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Hanafin Welcomes £180,000 Grant For Sallynoggin & Cabinteely
Dun Laoghaire Fianna Fail Deputy, Mary Hanafin TD has welcomed the announcement of £180,000 in Government funding for the communities of Sallynoggin and Cabinteely.
'The people and areas of Sallynoggin and Cabinteely are to benefit greatly from grants announced this week by the Department of the Environment and Local Government. Of this £150,000 is being provided for a feasibility study for further development of an industrial and commercial are in Sallynoggin' explained Deputy Hanafin. The grant was provided under the Department's Public Private Partnership fund for local authorities.
'I have no doubt that this will significantly enhance employment opportunities in the Sallynoggin area. The number of people on the live register in the greater Dun Laoghaire area has fallen dramatically by approximately 5,000 since this Government first came into office four years ago.Proper planning and research into further developments in Sallynoggin is a very positive move, and in time, should produce positive results for the area and its residents.' she added.
Also, £30,000 is being provided for the feasibility study to develop Cabinteely House ( Buildings and lands) as a cultural, recreational and tourist venue.'Cabinteely House has phenomenal potential and is a great asset to our community, and indeed the Irish nation- many national groups have expressed an interest in the possible use of the facilities. As Minister for Children, I hope that it would be able to respond to the needs of children and young people in the area,' concluded Mary Hanafin.
Call For 20 Mph Zones Near Schools
Increased traffic and it's management ISA growing problem in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council area. Councillor Niamh Bhreathnach has stated,' It is time to introduce legislation to allow 20 mph speed limit zones at our schools. Resident's Associations have month after month brought to the Council's attention the problem of speeding on our roads. Particular concern has been expressed about the need for safety zones in the vicinity of our schools. While there are 30 mph limits in place a reduced speed limit of 20 mph would help reduce the dangers to child pedestrians, especially where our schools are located in residential areas.'
'There is a body of research available to the Minister that shows where 20 mph limits were introduced in Britain the risk of a child being involved in an accident has been successfully reduced by two-thirds. With legislation introduced there in 1999, the Local Authorities no longer need obtain the consent of the Minister before implementing the new speed limits. Changes have been introduced that allows for signage or a zonal approach with traffic calming measures, such as ramps, to be decided by the relevant Local Authority.'
'We know here in Dun Laoghaire that many of our local schools are situated in residential areas. There are parking problems for residents, there can be dangerous disregard by drivers for the need for safety. Based on local knowledge being brought to our attention by resident's groups, there is a need to respond to the safety issues raised. '
Ireland's Most Expensive Toilet
Expected changes being proposed by the owners of the 'old' Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre got a cautious welcome from the Labour Group at the County Council meeting on Monday 10th April.
An application to grant the lease, to the new owners of the centre, of the toilet block situated in the basement adjacent to the bus stop on Marine Road was agreed after the Labour Group proposed a motion that would see the toilets replaced with an independent free standing modern toilet in the town centre.
Councillor Niamh Bhreathnach said,' For over six years the toilets have been closed. The public was no longer using this facility because of fears of anti- social behaviour. The design of the Centre has long been the subject of criticism, for too long it was seen to turn it's back on Dun Laoghaire. New proposals should, if passed, see a fine corner site entrance open opposite the Church open space and some shop fronts on Marine Road itself. To link town and harbour has long been a challenge to the Council.'
Councillor Bhreathnach concluded,' The Labour group was delighted to propose the motion that sees an exchange of lease for a new and safer toilet because now there can be a realistic attempt to undo the poor planning decision of the past. Recent investment on the shore, in the harbour and the new Bloomfield Centre augers well for our County capital. I look forward to viewing the new building plans for the old shopping centre and to the replacement of a dangerous public toilet block with a modern facility.'
It is believed the new owners of the shopping centre applied to the Council to have the Council dispose of it's interest in the disused toilet area. This interest is believed to have changed hands for £234,000 and it is proposed to now build a new coin operated public toilet elsewhere in the town- in a site which the public feels is safer to use. Expectations are high that the new management of the centre will use the newly acquired space to ' open out' the centre.
