homes & businesses WICKLOW WE DELIVER!- for 30 years NORTH EDITION Delivered to 44,500 LOCAL DEER WARNING PURE MILE AWARDS STUDENT ACCOMODATION page 4 page 10 page 14 TimesNORTH EDITION DELIVERED TO HOMES & BUSINESSES IN: SHANKILL, ENNISKERRY, BRAY, GREYSTONES, DELGANY, KILCOOLE, NEWCASTLE, KILQUADE, ASHFORD, KILPEDDER, NEWTOWNMOUNTKENNEDY, KILMACANOGUE, LARAGH, MONEYSTOWN, ROUNDWOOD. Tuesday 22nd October 2019 5 Eglinton Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow Tel: 01 - 2869111 www.wicklowtimes.net E-mail: [email protected] WINDFARMS FROM BRAY TO ARKLOW A foreshore license is being sought by energy companies to carry out offshore surveys for a planned wind farm, 10 kilometres off the coast of Bray. This is separate from the marine windfarms planned for the seas off Arklow and Wicklow. Innogy Renewables The company will then project website. Ireland and Saorgas seek a full public consulta- Green Party Councillor Energy are currently in the tion, likely to take place in and Cathaoirleach of design phase of Dublin Spring of next year. Bray Steven Matthews Array Offshore Wind Following that consulta- commented, “I made a Farm, to be located on the tion, the company will submission on the 2013 Kish and Bray banks. If update their Foreshore Dublin Array proposal granted, the license will lease application and the where I outlined my allow Innogy to carry out Department of Housing, support for wind energy further offshore surveys Planning and Local provided the environmen- that will enable them to Government will decide if tal and marine impacts are progress the engineering the project can go ahead. adequately addressed. The design and inform the The company says there climate emergency is ongoing environmental will be extensive consulta- apparent to all and the assessments required as tion and community urgency to reduce carbon part of the consent engagement, and a emissions is crucial to our process. The granting of number of stakeholders planet. the license does not give will have the opportunity “I proposed that the permission to build the to engage. Innogy hope to 2013 project should wind farm, but will allow start construction in 2024. include upskilling and offshore surveys and In the meantime, all apprenticeships in renew- sampling to take place updates will be posted able energy systems over a five-month period. on the Dublin Array construction, commission-

Charlie Errity and Emily Birchall, with Jane, Rebaecca, and Simon Harrison at Fishers of Newtownmountkennedy’s 40th anniversary party.

ing, maintenance and de- However I opposed the commissioning phases Dublin Array one as it has over the lifetime of that a very negative effect on project and will seek the the view from Greystones at the same for this 2020 and the Cliff Walk.” at the project.” Peter Lefroy, Dublin Cllr Derek Mitchell Array Project Director at recently said he was Innogy said “With an opposed to the Dublin investment expected to be Esplanade € Esplanade Array wind farm. in excess of 1 billion, the Speaking recently about project offers a significant wind farm projects off the economic opportunity with Co. Wicklow coast he said potential supply chain ben- “In 2005 the Codling Bank efits, infrastructure and HotelHotel scheme obtained a fore- associated jobs and con- shore licence for 220 tur- tracts. We are committed BRAY bines 15km from the near- to working with communi- BRAY est point, Greystones and ties to develop a meaning- Kilcoole, following con- ful approach to supporting from sultation. In 2013 Dublin local communities, in line Array applied for a fore- with the requirements € shore licence for a large of the Government’s 35.00 wind farm on the Bray and Renewable Energy per person Kish Banks - 145 wind- Support Scheme, when

Minimum number, Terms and Conditions apply mills to be 9km from shore this is finalised.” at the nearest point. Ireland The license application needs to do better at saving is now live on the Callll today for fullll detaiills:: 011 2862056 carbon and these wind- Department’s website and farms will help. I support- can also be viewed at ed the Codling Bank one Bray,Greystrones, because it has a limited Wicklow and Shankill www.esplanadehotel.ie effect on the view. Garda stations. WICKLOW

2 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 22nd October 2019 Frightful family fun at Wicklow’s Haunted Gaol Frightful fun awaits all the family at Ireland’s Most Haunted building this Halloween. Wicklow Gaol’s Petrifying Programme for Little Monsters runs from 1-4pm on both Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st October. Arrive at the Monster pick a pumpkin to deco- Wicklow’s Haunted Gaol sumed alcohol). Lounge for 1pm sharp for rate under the watchful from 9pm. On Friday 1st a Spooky Ghost Tour into eye of our ghoulish Come & discover evi- November, take an eerie the Creepy Courtyard guides. Eerie entertain- dence of the spirits who night tour of Wicklow where you’ll meet Mr. ment runs right up to wander the corridors of Gaol and do it in the dark! Bones and make your 4pm. Ireland’s Most Haunted Led by professional actors own Mummy! Grown-ups Fear Not! Building from 9pm until in creepy costume, you’ll Join the Costume Your Halloween Horror the early hours. Limited be lucky to escape!Doors Parade at 2.15pm and see programme will com- tickets available so book open at 7:15 PM and tours if you can impress our mence when darkness in advance to avoid disap- leave every fifteen min- Wicked Witch and win descends. pointment (€55 pp - utes until 8:30pm (Age one of our prizes for On Friday the 25th includes tea, coffee and 18+; €17 pp). Scariest, Cutest or Best October Paranormal refreshments through the See: wicklowshistoric- Home-Made Costume. Researchers Ireland are night. Over-18’s only and gaol.com for more infor- Then it’s off to the hosting an exclusive strict no-admittance for mation or call 0404 Gaol’s Pumpkin Patch to Paranormal Tour in individuals who have con- 61599. Wicklow Lions’ Is Wicklow salmon Rehabcare Arklow made a donation of €240 to Sinead Tarmey of the Wicklow Hospice Foundation from the proceeds of a recent cofee morning held in their premises in Arklow. Bucket Collection a vanishing species? To celebrate ‘2019 International Year of the Wicklow Lions members were very Salmon’ the East Wicklow Rivers Trust Gala Race Night Fundraising campaign for evident at the local Tesco store for (EWRT) is inviting members of the public Bray girl with rare cancer the annual bucket collection recently. to learn about and debate the plight of our Wicklow Dementia Support is running a Gala iconic Atlantic Salmon within their natve Race Night on Friday October 25th in The A fundraising campaign has been started in aid of a lit- This collection is vital to the club as every cent range in Co. Wicklow with Professor Ken Martello, Bray. Doors open at 7pm and first race tle Bray girl with a rare childhood cancer. The cam- donated by the public will be distributed within the Whelan, research director with the Atlantic is 8pm. Entry is free and the night starts with a paign was started by Lauren Hayes, whose daughter local community leading up to the stressful and Salmon Trust. complementary prosecco reception. As well as Georgia has been diagnosed with stage 5 wilms demanding time of Christmas for so many. tumours, a rare childhood cancer. There will be a prizes for each race winner, there are also fabu- Wicklow Lions Club stated that “The President and Where have all the salmon gone? Will they ever fundraising event on Saturday 26th October at 12pm members would like to thank Tesco for their on-going return? Can we do anything to help them? These lous prizes for best dressed lady, best dressed in Supreme Altitude Bray. support every year. A special thanks to the club’s sec- questions and more will be delved into. gent and best hat. Virgin Media’s Tina A gofundme page has been set up for Georgia at retary Maria Neilan for organising the roster for the Koumarianos is the MC. To buy a horse email www.gofundme.com/f/1rzubswss0 volunteering members and lastly thanks to the ladies The event will take place in Colaiste Raithin, [email protected] or and gentlemen members who turned up in great num- Ravenswell, Bray on Thursday November 14th. There will be refreshments and some beautiful film see Facebook.com/WicklowDementia. bers.” Redcross Autumn Fair The first of the Lions Big Quiz Nights will take of the Salmon’s life cycle from 7pm. Ken’s presen- place in Phil Healy’s Pub on November 6th and will tation will commence at 7:45pm sharp and will be Redcross Church will host an Autumn Sale on continue until March next year with a break for followed by a Q&A. Any queries to wick- 65th ICA Drama Saturday October 26th from 10.30am to 12pm at Christmas. [email protected] or [email protected]. Trinity Hall, Redcross Village. There will be home Festival baking, country produce, bric a brac, books,tea and coffee. Money raised will go towards the new building Entries are invited for the 65th Wicklow ICA fund. Drama festival which will take place in Glenealy Soup and Sandwiches Village Hall from 24th-26th January 2020. This is an open festival, not confined to ICA groups. The next Holy Rosary lunch will take place on There are two sections in the festival. Section A Wednesday, 30th October in Kilian House Family for one act plays or a single act from a full length Centre in Greystones, next to the church, from 12:15 play and Section B for sketches. For full details until 2pm. Everyone is welcome to come along for and entry form contact Hilda 087 9833935 or home-made food and a friendly chat. The suggested donation is €5. All proceeds go to local charities. email [email protected]. Dementia Support Race Night

There will be a a Charity Race Night in The Martello in New website for Bray on Friday 25th October from 7pm in aid of Wicklow Dementia Support. There will be a Prosecco Wicklow reception and finger foods during intermission. All are Last week saw the official launch of the new invited and admission is free. Races are being sponsored € € website wicklowtown.ie. Wicklow Town Team for 150 each and horses can be purchased for 25. For held an event in Marine House last Wednesday more info [email protected]. for the new website that’s been developed “for the county town, for the people of the town and for visitors to the town”. The comprehensive website is a useful resource for anyone living in BRAY or visiting Wicklow Town, with details about upcoming events, the best places to eat, drink, Vevay Rd, Bray shop and stay, and things to see and do.

Tired of the 9-5 slog, the • Free Fitting • Free Measuring low pay, the annoying boss? Service THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO • Free In Home Advice & Design MAKE A CHANGE! Service Wicklow children are set to enjoy a unique Spooks Parade to kick off the Halloween season at Bray Retail Park on Saturday, 26th October. The popular event has returned after taking a break You don’t need any specific skills but you must be • No Obligation in 2018. Led by costumed characters, local children will go from store to store on a spooky over 18 and a hard worker with a good head on your Quote adventure, listening to ghost stories and collecting vouchers for treats. A fancy-dress shoulders (no daydreamers please!) *12 Month Guarantee on ALL Blinds* competition will round off the event as treats are given out. The event starts at 4.00pm, however For details please call 087 951 24 34 or families are encouraged to get there early to meet the characters and get their face-paint ready. Tel: 286 5057 Fax: 201 4335 www.acmeblinds.com To register for the Halloween Spooks Parade please visit the Bray Retail Park Facebook page. email [email protected] email: [email protected] WICKLOW

