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Substantial New Development At The Goat Pub
The housing crisis here has reached such epic proportions that news that 70 new apartments have been proposed in Goatstown is surely to be welcomed- except that these apartments are planned as part of a much larger development, and could cause traffic problems in an already built up congested area.
A planning application was lodged recently by Charlie Chawke, (Proprietor of the well known Goat pub in Goatstown and the Oval and Dropping Well pubs). The proposed development will be worth around £30 million and it proposes to create a new centre for the village on a 3.8 acre site to the back of The Goat pub, and with frontage to both Taney Road and Kilmacud Road. However part of this area is currently a greenfield site which at times, has been used for accommodating travelling circuses. The plan would also involve the demolition of two picturesque old stone fronted cottages which front the Kilmacud Road. These cottages have large rear gardens, which are currently concealed by a small retail development which Mr Chawke built 10 years ago. The proposed new development will include a mix of residential and commercial accommodation. This will be laid out in nine blocks ranging in height from two to five storeys. Ten retail units have been envisaged, with this including a supermarket, and two restaurants. It is also proposed to include 2,479 square feet of offices.
However provision has also been included for community facilitates to create a village atmosphere. These will include a crèche and medical centre, while the residential accommodation will total 70 apartments and 44 apartment suites.
Mr Chawke said this accommodation would be ideal for workers in the large business parks nearby. It is hoped that the new development will benefit from the development of new roads which are planned for construction within the next the few years. One of these new roads is to the south-east, connecting to Sandyford Business Park, the new LUAS station and the M50. Another is to the south west, connecting The Goat to the new Dundrum Town Centre and the Ballinteer Interchange and a third road will connect part of the Eastern link to the Dublin Port Tunnel. The access road from Goatstown to the city centre is also due for improvement and would enhance demand for office space in the area.
The planning application was debated at The Council's Dundrum Area meeting, which was held on Monday 24th September.
Water Colour Exhibition For Dun Laoghaire
One of the top artistic events of the year will take place in Dun Laoghaire this October. The Water Colour Society of Ireland is set to stage it's 147th exhibition. This year's Annual Exhibition will take place from Monday 8th to the afternoon of Saturday 20th October at the County Hall in Dun Laoghaire.
This is the third year that the Water Colour Society of Ireland is holding its annual event in Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown County Hall which has become well renowned as a leading art exhibition centre with sufficient space to facilitate large shows. The Society's exhibition is one of the country's largest annual group shows. The Exhibition is being supported by DART Suburban Rail again this year who are running their special 'DART to Art' support advertising campaign. More details of this can be obtained from DART or Suburban Rail stations.
Over the years the Water Colour Society has had many world famous Irish artists as it's members. These have included Jack B. Yeats, Paul Henry and Sir William Orpen to name just a few.
Over 110 artists will be exhibiting this year, ranging from well established artists to those who are up-and-coming. With the exhibition featuring water-colour paintings, as well as works in other media including gouache and pastels, drawings and prints, there should be something to appeal to all tastes. There will be 250 exhibits offering a wide variety of styles and subjects which vary from the representational such as landscapes, seascapes, still life, and animal and floral studies to the abstract.
Portraits with figurative and abstract treatments will also be shown. Carefully selected from member's submissions, the paintings range in price from about £200 for a small etching up to £2000.
The 147th Water Colour Society Annual Exhibition is open, admission free, to the public, daily. ( Monday 8th October- Saturday 20th October) from 10.00am -5.00pm, including Sunday.
Student Councils: Representation for the Young by the Young
The Minister for Education, Michael Woods recently launched the 'Youth, Participation, Citizenship, Democracy' student council pack. The pack, which was produced by the National Youth Council of Ireland with the help of the European Commission, is designed to provide information to Student Councils and also to help students and staff set up councils in schools where one is not yet in existence. The aim of the pack is to help students 'learn the skills of democracy through participation'.
The pack provides working models of existent student councils, which have proved effective in other schools. Advice is also provided on the pros and cons of each model and common electoral and political terms are explained and their relevance to student councils highlighted.
Increased disaffection amongst young people with the electoral system is caused partly by a lack of familiarity with the electoral system and a growing feeling that political processes are removed from day to day life. As a result the student council pack seeks to address some of these concerns in order to arrest the marginilisation of the young in society, whilst at the same time providing those involved with personal development skills.
