homes & businesses WICKLOW WE DELIVER!- for 30 years SOUTH EDITION Delivered to 44,500 LOCAL HOSPICE FUNDRAISER TIDY TOWNS GUIDED WALKS page 2 PAGES 10-12 page 13 TimesSOUTH EDITION DELIVERED TO HOMES & BUSINESSES IN: RATHNEW, WICKLOW, GLENEALY, BRITTAS BAY, AVOCA, WOODENBRIDGE, ARKLOW, SHILLELAGH, TINAHELY, REDCROSS, BALLINACLASH, AUGHRIM, RATHDRUM, DONARD, DUNLAVIN, CARNEW, COOLATTIN, BALTINGLASS, BLESSINGTON. Tuesday 15th September 2020 First Floor, The Boulevard, Quinsborough Road, Bray. A98 R6D7. Tel: 01 - 2869111 E-mail: [email protected] www.wicklowtimes.net 'THIS IS A CON JOB' A number of councillors have voiced their anger and frustration with the Local Property Tax (LPT) process that they consider to be 'unfair' to County Wicklow. The councillors were support and political pres- Joe Behan warned that: last week briefed by sure in relation to this par- "We're being set up to be Council officials in ticular situation to ensure asked to consider another advance of the upcoming Wicklow County Council's increase in the property tax special meeting to set the baseline (the minimum next year. And last year we LPT adjustment factor on amount of funding provid- were told this was a once- 21st September. ed to a local authority, from off, but I suspect members The LPT formula means the local property tax) is are going to be asked again that the income the Council adjusted to an appropriate to go along with this can retain for discretionary and fair level, so we gener- complete fraud on the tax- spending stays the same ate and we retain an appro- payers of County Wicklow. even if LPT income is priate level of the LPT." And I'm certainly not going increased. Meanwhile, Cllr Edward Timmins to go along with it." properties built since 2013 described it as "accountan- He added: "There's no are still exempt from the cy trickery", saying: "The doubt it's accountancy tax, and Wicklow has to way the formula is set up is trickery, not perpetuated by pay 20% into the a joke. It means no matter the council staff, but by Equalisation Fund which how much property tax we successive governments benefits counties that have get, we have to use a big and Government officials. voted to reduce their own chunk for self-funding for And to add insult to injury, LPT. housing, but discretionary even if you add in the The Council's Director money stays the same. The houses that have not been of Finance, Brian Gleeson, way it's set up is flawed paying property tax since said "I believe what we and needs to be changed." 2013, we're still not going really need now is political Independent Councillor to benefit.

Lisa and Fia Ivory on a recent visit to the sunflower field at Minmore Farm in Shillelagh. The farm raised over €60,000 for two cancer charities. See page 2 for full story.

"So, it is an outrage that get the more is taken off this happens, year after us. We have had seven year, and what's even more years now of people not outrageous is that we can't paying property tax who provide extra services over should have been paying and above what we used to property tax and we have be able to provide when we the equalisation fund going got the support grant. to counties where property Although people's pockets prices are probably 50- Check Out Your Local Enterprise Office are emptied to pay for this 60% the price of houses in tax, we're not getting the Wicklow. Yes, we need to 2020 Autumn/Winter resources to actually make use political pressure to get a real difference to people this changed, but in saying Training Programme for where they live." that I wouldn't be too hope- Addressing Green Party ful." small businesses & the TD Steven Matthews, who "It was unfair tax when was also in attendance at it was introduced all those self-employed in Co. Wicklow last week's meeting, Cllr years ago and it is still an Behan said "I would ask unfair tax today," declared Practical, short & high quality training for small businesses! Deputy Matthews to take Cllr John Snell. "3,500 The following online courses are scheduled for Sept & Oct 2020 back the message to his people don't pay anything • Prepare Your Business for Customs Workshop - Wed 15th Sept & 13th Oct. colleagues in Government in this county, a lot of • Brexit Mentoring (one to one clinics) - Wed 23rd Sept. that we in Wicklow members here would have • Essential Idea Exploration: Proven Tools & Techniques to Test the market – Wed 23rd Sept. County Council are not felt that was going to be • Trading Online Voucher Seminar - Tues 6th Oct. going to accept this contin- changed and unfortunately • Tax & VAT for Start Up Businesses - Mon 12th Oct. ual punishment for the peo- we've been told today it is FOR FURTHER DETAILS OR TO BOOK GO TO: ple we represent because not. We have people sitting www.localenterprise.ie/Wicklow/Training-Events/Online-Bookings we live on the outskirts of in houses that are valued Local Enterprise Office Wicklow, Wicklow County Campus, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow County Dublin." up to a million euros, who Phone: 0404 30800 Email: [email protected] Cllr Pat Fitzgerald said have never paid one red "This is a con job. As Cllr cent in local property tax. Timmins says, the more we This is a national scandal." WICKLOW

2 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 15th September 2020 Events to support the community sector this Autumn

Co Wicklow PPN is organising a few training and information events that will take place over the coming months. New Options for Wicklow will run on Meet Your Elected cific dates for each Funding Your Community Wednesday 14th October Representatives are online Municipal District event Group will run on from 10am to 11.30pm on events running on will be released in the Tuesday 22nd and the online Zoom platform. Thursday evenings in coming weeks. Open Door would like to thank all at Bray Lions Club for their generous donation of 60 Lions Tuesday 29th September This event will introduce October from 7pm to All these events are Hero Shields for use by staff, volunteers and members at Open Door. These shields, together from 10am to 11.30pm on the Sustainable 9.15pm. Elected Reps free to attend however the online Zoom platform. Development Goals and from each of the booking is essential and with our additional PPE and sanitisers, will help to protect everyone at Open Door as we These sessions are aimed identify how the work of Municipal Districts will Co Wicklow PPN mem- continue to live with COVID-19. Find out more about Open Door at www.opendoor.ie. Pictured at community groups and communities in Wicklow be asked to talk about the bers will receive priority are (Left to right); Rudy Montejo, Sandra Burch, Mark Meakin and Suzanne Cox. organisations challenged are contributing to these highlights of their first booking. For more infor- with a loss of any type of global goals for sustain- year in office and to tell mation about any or all of funding and income dur- able development. People us what their priorities are the events Email: county- Water restriction on Kirikee ing the current Covid 19 will also be introduced to for their municipal district [email protected] Wicklow Lions Club crisis. a new online mapping going forward. PPN mem- or telephone Helen water supply lifted face masks Making the Sustainable tool that will easily link bers will also have an Howes on 087 189 5145 Development Goals More the local work to the glob- opportunity to ask their or Grainne Quinn on 086 A Do Not Consume drinking water restriction The very attractive and top quality face masks Visible in the Life of Co al goals. own questions. The spe- 048 7434. that was in place for customers supplied by the supplied by Wicklow and District Lions Club are Kirikee Public Water Supply since 25th August was proving a great success locally as well as interna- lifted with immediate effect from last Thursday. tionally. Irish Water and Wicklow County Council carried Besides being in huge demand from local Lion out a programme of flushing out the water mains € Joe Kirwin amd Jimmy Balbontin in Wicklow, and sampling and monitoring of water supplies. Over 60,000 for President of Wicklow Lions Sean Olohan has also Network flushing has been completed and water shipped some to Greese, Northern Ireland quality sampling has confirmed that the water is ,Drogheda, Bray and Cork. now safe to drink. Sean said “we are lucky to have something so It was necessary to issue the Do Not Consume special and made locally which is helping the two cancer charities notice on 25 August 2020, following consultation community in a very important way.” € amount of visitors, I think we bit off more than we with the HSE due to flooding of the water treatment A Wicklow family have raised over 60,000 Anyone interested in purchasing the masks can could chew but we got there in the end, I'm delight- plant and a raw water borehole, following heavy for two cancer charities. The Tyner family also contact Sean directly on 086-3428043 or ed we have helped these two charities in these very rainfall. from Minmore in Shillelagh grew over from any member in Wicklow. testing times." Following consultation with the HSE, Irish Water 3.5 acres of sunflowers on their farm. Sinead Tarmey of the Wicklow Hospice and Wicklow County Council are advising all The field became one of Wicklow's biggest Foundation said "We cannot thank the Tyner customers in Kirikee that the drinking water can attractions during July and August. family and the people who donated enough, people now be consumed as normal. Heritage Hero 2020 Speaking last week Colin Tyner said “We cannot came from far and wide to see the amazing specta- If anyone has any queries they can call the Irish believe the generosity of the people, not only the cle.The generousity was astounding, €60,941.60 Water customer care helpline open 24/7 on 1850 People across Wicklow are encouraged to nom- donations but the help from locals and friends who was raised! The Wicklow Hospice and the Irish 278 278. inate a 'heritage hero' from their region, as part of the search for Ireland's 'heritage hero' for 2020, helped out with parking and giving Cancer Society each receiving €30,470.80. We are launched this week by the Heritage Council. directions, everyone worked so hard. so very grateful. Thank you all and we hoped you Glendalough Heritage Forum Every year, the Heritage Council seeks nomina- "It was a lot bigger than we thought and on a all enjoyed the wonderful feel good factor of a field tions for an individual or a group of people who number of days we were overwhelmed with the of beautiful sunflowers." A short film by Glendalough Heritage Forum have worked tirelessly to protect and promote her- tells the story of how the creation of a heritage itage. The public are invited to nominate who they research group brought together the local authority, feel deserves the award by completing the state agencies and the community to manage the Heritage Hero nomination form. Nominations upkeep of the graveyard. Shown as part of Heritage close at 12 noon on Friday, 18th September. Week 2020 content and you can view this short film According to Virginia Teehan, CEO of the via Youtube at https://youtu.be/jpnfTjgE67c. Heritage Council: "Heritage Heroes come in dif- ferent forms: last year, it was the Egan family from County Offaly who worked together to pre- Lough Dan access serve and celebrate their old family homestead, Public access to Lough Dan and the Inchavore and who have made it a place that people can visit Valley remains closed due to ongoing antisocial from time to time. Previously, the award has gone behaviour, littering and unauthorised camping activ- to people who work tirelessly in their communi- ities. Access to Kanturk remains open. ties to promote and preserve aspect of local her- itage. The heritage hero award is part of the National Heritage Awards, run annually to celebrate the outstanding projects and events from National BRAY Heritage Week. National Heritage Week 2020 ran from 15 - 23 August, and comprised a mix of Vevay Rd, Bray online, in person and community events and pro- jects. • Free Fitting Violin Lessons • Free Measuring Violin teacher on in the Brockagh Resource Service Centre generally on Thurs from 1-2pm and Sat, € 11-12pm but this may vary as needed. All types of The Tyner family; Colin, Sophie, Jan, Meghan, and Craig, who raised over 60,000 in aid of the Irish • Free In Home music for beginners to advanced levels. Lessons Cancer Society and the Wicklow Hospice Foundation by growing sunflowers at their farm in Advice & Design that will make learning the violin fun and fast. To Minmore, Shillelagh book phone Siobhan Kelleher 087 92 82 650 or Service email [email protected]. www.myviolinteacher.org. • No Obligation WICKLOW Contacts: Quote Shay Fitzmaurice, Managing Editor - [email protected]

Walking With Friends LOCAL Ian Colgan, News Editor - [email protected] *12 Month Guarantee on ALL Blinds* Times General enquiries - [email protected] Do you want to walk with friends? Walking is published by Wicklow Times, Tel: 286 5057 Fax: 201 4335 www.acmeblinds.com Group meets at Brockagh Centre on Mondays email: [email protected] 10am. Take it at your own pace all welcome. First Floor, The Boulevard, Quinsborough Road, Bray. A98 R6D7. Tel: 01-2869111 WICKLOW

Tuesday 15th September 2020 TimesLOCAL NEWS 3 GOVERNMENT FACILITATING PEOPLE’S RIP-OFF BY ‘BANKSTERS’ Speaking last week, Sinn Fein TD John Brady said “The continued rip-off of the Irish people by the banksters that we bailed out is a bitter pill to swallow. Unfortunately, the rip off is set to continue with new banking charges being imposed on customers and mass lay-offs of staff. Instead of tackling this head on, the government seems intent on facilitating it.

