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LOCAL SOUTH EDITION PARALYMPIANS DOMINICAN PRIEST EDUCATION page 7 page 12 pages 15-20 Delivered to 44,500 homes & businesses Times WICKLOW WE DELIVER!- for 29 years SOUTH EDITION DELIVERED TO HOMES & BUSINESSES IN: RATHNEW, WICKLOW, GLENEALY, BRITTAS BAY, AVOCA, WOODENBRIDGE, ARKLOW, SHILLELAGH, TINAHELY, REDCROSS, BALLINACLASH, AUGHRIM, RATHDRUM, DONARD, DUNLAVIN, CARNEW, COOLATTIN, BALTINGLASS, BLESSINGTON. Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 5 Eglinton Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow Tel: 01 - 2869111 www.wicklowtimes.net E-mail: [email protected] RENTS ON THE UP AND UP! Rents rose nationwide by an average of 3.9% in the second quarter of 2016, according to the latest quarterly Rental Report by Daft.ie. However, the rise in County Wicklow was significantly higher - at over 9%. This is the largest threemonth increase in rents since early 2007 and means that, at €1,037 the average monthly rent nationwide is at its highest level on record. In Wicklow the average advertised rent is now €1,071, up 39% from its lowest point. “In the past 18 months REA Forkin have noticed rental level increases even higher than the national average in both our Bray and Wicklow Town offices,” Matt Forkin of Forkin Estates told Wicklow Times. “A shortage of supply in the rental housing market is fueling high levels of demand, resulting in everincreasing rental prices across the county. We are finding that existing tenants with good relationships with their landlords are remaining longer in properties which they have often outgrown, due to lack of suitable properties in the market. The government needs to incentivise tenants to move on from their rental accommodation enabling them to purchase their own homes and attract residential property investors back in to the market through more favourable taxation.” Speaking to Wicklow Times, Terrie Dunne from Terrie Dunne Letting Agents based in Bray said, “there’s simply no supply, no properties being built. Particularly at this time of year, and this year more than previous years, the problem is very noticeable. The PRTB (Private Residential Tenancies Board) locked everyone in for two years. You can see on daft.ie, properties are gone within 24 hours. In Bray in particular, and to a Established over 20 YEARS KK Windows Pictured are Victoria Gibaite, Sarah Gibaite and Kirsty Hughes at the St.May’s College Debs, Arklow. the Visit us at MASSIVE 35% SALE TAX GRANTS & NOW ON ES M E H C S K BAC or drop into AVAILABLE our MUST SEE Showroom Open Every Day including Saturdays 10am-2pm 10 Year Guarantee Ph.: 053 9383526 Freephone: 1800 250 260 Web: www.kkwindows.ie Email: [email protected] NO MIDDLEMAN: WE • SELL • MANUFACTURE • & INSTALL UPVC DOORS & WINDOWS certain extent Greystones, the DART line is also key to high rents, but the problem is everywhere.” There were just over 3,600 properties available to rent nationwide on August 1st, an increase on the 3,100 available in May. However, rental listings rise every year ahead of the academic year and the August figure is the lowest on record for the time of year. For comparison, two years previously, on August 1st 2014, there were almost 6,800 properties listed nationwide. The lack of properties in Dublin is forcing would-be renters to move further out, especially to areas that have good transport links into the city, so Wicklow with its dart and main line rail service is seeing an upsurge in demand. Commenting on the report, Ronan Lyons, economist at TCD and author of the Daft Report, said: “Ahead of a new academic year, the latest figures highlight the severe shortage of accommodation for students. While a large number of purpose-built student apartments are either being built or are planned, these will take time to come on stream and will only cater for those on higher incomes. The majority of students will face tough choices about where to study and where to live.” Stephen Faughnan, Chairman of the Irish Property Owners’ Association is adamant that increased costs levied by the State are putting the private rental market under pressure and tenants are suffering. He stated that “70% of landlords have loans and 71% of them have insufficient income from their rental property to cover the mortgage repayment. This is unsustainable.” Accountants and Registered Tax Advisors ASHFORD, CO. WICKLOW • TAX RETURNS • ACCOUNTS • STARTUPS AND BUSINESS ADVICE • TAX PLANNING Ph: (0404) 42602 Email: [email protected] Web: www.holohanaccounts.ie Frank Holohan FCCA B.Comm (formerly of Lalor Holohan & Co) Over 35 years serving businesses in the Wicklow area. Stephen Holohan ACCA PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR CURRENT OFFERS LOCAL Times 2 NEWS WICKLOW Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 Wicklow Volunteer Centre Do you have time on your hands? Do you live in the Baltinglass/Rathdangan/Dunlavin area? There are lots of voluntary groups looking for your help. Whether you like to sit and chat, do gardening, help in a coffee shop, get involved with youth groups, or visit the elderly, there is a spot for you. Drop in to Co Wicklow Volunteer Centre’s outreach office right beside Borza’s Take Away on Edward street, Baltinglass today (Tuesday 30th August) between 11.00am and 4.00pm to see all the voluntary roles on offer in your community. If you cannot drop in, please phone or email the volunteer centre 0404 25430 or [email protected]. Summer Youth Leadership Programme Pictured are Sebi and Johnny Angel at the Thin Lizzy tribute night in aid of the Arklow RNLI. East Wicklow Youth Service is providing a Youth Leadership Programme for young people in Laragh on September 14th from 4pm-5.30pm that runs up to November. The programme aims to enable young people to develop the skills and qualities necessary to be good leaders, as well as challenging them to use these skills for the betterment of society. If you are aged between 15 and 18, and are interested in becoming a youth leader, please contact either Fiona Creedon on [email protected], tel. 086 7789544 or contact Pauline Fahy at the Brockagh Resource Centre on 0404 45600. Baltinglass Toastmasters First Saturday Glendalough/Laragh Book Sale car boot sale open night Baltinglass Speakers Toastmasters Club invites residents to its open night, where they can meet members and watch special guest, Billy Daly, Director of Division D, deliver a humorous roast of a club member. “Baltinglass Speakers provides a supportive and positive environment where members have the opportunity to develop their communication and leadership skills,” says Karen O’Donnell, Club President for Baltinglass Speakers. “Members and guests can enjoy a regular meeting that will include prepared speeches, Table Topics (impromptu speeches) and evaluations.” Club Vice President of Membership, Catherine Carty, will be the Table Topics master. “Table Topics are one of my favorite parts of the meeting,” says Ms O’Donnell. “This is where members are randomly selected to speak for one to two minutes. It helps you think and speak clearly on your feet.” The Open Night takes place on Thursday 1st September at the Parish Centre, Baltinglass between 8pm - 9:30pm For more information, email Karen O’Donnell at [email protected]. Baltinglass Speakers Club meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at 8pm in The Parish Centre, Baltinglass. The September First Saturday Book Sale, which supports the Shankill Old Folks Association and Meals on Wheels, will take place in Shankill Old Folks Association Day Centre, Lower Road, Shankill between 10am and 1pm on Saturday September 3rd so make a point of calling into the book sale and avail of the opportunity to pick up some excellent reading material for the Autumn. Donations of books, other than school/text books, accepted on the day. It’s also an ideal opportunity to pick up some excellent reading material while waiting for the Rathmichael Parish Fete to open at noon that Saturday. The next Car Boot sale in Glendalough/Laragh will be on Sunday 4th September at the Brockagh Centre. At the August car boot sale there were fresh vegetables from the local community garden. It is open from 9.30 to 4pm. Call now on 0404 45600 or email on [email protected] to book a stall inside. For stalls outside come along on the morning and sell from your car but if you have a van you will need to book in. Social morning meetups It was suggested recently to have a regular social morning at the Brockagh centre in Laragh where people can get together to share ideas, chat and exchange skills such as photography, crafts, painting, sharing books or to arrange outings and of course have a cuppa. If this would appeal to you call into the centre or phone 0404 45600 so organisers can get an idea of the level of interest. Alex Doorly, Charlie and Matthew McGrath are pictured with a 1930 Riley during the Irish Veteran and Vintage Car Club’s picnic at Powerscourt. Nordic walking Nordic Walking continues in Kilruddery Estate in Bray this autumn. This great exercise uses two walking poles to get more from your walk - these poles give you better balance, work your upper body as well as your legs and help you burn more calories than normal walking. In addition, there are many benefits to exercising outdoors with good company, and it is a down to earth, low-tech exercise that suits all ages and fitness levels. Walks begin in Kilruddery on Saturdays at 10.30am. Contact Dairine at 086 1936861 or [email protected] if you want to join the group. Bray Cualann Historical Society The Bray Culann Historical Society’s Autumn 2016 programme is as follows Thursday September 15th; ‘Bray Town Hall: The Byrne Family Link, 1883 2014’ - Mark and Dave Murphy; Thursday October 20th: ‘Bill Stephens, The Fairview Lion Tamer and his Bray Connections’ - Lorraine Kennedy-Stephens; Thursday November 17th: ‘The Railways of the East Coast of Ireland’ - Tom Ferris. All these lectures will take place at 8pm in the Royal Hotel, Bray, and all were welcome to attend. Members free - visitors / Non-members €5. Annual Membership of the Bray Cualann Historical Society is €15 and covers 2 Adults and 2 Children. Aughrim Active Retirement meeting The next Aughrim & District Active Retirement meeting will be held in the new venue of The Sports Complex, Rednagh Road on Tuesday 6th September at 10.30am. The guest speaker will be Linda Fleming. Linda is a Milliner and will talk about and show some of her hat designs for weddings and other occasions. New members are welcome. The Committee will meet on Thursday 1st September at 10.30am in Lawless’s Hotel. BRAY Vevay Rd, Bray Pictured are Chris Healy, Evan Burke, Mark Byrne, Kaelan Burke, and Tiarnan Walshe all dressed up for the Flat Cap Day at Hollywood Fair. • Free Fitting • Free Measuring Service • Free In Home Advice & Design Service • Would you like to have a conversation about a career in caring? No Obligation Quote *12 Month Guarantee on ALL Blinds* Tel: 286 5057 Fax: 201 4335 www.acmeblinds.com email: [email protected] Pictured are Evan Doyle and Darina Allen at the Bord Bia Food Summer School in the Brooklodge, Macreddin, Aughrim. Pic: Michael Kelly NOW RECRUITING FOR DUBLIN 18 & SOUTH COUNTY DUBLIN If you have skills that will assist families caring for their loved ones, please call KAY in our HR Department 01 2068022 Email: [email protected] is published by North Wicklow Times Ltd, 5 Eglinton Road, Bray. Tel: 01-2869111 Contacts: Shay Fitzmaurice, Managing Editor - [email protected] Adrienne Kelly-Grimes, News Editor - [email protected] Ian Colgan, Reporter - [email protected] Erika Doyle, Reporter - [email protected] General enquiries - [email protected] LOCAL Times Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 WICKLOW NEWS 3 No new local authority houses for West Wicklow There was good news for those on the housing waiting lists in Wicklow last week as funding for 97 local authority housing units was announced for the county at a cost of almost €17m. However some criticism has been leveled at the Government as not one of these units will be built in the west of the county. Minister Andrew Doyle made the announcement last week stating that the 97 units have been approved under the Government’s Local Authority Housing Capital Programme. He said, “I am delighted to confirm that these units have received stage 1 funding. The news was confirmed to me this week by the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Simon Coveney after I have been working very closely with him and his Department on the need for more Local Authority Housing in Wicklow. “This is great news for people on the housing waiting list across Wicklow. There is also good news for local employment in this, as many jobs will be created during the construction of these new homes.” The new housing units will be built in Wicklow Town, Aughrim, Arklow, Kilmacanogue, Bray, Kilcoole and Farrankelly with the west of the county appearing conspicuous Cllr. Gerry O’ Neill. by its absence from the list. “Not one housing unit for west Wicklow,” said Councillor Gerry O’Neill (SF). “Yes, it’s great news for the other areas but yet again the west has been ignored. We have a massive problem here with our sewerage system being at capacity so it cannot allow new development and there does not seem to be the political will to do anything about it. Cllr O’Neill continued, “We have around 700 people on the housing list in this area,- families, mothers with young children, elderly people. Some of whom will be made homeless or are living in disgraceful conditions. The rental market is out of order. We are in a ridiculous situation where not only are we ignored when it comes to the funding and allocating of housing but even if we get that far nothing can be built until the water and sewerage situation is resolved. “I am tired of west Wicklow only ever getting the crumbs from the table. It’s not the first time and I fear it won’t be the last.” However long time Independent councilor for west Wicklow, Tommy Cullen had a different view, “Gerry O’Neill is one of the 3 dissident Sinn Féin councillors and his colleague, John Snell is Chairman of the Housing Strategic Policy Committee (SPC). It is he who would have sat down with the Minister and his officials to outline the priority areas in Wicklow regarding housing needs,obviously west Wicklow didn’t feature strongly. During my period as Chair Free event to showcase the best of Arklow Arklow Enterprise Town is taking place in St. Mary’s College, Arklow on Friday 30th September and Saturday 1st October. Enterprise Town is a free event and represents a fantastic opportunity to showcase local businesses, clubs and societies as well as local schools to potential new customers or new members. The official Enterprise Town launch will take place on Thursday, 1st September in Arklow Library, Main Street, Arklow between 6.30pm-7.30pm. Please feel free to come along to the launch event for more information on the event and some refreshments on the night. To be part of this fantastic initiative to network and profile, please contact your local Bank of Ireland branch, call Bank of Ireland Arklow on 07662 30619 or e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] to be added to the participants listing. You do not have to a customer of the Bank of Ireland. PREMIER BEDDING Beds - Mattresses - Beds INDULGENCE MATTRESSES 1750 POCKETSPRUNG UNIT Doubles 4’6” x 6’3”Normally €375.....Our Sale Price €189 King Size 5’ x 6’6” Normal Price €450.....Our Sale Price €225 SERENITY MATTRESSES 2000 POCKET SPRING UNIT - 2 1/2 inches of Layer Memory Foam Doubles 4’6” x 6’6” Normal Price €750.....Our Sale Price €375 King Size 5’ x 6”x6” Normal Price €825.....Our Sale Price €395 All our beds - Kingsize, Singles & Doubles - CLEARING AT HALF PRICE For immediate, free COD Delivery Tel: 01 276 1152 Mob: 087 965 2588 All extra stock clearing at below cost Prices due to in house renovation PREMIER BEDDING - the name speaks for itself Egan Centre, Upper Dargle Road, Bray Open Mon-Sat 10.30am to 5.30pm. Sun 1pm to 4.30pm of the Housing SPC we built hundreds of houses in west Wicklow. He continued “As to the sewage difficulties, this is simply not true. There is reserved sewage capacity in Dunlavin, Blessington and Baltiglass for local authority housing. “I also might point out that Councillor O’Neill recently voted to give council owned land zoned for local authority housing over to a football club. We must get real here, the housing shortage is a political problem and has to be solved by politicians.” Pictured are (back row), Joe Collins IT Carlow, Patricia Carraher Dept Principal BIFE, David Denieffe IT Carlow, Gabriel Allen, Deputy Principal BIFE, Denis O'Brien IT Carlow, (front row) Dr Patricia Mulcahy President of IT Carlow, Minister Simon Harris and Ray Tedders BIFE Principal, signing the ‘Access to Higher Education’ Agreement. Institute of Technology Carlow signs formal ‘Access to Higher Education’Agreement with Bray Institute of Further Education Minster for Health Simon Harris, TD was at Bray Institute of Further Education (BIFE) last Friday to witness the signing of a formal agreement with the Institute of Technology Carlow to ensure greater access to Higher Education for CountyWicklow students. This Memorandum of Agreement will provide students in Bray Institute of Further Education with enhanced progression opportunities into Higher Education programmes at Institute of Technology Carlow. The initiative has been welcomed by Minister Harris, who described it as “a wonderful opportunity for students in County Wicklow and beyond to progress to higher education courses and the career opportunities that higher education offers”. The agreement will enable access to Level 7 and Level 8 degree programmes in Science, Business and Humanities at Institute of Technology Carlow. The initiative reflects the National Strategy for Higher Education’s vision for improved links from Further Education to Higher Education