2020 VISIONS - Wicklow Times

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2020 VISIONS - Wicklow Times
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  January Sales Issue - Friday 27th December 2019 5 Eglinton Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow T: 01 - 2869111 www.wicklowtimes.net E: wicklowed@localtimes.ie

2020 VISIONS
 THE COUNTY'S LEADERS OUTLINE
     THEIR WISHES FOR 2020
As we greet the year 2020 our thoughts turn to the challenges and
changes that the year ahead will bring. As a commuter county,
Wicklow is developing rapidly. House prices are high, rental
properties scarce; our hospitals and roads are packed and our
rural areas cry out for facilities. Meanwhile as we edge ever closer
to climate breakdown, the pressure is on the people and politicians
of Wicklow to act in the interests of our planet. A general election
in the first few months of 2020 will give us an opportunity to make
our voices heard on all of these issues. Wicklow Times asked our
five sitting TDs, and the Cathaoirleach and County Manager of
Wicklow County Council what their priorities and hopes are for
County Wicklow in the year ahead.
  Minister for Health      them in Dáil Eireann as    improving our public
Simon Harris said “I       their TD. At a national    services, protecting our
want to thank the people   level, 2020 promises to    economy, the Northern
of Wicklow for their       be a very busy year with   Ireland institutions,
support through 2019       a number of really         working to advance
and for affording me the   important issues to pur-   climate action and so on.
honour of representing     sue regarding Brexit,      Locally, I want to

                                                                                    Delgany Brownies are pictured just before they attended the Aladdin Panto at The Gaiety with 2,000
                                                                                    other members of the Irish Girl Guides.

                                                                                  continue to deliver on      delivery of greenways. I
                                                                                  key projects. In 2020, as   will also be working to
                                                                                  a local TD, I will be       help secure a public
                                                                                  focusing on improved        swimming pool for West
                                                                                                              Wicklow. I will continue
                                                                                                              to hold Constituency
                                                                                                              Advice Clinics where I
                                                                                                              look forward to linking
                                                                                                              in with communities,
                                                                                                              local groups, schools and
                                                                                                              businesses. We live in a
                                                                                                              wonderful county and
                                                                                                              we need to all work
                                                                                                              together to make it even
                                                                                                              better.”
                                                                                                                 Minister of State
                                                                                                              Andrew Doyle (FG) told
                                                                                  Minister Simon Harris       Wicklow Times, “My
                                                                                                              main aims for 2020
                                                                                  public transport, easing    include the continuation
                                                                                  traffic congestion on the   of this Government’s
                                                                                  M11 through sensible        policy towards strength-
                                                                                  investment that aligns      ening our economy
                                                                                  with public transport,      while investing in broad-
                                                                                  working to ensure the       band, housing, education
                                                                                  delivery of a number of     and supporting and
                                                                                  school projects, securing   developing          rural
                                                                                  more funding for our        economies and commu-
                                                                                  sports clubs and commu-     nities.
                                                                                  nity groups and the                (continued on p 3)
2020 VISIONS - Wicklow Times
Times           WICKLOW

                                                                                                                  LOCAL
2 NEWS                                                                                                                                                                                                       Friday 27th December 2019

                                                                                                                                  The Giving Tree says a
                                                                                                                                   big thank you to the
                                                                                                                                      people of Bray
                                                                                                                                  Bray Rotary Club hosted their annual Christmas Giving Tree over two weekends and on the
                                                                                                                                  steps of the Holy Redeemer Church, 7th and 8th December and again on Saturday 14th and
                                                                                                                                  Sunday 15th. The weather was very unkind and they had to abandon their stand on Sunday
                                                                                                                                  the 8th when a ferocious storm with rain, hail and sleet blew in.
                                                                                                                                    However, this their       with first names and ages   Community Helpers,           have many calls on their
                                                                                                                                  15th year, was still a      of local needy children     Open Door Day Centre         generosity especially at
                                                                                                                                  huge success with about     and also vulnerable         and CASA, the Caring         this time of year and
                                                                                                                                  400 presents donated to     teenagers and adults.       and Sharing Association.     were a little concerned
                                                                                                                                  the value €10,000 plus         Bray Rotary get the         The public take a gift    that the weather might
                                                                                                                                  thanks to the generosity    names from the four St      tag; buy that person a       keep people away, but
                                                                                                                                  of the people of Bray.      Vincent       de     Paul   suitable present, bring it   the opposite seems to
                                                                                                                                  and help in excess of 300   Conferences in Bray,        back to the tree and         have been the case.
                                                                                                                                  people each year.           Purple House Cancer         Rotary distribute them to    People came out to sup-
                                                                                                                                     How the Giving Tree      Support, Five Loaves        the Charities.               port us, especially young
                                                                                                                                  works is that Gift Tags     Soup Kitchen, Ark              Organiser Una Whelan      families and we are very
  Mrs Clause at the storytelling & Teddy Bear Sleepover which was held in Greystones library.                                     are placed on the tree      Housing,            Bray    said “We realise people      grateful to them.”.
  Pictured with her are Tess, Kitty, Elsie and Maisy O’Beirne, with a sign reminding people to ‘say
  thank you to the ladies in the library for all their help’. Pic: John McGowan
                                                                                                                                    Dave Fox tribute                                        Wicklow Willow
       New Wildflower Verge
           in Delgany
                                                           Avoca Community Hall EGM                                                Delgany Golf Club will host a celebratory
                                                                                                                                   ‘This Is Your Life’ tribute to local sporting
                                                                                                                                                                                            basket weaving
                                                              An EGM of Avoca Community Hall Co. Ltd. will                         legend Dave Fox, on Saturday 11th January              Spring courses begin in February and are
  Work has begun on a wildflower verge along Delgany       be held in Avoca Community Hall on January 16th at                      at 7:30pm. The evening will be hosted by               suitable for both beginners and improvers.
Wood Avenue. Overgrowth was cleared with the help of       7pm. “We request all members of the community to                                                                               All courses are full-day (9 am to 5 pm) and
                                                                                                                                   RTE’s Sean O’Rourke.
Woods Group on a wet and dreary November morning.          attend. The purpose of this meeting is to establish if a                                                                       take place in the Brockagh Centre.
The area has now been levelled and raked and planted       new board of directors can be appointed or if the hall                     Dave played for and had success with many
with native wildflower seeds and nearly 2,000 bulbs!       is to revert back to the ownership of St. Laurence                      sports clubs around Co. Wicklow, incuding Delgany         They include materials, tuition, tea/coffee and lunch
Delgany Community Council said “We can’t wait to see       O’Toole Diocesan Trust.”                                                Golf Club, Greystones Rugby Club, Eire Og and          (with cake)! You will make and bring home your own
the burst of colour and wildlife come spring.”                                                                                     Bray Wanderers. For Greystpones Rugby Club he          basket on the day. Courses cost €85 and booking is
                                                                                                                                   was part of the team that beat the All America Team    essential (vouchers are available and make a wonder-
    Roundwood Variety Show                                  Citizen’s Information Clinic                                           in Soldier Field, Chicago. He was also on the first    ful Christmas or birthday present). A deposit of €50 is
                                                                                                                                   Greystones hurling team to win the county champi-      required to ensure a place. Places are limited, so please
  The Brockagh Resource Centre will be hosting the            The Citizens Information Centre at the Brockagh                      onship, and is one of only three surviving members     book early to get the dates you want. Courses are
ever entertaining and talented Roundwood Variety Show      Resource Centre, Laragh is open for information relat-                  from that team - the other two being Andy Byrne,       available on the following dates but extra dates may be
performers again next year at the end of January 2020      ing to your rights and entitlements from 10 am until                    and Derek Mulrooney, outgoing President of             added if there is enough demand: Saturday February
with Robin Hood, The Magical Pantomime Adventure.          noon on the first and third Tuesday of each month. No                   Delgany Golf Club and organiser of this event in       15th , Sunday February 23rd , Sunday March 1 st ,
Details will be posted at www.facebook.com/brockaghre-     appointment is necessary for this free and confidential                 Dave’s honour. Come along and hear all about           Wednesday March 25th and Sunday April 12th .
sourcecentre/ and on their website at www.brockaghre-      service.                                                                Dave’s incredible life. Tickets are €30 per person        For more information, contact local basket
sourcecentre.ie when there is more information.                                                                                    including meal and entertainment, and must be pur-     maker and artist, Aoife Patterson, on 087-977
                                                                                                                                   chased at the bar inb advance. The bar can be con-     3622, email info@wicklowwillow.ie or visit
   Brockagh Resource Centre                                    First Saturday Book Sale                                            tacted on (01) 287 4536.                               www.wicklowwillow.ie.