“Then again why will see additional inter- introducing legislation as should we be surprised est charged by as much early as March, which as former Fine Gael as several thousand euro banned the charging of MEP Brian Hayes is now over the lifetime of the interest during COVID- the Chief Executive of loans. 19 mortgage breaks. the Banking and Deputy Brady said: “The Government and Pictured celebrating their Leaving Cert results in Wicklow Town last week were Amy Dolye, Payments Federation of “In July the European Irish banks have taken a Lauren Smyth, Helen O’Toole, Siobhan Gorman and Shelly Culbert from Colaiste Chill Ireland (BPFI) the main regulator confirmed that different approach, with Mhantain. lobbying body for Irish Irish banks were not 86,000 mortgage bor- banks. The cosy relation- required to charge bor- rowers being charged the COVID-19 crisis. spondence from the “What is more disturb- “Despite this, the ship between the banks rowers additional inter- thousands of euros in "In a meeting held on Central Bank in June ing is that the Minister Government and the and government was est on payment breaks additional interest for May 11th between the confirming that mortgage for Finance was so easily Minister have failed to very evident at 'Golfgate' taken due to COVID-19. mortgage breaks they five retail banks, the breaks without the charg- misled by the banks, act. The result will be Brian Hayes in Clifden when Brian “In its report on the have taken because of Banking and Payments ing of interest during the despite other EU jurisdic- additional mortgage debt Hayes and some of his implementation of Federation, the Minister break period were tions taking action for tens of thousands of friends (he refuses to with additional debt. In COVID-19 payment for Finance and then allowed under the regula- months before to stop the families. divulge their names) July the European breaks, the European Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, tions. charging of additional “Leo Varadkar said were in attendance at the Banking Authority con- Banking Authority made a number of banks “It is scandalous that interest. that he told the banks in hooley. The government firmed that banks were clear that the deferral of claimed that the regulator the banking sector delib- “We have raised this May that, 'If it turns out needs to start acting in not required to charge payments with no inter- required them to charge erately misinformed matter with the you make an additional the interests of the peo- additional interest on est charged for the peri- interest during these pay- senior Government Government consistently profit out of this, I ple, not in the interests COVID-19 mortgage od of deferral was ment breaks. Ministers regarding a since March, and shared would see that as serious of Brian Hayes and his breaks. allowed, and would not “This was not true. policy choice that will legislation with the as the scandal of the banking mates.” Since the 18th March, result in loans going into The Governor of the increase the outstanding Minister for Finance tracker mortgages and I Brady also criticised nearly 86,000 mortgage- default. Central Bank confirmed debt of 80,000 house- which would prohibit the would come down on the banks and the holders impacted by “This has been clear that this was not the case. holds that have been charging of interest dur- them like a tonne of Government for loading COVID-19 have taken for months, with the “My colleague Pearse impacted by the COVID- ing mortgage payment bricks' but that was mortgage-borrowers #payment breaks which Spanish Government John Brady TD Doherty received corre- 19 crisis. breaks. before Golfgate!” WICKLOW

4 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 15th September 2020 Greystones dog park nears completion

The members of the Dog Park for Greystones campaign group are overjoyed that the town now has the Dog Park it has fought for for so long. The park is located near Greystones North Beach and is part of the Marina Village Development. While some work remains, Committee Chairperson Bernadette Stokes stated: "This is a wonderful moment for North Wicklow. It has been a long journey". The campaign was vide a Dog Park in Committee replied that inspired by the success of Greystones'. they would be happy to dog parks in Marlay Park Now, seeing the project fundraise all start-up and Shanganagh. The come to fruition, Stephen costs including fencing". feeling was that a dog says "Initially there was a Then Mayor Stephen park would be good lot of resistance behind Stokes returned to socially for dogs and the scenes. It was a new Greystones Town Council owners alike. concept. We knew it with another motion on Bernadette Stokes has would take a sustained February 25th, 2014 personally been lobbying effort to win people over. seeking to clarify that no for this project since But thankfully many peo- money was needed, just a 2009. She brought togeth- ple persevered over the plot of land. The cam- er like-minded people to coming years especially paign gained legs on form the Campaign for Bernadette." March 17th, 2014 when Greystones Dog Park on In 2013 Bernadette over 50 dogs marched in December 5th, 2011 in continued to correspond the Greystones St. the Old Hot Spot. with Wicklow County Patrick's Day Parade On March 27th, 2012 Council officials. under the banner of 'Bark then Councillor Stephen "Wicklow County For Your Park'. This Mary Condren pictured at Minmore farm in Shillelagh where over three Stokes (Bernadette's Council deferred action helped to gain great Bernadette Stokes in the new Greystones dog € acres of sunflowers were grown, helping to raise over 60,000 for the Son), had the first motion by saying there was no momentum in the public park Wicklow Hospice Foundation and the Irish Cancer Society adopted by Greystones Parks Department in eye and brought more Town Council. The Wicklow County Council. supporters on board. "It committee identified mul- ers in the Greystones motion stated: Therefore, no funding created a huge aware- tiple sites, but they could Municipal Offices and 'Greystones Town was available.," she says. ness," says Bernadette. not be secured for the liaised with the architect Council asks for changes Council calls on Wicklow "However, the Campaign Over the following Dog Park. On April 28th, over many months. County Council to pro- for Greystones Dog Park years Bernadette and the 2015 the Campaign took The Campaign will their case directly to the continue to assist the con- to the film studio site Greystones Municipal tinued development of District. A deputation led the Park. Additionally, Wicklow County Council’s Planning Section has requested further by Maria Sweeney, they look forward to information from Greystones Media Campus Ltd, regarding the Siobhan Hughes and advising other towns that proposed media campus on the IDA site in Killincarrig. Bernadette Stokes made a would like to develop dog PowerPoint presentation parks. The Campaign for The Media Campus has applied for permission to build a large, 73,000 sq to the Councillors and Greystones Dog Park said film studio. The Council’s planners have effectively requested a redesign of Council Staff. The meet- they would like to espe- some non-fundamental aspects, such as the Delgany Greenway. ing was very positive and cially thank Bernadette Cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District, Cllr Derek Mitchell, said found wide ranging sup- Stokes, Maria Sweeney, “They have to redesign to allow this greenway along the Three Trout Stream as port from the Councillors. Karena Keogh, Fran the original plans did not. I asked for this condition and am pleased it has been Under the new Harbour Chatham (Social Media put in.” More detailed information has also been requested on: How two of the development a new park Manager), Rachel large buildings impact on nearby homes and possible amendments; Additional was required under the Chatham, Siobhan planting to enhance and protect Biodiversity; Redesign of the Mill Road plans, which meant a dog Hughes, the Morrison entrance for pedestrian and cycling safety, also the bus stop there; A redesign of park site was now Family, the Cox Family, flood alleviation measures including a pipe going under Burnaby Park. possible. the Mooney Family, Trish Irish Water also want discussions about waste water treatment and water "The park began to Mitchell and Stephen supply. bark", as Bernadette says. Stokes for their many On this, Cllr Mitchell said “I am surprised this has not happened and hope it She then met the develop- years of hard work. will not be a problem. The site has been earmarked for development for 30 years so Irish Water should have had time to prepare! This job creating plan is welcome and these changes will be an improvement.” West Wicklow pool to form part of leisure centre Riverview House Tel: 01 276 1330 Fax: 01 276 1336 Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has welcomed plans by Wicklow County Council to build a pool in West Seapoint Road, Web: www.benvillerobinson.ie Wicklow as part of a multi-million euro leisure complex. E-mail: [email protected] Bray, Co. Wicklow Minister Donnelly recently spoke to both public to use in the west of the county which under the 2020 Town & Village Wicklow County Council chief executive is simply not something that can be allowed Enhancement scheme for funding (Max is Frank Curran and Deirdre McCormack from to continue. 200,000) to carry out such a study which Personal Injury Lawyers* the Community Pool for West Wicklow cam- "I know the Council is fully behind mak- will also include an overall plan for the paign group. ing this project happen and I will be giving it Council-owned lands adjacent to the AVON Medical Negligence* Catastrophic Injuries* At the meeting Mr Curran revealed the my full backing to make sure we get it hotel, Blessington to include a site for a pool council have ambitious plans for the new across the line." and leisure complex and a carpark for the Workplace Accidents* Road Traffic Accidents* development near the Avon hotel in In a statement released to Minister Blessington Greenway, which will serve Trips and Falls* Blessington which is set to include not just a Donnelly by WCC they confirmed they are both developments, along with other uses. pool but also a state-of-the-art running track. in the process of applying for a grant in The closing date for applications is the 30th For professional, confidential and expert legal advice regarding It is also planned the new development order to survey the proposed site. September and each Council can submit up Personal Injuries suffered, please do not hesitate to contact will link up with the Blessington Greenway. A spokesman for WCC said: "The Council to 10 applications". Brian Robinson or Clare-Ann Temple. Minister Donnelly said: "I have been a is very supportive of the community in West Speaking about the pool at last week’s strong supporter of the campaign to have a Wicklow and their desire to have a meeting of Wicklow Counrty Council, Chief Rory P. Benville B.C.L. pool in west Wicklow so I was delighted to Swimming pool located in their area. Executive Frank Curran said “the obvious Brian Robinson B.B.L.S., L.L.M. see the scale of the plans being proposed by "The Council collaborated with the com- site is around the Avonree. We have a land the Council. munity to make an application for sports zoned for community, residential, active Eilish Bradshaw B.A., L.L.B., L.L.M. "Not only are they looking at building a capital funding to prepare a detailed feasibil- open space. We are preparing an application Clare-Ann Temple L.L.B. pool but they are also looking at making it ity study to support a future application for for a grant scheme. It will cost around part of a wider leisure complex with a run- funding for the pool itself. This application €200,000 do a full assessment of the area *In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a ning track. was unsuccessful. zoned. That will identify exactly where the percentage or proportion of any award or settlement "At the moment there is no pool for the "We are now preparing an application running track and swimming pool will go.” WICKLOW

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6 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 15th September 2020 Joint effort to upgrade N81