and Institute of Technology Carlow’s own strategic commitments to providing greater access to and easing the transition to Higher Education. Speaking at the signing, Minister Harris commented: “These past weeks there has been much discussion about CAO points and having the required points for one’s course of choice. However, an Access to Higher Education agreement, such as this signing between Institute of Technology Carlow and Bray Institute of Further Education, is a fantastic boost for students. Not having the necessary points doesn’t deny you your course of choice. This initiative will be of great benefit to students throughout County Wicklow.” Principal of BIFE, Ray Tedders, welcomed the signing, saying: “BIFE has developed a strong working relationship with the Institute of Technology Carlow in recent years. The Institute offers excellent and varied degree, masters and doctoral programmes. This Memorandum of Agreement will provide defined and enhanced opportunities for our graduates to access higher education courses and, importantly, the necessary supports to assist with this transition”. Dr. Patricia Mulcahy, President, Institute of Technology Carlow commented “Over 25% of our first-year intake this September will come from Further Education backgrounds, so this formal agreement between the Institute of Technology Carlow and Bray Institute of Further Education builds on this to ensure even greater opportunities and assistance for students in the pathway from Further Education to Higher Education. Furthermore, it builds on the Institute of Technology Carlow’s strong ties to Wicklow particularly through the Wicklow County Campus”. Established 26 years ago, Bray Institute of Further Education has more than 1,200 full-time learners studying at degree, diploma and cer- tificate level and an extra 3,000 learners on part-time courses. It offers courses in computing, business and tourism, design, applied sciences and media, amongst others. Since its founding in 1970, the Institute of Technology Carlow has generated more than 47,000 graduates. It cur- rently ranks as the 4th largest of Ireland’s 14 Institutes with over 7,000 enrolments and 800 staff in its campuses in Carlow, Wicklow and Wexford. LOCAL Times 4 NEWS WICKLOW Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 Blessington residents shocked by Solar Farm application A solar energy company has submitted a planning application to Wicklow County Council to construct a 30-hectare solar farm in Blessington. Pictured is Brendan Coyle of Glencree with his 1965 0.25L Goggomobil during the Irish Veteran and Vintage Car Club’s picnic at Powerscourt. The news has come out of nowhere, surprising both local residents and local councillors. No public consultation was carried out prior to the application being lodged. The application was lodged by Solas Eireann Development Ltd, which is a new company based in Dublin that was set up in March. The planning application, submitted on August 10th, describes the development as “a solar panel array with a capacity of 19MWp comprising approximately 73,000 photovoltalic panels on ground mounted frames within a site area of 30.6 hectares.” Photovoltalic (PV) panels convert light into electricity using ‘solar cells’. The exact location of the proposed development is an area of land south of the N81 road at T h r e e c a s t l e s , Decision time looming for dissident Sinn Féin councillors The three Wicklow Sinn Féin councillors accused of ‘going rogue’ by not voting along party lines will this week meet again with senior figures from Sinn Fein to have their fate decided, according to sources close to the party. Cllrs John Snell, Gerry O’Neill and Oliver O’Brien hit the headlines in June when they refused to support the newly co-opted Councillor Michael O Connor for the position of Cathaoirleach at the Wicklow County Council AGM. At the time the display of public defiance was met with shock in all quarters and gave new life to existing rumours that all was not well in the Wicklow Sinn Féin camp. It was said that there was a growing dissatisfaction within certain quarters of the party over the control exerted by recently elected TD John Brady. Party headquarters told Wicklow Times that they were ‘seeking to ascertain why these councilors failed to support the party’s nomination.’ Some weeks later stories appeared in national media detailing how the councillors had met with senior figures from Sinn Féin including Sean Hughes, nicknamed ‘The Surgeon’, (who was accused but acquitted of charges of being an IRA member). Hughes is in charge of Sinn Féin political strategy, constituency organization and candidate selection in the Republic. Also at the meeting was the party's 26 county director Ken O'Connell, and Kerry TD Martin Ferris' constituency manager Conor Foley. Following that meeting party HQ said, “We are working with the party group to ensure implementation of party policies and priorities in Wicklow County Council and on the ground that will make a difference in the lives of ordinary people. It is expected that the Wicklow councillors will meet with the same panel again and will be asked to fall in line or risk being expelled by Sinn Fein. Wicklow Times contacted all three councillors for Free parents plus programme Bray Area Partnership are starting a free Parents Plus ‘Parenting When Separated’ Programme on Thursday 22nd September, and finishing 27th October, from 9:30am to 12 noon. It is a practical and positive six-week course for parents preparing for, going through, or who have gone through a separation or divorce. The programme is aimed at parents with children under 12 years of age. Separated couples do not attend the same group together. Details from: Lulu (2116481 / [email protected]) or Sinead (2868266 / [email protected]). Wicklow's first 'equality-based' secondary school opened its doors last Monday to its first cohort of 40 First Year students. North Wicklow Educate Together Secondary School will be temporarily based on Putland Road, Bray. The permanent location has yet to be announced by the Department of Education and Skills.. beyond happy to be leading this extraordinary enterprise." Jessica Bird, start-up group member, said "To see the ultimate realisation of our goal - to provide proactive equalitybased education to our children in our area, is a very special moment. We are truly very grateful for all of the support that has been given to us over the years and are delighted to have Jonathan Browner at the helm as we move towards a bright future." Student Mia Holmes said: "I'm very honoured and excited to be part of the first ever year going into this new Educate Together Secondary School in Bray, with so many oppor tunities to be yourself." Student Liam O'Brien said: "I hope this brand new s chool w ill be a place w her e f un and education meet." Educate Together Regional Development Officer Jarlath Munnelly, said: "The ranceasra:nces a e l C e t cle Si ycle ise site rec organ ll) and We can or sma nced facility. ig b o to ce (no job r EPA li ial at ou carry waste r te a m all ks All truc mits. per WE ALSO ACCEPT FOR RECYCLING: • Clay • Stone • Concrete • Tarmac • Sand IF YOUR BUILDING PROJECT NEEDS A ROAD OR DRIVEWAY BASE, SOIL OR OTHER GROUNDWORK, CALL TONY LAWLOR AT MARRAKESH 01 286 8119 or Mobile: 087 664 1866 eras, associated electrical cabling and ducting, access gates, and all associated ancillary development works. A decision on the planning application is due to be made by Wicklow County Council on October 4th. Equality-based Secondary Education comes to North Wicklow Speaking to the Wicklow Times, Principal Jonathan Browner said "This is the culmination of six years’ work by the startup group and the start of a new chapter in education for County Wicklow. In association with TCD's Bridge 21 and the three other startup Educate Together secondary schools, we will promote equality of access to an exceptional education with a complete focus on the learner. I am privileged and Recycled: ✔ Screened Topsoil ✔ Screened no 2 soil ✔ 4" Down Crushed Concrete ✔ 4" Clean Crushed Concrete ✔ 3" Clean Crushed Concrete ✔ 3" Down Crushed Concrete ✔ 2" Down Crushed Concrete ✔ 2" Clean Crushed Concrete ✔ Crushed Concrete Fines ✔ 3" Down Crushed Tarmac ✔ Crushed Tarmac Fines ✔ No 2 Stone Also available: ✔ Granite ✔ Pebble ✔ Sand comment. Councillor Gerry O’Neill said he was not aware of any set date for a new meeting but “assumed there would be a follow up meeting at some stage.” Councillors O’Brien and Snell could not be reached for comment. Talbotstown Lower. The development will also include a Single story MV substation, a single storey DSO substation, a single story customer substation, a single story ‘spares building’, a communications pole, security fencing, CCTV cam- Pictured are Sophie and mum Bridget Byrne with Polly and Tiger at the Wicklow Animal Welfare Centre in Sharpeshill, Rathdrum for the Animal Welfare Workshop. story of North Wicklow ETSS is the story of a group of parents who shared a dream of an Educate Together secondary school for their children and all children in North Wicklow. It is story of their persistence thr ough dis appointments and setbacks and of a journey that ended far from where it began. But most of all it is a story of triumph that comes to a joyful end - and a beginning with North Wicklow Educate Together Secondary school opening its doors." Educate Together second-level schools are student-centred and provide a holistic education that us e innovative methods of teaching and learning. Subjects are taught through crosscurricular projects that spark the imagination and creativity of students and they ar e encouraged to think creatively and challenge orthodoxies. Educate Together at second-level is about more than preparing students to sit state exams: it moves away from 'teaching to the tes t' towards a truly integrated s chool exper ience where all facets of the individual are respected and nurtured. LOCAL Times Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 WICKLOW NEWS 5 Council ploughs ahead with application for Eco-park In a move that Independent councillor Tom Fortune has described as “anti-democratic”, Wicklow County Council has given notice of its intention to proceed with an application to An Bord Pleanala to develop a ‘waste soils recovery facility’ in Newtown, despite councillors voting in favour of protecting the area from development. The 13-acre Councilowned site in Priestnewtown, known locally as ‘The Rocks’, will be cleared of vegetation and used as a dumping ground for up to 200,000 tons of landfill from the River Dargle Flood Improvement Works. Once that has been completed, the material will be leveled out and the site will be developed as an Ecopark for public access and use. At the July meeting of Wicklow County Council to finalise the Draft County Development Plan, Councillors had voted in favour of putting in an amendment to specifically name and identify the ‘Rocks Valley’ site within the Development Plan for the purpose of protection. The proposal, which Director Des O’Brien at the time described as a “pre-emptive strike before an Environmental Impact Statement could be carried out on the land,” was put forward by Cllr Tom Fortune. Cllr Fortune argued that the area was “a unique eco system, irreplaceable land- scape and an area of natural heritage and biodiversity”. Speaking to Wicklow Times last week, Cllr Fortune said “To say that the concerned residents in Priestnewtown are shocked by the action of Wicklow County Council would be a serious understatement. The group has met with the council officials on a few occasions and at the last one it was confirmed to them that nothing would happen without the Council talking with them first plus showing them an EIS report. This has not been done. “In addition to this, at the County Council meeting on the 4th July dealing with the County Development plan 20162022, I put forward an amendment to the plan which was passed by 14 votes for and 13 against (4 people abstained). It was interesting who abstained.” Cllr Derek Mitchell (FG) was one of the four who abstained from the vote, along with councillors Steven Matthews (GP), Gerry O’Neill (SF) and John Snell(SF). “The amendment I had passed was: ‘To preserve lands at ‘Rocks’ Kilcoole in its existing state; to allow no development of these lands; to protect the lands as a natural habitat and biodiversity area; to protect the open nature and landscape quality of the lands’.” Cllr Fortune believes it would be expected that the decision of the 4th July will be confirmed when the Council meets to finalise the County Development Plan in September or October. “The council should not be taking any action in the meantime,” Cllr Fortune continued. “The action they are currently proceeding with can only be described as anti-democratic, so the Council should stop immediately and allow the democratic process take its course.” The controversial proposal to use ‘The Rocks’ as a dumping site for the Dargle dredging material has been worrying local residents since it became public knowledge earlier this year. A large number of people are opposed to the plans as they consider it to be an ecologically important area. The site is home to wildlife such as badgers, and much fauna, including a 400-year-old Holly tree. Wicklow County Council had also been exploring the possibility of using the material from the Dargle dredging for beach nourishment. At the July meeting, Planning Director O’Brien said that the site was not a special area of conservation and that the ‘waste’ consists of river gravel and would therefore cause no pollution. A waste license however will be required from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the proposed development. The closing date for submissions to An Bord Pleanala is 5:30pm on 11th October. Submissions can relate to the implication for proper planning and sustained development, the likely effects on the environment, or the likely effects on a European site. Pictured are Mary O’Brien, Luan Parle, Stephen O’Halloran and Frances Sweeney at the Arklow Cancer Support Charity Concert in the Arklow Bay Hotel. Pic: Michael Kelly Call for SME focus in Budget 2017 Wicklow Fianna Fáil TD Pat Casey has said that a focus on the SMEs sector and the self-employed must be a key focus in Budget 2017. Speaking on the issue, Deputy Casey said, “In the wake of the Brexit shock it is absolutely essential that we boost the SME sector to enable it to meet the challenges of a difficult situation. “Recently we learned of the repeated robberies which are crippling small businesses nationwide. It is critical that we prioritise regional development across all policy areas including Wicklow. We must strengthen businesses operating in rural Ireland. Substantial investment in infrastructure, such as broadband, would be very beneficial to further supporting SMEs. Too many areas have inadequate broadband and I know as a Laragh/Glendaloughbased business how damaging that can be. “More needs to happen to support selfemployed people in creating employment in local communities. The unequal tax treatment of the self-employed remains a serious disincentive. Deficits such as this must be tackled if we want to spread what has been an unbalanced and two-tier recovery to date.” Deputy Casey continued “Many prospective entrepreneurs are hesitant about starting a business as they are apprehensive about the absence of a safety net should they not succeed. We need to move towards a social welfare safety net by permitting the self-employed to make full Class A PRSI contributions in order to qualify for Jobseekers Benefit and Invalidity Benefit. “Fianna Fáil has been relentless in calling for the creation of a state enterprise bank by licensing the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to lend directly to businesses. This is crucial for investment and growth, particularly among start-ups and SMEs. “As IBEC have pointed out, the post Brexit landscape will be very challenging for Irish business. Budget 2017 must rise to this challenge.” READ WICKLOW TIMES ONLINE! LOCAL Times Residents raise concerns over Florentine Development 6 NEWS WICKLOW Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 Residents living in Bray Town Centre met in the Epworth Hall on Florence Road last Monday evening to discuss their concerns about the latest proposed Florentine Centre development. Wicklow County Council has submitted an application for planning permission to An Bord Pleanála for a massive development at the site encompassing over 23,400 sq. metres. Annemarie Loughrey, Brian Holland, Denise Holland, Alex Kenny and Klara Dunne are pictured during the Irish Veteran & Vintage Car Club’s picnic at Powerscourt. While acknowledging that some appropriate development of the site would be welcome, residents expressed their concerns about the impact of such a large development on the local area. Issues raised included the height of the proposed development at the east (Eglinton Road) end, where the new buildings will be clearly visible above the period houses that line the west side of that street, as well as the fact that all traffic entering and leaving the proposed underground car park, including a number of Heavy Goods Vehicles, will now be by way of Florence Road only. The changes in traffic flow alone are unlikely to help what is already a very congested area of town on most weekdays and almost every weekend. This congestion will affect not only the immediate area but most of the traffic Wicklow Sinn Fein hold ‘Back to School’ Day of Action The Wicklow Sinn Fein team were out in force all over the county on Saturday 27th August engaging with people and highlighting the issue of back to school costs. They were in Bray, Greystones, Blessington, Carnew, Arklow and Wicklow Town highlighting their proposals which they believe will help ease the pressure on families who struggle at this time of year. The group were also collecting names on petitions calling on the gov- ernment to take action. Sinn Fein spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD was out with the group on Saturday and has said that the high costs of Every Door in Wicklow (almost) If you want to get your message to 500 doors or 44,500 doors, Wicklow Times Leaflet Delivery has you covered - from one estate to the entire County - at unbeatable rates! 