Tuesday 22nd October 2019 TimesLOCAL NEWS 3 ANOTHER BAD DAY IN COURT FOR COUNCIL The saga of the €100 million remediation of Whitestown dump in west Wicklow where the council was found to have dumped vast amounts of illegal waste and was aware of the shocking breach of the Waste Management Act there, has had another day in court. Last week the Court of Whitestown dump were “absolutely astonishing Brownfield re-entered Appeal upheld an order originally owned by John and shocking” that the the proceedings in 2016 giving Wicklow County O’Reilly, who operated the council claimed in 2001 to over the council’s Council three years to dump for more than two have “discovered” the ille- approach to waste removal clean up what it described decades. gal dumping. and remediation, including as a “huge and appalling” After the council closed Brownfield, having dis- allowing much of the illegal dump with a the landfill in 2001 and cerned the council was to a waste as possible to “Kafkaesque” history at entered the site in 2002, considerable extent remain on the site. Whitestown in West Mr O’Reilly sold the responsible for illegal The High Court’s Mr Wicklow. Originally they lands. In 2005, Brownfield dumping on the site, took Justice Richard were given 6 years for the (the new owners) applied its own High Court pro- Humphreys concluded in remediation but nearly 3 to the Environmental ceedings in 2008 seeking July 2017, after a 53 day years have elapsed. Protection Agency (EPA) that the local authority be hearing, that the council’s Ms Justice Caroline to operate the site as a required to remove waste “botched” remediation left Costello said the council landfill and as part of the and remediate the site. about 93 per cent of the itself dumped vast process, the council told Separately, the European waste on site and he amounts of waste on the the EPA that Brownfield Commission was pursuing directed that the council illegal Whitestown site had to remediate the entire Ireland over failure to deal remove all the waste and near Baltinglass over two site. with more than 100 illegal remediate the site over six decades and was aware, or The EPA granted landfills and issued a for- years. should have been, from at Brownfield a licence to mal notice in September Dismissing Brownfield’s least the mid-1990s of the remediate the site which 2010 which included a appeal over the six-year Pictured above are Maria Carton, Lucy Carty, and Nicola Donegan at Fishers of “shocking breach” of the required it to remove all of complaint about a delay in time allowed, Ms Justice Newtownmountkennedy’s recent 40th anniversary party. Waste Management Act the waste and contaminat- dealing with the Costello said the various there. ed soil within three years. Whitestown dump. The steps set out by the High She was giving the Ms Justice Costello said High Court proceedings Court all appeared neces- three-judge court’s unani- in 2005, the council took were adjourned in 2012 on sary for this “huge” illegal THANKS A (HALF) MILLION LADS! mous judgment last proceedings against 12 the basis that the waste dump to be remediated Four former councillors in Wicklow received over 70k each in retirement gratuities, following Wednesday upholding a parties, including Mr would be removed and the and there was no error by this year’s local elections. 2017 High Court order O’Reilly and Brownfield, council would deliver a the judge. which gave the council six for removal of waste and mediated site to On the cost issues, she Along with twelve others, Wicklow councillors accounted for the highest gratuities in the country, with the 16 years to clean up the remediation of the site. Brownfield within a year. held the High Court judge councillor payments totalling €505,000. A total of €6 million was given to former councillors nationwide. dump. ‘Those proceedings would After the council erred in principle concern- Some 28 of the 31 local authorities across Ireland have now released the details of the amounts to be paid, While rejecting not be particularly remark- informed the Department ing some costs orders following Freedom of Information requests. Brownfield Restoration able save for the “out- of the Environment it was made by him. He failed to Former Bray Fianna Fail councillor Pat Vance received a retirement gratuity of €73,600; Independent Jim Ireland Ltd.’s appeal over standing fact” the council a successful remediation, give sufficient weight to Ruttle received €73,200; Independent Tommy Cullen €71,400; and Fianna Fail's Pat Doran €70,750. the six-year time limit, the itself had dumped vast Ireland told the commis- the polluter pays principle The gratuity is calculated by awarding one fifth of a councillor's yearly representational payment for each year court found there were amounts on the illegal sion in 2015 that all waste in his ruling on certain ele- of service with a minimum qualifying period of two years' service. Councillors under the age of 50 will be given errors in relation to some landfill.’ had been removed from ments of the costs of the their gratuity upon reaching that age. costs orders made by the That, plus complaints the site. 2008 proceedings and Former Fine Gael councillor Grainne McLoughlin's is €28,000 and Fine Gael's John Ryan is €51,000. High Court. from 1989 to the council “The council cannot Brownfield was entitled to Independents Brendan Thornhill, Mary McDonald, and Oliver O'Brien each have gratuities of €17,000. Ms Justice Costello said about this “enormous ille- have believed this was the certain additional costs, Independent Chris Fox will get €51,700, Independent Daire Nolan €17,000, and Sinn Fein's Nicola Lawless the lands holding the gal dump”, rendered it case,” the judge said. she said. €17,000.

30th & 31st Oct 1-4pm Terr-or-ific AFTERNOON for Mini Monsters 1pm: Spooky Ghost Tour 1.45pm: Make your own Mummy 2.15pm: Courtyard Costume Parade – judged by our Wicked Witch (Prizes for Scariest, Cutest & best home-made Costumes) 3pm: Pumpkin Decoration – Choose yours from the Gaol’s Petrifying PumpkinPatch 3.30pm: Freaky Finish – Tour of Gaol FAMILY TICKET: €30.00 Adult €11.00 Child €8.00 ADULTS: 25th Oct 9pm – early hours! Paranormal 1st November 7pm – Night Tour Book your tickets: www.wicklowshistoricgaol.com € € Adults 15 / Children 10 Tel: 0404 61599 WICKLOW

4 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 22nd October 2019 Coursing licences to allow netting of hares outside areas with positive RHD2 tests The suspension of the annual license for the netting of hares for coursing is being lifted, allowing netting on a managed and restricted basis and only in areas unaffected by the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD2) virus.

The National Parks and nary and virology exper- of RHD2 virus confirmed There will be an agreed its survival. While the Wildlife Service (NPWS) tise and input, will be in the wild hare popula- regime of spot checks for ISPCA welcomes the stated that “This follows carried out to supplement tion to date and to RHD2 in those coursing introduction of a testing the conclusion of discus- existing knowledge of the increase the understand- clubs that are being regime and field studies sions between the prevalence and nature of ing of the levels of licenced.” on the epidemiology of National Parks and RHD2. RHD2, the NPWS and In a statement, the the virus, this must only Wildlife Service, the Restrictions are also DAFM are to undertake ISPCA said “To allow be done to protect the The Irish Deer Commission is calling on motorists to be vigilant as Department of being lifted on the issue four field studies with the such activities to take Irish hare population, not rutting season reaches its peak Agriculture, Food and the of licences to the Irish co-operation of the Irish place is irresponsible and to facilitate a return to Marine and the Irish Coursing Club for netting Coursing Club in a num- reckless given the poten- cruel hare coursing.” Coursing Club on a of hares, permitting net- ber of locations. Sample tial serious risk to hares. In the last four seasons roadmap to allow a man- ting outside of areas populations of up to 100 The suspension of licens- 74 hares have been killed Motorists urged to be aged resumption of net- where wild hares and rab- wild hares will be cap- es was introduced by the or so seriously injured by ting for testing and cours- bits have tested positive tured and kept in pre- Minister in August after a greyhounds during cours- ing in areas unaffected by for the virus. approved locations. The number of rabbits and ing events that they had vigilant during peak of the RHD2 virus, charting The NPWS stated that NPWS and DAFM will hares tested positive for to be put to sleep by a a responsible way for- “In August, following the test the hares for RHD2 RHD2, a potentially fatal vet. ward in terms of the man- first detection of RHD2 and observe them. viral disease that affects Although this is a small deer breeding season agement and understand- in an Irish wild hare, the “In the context of the rabbits and hares and can percentage of the total ing of this virus.” Minister suspended the renewed licences for net- be transmitted via faeces, taken from the wild, the The virus has so far 2019/20 licences for the ting hares, capture will be urine and saliva. ISPCA believes it is It’s autumn and in our forests and across our mountains, been recorded in several netting of hares for cours- prohibited in areas from a “The ISPCA is urging “completely unacceptable tensions are rising as the rutting season reaches its peak, counties including ing meetings which had 25km radius of where the Minister to exercise and cannot be justified”. Wicklow and Wexford. issued earlier. Since then either wild hares or wild the precautionary princi- A recent Red C poll the time of the year when male deer are driven by an Angered and disappoint- the NPWS and DAFM rabbits have tested posi- ple and reinstate the sus- showed that 77% of Irish urge to reproduce. ed by the decision, the have continued to test tive for RHD2. Positive pension of licenses with citizens believe that hare ISPCA said “That it has wild rabbit and hare car- tests for RHD2 in wild immediate effect and if coursing should be The Irish Deer Commission is calling on motorists to be vigilant at dawn and not been recorded in casses to establish levels rabbits and hares have RHD2 continues to banned, with only 9% in dusk, when deer are most active, particularly in high-risk areas such as woodlands some counties does not of the virus in Ireland. Of been returned in the fol- spread to introduce a per- support of hare coursing. and mountains. mean it is not present or the 10 hares tested for lowing counties: Clare, manent ban on taking “The ISPCA believes “From early October until November the clash of antlers will be heard as males that the county is unaf- RHD2 in this period, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, hares from the wild in that hare coursing is cruel show off their virility to potential mates and, like gladiators entering an arena, they fected”. three have tested positive. Leitrim, Meath, Wexford, order to protect and con- and should be consigned parade around showing off their armoury of antlers. It has been agreed that These positive results and Wicklow. Similar serve the endemic Irish to the history books on “While the rut is an amazing experience to witness it is also a time when there is a number of field studies were in Dublin and restrictions will operate hare. The Minister is sup- disease control, conserva- an increased incident of road traffic accidents involving deer as male deer go in at some coursing clubs, Wexford. when new positive tests posed to protect Irish tion, animal welfare and search of females and younger males are ousted by dominant males forcing deer to which will involve veteri- “Given both the levels for RHD2 are returned. wildlife not gamble with ethical grounds.” cross roads and motorways. “What should drivers do in high-risk areas? Reduce speed where they see a warn- ing sign and stay alert. Prepare to stop, never swerve as you could hit another obstacle or oncoming vehicle. When you see a deer ‘dip your headlights’ as the full beam may cause the deer to freeze. If a deer has crossed in front of your vehicle, be East Coast Greenway is aware that others may follow. Do not approach an injured deer. If you are involved in a deer road traffic accident or come across a deer that has been involved in a road traffic accident, immediately contact the local Gardaí.” ‘not without challenges’

A draft report is expected to be published in early 2020 detailing the fasibility of the ‘East Coast Greenway’ project, the proposed greenway linking Greystones to Wicklow Town.

A coastal protection report by engineer- “mashed together” for the finished report petition seeking public support for the Riverview House Tel: 01 276 1330 Fax: 01 276 1336 ing consultants ARUP, for Wicklow early next year. Greenway received over 10,000 signa- Seapoint Road, Web: www.benvillerobinson.ie County Council and Irish Rail, is also Cllr Gail Dunne suggested that the tures. Consultants W.S Atkins were E-mail: [email protected] being completed and is expected to be greenway be completed in different phas- appointed by Wicklow County Council to Bray, Co. Wicklow ready soon. es, as is being done with the Blessington look into the feasability of the Greenway Speakig at the October meeting of Greenway: “I think that is the way we and different route options. Wicklow County Council, Chair of should be doing it, we should be looking at The East Coast Greenway Group has Personal Injury Lawyers* Wicklow Town Team Dave Shannon different phases. We need to find out said that “We see the following key bene- named the greenway as the “flagship pro- which is the easiest part to do and start it. fits of this project: Create one of the very Medical Negligence* Catastrophic Injuries* ject” for the group. If there is part of the greenway that can be few coastal Greenway's in Europe with Workplace Accidents* Road Traffic Accidents* He said “The plan is that the Task Force done we should go and do it, we shouldn’t unrivalled scenery and market as a tourist will meet early in 2020 and discuss what be held back because to do the whole destination both nationally and interna- the next steps are. The project is not with- scheme will take time and I think we Trips and Falls* tionally. We expect over 500,000 visitors out its challenges, there are difficulties, the should do it in phases.” per annum when it’s up and running: This For professional, confidential and expert legal advice regarding main one being the protection of the envi- Cllr Gerry Walsh, who is working with ronment, but I don’t believe the environ- Wicklow Town Team on the East Coast level of tourism would generate badly Personal Injuries suffered, please do not hesitate to contact needed economic development for Brian Robinson or Clare-Ann Temple. ment and the greenway are mutually Greenway Project, said “we are all excited exclusive, I think they can work hand in about it and excited about what it will Wicklow, Kilcoole, Newcastle and Rory P. Benville B.C.L. hand if we have the right approach and do mean to the tourism offering for Wicklow Greystones; The East Coast Greenway in economic terms as well as everything would provide an excellent amenity for the Brian Robinson B.B.L.S., L.L.M. the right thing.” Chief Executive of Wicklow County else. We’ve seen the difference that the physical and mental health and wellbeing Eilish Bradshaw B.A., L.L.B., L.L.M. Council, Frank Curran, said “there are two Waterford Greenway has made, so it will of all residents near the route; The Clare-Ann Temple L.L.B. big issues with that greenway, one is be interesting to see the coastal protection Greenway would make a lot more people coastal erosion, the other is the ecological report.” aware of the spectacular natural beauty of *In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a side of it”. A Task Force was appointed by Minister areas along the route along with the many percentage or proportion of any award or settlement He said that these two aspects would be Simon Harris in September 2018 and a and sometimes rare wildlife.” WICKLOW

Tuesday 22nd October 2019 TimesLOCAL 5 WICKLOW

6 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 22nd October 2019 Public lighting faults cause concern with dark days ahead Councillors from various Municipal Districts have expressed concerns about the number of public lights that are out, as we move into the darker days of winter.