Niamh Bhreathnach said, 'Councillors are always reluctant to dispose of public facilities. To support this the Labour Group proposed that we resite the public toilets. We thought we would have a chance to change what is now regarded as a planning disaster. The new County Hall is a design success and it is a pleasure to enter, but it is not a pleasure to enter the shopping centre through a tunnel.'
Spring Flower Show In Dun Laoghaire
Councillor Mary Elliott declared the Spring Flower Show open, saying,' I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to the South Dublin Horticultural Society for their 2001 Spring Flower Show. This is the second year they have had their Spring Show at the County Hall with us.'
'The history of South County Dublin Horticultural Society is intertwined with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council as far back as the old Borough of Kingstown, as their first Summer Flower Show was held at the People's Park in 1927. Their Spring and Summer flower shows were held in the 'Town Hall' for many years.' Unfortunately, the Town hall was closed to the public in 1980 but we are pleased to invite them back now at the County Hall.'
Councillor Elliott extended a warm welcome to participants who included, Irish Women's Environmental Network, Trees Council of Ireland, Birdwatch Ireland, The local Historical Society, and Heritage Centre and artist, Marie Mc D Donald.
Dun Laoghaire Song Contest
A galaxy of stars from the entertainment world attended a press reception last Wednesday to mark the launch of the 10th Dun Laoghaire Song Contest. Weir's Food and Drink Emporium was the venue for the reception.
The theatrical ambience of this recently refurbished pub was a most appropriate backdrop for what is now established as the most prestigious contest on the song writing circuit.
The contest will take place on Sunday 29th July 2001 in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire and will be compered by 2FM's Larry Gogan. The prize fund eclipses that for any other contest either here or in the UK and interest in this event is phenomenal. The winner will receive £3,000 presented by IMRO ( the Irish Music Rights Organisation), The First Active Waterford Crystal Trophy and 500 CDs of their song donated by Trend Studios.
IMRO will also present a cheque for £1000 to the runner up who, in addition will receive a Waterford Crystal Trophy from First Active. Trend Studios will donate a further 5000 CDs as part of this prize. ß
On the big night, the Associationof Songwriters and Composers of Ireland, will present the A.S.C.I. Trophy for the song of their choice. The main attraction of this contest is that it has no losers. All finalists will receive a cheque for £100 and a trip plus five passengers on the luxurious HSS Ferry, courtesy of Stena Line. A beautiful engraved Waterford Vase will also be presented to each finalist by First Active.
Application Forms are available by sending a SAE to PO Box 5676 Dun Laoghaire. Closing date for return of demos is 11th May 2001.
Cost of £3.6 Million For Ballyboden Halting Site 'Insane'
Local Fine Gael TD, Olivia Mitchell has said that the cost of the planned halting site at Ballyboden is insane, putting the cost per traveller family at just over £400,000.
Deputy Mitchell, who is Fine Gael's spokeswoman on local government said, 'One would really have to question the sanity of providing low density halting sites in high density residential areas where land costs are already excessive.
'With so many families in need of housing, surely a more efficient use of the land should and could be achieved with conventional housing? It is difficult to justify spending £3,645,000 to provide temporary style accommodation for 8 families plus a caretaker, when at least 30 permanent houses could be provided for the same money.'She added,' 'This expenditure has yet to get final Ministerial approval and I would ask him to reconsider the policy of providing halting sites in urban areas where land is at such a premium and in the context of a national housing crisis.'
'It is hardly surprising that the Committee monitoring the implementation of the recommendations of the Task Force on travellers found recently that there had been no real improvement in the day to day lives of travellers. Rigid adherence to a halting site policy in an urban setting may be counter productive and may actually result in less rather than more accommodation for travellers. Travellers choosing to live in cities must at least consider conventional housing as an alternative to land for wasteful and costly halting sites. All sections of the community are being affected by the housing crisis and certainly within what is now referred to as the Dublin Metropolitan area, we are all required to accept and adapt to changing urban planning norms such a higher density and even higher rise housing.'
Care With Hedgerows During Nesting Seasons
"As we head into the nesting season I am calling on all County Councils, contractors and builders to avoid, where possible, cutting down and removing hedgerows and small bushes," said Fianna Fail Councillor, Maria C Corrigan.
These trees are the favoured nesting sites for small birds as they provide a secure habitat and protection for animals and larger, more aggressive birds,Õ she a= said.