Josephine Henry (NYCI Vice President), speaking at the launch said: "I would encourage all young people to get to participate in their student councils and I would urge the schools and Government to give students every encouragement to do so.
Whether this takes the form of helping set up the council, providing material help or, most importantly, respecting student's input and opinions, it is vital that young people be allowed see how political representation works through representing themselves."
Seventy More Road Deaths Predicted This Year
The tough driving safety advertisements which are being shown endlessly on TV have yet to show a real effect, as the number of road deaths still remains as high as ever. In fact dozens more deaths are still predicted to take place before Christmas.
Seventy young drivers will die on Irish roads before the year is out due to Government inaction, warned Fine Gael TD Denis Naughten Deputy, FG spokesman on public enterprise.
"Road death projections and current road carnage statistics, which show that young drivers now account for one in two deaths on Irish roads, indicate that this unnecessary and tragic loss of life will happen between now and the new year." he said
"The fact that last week the Chairman of the National Safety Council called for the Taoiseach to intervene on the issue clearly highlights the inability of the Minister for the Environment to address the carnage."
"Road fatalities among young motorists is spiralling out of control and it is high time that Government woke up to the horror which has seen nearly 2000 people killed since it took office."
He concluded, "If the number of accidents involving young drivers are to be successfully reduced there must be a direct correlation between safe driving and a reduction in the cost of insurance, which is clearly not the case at present."
"Young drivers have seen their premiums increase even though they have a clean record, which does not instil better driving behaviour.The Government must also introduce a programme of training, which allows young drivers to obtain discounts on their insurance to ensure that their driving skills are improved," he said.
Remove Tax on Electric Bicycles Says Olivia Mitchell
European Car Free Day was held this year on September 22nd and Olivia Mitchell says that Minister Noel Dempsey should have used this opportunity to remove tax on electric bicyles.
She said,"Government Ministers must make an effort to make Car Free Day a meaningful and useful event unlike the damp squibs of previous years. This year's event could have benefited by an admission from the Environment Minister that he has got it badly wrong by looking for tax and insurance on electric bikes. This safe, environmentally friendly mode of transport could bring cycling to a much wider range of age groups and make it a real option for a larger range of journeys."
"Unfortunately, Minister Dempsey is either ignorant or indifferent to this mode of transport which is tax and insurance free in other developed countries. He has hinted at regulations which would remove this requirement but in almost a year now nothing has been done."
"To make matters worse, the Gardai recognise how ludicrous this requirement is and are turning a blind eye to those without insurance. Apart from placing users in a very invidious and uncertain legal position in the case of an accident, the lack of clarity is certainly reducing the number of motorists who might consider turning to this easier form of cycling.
"If the Minister wants to show anything more than lip service to the environment then he must use this opportunity to encourage cycling and maximise usage of the extensive and expensive cycle lane network. Driving, particularly in Dublin, is so stressful, frustrating, unpredictable and time-consuming that all of us are now keen on any realistic alternatives." Councillor Mitcehll concluded,"We use the car not because we find it pleasurable, but simply because there are no alternatives.
Mr Dempsey's Cabinet colleague, Minister O'Rourke also seems to have no interest in making the Europe wide Car Free Day a success. Even this short sighted Minister should have seen that bus and DART services should have run a week-day schedule rather than the normal greatly reduced Saturday service, on Car Free day.
"These two simple measures might have some impact on car usage in the longer term. Without them the whole exercise is just another failed public relations stunt."
Concern by Archbishops of Dublin For Muslims
The Muslim community of South Dublin has experienced some isolated attacks in the wake of the USA atrocities. The Catholic and Church of Ireland Archbishops of Dublin have condemned these attacks. In a joint statement they said, "We wish to express our dismay upon hearing reports of the gratuitous insults visited upon the Muslim community in Ireland. In this circumstance we would like to acknowledge with gratitude the positive presence of the Muslim communities in Ireland. We know that many members of our own Christian communities enjoy very good relations with their Muslim neighbours. "
"Muslims and Christians throughout the world have been praying for peace, in the wake of the terrible events in America. Prayer gives courage and support to all who love the good and desire to promote it. Let us continue to pray for the true, lasting peace that God alone can give."
