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Restoration Of The Victoria Fountain
Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company has applied to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for planning permission to repair and reinstate the Victoria Fountain at its original site in the Harbour area. The Victoria Fountain described by architectural historian Peter Pearson in his book 'Kingstown' as: "a beautiful monument, a defenceless symbol of the bygone age" was erected to commemorate Queen Victoria's visit to Dun Laoghaire in 1900.
The company which manufactured the Fountain, Walter McFarland & Co. Ltd., Glasgow, has since ceased trading. However, original drawings have been traced to another Scottish firm, Industrial Heritage Company, which has now been commissioned by Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company to repair and restore the monument.
The cost of the restoration project will be fully funded by Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company and will be met from revenues from 'Pay and Display' parking in the Harbour. Subject to the necessary planning approvals being obtained, Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company is targeting Spring 2002 for the completion of the restoration work.
Concerns About Rezoning Decisions
Following the decision by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to rezone four of five parcels of land for housing, Olivia Mitchell, T.D., Fine Gael Frontbench Spokesperson on Local Government and Housing said the public would pay a heavy price for this decision.
She said "I am utterly disgusted and dispirited by the total rejection by management, of the dozens of valid and reasoned public objections to two of the proposed rezonings. It makes a complete farce of the public consultation process if submissions can be cast aside with only the flimsiest of arguments to justify rejection of the public's representations. This kind of decision and this kind of treatment of the public merely heightens and reinforces public cynicism about their local authority".
"Land at Goatstown which has been reserved for almost 45 years for the construction of the St. Helen's Link Road will now be lost to house building. This inexplicably short sighted managerial recommendation comes just as the Eastern By Pass design contract is being awarded and the last phase of the South Eastern Motorway starts construction. These 2 major roads are to be linked by the St. Helens route".
"Even if not required for road building its use as a dedicated quality bus corridor could in the future have offered some relief from congestion on the busy Goatstown Road". "It defies belief that such potential should be thrown away and that the management of the most heavily trafficked Council area in the country should be so lacking in strategic vision". She added," It was decided to postpone the decision on the Blackglen Road rezoning pending the production of a conservation report on the ecologically sensitive Fitzsimons Woods which occupies part of the site.
This however is merely a sop by management to gain acceptance of the overall principle of rezoning much of the remaining land for housing. A recent land use study showed an additional 10,000 houses will be built in the wider Sandyford area in the next 5 years yet there are no plans, money or potential to provide alternative parkland for either the existing or planned new population". "In both cases quality of life is being sacrificed to short term expediency".
Top Golfer Owen Mulhall Retires
Dun Laoghaire Golf Club hosted a Golf Classic on 19th June to mark Owen Mulhall's retirement from the position of club professional and to celebrate his devotion to the game, since he joined the PGA in the 'sixties. This event marked the end of one chapter in Owen's career and the beginning of a new and exciting phase which will allow him to enjoy the game as he will concentrate on tuition and playing golf.
Owen is regarded as one of the finest golfing instructors in Britain and Ireland. He started his career at the West Kent Golf Club as an assistant to Roger Fidler, who was Kent champion on five occasions. He them moved to Addiscombe Golf Centre, working with the legendary Jimmy Hitchcock. When he returned to Ireland in the early 'seventies he was engaged by John Jacobs as teaching professional at Leopardstown Driving range. Owen's career blossomed, as he became a keen student of Jacob's teaching methods, and he developed a reputation as an accomplished instructor in his own right.
He then spent three years at Rathfarnham Golf Club before his appointment in 1974 as club professional at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club, where he remained until January this year. He is proud of the fact that, during his time at Dun Laoghaire, he trained eight young professionals who now hold senior positions in Irish golf, and he kept pace with changing trends in the golf industry to maintain a strong position in a competitive environment. Owen is reorganising his life around the game he loves and plans to concentrate on consultancy. He can be contacted at 087-6427390.
Parking Control Gets a Cautious Welcome
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council has now approved new bylaws regarding parking so by the end of this year Dun Laoghaire will be a town with controlled on street parking. This measure has seen a record number of submissions to the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council from residents.