Councillors from the Baltinglass Municipal District are reaching out to neighbouring local authorities in a bid to secure funding for the upgrading of the N81, one of the most dangerous roads in Ireland. They are requesting "It is important that that the entire N81 is facing the N81 north of that Wicklow County the upgrading of the N81 upgraded, as previously Blessington, however Council make contact which is vital for the planned for, to a satisfac- councillors in the with Carlow County economic growth of tory standard that meets District thought these Council, Kildare County Carlow, South Kildare, the current daily need of works unnecessary, with Council, Wexford South Dublin, Wexford its commuters." there being a far more County Council, and and Wicklow is kept on Cathaoirleach of pressing need of upgrade South Dublin Council top of the agenda and Baltinglass Municipal works and widening on with a view toward mak- considered for urgent District, Cllr Gerry other segments of the ing a joint effort to capital funding. At pre- O'Neill, spoke about the road. secure the funding. sent the N81 is the only N81 at the District's July A segment of the N81, The West Wicklow national route to Dublin, meeting, pressing the south of Poulaphouca councillors recently put a the nation's capital, that need to get the N81 back Bridge, 1.8km north of motion on Wicklow hasn't been upgraded. on the national agenda. junction with R411, east County Council's agenda "The upgrading of the A new application has of Kildare border, was requesting that: N81 will assist this entre been submitted by last year named the most Cllr Tom Fortune and Ann Fortune are pictured after raising €1,100 for Wicklow Hospice in July "Wicklow County area to develop and reach Roadstone for a landfill dangerous section of through the Festival of Running, by rnnning 37 miles. Council calls on the its potential. However, site at an existing haul road in Co. Wicklow elected members of the this is not just an eco- road at Doran's Pit, giv- according to research by neighbouring Local nomic issue but thepreent ing rise to concerns Gamma Lacation Authorities of Carlow condition of the N81 about even more traffic Intelligence, with 76 Wicklow online Lotto player scoops €98,793 – County Council, Kildare raises health and safety on the road. The pro- road accidents (injury County Council, concerns, largely due to posed haul road extends collisions) per 100 mil- one number short of €3.6 million jackpot Wexford County the high volume of traffic over 2.9 hectares, from lion vehicle kilometres. Council, and South now using the route, cou- an existing junction with According to a A lucky online Lotto player from Co. Wicklow has won a cool €98,793 on last Wednesday’s Dublin Council to join pled with the current the N81 National briefing released by the Lotto draw after matching five numbers and the bonus ball, falling just one number shy of with them in lobbying condition of the road. Secondary Road at Kildare National Roads € the Department of "The N81 was never Santryhill townland and Office, the N81 between winning the entire jackpot worth 3,691,592. Transport, Tourism and designed or constructed through the townlands of Tallaght and Hollywood The Lotto numbers from the were: 22, 23, 27, 30, 42, 46 and the bonus number was: 43. A spokesperson Sport and the respective to facilitate the current Newpaddocks and Cross has up to seven for the National Lottery said: “We are asking all our online players in Wicklow to check their email inboxes Minister to provide fund- volumes of traffic now Dillonsdown to the coun- times the national or National Lottery accounts to see if they are this lucky prize winner. An automatic notification and email ing for the immediate using this road. While ty boundary with Co. average of head-on colli- communication will have gone to them with this brilliant news. If you are the winner of this €98,793 prize upgrading of the N81 some remedial action has Kildare. sions and two times the please do contact our prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email [email protected] and we will make along the preferred route taken place in recent Over €1 million was national average of arrangements for you to collect your prize.” Tallaght to Hollywood. times, it is now essential recently spent on resur- single-vehicle crashes. Over 300 phones stolen in wicklow A recent report from An Garda Síochána has you have a better chance of getting it back. Some highlighted that just under 11,500 mobile phones already have a feature like this already so phones were stolen between January 2019 have a look in the security settings on your phone. Marrakesh Ltd is a family run business specialising in "We also highly recommend that you add a family and August 2020, 306 of which were stolen in member or friend as an emergency contact in your Construction and Demolition Waste Management & Recycling, County Wicklow. phone. If we receive a lost or stolen phone, we will be able to contact that person. Our property stores Site Clearance and Supply of Material from 4” down to It is estimated that the total net worth of these € throughout the country receive a lot of stolen and Blinding, Recycled Screened Topsoil, Sand, Gravel etc. 11,488 stolen mobile phones is over 5 million. lost phones that we cannot trace the owners for. 7,375 thefts took place in Dublin while in Limerick, Adding the emergency contact will help solve this EPA LICENCED FACILITY • ALL TRUCKS CARRY WASTE PERMITS there were 426 phones stolen. A further 398 were problem. stolen in Kildare and 461 in Cork, and 325 in "Other preventative measures you can take Recycled: Galway. include enabling the PIN Security feature, keeping Ciaran Mulligan, Managing Director of your phone locked at all times, and property-mark it • Screened Topsoil Gadgetinsurance.com, says, "Given that on average with unique personal letters or numbers. 570 smartphones are stolen daily from around the "For those who do not own a smartphone, call • Screened no 2 soil country, and with the high cost of replacement, it's *#06# on your keypad and note the IMEI number imperative that people insure themselves against • 4" Down Crushed Concrete that comes up. This is a 15 digit number that is We also accept for recycling: • Clay • Stone • Concrete • Tarmac • Sand theft. We have seen a dramatic increase in claims for unique to your phone. If your phone is lost or stolen, • 4" Clean Crushed Concrete smart phones in the last twelve months, which is call your service provider immediately so they can reflected in An Garda Siochana's report. Home insur- block the phone. • 3" Down Crushed Concrete ance policies generally have an excess of between "If you believe your phone has been stolen, you 250- 500 which means that in a lot of cases claims should call Gardaí immediately. Do not follow the • 3" Clean Crushed Concrete for lower amounts won't be covered. It is important person via your tracking app", warned Sergeant that homeowners know that their policy may not Kerins. • Crushed Concrete Fines cover their mobile phones outside of the home." We can organise SITE CLEARANCES - no job too big or small The most common place for phones to be stolen is • Crushed Tarmac Fines Gardaí are appealing for smartphone owners to be out in public or in a licensed premises, so Gardaí are 'Streetwise' by downloading a 'find my phone' app also advising the following: Be wary of your sur- • No 2 Stone and adding an emergency contact number to their € roundings and mind your property; Plan your night phone as of the 5m worth of mobile phones stolen, out, how are you getting there and how are you get- Also available: only 10% are recovered. ting back?; Avoid walking alone in dark places; Keep • Granite • Pebble • Sand Speaking at last week's campaign launch Crime your phone out of public view; Don't leave your Prevention Officer for the Meath Division, Sergeant phone on display in a vehicle; Dial *#06# and save a Dean Kerins said, "The price of mobile phones screenshot of your IMEI number. Email the image to Tel: 01 286 8119 Mobile: 087 664 1866 makes them a clear target for criminals, so let's try yourself; Keep your phone locked and enable as and deter them by increasing phone security. If you a much security features as you can; Download or acti- have a smartphone, we recommend downloading a vate a trusted find my phone app; Add a relative or www.marrakeshltd.com trusted location finder app so if it is lost or stolen, friend as an emergency contact in your phone. WICKLOW

Tuesday 15th September 2020 TimesLOCAL NEWS 7 ‘Majority of Wicklow will be ignored by National Development Plan’ There has been pushback from councillors regarding the housing and population targets being dictated to Wicklow by the National Planning Framework (NPF), which has given Wicklow a lower population target over a longer period than set out in Wicklow's County Development Plan (CDP). Councillors have voted Wicklow's towns and vil- plan and the vast majority required to allocate out in in favour of a Fianna Fail lages are being allocated to in this county are going to a very prescriptive form. I direction calling for a new different tiers, a 'settlement be ignored and that's unac- don't see how we can actu- housing policy that has heirarchy' which will ceptable." ally agree with this, when more flexability regarding determine their housing The Fianna Fail direc- we're told by the superior the housing and population growth. A cap of 30% has tion says the population legislators that we can't do figures. been set by the NPF, strategy must be based on it." The NPF gave Wicklow which means that no town real housing delivery tar- Voting in favour of the a population target of other than towns designat- gets and not theoretical direction, Cllr Joe Behan 173,500 for 2031, while ed as 'key towns' can grow ones. said "One of the major Wicklow's own County by more than 30%. In Co. Wicklow's current CDP problems with the plan- Development Plan allows Wicklow's case, the 'key has the objective of deliv- ning system in this coun- for a population of 178,000 towns' are Bray and ering 6,420 residential try is that it has been by 2028. Through lobbying Wicklow/Rathnew. Some units by 2027. However, handed down to public and work by councillors on towns and villages howev- Fianna Fail argue that representatives by national the Regional Assembly, an er have already exceeded when current delivery civil servants. We are basi- extra allocation has now 30% growth since 2016. trends and proposed caps cally having our hands been given to Bray, bring- Senior Planner Sorcha are applied, only 2,899 tied when it comes to ing the target to 173,500 Walsh explained "based on units will be delivered, deciding our development for 2031. However the that 30% cap being a limit- and possibly less if key planning priorities for the Zack Whelan, with Stepehn and Michelle Dunne at the recent Queen of Peace Confirmations extra allocation must go to ing factor we have done locations can't overcome people we represent in our ceremony for St. Cronin’s. Pic: Joe McQuillan Bray and cannot be spread our best to allocate growth significant infrastructure county. While I come out over any other areas of around the county. Some problems and other local from Bray, and I welcome the county. towns have overshot the factors. In Arklow, for the fact that there will be The Council is currently 30% limit since 2016. instance, the wastewater further development in reviewing Wicklow's CDP Nevertheless we have still treatment plant won't be Bray, this should not be in preparation for creating recommended some addi- ready until 2025, holding done at the expense of the Draft CDP for 2021- tional growth be allowed back housing delivery for people living in rural par- 2027. It is expected that the in those towns because we four years of the CDP's liaments of County Draft Plan will be adopted cannot have a zero growth duration. Wicklow. We are being next Spring and the rate anywhere." Cllr Derek Mitchell, told by the top table that finalsed Plan will be adopt- Cllr John Mullen, who who voted against the our hands are tied because ed towards the end of 2021 put forward the Fianna Fianna Fail direction, stat- there's a national plan that or beginning of 2022. Fail group direction, stat- ed "The Eastern Midland tells us what we can and The growth target for ed "certain towns in this Regional Authority hand- can't do. We should resist housing units up to 2031 county are going to get ed us down a population this at every possible has been set at 10,700. development out of this number which we're opportunity." 'Enforcement is key to success of Wicklow Development Plan' Social Democrats Councillor for Greystones Minicipal District, Jodie Neary, has raised the need for greater enforcement of the protection of our natural environment in the upcoming revised Wicklow County Development Plan. Wicklow County Council has be strengthened or if resources are be realised. commenced a review of the existing the issue preventing the necessary "Trees aren't the only casualties County Development Plan and are enforcement of conditions set out during development. Brambles and in the process of preparing a new within planning permissions. The hedgerows are often considered County Development Plan to cover review of the upcoming County 'unsightly' and are removed to cre- the period 2021 to 2027. The Plan Development Plan for Wicklow is ate a more manicured look ahead of sets out an overall strategy for the an opportunity to address any the opening of showhouses or sell- proper planning and sustainable deficits in our ability to enforce or ing of new homes. We need to development of County Wicklow. carry out monitoring of ongoing move away from the desire to man- Cllr Neary has written to the developments vital to the sustain- icure everything around us. We Council outlining her environmen- able development of our towns and need to learn to fit into nature as tal concerns. She said "In recent villages. best we can. It'll take time to months there have been three sepa- "These incidences have upset a change this mind set across the rate cases alone in Greystones and lot of people in the Greystones area. board which makes the upcoming Delgany where mature trees, bram- It's a visible encroachment of urban review of the Development Plan an ble and hedgerows have been cut development eating into our natural important step. down to facilitate new housing environment - sometimes needless- "I have indicated to the Council developments. While this is often ly. Once a tree is cut down that's it, that I intend to work closely with allowed for in certain cases where there's no going back. There's no them to see how the existing Plan trees prevent the safe development point in setting out restrictions in can be better enforced and will of a site, it is not clear how these planning permissions if we can't work closely with my colleagues on particular incidences were justified. enforce them and I believe this the Climate and Biodiversity Action We need to make sure that the should be carried out throughout Committee to see how greater over- unnecessary felling of trees and the the entire development process, not sight and monitoring of green areas clearing of brambles and just after homes have been built. can take place throughout the hedgerows does not happen in "I want to commend the Council development of new homes. If there future and that there are conse- for the hard work they have done to are deficits, I hope to address these quences for this type of encroach- date in putting our climate action in the new County Development ment. and biodiversity principles front Plan which will cover a crucial time "As part of the review process, I and centre of the Development Plan period in our overall fight against have been looking into whether the but it's important that these princi- climate change and biodiversity existing Development Plan needs to ples are turned into practice and can loss." WICKLOW