Gardai To Raise Funds For New York Police
The Garda Commissioner, in conjunction with the four Garda Staff Associations, the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Police Federation of Northern Ireland have decided it is appropriate in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the U.S., that a gesture of support to the injured Police Officers and relatives of the dead and missing be made to the New York Police Department by the membership of both forces.
It is intended that each member of An Garda Siochana will make a contribution which will be deducted within the next few weeks through the Payroll Department The Commissioner today said "We hope this gesture will ease in some small way the financial burden which will inevitably follow in the aftermath of the horror in the United States last week. Every Officer in the Force feels an immense solidarity with their colleagues in the New York Police Department."
The proceeds of the collection will be passed on to the New York Police Department when finalised.
Repair Boarded Up Council Houses Says Gilmore
Labour Party TD Eamon Gilmore has called on the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Manager to speed up the re-allocation of boarded up houses.
Deputy Gilmore says there are about 50 Council houses which are now boarded up throughout the county, waiting for repair work before they are re-let to tenants. He said, "Many of these houses have been boarded up for months and some are being vandalised, thus adding to the ultimate repair costs."
Deputy Gilmore said it is an insult to the 2,300 applicants who are on the Council waiting list to have vacant houses boarded up for so long. "The Council management tell me that they are having difficulty getting contractors to do the repair work and the houses cannot be re-let until they are in a fully repaired condition."
He concluded, "It is frustrating and unfair to have housing applicants who are desperate to get housed to have to look at these vacant houses day in and day out. I want the Council to get these houses repaired as matter or urgency, and to get them re-let to new tenants. It is bad enough to have a housing shortage, but it is worse to have houses which are lying idle. I am calling on the County Manger to get these houses repaired immediately and to get them let to new tenants"
'Mentoring Entrepreneurs' Book For Companies
Mary Harney Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment has recently launched a new book 'Mentoring Entrepreneurs.' Published by Oak Tree Press and written by Brian Doyle and Vincent O'Neill, the book draws on the experiences of the authors as mentors over the last 23 years.
Speaking at the launch the Tanaiste praised the role of mentors whom she said "play a very important role in guiding the development of Irish companies." She said, "Mentoring is a very valuable process where the entrepreneur can learn from the wealth of experience which the mentor has gained through long years in business. This shared knowledge is a very powerful and unique resource."
"Enterprise Ireland is deeply committed to the concept of mentoring and has been involved from the beginning with the development of a co-ordinated and professional approach to mentoring of small business in Ireland. The Enterprise Ireland panel of mentors has made a significant contribution to the success of Irish small business and I am confident that its influence will continue long into the future", the Tanaiste added.
"This book is a unique resource for both mentors themselves and any company seeking a mentor. It provides a wealth of pioneering knowledge for any organisation planning a mentor programme", the Tanaiste concluded.
NYCI Criticises National Safety Council Chairman
The National Youth Council of Ireland has recently strongly condemned claims by Mr Eddie Shaw, Chairman of the National Safety Council, stating that 'cheaper insurance for young drivers will lead to more road deaths' are outrageous and unsubstantiated. NYCI, like many other groups, is concerned about the levels of accidents and deaths, which show that current safety measures on the roads have failed. However they said it is very disappointing that the head of the National Safety Council would engage in such disinformation without a shred of evidence.
The NYCI said, "While the insurance industry has long claimed that the level of accidents are the sole cause of the high rates insurance rates for young drivers, the recently published government Motor Insurance Advisory Board (MIAB) interim report noted that it would be "unduly simplistic" to suggest that reducing accidents alone would reduce insurance premiums. The MIAB report highlighted the lack of competition, lack of regulation and lack of consumer protection within the insurance industry as the key reasons for the high cost of insurance premiums in Ireland."
"As a former director of Hibernian Insurance, Mr Shaw is only too well aware that the insurance industry has for years claimed that it is losing millions insuring young drivers. However this myth was exposed by the MIAB interim report, which found that insurance companies made their largest profits on young drivers. With the final MIAB report due in December, which the NYCI and others will be expecting the government to act on, it is obvious that the insurance industry is nervous that it will be exposed to greater competition, regulation and supervision. "
"Such measures, which are long overdue, will play an important role along with accident reduction measures in bringing down insurance premium costs for all drivers. Resistance to such measures can be expected from the insurance industry whose chief priority, profits, would be affected."