01 2869111 E: [email protected] Times LOCAL Call Aisling on WICKLOW WE DELIVER! sending children back to school shows that free education in Ireland is a “misnomer”. “This time of year can be very difficult for families grappling with the cost of sending their children back to school, and if there happens to be two or more children in the one family the pressure can be financially debilitating,” said Deputy Brady. “Annual surveys carried out by Barnardos and the Irish League of Credit Unions have put total costs at up on €900 for primary school and almost €1,500 for secondary school. “One in ten families have to resort to borrowing money to finance their children’s education, with 40% sacrificing other living expenses in order to meet costs. In a country where our children’s education is supposed to be free the government has done nothing to help the situation. In fact, the Fine Gael/Labour government cut the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance in half since 2011.” Deputy Brady concluded “Sinn Féin has proposed and costed a number of measures including the restoration of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, the extension of the School Meals Programme by 40%, increased capitation to primary and secondary schools by 10% over a Dáil term, an increase in the School Books Grant by 30% and tacklling the cost of school transport.” flow on that side of town. Residents also voiced reservations about the presence of a proposed 5 screen cinema and the possibility of increased activity in the area at night, without any clear statement from the Council as to how it intended to manage this aspect of the development. Residents also expressed surprise at the absence of any residential accommodation in the new development, especially given the current housing crisis. The Bray Town Centre Residents Association plans to submit its concerns in writing to An Bord Pleanála by the deadline for doing so, which is this Wednesday, 31st August at 5.30 pm. The Association urges other residents to either register their own con- cerns by next Wednesday or to join with them in their submission. Anyone interested can contact the Association at [email protected]. Pictured is Ciara Corcran with a 3-week old kitten at the Wicklow Animal Welfare Centre. Henry King retires from Bray Credit Union “To mark the occasion of the retirement of Henry King, Bray Credit Union wishes to publicly express its appreciation for the many years of service he has expended on behalf of our members and the people of Bray in a completely voluntary capacity as a volunteer on various committees, as a director on the Board of Bray Credit Union Limited, as Uachtarán and Cathaoirleach of the Board.” Henry King, Retiring Uachtarán of Bray Credit Union (right) with Malachaí Duddy, Leas Uachtarán (left) and Peter O'Brien. Henry is a member of that extended, well-known, highly regarded and much liked King family of Kilmacanogue, which includes his brother, butcher Gary King, brother-in-law Dr. Michael Salter and cousin Patricia King, the first female general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. Henry was well known in the past for his red sports car, when he ran his own business, a butchers at 45 Main Street, Bray, now the site of Bank of Ireland. In the late 1970s he graduated from UCD in History, Psychology and Philosophy before taking his H.Dip. in Education and commenced his career in teaching at Presentation College, Bray where he was an active trade union member with the ASTI. Always a keen learner, Henry completed a Diploma in Catechetics with UCD and a Certificate in Social, Personal & Health Education. Following his retirement from teaching, Henry began volunteering with Bray Credit Union, where his brother Gary had served on a voluntary basis since 1989 and as Uachtarán for 2005, 2006 and 2007. While a volunteer he completed courses in Credit Union Management, Corporate Governance, Financial Risk, Personal Insolvency and Debt Management. Henry was elected a Director of Bray Credit Union in 2010 and then elected Leas Uachtarán. As a Director and always on a voluntary basis, he served on the Credit Committee of the credit union as well as Management Committee of the Credit Union Development Association (CUDA), Ireland’s second largest credit union representative organisation. Henry served until this year as Uachtarán and Cathaoirleach of the Board of Bray Credit Union from September 2014 succeeding the very successful tenure of local trade union activist and SIPTU official, Cllr. Barry Nevin (Uachtarán for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014), himself from a renowned credit union family (his father Paschal Nevin served as Uachtarán for the years 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1999). In this period Bray Credit Union has seen huge developments, with the erection of new buildings to the rear of Credit Union House as well as the imposition of new regulatory requirements by the Central Bank on the whole of the Irish Credit Union sector. “On behalf of our members and the people of Bray and north Wicklow, Bray Credit Union wish to extend our best wishes to Henry, and his wife Hilary, herself recently retired from teaching at Willow Park School and Blackrock College, and his whole family, thanking him for his many years of devoted voluntary service.” LOCAL Times Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 WICKLOW Wicklow Paralympians ready for Rio Four Wicklow athletes will soon be competing as part of the 44-strong Irish Team at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games which will take place from September 7th to 18th. Ciara Staunton from Baltinglass will compete in Hand Cycling (the Women’s H1-3 Time Trial and the H1-4 Road Race). Helen Kearney from Dunlavin will compete in Equestrian (Grade 1A Championship and Grade 1A Freestyle). Ryan Nolan and Gary Messett, both from Bray, will be part of the football team that will face Brazil, Ukraine and Great Britain. The athletes departed for Rio last Thursday. Speaking on the day, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, addressed the departing athletes: “The Government is fully committed and supportive of the team and Paralympics Ireland. I would particularly like to express gratitude to the families of the athletes; the parents, partners, siblings and children for the unwavering support you have given to them. What you have already achieved is massive and your country is hugely proud of you. Today is your day, we wish you well and every success. The Government is immensley proud of what you are about to embark on.” Ciara Staunton (30), training out of kilcullen in Kildare, has not let a spinal injury stop her from pursuing her passion for sport, and has risen through the ranks to become a force to be reckoned with on the Irish Para-cycling squad. Helen Kearney (27) is one of only two equestrian athletes on Team Ireland. A dressage rider, Helen has had a lot of success in her sport over the years. In 2008 she began riding at Grade III, and two years later was reclassified to 1A. In 2011 she won Ireland’s first para-equestrian medal when she won bronze in the Grade 1A Individual Test. She has also represented Ireland in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, where she won a silver and bronze medal in her individual events and a bronze medal in the team event. Ryan Nolan (24), a centre-forward, has 11 Ireland caps already, representing Ireland at the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) preParalympic tournament in Spain, and has scored two goals for his country. He plays for St. Fergal’s AFC. Gary Messett (29) is a central midfielder and also plays his club football for St. Fergal’s. He has been capped 67 times for his country and is the team’s top goalscorer with 34 goals. He was also part of the Irish squad in the IFCPF tournament in Spain. Speaking to Wicklow Times, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Pat Fitzgerald, said “I want to wish all four athletes the best of luck in Rio over the coming weeks. We’re very proud of them all and will be wishing them well.” The Irish team, who will compete across nine different sports at the Games in Rio, also includes three reigning world champions (athletics and cycling) and two defending Paralympic champions, Jason Smyth and Michael McKillop, who will be aiming to defend their titles in the 100m (T13) and 1,500m (T37) respectively. P a r a l y m p i c Performance Director, Dave Malone, recently spoke about the Irish Paralympic Team’s performance goals for Rio 2016: “Irish athletes will go to Rio this September and compete for glory against approximately 4,350 athletes from all parts of the world over the course of 11 days. “The team is ready to achieve great personal and collective success at the Games, and their performances throughout the qualification process for Rio indicates that a medal target of eight for the team is achievable. We also anticipate a large number of finals from the team, and we are seeking career best performances from as many of the team as possible on the biggest stage of all. “We have ring-fenced all available supports around the athletes in order to ensure that they can produce their optimum performance on the international stage.” The first wave of athletes departed on August 23rd, and are using the Irish Holding Camp in Uberlandia, Brazil to prepare for the Games, which has been set up with the generous support of Sport Ireland. Coverage of the Rio 2016 Paralympics Games will be available on RTÉ throughout the duration of the Games, on TV, radio and online. Ciara Staunton from Baltinglass will be competing in handcycling. Pics: Paralympics Ireland Helen Kearney from Dunlavin is on the equestrian team. Ryan Nolan from Bray will be representing Ireland on the football team. Gary Messett from Bray will be part of the Team Ireland Paralympics football team. NEWS 7 LOCAL Times 8 NEWS WICKLOW Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 Host a coffee morning for Wicklow Hospice Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for The Hospice Foundation takes place on Thursday 15th September. That’s the day when people everywhere will share a cup of Bewley’s coffee to support their local hospice and their vital work caring for people in their local communities nationwide. ‘Sprinkles’ has opened on Bray Main Street. Ireland’s first ‘Choco Kebab’ machine comes to Bray A new business is ‘sprinkling’ new life into Bray Main Street. Opening last Friday, ‘Sprinkles’ is located at the junction of Main Street and the Quinsboro Road. Specialising in sweets and treats, it is also home to Ireland’s first ‘Choco Kebab’ machine. Owned by Declan and Christina Woods from Bray, Sprinkles sells a variety of sweet delicious treats, such as ‘Fudge Puppies’, and ‘Waffle Pops’, as well as ice-cream Sundays, coffee, smoothies and organic teas. The centerpiece, however, is the Choco Kebab machine, which Declan says is the first of its kind in Ireland. Resembling a regular doner kebab machine, the choco kebab machine houses a rotating cylinder of chocolate and keeps it at a certain temperature. Shreds of chocolate are then scraped off to make the choco kebabs. Customers can choose from a menu or customise their own choco kebab, choosing from a variety of other toppings to add to it such as smarties, marshmallows, and of course sprinkles. There is also a selection of syrups and sauces to choose from. “It’s an Italian concept,” Declan tells Wicklow Times, “but we got the machine from the UK. I was working in private homecare before, but I had gone to culinary college and this idea had been in the back of my mind for a long time. Both myself and my wife Christina spent many months working on this. She did a lot of the research, putting the menus and decorating together, while I dealt A staff member at Sprinkles operates the more with the business side of ‘Choco Kebab’ machine. things.” Mario Rosenstock and other well-known personalities are backing the Hospice campaign including Davy Fitzgerald, Brendan and Domhnall Gleeson, Imelda May, Gabriel Byrne, Baz and Nancy Ashmawy and Eamonn Coughlan. This year is Ireland’s 24th Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice since the major annual fundraiser first started in 1993 with some €32m raised to date. Last year, Wicklow Hospice raised over €8,500 through 22 coffee mornings. Bewley’s provides all the coffee free of charge nationwide and all money raised locally goes directly to local hospice care services. F i o n n u a l a M c C o r m a c k , Ambassador for Wicklow Hospice said, “Having a hospice for the people of Co Wicklow and North Wexford would mean so much to families and their loved ones. I will be taking a break from training to enjoy a cuppa and a piece of cake on September 15th.” Every year over 29,000 people die across Ireland and over one fifth of these people are supported by their local hospice either in an IPU setting (in patient unit) or via a Home Care team. Last year, 6,508 people passed away with the support of their local hospice. Local hospice services include specialist palliative care, residential care and end-oflife care. Money raised from Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice will go towards the building of a new hospice facility in Co. Wicklow as well as essential services such as homecare nurse and new equipment. Mario Rosenstock said, “I’ve been delighted to be involved with the hospice for a few years now and in that time I’ve seen first-hand the work they do and the care they give. I’ve always found it an uplifting experience meeting the patients and residents. Each and every hospice patient is treated with wonderful kindness and dignity at such a vulnerable time. “To continue giving this care, hospice services across the country need vital funds and Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice is the one day when everyone can get involved and help them to do just that. Whether you host a coffee morning of your own or visit a local coffee morning to enjoy a Bewley’s coffee, your support is key as every cup counts.” Evanne Cahill, Chairperson of Fundraising for Wicklow Hospice Foundation said, “There is continuing pressure on already strained hospice services. The number of patients being admitted to hospice facilities is increasing and the demand for homecare services is also on the rise. “Each local hospice across the country has a crucial role to play in caring for the people in their community but they face serious funding shortages. Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice together with Bewley’s has been raising much needed funds for the hospice movement for 24 years. We want to thank people for their generosity and urge them once again to get behind this year’s campaign.” To host a cost morning, register at www.hospicecoffeemorning.ie to receive your free coffee pack of Bewley’s fresh ground coffee. You can also contact your local hospice by calling 1890 717 000. Pictured at the launch at Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross were (l-r) Bewleys Brand Director, Mark Saunders, Davy Fitzgerald, Evanne Cahill, Chairperson of Fundraising for Wicklow Hospice Foundation and Mario Rosenstock. To get involved visit www.hospicecoffeemorning.ie or call 1890 717 000. Italian student ‘scoots’ around Wicklow Riverview House Seapoint Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow Tel: 01 276 1330 Fax: 01 276 1336 Web: www.benvillerobinson.com E-mail: [email protected] Accidents / Personal Injuries Claim Wills, Probate & Estate Planning Conveyancing / Probate Law General Litigation For professional, confidential and expert legal advice, please do not hesitate to Contact Rory, Brian, Eilish, Clare-Ann or Geraldine Rory P. Benville B.C.L. Brian Robinson B.B.L.S., L.L.M. Eilish Bradshaw B.A., L.L.B, L.L.M. Clare-Ann Temple L.L.B. *In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement Roberto Cassa, a 24-year-old Italian student at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, has been doing something a little less ordinary during his summer break - travelling around the island of Ireland by footbike, with assistance from Tourism Ireland in Milan. Having set out from Belfast at the end of July, Roberto travelled about 1,600km in 17 days - from Belfast and along the Causeway Coastal Route, to Donegal and down the Wild Atlantic Way to Cork, before crossing to Dublin through Ireland’s Ancient East. Traversing long distances by footbike is nothing new to Roberto, who previously took on similar challenges in Iceland and Japan. Roberto, who is an avid photographer, has a considerable social media audience in Italy, with some 10,050 fans on Facebook. He has also been documenting his unusual trip around Ireland on his blog - posting lots of great photos and inspiring his followers to come and sample the island of Ireland for themselves. En route to Dublin to take his flight home, Roberto travelled along Military Road through the Wicklow Mountains National Park; he also paid a visit to the monastic site of Glendalough. Niamh Kinsella, Tourism Ireland’s Manager in Italy, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted that Roberto chose the island of Ireland for his latest footbike adventure. Roberto’s Facebook page and Instagram are very popular and he’s been posting lots of great photos of his challenging journey online helping to inspire his followers to come and discover Galway and the island of Ireland for them- selves. Tourism Ireland has also been sharing details of Roberto’s travels via our own social media channels