homes & businesses WICKLOW WE DELIVER!- for 31 years SOUTH EDITION to 44,500 Delivered LOCAL RATHNEW HOMES YOUTH VOTERS IWEA AWARD page 10 page 12 page 19 TimesSOUTH EDITION DELIVERED TO HOMES & BUSINESSES IN: RATHNEW, WICKLOW, GLENEALY, BRITTAS BAY, AVOCA, WOODENBRIDGE, ARKLOW, SHILLELAGH, TINAHELY, REDCROSS, BALLINACLASH, AUGHRIM, RATHDRUM, DONARD, DUNLAVIN, CARNEW, COOLATTIN, BALTINGLASS, BLESSINGTON. WICKLOWTuesday 4th February 2020 5 Eglinton Road, Bray, Co.SCHOOLS Wicklow Tel: 01 - 2869111 www.wicklowtimes.net CRISIS E-mail: [email protected] The lack of available secondary school places in Co. Wicklow has now reached 'crisis point', according to councillor Jennifer Whitmore, while John Brady TD says that 'urgent action' is now needed to address the lack of supply of school places. Minister Simon Harris “Working on school Enniskerry and has announced his inten- issues in County Kilmacanogure are tion to convene a forum Wicklow has always been addressed." on school places and and will always be a However, despite this school capacity in County major priority for me. We critical situation, reports Wicklow and invite all have invested significant- have emerged that eight school principals, parents' ly in schools in County school building projects associations and Boards Wicklow in recent years around the county are not of Management to attend. but there is much more to progressing as they Speaking to the do and the Department of should. The eight schools Wicklow Times, Minister Education need to listen which are stuck in Limbo Harris said "The purpose to us as a community and are Blessington of this meeting would be need to act quickly. Community College, to bring forward propos- "We need to make Arklow CBS, Loreto als on how we can ensure sure needed school exten- Secondary School Bray, all school children in sions are expedited, that Coláiste Bhride, Carnew, County Wicklow have a we see more Autism KWETB Bray/North school place and also to facilities in our schools Wicklow ET Post draw up plans as to how and that real problems in Primary, St Kevin's we can support our terms of lack of feeder Community College schools with requests for schools for some children Dunlavin, Avondale extra capacity, new build- particularly in St Community College ings, extensions, etc. Andrew's in Bray and Rathdrum and Coláiste Check Out Your Local Enterprise Office Wicklow Denise Connors and Genevieve Molloy with the new AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) For Courses taking place in President Robert Donnelly from Arklow. See story page 16 Chraoibh Abhainn, ties at the school such as February for small businesses Kilcoole. toilets and corridors can- Cllr Jennifer Whitmore not cope with the present & the self-employed in said "The number of number of children. parents I've spoken to at Families continue to Co. Wicklow the doors who are worried come to me distressed Practical, short & high quality training for small businesses! their children will not get about this situation. I a secondary school place have continued calling on this September is truly the Department to fast An Introduction to Wednesday 9.30 am Wicklow County alarming. For many there track the planned exten- LEAN business 5th February to 1.30pm Campus, Rathnew. simply isn't a secondary sion to deal with this but Excellence Workshop school that exists in their to date the Department area. has not responded with Business Planning & Thursday 9.30 am Wicklow County “For example, in urgency. Temple Carrig Newtownmountkennedy in Greystones which is Accessing Finance 13th February to 1.30pm Campus, Rathnew. despite the rise in the relatively new, already for your Business number of families living needs an extension to deal in new developments, with demand while other The Exhibition Tuesday 9.30 am Wicklow County there are no plans for a secondary schools are still Masterclass: Making 25th February to 5.00pm Campus, Rathnew. secondary school to facil- facilitated in temporary itate children now or for accommodation, for the most of Exhibiting primary school children example the North at a Trade Fair when they eventually Wicklow Educate need a secondary school Together. And whilst the FOR FURTHER DETAILS OR TO BOOK GO TO: place. new secondary school www.localenterprise.ie/Wicklow/Training-Events/Online-Bookings "In Kilcoole, Coláiste proposed for Local Enterprise Office Wicklow, Wicklow County Campus, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow Chraobh Abhann is at Greystones/Kilcoole will Phone: 0404 30800 Email: [email protected] maximum capacity and be able to meet much of students have been wait- the demand, there is still ing for a much-needed uncertainty about whether extension to meet demand it will be enough. in the area. Basic facili- Continued on