win
€1000
home makeover with Matt britton
see inside for details, pages 4-5
wicklowvoice SAY HELLO TO THE GARDEN COUNTY’S FREE, POSITIVE PAPER!
.ie
March 2014, t: 0868299786, e: info@wicklowvoice.ie
FREE
20,000 copies
FREE
Unit 8, Radio Centre , Killarney Road, Bray
The €241m land grab
Wicklow property bounces back as 971 homes sold By Cianan Brennan
The recovery in the Wicklow property market is gathering pace, new figures show, as €241m was spent on houses in the county during 2013. This is an increase of €56m (30%) from €186m spent in 2012. A total of 971 transactions took place in 2013, up 185 (24%) from 2012, with the vast majority of sales taking place in the final six months of the year. The figures were obtained following an investigation by the Wicklow Voice into the National Property Price register. However, prices have remained relatively static from their levels in December 2012, and the average price of a home in the county was €249,000, an increase of just €12,000 (5%) from the average figure of €237,000 in 2012. This means that, while there has been some price movement within certain property
BRAY
Nine MORE pages of Property inside: P10 Wicklow Arms on sale for €1.5m P11-13 How much is your house worth? P16 Winners and losers by Stephen Donnelly
categories and in individual locations (price of a 4-bed detached in Greystones has increased by €93,000 (23%) to €506,000 for example), the overall figures remain broadly unchanged. The largest amount of sales across the county were in Bray where 225 properties changed hands in 2013 compared to 165 in 2012. Greystones and Arklow were the next most prolific saleslocations with 100 and 87 deals recorded respectively. The most expensive locations to buy within the county in 2013 were Enniskerry (€1m), Delgany
€225,000
8 HOLLYBROOK PARK, SOUTHERN CROSS
Attractive home facing mature green space located in a desirable area • 2 double bedrooms • kitchen/dining • living • bath. South east facing rear garden. 70.6 sq m / 760 sq ft. BER No. 103560504. View by appointment. CALL 01 286 6630
BRAY
(€342,000) and Greystones (€331,000). The most affordable property meanwhile on average was to be found further south in Arklow (€126,000), Rathnew (€157,000) and Newtownmountkennedy (€191,000). There is a slight cautionary element to the Wicklow figures however as only 106, or just 11%, of the properties sold were new dwellings, down 2%. from the already low levels of 2012. This is a reflection of the current climate where banks are reluctant to lend to fund residential development. As a result, the vast majority of sales involve secondhand dwellings, which could lead to an increased level of competition between would-be buyers due to lack of supply. In all, 21 properties were sold for more than €1m within Wicklow throughout 2013, a rise of 14 from seven in 2012.
44 SEACREST, VEVAY ROAD
€440,000
Beautifully presented 4 bed semi det home in sought after dev. • ent hall • living/dining • kit/b’fast • office/ playroom with wc • 4 beds • ensuite • bath. 138.5 sq m / 1,490 sq ft. BER No. 106042286. View by appointment. CALL 01 286 6630
KISS FOR A WINNER: Rosaleen Vance from Bray gets a kiss from her husband Jack after winning a Nissan Note (worth €16,000) and €10,000 cash on the Late Late Show earlier this month. » Lots more pictures from around the county inside
KILMACANOGUE INISFRAOIGH
€895,000
Most impressive detached family home at the foot of the Sugarloaf with stunning views • ent hall • kitchen • family • dining • liv • wc • 4 beds • ens • bath. 226 sq m / 2432 sq ft. BER No. 105519391. View by appointment. CALL 01 286 6630
ENNISKERRY 7 GLENVIEW
€720,000
Stunning detached home with south facing rear garden • living • family room • kitchen • dining • wc • utility • 4 bedrooms • ensuite • bathroom. 199 sq m / 2,147 sq ft. BER No. 105662837. View by appointment. CALL 01 286 6630 PSRA No. 002183
2 | NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie March 2014
Wicklow school to trial new health food campaign
news in brief Help drive the snakes from Gaol Fluff , a real albino python, and her charming owner Becks will be greeting visitors to Wicklow Historic Gaol from 11am until 2.30pm on St Patrick’s Day. There will also be two snake hunts (don’t worry these snakes are fake!) on both Sunday 16 and Monday 17 at 12 and 1pm.
Schoolhouse calling for budding artists The Schoolhouse for Art, Enniskerry is looking for experienced and budding artists. Offering classes from sculpting to photography to hat making there is something for all ages and abilities. The Schoolhouse also hosts visiting artists from around the globe and is available as an exhibition space.
By Michelle McGlynn
Tramway Theatre’s March music The Tramway Theatre are hosting the Tramway Music Sessions in aid of Blessington Comhaltas Cois Locha on Saturday, March 15 from 8pm.