in Italy. “Italy is an important market for tourism to the island of Ireland and we have seen excellent growth Roberto Cassa cycling in Glendalough. in Italian visitor numbers so far again this year, with the most recent CSO figures for January to June showing a +12% increase. We will continue to roll out an extensive programme of promotions in Italy this autumn.” LOCAL Times Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 WICKLOW NEWS 9 Bray’s skateboarders gather for annual jam The Bray Skateboarding Association gathered at the bandstand on Bray Seafront last weekend for their annual ‘skatejam’. The event was held to raise awareness of the group’s long-running campaign for a skatepark in the town. Bray Skateboarding members Alan Collins, Robert Moss and Ryan Kealy made a presentation to Bray Municipal District Council last October and made a strong case for establishing a skatepark in Bray. They want a skatepark facility in the town to ensure a safe and fun place for young people to participate in their hobbies. Young people in Bray have been calling for a skatepark in the town for over 15 years. In 2003 a protest was held at Bray Town Council which was attended by over 40 skateborders. The large number of skateboarders in the town are frustrated that there has been no progress since their meeting with the Municipal District Council last year. Speaking to Wicklow Times, Robert Moss said “The council have had this on their radar for the last year. There has been money in the budget for this in the last year. However the council have not acted on this. It is time for them to do the job they’re there to do. In the coming weeks we hope the Council will decide on a suitable location for a Skatepark.” Bray has a strong connection to the skateboarding community in Ireland and even internationally. In 2010 Al Collins skated Mizen to Malin in 11 days, the fastest man to do so to this day, while he raised € 13,500 euro for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland. Phil Evans is a Bray native who has won ‘Best Edit’ in the International Skateboard festival in LA. “There have been plenty of great skateboarders in Bray in the past and hopefully there will be more in the future,” Robert contin- ued. “With skateboarding in the Olympics 2020 who knows what a good quality skatepark could bring to Bray?” John Brady TD as a councillor last year urged the Bray Municipal District council to support the campaign for a skate park. He also called on the Bray councillors to quickly identify a site. “There are a number of successful skate parks across the county and Bray is the largest urban area and hasn’t got one,” Brady said at the time. “There is a huge demand for a skate park; unfortunately the skaters are constantly getting moved by council staff and Gardai from locations that they meet to skate. “Young people don’t all have the same interests, so it’s important that there are choices for them to ensure that they have some positive activity to engage in.” A lucky escape for baby Ollie Baby Ollie McKee had a lucky escape at South Quay in Wicklow Town recently, when he was lifted out of his buggy by his mum before a sudden gust of wind blew it into the water. Ian McKee, from Dublin, was in Wicklow Town with his wife and baby son Ollie, and they had stopped to look at Sammy the Seal. When the wind took the buggy into the water, Ian feared that it was lost for good, however a passerby ran into a nearby shop and got a lend of the rake. With the rake, they jumped onto a parked boat, and keeping an eye on Sammy who followed the buggy as it floated around, eventually succeeded in fishing it out of the water. Though little Ollie was unharmed and was never in any danger throughout the ordeal, the incident should serve as a warning to people with prams and buggies to be careful when out and about and on cliff walks, quays, etc. Pictured is the Bray Skateboarding Association after their meeting at Bray Bandstand. The group os campaigning for a Skate Park in Bray. Engines revving up for 2016 Annual Liam Johnstown Coolgreany Macra Kelly Memorial Garden of Ireland Run hold ‘New Members Pool Night’ The Garden of Ireland Vintage Car Club are forging ahead with their plans for the prestigious Annual Liam Kelly Memorial Garden of Ireland Vintage Car Run, previously referred to as ‘The Annual Garden of Ireland Run’ which was the brainchild of the late Liam. This event in its entirety has grown at a phenomenal rate and the club is looking forward to hosting the visiting clubs from England, Northern Ireland along with visitors from New Zealand, America and Brittany. Some of these clubs will arrive days prior to the event which will afford them the chance to visit other areas of tourism not covered on the run, however, the event management team have wisely chosen a route that will showcase many of the scenic views of the mountains, lakes etc. “Events such as this take much planning and what you will see on the day is down to the hard work of our dedicated committee members,” the Garden of Ireland Vintage Car Club stated. The schedule for the above weekend is as follows: Friday 9th September: Complimentary welcome reception at The Grove Bar in Kilpeddar commencing at 9.30pm - Music by Skin The Goat. Saturday 10th September: Run will start at 10.30am from The Glenview Hotel [exit 9 off the N11) - Dinner Dance will commence at 8.30 pm. Sunday 11th September: Visit to Coolakay Heritage Centre, Enniskerry followed by a visit to the Enniskerry Victorian Field Day. For further information please contact secretary Eileen Kennedy on 087 8329235 or [email protected] Victory followed by disappointment for Bray’s Finn Balor There was joy followed by heartbreak for Bray’s Fergal Devitt, or Finn Balor as he is known to wrestling fans, after he won the inaugural WWE Universal Championship, last weekend only to be forced to relinquish the title just 24 hours later due to injury. Pictured is Ian McKee and baby Ollie after his pram was swept into the water at the South Quay in Wicklow Town. Johnstown Coolgreany Macra held one of their first events of the year, their New Members Pool Night, in Toss Byrnes of Inch on Thursday 25th August. The night involved plenty of pool, finger food, music and craic. As the new Macra year begins it’s a great time to get involved in the organisation (and to renew your membership). If you’re interested in joining Johnstown Coolgreany Macra feel free to contact any of the committee members or message the Johnstown Coolgreany Macra Facebook Page. Macra Na Feirme is an organisation that provides an opportunity for people between the ages of 17 and 35 to get involved in activities such as sports, travel, drama and debating. It is a great way to meet new people in your local community, as well as building friends across the country. Johnstown Coolgreany Macra recently held their AGM at which new committee members were elected and the club’s standing orders were approved. The club would like to extend its thanks to the outgoing committee for their work over the past year and wish new committee members the best in their new roles. Pictured is Bray wrestler Finn Balor after winning the title of Universal Champion. The Wicklow wrester picked up a shoulder injury during his championship fight against Seth Rollins, when he absorbed a running powerbomb to the barricade. Devitt required urgent surgery and will therefore be unable to perform as title holder at future events. He is expected to return to the ring early next year. The devastating news came on the back of an astonishing rise to the title, with Devitt remaining unbeaten on his journey to claim the Universal Champion belt. Speaking after Devitt’s surgery WWE’s Dr. Jeffrey Dugas commented on Balor’s operation and noted that the injury was more severe than others of that type. Dr.Dugas said, “Finn’s injury was pretty severe, more severe than normal. A really high energy injury, it did more damage than a standard shoulder dislocation where you simply tear the labrum. The prognosis is excellent, however. We were able to fix it all and put it back where it came from. I’m anticipating him getting back at full speed.” It is expected that Balor will be out of action for 4-6 months but WWE did not include an updated timeframe in their most recent report. There was some concern among fans that he could be out of action for longer than originally anticipated, however social media was rife with speculation that Balor will make a speedy recovery and be a surprise entrant in the 2017 Royal Rumble. Not a stranger to injury, Fergal Devitt began his wrestling career in the year 2000 and has notched up a long list of injuries of most body parts since. In 2002 he set up NWA Ireland with fellow Bray wrestler Paul Tracey. After many impressive bouts he was invited to train in New Japan’s main dojo in 2006. There he was known as Prince Devitt. In 2014 Devitt signed with WWE development territory NXT but soon landed a pos ition on the main roster. His win over Rollins made him the first Pictured is Bray competitor in wrestler Finn Balor WWE history to win a world post surgery, just days title in their after relinquishing his as WWE pay per view title Universal Champion. debut. LOCAL Times 10 NEWS Greystones WICKLOW Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 DIARY Hats Ahoy fundraiser hopes to set new world record Councillors demand repairs to La Touché Hotel On Sunday 11th September The Caroline Foundation is once again undertaking a novel fundraising event by attempting to set a world record that no other Irish charity has attempted before! The Caroline Foundation for Cancer Research hopes to have 2000 hat entries for a ‘Decorated Hat Competition’ (Nautical Theme) to be held in Greystones Harbour Marina from 11am to 1pm. Councillors Derek Mitchell and Grainne Mcloughlin recently met the owners of the La Touche Hotel site and demanded they reinstate the structure as per the planning permission for 27 houses. Both councillors have got the Council to list it as a derelict site and a 3% site value tax will apply from 1st September. “We complained that the weeds from the site made it difficult to walk along the pavement and at least they have subsequently tidied them up,” said Cllr Mitchell. “The developers, New Generation Homes, and their Structural Engineers suggested that it was not feasible to reinstate it, only to reconstruct it. “I was sceptical of this but would not be opposed to a good reconstruction but would be sceptical they would do it unless they gave security, such as a 3m deposit, to the Council, before they demolished it. For nearly 20 years the many owners of the site have let it decay. Both Grainne and I left them in Cllr Derek Mitchell. no doubt that we would be demanding that the Council use all powers it has to preserve the external walls.” In a letter sent to Mr Niall O’Brien of New Generation Homes following the meeting, Cllr Mitchell wrote “We are determined that the hotel, the most prominent and iconic building in Greystones, will be fixed. As nothing has happened since you got planning permission early in 2016 I have pushed the Council to issue the Derelict Site Notice on the 28th July. This will result in a tax/fine of 3% of site value from 31st August. The officials are also to brief the Councillors on what further measures we can take to fix up the structure. “There are a number of access points to it and children and homeless people have been in it. It is also badly or not maintained with weeds obstructing footpaths as in the photos which I showed. Since you purchased it about 2 years ago nothing seems to have been done to preserve it. Your credibility about caring and restoring the structure is low. “My own view, without full knowledge of the facts, is that I would not Cllr Grainne McLoughlin. be unhappy with an exact replication of the facades of the old building. However I would not trust anybody to replicate this unless the strongest of guarantees was given. Something like a cash deposit of the reconstruction costs (say 3m) with the Council and an agreement for the Council to do it if you have not done it within two years.” Last car GCS and Cancer Trials Ireland boot sale of 2016 A St David’s Greystones Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday September 4th and will be the last one of 2016. It will run from 9am to 3pm. Admission is €13 for cars and €25 for vans or cars with trailers. Gates open at 7.30am for sellers. Greystones Cancer Support (GCS) attended an important meeting last Thursday night in the Mansion House. The meeting was held by Cancer Trials Ireland to promote its work. Greystones Cancer Support attended the meeting as part of its information work to learn about the ongoing cancer trials being held in Dublin. Cancer patients can ask if there are trials that suit them. GCS group makes every attempt to keep the public aware of latest cancer programmes. The Cancer Trials Ireland meeting was addressed by four speakers, covering four main topics: An oncologist who explained what trials are; A surviving patient who had been on a trial; An oncologist who explained her work with patients; A father whose daughter had been on a cancer trial. Sonia Walsh, Chairperson of Greystones Cancer Support, says: “Greystones Cancer Support was delighted to attend this special meeting. Research is a big part of the work of the Irish Cancer Society. They made a big effort to let everyone know about the meeting. Anyone who is interested in cancer trials can ring us for further information. Details are also available at www.cancertrials.ie.” On Sunday 11th September The Caroline Foundation is once again undertaking a novel fundraising event by attempting to set a world record that no other Irish charity has attempted before, by hoping to get 2,000 hat entries for a ‘Decorated Hat Competition’ (Nautical Theme) to be held in Greystones Harbour Marina. Pictured at the launch is celebrated Irish Milliner Martha Lynn who will be one of the judges on the day.Picture Jason Clarke Camera club exhibition The Greystones Camera Club annual exhibition takes place from 13th to 17th September in Hillside Evangelical Church, Hillside Road; 11am to 5pm each day. There will be fabulous photographs beautifully presented. This annual exhibition is an event not to be missed! Coffee morning Ireland’s biggest coffee morning in aid of the Wickow Hospice Foundation will take place on 15th September. The Greystones coffee morning will be held in Greystones cancer support, La Touche Place, from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Details from 2871601 or [email protected]. Culture Night Culture Night is on 16th September. Theatre Lane has three floors of big celebrations. Guest of Honour will be Mrs. Bridie Mooney. There will be music from Elliot and Dylan Crampton, Spit roast from Andrew Holmes, Junior Art Camp in Mini Theatre, Treats to You and The Happy Pear, a wide variety of artists, a Healing Room, and dance in the Main Studio. Delgany Thursday Club Pictured is Kathleeen Kelleher from Greystones Cancer Support who attended the Cancer Trials Ireland meeting. This week’s Delgany Thursday Club outing is to the Royal Zoological Gardens in Phoenix Park. Coach leaves Delgany Church at 2:00 p.m. Cost is €25. Bookings from Noelene Scott, 2876878, or Gladys Williamson, 2819150. The Caroline Foundation was established in memory of Caroline Dwyer-Hickey who passed away on 25 March 2013 after a nine year battle with cancer. Caroline was a primary teacher and grew up in Greystones. The Caroline Foundation, a constituent of Cancer Clinical Research Trust led by Professor John Crown, broke a Guinness World Record in 2014 for the ‘Longest Awareness Ribbon Chain’ when approximately 3,000 people held a ribbon stretching from Bray to Greystones via the Cliff Walk. The event was so successful that the charity decided to go for a second the following year and in May 2015 the group set a new Irish record for the ‘Longest Line of Teddy Bears’ along Greystones seafront. This year, The Caroline Foundation, is attempting another challenge and hopes to set a new Guinness World Record for ‘Most Entries for Decorated Hat Competition’. As always it is envisaged that this will be a fun, family day out with lots of street entertainment. However, they need support and are calling on everyone to help by dusting down their old hat, decorating it with nautical themed adornments, donning it on the day and entering it for the competition. People are asked to help in any of the following ways: 1. By registering their decorated hat (nautical theme) even if you cannot be present to wear it contact [email protected] or 087675751 2. By making a financial donation through www.thecarolinefoundation.com. 3. By turning up on the day to register their decorated hat at the Event Registration Centre in Greystones Harbour Marina. The competition is open to all who want to take part in the record-breaking challenge - the only stipulation being that each hat must be decorated with a nautical theme. The Caroline Foundation is volunteer driven with 100% of funds raised going towards the cancer research fellowship. Speaking about the event, Dr Helen O’Sullivan Dwyer, Chairperson of The Caroline Foundation says, “We are inviting people to wear their decorated hat and donate €10 per entry or €25 family rate to help us reach our goal of raising funds in addition to breaking a Guinness World Record. There will be plenty of activities for the family to enjoy in Greystones on the day so come out, don your hat and join in the fun! Even if people cannot attend on the day, they can still enter their hat.” This promises to be a spectacular event. According to Guinness World Record rules for this challenge there can only be one winner. Celebrated Irish Milliners, Martha Lynn together with Stylist and TV presenter, Emily O’Donnell will have the unenviable task of selecting that winner. GRAPE exhibition The last Greystones Art and Photography Exhibition (GRAPE) of the summer takes