John Guckian, Senior Executive Officer of the Roads and Traffic Division said, "We must have received 1200 submissions on this issue. Some were from residents who wanted their street taken out of the scheme and some were from residents who wanted to be included. We have made modifications to the original plans and have given people the opportunity to voice their concerns."
He emphasised that no town the size of Dun Laoghaire could manage without controlled parking, and said that the aim was more to help with parking problems, by controlling how long cars could park in a locality, rather than revenue collection. However John Guckian added" In the initial year a lot of money will have to be spent on additional road markings and parking ticket machines. After that the scheme will more than pay for itself, giving an additional source of income."
It had originally been proposed to include outlying areas in the scheme. The scheme will now concentrate on areas closest to the Dart line, though there will be a second phase to include other areas. The scheme was originally proposed to come into operation on the 1st November, but this has been postponed. It is still envisaged that the scheme will begin before the end of the year. Jon Mc Guckian said "Parking problems here are severe and this scheme is to ease problems for residents and businesses who have had problems getting parking spaces for their customers."
The Parking Bylaws have met mixed responses throughout the County. A council report on the parking proposals presented to the June County Council meeting proposed that the plan be divided into two phases of implementation. The council are recommending that the bylaws be implemented immediately in Category 1 areas (Booterstown, Blackrock, Seapoint, Monkstown, Dun Laoghaire and Dalkey). According to the report Category 2 schemes include Glenageary, Killiney, Shankill, Dundrum and Stillorgan.
Progressive Democrat Councillors Fiona O'Malley and Victor Boyhan have tabled amendments to the parking proposals which they say will make them more aceptable to residents. The first amendment is "No parking machine ticket dispenser will be placed in a conservation area or placed in the immediate vicinity of a protected structure so as to interfere with its setting or visual appearance."
"Monkstown residents in particular were concerned about the unsightliness of the ticket dispensers, and as there is an alternative in operation in other cities throughout the country there was no reason why we can't have it in an area of such architectural importance" said Councillor Fiona O'Malley, "Councillor Boyhan and I were looking to have Monkstown excluded from the scheme but because we received little support for that proposal from our colleagues we proposed this motion which happily was accepted."
She added," We were also able to secure support for a proposal for one permit per resident's car, which will give priority to residents, the people the measures are designed to help." "The introduction of the proposals will not be without headaches., but with consultation, improvements can be achieved", said Councillor O'Malley.
Councillor Eoin Costello (FG) has also voiced his concerns regarding the new scheme. He says that a plebiscite should be carried out in those areas where there is considerable opposition to the proposed parking bylaws. He is also calling for the number of residents permits per dwelling be raised to a minimum of 4. Councillor Costello said there is a proven need in the County for restrictions on parking but these restrictions should not be forced on areas where the majority are against them. He stated that the only democratic way to establish the majority opinion is to carry out a plebiscite.
Councillor Costello added that the Council regularly carry out plebiscites when determining a change of the name of a road. All houses affected by the proposed change are entitled to vote for or against the proposed change and the majority view prevails. On the matter of residents permits Councillor Costello insisted that the limit per house be increased from the proposed 2 permits to 4 permits per dwelling (the same as that implemented by Dublin Corporation). Copies of maps showing the streets which will be included in the scheme can be seen at libraries and the County Hall.
Olympic and World Sailors in Dun Laoghaire
The Bord Gais 470 European Championships will take place from 10th- 19th of July at the Royal St George Yacht club in Dun Laoghaire. This is the first time in over thirty years that an Olympic Class event of this stature will be hosted in Ireland.
The Royal St George Yacht Club will see the arrival of many hopeful contenders from all over the world. Whilst having a European title, it is also an open event allowing countries such as Japan and Australia to challenge for the title. With over 130 boats participating from 21 countries, the event attracts Olympic competitors including the current woman gold medallists, Australians, Jenny Armstrong and Belinda Stowell. The event also welcomes new crew combinations and young teams making their first steps in Olympic sailing.