   The Brockagh Resource Centre wishes to thank every-        The January First Saturday Book Sale, which sup-
one who has supported them over the past year.             ports the Shankill Old Folks Association, will take
   “We wish you and your families a very happy, peace-     place in the Shankill Old Folks Association Centre,
ful and joyous 2020. The Centre will re-open at 9am on     Lower Road, Shankill, from 10am to 1pm on Saturday
Monday 6th January. For details of our activities see      January 4th 2020 so make a point of calling in during
www.brockaghresourcecentre.ie/events. You can also         that morning to obtain some excellent reading materi-
‘friend’ us on Facebook or Twitter. To add your name to    al. Donations of books, which must be in a good and
our database and be kept informed about events, phone      clean condition, other than school/text books, will be
us on 0404-45600 or email brockaghresourcecentre           considered for acceptance on that day.
@gmail.com.”
   Regular classes will resume on the following dates:
Happy Days 7th January, Irish Dancing 11th January,
Morning Yoga 9th January, Chair Yoga 9th January,
                                                                          Mobile Library
Evening Yoga 14th January, Badminton Week of 13th             The mobile library visits Laragh every second
January, We Love Art 6th January, Adult Art 6th January,   Thursday. It is in Annamoe between 11.30am and 12
Taekwon-Do 7th January, Elevation Drama Week of 6th        noon and in Lynham’s car park in Laragh from 12.15
January, Elevation Dance Week of 6th January, Pilates      to 12.50 pm. The first visits of the new year will be on
Week of 6th January, Violin Lessons Check with Tutor,      Thursdays 2nd and 16th January. For more informa-
Walking Group Check with Contact, Active                   tion, please phone 087-9135229 or email
Retirement 21st January.                                   kdownes@wicklowcoco.ie

                                                             HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL
              BRAY                                                         WICKLOW TOWN (Roll No. 17576B)
                                                               AN INCLUSIVE CO-EDUCATIONAL CATHOLIC
                                 Vevay Rd, Bray               SCHOOL WHERE ALL CHILDREN ARE WELCOME

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                                                                                                                                    spent Sunday 15th December making Christmas Yule logs. They set up a stand outside their
                               Service                        DATES:           TUES.14th & WED.15th JANUARY 2020                    house to sell the logs and are going to donate the profits to St Vincent De Paul.
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                                                                                                                                    They came up with the idea together. Conor suggested that they donate the profits to charity,
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                               Service                                         APPLICATION FORMS:                                                                                                        Contacts:
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                                Quote                                     Please bring the following:
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2020 VISIONS - Wicklow Times
Times    WICKLOW

                                                                                                    LOCAL
Friday 27th December 2019                                                                                                                                                                                      NEWS 3

2020 VISIONS
                                                                                                                                                                             Chief Executive of       Wicklow           County
                                                                                                                                                                          Wicklow          County     Council, said “As
                                                                                                                                                                          Council Frank Curran        Cathaoirleach my hopes
                                                                                                                                                                          said “On behalf of          for the new year are to
                                                                                                                                                                          Wicklow          County     see the continued roll
                                                                                                                                                                          Council, I wish the peo-    out of the social housing
                             transport options for                                   es      and   childcare     need for more public                                     ple of Wicklow a peace-     programme. Almost 300
                             commuters in the over-                                  providers need to be        amenities. Blessington                                   ful New Year. I will con-   houses were delivered in
                             all context of the N11                                  dealt with, and we need     needs a swimming pool,                                   tinue to work with my       County Wicklow in
                             improvement scheme, as                                  far more local jobs (the    a home found for Vartry                                  staff and the elected       2019 and double that is
                             well as providing regu-                                 real answer to commuter     Rowing Club and                                          members to enhance the      the target for 2020. The
                             lar input on the pro-                                   gridlock). And we need      progress on the develop-                                 quality of life for citi-   ongoing need for better
                             posed routes with the                                   radical action on the       ment of a Sports                                         zens and communities        Public Transport and a
                             aim of ensuring mini-                                   environment,        from    Campus in Bray.              CE, Frank Curran            throughout the County       real workable plan to
                             mum disruption on sur-                                  national and local gov-        “In 2020 we need to                                   during             2020.    alleviate traffic conges-
                             rounding residents and                                  ernment, and from each      see significant improve-     We can provide homes        Throughout 2019 we          tion will also continue to
                             communities, as well as                                 and every one of us. It’s   ments in our health ser-     for all who need them if    made          significant   be a top priority for me.
                             remaining mindful on                                    going to be a busy          vice and put an end to       the political will is       progress on the delivery       “On a personal level
                             the potential environ-                                  year!”                      forcing organisations to     there. We can ensure        of social housing.          my wishes for my fami-
                             ment impact on the Glen                                    Deputy John Brady        mount public campaigns       that older people live in   Indeed, over the course
Minister Andrew Doyle        of the Downs area.”        John Brady TD                (SF) said, “Housing is      to secure funding. We        dignity and not in fear     of the next two years,
                                Deputy       Stephen                                 currently the biggest       also need to see the         of homelessness or lack     we will deliver newly
(continued from p 1)         Donnelly (FF) said his     revival, Ashford &           issue in the County and     Primary Care Centre          of adequate health care.    constructed homes for
   “Regarding Brexit, I      word for Wicklow in        Ardmore film studios,        will continue to be in      delivered for Arklow.”       The General Election in     more than 400 families
hope that the clear          2020 is ‘momentum’.        Newtown’s community          2020. It is clear that         “2020 is going to be a    2020 will give the peo-     on the Council’s social
majority in the House        “Lots will be happening    pitches, the Hospice and     Rebuilding Ireland has      critical year for the peo-   ple of Wicklow the          housing list.
of Commons will result       - Bray’s Florentine        much more. But there         failed, and we need new     ple of Wicklow and           choice to decide who           “Urban regeneration
in ratification of the       Centre, Greystones’        are also huge challenges     policies to address this    Ireland,” said Deputy        can deliver solutions not   projects are underway in
Withdrawal Agreement         IDA land, Wicklow          to sort out. The com-        crisis.                     Pat Casey (FF).              just peddle the politics    Arklow, Wicklow Town
which guarantees no          Town’s library, Arklow’s   muter nightmare contin-         “Wicklow has largely        “Housing delivery         of outrage.                 and Bray while one in
border and protects citi-    water treatment plant,     ues on the N81, N11 and      been ignored and forgot-    must be the top priority        “We need to ensure       Baltinglass will also
zens’ rights.                Blessington’s Greenway,    public        transport.     ten by this government.     and, solving the shame       housing and economic        commence. Bray will
   “As Minister of State     Baltinglass’ town centre   Thousands of children        In 2020 we need consid-     of family homelessness.      progress throughout         see the new Town
for Agriculture, my pri-                                in Wicklow can’t access      erable investment in our                                 Wicklow, in all our         Centre opening, bring-
                                                                                     public transport system.                                                                                         Cllr Irene Winters
orities are to continue to                              urgent healthcare. And                                                                towns and villages.         ing a cinema, shops and
grow new markets for                                    services like St. Joseph’s      “Unfortunately, more                                  Rural Wicklow and           restaurants in the heart
our agri-food products,                                 and Purple House need        jobs have been lost in                                   towns such as Wicklow,      of the town.                ly and myself are no dif-
delivery of the Forestry                                our support.                 Arklow with the recent                                   Arklow, Blessington and        “We look forward to      ferent to everyone else,
programme and recog-                                       “Many of Wicklow’s        closure announcement                                     Baltinglass can be cen-     major tourism initiatives   health, happiness and
nising the integral role                                schools need investment      of Rondo Food. We                                        tres of local employ-       such as the development     good fortune. 2019 has
that afforestation plays                                - in new schools, exten-     immediately need an                                      ment thus reducing the      of Avondale           and   been a very busy but
in meeting our climate                                  sions and upgrades. We       Unemployment Task                                        commuter chaos that is      Glendalough; the com-       good year for me and I
change objectives.                                      need far more Gardaí         Force to be established                                  seeing the N/M11 and        mencement of the            hope for the same in
   “In Wicklow, I will                                  and our Fire Services        to help bring jobs to                                    N81 at a standstill. I      Avonmore Footbridge         2020. I will again aim to
be continuing to work                                   need support. People         Arklow and Wicklow                                       hope the people of          and the Blessington         get fitter and I’d like to
closely with stakehold-                                 need affordable homes.       Town.                                                    Wicklow all take part in    Greenway.”                  be a better golfer
ers towards the provi-                                  Crazy insurance hikes           “I would also like to                                 those decisions that will      Cllr Irene Winters,      but that may be a wish
                             Stephen Donnelly TD                                     see moves to address the    Pat Casey TD                 be made in 2020.”           Cathaoirleach          of   too far!”
sion of improved public                                 for Wicklow’s business-
2020 VISIONS - Wicklow Times
Times   WICKLOW