8 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 15th September 2020 Historic start for Greystones Community College The Principal of Greystones community College, Ruairi Farrell, has said that he's been heartened to see the support from the local community and neighbouring schools in Greystones in what has been a difficult few weeks for the town's new post primary school. "It shows that the Tennis Club's excellent The school was awarded The ETB has no doubt community is really at facilities into a ready to the patronage of but that Greystones the heart of what a for purpose school KWETB last December Community College Community College is building. The school 2019 and has worked will play a vital role in and these students will worked around the under extraordinarily the future of have long term connec- clock to make sure the tight times lines and Greystones." tions with their local accommodation was unprecedented obstacles Mr Farrell went on to community as a result," fully kitted out for stu- to open up this say "Its amazing to see he said. dents in addition to September 2020. that from nothing, we First Year students at Greystones Community College secondary school The new multidenom- making sure the schools The ETB says it have created a school inational school under Covid-19 response plan "wishes to sincerely that will serve genera- the patronage of Kildare was implemented suc- thank Greystones Lawn tions of children in and Wicklow Education cessfully to ensure that Tennis club for the tem- Greystones for post pri- and Training board the health and safety of porary use of their mary education. We Harris congratulates students school opened its doors all students and staff premises for the school. have the makings of an for the first time this was paramount. It has proven to be a absolutely amazing school term with 65 stu- The Chief Executive great collaboration and school here and I am on first round of CAO offers dents. of KWETB, Dr Deirdre solution with plenty of excited about all the The school has been Keyes, has acknowl- space for social distanc- opportunities these established by the edged all the parents, ing and lovely outdoor young students will Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Department of Greystones Community amenities for students. have over the next 6 Harris TD has offered his congratulations to students who received their first round CAO Education and Skills to National School, the The ETB asks everyone years. Opening a brand- meet the huge demand local representatives offers. to support the students, new secondary school is from local parents for and entire community staff and school by challenging enough, but Minister Harris said: "I want to "These additional places mean the education sector offers multi- school places and its who have worked hard keeping up to date on to do so in the middle of congratulate students on receiv- significantly more applicants ple options to develop knowledge opening was brought and supported the estab- their activities through a global pandemic ing their first round CAO offers. have received offers of places at and skills. PLC courses and forward by a year to lishment of Greystones their vibrant social brings extra chal- This is a significant milestone for this stage this year and more stu- apprenticeships are just some of facilitate these students. Community College. media and news reports. lenges." any student, but particularly this dents will be admitted to college the options available and I The school has over- year, in light of the uniquely chal- in the coming weeks than in any encourage students to take some come many obstacles in lenging year students have previous year. time to consider the pathway best recent weeks, given the endured. "I do recognise the strong suited to them. The Leaving announcement from the "I am delighted to have been competition for places this year. Certificate student helpline, at Department of able to secure 2,225 additional I have worked with the sector to 1800 265 165, which is provided Education and Skills places in the Higher Education increase places to the greatest by the National Parents Council that their planned inter- sector in the last number of extent possible. I welcome the post-primary is also available for im school building at weeks. I am very grateful to the fact that the proportion of appli- students to reach a guidance Greystones Community HEA and the institutions for their cants receiving an offer of one of counsellor with any queries that National School would work in providing these addition- their top three preferences is sta- they may have. not be ready for occupa- al places, which I hope will pro- ble between years, despite this "Today is of course a difficult tion as planned. The vide a pathway for those students strong competition. day for some who will be disap- school sought out emer- who wish to progress from school "I also want to take this oppor- pointed. I would encourage those gency accommodation to college. tunity to remind students of the students to take some time, take locally and has now Principal Ruairi Farrell with students "This has been an immensely many and varied opportunities stock and consider the many turned Greystones Lawn difficult year for students and it is available to them as they prepare options available to them. my hope that these additional to take the next steps in their edu- Education is a lifelong process places will alleviate some of the cation. Developing new skills and there are a variety of learning pressure. will be an ongoing process and pathways available to students." Dept ‘taking appropriate ‘Overcrowded classes steps' before Greystones school building handover underline challenges’ The Department of Education says it is These arrangements are now in place." taking steps to ensure it is completely Greystones Community National School is current- Sinn Féin TD John Brady speaking in the Dáil last week said that figures showing that there satisfied the new buildings for Greystones ly being accommodated in Greystones Rugby Club, are 1300 classes across the country with 30 or more children underline the challenges faced by Community National School and while the 60-plus pupils of newly opened school, Greystones Community College are fit for Greystones Community College, are being accommo- schools to remain open during the pandemic. dated in Greystones Lawn Tennis Club. As a result, handover. He said, "There are 30 pupils. These figures "Keeping the virus out most. We are concerned the secondary school has had to drop Woodwork from countless classes that are are shocking. Sinn Féin of schools, and keeping that special educational Greystones Community National School and its syllabus because of a lack of facilities. far too big, in buildings too wants to abolish all classes schools open, also teachers will be pulled Greystones Community College Secondary School The Department said "Greystones Community small, and not fit for pur- of over 30 kids and never means supporting par- from pillar to post to were meant to move into the new building at the start College opened its doors to 64 first year students on pose. There are over 1300 allow them to return, and ents to do the right thing cover absences, breaks of this new school year, but they have so far been Friday August 28th 2020. The school, KWETB and schools across the country work towards attaining an and keep symptomatic and remote learning. We unable to do so and are currently in emergency the Department are grateful to the Greystones Lawn with classes of 30 or more EU average of 20 children children at home. want to recruit 500 addi- temporary accommodation. Tennis Club for facilitating Greystones CC and kids - that is one in five per class. "School children and tional SNAs, to ensure A Department of Education and Skills spokesper- acknowledge the efforts of the school community in kids in a class over 30. "We want an immediate staff who are symp- that no child loses out. son told Wicklow Times: "With regard to the matters preparing the accommodation for the school's "In Cork last year, there audit of school buildings tomatic must be given "Finally, the bus fleet which have impacted the handover of building in opening. were 147 schools with to be undertaken, which priority for rapid testing, must increase so that advance of the coming school year, the Department is "In the context of the current accommodation classes of 30 kids or more. identifies those schools so that staff can return to whilst social distancing taking appropriate steps to ensure that it is completely arrangements the school has had to make some These large numbers have that are struggling most to work, and children can and safer transport of satisfied that the building is fit for handover prior to modifications to its subject offering for this term. also been seen in Galway comply with social dis- return to school rapidly. the 120,000 children accepting it. There is currently an engagement While an application for a temporary classroom on the (69) and Meath (74). In tancing and that require "Existing educational who take part in the underway between the Department and the permanent Community National School site (where it Westmeath, there was a additional space. We com- disadvantages have School Transport Contractor in this regard under the contract. While was intended to open the Community College) to class of a 45 in one class mit to a fund of €300m, come to the fore during Scheme can be ensured, this process is underway the Department will not be facilitate Woodwork is still live, it was not feasible to last year. which will be used to cre- the pandemic. Children this does not come at making any further comment. make such provision at the school's current location. "In our county of ate additional space for with special educational the cost of some losing "The immediate focus in recent weeks has been to Department officials will continue to work closely Wicklow there 42 schools schools that need it the needs are the cohort who their seat on a school put in place appropriate contingency arrangements with KWETB to ensure the needs of the school with classes greater than most. have missed out the bus.” for the start of the 2020 school year for both schools. community continue to be met." WICKLOW

Tuesday 15th September 2020 TimesLOCAL 9 WICKLOW

10 FEATURE TimesLOCAL Tuesday 15th September 2020

Tidy Towns activity continues across Wicklow Although the 2020 Tidy Towns competition was cancelled due to Covid-19, Tidy towns groups around the county have remained active in their communities. In May, it was undertake as restrictions community groups such All over Wicklow, announced that the fund- are eased, or in prepar- as tidy towns is more Tidy Towns groups are ing allocated to support ing for the 2021 compe- important and beneficial working hard to make Tidy Towns groups tition. The Tidy Towns than ever, maintaining their communities clean- throughout the country Competition is an annual the bonds between er, greener and more this year will remain highlight for many people and their attractive for locals and available to them. Wicklow Communities communities. The local visitors alike.You are Minister Harris said and despite the cancella- Tidy Towns groups work probably aware that Tidy "€1.4 million was allo- tion of the 2020 contest tirelessly to ensure our Towns groups do regular cated this year to assist we will still support the streets, shop fronts, litter clean-ups, but Tidy Towns groups in work of many communi- beaches and schools there is so much more their preparations for the ties in beautifying their immaculate. The hard than this involved- from competition and any towns." work and dedication drawing up three year unspent funds can still In these times of involved in volunteering plans, to making bird be used to assist with restricted socializing and with Tidy Towns is nestboxes and painting activities they might isolation, involvement in inspirational. old buildings. Improving sustainable energy Members of Bray Tidy Towns at a recent cleanup of the Albert Walk in Bray options in Greystones Greystones establishes a The progress that Greystones Tidy Towns had Nine representative houses from the area have been making on the Energy Master Plan has been chosen for energy audits. These should be Junior Tidy Towns group completed in October. been slowed over recent months due to The Greystones Junior Tidy Towns initiative is a subcommittee of Greystones Tidy Towns Covid-19, however things are now back up The Greystones & Delgany Sustainable Energy Community group said “These houses represent with an energetic team of local parents and teachers. and running. most of the house types and ages that are prevalent According to the group, their mission “is to support youth-focused biodiversity education and action, in the area so they should give us a good idea of The group has been working with the team at STEM education and discovery, and Heritage appreciation as well as bolstering the Green Flag and sustain- what works best to reduce energy use and emissions Greystones & Delgany Sustainable Energy ability programmes at our local schools. from our housing stock. We are now looking at Community to improve sustainable energy access “We have found Junior Tidy Towns to be a very exciting way to integrate and strengthen the overall compiling a similar list of representative commer- and options for people in the community. school/community relationship while giving children a fun way to learn and connect with their peers and cial/ non domestic buildings in the community to their local and global environment. assess what energy efficiency measures will work “Our vision is to serve as a conduit for community-wide collaboration on issues such as climate action well in that type of building. The outcome of all this and biodiversity. We also hope to be an enjoyable platform that lets families contribute and see the impact will be a document outlining how we use energy in Thanks and best wishes that their stewardship has on their environment. Junior Tidy Towns, where relevant and possible, will help the community and what opportunities offer the best schools provide materials, kits, and educational support for students to create their own projects. impact to reduce energy use and CO2 emissions. to all those involved in “Junior Tidy Towns is proud to currently have all of the area’s primary schools formally involved in our Once we have that we can start looking at initiating project. We look forward to beach cleans, planting pollinator-friendly gardens, participating in ecology- energy projects on a community scale which is real- the Tidy Towns related citizen science, and making a difference in climate change. Contact us to learn more.” Committees ly exciting.” Cllr. Shay Cllr. Cllr. Derek Mitchell Mags from CREAN CULLEN Thank you to INDEPENDENT Well done to all involved all involved Thank you and RORY in County Wiklow Tidy well done to County Towns -Wishing you in Tidy Wicklow’s Tidy continued success Town Committies BENVILLE Towns for all your Kiltoorish, Manor Avenue, amazing work Greystones, Co. Wicklow. Phone: 01-2874115 Tel: 087 1032446 STATE SOLICITOR www.derekmitchell.ie Email: [email protected] Tel: 086 7275000 [email protected] E: [email protected] www.magscrean.ie Steven Matthews TD Cllr. Congratulations Cllr. Erika Doyle and Thank You to WWW.GREENPARTY.IE Well done and all the best to everybody the many Tidy involved with Co.Wicklow Tidy Towns INDEPENDENT Constituent queries to: Steven Matthews TEL: Towns Volunteers Green Party erikadoylegreen @stevensgreen1 @MissErikaDoyle 086 8375602 in Co.Wicklow. Email: Steven.matthews@oireachtas.ie Email: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] WICKLOW