Amongst these contenders are two young talented Irish teams. Gerbil Owens and Ross Killian, both from Dublin are competing, and both recently came 1st in the silver fleet at Kiel in Germany. Also competing are Ciara Peelo and Karena Knaggs, who will fly the flag for Ireland.
Wyckham By Pass Extension Order Made
An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Elliott has approved the making of the Dun Laoghaire- Rathdown County Council Compulsory Purchase ( Wyckham By-Pass Extension) Order, 2001. The proposed Wyckham By-Pass Extension will provide a new road link forming an East-West By-Pass to the south of Dundrum village in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council area. The existing Ballinteer/ Wyckham By-Pass which was officially opened last month, runs from Ballinteer Road to Sandyford road and the proposed extension of this route will provide an Eastern link from the Sandyford Road to Taney Road.
The proposed scheme will involve the provision of approximately 0.5 kms of new road plus 0.5 km of an improvement to existing roads and junctions, and will consist of a two lane single carriageway with cycle tracks and foot paths running the full length of the route. The road will cross the former Harcourt Street railway line where a new bridge will be provided over the proposed LRT/ Metro line B.
An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Elliott, in welcoming the first step in the provision of the new By-pass to the south of Dundrum Village, stressed that this new By-pass will permit a Street Enhancement Scheme to be implemented in Dundrum, which will greatly improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists in the village.
New Rector Comes To Stillorgan & Blackrock
Friday 6th July was a special day for the parishioners of St Brigid's Church Stillorgan, and All Saints Church, Blackrock, as the Reverend Ian Gallagher was instituted as their new rector at a service in St Brigid's Church, Stillorgan at 8.00 pm.
The Archbishop of Dublin Dr Walton Empey presided. Special guests included clergy of other denominations in the area and local public representatives. A large contingent also came from Sligo where Ian was Rector of Drumcliffe and Lissadell and also Sligo Man Of The Year in 1999. After the service there was a reception in the adjoining Parish Centre where the rector was formally welcomed to the area.
A native of Derry, Ian worked in sales and management before being ordained in 1990. He spent two years as curate of Cootehill before moving to Sligo. He and his wife Hillary, have two sons, Brian, who recently sat the Leaving Certificate and James who did the Junior Certificate Examination in June. Ian says of his new appointment," I am delighted with the move. My family and I are looking forward to living in South County Dublin and getting to know and working with the parishioners of Stillorgan and Blackrock."
Jet Ski Controls Welcomed
Dun Laoghaire Fianna Fail Deputy and Minister for Children, Mary Hanafin TD, has welcomed the introduction of new safety regulations governing the control of jet skis and high powered boats.
The new regulations have already come into effect and have banned anyone under the age of 16 from being in control of a jet ski. Also no person controlling a jet ski is permitted to consume alcohol, and all persons travelling on a jet ski must wear a life jacket at all times. She said," Jet skis have become increasingly popular in recent years, yet until now, there was very little in the way of regulation. Thankfully, the waters of Dun Laoghaire and elsewhere will be much safer for jet ski users, swimmers and everyone in the vicinity."
"These are just phase one of the Department of the Marine's regulations in relation to jet skis and other pleasure crafts, and there are more regulations on the way." "Phase two of the regulations, which are expected to deal with jet ski insurance, licences and training, will involve extensive consultation with the marine sector. As such these regulations are not anticipated until next year," said Deputy Hanafin.
"I'm particularly delighted to see the first phase now implemented. It's exactly three years to the week, since I first called for jet skis to be regulated. And, as Minister for Children, I'm satisfied that the safety of young people is being prioritised through the obligatory wearing of life jackets, and the introduction of an age limit for operating these and other fast crafts," Deputy Hanafin added. "I've long believed that jet skis are equally as dangerous as powerful motorbikes. The idea that they are merely 'toys' or simply a novel mode of transport holds no water," concluded Mary Hanafin, TD.
Hanafin at Loughlinstown Hospital
The Minister of State, Ms Mary Hanafin TD, recently visited St Columcille's hospital, Loughlinstown. The Minister was invited to the hospital by the Development Review Committee established by the East Coast Area health Board ( ECAHB ) to plan the longer term role of St Columcille's.
