on cushions, Showcase 2020. They mugs, make-up bags, have been working close- cards and more, making ly with them in recent these everyday objects months to ensure they are Creative Life Skills course in Bray unique pieces of art. in the best possible posi- Bray Area Partnership is offering a free 10-week Creative Life Skills course in Bray, starting Kaïkø Studio’s founder tion to maximise their on Tuesday, 4th February 2020. Linda Legzdina designs appearance at the event and creates contemporary, including sales tech- Classes will take place how to refine your pro- Government, through the Bray, Delgany, earthy and industrial con- nique, marketing materi- every Tuesday morning jects in order to find cre- Department of Rural and Greystones, Kilcoole, crete home accessories, als and stand production. from 9-11am and partici- ative employment. Community Development Kilmacanogue or lighting fixtures, and jew- Vibeke Delahunt, pants will get the chance This course is delivered and co-funded by the Newcastle Lower to elry. All products that are Head of Enterprise to explore and develop the under the Partnership’s European Social Fund attend this course and sat- created in Kaïkø Studio Wicklow stated: “The creative arts skills of writ- Social Inclusion and under the Programme for isfy certain other criteria. are statement pieces. Local Enterprise Linda Legzdina of Kaiko Studion with Vibeke ing, video production and Community Activation Employability, Inclusion See www.brayareapartner- Dr Orlaigh Quinn, Showcase is always an Delahunt Head of LEO Wicklow at the Local podcasting. The course Programme (SICAP) and Learning (PEIL) ship.ie to find out more or Secretary General at the exciting element of Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2020 in the will include group work 2018-2022, which is fund- 2014-2020. contact Jennifer Jones on Department of Business, Showcase. The clients RDS in Dublin. on projects and learning ed by the Irish You have to be living in 01 286 8266. Enterprise and here are the up-and-com- SELF-STORAGE To advertise YOUR 24hr access own door/key, business here and Secure dry storage units LBMP reach the maximum various sizes. 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Tuesday 28th January 2020 TimesLOCAL CLASSIFIEDS / NEWS 19 Kilmacanogue History Local organisations go Society for gold in prestigious The Opening Talk for 2020 (an historical tale concerning espionage in Ireland during WW2) turned out to be fascinating- the large crowd who Community awards attended were not disappointed. At one point a lady spoke up from the audience and appeared Organisations from across Wicklow have been chosen as finalists for very knowledgeable on the subject, she turned out to be the daughter of one of the German alleged this year’s All Ireland Community & Council Awards, which are spies! What had felt like a story from the distant presented by IPB Insurance and LAMA. past suddenly became very real. The next Talk entitled ‘Irish Arctic Explorers’ The event which Local Sports Partnership to the quality of the will be given by someone who has very personal recognises communities are also short-listed final- applications submitted. experience of the Arctic and mountaineering in the and councils whose hard ists. Bray Sailing Club Hundreds of leading most hostile environments in the world. Frank work remains widely “Inclusion in Sport” pro- community organisa- Nugent is an experienced mountaineer, explorer unrecognised, takes place gramme is a finalist in tions from across and expedition leader. Among his many accom- in Croke Park on the Best Disability Ireland entered this plishments, he was deputy leader of the first Saturday the 15th of Access & Inclusion ini- year’s event, which successful Irish Everest Expedition. In 1997, he February. Over 400 atten- tiative. boasts over 19 cate- followed in the footsteps of Shackleton across the dees are expected to turn Wicklow Warriors gories. Island of South Georgia. He published Seek the out to this year’s highly inclusive club with Social enterprises, Frozen Lands - Irish Polar Explorers 1740 -1922 anticipated awards. Wicklow Rugby is a councils, organisations, in 2003. The Talk is in the Glenview Hotel on Under the Best finalist in the Best projects and individuals Tuesday 4th February at 8pm. Tourism Initiative cate- Community Sports working within the com- gory, Wicklow Gaol’s Team/Club. Power for munity all entered this “Gates of Hell virtual Parkinsons Physical years’ event. The main GoFundMe reality” project and the Activity programme is award, the much antici- campaign for breast cancer Wicklow Eco-trail are also a finalist in the Best pated Grand Prix title short-listed finalists Community Health goes to the project that battle while the Glen Turn Initiative. has received the highest Peter Dignam pictured pictured with Bobbie Dignam from Rathnew Beach Cliff Walk in The Council’s library level of recognition Monika is a mother to a little girl called Adela. Wicklow town is a short- service is also a finalist from judges. Last year, She lives in Greystones. Despite working as a per- who was announced as the ‘Club Person of the Year’ at the Wicklow listed finalist in the Best in the Best the prestigious title went sonal trainer and living a healthy lifestyle on GAA Awards night in the Arklow Bay Hotel. Community Health Education/Training ini- to Louth County December 13th 2019 she got news that changed Initiative section. tiative for its library Council for their Sports her life, as she was diagnosed with breast cancer. A further three nomi- community literacy sup- Inclusion Disability Monika has been following all doctor’s orders, nees from the Wicklow ports project. Programme. The aspira- but she also strongly believes in alternative treat- The Cathaoirleach of tion of the highly suc- ment. She has found a clinic in Germany (Klinik Wicklow County cessful programme is to im Leben) that specializes in holistic treatment for WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL Council, Cllr Irene increase and sustain par- cancer. At the treatment center, they carry out We, Lusra Teo, seek planning permission for residential housing Winters, expressed her ticipation for people detoxification, immunotherapy, hyperthermia and development consisting of delight that so many of with disabilities. many other treatments. They also focus on nutri- 99 dwelling units and creche, comprising 