Tuesday 15th September 2020 TimesLOCAL FEATURE 11

'Leave No Trace' in Laragh and Glendalough

Laragh & Glendalough Tidy Towns have wel- Regional Manager of the National Parks and Wildlife comed a new Government of Ireland Service says "that they not only pose a campaign which has been launched huge fire threat which divert emer- to tackle a growing littering issue gency services, but they endanger our wildlife, their habitat, which we have seen all too destroying large swathes of often this Summer in our special areas of conservation woodland areas. and place fire fighting per- It is a joint initiative of the sonnel at great risk to extin- National Parks and Wildlife guish them. Service (NPWS), Waterways “They also contain char- Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland, coal which is usually unsus- Fáilte Ireland, Sport Ireland, The tainably sourced and cannot Department of Community and be recycled or composted." Swift nesting boxes and a calling system were recently installed at Arklow Municipal District Rural Development, the Office of Individuals, communities, Offices as part of the Wicklow Swift Project for Heritage Week, one of the many projects Arklow Public Works, Coillte and Leave No organisations and the public can idy Towns is involve din. Pictured were Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer; Cllr Sylvester Bourke; Trace Ireland. sign up to get guidelines on how to Claire Lawless, Arklow Municipal District Administrator, and Oran O Sullivan, Wicklow Swift The campaign aims to promote responsible be responsible in the outdoors by visit- Co-ordinator at Arklow MD offices. outdoor recreation practices that will ensure a healthi- ing www.leavenotraceireland.org. er and sustainable future for all. It calls on everyone to take care of the outdoors to ensure it is preserved for future generations. There has been a notable Thank you to all involved increase in littering throughout the country in the last number of weeks since the easing of Covid-19 restric- Bray Tidy Towns tions, and areas affected include National Parks, Nature Reserves, Forest Parks, OPW National Heritage Sites, rivers, beaches, forests and special areas of conservation. still hard at work Maura Kiely, CEO of Leave No Trace Ireland, calls ATM on the public to work together to address this issue, NOW Since the beginning of the year, members of Bray Tidy Towns have been hard at work cov- saying, "we need to take action now to halt the IN ering many areas of the town, from Ballywaltrim, Springfield Cemetary, and the Albert scourge of litter in our beautiful countryside. STORE Walk, to the Biodiversity area of Bray beach at the seafront side of the Everyone needs to take responsibility. Littering is a threat to our fragile ecosystems and a moment of lazi- Harbour Wall. ness can have long-term effects. An aluminium can Bray’s Tidy Towns dedicated volunteers have also done solo cleanups,working on the Dargle Road takes 400 to 500 years to break down, a plastic bag and various estates all over the town. In their work on these various projects they have been supported can take up to 20 years. A discarded plastic bottle, by the Bray Municipal District staf who they wish to thank. McCoy’s meanwhile, will last for a million years." Recent activity for the group saw them carrying out weeding at the beach,keeping the shingle plants viable. creating safe places for biodiversity. Disposable barbecues are identified as a major Laragh, Glendalough, Bray Tidy Towns is a group made up entirely of volunteers. They are always looking for more people problem, not just as litter but also as a source of forest tojoin, so head on over to their contact page on braytidytowns.com to send them a message if you'd like fires and wildfires, and are increasingly discarded to get involved. carelessly in public spaces. Disposable barbecues are Co. Wicklow “Our overall mission is to provide a better urban environment for Bray's residents. Check out our not permitted in any OPW National Heritage sites, blog for updates on all of our latest projects.” Parks or Gardens or National Parks. Wesley Atkinson Tel: 0404 45475 LEON THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN TIDY TOWNS COMMITTEES RECYCLING ltd. Croghan Ind. Est., Emoclew Rd, Arklow Need a Helping Hand? AUTHORISED TREATMENT FACILITY FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF END OF LIFE Think of us. VEHICLES, METAL MERCHANTS CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL INVOLVED IN TIDY TOWNS Good luck to all involved Follow us on Facebook Tel: 0402 41691 with the Tidy Towns [email protected] Greystones & District Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central bank of Ireland. Terms & Conditions apply. Main Street, Roundwood. Tel: 01 2019867 WICKLOW

12 FEATURE TimesLOCAL Tuesday 15th September 2020

Funding available for local heritage projects

The Heritage Council is inviting sites and that apply good practice to the manage- applications from County Wicklow to ment of places, collections, objects and buildings. its Community Heritage Grant scheme The scheme also supports the purchase of spe- which is part of the rescue package for cialised equipment. Grant applications must be submitted using the the sector announced by the Minister Some of the past work being done by Roundwood Tidy Towns volunteers. for Heritage & Electoral Reform, Heritage Council's online application system at Malcolm Noonan. www.heritagecouncil.ie by 5 pm on Tuesday, September 15th, 2020. The grant scheme aims to support capital pro- "The heritage sector is facing serious chal- jects that improve access and inclusion to heritage lenges, including business closures and job losses, Delgany Tidy Towns launch virtual as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent Best Wishes to all involved with months of COVID related disruption and lock- tour of Old Burial Ground down the contribution that natural, built and cul- County Wicklow Tidy Towns tural heritage makes to our quality of life became Delgany Tidy Towns announced recently hosted a number of events during National very apparent," said Deirdre Burns, Heritage Heritage Week, which took place nationwide from 15th to 23rd of August. Office, Wicklow County Council. She added: "The announcement therefore that Water Heritage Day was Sunday team. The second 'River Watch' responsible for the lovely green 550,000 will be made available nationally this 23th August and was a collaboration event saw LAWPro demonstrating space that exists there now. In the year for the Community Grant Scheme is most between The Heritage Council and the Citizen Science Water Quality video she delivers a detailed history welcome and goes some way to providing much the Local Authority Waters Monitoring on the Three Trouts on all aspects of the Burial Ground needed investment for heritage initiatives in Programme to celebrate water and Stream. Delgany's heritage week while delivering some fascinating our connections with it. events traditionally include guided insights into local history. The video Wicklow". Delgany Tidy Towns (DTT) held tours of the Old Burial Ground. can be viewed at www.heritage- This grant scheme supports community action to two water specific events as part of Located in the village centre and week.ie and at www.delganyher- enhance local heritage assets. Some examples of their 'River Watch' programme. The dating back to the 9th Century the itagevillage.wicklowheritage.org. CURRENTLY ACCEPTING eligible projects are; conservation led reports, first was an online talk titled burial ground is home to many Speaking about the events, Zoe plans, and audits, works to improve accessibility to 'Starting to Protect our Three Trouts interesting stories, including an Woodward of Delgany Tidy Towns sites, graveyard surveys, conservation works on Stream Biosphere' . Alan Lauder, early high granite monumental said: "We are very excited to NEW PATIENTS habitats and natural areas, control of invasive Ecologist, presented a study of the cross, moved burial stones, and a increase people's awareness of We are a friendly medical practice located in the species, urgent repair of medieval structures, pur- Biodiversity. Keith Scanlon, DTT Cromwellian soldier. Due to Covid- Delgany's Three Trouts' Stream and heart of Newtown Mount Kennedy providing a full chase of archival boxes, museum cases, nesting Volunteer and Citizen Scientist 19 related restrictions guided tours to share ways of learning from, and range of general practice services to both public boxes or other specialised equipment. shared recent experience piloting did not go ahead this year. Instead protecting it's wildlife and biosh- and private patients, serving the local and Grants of up to 15,000 can be awarded. Water Quality Monitoring. Donal DTT invited people to view a video phere. The annual Heritage Week surrounding communities. Funding of up to 80 per cent of the project cost can O'Keeffe, Community Water tour of the Old Burial Ground Tours programme is a great opportunity to be sought. Match funding by way of voluntary Officer, Local Authorities Water given by the Old Burial Ground's learn more about your local heritage Corner House, Main Street, contributions or benefit in kind is acceptable Program (LAWPro) presented ideas custodian, Lailli De Buitlear. and make new connections with Further information is available by contacting from other community groups The video is of Lailli DeBuitlear people and stories. We are delight- Newtown Mount Kennedy, The Heritage Council in Kilkenny on (056) 777 working on Reconnecting Rivers recounting the history of the Old ed that we can share the fascinating Co. Wicklow. A63 HH34 0777 or at www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding. and Communities. Delgany Tidy Burial Ground by local filmmaker history of the Old Burial Ground Advice on applications is also available from Towns welcome insights and ideas Robin Kavanagh. Lailli has been online and that it's history has now Tel. 01 281 2222 the County Wicklow Heritage Officer at to continue the conversation and curator of the Burial Ground for being recorded for generations to www.northwicklowmedical.ie [email protected] or Tel: 0404 20100. grow the Three Trouts Biosphere many years and she is largely come".

Massive Thanks to all involved in Our Tidy Towns

CLLR Gerry O’Neill INDEPENDENT Member of Baltinglass Municipal Electoral Area Congratulations to all hard working Well done to all involved with County Wicklow Tidy Towns Volunteers Tidy Towns Your work is much appreciated. Ph.: 087 2629129 WICKLOW