    LOCAL
4                     Friday 27th December 2019
2020 VISIONS - Wicklow Times
Times   WICKLOW

                            LOCAL
Friday 27th December 2019                     5
2020 VISIONS - Wicklow Times
Times    WICKLOW

                                                                                                    LOCAL
6 NEWS                                                                                                                                                                                      Friday 27th December 2019

                                                                                                                Education and Training
                                                                                                                  Board is patron for
                                                                                                                new Greystones school
                                                                                                                The Education and Training Board will be the Patron for the new Greystones Second Level
                                                                                                                school, it was announced last week.
                                                                                                                   Minister Simon Harris    ond level place for their     made, and it's great that    new school open in our
                                                                                                                said "I am delighted to     child. The new school         this has now happened        district and I look for-
                                                                                                                announce that the           will have a capacity of       and parents have some        ward to working with
                                                                                                                Education and Training      800 and will open in          certainty about who will     the new Patron to help in
                                                                                                                Board has been selected     Autumn 2020. This is          run their child's new        any way I can to ensure
                                                                                                                to be patron of the new     another      significant      school and can see           a quick and smooth path
                                                                                                                Secondary School in         investment in Greystones      progress being made in       for its establishment. I
                                                                                                                Greystones. I would like    with the announcement         setting it up."              would also like to recog-
                                                                                                                to thank all the families   last week that St David's        Cllr Whitmore contin-     nise the effort put in by
 A Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue vehicle comes to the aid of a stranded motorist in the                        who participated in the     has been given the green      ued "There will be lots of   the other patron appli-
 Wicklow Uplands.                                                                                               patronage selection pro-    light to proceed with         work to be done to get       cants and their support-
                                                                                                                cess. Over 800 families     their new buildings.          this school up and run-      ers, who worked very

   Vehicles stranded in
                                                                                                                participated and more          Social     Democrats       ning for September 2020.     hard over the course of a
                                                                                                                than 50% of these indi-     Councillor, Jennifer          As patrons to a number       very competitive cam-
                                                                                                                cated the Education and     Whitmore, said "I am          of excellent schools in      paign."
                                                                                                                Training Board as their     very relieved that the        the area, including             KWETB stated “we
                                                                                                                first        preference.    decision as to who will       Colaiste Chraobh Abhann      are delighted, a thank

    Wicklow Uplands
Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team and Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team
                                                                                                                "Greystones has seen a
                                                                                                                surge in school enrol-
                                                                                                                ments not only due to
                                                                                                                more families living in
                                                                                                                our community but also
                                                                                                                                            run the school has been
                                                                                                                                            finally made. It is over
                                                                                                                                            10 weeks since the
                                                                                                                                            patronage competition
                                                                                                                                            closed and many parents
                                                                                                                                                                          in Kilcoole, the KWETB
                                                                                                                                                                          is well placed to get this
                                                                                                                                                                          new school established
                                                                                                                                                                          quickly. I look forward to
                                                                                                                                                                          seeing some fast progress
                                                                                                                                                                                                       you to all concerned and
                                                                                                                                                                                                       to all parents who voted
                                                                                                                                                                                                       for KWETB. It is a real
                                                                                                                                                                                                       honour to be able to
                                                                                                                                                                                                       bring       the      ETB
were tasked on December 15th to a number of incidents involving stranded vehicles on                            more parents choosing to    and students have been        on the establishment of      Secondary School to
upland roads in Wicklow.                                                                                        enrol their children in     understandably con-           this school as the princi-   Greystones ready for
                                                                                                                local schools. This         cerned with the delay in      pal is hired and a new       academic year 2020.”
   The incidents occurred on the R759 and R115 that     Wicklow were extremely hazardous last week, with
                                                                                                                announcement will pro-      the announcement.             Board of Management is       KWETB will be opening
cross the Sally Gap and the L2083 between Laragh        widespread sheet ice.
                                                                                                                vide peace of mind for         "I have been inundated     established.                 enrolments and announc-
and Glenmalure. Near the Shay Elliot Recreational          The DWMRT stated last week “To complicate
                                                                                                                many families who have      with parents asking when         Whitmore said "It's       ing parents meetings
Area, on the L2083, mountain rescue (MR) person-        matters, there is very little snow on the ground
                                                                                                                struggled to find a sec-    a decision would be           very exciting to have a      soon.
nel evacuated 13 people from a stranded bus, and        meaning snow chains are of limited use. Both moun-
later MR personnel evacuated people from multiple       tain rescue teams ask - echoing the advice of An
vehicles that became stranded on the R759 and
R115.
   Both MR teams were operational from approxi-
                                                        Garda Síochána and Wicklow County Council - that
                                                        people avoid untreated upland roads in Wicklow at
                                                        the moment. Much of the R759 and R115 are above
                                                                                                                   Junk to Christmas decorations                             All prize winners received a family pass to Cool
mately 1pm and 8pm on the day assisting members         an altitude of 400m meaning that, even when road        Creative students who made Christmas
                                                                                                                decorations out of junk materials were                    Planet in Enniskerry which provides an interactive
of the public who had fallen foul of wintry weather.    conditions are clear elsewhere, these roads can still                                                             workshop on Climate Action, a great way for chil-
   Road conditions on untreated upland roads in         be extremely difficult to drive safely.”                rewarded at a prize-giving ceremony
                                                                                                                organised by Wicklow County Council on                    dren to learn about Climate Change and the actions
                                                                                                                Tuesday December 17th.                                    we can all take to reduce our impact. Presenting the
                                                                                                                                                                          prizes, Mr Curran paid tribute to the role young peo-
                                                                                                                   The Christmas Decoration Competition provided          ple played in pushing for Climate Action during
                                                                                                                students with the opportunity to show their creativity,   2019.
                                                                                                                making decorations with items of junk. The chal-             Christmas is the ideal time to take a second look at
                                                                                                                lenge was to produce a decoration from items of           what we are throwing out. Over 20 per cent of our
                                                                                                                waste that would often end up in the bin. Students        annual waste is produced at Christmas time.Food
                                                                                                                responded by making decorations as diverse as snow-       waste in particular reaches high levels and Wicklow
                                                                                                                men, angels, cribs, ornaments for the tree, stars, and    County Council is encouraging people to avoid wast-
                                                                                                                candleholders.                                            ing food this year through better planning and shop-
                                                                                                                   Waste items reused included plastic bottles, light     ping. The Environmental Awareness Office of
                                                                                                                bulbs, sweet wrappers, toilet rolls, drink cans,          Wicklow County Council has produced a recipe book
                                                                                                                polystyrene and bits of old toys, socks and fabrics.      to help use up all those leftovers - including the
                                                                                                                The students showed an amazing ability to see the         turkey, ham, cheeses or salmon - and turn them into
                                                                                                                potential to use items of junk creatively. Winners        interesting      dishes      for    the     Christmas
                                                                                                                were presented with their prizes by the Cathaoirleach     holiday.Recycling centres in County Wicklow will be
                                                                                                                of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Irene Winters, and        reopen after Christmas for what is the busiest time of
                                                                                                                Mr Frank Curran, Chief Executive, at a ceremony in        the year. Christmas trees will be accepted for recy-
                                                                                                                County Buildings.                                         cling from Friday, 3rd January