At the recent October residents. We are looking In Wicklow Town, Cllr cated with, but it seems to meeting of Wicklow to put a bit of pressure on Gail Dunne observed that have gone into a black County Council, Cllr Pat the ESB with the fact that “We are coming into the hole and nothing is hap- Kennedy warned that “last we are heading into the dark season, the clock pening.” winter there were winter months now and it will be going back shortly Speaking on the matter, hundreds of lights out, will need to be rectified.” and definitely in Wicklow Chief Executive of and we are facing the Cllr Steven Matthews Town there seems to be a Wicklow County Council same thing again this year said there are also prob- lot of lights out. We need Frank Curran said “we right across the county”. lems with lighting in to put a big effort in at certainly will follow it up Cllr Vincent Blake Bray: “As we are this time of year to make with the ESB and noted that there are hous- approaching winter, pub- sure the lights are work- Airtricity regarding Aoife Byrne, Aine Kavanagh, and Roisin Long are pictured at the Drink Wicklow Festival in ing estates in Carnew and lic lighting is going to ing.” Carnew and Shillelagh. In Micky Finn’s, Redcross. Shillelagh that have been become an issue again. A In Kilcoole, Cllr Tom waiting for lighting for number of problems are Fortune said “there was a terms of percentages of some time. “There are down to the ESB not survey done in the lights out, our numbers estates that were probably attending.” Kilcoole area a number of are comparable to the rest built ten years ago and Cllr Matthews asked if months ago, in regards to of the country. We will Calls for review of halted have no lights ever since,” the Chief Executive of the lights that were out, and have a scheme - the full said Cllr Blake. “They are Council could liaise with there are four or five that replacement of the light- sitting there, we are con- the ESB “to try and get a are out. The ESB need to ing with LED lights - N81 upgrade scheme tacting the ESB and vari- more timely approach to come in and physically which will help, but we ous different organisa- deal with ESB and carry out important work, can contact the ESB in tions. There are frustrated network faults”. they have been communi- relation to the issues.” Sinn Féin TD John Brady has called on the Government to carry out a review of the halted N81 upgrade scheme in West Wicklow with a view of progressing it. Wicklow students awarded After questioning the N81 shows how danger- 2027 at the earliest. on this issue, is com- Taoiseach on the need to ous the road is. “I asked the Taoiseach pletely disappointing. It process the shelved N81 “In the Dáil I ques- about the need for the is also letting the people € upgrade scheme Deputy tioned the Taoiseach, N81 to be progressed of West Wicklow down. 20,000 scholarship by Brady said Leo Varadkar and asked and in his response quite “I will continue to push “Unfortunately all the him to review the N81 remarkably he said he for this badly needed statistics show that the Hollywood Cross to wasn’t aware of the N81 scheme so that the safety upgrade scheme and issues are addressed and The Naughton Foundation N81 is one of the most Tallaght Road dangerous roads in the Improvement Scheme would follow it up with to allow West Wicklow State. This was also with a view of progress- the Minister and the to develop properly.” Wicklow student Ciara Fagan and Bray student Jack Lawlor were clearly shown in the ing it. After completing officials in his depart- According to a briefing € recent analysis that was a process of nearly 10 ment. released by the Kildare recently awarded a Naughton Foundation scholarship worth 20,000 carried out by Gamma years which had identi- “Why isn’t the scheme National Roads Office, at a ceremony in Trinity Business School in Dublin. Location Intelligence fied a route for the 31km that has been shelved the N81 between when they showed that a upgrade of the N81, the being pushed and given Tallaght and Hollywood The award was presented by founding patrons of The Naughton Foundation, Dr. Martin Naughton and his segment of the N81 project was shelved by priority? We see Cross has up to seven wife Carmel who were joined by Mr. Paschal Donohue TD, Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and close to Poulaphouca the government. It was announcements being times the national Reform. Bride to be the county’s cut from the National made on other road pro- average of head-on colli- Supporting academic and innovative excellence in Irish students, this Scholarship Award is an investment in most dangerous road Development Plan, as a jects, however the N81 sions and two times the the future of Ireland’s reputation as a country with outstanding graduates. segment. Tragically a result the scheme won’t Improvement Scheme national average of A former student of Dominican College, Ciara has accepted a place at Trinity College Dublin, studying recent fatality on the even be considered until has been shelved. Public single-vehicle crashes. Mathematics. Jack, a former student from Presentation College, Bray will be attending Trinity College Dublin safety is being jeopar- West Wicklow’s Cllr and will be studying Theoretical Physics. They join 36 exceptional Irish students who were awarded third level dised by the govern- Edward Timmins said scholarships towards their studies in the areas of engineering, science and technology. ments failure to progress earlier this month about Both Ciara’s and Jack’s former secondary schools, Dominican College and Presentation College were also the scheme, the fact that the issue: “We feel we presented with a prize of €1,000 on the day towards their school’s science facilities, for their support of these we have an absentee are being ignored and students. More than 200 schools have benefited from this prize to date with some schools receiving it on more Minister for Transport treated with contempt as than one occasion. and two minsters from councillors. Nothing is Speaking about the growth of the programme over the past eleven years, Dr. Martin Naughton commented: Wicklow that are silent being done.” “We started supporting students in their science and engineering studies in Louth, Meath and Monaghan in 2008 to give back to our local area. We never imagined what a wonderful community of connected young people the Naughton Scholarship program would become. It is heart-warming for us to read of their successes and how they are in turn giving back to society.” Since its establishment in 2008 scholarships worth over 4million have been awarded to nearly 300 students, the scheme started in three counties and has continued to expand annually to become a nationwide scheme in 2016. There is one guaranteed Scholarship (€20,000) for each participating county, with the exception of Cork and Dublin where there are two and four scholarships awarded respectively. Five additional Scholarships are also to be awarded. Each Scholarship is worth €5,000 per annum for each year of a student’s three or four year undergraduate degree. This year sees the Naughton Foundation also invest further in ‘Science in a Box’. The program runs for sixth class pupils for 25 weeks of the primary school year with PhD students spending one hour each week co-teach- ing with the class teacher, a specific aspect of the science curriculum.

Pictured at the 2019 Naughton Foundation Scholarship awards at Trinity College Dublin are (l-r) Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, winning scholar Ciara Fagan, Martin Naughton, winning scholar Jack Lawlor, and Carmel Naughton WICKLOW

Tuesday 22nd October 2019 TimesLOCAL NEWS 7 New report details Council’s performance in key service areas The performance of Wicklow County Council in a number of key service areas is detailed in the Local Authority Performance Indicator Report 2018 which was published last week. According to a the report by the classified as slightly polluted and less than 10% defective. National Oversight and Audit 27% moderately polluted. 93.92% With regards to ICT expenditure Commission (NOAC), Wicklow of drinking water in private (Information and Communications County Council had the lowest schemes was in compliance with Technology) as a percentage of certified sick leave rate in the statutory requirements. revue expenditure, Wicklow’s country in 2018. It found that Wicklow recorded spend was the highest in the coun- The Council had 715 wholetime the highest increase in expenditure try, at 2.7%. equivalent staff and just 2.51% of on repair and maintenance of local Regarding the Fire Service, it paid working days were lost to authority houses from 2017 to took an average of 5:16 minutes for sickness or absence through 2018 compared to every other the stations to mobilise fire Valerie Heatley and Katrina Shine are pictured at the 40th anniversary party for Fishers of medically certified leave. Local Authority. In private rented brigades for calls to fires and 5:22 Newtownmountkennedy. The report contains statistics on sector inspections, Wicklow was minutes for non-fire emergency the performance of 31 local author- one of three counties which had incidents. ities under 37 different perfor- failure rates of less than half of NOAC’s chairman Michael mance indicators. It looks at areas inspected dwellings not compliant McCarthy said that with this the Ardmore Rovers to celebrate 40 year history such as Housing, Environment, with the standards regulations. fifth annual report on performance Fire Service, Staff, Public Wicklow was also among the Ardmore Rovers, Bray’s largest football club, is celebrating its 40 year history in an Libraries, Technology & Social five local authorities (excluding indicators individual local authori- Media. the 6 large urban authorities) ties have a very useful mechanism exciting and memorable event in the Esplanade hotel, Strand Road, Bray, on Saturday, With regards to the Environment, which had the highest proportion to view, track and improve on their November 2nd. the report found that just 8% of Co. of regional roads in the poorest own performance relative to that of Wicklow is unpolluted or litter-free rating category, with 10% of other similar local authorities. RTE’s Soccer correspondent, Tony O’Donoghue, will MC a gala dinner that unites both past and present. The (one of only six local authorities Wicklow’s roads falling into this “Ultimately this will help evening will kick off with a drinks reception, followed by a gourmet meal, then dance the night away to a sound- that was below 10% in this catego- category. Less than a quarter of improve their service to the track from the last 40 years. “It is a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate a very rich and memorable past and ry), while 6% was classified as Wicklow’s regional roads were public,” he said. Data for the report look to continue to build towards an exciting future” says Club chairman Ciaran O’Connor. “"What is incredible ‘significantly polluted’, the joint given the PSCI (Pavement was collected by the Local is the enduring legacy that this club continues to have in the region.” second-highest percentage in the Surface Condition Index) rating Government Management Agency Tickets are available to buy from the club shop in Ballywaltrim Clubhouse this coming Saturday and Sunday country. 59%, meanwhile, was of 9-10, meaning ‘No Defects’ or on NOAC’s behalf. from 10am until 1pm or alternatively you can book your tickets by emailing,[email protected]. WICKLOW