Tuesday 15th September 2020 TimesLOCAL NEWS 13 A Journey to 1870s Lacken The Wicklow Uplands Council recently organised guided walks in the Wicklow Mountains as part of the Heritage Week celebrations. The second guided walk was titled ' A Journey to 1870s Lacken'. Responding to this casts, videos and blogs. Week, the 'Journey To communities of year's theme of 'Heritage As part of Wicklow 1870's Lacken' event was Lugnagun and Blackrock and Education: Learning Uplands Council's pro- hugely enjoyable, infor- to Lacken, where the from our Heritage', gramme of events, a spe- mative and really well nearest school, church, Wicklow Uplands Council cial video project has been presented by local guide shops and other ameni- in partnership with Lacken produced to acknowledge and Lacken resident, Alfie ties were located until the Community Development, and celebrate much of the Zeller. motor vehicle arrived. created a programme that built heritage around the Wicklow Uplands Linking with the explored some of the rich locality of Lacken. Council said "Thank you recently restored Mass and diverse heritage found It offers a visual tour of to everyone who partici- Paths, the afternoon in the locality of the west the many points of interest pated, and most especially event passed numerous Wicklow village of and highlights some of the to Alfie and his family for examples of abandoned Lacken. sites visited during the leading the event and pro- settlements, historical This year's programme walk. viding the welcome sur- sites and natural features, of events included the To view the 10 minute prise of tea and home- which Alfie drew peo- addition of digital and video, please visit: made treats at the Lacken ple's attention to and online formats, providing www.wicklowuplands.ie/e Community Centre after- shared the stories (and innovative ways to explore xploring-lackens-built-her- wards." folklore) of each of them. Ireland's diverse heritage itage/ The linear walk fol- Stops and discussion with online talks, exhibi- Organised in celebra- lowed the mountainous included, local communi- tions, virtual tours, pod- tion of National Heritage route once taken by the ties and families, Wicklow Mountains National Park, the forma- Participants taking part in the Wicklow Uplands Council guided walk tion of the Poulaphouca Reservoir and a megalithic tomb con- structed during the Neolithic Period around 3,300BC - one of several Funding for Wicklow known megalithic sites in the area, with the passage tombs of Seefin, Seahan and Seafingan located on under Town & Village nearby slopes. The group made up of all ages, had travelled from throughout Wicklow and the neigh- Renewal Scheme bouring Dublin, to join the event organised to Six projects submitted by Wicklow County go towards increasing pedestrian use and accessi- coincide with this year's Council under the 2020 Accelerated Town bility in towns and villages. National Heritage Week "Making these changes are important to aid the programme. & Village Scheme have been approved by the Department of Rural and Community recovery from Covid. Making it more comfort- able for people to make their way through their Development. local towns and villages and stop for coffee and pop in and out of shops is vital, especially as it The total approved for Wicklow comes to appears that we will have to learn to live with Blessington in running €139,950 and includes projects in Balinaclash, Covid for the foreseeable future. Local authori- Enniskerry, Laragh, Tinahely and Baltinglass as ties applied for this second round of funding ear- well as a village pod project. lier this year, and the applications for the third The Balinaclash project is to upgrade the round are currently being considered." to be Ireland's most community centre while in Enniskerry, public seating, signage and shop front improvements are among the project details. The recently damaged Men's Shed facility in enterprising town Tinahely will be able to complete repairs and alterations. Laragh will see improvements for Blessington is among the finalists announced for Bank of Ireland's Begin Together Awards pedestrians whilst Baltinglass were successful in 2020. This year, the awards recognise business and community groups who have come togeth- their application to enhance the streetscape er to support their local area as they start to rebuild and recover from the impact of through a painting scheme. Welcoming the approval, Cathaoirleach of COVID-19. Wicklow County Council, Cllr Pat Kennedy, A total awards prize fund of that has repurposed itself during Wicklow said "Congratulations to stated that all six projects, spread across differ- over 200,000 is available to final- the pandemic; Local Business and Blessington on becoming a finalist ent communities throughout the county , will ists to help reboot local economies Community Response Initiative - in this year's Bank of Ireland significantly enhance a number of towns and across the island of Ireland. 21 A joint initiative by local business- Begin Together Awards. Through villages at a very difficult time and give a much awards are involved with the over- es and the community to manage these awards we are supporting needed boost to the communities. all winner receiving €50,000 and the impact of COVID-19 through businesses and communities across Joining the Cathaoirleach in welcoming near- the title of Ireland's 'Most lockdown and beyond as towns the island of Ireland impacted by ly €140,000 in projects for the county, Frank Enterprising Town'. There is also a start to reopen. the COVID-19 pandemic as they Curran, Chief Executive , added his own con- prize of €20,000 for the winner of Blessington will be competing start to rebuild and get back on gratulations to all groups involved in the indi- the 'Rising Star' award. with towns from across the island their feet. We have seen that vidual applications and added that Council staff Reflecting the new challenges of Ireland. The judging panel will incredible and powerful things can will now work in partnership with all the suc- that communities and businesses review all finalists in September be achieved when communities, cessful groups, to carry out the work as speedily currently face as a result of the and the winners will be announced business groups and local authori- as possible. pandemic three special COVID- on Virgin Media TV's Ireland AM ties come together to meet their Director of Service for Community, Cultural response awards have been intro- in early October. The awards ini- own challenges and make their and Social Development, Michael Nicholson, duced: Local Town Promotion tiative this year is being fast- own opportunities. I would like to recognised the importance of the funding to the Initiative - A marketing or promo- tracked to provide funding to win- wish Blessington the very best various groups involved and thanked members tional campaign designed to help ning towns in October in order to luck in the competition." of Wicklow County Council staff who contribut- kick-start the local economy; directly assist their COVID-19 The Begin Together Awards ed to the projects. Local Community Enterprise recovery. fund is part of wider €1 million Green Party TD Steven Matthews also wel- Deputy Stephen Matthews in Enniskerry, one of Initiative - A local enterprise initia- Commenting on the finalist Bank of Ireland support for local comed the funding. Deputy Matthews said he tive established specifically to ease announcement, Maria Coleman, enterprise and community groups was happy to see this second round of funding the places which will benefit from the funding the impact of COVID-19, or one Head of Bank of Ireland for this year. WICKLOW

14 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 15th September 2020 New funding for conservation of monuments Applications are being invited by Wicklow County Council for funds to help the conservation of local monuments. This results from a new uments and archaeological sites. It access infrastructure (including Community Monuments Fund will have a number of funding COVID protection) and interpreta- announced recently by Minister of streams aimed at enabling conser- tion at archaeological monuments. State for Heritage and Electoral vation works to be carried out on Applications in County Wicklow Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD. monuments which are deemed to be will be co-ordinated on behalf of The Fund forms part of the July significant and in need of urgent the Department by the Heritage Jobs Stimulus 2020 which aims to support, encouraging access to Office of Wicklow County Council. offset some of the effects of Covid- monuments and improve their pre- Private applicants or community 19 by revitalising the economy, sentation and also to build groups who are the owners or cus- providing protection for small busi- resilience in monuments to enable todians of monuments should com- nesses and getting people back to them to withstand the effects of cli- plete and return the application work. mate change. form by email to wicklowher- The Community Monuments Various streams will focus on [email protected] by 5pm on Fund will invest €900,000 nation- these objectives and will fund 17th September. ally in our valuable archaeological essential repairs and capital conser- Application forms and full heritage to help the owners and cus- vation and access works at archaeo- details of the fund are available at todians of archaeological monu- logical monuments and also the www.wicklow.ie under news. For ments to safeguard them into the development of Conservation more information on eligible monu- Wicklow all-weather lifeboat launched shortly after 1pm last Wednesday to assist a 14-metre future for the benefit of local com- Management Plans/Reports to iden- ments visit www.archaeology.ie. yacht with engine failure off the Wicklow Coast. The Shannon class lifeboat under the command munities and the visiting public. tify necessary conservation mea- All queries may be directed to Core aims of this new Fund are sures of monuments and improve Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer, of Second Coxswain Ciaran Doyle located the yacht with two sailors twenty minutes later, six the conservation, maintenance, pro- public access. A third stream will Wicklow County Council via miles north of Wicklow harbour. A towline was quickly established, and the yacht was towed tection and promotion of local mon- offer grants for enhancement of [email protected]. back towards Wicklow harbour, where the two sailors were landed safely ashore at 2:30pm. The crew on the call out were Coxswain Ciaran Doyle, Mechanic Brendan Copeland, David O’ Leary, Carol Flahive, Ian Heffernan and Andrew Carlin. Pictured is the Wicklow lifeboat with the yacht in tow. (Phto Credit: Wicklow RNLI) Be active for Arklow RNLI European week of sport Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership European Week of Sport ambassador and 2fm radio is calling on the people of Wicklow to get host, Eoghan McDermott, stated: " This is a great out and #BeActive for European Week of opportunity for people of all ages to try out a new sport come to aid of Sport 2020 which runs from the 23rd - 30th for the first time or get back involved in a sport that they have always loved. It's not about going out and being of September. the best, we just want people to get out and be active which will no doubt see a positive knock on effect on The event will see a mixture of online and offline both their physical and mental health". small inflatable boat events available to cater to the needs of every member Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership under- of the community making it easy to #BeActive even takes a wide range of actions with the aim of increasing from the comfort of your front room. sport and physical activity participation levels in the Arklow RNLI responded on 6th September at approximately 3.50pm to a Launch Request Sport Ireland, the National Co-ordinating Body for local community. Working with trusted professionals from the Irish Coast Guard following the report of two people in the water clinging to an European Week of Sport, hope that this year's event and valued volunteers, the Partnership engages commu- inflatable boat. will inspire even more people than ever to get involved nities across the county to deliver inclusive, impactful and has funded multiple flagship as well as local events and sustainable opportunities tailored to local needs, The volunteer crew aboard and there had Once aboard the Mark Corcoran, run by the Network of Local Sports Partnerships. In getting County Wicklow more physically active, responded quickly and been no one else in the lifeboat the casualty was Volunteer Press Officer 2019 an estimated 110,196 people took part in over involved in sport and improving the mental and physi- within minutes of the water in danger. checked and did not need & Community Safety 800 events in Ireland. cal health of the nation. request were aboard Initially the person any medical assistance. Officer at Arklow RNLI A European Commission led initiative; European Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership is running RNLB Ger Tigchlearr and aboard the small boat The lifeboat then returned said "Thankfully this Week of Sport aims to increase the level of participa- numerous events though-out the European Week of underway. The All-weath- tried to make his way to Arklow where all afternoon was relatively tion in sport and physical activity in the EU. The event Sport, from online nutrition talk with Daniel Davey to er Trent Class lifeboat back to shore, the lifeboat aboard came ashore safe- calm, had conditions aims to tackle the inactivity crisis and reduce obesity Virtual 5K Walk/Run and finishing the week off with an made its way to the stood by while the casual- ly. been worse the situation levels by encouraging Europeans to embrace a healthi- online sunset yoga. reported position near ty tried this, but given the Arklow RNLI's might not have ended so er and more active lifestyle. European Week of Sport Ambassador and boxer, Mizen Head. rocky nature of the coast- Volunteer Crew for this well, in recent weeks The week is for everyone, regardless of age, back- Kellie Harrington, sees the benefits of getting involved Once on scene the line at this location and rescue were: Coxswain there has been a lot of ground, or fitness level. By bringing awareness to the and trying out something new: "I see so many people in casualty vessel, a very the tidal conditions at the Ned Dillon, Mechanic rescues all around our fact that an active lifestyle is for everyone, European my community who think that maybe sport has passed small inflatable boat, was time this was proving dif- Michael Fitzgerald, Leigh coastline of people from Week of Sport aims to act as a springboard in to being them by, but this is not the case for anyone, no matter located just a short dis- ficult, it was then agreed & Daniel Downey, David small inflatable boats and more active. what your age or fitness level is. I believe sport is a way tance off Mizen Head. that the safest thing for Molloy and Michael toys, we'd like to remind Speaking about the event, the Cathaoireleach of to bring the community together, help people make new The crew established the casualty to do was to Mordaunt. people of the real risk of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Pat Kennedy, said: friends, and boost their mental/physical health and I there was one person come aboard the lifeboat. Following the incident, drowning when you go to "The European Week of Sport is a fantastic week with- would love to see as many people as possible out trying sea on vessels of this in the year where people across the county get to try something new during European Week of Sport, who nature, even on the out something new. Wicklow Sports & Recreation knows where it could lead them!" calmest days these types Partnership have a wide range of activities for every- For more information on what events Wicklow of boats and toys are not one and I am encouraging everyone to get involved." Sports & Recreation Partnership are running and how to fit for the conditions you Commenting on European Week of Sport, Chief get involved visit - wicklowlsp.ie/event/european-week- will experience along our Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy, said: "With a of-sport/ coastline. Please always focus on grassroots initiatives, the aim is to inspire peo- Brian Gregan, Irish 400m sprinter and European remember to wear a life- ple to be active on a regular basis and create opportuni- Week of Sport Ambassador, commented: "Sport has had jacket and carry a means ties in peoples' everyday lives to exercise and move such a huge impact on my life, and I feel passionate of calling for help. Please more. Research has shown that regular physical activi- about the impact it can have on society as whole. do this to ensure we have ty is good for both the mind and the body and in the European Week of Sport is a fantastic initiative that will the best chance possible current times, this is more important than ever. I look encourage people from all walks of life to go out and be of getting you in time to forward to seeing all of the events across the country active, try out a new sport, and hopefully find some- affect a rescue. We would this European Week of Sport and want to thank every- thing they will love to do for the rest of their lives. I like to once again remind one who helps to make sport and physical activity encourage everyone to get involved and experience the people to Respect the available in their communities." benefits first-hand." Water." WICKLOW