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QUIN's Pharmacy, Bray                                                FHM Accountants,                           Frank Curran, Chief Executive of WCC, and Cathaoirleach of WCC Irene Winters, and Cathaoirligh of
                                                         (Red Door) rear of McDonalds                           Arklow, Greystones and Bray - councillors, Pat Fitzgerald, Tom Fortune and Steven Matthews.
2020 VISIONS - Wicklow Times
Times    WICKLOW

                                 LOCAL
Friday 27th December 2019                                                      7

                            3 Day

   SALE STARTS 10am                                WINTER SALE EVENT HOURS
                                                    Sat Dec 28th: 10am - 5pm

   SATURDAY 28th Dec.                              Sun Dec 29th: 12pm - 5pm
                                                   Mon Dec 30th: 10am - 5pm

   MDL Park, Croghan Ind. Estate, Emoclew Road, Arklow. Tel: 0402 32352
2020 VISIONS - Wicklow Times
Times    WICKLOW

                                                                                                   LOCAL
8 NEWS                                                                                                                                                                                         Friday 27th December 2019

                                                                                                               M11 submission deadline
                                                                                                                extended as calls for
                                                                                                                 route rethink grow
                                                                                                               Friday 13th this year became a day of victory, albeit a small one, for local residents around the
                                                                                                               proposed new M11 Motorway routes as Wicklow County Coucil (WCC) confirmed an
                                                                                                               extension to the deadline for submissions on the N11/M11 upgrade scheme.
                                                                                                                  After just two weeks of      online petitions, hosted     wide and long run, the        arrived after significant
                                                                                                               campaigning an estimated        local        information     impact on water quality for   pressure and multiple
                                                                                                               2,000 submissions were          evenings, and contacted      the wider area could be a     requests from local resi-
                                                                                                               received on the new             local Councillors and        cause of major concern."      dents."
                                                                                                               Orange, Pink, Red and           national TDs.                    With little previous         Meanwhile, Stephen
                                                                                                               Cyan routes planned for            At people's doors the     experience of this type of    Donnelly TD, Wicklow's
                                                                                                               the N11.                        team has been met with       community-based cam-          Town Team and State
                                                                                                                  The news of the extend-      widespread dismay at the     paign, the volunteer team     agencies, met recently to
                                                                                                               ed deadline was welcomed        proposals and almost total   has focused on getting and    explore a plan to turn the
                                                                                                               by the locally based volun-     support in calling for a     sharing information so that   hard shoulder of the N11
                                                                                                               teer information team           rethink on these proposed    local residents can inform    into a dedicated bus corri-
                                                                                                               helping residents around        new routes. Issues raised    themselves. The local resi-   dor, as part of a new inte-
                                                                                                               Delgany,        Kilmurray,      by residents included con-   dents helping out come        grated public transport pla.
                                                                                                               Ballydonagh, Foxborough         cerns about homes and        from groups in Drummin,       Deputy Donnelly said
Institute of Technology Carlow recently awarded academic and sports scholarships for the                       and Greystones to under-        farms to the wider issues    Ballydonagh, Delgany,         “The NTA has now agreed
2019/20 academic year to students who have distinguished themselves, both academically and                     stand the colossal scale of     of climate change, public    Kilmurray, Bellevue,          to fund a short term project
through their exeptional sporting ability. Pictured are Wicklow students who were awarded such                 the motorway proposals          transport, water and air     Foxborough Lane and           to see what technical spec-
                                                                                                               being hatched.                  quality and community        more. These local groups      ifications and works are
scholarships; Xena Jrdon (rowing); Bethany Sharpe (rugby); Kim Connors (football); Katie Anne
                                                                                                                  The team, who have set       severance.                   are now joining forces to     required to turn the hard
O’Neill (rugby); Cathal Condren (parasoccer); Sean Hurley (soccer); Padraig O’Toole (football);                up the Facebook group              The information team      fight the new 6-lane          shoulder into a dedicated
and Gearoid Murphy (football). Pic: Mary Browne                                                                M11 Friday 13th, esti-          stated that "the proposed    motorway routes.              bus corridor. Serious safety
                                                                                                               mates that already over         new routes, which are a         However, concerns          concerns for cyclists and
                                                                                                               2,000 people have now           departure from previous      have also now emerged as      commuters need to be

Bray Boy Eric has deportation order lifted                                                                     made submissions to
                                                                                                               N11M11@ARUP.COM.
                                                                                                                                               suggestions, would rip
                                                                                                                                               through homes, farms,
                                                                                                                                                                            residents have learned that
                                                                                                                                                                            flyer-based submissions
                                                                                                                                                                                                          looked into.
                                                                                                                                                                                                             “Critically, this work
                                                                                                               This huge tally comes after     sporting grounds, heritage   with a range of multiple-     can be done years ahead of
Young Bray boy Eric Zhi Ying Xue has had the threat of deportation lifted and has his                          just two weeks of effort        trails, and more. They       choice options signed by      the 2027 proposal. We're
future in Ireland assured.                                                                                     and the team says it shows      would also decimate local    local residents will not be   also investigating options
                                                                                                               the anger, frustration and      village access in Delgany    considered.                   for park and rides, express
   Speaking after hearing the good news, John           dum which ended the automatic right of babies          opposition among local          with the knock on impact        The information team       bus, and higher rail fre-
Brady TD said “I welcome news this afternoon that       born in Ireland to claim citizenship. Sinn Féin were   residents.                      on businesses in the vil-    said "the initially scant     quency - both the Dart
Eric is no longer facing the threat of deportation      one of few political parties to oppose this at the        The campaign started in      lage. A further major con-   information about the         from Greystones and the
and has had his future in Ireland secured.              time. However, the result of that referendum, or       early December. With fly-       cern is the impact of new    routes has since been sup-    line from Arklow through
   “I am in no doubt that the threat to Eric’s future   any referendum should not blind us from common         ers and petitions the teams     routes on the hydrology in   plemented with some addi-     Wicklow        Town       to
in Ireland, the place he was born and in fact, has      sense. His family have suffered immeasurably as a      have taken stands at local      the area. With proposed      tional reports now avail-     Greystones. Again these
never left, has been an extremely worrying time for     result.                                                church      and      school     routes - particularly the    able on the official motor-   are being looked at with a
his family. It has been a nightmare for him, for his       “Today is a good day for Eric, for his mother and   Christmas          markets,     Orange and Pink routes,      way website. Requests for     view to getting things
family and for the community in Bray, and espe-         for all at St. Cronan’s Primary School who sprang      trekked door-to-door for        requiring 30m (9 story) to   more information were         moving in a much shorter
cially all at St. Cronan’s Primary School.              into action when the deportation order was first       leaflet drops, created social   40m (12 story) deep cuts     originally refused and        time frame than previous-
   “All of this came about due to the 2004 referen-     served. They are due huge credit for that.”            media groups, opened            into the ground over a       these new reports have        ly being spoken about.
2020 VISIONS - Wicklow Times
Times    WICKLOW