The East Coast Area Health Board, since its establishment last year, has made the development of St Columcille's one of its top priorities. In the last year the main developments at the hospital have included:
The approval of capital funding of £5 million to facilitate the development of a new A&E Department and Day Procedures Unit at St Columcille's hospital.
The establishment of a Project Team and User Groups within the hospital to review the current development brief and to progress the planning and construction of the new A&E Department and Day procedures Unit.
The construction of a temporary extension to the hospital's existing A&E Department to provide additional patient treatment areas, waiting space and staff accommodation.
The approval of the appointment of a Discharge Planner/ Inpatient Co-ordinator to the hospital.
The provision of funding totalling £436,750 in 2000/2001 to facilitate the development of the hospitals' cardiovascular strategy.
The completition of a new orthodontic facility on the hospital campus which is expected to open shortly
The planning of a Regional paediatric service based at the hospital.
The development of Endocrinology Services including a Diabetes Day Centre
The development of a 24 hour pathology laboratory service on site.To guide the Board's vision for the long term development of St Columcille's, a Development Review Committee was established under the Chairmanship of Councillor Larry Butler. This Committee is reviewing the needs and potential of St Columcille's to enable the hospital to deliver a service appropriate to the needs of the local community.
Welcoming the Minister to St Columcille's Chairman of the East Coast Area Health Board, Councillor Tony Fox said, "I am particularly pleased to welcome Minister Hanafin here today. The Minister has been a good friend to St Columcille's and her presence here today represents her continuing commitment to the work in progress on the site. I can assure the Minister that the East Coast Area Health Board will be unstinting in its endeavours to shape the hospital into an efficient and client friendly service for its patients and users."
Echoing these sentiments on behalf of the Development Review Committee, Councillor Larry Butler added," Our Committee is dedicated to ensuring that this hospital is developed to meet the growing needs of the population in the Board's area. St Columcille's occupies a pivotal role in the plans for the Board's delivery of services. The development of St Columcille's and the strengthening of its liaison with St Vincent's Hospital will provide a comprehensive network of top class services for the region. I am pleased that the Minister has seen our achievements to date and our plans for the future."
Greystones Dart
Greystones Dart station has now been officially opened by Minister Mary O'Rourke. The triple celebration marked the opening of the Dart station, a modern extension to the 150 year station and the rollout of £40 million of Japanese Mitsui/Tokyo and Spanish Alstrom carriages.- heralding a new era of comfort for passengers. The three train corporations concerned ( Dart, Mitsui and Alstom) had some pretty national representatives on hand with flowers: From left to right- Deryn Mackey from Greystones, Emer Carey from Booterstown/ Tokyo and Meadhbh Kelly from Cabinteely/ Madrid.
New Toll Bridge Technology
An advanced toll collection system called Eazy Pass is now available to road users. The new system allows motorists using the East and West-link bridges, to pay their toll without using cash in the lanes. Eazy Pass consists of a specially designed electronic tag, which is affixed to the inside of your vehicle's windscreen. As the vehicle approaches the tollbooth, the tag is read by a sensor in the lane, allowing the barrier to open automatically. It means there is now no need for customers to fumble for change or to keep a supply of tokens or tickets in their vehicle.
Customers simply set up an account with Eazy Pass, pay an agreed sum into their account and each time they cross the bridge, the appropriate toll is deducted. When their account reaches an agreed balance level it is automatically topped up through either their credit card or direct debit. Aidan Foley, Eazy Pass General Manager says, "The Eazy Pass System offers our customers a more convenient and user friendly way of paying their toll fare, as it removes the need to store and search for loose change in their car. The new system makes the overall transaction a more seamless and efficient experience. Customers will receive a regular statement, giving them a comprehensive record of their toll expenditure, account balance and the precise times they have used the toll bridges. They can also check their account information on the Eazy Pass Web Site."