"The National Safety Council has an important role to play in road safety however the current unsubstantiated outburst by its chairman is damaging to its credibility and should be withdrawn", James Doorley, NYCI President commented.
Mitchell Voices Concern For Goatstown
Olivia Mitchell, T.D. Dublin South said the four major planning applications at the former Bank of Ireland playing grounds in Goatstown were causing great local anxiety.
"Any application on this scale which is for 569 high rise units in an already heavily traffic congested area like Mount Anville Road is bound to give rise to misgivings amongst local residents." she said "What concerns me most however is the fact that the council are considering this application at all as the land in question is still zoned for recreational use."
"Apparently, although the primary zoning is recreational, other uses, such as residential, may be 'open for consideration'. However this provision is for once off exceptions and in my experience has never been used to facilitate developments on anything like this scale."
She concluded, "This is a very disturbing change in practice and would make a mockery of the County Development Plan and the whole zoning process if these applications were to be considered under the current zoning."
Progressive Democrats Constituency Council in Dun Laoghaire
The Progressive Democrats Constituency Council was held in Dun Laoghaire in late September and at this event Desmond O’ Malley TD, strongly condemned world terrorism, in the wake of the horrific events in the USA.
Mr O’ Malley said, "The horrific and unspeakably awful acts of terrorism in the United States should serve to remind us of the dangers of terrorism in all parts of the world, including our own. I am concerned that for some time now the Irish and British Governments have appeared to take an attitude of appeasement towards those who have been involved in terrorism on this island."
He added, "Appeasing such people can be a very dangerous course. Why should there continue to be such a close relationship with Sinn Fein, which is simply the other face of the IRA, when, several years after the Good Friday Agreement, they have still refused to give up their arms or the several tons of Semtex which they still possess? If they are a democratic party, anxious to participate in the democratic process only, why do they retain these arms and these deadly offensive explosives? Why do they maintain their own private army?"
He added, "We should not forget that they obtained much of these arms and explosives from Colonel Gadaffi of Libya who still remains an international pariah, and who is notorious for his opposition to the United States as was demonstrated by one of his employees blowing up the Pan American aircraft over Lockerbie. Sinn Fein/IRA still maintains links with terrorist organisations such as FARC in Colombia and ETA in Spain. Up to very recently they had a resident official representative in Cuba. They appear to be still in the market in eastern Europe or elsewhere for the purchase of arms and explosives. One has to ask why."
Mr O’Malley concluded, "In Ireland they are involved in various criminal rackets, with an on-going involvement in the drugs trade and in different protection rackets. Notwithstanding all this their representatives are received by senior Government representatives from time to time in Dublin, London and Washington. One has to ask why? They appear to have large funds at their disposal as is evidenced by their opening of numerous full time staffed offices in various constituencies. They aspire to form part of the next Irish Government.
No doubt there will be calls in the next few days and few weeks for heightened and enhanced international co-operation against terrorism and against those who would facilitate terrorism. No doubt the Irish and British governments will fully subscribe to these sentiments but I think they would be well advised to start by taking a much less tolerant attitude to the representatives of terrorism in these islands."
Student Councils: Representation for the Young by the Young
The Minister for Education, Michael Woods recently launched the 'Youth, Participation, Citizenship, Democracy' student council pack. The pack, which was produced by the National Youth Council of Ireland with the help of the European Commission, is designed to provide information to Student Councils and also to help students and staff set up councils in schools where one is not yet in existence. The aim of the pack is to help students 'learn the skills of democracy through participation'.
The pack provides working models of existent student councils, which have proved effective in other schools. Advice is also provided on the pros and cons of each model and common electoral and political terms are explained and their relevance to student councils highlighted.
Increased disaffection amongst young people with the electoral system is caused partly by a lack of familiarity with the electoral system and a growing feeling that political processes are removed from day to day life. As a result the student council pack seeks to address some of these concerns in order to arrest the marginilisation of the young in society, whilst at the same time providing those involved with personal development skills.