place on 4th September at Greystones Harbour Marina, from 11am to 5:30pm It will be held on the fabulous new harbour plaza. Come along and view the wonderful art and photography and find that special gift. LOCAL Times Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 WICKLOW NEWS 11 ‘Gift of time’ for 11 Wicklow families Rory McIlroy’s Rory Foundation has donated a €317,000 ‘gift of time’ to 281 families, including 11 families in Wicklow, currently under the wing of Jack & Jill which will fund a total of 19,813 hours of home nursing care nationwide at €16 per hour. Specifically, this breaks down into 776 hours of home nursing care and respite for the 11 Wicklow families. According to Jonathan Irwin, CEO of Jack & Jill, “This gift of time from Rory McIlroy can be broken down county by county and will make a huge difference to families locally and nationally. Typically Jack & Jill funds up to 64 hours of home nursing care per month at a cost of up to €1,024 per family, so this money will make a big difference. To put it into context, that’s over 70 hours for each family under our wing today and the Rory Foundation donation will support the child and family with home nursing care and respite, county by county. What this golf and charity champion has gifted to families is time to do the ‘normal’ things that others take for granted - I should know as I’ve walked this pathway - like a full night’s sleep or a day out, safe in the knowledge that their sick child is being well cared for at home by one of our nurses. In total, a €951,000 donation from Rory McIlroy was split three ways for children’s charities - Barretstown, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation. Since 1997, the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation has supported over 2,000 children nationwide, including 43 children in Wicklow, from birth to 4 years old with brain damage who suffer severe intellectual and physical trauma. Its nationwide service includes home visits and care, advice, information, lobbying and bereavement support, with the Foundation providing funding for up to 64 hours of home nursing care per month at a cost of up to €1024 per family and up to 80 hours per month for end of life care. The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation relies on the generosity of the public and fundraisers like its Up the Hill challenge in September to raise the €2.7 million it requires every year to provide this critical service. Pictured is Eve Myron with Serena at the WSPCA ‘All about animals day’ in Sharpeshill, Rathdrum. Pic: Michael Kelly Appeal for Lego donations Ronald McDonald House Charities and families need your support Pictured are (back row) Sinead Moran (Senior Liaison Nurse, Jack & Jill) , Jonathan Irwin (CEO Jack & Jill), Barry Funston (CEO Rory Foundation); and Front Row - Jack O’Leary and Tom O’Leary (sons of former Dubs and GAA legend John O’Leary) and their mum Catherine Swords O’Leary. The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation is asking people to liberate their unwanted Lego bricks and to donate it to the charity to fund home nursing care and respite for families all over the country who are caring for their sick child at home. Jack & Jill has supported over 2,000 families nationwide including 39 in Wicklow. The unwanted, loose (no instructions, or boxes required) Lego can be bagged and dropped off at one of 38 DPD Ireland depots nationwide, including the DPD depot in Kilpeddar or via the Jack & Jill charity boutiques in Arklow and Wicklow or the Topaz service station in Kilmacanogue, with full details of all the drop off points on www.jackandjill.ie. Every 16 raised through this Lego appeal will gift one hour of home nursing care for a sick child suffering from severe development delay as a result of brain damage, who typically can’t walk or talk, who may be oxygen dependent, tube fed and on very heavy medication. Underneath all of the disability, however, these precious children under Jack & Jill’s wing do better at home and that is where their family, friends and community want them. Commenting on the Lego appeal, Jonathan Irwin CEO and Founder of Jack & Jill said “We want to start a nationwide search in attics and under beds for unwanted Lego that will help us to build a national and county bank of Jack & Jill home nursing hours for sick children.” Young readers ready to hit the books for MS Pictured is Trish Farrell and Aedin Lawlor pictured during the Irish Veteran & Vintage Car Club’s picnic at Powerscourt. “Thank you for reading”, is the message from Multiple Sclerosis Ireland to all the young readers in County Wicklow who took part in the MS Readathon last year, raising funds to help people with MS locally. MS Ireland also extended thanks to the families, schools, teachers and principals who supported them. Last year young readers in County Wicklow joined more than 15,000 others across Ireland in the MS Readathon. MS Readathon is now in its 29th year and the 2016 campaign will open for sign up in September ahead of the reading month, which will run from October 7th until November 7th 2016. While the world is marking 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl, MS Readathon remembers when the great children’s author honoured young readers in Ireland to launch the very first MS Readathon. Heading towards 30 years, MS Readathon is a hugely supported campaign that encourages reading and at the same time, raises funds for vital services. To increase awareness about Multiple Sclerosis for young readers, MS Ireland introduced MS schools ambassadors. People living with MS visit their local schools and talk about the complexity of the condition and the nature of relapses, or attacks when MS symptoms flare up. The theme for the 29th MS Readathon is all about adventure with a burst of reading ‘helping children to live a zillion adventures in a month’. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease, the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults in Ireland. For participating schools around the country, the 29th MS Readathon will provide: Information leaflets, stickers and posters for each class; A reading certificate for each participant; Many fantastic rewards and prize draws; Up to 10 per cent of funds raised by each participating school may go towards the individual school. To get involved with the 2016 MS Readathon: call 01 678 1600, email [email protected], or see www.msreadathon.ie. #Walk4Families is a national 5K Fundraising Walk, which will take place on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September in various counties all over Ireland. The fundraising initiative aims to raise vital funds for a new Ronald McDonald House that will accommodate 53 families alongside the New National Children’s Hospital when it opens on the grounds of St James’s Hospital in 2020. Calling for support from all corners of Ireland for this initiative, CEO (Volunteer) of Ronald McDonald House Charity in Ireland, Marian Carroll, said: “We are calling on people to support our #Walk4Families event taking place all over Ireland. Families who have stayed with us in the Ronald McDonald House in Crumlin are organising #Walk4Families events across the country on the weekend of 10th/11th September. Our track record of helping 3000 families across Ireland since 2004 means that people all over the country know the importance of the services we provide. We are asking that people register for a walk near you or organise a walk in your own county. With your help we will be able to look after families whose children will be staying at the new National Children’s Hospital for treatment or surgery.” “We are asking for people to participate that weekend, to bring their children, to enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere and, most of all, to support families who have a seriously ill child in hospital. For 20, people can take part in the walk and support a brilliant cause that makes a challenging time for families so much easier. If families can’t do the walk that weekend, they can still contribute using our text donation service,” she continued. The cost to build and fit out the new 53 bedroom Ronald McDonald House at the National Children’s Hospital will be in excess of 16 million. Since 2004, the Ronald McDonald House has provided accommodation, care and support for almost 3,000 families whose seriously ill children have been hospitalized or are undergoing treatment at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. Each #Walk4Families event has been organised at local level by families who have stayed in The Ronald McDonald House while their own children were seriously sick in Crumlin Children’s Hospital and any form of support to them in this initiative is very welcome. Commenting on the importance of supporting families who have a sick child in hospital, Jake Heenan, Connacht Rugby player & RMHC Ambassador said “The main reason I got involved was because my younger brother suffered health complications when he was born very premature. This was naturally a very difficult time for me and my family, and I am very supportive of the work the Ronald McDonald House Charity does to lighten that burden for families.” To participate in a walk near you please register now: https://www.iregister.ie/v 2/events/walk4families/ Registration is only €20 per family. If you would like to organise a walk in Wicklow please contact Joe Kenny on 014560435 / [email protected] . The aim is to have a walk in every county. I’m Yer Man Ltd. BUILDING, ROOFING & SCAFFOLDING CONTRACTORS TONY HALL • All work finished to highest standard • Registered with SEI for insulation grants • Attic conversions & extensions • All work supervised by engineer if required • We clear sites, gardens and have a permit to remove waste Fully Insured LOCAL Times Young Bray man ordained Dominican priest 12 NEWS WICKLOW Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 Dominican friars Br. Matthew Farrell OP and newly ordained Fr. Daragh McNally OP of Martello Terrace, Bray with well-known Bray resident and Most Holy Redeemer parishioner An tUas. Declan Ó Meadhra, an acquaintance of Fr. Daragh’s late grandfather film producer Bill Moylan. It was with great joy that the Parish of the Most Holy Redeemer, Bray, enjoyed the celebration of his first Mass by the newly ordained Dominican priest Fr Daragh McNally OP (31 years) originally of Martello Terrace, Strand Road, Bray. This is the first such celebration for the parish since the ordination of Fr Brendan McGuire in 2000, originally of Carlton Terrace, Novara Avenue, Bray, for the Diocese of San Jose, California where he is now Pastor of the Parish of the Most Holy Spirit, Almaden Valley, San Jose and a Vicar General of that diocese. Fr Daragh is the son of Tom McNally, originally of Clinton, Massachusetts, and local Bray woman Isolde Moylan, recently retired Ambassador of Ireland to Egypt, Jordan, the Lebanon, Sudan, Syria and formerly to Tanzania, as well as Ireland’s first resident Representative to the Palestinian Authority based in Ramallah, where she befriended the late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Born in Rome where his mother was posted with the Irish diplomatic mission, Fr Daragh grew up on the Esplanade, Bray with his three siblings Shane, Conor and Eavan, close to his maternal grandparents Ita née Cornwall and film producer Bill Moylan late of Munster House, Sidmonton Place. As his mother served in various diplomatic postings, Fr Daragh lived at different times in Brussels, Dar es Salaam and Boston. At home in Bray Fr Daragh attended St Cronin’s B.N.S., and also attended the International School of Tanganyika, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and the University of Massachusetts, Boston, where he earned his degree in sociology and political science. As a Dominican friar he studied philosophy at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. Having entered the Order of Preachers in 2008 as a postulant, Fr Daragh received the Dominican habit in September, 2009 becoming a novice and took simple vows in 2010. He made his solemn profession into the Order in 2014 and was ordained in March, 2015 to the deaconate by His Grace The Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland, The Most Rev. Dr. Diarmuid Martin DD. Following priestly ordination the previous day with seven other young Dominican friars all in their late 20s and early 30s, at St Saviour’s Dominican Church, Dominick Street, Dublin, at the hands of His Grace The Archbishop of Castries, St Lucia, The Most Rev. Dr. Robert Rivas OP- Fr Daragh, joined by neighbours and friends offered his first Mass, on Sunday at the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, Main Street, Bray. Worshippers and well-wishers included writer, former Wicklow TD and Labour Party Minister Liz McManus as well as former Fianna Fáil councillor Eleanor Roche, wife of retired Fianna Fáil cabinet minister Dick Roche. Concelebrating 12 noon Mass with Fr Daragh, offered for Rachel and John McGogan, was the Rt. Rev. Monsignor Enda Lloyd PP EV, the Rev. Fr John O’Connell DD PE, and Discalced Carmelite the Very Rev. Fr John McGowan OCD, Father Prior of Tabor Priory, Preston, England. Rev. Br Matthew Farrell OP acted as crucifer and assisted at the altar as acolyte with two local altar servers, brothers John and Dara Henderson. The epistles were read by local barrister Malachaí Duddy with responsorial psalm chanted by the 12 o’clock Mass Choir under the direction of Richard Bridge BMusEd (Dubl.). Fr Daragh proclaimed the Gospel and preached on the Parable of the Good Samaritan, observing the generous hospitality of the often neglected Inn Keeper in the gospel story, identifying this hospitality at a time of the present Syrian refugee crisis with the appropriate Christian response to visitors, welcoming them into our lives be they neighbours, refugees or be it God. Fr Daragh’s Bray and Massachusetts grandparents were especially remembered during Mass. With the conclusion of Fr. Daragh’s first Mass, he greeted a jubilant congregation as members passed through the principal entrance of the church onto the Main Street where he received their best wishes on the start of his priestly vocation. Mass was followed by light refreshments in the Little Flower Hall, where Fr Daragh imparted, one at a time, the traditional First Blessing of the Newly Ordained Priest on a long queue of grateful parishioners. He will continue his studies in Rome at the Dominican founded Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinus commonly called the Angelicum in honour of the Dominican and Angelic Doctor of the Church, St Thomas Aquinus. Significant as it is to the Parish of the Most Holy Redeemer and the town of Bray, Fr Daragh’s ordination is especially significant to the Dominican Order as it celebrates its founding by the St Dominic 800 years ago this year. LOCAL Times Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 WICKLOW 13 WHAT DO YOU CALL A GRADUATE ? OPEN EVENING Wed 7th Sept 4pm-6pm Over 50 Degree, Diploma and Certificate programmes for 2016 ART Art Portfolio Preparation Art, Craft & Design Fine Art – Higher National Diploma DESIGN Architectural Design & Technology Graphic Design – HND Fashion Design - level 5 & HND Furniture Design level 5 & 6 Garden Design SOCIAL, COMMUNITY & HEALTH BUSINESS & TOURISM Beauty & Wellbeing Diploma Fashion, Theatre & Media Make-Up – Diploma Nail Tech. & Salon Management (mornings only) Pharmacy Retailing & Cosmetic Selling Holistic & Wellbeing Studies (mornings only) Nursing / Midwifery Studies Early Childhood Care & Education - level 5 & HND Social Studies & Community Care Health Care Assistant Applied Psychology Business Management & Adminstration Management – Advanced Certificate Accounting Technician (mornings only) Tourism, Reception & Event Management Business Tourism – Advanced Certificat Professional Cookery - level 5 & 6 IT & COMPUTERS Software Development - level 5 Computer Systems & Networks - level 5 & 6 it skills with Digital Marketing SCIENCE MEDIA & PERFORMING ARTS TV & Film Production - level 5 & HND 3D Game Design - level 5 & 6 Sound Engineering Music Production Music Performance - HND DJ Techniques Performing Arts – Acting - level 5 & HND Dance, Performace & Choreography - level 5 & HND Animal Care - level 5 & 6 Science - Pre University Forensics Applied Science - pre university ADMINSTRATION Legal Studies Pre University Office Adminstration Medical Adminstration (mornings only) SPORT & SECURITY Fitness Professional & Gym Instruction Studies Personal Trainer & Leisure Management-Level 6 Soccer Studies & Gym Instruction Security Studies LEAVING CERTIFICATE Adult Leaving Certificate BRAY INSTITUTE OF FURTHER EDUCATION BIFE - Dedicated, Professional, Passionate Tel: 282 9668 www.bife.ie Times LOCAL 14 NEWS WICKLOW Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 Wicklow winners at Comhaltas All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil It was an exciting and successful week of competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions and more as the 64th Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was celebrated by an estimated 400,000 throughout Ennis. Amongst the winners were Wicklow musicians Anne Devlin (3rd, Mouth Organ, Over 18’s), Beiti Ni She (2nd, Whistle Slow Airs, Faoi 12), and James Mahon (2nd, Newly Composed Tune). The All-Ireland Fleadh was held in Ennis on two previous occasions, in 1956 and 1977, and both were landmark events in the history of Irish traditional music. Every year, the Fleadh provides a cultural meeting place for those who carry the great traditions of Irish music, song and dance in their hearts. Micheál O Riabhaigh, Chairman of the Fleadh Executive Committee said, “It has been a great privilege and an even Pictured are Colm Weadick, Sean O’Connor and John Halpin at the Thin Lizzy tribute night in aid of the Arklow RNLI. Pic.Michael Kelly Luck of the Irish concert tour The ‘Luck of the