Tuesday, April 17, 2012 | Western People 10 NEWS

Council’s ■ No contest: Shania’s portrait takes Texaco award newsinbrief planning St Attracta’s students to decision mark ‘Grow It’ week on cottage TUBBERCURRY: The local next generation to grow their Grow it Yourself (GIY) group own fruit and vegetables.” is taking an active part in GIY’s vision is for a demolition National GIY week from April healthier, more connected 14 to 21. and more sustainable world Members of the group will where people grow their own join with transition year food. The organisation overruled students from St Attracta’s brings people together in Secondary School to host an community groups and BY CRÓNA ESLER information stand in the Wild online to inspire and AN Bord Pleanála has overruled Bird Garden (beside empower them to grow a decision by Mayo County Morahan’s) in Tubbercurry vegetables. There are over Council to refuse permission for centre on Thursday next, 100 GIY community groups an unusual development in April 19, from 10am onwards. and approximately 12,000 . People can try their hand at people involved in the Maureen Duff appealed the seed sowing, see samples of movement around Ireland. council’s decision to refuse per- seedlings, vegetables and GIY group activities mission for the retention of a herbs growing at this time of include monthly meetings, demolished dwelling house at year, and get lots of talks and demos; garden Cloondinnaire, Claremorris. resources and tips on how to visits, seed and seedling The site – located off a grow their own food. A free swaps; produce bartering, straight, unimproved section of raffle for gardening supplies mentor panels and grower’s road with narrow grass margins from local garden retailers meitheals. Meetings are free on either side – had previously will also take place. of charge, and open to all – contained an old cottage, which According to Breege beginners and experts, Ms Duff had demolished. Planning permission however Walsh, local champion of the young and old. was previously granted for an Tubbercurry group, everyone The Tubbercurry group extension to the cottage, is welcome, especially meetings take place on the prompting Ms Duff to include children. second Tuesday of every the somewhat unusual planning “We want to encourage month in Teach Laighne at application for “the retention of and enthuse the current and 7pm. the demolished dwelling”. In so doing, she was seeking permission to build a replace- ment dwelling on the site with a Time extended on crèche detached garage, together with the previously permitted exten- sions to the side, rear and first and medical centre plan floor. Proud winner: Shania McDonagh, a pupil at Mount St Michael Secondary School, Claremorris, is a winner in this year's 58th Texaco : Mayo County Council has agreed to a time On August 10, 2011, the coun- Children's Art Competition, having come first in Category B. Shania – holding her prize-winning painting entitled ‘Jack’ – was at a the extension on a proposed development for the south Mayo cil refused permission due to Dublin City Hugh Lane Gallery for the announcement of the winners, with her father Alan, mother Yvonne, brothers Evan and Adam and village, writes Cróna Esler. sister Alanah. the site size, development stan- Liam Coen, Michael Connelly and Denis Naughton had dards, public health concerns previously been granted planning permission for the and surface water disposal. BY CRÓNA ESLER Shania, who is a student at Mount St Michael Clark from Jesus and Mary Secondary School, After studying the appeal, An Secondary School in Claremorris and a member of , while three members of n Art demolition of an existing dwelling house at Lugalisheen Bord Pleanála has now decided LAREMORRIS teenager Shania McDonagh is no Balla No Name Club, was awarded first prize in Club were also presented with Special Merit Awards – North, Claremorris Road, Ballindine. to grant permission for the stranger to the art world. In recent years, she Category B of the contest for her work entitled ‘Jack’. nine-year-old Kasper Wawro, nine-year-old Alison Permission had also been granted for the construction, in development, subject to a num- C has been cleaning up at art competitions both Shania’s efforts landed her a cash prize of €450. Ryan and eight-year-old Aoife Quinn. its place, of a mixed development consisting of a two-storey ber of conditions. on the local and national stage. Her latest But Shania wasn’t the only Mayo student to catch The prizes will be presented at a ceremony in medical centre, two-storey crèche with after-school facility, The board ruled the develop- achievement has seen the 14-year-old scoop the top the eye of the judges. A Special Merit Award in the Dublin in May at which all 161 top prize winners will two two-bedroom semi-detached houses and three three- ment would not be prejudicial to prize in the 58th Texaco Children’s Art competition. competition was also presented to 13-year-old Anna be in attendance. bedroom terraced houses, together with all other roads, public health and would not oth- parking and ancillary services. erwise seriously injure the In February, having failed to commence construction work amenities of the area and of on the development, the