Josephine Henry (NYCI Vice President), speaking at the launch said: "I would encourage all young people to get to participate in their student councils and I would urge the schools and Government to give students every encouragement to do so.
Whether this takes the form of helping set up the council, providing material help or, most importantly, respecting student's input and opinions, it is vital that young people be allowed see how political representation works through representing themselves."
Have Passport (to health)......Will Travel!
By Dr John Fleetwood GP
Long gone are the days when 2 weeks in the south of Spain or indeed a week in the canaries was considered long haul.
Nowadays European holidays are categorised as 'weekend breaks' and people are traversing the four corners of the World for their annual holiday. Places in Asia and South America have become very ordinary holiday destinations - to do something out of the ordinary you are expected to spend a month, on your own, with nothing but your toothbrush in outer Mongolia or do 5 summits of some of the world's highest mountains, barefoot, in a week!
Nowadays travel documentaries, magazines, travel features and the Internet are exposing us on a daily basis to the wonders of the world. Rather than satisfying curiosity, a race of globetrotters has been created. Students travel every summer, young professionals take sabbaticals and parents bring their children travelling for months to give them an education for life.
Fear of the unknown is non-existent. There is so much information available that we know what the seven wonders of the world look like. We can smell the spices and produce of Asian markets and feel the airless heat and noise of African cities where millions of people are crammed into tiny spaces.
The only fear that remains to today's brave explorers is the fear of unknown illnesses that can attack while on holidays or worse still remain dormant and strike years later.
Prior to travelling abroad it is necessary to do more than check out the countries website or tune in to travel programmes, it is vital to research medical conditions, water conditions, climate and disease.
Climate can make or break a holiday. Asia is effected by monsoons, arrive at the wrong time of the year and you could be wading around waist high in water. The summer in South America is unbearably hot; it is more advisable to plan your trip for September time.
Facilities, food, water and levels of hygiene vary hugely from country to country. Our systems are not equipped to handle certain bugs that are prevalent in these countries. In most countries it is advisable to drink bottled water. Illnesses can be contracted through local water that can cause havoc for the rest of your trip.
For example Hepatitis A is the most commonly occurring vaccine-preventable disease in travellers and the recovery period after infection can take up to six months. Hepatitis A can be contracted through contaminated food and water and symptoms include nausea, headaches, abdominal discomfort and jaundice. Typhoid is a potentially lethal disease which also is easily spread through contaminated food and water. Tetanus is found in every country throughout the world and symptoms include mild to severe muscle spasms. Tetanus is present in soil and hence can be introduced to the body by injury, burns or wounds.
4 Vaccinations can offer protection against infectious certain diseases for up to ten years and should be received six weeks before travelling. Vaccinations are recommended by the World Health Organisation, the United States Centre for Disease Control and the Department of Health and Children to protect against such infectious diseases as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid and polio when travelling anywhere outside of North America, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
So before you set off to explore the treasures of Asia or South America or live in the desert in Africa make sure you research what vaccinations you need to ensure that you enjoy your adventure and return with only memories and photos.
Consumers can obtain a copy of 'Passport-To-Health II' by sending a stamped, addressed envelope to the GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health Bureau, PO Box 7808, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Alternatively, consumers should visit their local GP of travel health clinic or log on to www.travelvax.net for a wealth of information on travel vaccinations.
Vigilance Urged In Run-Up To The Euro
Tom Kitt TD, Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs welcomed the reduction in the annual inflation rate which, in the 12 months to August 2001, was down to 4.6% from 4.8% in July. This is the fourth month that this trend has been recorded.
The Minister made his announcement in late September and he concluded,
"I welcome this downward trend. However, in the run up to the introduction of the Euro changeover, I urge consumers to remain vigilant and to continue to shop around for value. Consumers must use their consumer power of choice and award their custom to where they are given fair prices and good service."
The Minister’s warning is timely- it is now believed that up to 1/3 of Irish businesses still have not worked out a Euro changeover plan. This is despite the fact that we are now in the last accounting quarter before the changeover begins. If you are a business with some queries or a family who is wondering how it will affect you now is the time to contact the Euro Changeover Board of Ireland, for more information.
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