Irish’ concert tour will come to the Grand Hotel in Wicklow Town on Saturday 3rd September. Doors open at 7:30pm. Come along and have a great night out. This is a concert tour with ten hotel venues between September and December, with a mixture of new bands and singers such as The Carty Sisters, Andrew Berry, Podge Dwyer and Rachel Grace. Tickets (€20) are available at hotel reception or contact Box Office on 087 9331752 to book your tickets. Glendalough - An Age Old Attraction The Brockagh Resource Centre in Laragh is currently hosting an exhibition of historic photographs of the Glendalough Valley through the ages. These images are from the National Library of Ireland’s Lawrence Collection. They show the enduring popularity of Glendalough as an age old attraction for visitors from the late 19th century onwards. Mmebers of the public can view the exhibition in the Brockagh Resource Centre, Laragh and then wander the one mile to Glendalough to see first-hand how the features depicted (Round Tower, Royal Hotel, Gateway, Deer Stone etc) have changed over time, and also view the pop-up displays in outdoor locations at the Green Road, The Visitor Centre, the Monastic City Entrance and the Information Office, Upper Lake. The exhibition is an initiative of the Glendalough Heritage Forum which is a partnership of local residents, land owners, state agencies, County Council officials and researchers from a variety of institutions. The aim of the GHF is to facilitate understanding and management of the remarkable cultural heritage of Glendalough with the local community, maximising the benefits of working together and sharing information. Admission is free and all are welcome. Music in Calary The next concert in the 2016 Music in Calary series will take place at 8 pm on Thursday September 8th in Calary Church when Musici Ireland will play works by Beethoven, Boccherini and Dohnanyi. The performers will be Helena Wood (violin), Beth McNinch (viola) and Grainne Hope (cello). Their programme will be Beethoven’s Op.3 in Eb followed by Boccherini’s String Trio in D major, Op.14, No.4 and ending with Dohnanyi’s Serenade Opus 10. Helena Wood attended the Royal College of Music in London as a scholar from the age of 8. She is in great demand as an orchestral leader and director and frequently guest leads many of the world’s leading orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and Iceland Symphony Orchestra. She led the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the 2012 Proms and spent two months in Sydney as Concertmaster of Australian Opera. Helena is currently currently the Concertmaster of the RTE National Symphony Orchestra in Dublin. Beth McNinch completed her studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Academy of Music in London and afterwards performed regularly with the London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, English National Opera, BBC Concert Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Ballet Sinfonia, London Sinfonietta, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra of Wales. Beth has also worked and toured in Ireland and America with the RTE National Symphony Orchestra and Camerata Ireland with Barry Douglas. Since moving to Ireland in 2007 she has been principal viola of the Wexford Festival Opera Orchestra and has appeared as guest principal Viola with English National Ballet and the RTE Symphony and Concert Orchestras. She is also the founder and Artistic Director of Musici Ireland. Grainne Hope has travelled widely and played with many orchestras in America and Ireland including the Altoona Symphony, Erie Symphony, Soesterbeg Festival Orchestra, Camerata Ireland, RTE Concert Orchestra and the Orchestra of the National Concert Hall. Gráinne is currently freelancing with the RTE Concert Orchestra, Camerata Ireland and Wexford Opera Festival as well as tutoring the YOPS Orchestras and working on Dublin City South East Strings Project taking place in Deis Schools. Tickets, which are €18 and €15 for concessions, can be booked by ringing John at (01) 2818146 or by email to [email protected] . greater responsibility to host this incredible event. We thank all the visitors to Ennis and sincerely hope the music and the craic was mighty and that everybody had a happy and a safe time in our town and county.” At the core of the Fleadh are the competitions that see traditional musicians, dancers and singers of all ages and backgrounds competing at All Ireland level, following victories at regional competitions. This year almost 6,000 competitors played, sang or danced for All Ireland titles in 180 competitions. The standards were high and the music more than lived up to the expectations of judges who had a very dif- ficult job choosing winners for each category and competition. Scoil Éigse, the official summer school organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, ran throughout the week with Irish people and international students of all ages taking part in various music, singing, dancing and Irish language classes. This year ‘The Green Fleadh’ made it easy to reduce and segregate waste, minimise water and energy use, reduce carbon emissions and source goods and materials sustainably. It helped the 400,000 visitors to Ennis take the necessary steps to protect and improve the environment. The concept of ‘Sharing Clare’ was also developed to ensure that the cultural and natural beauty of Clare was shared with visitors to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Inis 2016. Fleadh goers were invited to experience all that Clare has to offer and a programme of events and activities were undertaken in towns and villages throughout the county. Ennistymon, Tulla, Kilfenora, Feakle, Scariff, Cooraclare, Miltown Malbay and Quin were the towns and villages participating in the ‘Sharing Clare’ Programme. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be returning to Ennis in 2017, taking place from 13th - 21st August. Emerging ‘Undercurrent’ at Signal Arts Artists’ Exhibition 2016 Over 50 young, energetic artists from the c o u n t r y ’s f i n e s t a r t colleges will exhibit their work at the Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely from S u n d a y, S e p t e m b e r 4th at 4.00pm. These new, graduate artists from a broad range of artistic disciplines will exhibit work in 2D including contemporary fine art, print and photography and showing 3D work in ceramics, glass textiles, visual merchandising, sculpture, production design and model making. The exhibition runs until September 29 and admission is free. Art colleges whose students have contributed to this vibrant show include: IADT Dun Laoghaire, DIT Dublin, NCAD, LSAD Limerick, CIT Cork, Burren College of Art, Gorey School of Art, and Grennan Mill, Kilkenny. The exhibition will b e o p e n e d b y D r. Eimear O’Connor, an art historian who specialises in Irish Art. Eimear is also an archivist, curator, art advisor and archivist. The exhibition will run until 29th September. A joint exhibition by Brigitte McGovern and Louise Newman entitled ‘Undercurrent’ is running at the Signal Arts Centre until Sunday, 11th September. Brigitte McGovern was born in Hamburg and graduated with a first class honours degree in 1967 from the College of Art and Design. She subsequently moved to Munich and worked as a graphic designer within the field of advertising, before moving to Ireland in 1979 to pursue a career as a professional artist. In 2003 she was awarded the Douglas Hyde gold medal at the Oireachtais Exhibition and had work accepted for the Royal Hibernian Academy Annual Exhibition. Since 1995 she has been teaching art to people with special needs in two of Dublin’s day care centres. Born in Dublin, Louise Newman studied Fine Art in IADT Dun Laoghaire. She appeared at RTE Open House in collaboration with Irish Arts review emerging Artist of the year 2004 and her work was highlighted at the Éigse Carlow Arts festival in 2005. She has exhibited nationwide and her work is in many public and private collections including the OPW, The Bank of Ireland, The Blackrock Clinic, The Flynn hotel group, and in the private collection of Mary Coughlan amongst others. Her formal concerns have always been rooted in the tradition of landscape painting. The specific areas from which she has drawn inspiration, the modes of addressing them have varied considerably over the years and her long and very personal relationship with the West coast of Ireland has resulted in this series of works. Through residencies at the Cill Rialig Project, Co. Kerry and time spent on the Connemara Coast, Louise has produced this body of work. An opening reception, with guest appearance from Irish artist Bridget Flannery, will be held on Thursday, 1st September from 7-9pm. All welcome. Pictured are Cristina Ni Dubhslaine and Anrai O Raguallaigy at the Hollywood Fair. Times LOCAL Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 WICKLOW EDUCATION 15 LOOKING TO COMPLETE YOUR LEAVING CERT AS A www.bife.ie MATURE STUDENT? Tel: 01 282 9668 Pictured are Sean Og Conaghan, Cassie Doyle, Cinty Nolan and Matthew O’Neill at the St.Mary’s College Debs, Arklow. Coming Soon ....‘Bray’s newest and most exciting Dance School’ On Friday 16th September a new and exciting dance school is opening its doors in Bray, in the Parochial Hall, Novara Road. It will be under the direction of Johanne Quinn, a native of Bray and an ex-student of the renowned ‘Annette Hynes School of Dance’. It was there that she first began dancing at the age of 5 until 18 years old. It was under the wing of Annette Hynes that she developed a love of dance. As a result she decided to continue her dance training to a professional level in the UK. AT MDDC, Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre, Liverpool, she continued her studies and graduated from the college as a fully qualified teacher with the ISTD, Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, in Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre Dance and Tap. After Graduating, Johanne was offered a job in the college teaching full-time students, where she gained a wealth of experience and knowledge and this has all helped mould her into the teacher she is today. Johanne returned to Ireland in 2008 and began teaching for Frances Ryan School of Dance in Arklow, where she still teaches on Mondays. She also currently teaches in the Mexican School, Woodlands Academy and in St. Patrick’s School, Bray. Johanne feels that the time is now right to develop her dream of having her own dance school in the town she grew up in. She looks forward to encouraging young Bray dancers of the future to learn in a fun and relaxing environment. To enroll your child or if you have any questions please contact Johanne on 086 8803953 where she will be delighted to help. Bray Institute Offers ✔ One Year Mornings Only ✔ Adult Leaving Certificate This course is ideal for you if you: • Always wanted to go to University, Institute of Technology, Post Leaving Cert Course • Want to improve your employment opportunities • Are looking for an employment promotion • Missed the opportunity first time round • Want to help the children with their homework Applicants: • Applicants should be over 18, • Mature students are welcome • Students can sit 5 subjects from a range including English, Irish and Maths at ordinary level • Classes will take place in Bray Institute on Novara Avenue, Bray • Classes are each morning from Monday to Friday. To apply or see our full list of PLC courses contact www.bife.ie or phone 01 282 9668 BRAY INSTITUTE OF FURTHER EDUCATION BIFE - Dedicated, Professional, Passionate Times LOCAL 16 EDUCATION WICKLOW Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 Specsavers Bray taking care of your eyes and ears Specsavers Bray, located at 72 Main Street, is run by Store Directors Diana Doll and Garrett McShane along with a team of ten qualified and trained members of staff. With all the latest equipment in its two examination rooms, Specsavers is committed to providing advanced eye care technology. Now also specialising in Hearcare, Specsavers Bray provide free daily Hearcare screenings and a clinic that takes place every Friday and on alternate Mondays managed by Audiologist Denise Kane. Specsavers Bray are healthcare professionals that pride themselves on providing extensive eye and ear healthcare services. Pictured are Eva Howell and Conor Kenny at the St.Mary’s College Debs, Arklow. The Fegan Academy The Fegan Academy officially changed its name from the Fegan School of Irish Dancing with the opening of their new studio in April 2015. For many years they have taught tens of thousands of children and adults in halls all over the Dublin and Wicklow area. “We have had some great times travelling with parents and children to cultural events in Spain, Wales, England, France, Germany and America. We achieved a world title win in 2013. “At the Fegan Academy of Dance all children are treated equally. Some children may show a natural talent for dance, for others it can be a learned activity. Nothing comes easy and practice is important in all cases. Some children may find it easy to pick up steps, others may take more time. “Every child is entitled to go at their own pace and we do not try to rush them. Children learn as they grow. Every child can make a dancer, it just takes the right teacher to nurture and build on their confidence and style. It is important to think positively and the best will come. Anyone can make it to the top. He/she just needs to be determined. “This is a fun time of life watching your children grow and blossom through a dance activity. You will meet many friends on the way. This can be quality time spent with your children, attending shows, Feiseanna etc. Enjoy your dancing experience. “Our ambition for the next few years is to build up our class and give as many children as possible an equal opportunity to dance regardless of their ability. We plan to have many more Champions and whoever can take the pace, many more World Champions. We do hope you will stick around and travel through time with us.” Times LOCAL Tuesday 30th August 2016 WICKLOW 17 LOCAL Times 18 EDUCATION WICKLOW Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 Accounting for success There was a 66% increase in demand for qualified accounting technicians last year, with jobs available across industry, practice and the public sector, says Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI), the country’s leading professional body for accounting technicians. This demand is spurred by the versatility of the qualification, which is specially designed to meet the needs of businesses all over the country and builds practical work experience into the Diploma programme. “Our Diploma for Accounting Technicians includes a work experience component, which provides employers with a guarantee that our MIATI graduates have both book smarts and solid on-the-job experience,” says Richard Mullins, ATI’s Marketing Manager. “This means their CV will stand out when applying for accounting technician or accounts assistant jobs - and this is supported by the fact that 95% of our members are employed,” he says. “Our syllabus has been carefully designed to equip graduates with an array of transferable business skills and a technical knowledge of finance and accountancy practice. The qualification is designed to meet the strong and specific demand for qualified Accounting Technician professionals in all sectors, and to support the continuing development of those already in employment.” Accounting Technicians Ireland delivers the course via 70 Approved Partner Pictured at the BIFE Open Day last Friday were from l-r: Paddy McNulty, Head of School of Business, Tourism & IT at BIFE, Ruadhan Duggan, ATI Teacher & Adult Education, Minister Simon Harris, Richard Mullens Marketing Manager ATI and BIFE Principal Ray Tedders. colleges on the island of Ireland, including Bray Institute of Further Education (BIFE). Students can take the course on a full-time or a part-time basis at BIFE, which is located on Novara Avenue in Bray town. Accounting technicians are employed in a wide variety of sectors and R.A.D. Ballet /I.S.T.D. Jazz Classes for Children and Adults Tuesdays & Thursdays in the Little Flower Hall, Main St. Bray Enrolling on Thursday 8th September 2.30-4pm. Classes commence the following week. • Posture, poise & discipline explored through the joy of dance • Students have option of RAD / ISTD Examinations and biennial school productions • Classes for boys and girls aged 3 1/2 upwards • Free trial classes and sibling discount available industries, including private accountancy firms, financial services, manufacturing, local and central government and the health service. Many business owners also pursue the course to strengthen their financial management while others use the exemptions it brings as a stepping stone as they work towards becoming a fully qualified accountant. “All of the top professional accountancy bodies in Ireland offer generous exemptions to our graduates, including Chartered Accountants Ireland, ACCA, CPA, CIMA, IIPA and higher education institutes,” says Mullins. Students at BIFE following the Accounting Technicians course have had great success in the National exams. Sandra Colgan and Niamh Heaney tancy qualification for my future career. In 2014 I attended an open day in Bray Institute of Further Education (BIFE) and discussed the Accounting Technician course with the Head of Business Department (Paddy McNulty) and found BIFE to be very friendly and professional. Although I researched the ATI course in advance I wasn’t 100% sure what to expect until the books arrived and I found the course content to be very comprehensive. The ATI website is an excellent resource for students with past papers and sample papers to help practice exam questions. Also I found the Touchpoint login with Knowledgepoint tutorials to be a great resource, as too are the revision Workshops held in Dublin. Mondays in Mount Merrion Community Centre Enrolling Monday 5th September 1.30-3pm. Classes commence the following week Enquiries: M. 087 287 2532. T: 01 490 8521 check out The Dance Academy Bray on facebook check out our new website www.thedanceacademy.ie Sadhbh Ó Dúnlaing NCVA Dip RAD RTS Sandra Colgan and Niamh Heaney being presented with Academic Excellence Awards at the BIFE graduation ceremony by Seán Ashe, CEO of KWETB. came first and third in Ireland in their ATI first year exams have done it again. This year, Sandra did one better and came first in Ireland in her 2nd year examination while Niamh Heaney again came third in Ireland and Alfred Albequerque came 7th in Ireland in his second year exams. Sandra Colgan told Wicklow Times “As a mature student and mum it was a big decision to return to full-time education after 20 years working in the wine industry. I worked in a commercial role for many years and I am also a book-keeper for my husband’s business part-time, so I was interested in gaining an accoun- “From an early stage my BIFE classmate and friend Niamh Heaney (also a mature study and mum) and I started studying and revising together, practicing past paper questions. It was definitely a case of ‘two heads are better than one’. I have really enjoyed the past 2 years studying the ATI course at BIFE and I’m thrilled with both our results. “The next step is to continue my studies. In September I am going to Institute of Technology Tallaght (ITT) to join 3rd year of the degree course in Bachelor of Business in Accounting & Finance along with a few of my BIFE classmates.” LOCAL Times Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 WICKLOW 19 Enrol on-line at www.bife.ie For all enquiries please email [email protected] The college offers a discount to those in receipt of Social Welfare. Early enrolment is advisable as classes may fill up quickly or may not form due to a lack of enrolments Evening Classes Monday Wednesday 105 149 123 111 127 113 107 119 122 114 189 104 127 125 126 175 131 116 118 130 103 120 159 315 373 301 312 304 310 378 308 322 303 326 335 323 333 334 369 311 337 331 Art - Painting & Sketching .................................................