Tuesday 15th September 2020 TimesLOCAL NEWS 15 12 ways to reduce risk of dementia As part of World Alzheimer Month this month, the Wicklow Times, in partnership with the HSE's Dementia: Understand Together campaign, has been featuring a series of articles on aspects of life with dementia. In this final article, Dr Suzanne Timmons, Consultant Geriatrician and Clinical Lead of the HSE's National Dementia Office, talks about the future and the steps we can all take to reduce our risk of developing the disease. “There are over 400 “It’s never too late. 8. Aim to include 150 different types of demen- Behaviour change isn't minutes of physical tia, the most common of easy, but we can reduce activity, such as brisk which are Alzheimer's our chances of develop- walking, in your week. disease and vascular ing dementia. It is never 9. Eat a balanced diet dementia. Symptoms of too early or too late to that is rich in vegetables, dementia include memo- take action: fruit, wholegrains, and ry loss, confusion with 1. Healthy adults fish. time or place, difficulty above 40 years of age 10. Depression might communicating, changes should have their blood be a risk for dementia, in behaviour, and issues pressure (BP) checked although dementia itself with problem-solving. annually to see if it is can also cause depres- “Latest figures from within the healthy range. sion. Visit www.your- the HSE have revealed 2. Reduce hearing loss mentalhealth.ie for ways Tony Nobbs and Doreen Doyle at the Arklow Positive Ageing charity evening recently in the that there is an estimated by protecting ears from to look after your mental Midway, Arklow 1,838 people living with excessive noise exposure. health. dementia in County If experiencing hearing 11. Get enough sleep. Wicklow. The good news problems, get your hear- Dr Suzanne Timmons, 12. Keep your brain is that there are 12 risk ing tested. Consultant active, e.g. do a cross- Mná na hEireann called on factors associated with 3. Reduce exposure to Geriatrician and word or puzzle. dementia that, if air pollution and second- Clinical Lead of the “The Dementia: addressed, could prevent hand smoke. Understand Together HSE's National or delay up to 40 per cent 4. Prevent head injury, campaign is led by the to support Anam Cara of dementias. including concussion, Dementia Office HSE in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Her year may have begun with the rumba but for tv personality, Mary Kennedy, her which can occur in cer- Ireland and Age Friendly tain sports, or due to training is now focused on completing the VHI Women's Mini Marathon later in the year. Ireland. For information For the first time in the history of the event, Mna na hEireann are being asked to take falls. Wear correct pro- on steps we can all take tective headwear for to reduce our risk of part in the "10km, Your Way". sports, cycling, work, etc. dementia, and how to This year is a little different. Next month, from the 1st to the 10th of October, the paths, pitches and 5. If you drink alcohol, become a dementia parks of Ireland will be flooded with women completing their 10km - walking, jogging or running. We may stay within the low-risk champion in your com- not be gathering in Merrion Square at the starting line, getting drenched by the firemen in Donnybrook or weekly guidelines. munity, visit enjoying a refreshment together afterwards but we will raise much needed funds for our chosen charities. 6. Quit smoking and www.understandtogeth- Together but apart, we can make a difference. reduce your dementia er.ie. Alternatively, Anam Cara, the national organisation that supports bereaved parents, is asking people to take part on its risk, as well as your risk Freefone the helpline behalf and complete the 10km, whilst adhering to public health guidelines. Our team will take to the streets of developing cancers provided by The across the country and don their Anam Cara tee-shirt, from Donegal to Dingle, from Belfast to Bray and and heart disease. Alzheimer Society of everywhere in between. 7. Achieve or maintain Ireland on 1800 341 341 Since 2008 Anam Cara brings bereaved parents together to support each other - through monthly meet- ‘Eat a balanced diet that is rich in vegetables, a healthy weight during (Monday to Friday 10am ings, information evenings with guest speakers, family days and remembrance events. Since April, Anam your lifetime, but partic- fruit, wholegrains, and fish’. to 5pm, Saturday 10am Cara have adapted their service and delivered support online and by telephone. When the Mini Marathon ularly in mid-life. to 4pm).” comes around in October, they hope to be back to face-to-face support meetings, a time that cannot come quick enough.To join Mary and the Anam Cara virtual team, set up a Just Giving page (www.justgiving.com) and raise much needed funds for Anam Cara. For your tee shirt, please contact Karen in Anam Cara on [email protected] or 01 404 5378. All funds raised through this event will be GCS seeks support in used to support bereaved parents across the country. Virtual Mini Marathon People in Wicklow urged This year's Women's Mini Marathon takes shirt and a medal from VHI! place virtually between 1st and 10th October. Sponsor cards and T-shirts are also available at to get better informed You can participate at any time and any Greystones Cancer Support. where between these dates, and Greystones Please contact us on 01 2871601 or via email at Cancer Support is hoping for lots of enthusi- [email protected], Monday - about palliative care Friday: 9am - 1pm for further information. astic walkers and runners. Chairman Sonia Walsh says "We are hoping that The Women's Mini Marathon is one of two major many women in the Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole, The All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) is calling on people in fundraisers for the group. It is especially important Newcastle and Newtownmountkennedy areas will Wicklow to learn more about the benefits of palliative care as part of Palliative Care Week. to Greystones Cancer Support given these uncertain put on their Now in its seventh year, Palliative Care Week takes place from the 13th to 19th September. and challenging times. Entry age is 14. running or walking shoes for Greystones Cancer Palliative Care Week 2020 aims and support at home, in hospitals, palliative care and its benefits. This is also a wonderful opportunity for sec- Support. We need your help to continue our work, to raise awareness throughout the nursing homes and hospices. The "Ultimately, we want as many ondary school students to help their community. especially in the current challenging times. It will island of Ireland about the positive support is for all ages and life-limit- people as possible in Wicklow to You can register now at www.vhiwomensmini- be a great endeavour, and all in aid of a good difference palliative care can make ing conditions and can be for days, have a greater understanding of pal- marathon.ie. Registration is 10 and includes a T- cause." to people with life-limiting condi- weeks or years. liative care. So if people can help tions, their carers and their families. Karen Charnley, AIIHPC by sharing this knowledge or the This year's theme is 'Palliative Director, said "Palliative care Palliative Care Week leaflet, or Care: In This Together'. In these improves the lives of those living even by sharing their story on extraordinary times, this reflects the with a life-limiting illness and social media, together we can help community response to Covid-19 those who matter to them. It puts to remove any stigmas or miscon- but also the range of supports mobi- the individual at the centre of care ceptions about palliative care. We lized by health and social care pro- and supports their physical, social, might need to remain socially dis- fessionals, and the wider communi- psychological and spiritual health tant for some time to come but we ty, to help people with palliative needs. We've all seen this year how can still feel close to our family and care needs and their loved ones to something like Covid-19 has friends by having conversations live as well as possible. brought out the best in people, about things like palliative care and This personalised network of especially in our communities, and understanding each other's future support can involve a broad range while we can't hold events to mark care wishes." of professionals from primary care Palliative Care Week 2020 we hope To obtain leaflets and/or posters (such as GP's and public health we can reignite some of that com- contact AIIHPC by calling +353 1 nurses), support from family and munity spirit to help those closest 4912948 or by emailing info@aiih- friends and the wider community, to us to get better informed about pc.org WICKLOW

16 ARTS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 15th September 2020 Coming up at the Whale Theatre ASong Party with Chloe Burke Bray native, Chloe is delighted to launch her new single 'Breathe' at this Song Party at Whale Theatre.

Chloe has been singing for as long as she can remember. At the age of 11 she sang in Arclight's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, both here and in Stratford upon Avon. She has performed in many of Arclight's shows since then and last year she played Juliet in Romeo & Juliet and was also recently seen as Ariel in The Little Mermaid at the Pavilion Theatre. In 2018 she starred in her own revue show along- side David Dooley, and she also appeared on The Late Late Toy Show performing a song from The Greatest Showman. In 2019 she played the role of Bray artist, Tony Gunning, presents ‘Liffey Portraits: From Source to Sea’, an exhibition of Rizzo in Grease. Also that year, Chloe was the fea- paintings that celebrate a river that has been in his blood since birth. You can see it in the Signal tured vocalist on the song 'Stars', by Ronan Cullen, Arts Centre in Bray from 28th September to 11th October. Tony currently lives in County which has had over 25,000 streams on Spotify and Wicklow but has also lived in Kildare and Dublin in close proximity to the river and worked in reached Number 4 in the iTunes charts. Towards the an office overlooking it for twenty-five years. end of 2019 she provided backing vocals for D. Cullen's massive hit single, 'Alright'. And in 2020, alongside her two great friends, Aoife McCormack and Kate Byrne, she got to sing at Croke Park for Australia Day. Sunday 20th September 2020 @ 6.00pm (Doors Live shows are 5.30pm) Tickets €10. The Visual Story of back in Mermaid Ireland (1640-1940) Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre have announce that they’re back with live events! The first of two courses with local freelance “Over the past three months we have slowly re-entered the building. We have consulted with art historian Rosemarie Devereux. government departments and agencies and have run safety checks on all equipment and services. The aim of this course is to explore and examine a selection of the paintings that are held in our “We ve completed a video Facebook page 'Giz Man In The Woman’s My Aunt & I national collection of art under various themes; to deep clean and have sani- a Laugh', returns to Shoes follows Pat re-engage with the nation's political and cultural tising stations throughout Mermaid this September. Farnon as he walks to This is the story of history through their visual representation; to the building. We have Treat yourself to this bril- town and back again. It an Aunt and niece, their understand how Irish art production was compro- intensive cleaning proto- liant stand-up comic. is a beautifully shared artistic tempera- mised by the same historical and political events cols, sneeze guards, 25th & 26th September, observed piece, utterly ment and difficulties and to become familiar with some of the nation's capacity limits, direction- 8pm, €25 simple and widely experienced. Carmen finest artists. The course runs for 6 weeks. Each al signage and our staff praised. The show is Cullen's poetry is from week a different theme will be explored. training is complete. All Federico Juli·n Gonz· funny, tender and at her very successful Week 1 - Politics and its role in Irish art produc- of this in order to be sure lez & Janet Moran times downright daft. YouTube Pandemic tion; Week 2 - Genre images of the 19th century; we welcome our artists, 3rd October, 8pm, Poetry playlist. Week 3 - Land issues in Irish art; Week 4 - Home audiences and team back Presented as part of €20 17th October, 8pm, and Away - foreign influences on Irish artists; Week in a safe way.” Dublin Theatre Festival, €16/14 5 - The Celtic Revival and the Yeats Family; Week Looking for AmÈrica Birdboy 6 - Irish Women artists and the arrival of Bray Literary Festival charts two journeys. The Macalla Modernism. journey of that night in Emma Martin & Wednesday 7th October 2020 @ 7.30pm (Doors Bray Literary Festival Havana looking for a United Fall present Mermaid is delight- 7pm) And each Wednesday evening until 11th in association with One Salvadoran ex-Guerilla Birdboy. Once there ed to present Macalla, November. 6 Classes for €100 or 20 per class City, One Book presents: fighter called AmÈrica, was a boy who wished an exhibition by (must be booked at least 24 hours before class) (Billy O'Callaghan & and the journey of escap- he was a bird. He Sinéad Ní Mhaonaigh. Christine Dwyer Hickey ing the catastrophe that wished he could just fly Sinéad graduated in in conversation with had engulfed his country away and be free of all 2001 from Fine Art The Story of Europe - Dermot Bolger - an decades before. A catas- his worries. Full of fun Painting, TUI Dublin. evening of readings and trophe whose after effects and sorrow, this visual- She was elected as an Painting history discussions. 17th still resonate today. ly stunning show, per- associate member of September, 8pm. €12/10. 1st October, 8pm, formed by dancer the Royal Hibernian This course, with freelance art historian €16/14 Kevin Coquelard, cele- Academy in 2018. In Rosemarie Devereux, gives an overview of Enya Martin brates the power of 2019 she was awarded the main artistic movements that occurred Comedy Show The Man in the imagination and offers the HOTRON Art throughout Europe between 1400 and 2000. Woman's Shoes a vision of hope and Award and in 2010 was Stand-up comedian connection. awarded The Hennessy € These movements also recall the changes in Enya Martin, writer and Written & performed 9th October, 7pm, 8. Craig Scholarship. In social mores that were necessary for societies to creator of the comedy by Mikel Murfi, The | Age Suitability: 8+ addition she was nomi- endure and provided the mechanism through which nated for the presti- the technological advances of each age were mani- gious John Moores fested and proclaimed. Painting Prize, held as Week 1 - The Story of the Renaissance - part of the AIB Prize Magnificence and Display in Italy; Week 2 - shortlist, 2009, The Painting the Ordinary and the Everyday of the Marmite Prize for Dutch Golden Age; Week 3 - Revealing Facades - A Painting V shortlist, glimpse behind the Royal Heads of England, France 2016 and the Liverpool and Spain; Week 4 -Revolutions! Art and Society in Biennial, 2018. Ní 19th century France; Week 5 -Modernism - how Mhaonaigh has exhibit- America finally overcame Europe; Week 6 - The ed extensively in both Paintings that Rocked the World and Changed Art. Ireland and abroad. Thursday 29th October, 10.30am (Doors 10apm) Opening on Friday And each Thursday morning until 3rd December. 6 14th August at 11am, Classes for €100 or €20 per class (must be booked and running until 3rd at least 24 hours before class) Rosemarie Devereux October. WICKLOW