                                                                                LOCAL
Friday 27th December 2019                                                                                                                                                    9

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2020 VISIONS - Wicklow Times
Times     WICKLOW

                                                                                                        LOCAL
10 NEWS                                                                                                                                                                                              Friday 27th December 2019

                                                                                         Plans announced for 598
                                                                                        new homes at Shanganagh
                                                                                        Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in partnership with the                             example of what can be        pods and co-working
                                                                                        Land Development Agency (LDA) have announced plans to deliver                             achieved by local author-     units which will assist
                                                                                        598 new homes at Shanganagh in Shankill.                                                  ities and the LDA by          tenants who work from
                                                                                                                                                                                  working towards our           home or run small busi-
                                                                                           This      partnership     more affordable for both       work with local authori-      shared goal of delivering     nesses; a central energy
                                                                                        enables the Council to       buyers and renters.            ties and other public         more homes."                  centre which provides
                                                                                        fast-track the delivery of   About half of the pro-         landowner partners.               A planning applica-       heating and hot water in
                                                                                        much-needed homes.           posed development will            “This development          tion will be submitted by     the most sustainable and
                                                                                        The proposed develop-        be devoted to cost rental      will offer renters long-      the Council to An Bord        efficient way; concierge
                                                                                        ment will incorporate        homes, which is a new          term security of tenure       Pleanála in January.          and storage facilities for
                                                                                        state-of-the-art sustain-    form of tenure in Ireland      while also adding to the         The proposed devel-        tenants to secure their
                                                                                        able design principles,      and will result in more        supply of social and          opment comprises a            belongings in a safe
                                                                                        combining sustainable        affordable rents for           affordable housing in the     diverse range of home         manner; electric car
                                                                                        density, high-quality        households who struggle        Dún            Laoghaire-     types and focuses on sus-     charging points from
The Wicklow RFC U14 team after their cup final victory over Naas                        materials, environment-      to pay private rents.          Rathdown area. Its prox-      tainable density levels. It   commencement, with all
                                                                                        friendly techniques and         Cathaoirleach of Dún        imity to the planned          features a wide range of      spaces future proofed for
                                                                                                                                                    DART and BusConnects          ancillary       facilities

   Triple triumph for
                                                                                        dedicated measures to        Laoghaire-Rathdown,                                                                        additional       charging
                                                                                        enhance the attractive-      Councillor Shay Brennan        transport options is con-     including (subject to         points; shared car facili-
                                                                                        ness of the development      commented: "This is            sistent with our ethos of     planning): a crèche to        ty; children's play areas.
                                                                                        as a place to live for       excellent news for peo-        engendering reduced           take care of children liv-       The site occupies

  Wicklow Rugby Club                                                                    families and individuals,
                                                                                        in addition to promoting
                                                                                        car-free living to the
                                                                                                                     ple looking to buy or rent
                                                                                                                     a home in our area and
                                                                                                                     will make a significant
                                                                                                                                                    need for car journeys.
                                                                                                                                                       “Dún
                                                                                                                                                    Rathdown
                                                                                                                                                                    Laoghaire
                                                                                                                                                                       County
                                                                                                                                                                                  ing at the development; a
                                                                                                                                                                                  gym which will be avail-
                                                                                                                                                                                  able to all residents; In
                                                                                                                                                                                                                approximately 9 hectares
                                                                                                                                                                                                                and is zoned for residen-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                tial development. It is
                                                                                        greatest extent possible     contribution to meeting        Council is an excellent       excess of 1,200 bicycle       adjacent to Shanganagh
 The year has ended on a high for Wicklow Rugby Club with the                           given its proximity to       the Council's social           partner and we are grate-     spaces; a local shop and      Castle, Shanganagh Park
 Under 14’s, 16’s, and 18’s girls teams all winning their respective                    quality transport connec-    housing requirements           ful to the Council mem-       café to create a sense of     and Castle Farm and will
 Leinster cup finals at the Energia Stadium in Donnybrook on                            tions.                       and will provide an            bers, its executive team      community; communal           be within 5 to 10 min-
 Sunday 15th December.                                                                     This significant devel-   opportunity for people to      and its staff for the ambi-   lounge areas, community       utes' walk of the pro-
                                                                                        opment will be one of        purchase or rent a home        tion, expertise and co-       space and function            posed DART station at
    The U14’s won the first trophy of the day, beating Naas 38 to 17. Up next           the first projects to be     at an affordable cost. The     operation they have           rooms which can be used       Woodbrook              and
 was the U16 team, and they didn’t dissapoint against Portlaoise, beating them          backed by the LDA,           development will offer         brought to getting the        for social events and will    BusConnects route on
 31 to 19. Finally it was the turn of the U18’s, who dispatched Port Dara by a          which was established by     people an attractive place     project to this stage. This   engender community            the nearby Dublin Road
 score of 29 to 7.                                                                      the Government to            to live that is close to       project is an excellent       integration; business         (N11).
    The Wicklow RFC Clunhouse was opened up on Sunday evening to                        unlock State land for        key transport links and
 welcome the teams home and celebrate their success.                                    new homes and improve        supported by a wide
    Meanwhile the club’s boys teams had success in their South East semi-               the supply of new homes      range of local amenities.
 finals on 14th December. The U13s beat Carlow 26-10, while the U14’s beat              throughout Ireland.          We look forward to con-
 Kilkenny, and U16s beat Wexford. Their finals will be played in April.                     It will include (sub-    tinuing to work in part-
    All this meant it was certainly a weekend to rememeber for the club from            ject to planning permis-     nership with the LDA to
 Ashtown Lane. Wicklow RFC has seen much success and growth over the last               sion and the final deci-     complete these homes
 number of years, and with these young teams showing so much promise the                sion of the Council's        and have people living in
 club’s success looks set to continue into the future.                                  elected members): 307        them as soon as possi-
                                                                                        cost-rental homes, which     ble."
                                                                                        will offer long-term            LDA Chief Executive
                                                                                        security of tenure to peo-   John Coleman said:
                                                                                        ple who struggle to          "This landmark develop-
                                                                                        access homes at afford-      ment for the LDA is the
                                                                                        able levels; 200 social      first of many projects in
                                                                                        homes; 91 affordable         our pipeline. It will be
                                                                                        purchase homes.              one of the largest resi-
                                                                                           The development is        dential construction pro-
                                                                                        consistent with the          jects in Ireland and is a
                                                                                        Council's ambition to        major statement of our
                                                                                        exceed its housing tar-      intent to help renters,
                                                                                        gets and the LDA's man-      buyers and people in
                                                                                        date to deliver new          need of social housing
                                                                                        homes on publicly            with large-scale delivery
                                                                                        owned land, helping to       of high-quality new
                                                                                        address the current          homes. It also points to
The Wicklow RFC U16 team after their victory over Portlaoise                            supply shortage and to       the effectiveness of the
                                                                                        make access to homes         LDA and the potential to       An artist’s representation of the finished Shanganagh development