8 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 22nd October 2019 Wicklow organisations shortlisted for prestigious environmental awards A Plus Service Centre, based in Bray, and Pure Project, based in Laragh, have both been shortlisted for 2019 Pakman Awards. Now in its 5th year, the national environmental awards celebrate sustainability champions who are putting innovative recycling and waste management practices into place across Ireland. A Plus Service Centre has category. The Pure Project Uplands. If you were to year, the number and been shortlisted in the is a partnership project put all this waste into quality of entries in the Tyre Champion category. and was established to standard household rub- Pakman Awards surpassed A Plus Service Centre combat illegal dumping bish bags, it would fill all our expectations. The have been advocates for and fly-tipping in the over 400,000 bags. dedication and innovation tyre recycling and have Wicklow/Dublin Uplands. The winners of these cate- volunteered to assist Pure Project utilise a gories will be announced shown by individuals and Repak ELT in surveys and multi-disciplined at the 2019 Pakman organisations across the data collection for many approach, incorporating a Awards which takes place country is amazing and years. Through all media number of enforcement on October 24th in the makes a real difference to Members of the Barndarrig PURE Mile group at the 2019 PURE Mile Gala Evening in the communications, A Plus and preventative measures Intercontinental Hotel, Ireland’s environment. Brooklodge Hotel. See more on page 10 Service Centre encourage including public reporting Dublin. Not only will A Now more than ever, people to always deal of dumping incidents, Plus Service Centre and Ireland needs environ- with a registered and dedicated clean-up vehi- Pure Project be in the run- approved tyre fitter that cle of illegal dumping, ning to take home top mental champions and we Illegal dumping at Adelaide Villas in Bray recycles their waste tyres GPS/GIS recording of all prize in their categories, are looking for organisa- properly. A Plus Service dumping sites, covert they will also be eligible tions, community groups Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has said that Wicklow County Council must take Centre also run their own CCTV, public awareness for the overall Pakman and individuals to lead by immediate action to clean up and halt the illegal dumping at the site in Bray where annual weekend tyre road campaigns,environmental Award, the winner of example. We look forward firefighters Brian Murray and Mark O’Shaughnessy died in 2007. show at Tesco in Bray, community projects and which will also be to showcasing A Plus announced at the awards highlighting safety and educational initiatives. Service Centre’s and Pure Deputy Brady said “For over six months now I have been reporting to the council illegal dumping that is taking recycling. Since the establishment of ceremony. Pure Project has been Pure, the project has Commenting on the 2019 Project’s environmental place at the site where brave firefighters Brian Murray and Mark O’Shaughnessy died in 2007, while tackling a initiatives and hope that fire. Local residents from Little Bray have also been in touch with the council to report the dumping. shortlisted in the removed over 3,300 Pakman Awards finalists, others will be inspired to Unfortunately no action has been taken to either stop the illegal dumping or have it cleaned up.” Environmental Education tonnes of illegal dumping Séamus Clancy, Repak Deputy Brady continued “Unfortunately it seems absolutely no lessons have been learned since the devastating and Awareness Initiative from the Wicklow/Dublin CEO commented: “This follow their lead.” fire in 2007 when our brave firefighters Brian and Mark died. Prior to the fire in 2007, illegal dumping had been ongoing at the disused building at Adelaide Villas in Bray. No action had been taken by the council in addressing the illegal dumping at the site. Unfortunately, 12 years later the inaction by the council in tackling the problem is inconceivable.” Council remove illegally dumped Deputy Brady concluded “Immediate action needs to be taken by the council to ensure that the site is cleaned up and that the illegal dumping is halted. The council must engage with the owner of the site and immediate mea- sures need to be taken to ensure the site is fully secured and cleaned. The people who are doing the illegal dump- waste from The Murrough ing must also be held to account for their actions and I would appeal to anyone who has any information about the dumping to bring it forward to the appropriate authorities.” Wicklow County Council has cleaned up the large quantities of waste that had been dumped illegally at the Murrough in Wicklow Town. The illegal dumping had been number of months, I’m glad that the area is also a proposed ongoing for a number of months they have eventually now acted. ‘National Heritage Area’ and at the environmentally protected Unfortunately due to the non ‘Flora Protection Order’. So the area. It had been reported to the action in addressing the serious illegal dumping that’s ongoing Environmental Protection illegal dumping at the environ- there is destroying a valuable Agency by John Brady TD. mentally protected area, I had to public amenity and an environ- Deputy Brady said “I welcome report it to the Environmental mentally important area.” moves by the council to finally Protection Agency and the Deputy Brady concluded “Whilst cleanup the illegally dumped National Parks and Wildlife I welcome the moves by the waste from the Murrough in Service. That pressure now council to finally have the illegal Wicklow Town. Unfortunately seems to have been critical is dumping at the Murrough the illegal dumping at the getting the council to finally act cleaned up, measures must be put Marrakesh Ltd is a family run business specialising in Murrough had been ongoing for and have the site cleaned up. in place to stop it happening Construction and Demolition Waste Management & Recycling, a considerable period of time. “The Murrough is not just a again. Vehicular access to the Site Clearance and Supply of Material from 4” down to Contractors have moved on site beautiful location that’s widely area must be restricted and and commenced clearly the waste used by many; it’s also an envi- CCTV must also be installed to Blinding, Recycled Screened Topsoil, Sand, Gravel etc. from the environmentally pro- ronmentally important area. It is ensure we don’t have this prob- tected area. covered by National and lem reoccurring. The perpetrators EPA LICENCED FACILITY • ALL TRUCKS CARRY WASTE PERMITS “I have been pressing the council European protection designations of this environmental vandalism for a number of months to take such as ‘Special Protection must also be held to account and Recycled: action to stop the dumping and Area’, in 2018 it was designated they must face the full rigours of • Screened Topsoil have the site cleaned up for a a ‘Special Area of Conservation’, the law.” • Screened no 2 soil

• 4" Down Crushed Concrete We also accept for recycling: • Clay • Stone • Concrete • Tarmac • Sand • 4" Clean Crushed Concrete • 3" Down Crushed Concrete • 3" Clean Crushed Concrete • Crushed Concrete Fines We can organise SITE CLEARANCES - no job too big or small • Crushed Tarmac Fines • No 2 Stone Also available: • Granite • Pebble • Sand Tel: 01 286 8119 Mobile: 087 664 1866 www.marrakeshltd.com John Brady TD at the site of the illegally dumped waste at the Murrough WICKLOW

Tuesday 22nd October 2019 TimesLOCAL 9

UP TO 50% OFF selected carpets and wood floors 20% OFF all floors in store Single beds from €199 (free headboard) 4’ 6’’ hotel quality double bed only • Free headboard • Free Duvet € • Free Pillows 349 • Free Delivery WICKLOW

10 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 22nd October 2019 10TH YEAR OF THE PURE MILE he Pure Mile, an environmental initiative which aims to create a recently submitted a project evaluation and Tgreater awareness of the countryside of Wicklow and South submission of extension Dublin, had its annual Gala Evening on Wednesday 16th October at to the Department of Communications, The Brooklodge Hotel, Macreddin, Aughrim. Climate Action and Environment, and they are confident that they will receive further funding to continue the project and their vari- ous initiatives. Project Manager of Pure, Ian Davis, stated "Pure was launched in 2006 and since that date it has proven extremely successful. We are the first project of its kind in Ireland and I would like to thank, the Department of Environment, Wicklow County Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, South Dublin County Council, Coillte, National Parks & Wildlife Service, and the Wicklow Uplands Council, for their con- Aisling Cullen and Winnie Phelan of the Ballinaclash PURE Mile group tinued support." with PURE Project Manager Ian Davis at the 2019 PURE Mile Gala Speaking at the 10th Evening in the Brooklodge Hotel. Annual PURE Mile Awards, Minister Andrew Doyle recog- their area. nesses, cycling groups ject.ie or it can be nised and praised the "The PURE Project is a and organisations col- downloaded from important, valuable and partnership project and lectively working on www.pureproject.ie/the- extensive work is the first of its kind in this with an estimated pure-mile/. You can achieved since the start Ireland which incorpo- 2500 volunteers also write to; Pure of this project and he rated statutory and non- involved in this year's Project, Wicklow acknowledged the vast statutory organisations. project. Mountains, National Ita Donohue, Tina Cruise, Oisin Lawlor and Aidan Cruise of the Glen Heste/Lishee Road PURE Mile voluntary effort which Launched in September “This is a phenomenal Park, Kilafin, Laragh, Group, are pictured with Minister Andrew Doyle and Cathaoirleach Irene Winters at the 10th annual contributes to its ongo- 2006 and now enhanc- achievement, and one A98 K286, and they PURE Mile Awards in the Brooklodge Hotel. ing success. ing and improving over which Wicklow should will post out all the "I am delighted to pre- 550 miles of road, be extremely proud of. information or request mountains, forests, It shows what can be The Pure Mile Project their hard work and of the Pure Mile, and Wicklow/Dublin sent the awards for the an application form and woodlands, upland accomplished by collec- encourages groups in achievements in this year over 100 com- Uplands. 2019 Pure Mile initia- information pack by amenities and beaches tive community effort Wicklow and South Cleaning Up The munities, groups, The groups ranged from tive, which tackles the phoning Pure on it has proven to be a and resolve and I would Dublin to adopt a mile Wicklow/Dublin scouts, beavers, primary all over Wicklow and issue of illegal dumping 0404 45547. Further very successful model like to congratulate all of road, or miles of Uplands, and for Pure schools, walking South Dublin, and each in our countryside and information on Pure can with over 11,000 indi- involved for the last 10 be found on purepro- road, in their local area, to thank them all. groups, cycling groups, one received a Pure encourages communi- vidual reports of dump- years and hopefully or in the Over 100 certificates of Mile Certificate, a ties and groups to keep ject.ie businesses and organi- ing to date and some their great work will Wicklow/Dublin participation were pre- selection of native Irish roads litter free as well sations, collectively 3,300 tonnes of waste continue." Uplands and organise sented by Mr. Andrew trees, and all will be as encouraging groups improved and enhanced removed from the land- Anyone interested in TO REPORT litter picks, clean-ups, Doyle, T.D., Minister of included in the popular to research information over 550 miles of roads, scape. the 2020 Pure Mile DUMPERS OR and anti-dumping cam- State for Food, Forestry Pure Mile Calendar, about local wild mountains, valleys, "There are over 80 competition can request paigns. The Gala and Horticulture, and which will be launched flowers, plants, trees, DUMPING forestries, woodlands, community groups in an application form and Evening is an opportu- the Cathaoirleach for in November. and animals, built/cul- and upland amenities, Wicklow including information pack by LO-CALL nity for all of the Pure Wicklow County Ian Davis, Pure Project tural/social heritage, with the removal of primary schools, busi- emailing info@purepro- Mile Groups to meet for Council, Cllr. Irene Manager commented on history and folklore of 1850 365 121 tonnes of illegal dump- one night, in one room, Winters. the night, and celebrate all of 2019 was the tenth year ing and litter from the 'The Pure Mile has grown every year and in 2019 we had over 2,500 volunteers involved in the project. We had some major clean-ups this year which resulted in the removal of over 4,000 bags of rubbish and illegal dumping from the Wicklow/Dublin Uplands. It's amazing the amount of time, effort, and enthusiasm that groups invest in the Pure Mile. All of the people involved in the Pure Mile make a huge difference to the areas they live in or recreate in, and it's an absolute pleasure meeting them, and getting to know them.' There were a number of Certificates of Recognition presented on the night with cash prizes reaching a total of €5,500. Carmel Spillane, Carol Heavey, and Anne Nolan of the Stratford on Slaney Funding for Pure is PURE Mile group at the 2019 PURE Mile Gala Evening in the Brooklodge scheduled to end in December this year, Maurice Wallis with Tom, Joe, and Danute McNamara of the Atha Cliath/Glencree Walking Groups Hotel. however, the project at the 2019 PURE Mile Gala Evening in the Brooklodge Hotel. WICKLOW

Tuesday 22nd October 2019 TimesLOCAL FEATURE 11

St Patricks 0-9 | AGB 0-7 t Patrick’s of Wicklow Town are the Champions of Co. Wicklow having overcome SAGB of Arklow in the Senior Football Championship in Glenealy, to claim the Miley Cup.