page 3 WICKLOW 2 NEWS TimesLOCAL Tuesday 4th February 2020 Lions Club to attempt record for largest gathering of people dressed as lions Wicklow Lions Club plan to break this world record on March 17th 2020 during the annual St.Patrick’s Day Parade in Wicklow Town in Ireland. The required number the people of Wicklow come to take part also. such an important day for of people, which can be and surrounding areas, The spectacle of 250 Ireland. The impact from children and adults, is of all ages and sizes, Lions in full costume will all forms of social media 250. Limited supply of including schools and be a very exciting sight as will be most important of costumes can be ordered sportsclubs to give their they parade through the all. online now at lionsworl- full support and get streets of Wicklow. It is Everyone is very wel- [email protected]. behind this amazing expected to have cover- come to be part of this The President and event for charity. age on all Irish TV sta- wonderful record break- members of Wicklow Visitors to Wicklow on tions which will be ing Lions Club event on Lions are depending on the day are very wel- broadcast worldwide on St Patrick’s Day 2020. Lucky gets some ruff justice It has become one of Greystones’ most popular annual events, with this year’s Me & My Pooch competition garnering hundreds of entries. As always, the search for Greystones’ cutest owner and dog couple also saw hundreds upon hundreds of votes for those entries, with this year’s count being particularly close. Anthony and Arlette Doyle from Fernhill in Arklow make a donation to the Arklow Community In the end, there can only be one winner though, and the Me & My Pooch 2019 dynamic duo proved to be First Responders from the proceeds of their Christmas lights display. Mae and her trusty companion, Lucky. Accepting her award at the Beach Bear on Greystones seafront alongside proud mum, Sarah, and even-prouder aunt, Frances, Enda Higgins from Eastmount Delgany - sponsors of this year’s competition - pre- sented Mae and Lucky with their framed cert. Fran’s campfire event Also included was a €50 voucher to spend anywhere in the town. “I’m definitely going to buy some art materials,” smiled Mae, “but, Lucky will have to get some goodies too. Some people never give up, and Frances O’Sullivan (nee Murphy) is one of them. So, we’ll be buying lots and lots of doggy treats too.” Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease over thirty years ago, she went on to raise two children, engage in any community activity (social or charitable) that came her way, and continue the hill walking she enjoyed with Buion Annunciata Bray in the late 60s. Hill walking is no longer an option for Fran, but last If you didn’t know Fran then, but, were a member of year a group of ex-Guides and Brigini shared an Buion Annunciata at another time, you will still be indoor campfire with Fran to celebrate their continu- welcome! There is no charge, but organisers would ing friendship. It was such fun that it was decided to be grateful if you register so that they know how make Fran’s Campfire an annual event. many people they need to cater for with campfire If you were in Guides or Brigini with Frances song books and hot chocolate and marshmallow! Murphy, you will be especially welcome to share You can register by calling Fassaroe Community Fran’s Campfire this year in Fassaroe Community Centre at (01) 276 3362 and ask for Catherine, or Centre in Little Bray on Sunday, 23rd February, at you can email Fran’s friends at 3pm. [email protected]. Mae and her trusty dog Lucky accepting the ‘Me & My Pooch’ award , with mum Sarah, aunt Frances, and Enda Higgins from Eastmount BRAY Delgany. Vevay Rd, Bray Contents of 40ft trailer • Free Fitting • Free Measuring Service MUST GO • Free In Home Advice & Design This is one large collection including Service Musical instruments (All perfect condition) • No Obligation Guitars • Organs • Memorabilia • Books • CDs Quote All 70’s / 80’s - must see *12 Month Guarantee on ALL Blinds* Tel: 286 5057 Fax: 201 4335 www.acmeblinds.com To view call 089 97 99 586 email: [email protected] WICKLOW Contacts: Shay Fitzmaurice, Managing Editor - [email protected] TimesLOCAL Ian Colgan, News Editor - [email protected] is published by Erika Doyle, Features Editor - [email protected] Wicklow Times, 5 Eglinton Road, Bray. Tel: 01-2869111 General enquiries - [email protected] WICKLOW Tuesday 4th February 2020 TimesLOCAL NEWS 3 WICKLOW SCHOOLS CRISIS Continued from page 1 able funding. They are Government now seem jects. Sites have been asking too much of par- to be on hold indefinite- selected but in many "All this signifies a ents expecting them to ly due to a lack of avail- instances that's where it much wider problem navigate and fight their able funds.