                                                                                         €3.75 million
                                                                                        invested in new
Riverview House
Seapoint Road,
                                  Tel: 01 276 1330 Fax: 01 276 1336
                                  Web: www.benvillerobinson.ie
                                  E-mail: info@benvillrobinson.ie
                                                                                          Rathnew site
Bray, Co. Wicklow                                                                       The Maxol Group has commenced works on
                                                                                        a new greenfield site at Rathnew.
 Personal Injury Lawyers*                                                                  The 1.45-acre site is the first greenfield site for
                                                                                        the company in two years and is expected to open in
   Medical Negligence* Catastrophic Injuries*                                           April 2020, creating 20 jobs.
                                                                                           With a substantial investment of €3.75 million,
  Workplace Accidents* Road Traffic Accidents*                                          the latest site will offer first class forecourt with pay
                                                                                        at pump and convenience facilities and will include
                Trips and Falls*                                                        the all-new Maxol Deli with seating for 32 cus-
   For professional, confidential and expert legal advice regarding                     tomers, ROSA Coffee, free WIFI, a new car wash
                                                                                        and 39 car park spaces.
     Personal Injuries suffered, please do not hesitate to contact                         Speaking of the company’s latest greenfield
                Brian Robinson or Clare-Ann Temple.                                     investment, Brian Donaldson, CEO of The Maxol
                                                                                        Group said; “Today’s announcement is significant
                                                 Rory P. Benville B.C.L.                for us as it is our first greenfield site since A26
                                            Brian Robinson B.B.L.S., L.L.M.             Tannaghmore in Antrim Northern Ireland, which
                                          Eilish Bradshaw B.A., L.L.B., L.L.M.          opened in 2017.”
                                                                                           Maxol Rathnew will be located at Tighes Avenue
                                                Clare-Ann Temple L.L.B.                 and will serve the local community of Rathnew and
                                                                                        surrounding Wicklow Town as well as commuters
   *In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a
                percentage or proportion of any award or settlement
                                                                                        travelling between Dublin and Wicklow.
Times   WICKLOW

                            LOCAL
Friday 27th December 2019                     11
Times        WICKLOW

                                                                                                     LOCAL
12 NEWS                                                                                                                                                                                            Friday 27th December 2019

                                                                                                                    St Laurence's awarded
                                                                                                                     bursary for research
                                                                                                                        and innovation
                                                                                                                  St Laurence's National School in Greystones has received one of 24 bursaries awarded by
                                                                                                                  Teaching Council for Research and Innovation.
                                                                                                                     The Teaching Council         Support Framework, and        teachers' attitudes to        and as collaborators."
                                                                                                                  has awarded 24 bursaries        CROI more broadly, the        teaching         in       a      Teaching      Council
                                                                                                                  to teachers and others          Council highlights the fact   Gaelcholáiste.                Director, Tomás Ó Ruairc
                                                                                                                  engaged in a range of edu-      that research, innovation,       Teaching       Council     said: "The John Coolahan
                                                                                                                  cation-related research         and collaboration are at      Deputy Chairperson, Séan      Research         Support
                                                                                                                  projects as part of the first   the heart of teaching and     McMahon, said "Through        Framework is itself an
                                                                                                                  public service wide             learning. The Framework       the John Coolahan             innovation in how the
                                                                                                                  Innovation Week.                is designed to support        Research          Support     public sector supports the
                                                                                                                     The bursaries, totalling     teachers' ongoing profes-     Framework, the Teaching       sharing of best practice
                                                                                                                  more than €86,000, are          sional growth through         Council is supporting         amongst teachers. The
                                                                                                                  being awarded under the         their engagement in and       teachers in leading cut-      research projects which
                                                                                                                  third cycle of the John         with research, and the        ting-edge research, and in    we are recognising this
 President of Wicklow Lions Club Sean Olohan with Ann Chambers presenting the Wicklow Fire                        Coolahan         Research       sharing of learning from      sharing learning from         week connect learning
 Service donated Hamper to the Patton family at the Wicklow Lions Christmas Concert in                            Support Framework - a           that process.                 research, in schools across   between          schools,
 Tinakilly.                                                                                                       key element of the                 The research activities    the country. And through      Universities and colleges
                                                                                                                  Council's            CROI       being supported by the        this research awards pro-     of education. This con-

 Lions Christmas concert a success                                                                                (Collaboration
                                                                                                                  Research for Ongoing
                                                                                                                  Innovation) research
                                                                                                                                          and     Teaching Council under
                                                                                                                                                  the Framework cover a
                                                                                                                                                  range of topics from pro-
                                                                                                                                                                                gramme we are publicly
                                                                                                                                                                                celebrating primary, post-
                                                                                                                                                                                primary, and further edu-
                                                                                                                                                                                                              nection of innovation will
                                                                                                                                                                                                              enhance the quality of
                                                                                                                                                                                                              teaching and learning for
 The very first Wicklow and District Lions Club Christmas Concert which took place in                             series.                         fessional learning, to        cation      teachers     as   all of our pupils and
 Tinakilly on Saturday evening last.                                                                                 Through the Research         wellbeing, to student         researchers, as innovators,   students."
    The sold out event featured the very best in entertainment and production in the wonderful surroundings
 of the Pavilion at Tinakilly House Hotel.
    Performers taking part were the ladies and gentlemen from Ireland’s top musical society the Rathmines             Wicklow student receives top CPA
 and Rathgar who travelled from Dublin to give their support to Wicklow Lions. Singers from the Wicklow
 area but who perform internationally were Lorna Breen, Kirsty Mc Dougall, Ciaran Olohan and Analiesa
 Evens.
                                                                                                                    Ireland prize for academic excellence
    The local MYTh Academy were represented by a very talented group of boys and girls all dressed as             Lyndsey Kavanagh from Wicklow Town was                        qualified accountants. As a profession, we have a
 Santa’s for the occasion under the direction of Aisling Doyle.                                                   the recipient of an award for academic                        responsibility to help businesses measure their climate
    Jimmy Dixon as compere kept the evening flowing wonderfully with his songs and stories. The lady who                                                                        impact and lead businesses to transition to a low carbon
 put so much into making the concert such a fantastic success was Musical Director Jackie Olohan who
                                                                                                                  excellence which was presented by CPA
                                                                                                                                                                                economy."
 worked tirelessly over the past few weeks. Diane Owens assisted as accompanist and singer.                       Ireland in Dublin on Saturday 7th December.                      "In conjunction with our sponsors, CPA Ireland each
    The wonderful sound production was achieved by sound engineer Noel Dicker from Bray. President of                The award recognises her accomplishment as the top         year presents an award to those students who have
 Wicklow and District Lions Club Sean Olohan thought up the idea and organised the concert with the               performer in the Professional 2 paper on Strategic            achieved the highest examination mark in each subject
 support of other members to raise vital funds to be distributed in the local area and thanks to everyone who     Performance Management and the award was kindly               for the CPA examinations. Congratulations Lyndsey
 attended this can now be achieved.                                                                               sponsored by White Bear.                                      and to all the 2019 prize-winners who come from
    Sean thanked the audience for their support and especially all the wonderful performers who gave their           Gearóid O'Driscoll, President of CPA Ireland, speak-       diverse roles in both practice and industry and thank
 time to help others through Wicklow Lions. He also thanked Abi and his staff in Tinakilly for their help on      ing at the graduation ceremony challenged young               you to all our partner firms involved in this event."
 the night.                                                                                                       accountants to show leadership in the fight against cli-         Lyndsey Kavanagh who works as a company
                                                                                                                  mate change. O'Driscoll said "The scale of the climate        accountant for Synchro said "I am extremely proud of
                                                                                                                  crisis is now widely understood, but too few businesses       myself for making it to this day. I contemplated giving
                                                   5 St. Michael's Place, Gorey. (053) 9481175                    and individuals are examining how society can combat          up on many occasions. But with the support of my