The win was a signifi- pelled as the lead was The Miley Cup was cant one for St. Pat’s, cut down to two-points presented to St. Patrick’s earning them their first (0-05 to 0-03), and soon Caption Stephen Duffy back-to-back senior into the second half by County Chairman titles in almost 60 years, ABG drew level. Martin Fitzgerald, and and a strong, determined By then, St Pat’s were the ‘Man of the Match’ display from Arklow surely kicking them- award went to the St. Geraldines Ballymoney selves for not making Pat’s centre half back ensured that such a more of their early dom- Conor Ffrench for a monumental achieve- inance, but they dug commanding perfor- ment was not secured deep and regained their mance from the back. easily. lead to make it 0-08 to St. Pat’s now will go Just two points sepa- 0-06 midway through to on to the Leinster rated the sides at the the second half. It was a campaign with confi- end, no disappointment fierce contest, albeit a dence. for those who expected low-scoring one, with a tight game with both AGB reducing the lead teams going into the to just a single point at final unbeaten on their one stage, and creating respective journeys. enough chances to win it In the early stages of themselves, but it’s tes- the game, however, the tament to the superb St Pat’s fans might have defending and determi- been forgiven for think- nation of Casey ing they could be in for O’Brien’s side that they a relaxing, comfortable never fell behind. A late afternoon, with their point from St. Pat’s in team establishing a 0-05 injury time meant that to 0-01 lead. By half- those St. Pat’s support- time, though, such ers could breathe easy thoughts had been dis- once again. Tá Sé’s Market Square,Wicklow Town €10 off This week’s specials in our Off Only Licence: All bottles of Bud - €1 * Carlsberg - Coors & Canadian each 1,000 litres Congatulations to St. Pat’s St Pat’s supporters Mila and Fianait Duffy at the ‘Rivals unite’: Mary Duffy from Wicklow Town with this voucher Senior Football Final in Aughrim, where St. Pat’s and Anne Healy from Arklow at the Senior of Wicklow Town beat AGB from Arklow. Football Championship final *T's & C's apply

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BARProud Sponsors of St. Patrick's GAA Call: 0404 44862 Club. Well done and best of luck in ask for Graham to book a consultation the Leinster Championship T: 0404 62773 E: [email protected] Unit W3A, Wicklow Enterprise Park, The Murrough, Wicklow Brian Murray Trading as Brian Murray Financial Services is Regulated by Abbey Street, Wicklow Town www.itsupport4u.ie the Central Bank of Ireland WICKLOW

12 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 22nd October 2019 Young Wicklow filmmaker is making his mark It has almost been a year since Wicklow native Sean Treacy took home the title of Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2019 at the Fresh International Film Festival.

The 15-year-old took home the ing. I can’t thank the Fresh Film come to camp from all across the title for his film ‘RUE’, a story enough for organising the whole world. At camp, Sean made a docu- about a boy who regrets his last event, it was just fantastic!” mentary about up and coming to words to his best friend. Since then, Sean has a huge presence on musician Nathan Nzanga, which he the talented youngster has reached social media, in particular, plans on releasing later this year. One of Spain’s leading tour operators, Tourmundial, and a group of travel agents working with international recognition, as his YouTube, with his personal channel Sean said, “At this camp, I short films have been screened all ‘Stellar’ having over 24 thousand learned an immense amount about Viajes El Corte Inglés - the tour operating arm of Spanish retailing giant El Corte Inglés - were over the world. subscribers. On this channel, he my craft, but also about myself. visiting Wicklow last week as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. The travel Speaking about his love for film, documents journeys in his personal This is a camp where I am sur- professionals were here to experience at first-hand the wealth of things to see and do here for Sean said, “I simply have a love for life, with video titles such as ‘Going rounded by people who have a simi- Spanish holidaymakers. One of the highlights of their action-packed itinerary was a guided tour art, because I love expressing emo- Vegan For 100 Days’, ‘Solving lar if not the same passion as me, of Russborough House in Blessington. tions in different forms, and film is Anxiety’ and ‘Finding My Tribe’. and so the creative energy which I Barbara Wood, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Spain, said: “We were delighted to invite these my favourite way of doing so.” Sean also has a filmmaking account was immersed in was genuinely influential Spanish travel professionals to Wicklow and Ireland this week. Their visit is an ‘RUE’ has gone on to be selected containing his award-winning short life-changing. Both times, it really excellent opportunity to showcase our superb tourism offering. Seeing is believing – and our aim for three international film festivals films with over 4 thousand sub- was an incredible experience.” is that when they return home, they will be even more enthusiastic about the destination, in Brazil, Serbia and just recently scribers. Currently, he is in the production Norway. In Norway, it will be Over the summer, Sean embarked stage of his next short film. He is helping to secure a greater share of their business for Ireland.” screened at the opening ceremony. on a new challenge by co-presenting directing the film and will also be Pictured are Susan Bolger, Tourism Ireland (left); tour guide Cecilia Ferrari (right); and the His other short film, ‘SPARK’ has a TV show produced by Tailor starring as the lead for the first time Spanish travel professionals, during their visit to Russborough House. also been recently selected to take Films in association with RTE. It is ever. The film will move into the part in the ‘Up and Coming’ a children’s bedroom makeover post-production stage in two weeks, Hanover International Film Festival, show called ‘Ace My Space’ in with the final product planning to be after being selected in the top 150 which Sean and his other co-presen- ready in November. David Rowan announced as keynote out of over 4,000 submissions. This ter travel across Ireland as they Sean said, “This has made the festival is one of the oldest and redesign children’s bedrooms based short film a completely new experi- highest regarded in the sector, on their passions. The ten-episode ence for me, and it is one I have speaker at inaugural Mid East focussing on young filmmakers as series is set to start playing on thoroughly enjoyed so far. The cast artists and emerging professionals, RTE 2 every weekend from and crew have been so hard-work- with the age range expanding up to November to December. ing and helpful that it really has Regional Innovation Conference 27. ‘SPARK’ has also been selected As if that wasn’t enough, he was been a blast so far.” for four other international film fes- also scouted for a week-long inten- While Sean is only a fourth-year Wicklow Local Enterprise Office is partnering with Meath, Kildare & tivals in Georgia, Brazil, Serbia, and sive summer camp, ‘Prodigy student in secondary school, he has Poland. The results from these festi- Camp’, which is designed for the already made an impressive name Carlow Local Enterprise Offices to present the Mid-East Regional vals will be announced in the fol- most promising young filmmakers for himself in the film industry, with Innovation Conference, taking place on Thursday 31st October at the lowing months. and songwriters in the world. many more interesting projects on Speaking about winning Young Located in Washington, Sean had the way. He credits his success to Osprey Hotel, Naas, County Kildare. Filmmaker of the Year, he said, “I attended the camp before, thanks to his start with the Fresh International was really honoured and chuffed Fresh International Film Festival. Film Festival. The event is to cele- Spotify, Xiaomi, Nest, Click Funnels experts. “Innovation is the key to that it was my film that won. It’s Filmmaker Rick Stevenson and the The call for entries for Ireland’s brate the thriving culture Twitter, and collecting From the age of 13 he survival for every busi- one the actors and I worked really Prodigy Camp staff hand-selected Young Filmmaker of the Year 2020 of innovation that exists together some inspiring has been a highly suc- ness, no matter how hard on, I couldn’t have done it 20 of the most talented teens is now open. The closing date for throughout the Mid-East stories. cessful disruptive e- small. This must attend without them, and they were amaz- between the ages of 13 and 18 to entries is Friday, January 24, 2020. Region, and to recognise Speaking in advance commerce and social event is a great opportu- the increased demand on of the event David said media entrepreneur and nity for our clients to the Mid East Local “Too many organisations is also a partner and engage with top innova- Enterprise Offices from think “innovation” can Creative Director in tors in their field as this the emerging technology be left to a specialist V353. is a celebration of the sector for support in department, or acquired Attendees will explore innovative spirit that we their development and through hackathons and ‘Supporting Innovation see in the Mid-East the increase in demand startup accelerators. I in the Commercial Region. The Local from small businesses can offer guidance on World’ with agency Enterprise Offices for support in innova- specific approaches to speakers from Maynooth across the country strive tion. innovation that work, University, Carlow IT for innovation in every Headlining the event from insights I’ve and UCD. Speakers region, so this is a very is David Rowan, world gained through experi- from Enterprise Ireland, exciting event to be a renowned speaker, inno- ence working with the Grant Thornton and part of.” vation expert and author companies and Local Enterprise Offices The Regional of best-selling Non- entrepreneurs that are will highlight the range Innovation Conference Bullshit Innovation: changing our world. I of Financial supports is taking place on Radical Ideas from the look forward to sharing available to SME’s. Thursday 31st of World’s Smartest Minds. these insights with you Jacqui McNabb, Head October at the Osprey David tells a story of at the Mid-East Regional of Enterprise for Local Hotel, Naas, County transformation through Innovation Conference Enterprise Office Kildare from 8am to innovation and how this October”. Kildare said: “We’re 1pm. You can access companies have found The event will also very excited to be host- tickets on the Local new ways of doing host disruptive e-com- ing such a high caliber Enterprise Office things through innova- merce and social media line up of speakers at the Kildare Website or by tion driven by ruthless entrepreneur, Seánie Mid-East Regional following the link; entrepreneurial imagina- Walsh. Discover the true Innovation Conference http://bit.ly/LEOInnovat tion. Having taken 130 power of digital market- this year. It’s a really ion2019. flights in the past year ing and ecommerce, and good opportunity for the Guaranteed to engage, on a quest to find gen- explore the social media businesses in the Mid- empower and inspire uine innovation inside landscape with the East to hear directly aspiring entrepreneurs successful companies, Castlebar native and from David, Séanie and across the region, this is David has investigated Creative Director of Los our other guest speakers an event not to be the organisations and Angeles based, Business on their approach to missed. entrepreneurs that are Rockstars. Seánie is innovation” For more information, changing our world - unlike any other 25- Vibeke Delahunt, Vibeke Delahunt, Tel: spending time with the year-old in this space Head of Enterprise for 0404 30800, enter- founders of WhatsApp, and is recognised as one Local Enterprise Office [email protected] Sean Tracey pictured after winning Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Award with Jayne Foley, LinkedIn, Google, Didi, of the world’s leading Wicklow stated: co.ie founder of Fresh International Film Festival, and comedian Pat Shortt. WICKLOW