Deborah O Gorman enjoying a bit of sandy sunshine on Arklow Beach (pic Yvette O Beirne)
T/theharbour_bar
F/theharbourbarbray
LIVE LOUNGE MARCH SAT 1 SUN 2
THUR 6 FRI 7 SAT 8 SUN 9
THUR 13 FRI 14 SAT 15 SUN 16 MON 17
THUR 20 FRI 21 SAT 22 SUN 23
THUR 27 FRI 28 SAT 29 SUN 30
THE LIXX [Glam Rock] ANN MARIE O’GRADY
[Accoustic Singer Songwriter]
THE DAILY HOWL [Indie Pop Rock] BOOKA BRASS [New Orleans Style Brass] MASS BAND [Disco-Funk-Rock-Pop Covers] UFO [The Pixies cover] PHIL CLARKE [Rockumentary] BLIND YACKETY [Psychadelic / harmonic / world rock] THE ESKIES [Folk Rockabilly] BRIAIN & DIARMUID [Trad Blue Grass] THE CUJO FAMILY [Blue Grass Rock] MOJO GOGO [Indie Rock] HOT COLOSSUS [Power-Pop-Punk-Rock] THE BANG BANG BAND [Cover Band] CONOR LINNIE [Local Singer Song Writer] 5 peice THE REGGULATORS [Reggae Orig + Covers] SUPERFLY [Soul & Funk Covers] ODDSOCKS [Rhythm and Groove] SAMUEL VAS-Y [Acoustic Folk]
Anti-Smoking campaigner dies Gerr Y Collins, anti-smoking campaigner and face of the hSE’s QUIT campaign, died peacefully on Sunday, March 2 surrounded by his family. The 57-year-old Greystones man previously overcame throat cancer but last year was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. his family have spoken about how proud they are. “he wanted to make a difference and we know that he did.” hSE director general of the health services, Tony O’Brien, paid tribute saying “We know that Gerry has saved lives and helped many people avoid the pain, illness and loss that are caused by smoking.
AVONDaLe Community College has been selected as one of eight schools piloting a new initiative eat healthy campaign, The Future is Food. The initiative is being led by the Taste Council of Ireland, Bord Bia and the departments of education and agriculture. The Future is Food aims to give students a practical understanding of how food is produced in Ireland as well as the importance of food, growers and recipes. Kevin Sheridan, of Sheridans Cheesemongers and chairman of the Taste Council, said “The idea is that from September, the project would become part of the transition year curriculum in up to 30 schools. “It enables students to understand how food is grown, its traditions, and be able to make better choices about food for the rest of their lives.” Evan Doyle from The BrookLodge hotel and The Taste Council will be mentor to Avondale CC throughout the duration of the trial. Doyle’s The Strawberry Tree restaurant became the first and only certified organic restaurant in Ireland in 2004. Alongside Doyle, will be fellow Taste Council member Raymond O’Rourke. Catherine Fulvio from Ballyknocken house and Tim Daly from The Strawberry Tree will
be the two chefs on hand. Producers Janet Drew of Janet’s Country Fayre and Mick healy of Wild Irish Game will complete the team available to Avondale CC for the duration of the module. When the initiative is rolled out nationally there will always be at least one chef and one producer available to each participating school. As part of the module students will undertake one of two projects. They will either develop and produce their own product using local ingredients or team up with a local producer to promote one of their products. Equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to cook and create healthy meals for themselves is a positive step in Ireland’s battle with childhood obesity. Meanwhile, members of the Bray Slimming World group are taking part in a national Slim for Good campaign to raise money for The Marino School for children with special needs. The aim of the six-week drive is to help people lose weight and improve their health while raising money for a good cause in their local area. The school is trying to raise money for a sensory playground for the children. For information about the campaign visit www.slimmingworld.com or Slimming World Greystones and Bray on Facebook.
NEWS |3
March 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
wicklow people in pictures
Niall Kenny and Daniel Codd proudly to show off their school’s win at the Arklow Music Festival (pic Yvette O Beirne)
Rebecca Rossi, Tony Proietto and Paul Gunning behind the counter in the new Italian cafe, Carpe Diem, on Albert Avenue, Strand Rd, Bray
Pauline Walsh, Aoife Heffernan, Brendan O’Leary, Eamonn Kearns and Tony McWilliams out for a cycle in Mount Usher Gardens in Ashford.
Bus drivers Sam Grumley and David Kelly take a break outside Wicklow Gaol
Eleanor Hickson is all smiles outside Fishers in Newtownmountkennedy.
Ann Mealy, Brendan Mealy and Paula Mealy at Garden World, Kilquade.