                                                   www.goreystoves.ie                                             this. Every business in Ireland from the largest multina-
                                                                                                                  tional to a fledgling start-up will avail of the advice of
                                                                                                                                                                                family, not only have I reached graduation, I also
                                                                                                                                                                                achieved top marks in one of the final stage subjects."
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Times     WICKLOW

                                                                                                          LOCAL
Friday 27th December 2019                                                                                                                                                                                       NEWS 13

Baltinglass designated
 a Rent Pressure Zone                                       Carroll said "We recog-       RTB currently has 38
The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) has
                                                            nise that affordability       investigations in progress.
published the quarterly Rent Index for the
                                                            continues to be an issue in      "It is important that
July-September period (Q3) of 2019. It shows                the rental sector with        people use the new regu-
that the Baltinglass Local Electoral Area                   rents peaking over            latory powers the RTB
(LEA) was one of four LEA's around the                      €1,700 in Dublin despite      now has. If anyone has
country that now meet the criteria for being a              the increase in housing       concerns they can contact
Rent Pressure Zone.                                         completions.                  us and call our investiga-
                                                              "It is also important to    tions tip off line on 0818
   The RTB Rent Index,        The rent is above compar-     be aware that since July 1    776297 or 01 6753724,
which is compiled in con-     ison standardised average     the RTB has increased         which is operational
junction       with     the   rent appropriate for that     powers to investigate and     from 8:30am to 6:30pm
Economic and Social           area.                         sanction breaches of          Monday to Friday or visit     Emma Nicholls, Gillian Byrne, Mags Power and Jo Byrne are pictured at the Ladies Christmas
Research Institute (ESRI),       As of Q3 2019, there       rental law. To date, the      www.rtb.ie."                  Charity Ball in the Woodenbridge Hotel in aid of the Wicklow Hospice Foundation.
is the authoritative report   were seven counties
on the Irish rental market.   where the standardised
It is based on actual rents
paid on 21,236 tenancies
                              average rent exceeds (or
                              equals) €1,000 per month
                                                               Enrol online at www.bife.ie/morning-and-evening-courses/evening-classes
registered with the RTB       - Cork, Dublin, Galway,
in the quarter, which is      Kildare, Louth, Meath
made up of new housing        and Wicklow.
stock to the rental sector,         While Limerick,
new tenancies and             Carlow and Kilkenny all
renewals of existing ten-     have a standardised aver-
ancies.                       age rent between €900
   For an area to be desig-   and €999. The high rental
nated as a Rent Pressure      levels in these areas rela-
Zone, it must meet the        tive to other counties
following criteria: The       reflect the concentration
annual rate of rent infla-    of demand close to the
tion in the area must have    country's largest employ-
been 7% or more in four       ment hubs.
of the last six quarters;        RTB Director, Rosalind

 Redevelopment of AO                                         Bray Institute of Further Education (BIFE) offers a wide range of

 Smith site in Bray to
  commence in 2020
                                                             part-time evening courses over many disciplines. We fully
                                                             embrace the whole concept of life-long learning and
                                                             personal development. Courses are available
                                                             from hobby and elementary levels to
                                                                                                                                                         MONDAYS
                                                                                                                                                         Art - Painting and Sketching ..........................€130
                                                             Professional Qualification                                                                  Art - Silk Painting for Beginners (NEW)............€130
Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has                          Level.
                                                                                                                                                         Bridge Continuing .........................................€130
welcomed confirmation that the derelict
AO Smith site on the Boghall Road will be                                                                                                                Bridge Beginners ..........................................€130
redeveloped next year. Lidl Ireland has                                                                                                                  Beekeeping for Beginners (NEW).................... €120
confirmed to Deputy Brady that they will                                                                                                                 Dress Making................................................€130
start development of a new store on part of
the old AO Smith site in June next year.                                                                                                                 First Aid and CardiacFirst Responder ..............€130
   Deputy Brady said “The AO Smith site on the                                                                                                           French - Beginners....................................... €100
Boghall Road has unfortunately lain derelict since                                                                                                       French - Improvers....................................... €100
2005 when the factory closed with a loss of 140 jobs.
Last year Lidl Ireland secured planning permission to                                                                                                    Furniture Making - Woodwork
develop a new store on the site; however there were                                                                                                      for Beginners............................................... €150
concerns in the community that the development                                                                                                           Italian - Beginners ........................................€100
wouldn’t precede.”
   “Over the last number of months I have been in                                                                                                        Italian - Improvers.........................................€100
contact with Lidl and they have now confirmed that                                                                                                       Pottery/Ceramics.......................................... €150
they are committed to developing their new store on
the site. They are at detailed design stage and antici-
                                                                                                                                                         Spanish – Beginners ....................................€100
pate that work to demolish the old AO Smith factory                                                                                                      Spanish – Improvers .....................................€100
will commence in June next. The opening of the new
                                                                                                                                                         Iyengar Yoga – Beginners ..............................€100
Lidl store is expected to take place in early 2021.”
   “The new Lidl store is the first phase of the redevel-                                                                                                An Introduction to Make-Up Artistry............... €130
opment of the AO Smith site. No planning application                                                                                                     T.E.F.L. Teach English
has been submitted for the remainder of the site.
There is residential zoning on it that could accommo-
                                                                                                                                                         as a Foreign Language ..................................€130
date 120 apartments.”                                                                                                                                    Pilates - Level 1........................................... €100
   Cllr Dermot O’Brien said “I note that Lidl as the                                                                                                     Pilates - Level 2........................................... €100
national partner of Jigsaw, the National Centre for
Youth Mental Health is committed to supporting that                                                                                                      Tai Chi .........................................................€100
service across the country. I am particularly interested                                                                                                 Leaving Certificate Irish ................................€130
in exploring if the second phase of the development of
that site might include a community asset such as a                                                                                                      Digital Photography...................................... €130
Jigsaw building.”
                                                                                                                                                          Classes begin January 27th at 7.30pm and
                                                                                                                                                             end at 9.30pm and are of 10 weeks
                                                                                                                                                              duration unless otherwise stated.
                                                                                                                                                              Please go to        bife.ie for full details
                                                               Bray Institute of Further Education, Novara Avenue, Bray.
                                                               T: 286 6111 or 282 9668 www.bife.ie                                                                 Early enrolment is advisable as classes may fill up quickly
                                                                                                                                                             or may not form due to a lack of enrolment. Best to enrol online.