Tuesday 22nd October 2019 TimesLOCAL FEATURE 13

alloween is just around the corner, a peel was allowed to drop to the floor as it was celebration of everything spooky! Kids peeled, it would form the love to don the witches hats and scary initial letter of the lucky H spouse. masks and make a night of trick or treating in Apples also featured in the ‘ducking for apples’ their local estates. game where the object is However, there is a lot be extinguished and cere- But it was also, as the to retrieve an apple from more to Halloween than monially re-lit by druids. last day of the year, the a barrel or large bowl of bobbing for apples and It was also a festival not time when the souls of the water without using hands things that go bump in the unlike the modern New departed would return to or feet. There was nothing night and believe it or not Year’s Day in that it car- their former homes and particularly symbolic the celebration actually ried the notion of casting when potentially malevo- about the origin of has Irish roots. out the old and moving lent spirits were released Halloween games such as To find the origin of into the new. from the Otherworld and these. They are fun games Halloween, you have to To our pagan ancestors were visible to mankind. in which all ages can par- look to the festival of it marked the end of the The Celts celebrated ticipate, and apples were Samhain in Ireland’s pastoral cycle, a time four major festivals each plentiful at this time of Celtic past. Samhain had when all the crops would year. None of them was the year. three distinct elements. have been gathered and connected in anyway to A ring (and sometimes Firstly, it was an impor- placed in storage for the the sun’s cycle. The origin a thimble, too) were tant fire festival, celebrat- long winter ahead and of Halloween lies in the mixed into a large bowl of ed over the evening of when livestock would be Celt’s Autumn festival this warming, simple dish 31st October and through- brought in from the fields which was held on the which was placed in the out the following day. The and selected for slaughter first day of the 11th of long, dark nights ? famously sensitive to any middle of the table. Each flames of old fires had to or breeding. month, the month known marked the beginning of slight! person sitting around the Avoid a face paint as November in English the year and progressed Among the specific ter- table took a spoonful of but as Samhain in Irish. into the lighter days of rors of Halloween were the potato and cabbage mishap this Wicklow County Council The festivals are known spring, summer and the Fomorians who mixture, dipping it into by other names in other autumn. So the 1st of believed they had a right the well of melted butter Halloween is asking everyone to help Celtic countries but there November, Samhain, was to take back to the at its centre. The person the Celtic New Year, and Otherworld their share of who found the ring was by following a few is usually some similarity, If parents do decide to allow their kids wear face if only in the translation. the celebrations began at fresh milk, grains and live sure to be married within sunset of the day before, children. the year. The thimble, paints, Dermatology Nurse Specialist, Selene Daly sensible rules: In Scottish Gaelic, the has these tips for minimising the risk of damage: autumn festival is called ie its Eve. To ward off the evil let when used, denoted life For Celts, Samhain was loose at Samhain, huge without love and mar- * Do not leave material lying around that may be Samhuinn. In Manx it is a spiritual time, but with a bonfires were lit and peo- riage. •Do not wear it for too long and never wear it to bed. taken for a bonfire; many garage or garden shed Sauin. The root of the lot of confusion thrown ple wore ugly masks and The origin of items such as petrol, white spirits, diesel, aerosols, word - sam - means sum- into the mix. Being disguises to confuse the Halloween ‘trick or treat- •Use make-up remover for sensitive skin to clean it batteries, tins of paint, bottles and tyres are extreme- mer, while fuin means ‘between years’ or ‘in spirits and stop the dead ing’ seems to have been a off - avoid using baby wipes. ly dangerous if set on fire end. And this signals the transition’, the usually identifying individuals Druid ritual of collecting * Parents, business and householders should not idea of a seasonal change fairly stable boundaries who they may have dis- eggs, nuts and apples •Moisturise the skin after you have cleaned the paint provide any materials for bonfires. rather than a notion of between the Otherworld liked during their own from the individual off to help it recover. * Do not facilitate illegal bonfires or firework dis- worship or ritual. and the human world lifetime. homes of the community. plays on or near your home or property The other group of became less secure so that Just as spells and incan- These offerings were •If your child suffers any irritation from the face * Explain the dangers of illegal fireworks and bon- Celtic languages (known puka, banshees, fairies tations of witches were meant to bring some pro- paints, don’t take any chances, remove it from the fires to children and teenagers as Q-Celtic) have very and other spirits could especially powerful at tection from bad luck skin and don’t use it again. * Stay a safe distance from bonfires and fireworks - different words but a sim- come and go quite freely. Samhain, so the night was such as damage to crops wind can carry sparks long distances and can cause ilar intention. In Wales, •Consult your Pharmacist or Doctor if you have any There were also ‘shape believed to be full of por- or livestock in the next permanent injuries and scars the day is Calan Gaeaf, concerns about a reaction to face paints. shifters’ at large. This is tents of the future. year. Those that were * Stay with your children and escort them on “trick which means the first day where the dark side of Celts looked to the miserly in their offerings or treat” visits, parties and events of winter. In Brittany, the day is Kala Goanv, which Halloween originated. future at Samhain and were likely to have a trick * Do not buy, use or supply fireworks Samhain marked the played on them. These * Respect the work of the Emergency Services, means the beginning of could see ‘clues’ to the November. end of the final harvest of year ahead in the simplest pranks were harmless Council Staff and the Garda the summer, and all enough, but intended to * Keep pets indoors on Halloween night The Celts believed that things. Even peeling an the passage of a day apples had to have been apple could provide a clue cause confusion ie chang- * Above All - Be Safe and Stay Safe picked by the time the ing the direction a gate * Contact the Fire Brigade by calling 999 or 112 if began with darkness and to the name of a future progressed into the light. day’s feasting began. It wife or husband; if the opened. you see a bonfire being lit close to buildings, trees, was believed that on overhead cables, underground services or car park- The same notion explains why Winter ? the season Samhain, the puca or ing areas. ‘Irish evil fairies’ spat on any unharvested apples to make them inedible. Celtic tales are full of heroic warriors and mys- tical gods. They are also the origin of Halloween’s (and Ireland’s) preoccupa- tion with the ‘little peo- ple’. Halloween Experience The Banshee is another fairy, always female, who October 26, 2019 - October 28, 2019 warns of approaching death by letting loose a Wacky Wizard Party in the Enchanted Forest: € terrible, eerie wail (the This Spectacular Family-Friendly Halloween Day Event Banshee scream) that is is open to the public! This event is NOT SCARY, but guaranteed to send a shiv- rather full of crazy Halloween fun and laughter er down the spine of those € that hear it. If you hear All adults and children need a ticket, and your ticket includes: the cry of the Banshee of • Train to Enchanted Forest • Ghoulish Hunt Ireland, you should look • Wizard Party in the Forest • Halloween Arts & Crafts out for a funeral carriage • Halloween Disco & Cinema pulled by a headless We hope EVERYONE will come in costume! PRIZES TO BE WON for horse. Best Dressed and Best Dressed Family EACH DAY! Since humans could see Adults €8. Children €10. Infants (under 12 months) are FREE. these spirits on this night, The Lakehouse restaurant and ice cream parlour is open all they might try to appease weekend for food, dessert, ice creams and gourmet coffee them, but could easily fall foul of them by commit- Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow ting an unexplained dis- courtesy. The spirits were TO BOOK: www.irelandholidaypark.com WICKLOW

14 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 22nd October 2019 ALONE reach out to older people living in poverty ALONE, the organisation that supports older people to age at home, is encouraging people to be mindful of older people in our society who may be experiencing financial difficulty and even living in poverty.

International Day for housing standards, paying The organisation was ALONE for support. At the Eradication of Poverty utility bills, transport disappointed in Budget ALONE, we work with was last Thursday, and costs in rural areas, and 2020, due to the lack of people who are experienc- ALONE seized the occa- the cost of home supports. support for older people ing these difficulties and sion to urge any older per- Some older people in the areas of pensions, support them to overcome son who may be experi- ALONE that work with home supports and the them. It is vital that the encing financial difficul- have to cut out essentials rise in the carbon tax. public at large recognise ties to reach out to them to ensure their budgets They had hoped that the that there are many older to ask for support. balance - for example, by state pension would be people who are living in Many older people in waiting until their home increased by €7 - €9 this poverty.” today’s society may find gets too cold to manage year, in order bring the He continued: “This themselves struggling before putting on the heat- pension up to 35% of Thursday, on International financially, and poverty is ing, or staying in bed to average earnings, which Day for the Eradication of a reality for some. save on fuel costs. As our would help older people Poverty, help us take posi- Currently the poverty line population gets older, to become more financial- tive steps towards elimi- in Ireland is €252.11; with more people living in ly secure. nating poverty among however, older people unstable rented accommo- “Financial difficulties older people in Ireland. receiving the Contributory dation, it is likely that are the third most com- ALONE staff work with Pension receive €248.30 even more older people mon issue experienced by older people every day per week. will experience financial older people who come to who are experiencing Paul, Lynda, and Lauren Burke at the Drink Wicklow Festival in Micky Finn’s, Redcross. “Ultimately, the gap hardship. When living on ALONE for support,” said financial hardship, and we between rich and poor is 252.11 per week, diffi- ALONE CEO Seán create individualised sup- getting wider,” said cult choices must be made Moynihan. “This includes port plans for each per- ALONE CEO Seán and any unforeseen bills older people living with- son,” he concluded. “For ‘Funding to reinstate the Moynihan. “Most of us or expenses can result in out indoor bathroom facil- any older person who may will be reliant on the State older people having to ities and in unsafe hous- be experiencing financial pension as we get older rely on charitable organi- ing conditions, who are difficulties today, we are and we don’t see this sations for support. experiencing financial encouraging you to reach coastal walk at Arklow North changing any time soon. As an organisation, abuse, and who cannot out to ALONE and to talk But this is simply not ALONE endeavours to manage to pay their about it. Support is avail- enough for someone to support older people monthly expenses, many able and poverty and Beach must be prioritised’ live on securely.” experiencing these diffi- of whom had been strug- financial difficulties are Other issues include culties and assist them gling for some time not something that anyone difficulties maintaining when they need it most. before approaching has to experience alone.” Sinn Féin TD John Brady has said that funding to reinstate the currently closed coastal walk at Arklow North Beach must be prioritised by the Government. Student accommodation needed -

Deputy Brady said “The popular coastal walk at North Beach, Arklow has remained closed since it was badly damaged in Storm Ophelia. During the storm large sections of the walk were washed away when the coastal do you have a spare room? defences were breached. The council had no choice but to close the walk to the public due to concerns for public safety. Social Democrats Candidate for Wicklow, Cllr. Jennifer Whitmore has “Coastal protection is also need to be addressed at the North Beach and Wicklow County Council in conjunc- tion with Irish Rail is in the process of completing a study of the entire Wicklow coastline using funding from highlighted an initiative of UCD Students Union, who are hoping to encourage the OPW. Completing this report and getting funding for any improved coastal defences will be a timely homeowners in Wicklow, in particular Bray and Greystones, to rent any spare process. Keeping the coastal walk closed indefinitely simply isn’t an option, so government must give priority to room they may have to students. getting it reopened.” Deputy Brady continued “In parallel with coastline study the council have made an application to the Cllr Whitmore said “We are all acutely aware of the housing crisis that we are experiencing in the country. Department of Rural and Community Development for funding under the Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure This impacts different people in so many different ways. Scheme, this has been done through the Wicklow Partnership.” “One group that have been hit hard by the lack of suitable accommodation and the high cost of rentals are Deputy Brady concluded “I have been consistently raising the need for funding to improve the coastal students hoping to attend university in Dublin. In fact, many students have had to either give up their university protection along with the reopening of the walk at North Beach, Arklow with Minister Boxer Moran. On foot of courses because they cannot afford to move to Dublin, or have to commute long distances from other counties. an invitation from me he visited Arklow in 2017 to inspect the damage. I welcome that a study is now in the “I have recently worked with UCD Students Union to highlight their ‘Spare Room’ iniative, which outlines process of being carried out; this is with a view of addressing improved coastal protection. We now need them to the benefits to homeowners of renting a room to students during term time. They are particularly interested in follow through with immediate funding so that the severely damaged coastal walkway at North Beach can reaching out to homeowners in areas with good public transport links to UCD, such as Bray. reopen for use by the public.” “Providing digs for students can have many advantages for homeowners, in particular it offers a way to earn some additional income. And under the Government’s ‘Rent a Room’ scheme, homeowners can earn up to €14,000 per year tax-free.” Cllr Whitmore concluded “If you are interested or would like to find out more, UCD SU have a website where SOLAS shines a spotlight on further you can get more information at ucdsu.ie/supports/spare-room/ or email [email protected] education and training opportunities

A new campaign has been launched by SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority in partnership with ETBI, to showcase further education and training (FET) and to promote FET opportunities in Wicklow and around the country.