applicants sought a time extension property in the vicinity. from the local authority. Earlier this month, Mayo County As a result, the board consid- Council agreed unconditionally to the request. ered the proposed development would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustain- able development of the area. St Vincent de Paul homes for In granting permission, the New superintendent board stated that the dev- elderly proposal extended elopment must be carried out and completed in accordance : A time extension has been granted to the St with the plans and particulars Vincent de Paul to begin work on a development in the town. lodged with the planning appli- The charity had previously been granted permission to cation and that no surface water construct a residential development for the elderly at can be discharged from the site needed in south Mayo Knockfereen, Ballinrobe. The development will include six onto the adjoining public road – one-storey houses and eight apartments in two blocks. instead it must be disposed to BY CRÓNA ESLER coming out of bars to watch the As development work has yet to begin on site, the St soakways on site. Roadside Gardaí must be given extra resources to parade on St Patrick’s Day, with a Vincent de Paul has sought a time extension on the planning drainage must not be impaired, BROKEN glass in car parks, groups drink in their hands, are technical- permission. Mayo Co Council granted the request without they noted. of people drinking in sports ly breaking the law but I would attaching any conditions. The board ordered that the grounds and the resultant noise enforce public drinking by-laws hope commonsense would prevail,” proposed effluent treatment and and anti-social behaviour has he remarked. disposal system be located, con- become all too common in towns ed representatives are 100 per cent fill the position left vacant by Supt Cllr Tom Connolly said he was Special Olympics collection structed and maintained in across Mayo and beyond. supportive of the by-laws, they O’Toole’s retirement. delighted to see the progress and accordance with details submit- In Claremorris and Ballinrobe, have expressed concern about the “The introduction of by-laws is a hopes the gardaí will be given the MAYO: Special Olympics Ireland will hold an annual collection ted to the planning authority on elected representatives have – for garda resources in the area and the welcome and important step by resources to implement the by- day, sponsored by eircom, on Friday, April 27. Volunteers are April 21, 2011, and in accordance some time – been pushing for the lack of a Superintendent for the Mayo County Council but like all laws. “There’s a huge amount of needed to look after collection points in Castlebar, Ballina, with wastewater treatment introduction of by-laws to regulate district at present. laws and regulations, how it is drinking going on in Claremorris , , Ballinrobe, Westport, , guidelines for single houses. and control the consumption and Fine Gael Cllr Patsy O’Brien said implemented is the most important at the GAA pitch, tennis courts, car and Claremorris. Even a few hours of your time In addition, the board possession of intoxicating liquor in the by-laws are long overdue but thing. park behind The Foodstore, play- will make a big difference. To find out more or to register instructed, within three months public places. “are not worth the paper they’re “The by-laws will be big help to ground, car park behind the please visit www.specialolympics.ie/collectionday or phone of the first occupation of the Now, as the long-awaited by-laws written on if they’re not enforced”. the gardaí and no doubt will be wel- Square, and other areas. Too often, Lydia on 085-8031445. dwelling, the developer must look set to be introduced, the coun- The councillors were fulsome in comed by people in society. There there is broken glass left lying submit a report from a suitably cillors are calling for the immedi- their praise for the work of the are plenty of places for people to around in these areas and it must qualified person with pro- ate installation of a Garda Superin- local gardaí but remain concerned drink – from the pub to hotels to the be stopped,” he stressed. Propagation without seeds fessional indemnity insurance tendent in the area, to replace Supt that the resources may not be avail- home. There is no reason anyone Cllr Richard Finn described the certifying that the proprietary Padraic O’Toole who retired earlier able to enforce the by-laws. should be drinking on the street,” introduction of the by-laws as a MAYO: The next meeting of the Mayo Organic effluent treatment system has this year. Cllr O’Brien has called for a said Cllr Ryan. “This is an impor- “historic move for both towns”. He Group will be held on Thursday next, April 19, in been installed and com- The introduction of by-laws was meeting with Chief Supt Tom Cur- tant piece of legislation and hope- noted that the by-laws would the Bishop O'Healy Centre, Mayo Abbey, at 8pm. missioned in accordance with unanimously approved by council- ley to impress on him the impor- fully will take care of the problems strengthen the hands of the gardaí The topic discussed will be propagating