€130 Body Sculpt (NEW) ...........................................................€75 Bridge improvers ..............................................................€150 Computers for Beginners ...................................................€90 Creative Writing for fun and development ............................€130 Decoupage Fee.................................................................€130 Digital Photography...........................................................€130 Dressmaking - Intermediate ...............................................€130 French - Beginners ...........................................................€100 First Aid ..........................................................................€130 French - Improvers............................................................€100 Furniture Making - Woodwork for Beginners.........................€130 Introduction to Creative Writing..........................................€130 Introduction to Movement (NEW) .......................................€130 Italian - Beginners ............................................................€100 Learn the basics of the Chinese Language (NEW).................€100 Leaving Certificate Irish (NEW) ..........................................€130 Pottery/Ceramics...............................................................€150 Sign Language - Beginners ................................................€100 Singing for fun (NEW) .......................................................€130 Step Aerobics - Beginners to Intermediate...........................€75 Start your own Business ....................................................€100 Iyengar Yoga - Beginners ...................................................€100 Accounting Technicians Ireland 101 1st Year Lectures Mon & Wed. €675 time: 6.45-9.45pm 102 2nd Year Lectures Mon & Wed. €675 time: 6.45 -9.45pm Early Childhood care and Education QQI Levels 5 and 6 Monday and Wednesday Evenings 6.45 to 9.45pm Two year Programmes €800 per year Acting for Film and Television ............................................€130 Aromatherapy Massage......................................................€100 Art - Oil painting for beginners ...........................................€130 Bridge - Beginners ............................................................€150 Digital Photo Editing - Beginners GIMP...............................€130 Dress Making - Beginners ..................................................€130 Furniture making - woodwork for improvers (NEW) ...............€130 Gel and Acrylic Nail and Nail Art........................................€190 Novelty Sugarcraft ............................................................€130 Mindful based relaxation (NEW) .........................................€130 Spanish - Beginners..........................................................€100 Spanish - Improvers ..........................................................€100 Stock Market Spread Betting and Investment ......................€75 Stott Pilates - Level 1 .......................................................€75 Stott Pilates - Level 2 .......................................................€75 Tai Chi Fee.......................................................................€100 Tap Dancing .....................................................................€75 T.E.F.L. -Teach English as a Foreign....................................€130 Iyengar Yoga - Beginners ...................................................€100 Most classes are of 10 weeks duration and run from 7.30-9.30pm Please go to bife.ie for all details Bray Institute of Further Education, Novara Avenue, Bray. T: 286 6111 or 282 9668 www.bife.ie Find us on facebook at bife evening classes or on twitter @bife EC LOCAL Times 20 EDUCATION WICKLOW Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 Kildare and Wicklow ETB offers many courses on new Further Education & Training Course Hub Pictured are Colm Redmond and Niamh McBride at the St.Mary’s College Debs, Arklow. Over 4,000 Further Education and Training courses can now be found in one place fetchcourses.ie. The new website, developed by SOLAS, the Further Education Authority, and Education and Training Boards Ireland will allow learners to access information about Further Education opportunities throughout the country such as Post-leaving Cert courses, the latest traineeships, back to education initiatives and many more. These programmes are delivered by a network of Further Education and Training Providers across 26 counties, and online through SOLAS eCollege. Further Education and Training offers a wide range of interesting accredited courses that help individuals to develop their skills for employment, career progression, progression into other FET courses or third-level as well as providing fundamental literacy and numeracy skills. SOLAS CEO, Paul O’Toole said: “Further Education and Training offers a wide range of opportunities for everyone. FET courses, which are delivered through the ETBs and other providers, can make a real difference to the lives of individuals by developing skills for life-long learning no matter who you are or where you are on your journey. FET is inclusive and accessible to everyone including school leavers, career changers, people returning to employment, people with disabilities and YOUR CAREER. YOUR BUSINESS. SSIOerNas. YOURarePyoA u about a care How serious ing the best, a top hair stylist? 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We set the stan nd Irela in both rs loye tes of the David Marshall emp recognised by y of the teachers are gradua Man id. Dav from on top graduates tuiti al king with David. David’s All students receive person ber of years’ experience wor num a e hav and g ssin dre School of Hair world. g. in Ireland and all over the shall School of Hairdressin own and run great salons tact Nuala at The David Mar Con : you for is g ssin dre hair in er care a eve If you beli Tel: 01 677 0598. ressing, please visit rshall School of Haird Ma vid Da the on on For further informati avidmarshall.ie. our website www.d older people. FET learners include everyone from WorldSkills gold medal winners to grandparents improving their literacy skills to help their grandchildren with their homework. FETCHcourses.ie means that it has never been easier to find the right course for you.” CEO Kildare and Wicklow ETB, Sean Ashe said: “Kildare and Wicklow ETB offers many Further Education and Training courses in the form of PLCs, traineeships, adult or community education or Specific Skills Training courses, run through our local network of Further Education schools and providers. To date, the huge opportunities offered through FET have remained one of Ireland’s best kept secrets. FETCHcourses.ie is a very significant step to communicating the rich diversity of options that the Kildare and Wicklow ETB and other ETBs throughout the country offer to learners aged 18 to 67.” Minister for Education & Skills, Richard Bruton TD said: “As our economy comes out of a very difficult period, many new opportunities have opened up for young people, in the further education and training sector, including traineeships and apprenticeships. I believe that we must build a bridge between education and enterprise which is stronger than what we have ever seen before in Ireland. I am delighted that over 4,000 Further Education and Training courses can now be found in one place - fetchcourses.ie.” Fetchcourses.ie is one part of an information technology system, the Programme and Learner Support System (PLSS), a joint initiative between SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards. The other elements are the National Programme Database and the National Course Database. The three databases will collectively provide an integrated approach to collection of key data on Further Education and Training Programme outputs, outcomes and performance. Pictured are Robert Plant, student at Sallynoggin College of Further Education, Paul O’Toole CEO SOLAS, Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Education & Skills, Brona Donnelly, student Sallynoggin College of Further Education and Samantha O’Brien, student Sallynoggin College of Further Education. LOCAL Times Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 WICKLOW FEATURE 21 Dunlavin Notes Sympathy Dunlavin Scout Group Sympathy is extended to the family of Mairi Deegan, Loughmogue, who passed away recently. Mairi who fought a long battle with cancer is mourned by her husband Thomas, son Conor, daughter Caroline, son-in law Nebil, daughter-inlaw Nicola, sisters Joan and Joyce, brother Tony, grandchildren Eamonn, Sarah, Adhamh and Tom, and many relaatives and friends. Mairi was cremated on Thursday August 18th. A memorial service for Mairi took place in Camphill Community Hall, Grangebeg on Sunday August 21st. May Mairi rest in peace. Dunlavin Scout Group are currently recruiting new committed leaders for their troop from all local townlands. They are a volunteer based organisation, working with children. Full training is provided. If you think you would be interested in volunteering, please call 086-2632859 for more information. Research participants needed Research participants are needed to take part in a health research study in the School of Psychology in Trinity College. The volunteers should be over the age of 60. Further details are available on the Church notice board. Centenary Pins Dunlavin 1916 Centenary pins are beautifully designed pins and are now available to buy for only €3 each or 2 for €5. The design is based on the 1798 monument on Dunlavin Green. These badges are a limited item so be quick to purchase. It could be a beautiful gift to a family member or to loved ones abroad, or simply to remember the amazing day experienced on May 8th. Available to b u y f r o m E d ’s F r u i t a n d Ve g o r a n y F o r u m Committee Member. All proceeds go to Dunlavin & District Forum. Cancer Support Dunlavin’s Flower and Harvest Festival This year’s Flower and Harvest Festival will take place the weekend beginning Friday, 4th November. The Irish Cancer Society is currently seeking volunteer drivers from Co. Wicklow to drive local patients to and from their chemotherapy treatments in Dublin hospitals. Driver expenses are paid. If you’re interested, please telephone Rebecca on 01-2316642 or email [email protected] Community pharmacies are the most accessible part of the healthcare system with pharmacies situated in nearly every town and villages throughout the County. They are also the most visited health service provider with 85 million visits made to pharmacies every year representing 19 visits for every man, woman and child in the country. The public not only visit pharmacies to fill a prescription but also to seek advice on medicine/health issues or to purchase toiletries and cosmetics. The role of the pharmacist has changed significantly over the years with more pharmacies providing healthcare services as well as dispens- ing medicines. As healthcare professionals, and the most accessible part of the healthcare system, many pharmacies provide a significant number of services to patients including the flu vaccination, an emergency hormonal contraception service, smoking cessation services, blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol measurements, diabetes management and much more. Pharmacists can also advise patients on: How to treat minor ailments, such as coughs, colds, stomach upsets and hay fever. How to manage chronic illnesses, including diabetes, asthma and cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle concerns including weight management Pharmacists supply medicines every day to AUGHRIM PHARMACY Dispensing Neil Gallagher B.S.c M.P.S.I OPENING HOURS Mon-Fri 9.30am-6pm. Closing for lunch 1pm-2pm. Sat 9.30am-5pm Main Street, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow. Tel: 0402 36655 Fax: 0402 36850 Email: [email protected] HERE WHEN YOU NEED US patients. It is a normal pharmacy activity with pharmacists providing advice and recommendations regarding these m e d i c a t i o n s . Pharmacists are qualified to deal with a number of ailments including colds and flus; allergic rhinitis; cold sores; constipation; dermatitis and mild eczema; headache; heartburn; migraine; nausea and vomiting and pain, among other conditions. In the event that the patient requires additional treatment a pharmacist will always refer the patient to another healthcare professional including GPs. All pharmacists have a consultation area where patients can talk to their pharmacist in private and discreetly. KILCOOLE PHARMACY For all your family requirements Prescriptions Gifts, Cosmetics Main Street, Kilcoole. Tel: 01 2874483 Pieter Jannssens, Dropbox’s Head of Mid-Market Sales for Central and Northern Europe is pictured with Nichola Mullen, Head of Fundraising for St Vincent de Paul and Gordon O’Neill, founder and CEO of telecoms firm Goldfish.ie and Dropbox’s mascot ‘Panda’ in Dropbox’s European Headquarters in Dublin for the launch of the ‘Sack The Suit’ charity campaign, in aid of The Society of St Vincent de Paul. Pic: Patrick O’Leary Companies urged to ‘sack the suit’ in aid of St Vincent de Paul With Ireland having an unusually warm summer, we are seeing people across the country sweltering at work in their traditional office attire of suits, ties and formal dresses. Thankfully help is at hand from Irish telecoms firm Goldfish.ie, who are headquartered in Greystones, and are asking companies to modernise their dress-codes, by ditching rules that require staff to wear formal business clothes, and donating them to charity instead. Catchily entitled ‘Sack the Suit’, the campaign was launched across Ireland recently. It calls for men and women alike to raid their wardrobe and donate their unwanted clothes to a good cause, the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP). The first company to join the campaign is leading file storage firm DropBox, who have already adopted an informal dress-code at their headquarters in Dublin and have just completed a clothes’ collection in aid of SVP. Goldfish has already adopted its own relaxed dress code, which has led to a boost in morale, increased productivity and reduced staff turnover. There has never been a better time to ‘Sack the Suit’. Gordon O’Neill from Goldfish says: “Being a modern company is not just about having modern products or services; you also need to have modern working practices.” To join ‘Sack the Suit’ call Goldfish.ie on 016876996 and they will send you SVP sacks. Community pharmacy is at the frontline, delivering a patient-focused health service Pharmacists are part of a continuum of care that is an essential part of our health service. In addition to the widely recognised role of dispensing medicines and advice, community pharmacists undertake a range of other primary healthcare roles. These include: *cross-checking prescriptions to minimise the risk of adverse drug reaction; * providing detailed information and support on medicine use and management; * promoting awareness of general health issues, e.g. diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure; *promoting medical compliance, with favourable implications for patient outcomes; *providing advisory services on minor health problems to the general public. As the most accessible part of the healthcare system, open on average six days a week, pharmacies are available to provide healthcare informa- tion and advice to members of the public without the need for an appointment or the cost of a GP visit. Community pharmacies are constantly increasing their services and are seen by the public as being very good value for money, which was identified by 86% of the public to a