Suburban areas are at risk of becoming dominated by birds such as magpies at the expense of small birds and song birds because their habitats are being destroyed,Õ said the Glencullen Councillor.
These trees and shrubs offer our wildlife important shelter and we should be aware of this before we cut down bushes and hedges,Õ concluded Councillor Corrigan.
Tidy Towns Competition And Anti Litter Campaign Launched
Cathaoirleach Mary Elliott has launched the Tidy Towns and Anti Litter Environmental Campaign 2001. In launching the Council's Anti-Litter/ Environmental Campaign 2001, Councillor Mary Elliott said,' The appearance of litter seriously undermines the good image of the county, damages the environment and spoils the appearance of otherwise attractive areas. The collection and disposal of litter makes enormous demands on the human and financial resources of the County Council.
The cost of sweeping litter from the streets of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown county in 2001 is £1,600,000, money which could be spent on more productive purposes. 'In relation to enforcement the Council has allocated increased resources to enforce the Litter Pollution Act 1997. 'An Cathaoirleach said, 'The Council has joined with the business community and local communities in a partnership approach to dealing with the litter problem. The Council has increased resources for this year's Anti Litter campaign in relation to litter prevention, litter control and environmental protection.
The Council has employed an Environmental Science Graduate to forge links with the business community to improve the environmental performance of businesses.
The Cathaoirleach also launched the Tidy Towns Competition. She said,' The aim of the competition is to encourage, acknowledge and reward local communities working together to enhance the environment of this county. The quality of entries in 2000 was particularly high with 51 resident's associations and 48 businesses taking part in the competition. Pine Valley Estate, Ballinteer was the overall winner in the 2000 Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Tidy Districts Competition.
The winning residents were commended on their high level of community participation. Glasthule buildings won the Best New Entry Category. Among the many other residential prizes awarded were ' Most Improved estate' won by Seaview Shankill and 'Best Presented Town/ Village' won again in 2000 by Stepaside Village. The Bayview Youth Clean Up Club won first place in the category,' Best example of environmental initiative in Waste Recycling/ Waste Minimisation.'
Councillor Mary Elliott said,' The Council hopes to make the Tidy Districts Competition 2001 the biggest and most successful competition so far. It is my hope that all hardworking communities in the County will enter this competition and take part with great enthusiasm. '
The competition has been running for 50 years and attracts entries from more than 700 communities each year. Kenmare, Co Kerry was the winner of the overall title in 2000. the voluntary committees carry out their work with the help of thousands of volunteers and the support and sponsorship of public, private and commercial interests. SuperValu, which is the principal sponsor of the competition, will contribute approximately £1.6 million to the event over the years 2000-2002.
Tidy Towns was re-launched in 2000 with a 30% increase in prize money overall, new gold, silver and bronze medal awards and a contemporary marketing programme.Prize money for 2001 will top £80,000 and includes a new award for the best Tidy Town in a Gaeltacht as well as an award to promote bilingualism in non Gaeltacht areas.
Brennan Announces Childcare Grant For Stillorgan
An award winning childcare facility at Upper Kilmacud Road has been approved for a training grant under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme. Local TD, Seamus Brennan, who made the announcement, said that the award is worth £11,500 to Narnia Nursery School. 'This approval is the latest in a series of grants which underline the commitment of the Government to help with the provision of childcare facilities,' said Mr Brennan.' Narnia have been providing an important facility for many years and have been officially commended previously by Venturepoint, the local Enterprise board.'
Millennium Ambulance For Dundrum
Dundrum Order of Malta have taken delivery of a new millennium ambulance courtesy of a grant from the National Millennium Committee. Local TD and Committee Chairman, Seamus Brennan presented the keys to Ted Fearon, Bert Thompson and Bernard O'Gorman at a recent ceremony in the grounds of Simpson's Hospital, where the ambulance is garaged. Recalling his own days as a cadet in the order, Mr Brennan told the members that their work was a very valuable asset to the community.
'The Order of Malta have done and are doing a marvellous job and I was very pleased that it was possible to assist the Dundrum Unit in this way,' added Mr Brennan. The new ambulance, sporting the Millennium logo is now set to become a familiar sight around the South Dublin area.
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