without the approved details and is lors at their local electoral area tance of a superintendent to take being experienced but it’s only as and give them the power to act in seed. working in a satisfactory man- meeting in Claremorris earlier this charge of the Claremorris and good as the resources allow,” he relation to particular issues. But, The group has a full programme of events and ner in accordance with the stan- month. The laws will now go before Ballinrobe areas. Agreeing, Fianna added. he said, it is “a difficult situation dards set out in the EPA docu- presentations for 2012 and the cost of attendance a full meeting of Mayo County Fáil Cllr Damien Ryan said there is Cllr Ryan also urged common- for the gardaí who are under- is just €3 with membership fees of €15 per family. ment. Council. But, while the local elect- an onus on An Garda Síochána to sense to be used by gardaí. “People manned at present”. Four star Talbot Hotel, Belmullet, is the talk of

THE Talbot Hotel in Belmullet is Ireland’s while in Belmullet the couple met and architects working with them on a design happy customers, that and locals telling us TVs, air conditioning, mini bar, iPod dock, advisable as it is very busy, especially Friday newest boutique hotel and the first four- subsequently moved to Dublin for 10 years. brief which included producing a townhouse they are proud to have such a stylish hotel Nespresso machine, luxury bathroom with and Saturday. To make a reservation call star hotel in Erris. They returned to the West of Ireland in hotel filled with lots of natural light. Both in the town ... now that the best reward.” spa toiletries, robes and slippers. The Barony Restaurant at 097-20484. Family-owned and run by Tom and Orla 2003 when the opportunity arose and worked closely with the architect to get a Many of the staff have been there since Tommy and Orla have tried to keep as The function suite can seat up to 160 in a Talbot it evolved around a business that has bought The Anchor Bar in Belmullet. practical but beautiful building, but the real the beginning and know what it is like much of the original bar as possible so not lovely setting with its own private roof been a labour of love and determination for After realising the local need for a nice hard work included designing the interior working as a team. This has been to lose its warmth and inviting charm, but terrace/outdoor area and has proved very the past eight years. seafood style bar they refurbished and and sourcing it which was primarily Orla’s acknowledged by many guests on they did add a new snug bar for the best popular for celebrations. Enquire at Tommy, a native of Aughleam, brought up thanks to great loyal and local support it work but with a little help from Tommy. It is Tripadvisor who love the friendliness of the pint around! This is a little hotspot for all reception where staff can show you all the in the family grocery shop and undertakers, was a great success, winning many awards this interior which has delighted customers. Belmullet people. The Talbot has 22 full- sports events and ideal on these quiet hotel has to offer and discuss packages to worked in the Western Strand Hotel in including Georgina Campbell and Seafood Tommy and Orla know about hard work time and 25 part-time staff but this will nights where all the country’s problems are suit your special occasion. Meeting facilities Belmullet until moving to Dublin for 10 Circle. Belmullet and Erris as a whole is a and want to thank their many staff for increase in the summer months. solved and forgotten by morning! can accommodate up to 16 delegates while years, where he worked in some well known great place to live and over the past few keeping the business open and running The hotel is now open nine months and is The Barony Restaurant can seat 50 to 60 the hotel’s conference suite can Dublin pubs, and gained valuable years has become very popular with throughout the difficult two-year project, getting busier and busier each day. It has guests which is to the front of the hotel, accommodate up to 200, with a large experience in running busy bars to a very tourists, golfers, adventure sports which was no easy task working with a just been awarded four-star rating from overlooking the street, and is very cosy and screen with projector and sound system. high standard. enthusiasts, walkers, cyclists, sea anglers building site on three sides and above. As Fáilte Ireland. Each of the 21 guestrooms private. This is fast becoming Belmullet’s Check out this beautiful hotel on Orla, a Home Economics teacher from and many more. Tommy Talbot puts it: “The hours have been are individually designed in colour and most popular dining room and is open from www.thetalbothotel.ie or e-mail Inverin in Galway, started her first job With customers often asking for long and hard over the years, we have had furniture style, each standard Deluxe room Wednesday to Saturday from 6.30pm to [email protected] or join the hotel on teaching in the Coláiste in . It was accommodation they decided to get many ups and downs. But our reward is has a super-king sized bed, large flat screen 9.30pm and reservations are strongly Facebook to view all of its special offers.