Over the past six months NTR have been conducting an extensive pilot of the Eazy Pass system amongst its customer base, ranging from private car users to large commercial fleets. Feedback from customers has been extremely positive concluding that the tag was convenient and easy to use. From November this year it is planned to make dedicated Eazy Pass lanes available to customers using the West-Link. It is hoped the new Eazy Pass service when combined with the construction of the Second Liffey Valley Bridge will enhance the overall customer service offered by National Toll Roads.
Calling All Dublin Dads
A nation-wide search is underway to find Ireland's 'Weetabix Dad of the Year'. Weetabix, in association with the Evening Herald, is calling all those who have top dads with super talents! Does your dad, for example, stand at the finishing line on a winter's day to cheer you on? Does he get up early in the morning to bring you breakfast in bed? Does he make you laugh till you ache or is he the best dad in the world for another reason entirely? If so Weetabix want you to tell them why.
The hunt is on to find Super Dad for 2001. Weetabix are calling on you to tell them why Dublin dads are special. The lucky winner will receive a holiday worth £1,500 with £500 spending money. Runner up prizes will include a Weetabix hamper and a framed certificate. The competition will culminate in the National Final to choose Ireland's 'Weetabix dad of the Year" in September. So if you would like to enter, simply tell us why your terrific dad deserves to be Weetabix Dad of the Year, in 20 words or less, and send your name and address on an Evening Herald 'Weetabix Dad of the Year' entry form to :
Weetabix dad of the Year Competition,
27 Sydney Parade Avenue, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4"
The closing date is just around the corner- Friday 31st August.
Brennan Confirms Grant Aid For Listed BuildingsLocal TD and Minister of State to the Taoiseach, Seamus Brennan, has confirmed that Rathdown County Council is to receive £272,000 from the Department of the Environment to facilitate a Grants Scheme for Protected Structures. "The is designed to assist owners and occupiers with an attractive incentive to carry out conservation works to listed buildings," said Mr Brennan." While the final selection of projects is a matter for the County Council, important buildings which have gone through the process for inclusion on the protected list will have the opportunity to be properly preserved."
No Justification For Increased Tolls Says Mitchell
Responding to the publication of the National Road Authority's intention to change the bylaws to facilitate an increase in West Link toll charges Olivia Mitchell TD Fine Gael Frontbench Spokesperson on Local Government and Housing said there was no moral, financial or economic justification for such an increase.
"The claim that this increase is required to fund the second bridge simply doesn't stand up. The second bridge is required to accommodate the huge increase in traffic on the existing bridge, all of which feeds into the coffers of National Toll Roads. "Furthermore, the £200m of tax payers money now being spent on the final phase of the M50 will generate even further business for the toll company. "Surely the investment required by them to capitalise on this public spend should be funded from their considerable profits?"
"This demand for an increased toll on West Link does not auger well for the dozen or so planned new toll roads. The public could be forgiven for fearing that every further investment required for even minor changes to such roads will result in an increased toll. "If National Toll Roads are not willing to fund investment to generate future profits from their own resources then the Government should step in to provide the new bridge," said Deputy Mitchell.
People With Disabilities In Ireland Ltd
People With Disabilities in Ireland ( PwDI) intend to "take the concept of rights out of international theory and to engage at local and national level to ensure that it translates into practicalities of daily life", according to Mr Michael Ringrose, Chief Executive of the new national organisation, which is representative of people with disabilities, parents, carers and advocates. Mr Ringrose was speaking following the first formal meeting of the Board of PwDI, which was attended by Ms Mary Wallace TD, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, with special responsibility for Equality and Disabilities.
The local board member of People with Disabilities in Ireland, attending the meeting was Anne Warrington, with Paul Hogan from Dublin South and Gerry Ellis from Ballybrack. Mr Ringrose said that among the priorities of PwDI would be ensuring that there is a real human rights approach to disability and that Ireland meets its very laudable, but yet to be implemented, UN commitments given as far back as 1993.
He also said that a strong membership will result in PwDI having greater influence over the decisions that affect the lives of people with disabilities. Anyone wishing to join PwDI can do so by contacting Geraldine Moylan at 087- 2711668
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