Deputy John Brady and Cllr Dermot O’Brien at
the derelict AO Smith factory on the Boghall Rd.
Times        WICKLOW

                                                                                                           LOCAL
14 NEWS                                                                                                                                                                                                   Friday 27th December 2019

                                                                                                                          HSE urges the public to
                                                                                                                          play its part in reducing
                                                                                                                             infection from flu
                                                                                                                         The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has asked the public to help prevent
                                                                                                                         the spread of flu, as the latest figures show that the disease is now actively circulating in the
                                                                                                                         community.
                                                                                                                            "People in high-risk         include a high tempera-       ment. The vaccine is also     symptoms are severe or
                                                                                                                         groups need to get vacci-       ture, sore muscles, dry       recommended for all           getting worse, should con-
                                                                                                                         nated against flu if they       cough, headache and sore      healthcare workers to pro-    tact their GP. GPs may
                                                                                                                         have not done so already"       throat. This is different     tect themselves and those     wish to prescribe antiviral
                                                                                                                         said HPSC director, Dr          from the common cold,         they care for."               medication for patients in
                                                                                                                         John Cuddihy. "The ILI          which tends to come on           Vaccination remains        these categories. If you
                                                                                                                         (influenza like illness) rate   more gradually and usual-     the most effective means      need to visit your GP or
                                                                                                                         for the week ending 8th         ly includes a runny nose      of preventing infection by    the            Emergency
                                                                                                                         December was 37.5 cases         and a normal temperature.     seasonal influenza viruses    Department, please phone
 Members of the Arklow Fire Service receive their 1916-2016 commemorative medals from                                    per 100,000 population             "The flu vaccine is a      and can reduce severe dis-    first to explain that you
 Cathaoirleach of Arklow Municipal District Cllr Pat Fitzgerald, Cllr Stlvester Bourke and Cllr                          which is above the base-        safe and effective preven-    ease that can lead to hos-    might have flu.
                                                                                                                         line threshold of 18.1          tion measure against flu      pitalisation and death. The      Covering your cough
 Tommy Annesley
                                                                                                                         cases per 100,000, used to      and it is provided free of    vaccine takes two weeks       and sneeze can also help
                                                                                                                         assess influenza activity."     charge for people in at       to take effect once           stop the spread of flu. Use

5Rhythms New Year’s Eve                                                                                                     Dr Mary O'Meara,             risk groups, which            received.                     a tissue and place it imme-
                                                                                                                         Specialist in Public Health     includes everyone aged 65        Anyone who gets flu        diately in the bin. Wash
                                                                                                                         Medicine, HSE Dublin            years and over, pregnant      should stay at home, rest,    your hands or use a hand
                                                                                                                         South, Kildare & West           women, anyone over six        drink plenty of fluids and    sanitizer. If you don't have

 event at Whale Theatre                                                                                                  Wicklow is asking the
                                                                                                                         public to be aware of the
                                                                                                                         symptoms and for those
                                                                                                                                                         months of age with a long
                                                                                                                                                         term illness requiring reg-
                                                                                                                                                         ular medical follow-up
                                                                                                                                                                                       use over-the-counter
                                                                                                                                                                                       remedies like paracetamol
                                                                                                                                                                                       to ease symptoms.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     a tissue, cough or sneeze
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     into your upper sleeve.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Don't cough or sneeze into
Ignite creativity, connection, and community with the 5Rhythms dynamic movement                                          most vulnerable to get the      such as chronic lung dis-     Anyone in one of the at-      your hands. If you do,
practice Upstairs in Greystones Studios above the Whale Theatre on New Year’s Eve.                                       vaccine, stating, "The          ease, chronic heart dis-      risk groups who develops      wash your hands immedi-
                                                                                                                         symptoms of influenza           ease, diabetes, cancer or     flu symptoms or anyone        ately. This is to prevent
   This will be an opportunity to bring 1-5 clothing items that you love, essentially in good condition, swap            usually develop over a          those with lower immuni-      who is not in an at-risk      spreading germs on the
for something new, and maybe even wear it! Surplus items will be donated to Greystones’ St Vincent De Paul.              matter of a few hours and       ty due to disease or treat-   group, but whose flu          surfaces you touch.
   Feel free to bring something small to share to eat, we are focusing on the healthy. Fruit, nuts, veg, home
cooking. This is an alcohol free event, and non-alcoholic drinks can be purchased on the night.
   The night will be divided into three parts: 8pm-10pm 5Rhythms class. 10pm-11pm break for refreshments.
11pm-12:30am DJ Set.
   Organiser Sherron St Clair has been working with authentic movement and dance for 10 years, qualifying
                                                                                                                         What a difference a year makes
as a 5Rhythms teacher in Oct 2014. Over the years, Sherron has brought the 5Rhythms to the Earthsong                     Aisling O'Brien, aged 44, lost 3 stone in less                food optimising, that I am never hungry and there are
camps, Body & Soul, and Electric Picnic, to Wexford, Cork, Clare and Paris, and her 2-monthly drop in class-             than a year. Aisling joined Slimming World in                 endless food options. Before I started food optimising;
es in Greystones. This will be Sherron’s 3rd New Year’s Eve Alcohol-Free event.                                          March 2019 after becoming increasingly                        I had become very bored with the food I was eating.
   It is in the practice of the 5Rhythms that, says Sherron, she has come to know it as a safe container to “Let                                                                       This led to grazing on snacks. I enjoy eating all types
                                                                                                                         unhappy with her size.                                        of food, but just did not know what to cook. Food opti-
Go and be Myself”. Through movement, breath and dance, says Sherron, whatever condition she may be in,
“shift happens”.                                                                                                            “I had been seriously thinking about losing weight         mizing provided me with the opportunity and informa-
                                                                                                                         in 2018. A number of family events and death of my            tion to cook beautiful, tasty and healthy dishes, my
 Tuesday 31st December @ 8.00pm Tickets €25 www.whaletheatre.ie or call the booking office on 01 2010550                 Aunt in Feb 2018 (my Dad's younger sister), died at           favourite and go to meals are Spaghetti Bolognaise
                                                                                                                         the age of 65 of a massive heart attack".                     and Caribbean Pepper Pot."
                                                                                                                            She was overweight for the majority of her life and           Aisling lost four pounds in her first week and was
                                                                                                                         suffered serious health issues as a result. “In the com-      blown away that the changes she'd made had such a
                                                                                                                         ing months between Feb 2018 and Christmas 2018                big impact so quickly. Initially she did not feel able to
                                                                                                                         there was a number of occasions with extended family.         exercise.
                                                                                                                         Everyone always said how much I was like my aunt.                When Aisling lost her first stone, she felt able to
                                                                                                                         What I didn't really realise at the time was that not         take up an exercise class and did not feel as self-con-
                                                                                                                         only were we similar in family resemblance but I too,         scious as she was more physically able to participate,
                                                                                                                         by now had put on lot of weight."                             she has much more energy now and doesn't get those
                                                                                                                            The final straw was when Aisling saw a picture of          afternoon slumps anymore.
                                                                                                                         herself and her Dad at Christmas 2018.                           Her Consultant says she is so proud of Aisling: "She
                                                                                                                            "We both had big round tummies in the picture. I           has grown and soared in confidence as she has lost the
                                                                                                                         really had not realised just how much weight I had put        weight. Aisling is an inspiration to everyone in our
                                                                                                                         on. By the time this picture was taken, I had been            group and I hope she inspires other women and men to
        Marrakesh Ltd is a family run business specialising in                                                           avoiding mirrors for a while and was wearing loose            change their lives in the same way."
    Construction and Demolition Waste Management & Recycling,                                                            clothes. At this stage I was heading for the heaviest I
                                                                                                                         had ever been. My family and friends are amazed at
                                                                                                                                                                                          Slimming World groups are held all over the county
                                                                                                                                                                                       of Wicklow. To find out more check out www.slim-
      Site Clearance and Supply of Material from 4” down to                                                              how much I can eat and still lose weight. I love, with        mingworld.ie for all group times and locations.
       Blinding, Recycled Screened Topsoil, Sand, Gravel etc.
       EPA LICENCED FACILITY • ALL TRUCKS CARRY WASTE PERMITS
Recycled:
• Screened Topsoil
• Screened no 2 soil
• 4" Down Crushed Concrete                   We also accept for recycling: • Clay • Stone • Concrete • Tarmac • Sand
• 4" Clean Crushed Concrete
• 3" Down Crushed Concrete
• 3" Clean Crushed Concrete
• Crushed Concrete Fines
                                                    We can organise SITE CLEARANCES - no job too big or small
• Crushed Tarmac Fines
• No 2 Stone
Also available:
• Granite • Pebble • Sand

 Tel: 01 286 8119 Mobile: 087 664 1866
 www.marrakeshltd.com                                                                                                    Aisling before                                                Aisling after
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