The ‘This is FET’ campaign is centred around a new website, thisisfet.ie, which tells the stories of learners, graduates and employers about the positive impact FET has had on their careers and businesses. Information about the diverse range of FET courses can also be found on the website. As part of the campaign, images from the website have been projected and hung from some of Ireland’s most iconic buildings including Wicklow County Council, Liberty Hall in Dublin and the Rock of Cashel. Commenting at the launch of ‘This is FET’, Nikki Gallagher, Director of Communications and Secretariat at SOLAS, said “it is brilliant to hear so many FET success stories. We know the positive impact FET can have on the lives of individual learners, businesses and communities in Wicklow and around Ireland. We’re calling on the people of Wicklow to check out This is FET to get a flavour of the type of courses available to them, whether through Kildare and Wicklow ETB or surrounding providers. No matter where you are in your education or your career, FET courses offer flexible, life-long learning.” Nessa White, General Secretary at ETBI said: “Through the extensive ETB network, we can ensure that FET has a presence in every town and every community in Ireland. Not only does this mean that FET is easy to access, it also means that we are close to and responsive to the needs of the community.” Thisisfet.ie is a collaboration between SOLAS and the ETBs and aims to be an information hub as well as showcasing the achievements and success of FET learners. Cllr Jennifer Whitmore, pictured with Katie O’ Dea and Una Carroll, UCD Students Union. WICKLOW

Tuesday 22nd October 2019 TimesLOCAL 15 WICKLOW

16 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 22nd October 2019 Wicklow celebrates biggest ever National Women’s Enterprise Day

The largest-ever programme of events for National Women’s Enterprise Day The networking event participation of females us the opportunity to nesswomen engaged took place across the country last week on October 17th. An annual initiative for entrepreneurs in Co. in our entrepreneurial highlight the success with their LEO on sup- Wicklow took place at landscape and it is very stories of women in ports in 2018. The latest of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), including LEO Wicklow, the theme beautiful Ballyknocken positive to see the stats County Wicklow, who Global Entrepreneurship for this year’s event was ‘Making It Happen’ with the aim of inspiring more Cookery School, moving in the right continue to do amazing Monitor report for women in Ireland to start and grow their own business. Ashford. Over 40 local direction. Events like things in business, Ireland also shows that female entrepreneurs National Women’s across every sector. The nearly 40% of new busi- and businesswomen par- Enterprise Day play a day itself is also an ness owners in 2018 ticipated and enjoyed key role in continuing opportunity for busi- were women. facilitated networking, that momentum. Ireland nesswomen to network, National Women’s while cooking Italian has a marvellous engage, share tips and Enterprise Day is just antipasti with the fabu- entrepreneurial culture advice and to find out one of the initiatives of lous Catherine Fulvio. that is evident across the what supports are avail- the Local Enterprise Later, Catherine deliv- world and we need more able for their business Offices aimed at foster- ered a motivational talk females to become part through their Local ing entrepreneurship on her rise from local of the journey. Today is Enterprise Office.” and assisting companies B&B owner to celebrity about celebrating those National Women’s to start up and grow. chef, emphasising how who have already done Enterprise Day has Others include Local she made it happen, it and encouraging oth- grown year-on-year with Enterprise Week, the tying in with the theme ers to take the first step. 17 events taking place National Enterprise of NWED 2019 which is I would encourage all across the country with Awards, the Student ‘Making it Happen’. budding female over 1,700 female Enterprise Programme, National Women’s entrepreneurs to contact entrepreneurs in atten- Ireland’s Best Young Enterprise Day was offi- their Local Enterprise dance. This growth in Entrepreneur (IBYE), cially opened by Pat Office and check out the popularity has been Local Enterprise Breen T.D., Minister of range of supports that reflected in the national Showcase in the RDS State for Trade, are available.” growth in female and the Local Enterprise Employment, Business, Vibeke Delahunt of entrepreneurship across Village at the EU Digital Single Local Enterprise Office the country. There was National Ploughing Market and Data Wicklow, said; “Now in an 18% increase in Championships. Protection, who attend- its thirteenth year, female entrepreneurs Local Enterprise ed the Dublin event in National Women’s taking Local Enterprise Offices in local authori- Fingal. He said: “It is Enterprise Day is an Office training pro- ties are funded by the Pictured at the Local Enterprise Office Wicklow’s National Women’s Enterprise Day 2019 in important for Ireland as important milestone in grammes last year as Government of Ireland Ballyknocken House and Cookery School were Kim Smyllie, Margaret Meagher, Ann McLoughlin and a country that there the Local Enterprise almost 22,000 female through Enterprise Maria Klyne. Pic: Joe Keogh should be a far greater Office calendar. It gives entrepreneurs and busi- Ireland. Dublin Mint Office partners with iconic artist to launch free medal The Dublin Mint Office has launched a new medal in partnership with Jim FitzPatrick to celebrate our Irish Myths and Legends. The medal will be available free to the public.

The medal depicts Jim’s original artwork of Ériu, the mythological matron god- tion and form a vital part dess of Ireland, from whose name the word Éire evolved. According to Irish of our culture and identi- mythology, the first people to arrive in Ireland were greeted by the goddess and her ty. From a young age, I sisters, Banba and Fódla. Ériu asked that the land be named after her, as a gift from collected comic books, the invaders. stamps and coins with a The other side of the medal displays a Celtic design. Both images are the works major Celtic myths and of the famed Irish artist Jim FitzPatrick, who is renowned for presenting Celtic legends fascination which mythology in vivid colour. is why this partnership Artist Jim FitzPatrick said: “It is incredibly gratifying for me as an artist to see with The Dublin Mint my work reproduced in a three-dimensional medal form. This will help people to Office is a perfect fit and connect with the legends which have been passed down from generation to genera- has been two years in the works.” New art piece commissioned in People’s Park Irish Myths and Legends is a very popular The Bray Municipal District Council have commissioned a new public art piece in the theme across the country, People’s Park. The artwork is a comment on how the everyday actions of humanity and was voted for by The contribute to the damage of our ecosystem. Dublin Mint Office cus- tomers during a customer Toxins leach into wildlife and threaten the intrinsic biodiversity of our earth. The design is a vivid survey. reminder of the universality of pollution and was produced by Subset, who are a collection of artists, Spokesperson of The designers and filmmakers based in Dublin. This is the town’s fifth public art installation and it is hoped Dublin Mint Office that it will build on the Brave Maeve Story Trail’s award-winning success. Kathy Clarke said: “We Cllr Steven Matthews, Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District said, “Bray is a strong supporter of the are thrilled to be partner- arts and by commissioning public art installations throughout the town strengthens this message. This ing with the talented latest piece of art attempts to raise awareness about how humans have had a significant impact on the artist, Jim FitzPatrick. world’s ecosystem health and vitality. Street art is something you really need to see in person, and I would His beautiful designs urge locals and visitors alike to take a trip to see this incredible installation up close and personal.” have brought joy to Irish SUBSET are a collection of artists, from various fields, exploring several mediums. If they see an oppor- people for decades and tunity to express themselves, they go after it. What they do changes almost every day but so far, they have we are very proud to see worked on multiple artistic projects, most notable being their Stormzy, Gracie and Donald Trump pieces his work immortalised which have been a catalyst for discussion surrounding Dublin City Council’s approach to large format forever on this medal. We artwork in the public realm. They have also worked on client projects for brands such as Paddy Power, Red are continuously striving Bull Music, Conor McGregor, BMW, Dr. Marten’s, Kendrick Lamar and the DAA, to name but a few, in to provide our collectors areas such as Sponsored Art Campaigns, Visual Communication, Video Production, Photography and with medals they will Interior Design. enjoy and feel a connec- The Bray mythology was written and illustrated by Chris Judge with the help of 50 local Wicklow tion with, and we are children who between them, devised this exciting story in workshops in Killruddery House and Signal Arts proud to offer a medal Centre in September 2017. Artist Jim FitzPatrick with Kathy Clarke, Country Manager for The Dublin that was so highly voted You can travel along the trail on Bray Seafront using the map and read the story together with your Mint Office, holding a model of the free Myths and Legends Medal from The for by our customers.” family or use your imaginations and create your own adventure with Maeve and the creatures she meets. Dublin Mint Office, which features Jim FitzPatrick’s design of the Celtic The Ériu medal is free The Brave Maeve Story Trail won the ‘Best Use of Creativity in the Community’ Award at the Business € Goddess Ériu (+ 3.95 postage) with no to Arts Awards. The story trail was launched back in November 2017. further commitments. WICKLOW

Tuesday 22nd October 2019 TimesLOCAL NEWS 17 Don’t let the flu get to you The HSE is urging people in at-risk groups to get vaccinated against influenza. Figures show that vaccine uptake rates in people aged 65 and over increased in Ireland last year.

Minister for Health, nated and so put them- indicated; Healthcare treatments. Your doctor Simon Harris TD said, selves at risk of serious workers; Carers of people will usually suggest that “Vaccination remains the illness or even death. in medical at-risk cate- you have the flu vaccine if most effective means “The vaccine reduces gories; People in regular you have low immunity of preventing infection by infection and associated contact with pigs, poultry due to cancer or its treat- seasonal influenza illnesses and hospitalisa- or water fowl. ment. But always check viruses”. tion. Flu is very infectious This year’s seasonal flu with them first.” said “We have seen and can cause potentially vaccine gives broader pro- Aileen McHale, Cancer improvement in vaccina- serious illnesses especial- tection against flu than the Information Services tion rates among our ly for older people, those vaccine used in previous Manager at the Irish healthcare staff in recent who have a chronic ill- years, because it protects Cancer Society. years but this still remains ness, those with weakened against four of the com- “The flu vaccine injec- far too low. The vaccine is immune systems and mon flu virus strains a lifesaver because flu can pregnant women. expected to be circulating tion doesn't contain live be a very serious and Seasonal flu vaccine can this year based on advice flu virus so you won’t sometimes deadly disease. be given at any stage of from the World Health develop flu from having it. The common side “I would encourage all pregnancy and also pro- Organization. The flu vac- Lifeboat volunteer Ian Heffernan is pictured receiving his pager from Operations Manager Des healthcare staff to avail of tects the baby. The flu cine used in previous sea- effects are mild, including Davitt after completing probationary training at Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Station. Ian will join the flu vaccine and show vaccine cannot give you sons protected against soreness, redness and leadership in this regard. the flu as it does not con- three strains of the flu swelling where the injec- the crew and carry his pager at all times ready to respond at a moment’s notice when it activates. By receiving the flu vac- tain any live flu virus and virus. Seasonal flu vac- tion was given, Ian was one of two recruits from Wicklow, who recently completed a vital training module at the cine, you protect the vul- all those at risk should get cines are safe and have headaches, and body RNLI College in Poole. Volunteers like Ian are regularly called away from their families, their nerable people in your vaccinated as soon as pos- been given for more than aches and pains,” McHale beds and their work, any time of the day, ready to go and help others in peril at sea. care as well as yourself.” sible this year to make 60 years to millions of added. The HSE’s flu vaccine sure that they are protect- people across the world. “The flu vaccine is a lead, Dr John Cuddihy, ed. Reactions are generally lifesaver for people with said that the flu vaccine is The following groups of mild and serious side long-term health condi- Big fall in availability of overnight respite a lifesaver because flu can at-risk people should be effects are very rare. tions, including cancer,” be a very serious and vaccinated against season- The Irish Cancer said Dr Chantal Migone, New figures have revealed that there was almost a drop of one-third in the number of sometimes deadly disease, al influenza: Everyone Society says that people Specialist in Public respite nights available in Co. Wicklow from 2015 to 2018. with potentially 1,000 flu aged 65 years and over; who are undergoing or Health Medicine at the The figures provided to Fianna Fáil show that there were 10,419 respite overnights in 2015 but just 7,354 related deaths in Ireland Pregnant women; Anyone have undergone NIO. “Healthy people during a severe flu season. over six months of age chemotherapy and other in 2018 - a drop of 3,065 in three years. who live with, or come “People need to remem- with a long term illness cancer treatments are at Fianna Fáil TD Pat Casey said the drop in the number of respite nights available in Co. Wicklow is “shock- into contact with, at-risk ber that flu causes severe requiring regular medical increased risk of contract- ing” given the growing need for the service. illness and death in follow-up such as chronic ing influenza because of individuals like people He said, “Nationally there has been a drop of some 26,523 respite overnights for people with disabilities Ireland every year. That is lung disease, chronic their weakened immune with cancer can pass the between 2015 and 2018 - representing a 14.3% decrease. why those who are most heart disease, diabetes, systems. virus onto them even “It’s hard to believe there would be such a reduction when the need for respite is growing. Every week I vulnerable to the compli- cancer or those with lower “Some cancer treat- before they develop the hear from people in Wicklow who are fighting for respite overnights for their loved ones. cations of flu need to get immunity due to disease ments lower immunity symptoms of flu,” added “As it stands the figures for 2019 don’t look as though they will be any better. From the beginning of the vaccinated. The flu vac- or treatment; Residents of and lower your resistance Dr Migone. It’s important year to the end of June there were just 3,975 respite overnights in Wicklow. At best any increase will be cine is the best defence nursing homes and other to flu. These may include that people who have can- modest and will still be significantly behind what was delivered four years ago. against flu, yet every year long stay facilities; People chemotherapy, radiothera- cer, as well as their house- “Overnight respite is crucial for many families. It provides a much-needed break for carers in particular. many people in the at-risk who have physical or py, some targeted cancer hold contacts get the flu Demand for respite is not going to fall and we need to address it and give those who need it so much the groups fail to get vacci- intellectual disabilities, as drugs and immunotherapy vaccine every year. break they deserve,” he concluded.