Tuesday 15th September 2020 TimesLOCAL 17

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While not new, HBOT has only lately begun to gain recognition for treatment of chronic degenerative health problems. Wherever blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs is reduced, function and healing can potentially be aided with HBOT. For further information contact us on the numbers below or check out www.hyperbaricireland.com National Hyperbaric Centre, 53-54 Great Strand Street, D1. P: (01) 873 3044, Fax: (01) 873 3969 Emergency: 087 972 9366 Email: [email protected] www.hyperbaricireland.com WICKLOW

18 NEWS / LOCAL BUSINESS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 15th September 2020 Wicklow business pivots to new level to adapt to Covid Like many business owners around Wicklow, Siobhan Brennan of Crazy Glazing was forced to close up her premises as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions and has not been able to re- open her doors. Unlike other businesses, though, Siobhan has been able to find a way to adapt her business to these strange times, to keep it going in a new form.

Siobhan's 'Paint Your Normally able to Own Pottery' studio, accommodate over 30 Crazy Glazing, on people in the studio, Fitzwilliam Square in social distancing restric- Wicklow Town, was a tions would have meant popular venue for birth- only six people could be day parties and other allowed in, and suddenly group events, offering a the business looked unvi- fun and creative opportu- able. nity to all ages to come Not to be deterred, in and paint pottery. however, Siobhan came Siobhan would then up with the idea of a glaze and fire the pottery 'Paint Your Own Pottery Former Wicklow participants of a development programme aimed at female entrepreneurs in and the customers would Kit' which has re-invent- ed her business, bringing rural locations have urged others to apply for ACORNS. This is the 6th year of the come back and collect their finished items. the pottery studio into government-backed programme, which has never been more needed than in the current Just under a year after people's homes. climate.ACORNS is a highly-successful initiative for early-stage female business owners in opening, Siobhan was The kits consist of a rural areas and is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under its overjoyed to win the lidded plastic box con- Rural Innovation and Development Fund. Best New Business taining all of the neces- A total of 50 new business owners will be selected for ACORNS 6 which will run from October Award from Wicklow sary paints and resources 2020 to April 2021 with NO charge to participants. The deadline for applications is September Chamber of Commerce for four people to paint 21, 2020 and the programme is open to those with new businesses or a well advanced idea for a in October 2019 and the their pottery. People new venture. (Eligibility criteria in notes below) future looked promising. choose their pottery from the Crazy Glazing Wicklow's Sinead McKeever of Little Lingua, Deirdre Doyle of The Cool Food School and Anna Then Covid-19 arrived, and like many other Facebook page and her Dobson of Love Mo Chuisle are previous participants and remain members of the vibrant business owners Siobhan YouTube channel. Siobhan Brennan ACORNS community. All three businesswomen urge others to join. Pictured is Anna Dobson of was facing a future Siobhan delivers the kit Love Mo Chuisle who says: "Participating in ACORNS has been a fantastic journey. Meeting that looked anything but and collects it later in the glaze and fire the pottery casing the pottery that's amazing business women and having their support has pushed me to follow my goals and suc- certain. week. Siobhan will then as she did before, and available and making ceed." Any woman with a new business based in rural Ireland, or an idea for a new venture they will then deliver it back instructional videos want to get off the ground, can register their interest at www.acorns.ie. to you. The service is about how to use the kit. available to anyone liv- Although the shop ing between South may be closed, Siobhan County Dublin/Bray and points out that anyone Arklow - along the who had bought vouch- A.N.O’NEILL Ltd. • Roller • Vertical • Wood Venetian M11/N11 corridor. As ers can still redeem them Plumbing & Painting contractors • Pleated • Velux • Roman well as people's homes, on the kit. some Special Needs "As the quote says, Residential & Tel: 087 2201600 groups have also tried 'you can't control the FACTORY: Unit 10, Block 1, Broomhall out the kits, with great wind, but you can adjust Commercial Business Park, Rathnew. Tel: 0404 20344 success, and Siobhan has your sail', so adjust my plans to being them to sail I did and I came up Fully Insured If you need to reach nursing homes too. with a new offering," For the first time, says Siobhan. "I'm still Free Quotations NEW CUSTOMERS, call us: Siobhan has also begun catering to birthday par- uploading videos to ties, except now I bring Phone: 087 257 2077 YouTube on the 'Crazy the pottery to them Glazing Wicklow' instead of them coming Email: [email protected] 01 286 9111 Youtube Channel, show- to the studio." LOCAL BUSINESS Reach the MOST people for the LEAST money with Wicklow Times For details of our amazing deals please call 01 286 9111 WICKLOW

Tuesday 15th September 2020 TimesLOCAL CLASSIFIEDS / NEWS 19 Ford's first plug-in electric powertrain fitted to new Kuga

Ford's Kuga SUV has been a phenomenal seller all around the world - almost 200,000 have been sold in Europe, alone - and so it is no surprise that the Detroit based, Irish American firm has expanded the range further and now for the first time for Ford, comes as a plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV). Ford are the smartest By Martin McCarthy ings - a mild hybrid (15,000km+ pa) the PLANNING of them all when it (coming later this year) superb 1.5 diesel still comes to how much and duce to the market, when and PHEV and which makes the most sense. PLANNING what technology to intro- - and at what price. one suits Wicklow Of course, more tech- Consider all the IT and drivers the best, depends nology costs more money WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL THE infoscreens on most cars, a lot on lifestyle and - and with some reduc- The powertrain choice rebate grant support. FULL PLANNINGPLANNING PERMISSION MIRACULOUS Ford generally have environmental conscious- tion in storage space to is the 1.5 litre EcoBlue Lead in pricing on the For the more dynamic Sought for: PRAYER retained radio volume ness. fit it in. Henry Ford, 120PS diesel manual or Titanium 1.5 litre and sporty ST Line series, 1. Proposed Ground & First Floor and tune buttons - The more expensive whose father came from the PHEV model with the EcoBlue diesel starts at the diesel version starting Extension (290 Msq) to Rear East Dear Heart of Jesus in PHEV means you can Cork and settled in 2.5 litre Duratec 225PS €33,357 and for the price is from Facing Elevation of Existing because the average Joe the past I have asked for or Josephine is not a 20- recharge the battery off Michigan in 1845, built petrol hybrid engine. PHEV version, starting €35,985 and the price Shoreline Leisure Facility to many favours. This time € provide for extra Studio Space. year-old IT expert and the mains at night and get his vast global empire The PHEV version price is 35,432 - that walk to the PHEV version 2. All ancillary site works I ask you this very hence can get East Coast a 56km range of electric between 1910 - 1925 by qualifies for both the gives a difference of is just another €1,440 at at Shoreline Leisure, Mill special one. (Mention FM within seconds of driving in the morning. perfecting mass produc- SEAI grant and the VRT €2,075, thanks to the €37,425. request) Take it, dear Road, Greystones, Co. Wicklow. getting into their Ford. Many Wicklow com- tion techniques which Heart of Jesus and place A63 HD25. Signed: Wicklow Likewise, with electric. muters are driving less made The Model T Recreational Services Ltd. it within your broken than 10km to work so affordable. This is still The planning application may be Heart where your Father Ford are now moving one could spend a week the cornerstone of the inspected or purchased at a fee sees it. Then, in his towards more electric not exceeding the reasonable cost merciful eyes it will vehicles - more than a using almost no petrol. firm. So new Kuga has of making a copy at the offices of become your favour not decade after Nissan / Some folks want to save an immense amount of Wicklow County Council, County mine. St Anthony and Renault started spending the planet but do higher new technology on Buildings, Wicklow during its St Jude, helper of the billions on EVs. mileage and simply board, but still keeping public opening hours and a couldn't be bothered the price relatively submission or observation in hopeless, aid me in my Instead, Ford adapted relation to the application may be distress. Amen. Say the 2017 Mondeo for planning life around the affordable. made to the authority in writing this prayer for three Hybrid as their first toe car's power needs - so Available in four on payment of the prescribed fee days. Promise publica- into semi electric driving they will be better suited series: Titanium, ST within the period of 5 weeks tion and favour will be train world. Now with to the petrol - hybrid. Line, ST Line X; and beginning on the date of receipt granted. Never known to Kuga there are two offer- For high mileage driver Vignale by the authority of the application. fail. B.C. Gospel: Luke 11:5-13 Jesus said to his disciples: Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to TELESALES EXECUTIVES him in the middle of the night to say, ‘My friend, lend me three loaves, Jabil, Corke Abbey, Bray, Co. Dublin specialises in the because a friend of mine on his travels has just arrived at my house design, development, and commercial scale up of complex and innovative healthcare products. and I have nothing to offer him’ and the man answers from inside the We are now recruiting for: house, ‘Do not bother me. The door is bolted now and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up to give it you.’ I tell you, if the man does not get up and give it him for friendship’s sake, persistence will be enough to GENERAL WANTED make him get up and give his friend all he wants. Ideally, we are seeking candidates with previous experience of sales. ‘So, I say to you: Ask, and it will be given to you, search and you OPERATIVES Candidates should be hard working, conscientious and have the will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. For the one ability to work well in a team environment. An attractive salary, QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE who asks always receives; the one who searches always finds; the one together with a rewarding commission structure is on offer. who knocks will always have the door opened to him. What father among Leaving Certificate or equivalent. you would hand his son a stone when he asked for bread? Or hand Previous experience desired, but not essential. Please send C.V. to: him a snake instead of a fish? Or hand him a scorpion if he asked for an OTHER INFORMATION: Jennie Finane, Sales Manager WICKLOW Fixed Term Contracts First Floor, The Boulevard, egg? If you then, who are evil, know how to give your children Shift work (Days 8am-8pm, Nights, 8pm-8am) predominantly. what is good, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Quinsborough Road, Bray. LOCAL Apply online for the position of General Operative for the Bray site Times Spirit to those who ask him”. on the Jabil Careers page at www.Jabil.com or applications to Co. Wicklow. A98 R6D7. WE DELIVER! C.J. HR Department, Jabil, Corke Abbey, Bray, Co. Dublin. Email: [email protected] Better because WE DELIVER! CLASSIFIED ADS & PLANNING / APPOINTMENTS CALL: 01 2869111 EMAIL: [email protected] PLEASE NOTE DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS AND APPOINTMENTS IS 12 NOON FRIDAY