2 no. 4 bedroom the applications submit- Speaking about the tion, mind and energy balance in order to create an detached 2 storey, 14 no. 4 bedroom ted by the Council have finalists who have made environment in which Monika may fully receive semi-detached 2 storey, 53 no. 3 bedroom semi-detached and made it to the final selec- the shortlist for this the treatments needed to let her immune system terraced 2 storey, 12 no. 2 bedroom tion and she wished all year’s awards, Event fight off the cancer naturally. The cost of the terrace 2 storey, 1 no. 5 bedroom detached 2 storey, 1 no. 2 bedroom the applications well in Manager Michael treatment is €18,000. Monika has set bungalow, 8 no. 2 bedroom the awards ceremony. O’Donoghue, said: “We up this GoFundMe campaign in order to fund apartment units with 8 no. 3 bedroom duplex above apartments, Mr Frank Curran, anticipate this year’s this treatment. To make a donation see public parkland, together with Chief Executive, event will be bigger and www.gofundme.com/f/monika039s-battle-with- ancillary site development works and services with connection to sewers Wicklow County better than ever, with breast-cancer on adjoining Meadows Estate at Council, added his con- many unsung heroes Ballynerrin (E.D. Wicklow Rural) Ballynerrin Lower, Co. Wicklow. The gratulations to all being recognised for Table Quiz planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not involved in preparing and their outstanding contri- exceeding the reasonable cost of submitting the projects. bution to their commu- There will a Table Quiz in aid of Bray making a copy at the offices of Wicklow County Council, County He said the large number nities. Competition Soroptimists’ charities on Friday 31st of January Buildings, Wicklow during its public of Wicklow projects remains high with so in Bray Golf Club starting at 8pm. There will be a opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the which made the final many inspiring projects raffle, prizes, brain teasers and trivia. Table of 4 application may be made to the selection was testament deserving awards.” costs €40. authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application PLANNING • PLANNING • PLANNING • PLANNING WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL I, Carl Farmer, seek planning Planning permission is sought I Richard Drapper intend to I Aidan Losack intend to I Sinead Kenna intend to apply permission for (1) a for development consisting of apply for permission for apply for permission for for permission for revised two-storey extension to the the following: (i) the erection of new access road and revised house type and house type and position side, (2) a single-storey a 5 meter high ball stop netting footpath to serve zoned position on site as granted of dwelling and garage on extension to the front and (3) barrier to the North side of the lands, connection to public under planning reference site, new site boundaries, relocation and widening of playing pitch (ii) associated site water and wastewater 15/1320 and associate revised wastewater system the existing entrance pillars works including excavation, all as granted under planning networks and associate works at Castlekevin, to the existing dwelling at located at St. Cronan’s B.N.S, reference 17/1504 and works at Kilmacanoge Annamoe, Roundwood, 103 Fairyhill, Bray, Co. Vevay Crescent, Vevay Road, South, Kilmacanoge, Co. associate works at Wicklow, A98 EP66. Bray, Co Wicklow for the Board Co. Wicklow. The planning Sleanaglough, Moneystown, Wicklow. The planning application may be The planning application of Management, St. Cronan’s application may be Roundwood, Co. Wicklow. The may be inspected or B.N.S. inspected or purchased inspected or purchased planning application may be purchased at a fee not The planning application may at a fee not exceeding the inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the exceeding the reasonable be inspected or purchased reasonable cost of making a at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a cost of making a copy at the at a fee not exceeding the copy at the offices of reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of offices of Wicklow County reasonable cost of making a Wicklow County Council, copy at the offices of Wicklow Wicklow County Council, Council, County Buildings, copy at the offices of Wicklow County Council Buildings, County Council, County Wicklow during its public County Council, County County Council Buildings, Council Buildings, Wicklow Wicklow Town, during its Wicklow Town, during its opening hours and a Buildings, Wicklow during its public opening hours and a Town, during its public submission or observation in public opening hours and a public opening hours and a submission or observation in opening hours and a relation to the application submission or observation in submission or observation in submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the relation to the application may relation to the application relation to the application may authority in writing on be made to the authority in may be made in writing to may be made in writing to be made in writing to the payment of the prescribed writing on payment of the the planning authority on the planning authority on planning authority on payment fee within the period of 5 prescribed fee within the payment of the prescribed payment of the prescribed of the prescribed fee within weeks beginning on the date period of 5 weeks beginning on fee within 5 weeks from fee within 5 weeks from 5 weeks from submission of of receipt by the authority of the date of receipt by the submission of application to submission of application to application to Planning the application. authority of the application. Planning Authority. Planning Authority. Authority. CLASSIFIEDCLASSIFIED ADSADS && PLPLANNINGANNING // APPOINTMENTSAPPOINTMENTS CALL 01 2869111 EMAIL: [email protected] PLEASE NOTE DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS AND APPOINTMENTS IS 12 NOON FRIDAY For environmental and litter reasons I will not be using posters in this election

As an Independent Councillor, I have worked tirelessly to promote economic and social justice for all, particularly in the areas of Housing, Health, Planning, Employment and the Environment. VOTE JOE BEHAN No.1 to ensure Wicklow’s INDEPENDENT VOICE in Dáil Éireann Ph: 086 8375602 E: [email protected]