recent Behaviour and Attitudes survey. Quality & Convenient Pharmacy Services In store Tesco, Arklow Tel: 0402 41104 LOCAL Times 22 SPORTS / LOCAL BUSINESS WICKLOW Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 All-female duo cyclists to pass through Wicklow on gruelling 132-hour cycle race An ex-Irish Hockey International and an ex-Irish Triathlon International are the first All-Female Duo cyclists to compete in the ultra-endurance 2,150km “Race Around Ireland” in just 132 hours. They are expected to pass through Wicklow on Friday 2nd September. Pictured is PJ Doyle (left) of Sli Cualann AC, who competed in the 45+ Mens 5000m, during the GloHealth National Master Track & Field Championship 2016 at Tullamore Harriers Stadium in Tullamore, Co Offaly on 21st August. Pieta Charity Cycle The Pieta 100 charity cycle has expanded from three locations to 10 this year. It’s a fitting number as Pieta House - the centre for the prevention of suicide and self-harm - marks its 10-year anniversary this year. Almost 1,500 people took part a year ago and raised nearly 100,000, funds that help to keep Pieta’s lifesaving counselling services free. Sunday September 25th is the date for people saddle up for the 100k or 50k events in Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny/Carlow, Limerick, Tipperary/Offaly or Waterford. For Pieta 100 venue information and to register, visit www.pieta100cycle.com, email [email protected] or call the Pieta House centre in Dublin - (01) 6219374. Lisa Jacob, former Irish International Hockey with player with 139 caps, and Nikki Dorey a pilot with Aer Lingus and competitive triathlete, will be the first all-female duo to cycle the gruelling ultradistance 2,150km non stop “Race Around Ireland”. The pair will alternate cycling 3 hours on and 3 hours off for 132 hours, or 5.5 days straight. They began on Sunday 28th August. Lisa hails from Enniscorthy, while Nikki is from Southampton in the UK. Both girls are strongly passionate about mental health, so they are also fundraising 100,000 for one of Irelands leading mental health charities Suicide or Survive. Also very prevalent, especially with the recent referendum on gay marriage, is the closely related association between mental health and LGBT equality, especially in the youth demographic. The girls are in a long term relationship and have a personal understanding of the mental health issues associated with the LGBT community. The event and the girls uniquely hit the themes of, ultra-distance racing, cycling, high performance athletes / professionals, mental health, charity, and LGBT. People can donate online at cyclearoundireland.ie. Speaking about the race Caroline McGuigan, founder and CEO of Suicide or Survive, said “What Nikki and Lisa are doing is truly inspirational. They have dedicated months of their lives to training, night and day, rain or shine. What they are now embarking on is a true testimony to their incredible generosity and determination to make Ireland a better place. They have inspired us enor- mously with their courage and I know they will inspire countless others. The funds they are raising are so important as we continue to work together to address the tremendous pain and suffering associated with mental health and suicide in Ireland. We encourage everyone to get behind these heroes.” Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney GAA Club Notes U10s Girls AGBs U10 Girls hosted Rathnew in Pearses Park. The girls put in tremendous effort and there was lots of skill on display in the match which lead to a win for AGB and a final score of AGB 3-06 to 1-05. U16s Girls AGB U16 Girls played their Championship match against Vallymount, and made the long journey worthwhile. After a slow start for the AGB girls, they began to make the match their own and converted some fine scores to lead at half time and continued doing so in the second half, which saw them finish 9-13 to 2-02. The first All-Female Duo cyclists Lisa Jacob and Nikki Dorey. Poc Fada for Palestine held in the Wicklow mountains The wild and windy Wicklow Mountains was the setting for this year’s Poc Fada for Palestine which saw a team from Co. Antrim take on the local Co. Wicklow team. Ciaran Doyle from Kilpedder led the Wicklow lads to success once again. The event was organised by the local éirígí branch along with Palestinian solidarity group Wicklow to Gaza which was set up last year to bring awareness to the plight of the People living in the Gaza strip and to campaign on Palestinian issues. Speaking on the days event, éirígí and Wicklow to Gaza spokesperson Paddy O’Farrell said “The hurlers had a fantastic challenge ahead of them and took the rugged Wicklow mountains terrain in their stride. I would like to send my thanks to the Antrim hurlers who put in a great performance but the homeside had the edge. I would like to thank Ciaran Doyle for leading the Wicklow side to victory once again. Ciaran showed some great skills and is already looking forward to next year’s event to go for 3 in a row.” Wicklow Rugby Ladies return after successful Canadian tour The Wicklow RFC Ladies returned home last week after their historic 13-day tour to Canada, where they played a number of matches. The under 18’s won all 3 matches against Markham Irish, Lynsey and Mississagu Blues RFC’s. All three matches were won by a large score. The senior ladies won 2 of their 3 matches. First division team Lynsey were a better team on the day and the senior ladies had a narrow defeat. “It was a very successful tour, all the training before the tour certainly paid off,” said Stella Farrell, club PRO. “The highlights of the trip were visiting the Canadian teams and the hospitality the Wicklow group received was amazing. Great friendships were made and promises of repeat games to be played in Wicklow in the future.” Over 50 people made the trip, which was made possible due to the generosity of the public and the tireless determination of the players to organise numerous fundraising events such as bag packs, car boot sales, coffee mornings, a battle of the bands and Christmas tree collections. The trip also included training sessions with some of Canada’s top coaches, a trip to Niagra Falls and other outings. It was the first tour by any team from Wicklow RFC to cross the Atlantic and the first tour by an Irish Women’s and Girls team outside of Europe. U16s Boys AGB’s U16 Boys played their Championship first round against Eire Og at home in Pearses Park. The U16s put on a great performance and all their hard work and dedication could be seen as the team finished in victory 10-08 to 4-05. Intermediate AGB’s Intermediate Team played Stratford in their championship game in Aughrim. With what started as a fast first half, AGB pushed to lead from the early stages and were comfortably ahead by 2-09 to 0-05 at the half time whistle. Two goals by Ross Hynes and Cormac O Shea, had the AGB spirits high as they walked off the field. AGB started the second half in good form and pushed on relentlessly with scores from Tom Maher, Ross Hynes and Darragh Fitzgerald. AGB eased into a 2-14 to 0-09 victory. Ticket Draw AGB’s All Ireland Ticket Draw tickets are now on sale - Tickets are available from any club member or can be bought in Ray Mentons shop. The draw takes place on Tuesday 30th of August in Pearses Park. Great prizes on offer; 1st prize is Two All Ireland Tickets for the Hurling, 2nd prize is 100 cash, 3rd prize is a €50 Arklow Bay Hotel voucher, 4th prize is a € 50 Bridgewater voucher, 5th prize is Two All Ireland Tickets for the Football, 6th prize is a Hamper. Badges AGB membership badges are now available for €5 for all Club members and friends of the club. They can be bought in Pearses’ Park or Ballymoney. Meeting The next meeting of the Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney Club Executive is scheduled for Wednesday 7th of September at 8.00pm in Pearses’ Park. Please send club notes to [email protected]. You can contact the AGB PRO at above email, Facebook (‘Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney GAA Club’ or ‘AGB Ladies’) or Twitter. The Wicklow Rugby Ladies have returned home after their historic 13-day tour to Canada. LOCAL BUSINESS CALL: 01 2869111 ALLSHADES BLINDS • Roller • Vertical • Wood Venetian • Pleated • Velux • Roman Tel: 087 2201600 FACTORY: Unit 10, Block 1, Broomhall Business Park, Rathnew. Tel: 0404 20344 DENTAL REPAIRS Lorry Loads of • PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • Hours: 9am-5pm Monday - Friday, 10am-2pm Saturday Emergency No : 086-8260511 Tel: 01 276 2883 Email: [email protected] DENTAL CARE LTD 40 Main Street, Bray Ph.: 086 864 9857 086 867 4180 TURF for sale Tel: 086 1043853 LOCAL Times Tuesday 30th Aug 2016 WICKLOW RECRUITMENT / PLANNING 23 ‘Home Help hours need to be increased across the board’ Fianna Fáil TD Pat Casey is urging the government to increase the hours of Home Help Service which is provided to older and vulnerable people nationwide. Budget 2017 must take this reality into account. “Age Action has recently highlighted the crisis in community care and their latest report detailed that as many as half of their clients in nursing homes, or on the waiting list for nursing homes, could be at home if the proper supports were provided. It was also pointed out that each Community Health Organisation, responsible for providing home care services, has its own system. Therefore, someone might be getting the home help they need in one area but not be eligible for support on the other side of a HSE boundary. This lack of consistency in adjudicating the criteria for Home Help only adds to the stress experienced by the elderly. The provision of Home Help services is imperative for families who are under strain from helping to look after a loved one who may need additional care. “Fianna Fáil has proposed to offer people a home care package as an alternative to long-term residential care. This will apply in circumstances where the provision of a home care package is less costly to the State compared to long-term residential care. This necessary measure not only benefits the individual concerned and their families, but also the State due to less demands being placed on longterm residential care services. Our health service is already under a huge amount of strain and failing to proactively plan for our ageing population now will lead to a crisis of epic proportions further down the line. Through Home Help we can empower older people to live a full and dignified life in the comfort of their own home.” WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL Alphaplan Design (Tel: 040464123 or 086-2461269 Email: [email protected]) Seeks planning permission for a single storey dwelling, waste water treatment system to EPA 2009 standards, garage, new entrance and associated site works at Ballinacarrig Upper, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow for M. Griffin. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority 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. Alphaplan Design (Tel: 040464123 or 086-2461269 Email: [email protected]) Seeks planning permission for retention of dwelling, entrance, and domestic store as constructed on site, and proposed new waste water treatment system to EPA 2009 standards and associated site works at Boleynass Upper, Ashford, Co. Wicklow for the Reps of M. Byrne. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority 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. Alphaplan Design (Tel: 040464123 or 086-2461269 Email: [email protected]) Seeks planning permission for proposed two no. two storey dwellings to the rear of Clonoola, Chruch Lane, new entrance via Hillside, connection to services (sewer at Church Lane, and water supply at Hillside), wall, access road, boundary treatment and associated site works at Hillside, Greystones, Co. Wicklow for the B. and S. Healy. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority 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 WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL Glasnarget South, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow. I, Eimear Doyle intend to apply To Wicklow County Council For Planning Permission to; (A) Construction of a new four-bedroom dwelling, (B) Installation of a new treatment unit and percolation area, (C) Upgrade existing entrance onto public road (L1152), (D) All associated site works, all at above address. This 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, Co. Wicklow during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to this application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of five weeks, beginning on the date of receipt of the application by the Authority and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the Application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. I hereby give notice of submission of significant further information to Wicklow County Council in relation to planning application 16/455 for Amy Byrne who is applying for permission at Brockagh, Laragh, Co. Wicklow for a new dwelling, wastewater treatment unit and polishing filter, connection to public water supply, new entrance from public road and associated works, wishes to state that significant further information or revised plans, as appropriate, in relation to the application has been furnished to the Planning Authority, and is available for inspection or purchase at the offices of the authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority within the period of 2 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the revised newspaper and site notices. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee within except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation. S K Design (0402 94680) seeks Retention Permission on behalf of Dennis Ward for Sunroom as constructed pervoisley granted under 13/8841 at Threewells Cottage, Aughrim Upper, Aughrim, Arklow, Co. Wicklow. 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. Deputy Casey commented, “In Wicklow over the next 30 years, the number of people aged over 65 will double and the number aged over 85 will almost quadruple. We are living longer than our ancestors could ever have envisioned, but inevitably as we grow old we will all experience ailments and disabilities which are part and parcel of ageing. P LANNING WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL Significant information / revised plans. I hereby give notice of the submission of significant further information to Wicklow County Council in relation to planning ref. no. 16/480 for proposed dwelling, waste water treatment system to EPA 2009 standards, garage, and new entrance at Gorse Hill, Ballynerrin Upper, Wicklow, for S. Chapman. Significant further information / revised plans have been furnished to the planning authority in respect of the proposed development and are available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Wicklow County Council during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within a period of two weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the revised notices. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation. Applicants should refer to Article 35 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2011. Pat Casey TD Minister for Health Simon Harris and Ray Tedders, Principal of BIFE, are pictured at the official opening the new Gym at BIFE, with members of BIFE Gym team. Pictured are Peadar Ward and Clive Evans with Peadar’s 1930’s Ford Model A during the Irish Veteran & Vintage Car Club’s which was held in the ground of Powerscourt on Sunday, 21st August. Qualified/Apprentice Electricians, Carpenters, Shuttering Carpenters, Plumbers, Steel Fixers, TM & SLG Operatives & all Tradesmen/Plant Operators required for Wicklow and Leinster Region. Pracownicy Budowlani z safe passem potrzebni. Recruitment [email protected] or call 01-4773414 Send cv to ‘Scrap JobsBridge now and publish auditor’s report’ Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social Protection, John Brady TD has called on Minister Leo Varadkar to immediately scrap the controversial JobsBridge scheme. Mr Brady was speaking after media of a report by auditors in the Department of Social Protection found its monitoring system is unable to ensure JobsBridge is not resulting in job displacement. John Brady said, “The details in this leaked report are not in the least bit surprising. Sinn Féin has long highlighted the role of Jobsbridge in the exploitation of workers and the displacement of jobs. “Employers involved in such exploitation are still using Jobsbridge to their advantage. That such exploitation is being funded by the taxpayer is a scandal. “Sinn Féin has published an alternative to JobsBridge which would allow for tailored internship programmes with meaningful learning opportunities. We have proposed an internship scheme focused on getting people back to work and supporting jobseekers to attain real quality jobs. “Sinn Féin’s proposals maximise decent pay for decent work and ensure that workers are not left vulnerable to exploitation.Minister Varadkar must now scrap Jobsbridge scheme, which has exposed once again as nothing more than a scam and the full details of the auditors report should published immediately.” Pictured are Lauren Higgins and Annabel Warner with Heidi at the WSPCA “All about animals day” in Sharpeshill, Rathdrum (Pic.Michael Kelly) The Brooklodge Hotel The award winning Brooklodge Hotel in Mcreddin Village are now expanding their team and recruiting for the following positions: Chef De Partie Hotel Receptionist Hotel Porter Food & Beverage Service Crew Accommodation Crew Part-Time Flexible working hours, free car parking and the opportunity to work with a hugely passionate and award winning team. The Brooklodge - a hotel where the commitment to really good food, impeccable service and attention to details absolute Email: [email protected] or for more details phone Deidre on 0402 36444