(F.D.A. APPROVED) AIR OR GAS EMBOLISM DELAYED RADIATION INJURY (SOFT TISSUE AND BONY NECROSIS) REFRACTORY OSTEOMYELITIS (INFECTED BONE) SKIN GRAFTS AND FLAPS (COMPROMISED) THERMAL BURNS CRUSH INJURY, COMPARTMENT SYNDROME, AND OTHER ACUTE TRAUMATIC ISCHEMIAS. ENHANCEMENT OF HEALING IN SELECTED PROBLEM WOUNDS (DIABETIC WOUNDS) EXCEPTIONAL BLOOD LOSS (ANEMIA) INTRACRANIAL ABSCESS, ACTINOMYCOSIS NECROTIZING SOFT TISSUE INFECTIONS DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS CLOSTRIDAL MYOSITIS AND MYONECROSIS, (GAS GANGRENE) IN ADDITION, THE UK MS SOCIETY RECOMMENDS ITS USE AS AN ADJUNCT TREATMENT FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS WITH HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY (HBOT) IS A TREATMENT OF THE ENTIRE BODY WITH 100-PERCENT OXYGEN AT GREATER THAN NORMAL ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURES. 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 LOCAL BUSINESS / NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 22nd October 2019 Local men take on Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series for injured jockeys

Irish Injured Jockeys is a national charity that raises money and awareness for our injured jockeys. Leopardstown Racecourse will host the final leg of the 2019 Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series on Saturday, 26th of October. Wicklow men, Neil sign up for it, someone media to really engage Challengers like Neil and Durkan and Jerry Horan who can get race fit and with and as long as there Jerry to sign up for a will be riding in their maintain that level for is an appetite for it and challenge like this too, final race of the series over four months, they racing is happy to facili- however, it really is the this coming weekend, a have to work with train- tate it, we will keep it chance of a lifetime and challenge that they com- ers, source horses and going. The success of one we are sure they will Doey Walshe and John parle at the Drink Wicklow Festival in Micky Finn’s, Redcross. mitted to several months raise funds through spon- this series is very much ago and one that has sorship and/or fundrais- dependant on the unwa- never forget. We already involved a great deal of ing. Neil and Jerry have vering support of the rac- have people signing up training and preparation. been a pleasure to work ing community. We are to take part next year so Retired Champion with and the team and I extremely fortunate for if you’re interested, visit The Horror Writer comes Jump Jockey, Ruby at IIJ are most grateful the support of the owners corinthianchallenge.com Walsh, Chairman of Irish for their efforts.” and trainers who provide today!” Injured Jockeys said Michael Higgins, horses to participants to Local men, Neil and to Whale Theatre “Irish Injured Jockeys General Manager of Irish ride in these races, the Jerry would really appre- (IIJ) is most grateful to Injured Jockeys said racecourses that stage ciate your support to help The Horror Writer is a new play by playwright/novelist Emily Gillmor Murphy and Neil, Jerry and all of “This is the fourth year them and racing officials them to raise much-need- directed by Ciaran Gallagher. It tells the story of Theodore Burn, an ageing best those taking part in this that we have run this that oversee each race for ed funds for Irish Injured selling writer, who reveals to Dani, a young nurse, his final tale of horror. year’s Corinthian challenge and it is as us without whom this Challenge Charity Race attractive to race series would not be pos- Jockeys, go to everyday- But unlike his other stories, this gruesome tale of ed for the Stewart Park Trust Award 2015. ALL TALK Series. It takes a driven entrants, racecourses and sible. It is a big commit- hero.com and enter their murder and fantasy may just be real. If you like a ghost part of New Theatre Dublin New Writer’s week 2016, and committed person to racegoers as it is for the ment for Corinthian name in the search bar. story full of intrigue and surprise then The Horror directed by Ciaran Gallgher. Monster? produced with Writer is an evening that will promise a good scare. Theatre Upstairs 2017, directed by Karl Shiels. Her Emily Gillmor Murphy is an Irish novelist/play- Fingernails produced with Writer’s Avenue London wright. Her debut novel You and I was published with Theatre Company 2017, directed by Sandra Thompson- Random House in 2012, and in it’s first week reached Quartey. And then his face became his scar commis- no.2 in the best sellers chart. In 2014 her second novel sioned by EU Collective Plays, produced in Italy for One Chance was published. Both books received high the Quartieri dell’Arte Festival 2018. Emily is an alum- critical acclaim and have been published in Ireland, ni of Irish Theatre Institute’s ‘Six in the Attic’ program. UK and Germany. In school Emily struggled with dyslexia, but her love Her plays include A Boy called Nedd showcased with of literature and the arts helped her overcome it. Druid Theatre Company, as part of the Galway Saturday 2nd November at 8pm (Doors 7pm) Tickets International Arts Festival 2014 and then produced with €18/€15. Suitable for age 12+. See www.whalethe- Theatre Upstairs, directed by Karl Shiels and nominat- atre.ie or call the booking office on 01 2010550. Suas Project attends EIP Networking event Recently, members of the SUAS Pilot Project team participated in a a great opportunity to dis- nationwide networking event organised by the Irish Uplands Forum. cuss common issues, share Held in Glencree, the inaugural event created an our experiences and learn opportunity for the local operational groups behind Ireland’s upland from each other as all of the EIP Projects have a dif- based EIP-AGRI projects, to gather and share knowledge and experi- ferent approach and are ences with each other. finding solutions that are Of Ireland’s 23 EIP- decline in hill farming Ireland and a number of value to each of us. It was AGRI projects currently in activities and the improve- other interest groups for also a wonderful occasion operation, 7 of them are ment of the region’s biodi- the full day programme. for Co. Wicklow to host based in upland settings versity. Declan Byrne, Speaking following the the event and see so many The 2019 Corinthian Challengers - the final leg of the Charity Race Series will take place at with each of them under- Project Manager of the event, Declan Byrne of the attend and contribute to the Leopardstown Racecourse on October 26th taking projects that are SUAS Pilot Project shared SUAS Project said: “It was gathering”. designed to deliver solu- details of the project’s tions to the unique chal- objectives and some of the lenges found in their developments since its ANTO’S TREE area.The groups present on launch in 2018, with ecol- SERVICES SELF-STORAGE the day, each delivered an ogist Fath Wilson partici- 24hr access own door/key, informative presentation pating in the workshop dis- Fully Insured Tree Surgeon on the progress of their cussions. Secure dry storage units project and the practices Project managers, ecolo- Pruning, Reductions various sizes. that have developed since gists and representatives and Removal they commenced. from groups as far away as Suit house contents etc, First to present was the Kerry and Donegal, joined reasonable rates. SUAS Pilot Project, which representatives from the All Aspects of T: (01) 2869094 / 085 173 6011 is working with farmers on National Rural Network, nine locations across the the Department of Tree Surgery E: [email protected] ASHFORD AREA Wicklow and Dublin Agriculture, Food and the uplands to address the Marine, Mountaineering Tel: 087 610 9128 www.surefixroofing.ie Tel 086 259 1538

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Tuesday 22nd October 2019 TimesLOCAL CLASSIFIEDS / NEWS 19

Pictured are Aisling WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL Callaghan and Clea Permission is sought for Kelly at Fishers of 7 no. detached 2 storey 4 Newtownmountkenned bedroom houses, 1 no. new y’s 40th anniversary road entrance, connection to public services, ancillary party. landscaping, boundary treatments and associated site works at Togher More, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow. By To advertise Declan Keena. here contact The planning application may be inspected, or Wicklow purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable Times on cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Wicklow 01 286 9111 county council, county buildings, Wicklow, during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in PLANNING relation to the application may be made to the WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL authority in writing on Full Planning Permission Sought for: payment of the prescribed 1. The addition of rooflights at first fee within the period of 5 floor level to the east and west weeks beginning on the date elevations. of receipt by the authority of 2. Alterations to the front (south) the application. façade including the removal of the existing front door entrance, together with the removal and resurfacing of existing stone finish. 3. Minor miscellaneous revisions to side (east) and rear (north) façades. 4. Internal alterations and attic conversion. All the above together with associated site works at no. 27 Mountainview Park, Eden Vale, Greystones, Co. Wicklow. Signed: Paul Lennon The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Wicklow during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL Alphaplan Design (Tel: 086 Alphaplan Design (Tel: 086 CLASSIFIED ADS & 2461269, Email: eugene 2461269, Email: eugene @alphaplandesign.com) @alphaplandesign.com) PLANNING / APPOINTMENTS Seeks planning permission Seeks planning permission for retention of front porch to for a dwelling with dwelling and associated connection to services, new CALL 01 2869111 or email works at 11 Ashford Downs, entrance and associated Ashford, Co. Wicklow for works at Main Street, [email protected] J. and D. Lord. The planning Ashford, Co. Wicklow for M. application may be Kavanagh. The planning PLEASE NOTE DEADLINE FOR inspected, or purchased application may be at a fee not exceeding the inspected, or purchased CLASSIFIED ADS AND at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a reasonable cost of making a APPOINTMENTS copy, at the offices of the copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its IS 12 NOON planning authority during its public opening hours and a FRIDAY public opening hours and a submission or observation in submission or observation in relation to the application relation to the application WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL may be made to the may be made to the authority in writing on Alphaplan Design (Tel: 086 David and Suzanne Flynn seek (a) authority in writing on Permission and (b) Retention payment of the prescribed payment of the prescribed 2461269, Email: eugene Permission for works to detached fee within the period of 5 @alphaplandesign.com) dormer bungalow with integral fee within the period of 5 garage at Blackthorn Lodge, weeks beginning on the date Seeks planning permission weeks beginning on the date Barnamire, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, of receipt by the authority of for a dwelling with A98 VH57, comprising: (a) of receipt by the authority of Construction of two storey extension the application. the application. connection to services, new to east, first floor extension over entrance and associated garage to north, dormer extensions to north and south, first floor window on works at Main Street, west gable elevation, widened Ashford, Co. Wicklow for ground floor door ope on south elevation, altered garage door ope on H.O`Donoghue. The planning east elevation, replacement windows PRACTICE NURSE application may be throughout, solar panels on south and west facing roof slopes, raised inspected, or purchased deck extension to south and at a fee not exceeding the associated site works and (b) Retention of garage window on north reasonable cost of making a gable elevation and Tricel Novo waste water treatment plant with soil REQUIRED copy, at the offices of the polishing filter in lieu of original planning authority during its septic tank. for GP Surgery in Greystones. public opening hours and a The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not submission or observation in exceeding the reasonable cost of relation to the application making a copy at the offices of 3 mornings/week but flexible. Preferably Wicklow County Council, County may be made to the Buildings, Wicklow during its public experience in phlebotomy, cervical authority in writing on opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the screening, immunisations etc but not payment of the prescribed application may be made to the fee within the period of 5 authority in writing on payment of the essential. For further information email: prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date weeks beginning on the date of of receipt by the authority of receipt by the authority of the application. Agent: Stephen Newell [email protected] the application. Architects - www.sna.ie