4 | ADVERTISING FEATURE
wicklowvoice.ie March 2014
Bad night’s don’t miss our super sleep? Then Up to 70% discount off mattresses it could be your mattress AN old mattress or a mattress that is not designed to suit your particular needs can cause an array of issues. According to experts, if you’re waking up sore or not sleeping well, it may be time to invest in a new mattress for your bed. Pain is a common symptom for those who sleep on bad mattresses. Many old or inexpensive mattresses lack proper body support because they have uneven surfaces. Sleeping on a bad mattress can also cause insomnia and poor sleep patterns in some people. Many people may toss and turn
for the better part of the night as they try to find a comfortable position on the mattress. Poor sleep patterns and insomnia can lead to daytime fatigue. If you are sleeping so restlessly that you feel physically and mentally fatigued during the day, it is time to explore trading in your bad mattress for a newer model. At Matt Britton Carpets we have a wide variety of mattresses and beds that can help – why don’t you drop into us to have a chat with one of our friendly experts who can advise on a mattress for you. We’re more than just carpets!
If you’re looking for a better night’s sleep, we at Matt Britton Carpets might just have the solution for you. We
have a wide variety of KingKoil, Respa, Odearest and many, many more great names in sleep. Drop into us today for
a great deal - we are offering discounts of up to 50% on mattresses. We’re more than just carpets!
Matt Britton - we’re more than just carpets AT Matt Britton we take great pride in the quality of our work and our outstanding customer service. With each project we undertake, we strive to exceed our clients’ expectations. Whether fitting carpet in a living room in your home or new hardwood floors in a large commercial office setting, we are committed to
making your flooring project a success. But we’re more than just carpets … much more, offering a wide variety of home furnishings for houses and budgets of all sizes. At Matt Britton we offer great value for money, quality and elegant furniture that is durable and will last for years. We have a large range of
stylish and alluring bedroom furniture available to suit all tastes and any bedroom and home decor. Dining Furniture is an integral element of the Matt Britton collection and we carry an extensive dining furniture collection to suit any dining room and home decor; including traditional and more contemporary designs.
Whether you’re looking at sofas for your living room, furniture for a playroom or that perfect piece for an impressive study or library, we understand that furniture plays an integral role in the interior of your home as well as how it affects the layout and flow. Matt Britton - we’re more than just carpets!
ADVERTISING FEATURE |5
March 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
sale and giveaway
win â‚Ź1000
home makeover with matt britton
Karl O’Connor of Matt Britton in the new KronoSwiss flooring showroom in the Kilcoole outlet where you can get up to 70% off stock as several containers have just arrived in
Georgia Kelly (8) from Eden Gate in Delgany tries out one of the comfy couches in the Matt Britton showrooms in Kilcoole
to enter Just drop into matt britton kilcoole or Like facebook.com/wicklowvoice or email name, address and telephone number to comps@wicklowvoice.ie T&Cs on wicklowvoice.ie
06| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie March 2014
Volunteers wanted for record bid By Michelle McGlynn
CALLING all volunteers! The Caroline Foundation want you to join them in an exciting fundraising event. The Caroline Foundation in partnership with Bray Cancer Support and Greystones Cancer Support are hoping to break the World Record for the Longest Awareness Ribbon Chain on Sunday, May 25 2014. The five-mile chain will run from Bray to Greystones via the Cliff Walk. The ribbon chain will be created by sewing 39,000 bands of 10” ribbon lengths together. A “cell” system is currently being set up. It is hoped that this will involve 100 individual cells. each cell will have a leader who is responsible for bringing 40 people to line the route. For safety reasons, only adults will be allowed on the cliff
section of the route and each ribbon holder will be asked to donate a minimum of €10. The Caroline Foundation was established in June 2013 in memory of Caroline Dwyerhickey who passed away on 25 March 2013 at the age of 35 after a nine-year battle with cancer. Caroline was a pioneer of cancer research in that she was the first in Ireland to participate in some trials through the CCRT. The Caroline Foundation is built on, and is testimony to Caroline’s advocacy, that hope and faith in the work of the CCRT. If you are interested in setting up or joining a “cell” please contact helen O’Sullivan-Dwyer at helen@ thecarolinefoundation.com or on 087 6755751 for further information about this great event.
Children and organisers of Bray’s St. Patrick’s Festival in the town’s harbour where a fireworks display will kick off festivities.
Paddy’s festival to kick off with a bang By Michelle McGlynn
BRAY’S annual St. Patrick’s Festival will kick off at Bray Harbour with a huge fireworks display on Friday, March 14 at 7.30pm. The famous harbour walls will host the opening of the festival which is starting with a bang - or lots of bangs to be exact. “We feel the Harbour is a perfect location to set off
the fireworks, the colourful fireworks will look fantastic reflecting off the sea below,” said Mick Glynn, Festival Committee Chairman. Festival favourites The Big Funday Out in the Civic Plaza, the Boathouse Céilí Breakfast and Bird’s Euroshow Funfair will be returning. This year will also include The Window Display Competition and Capture the
Essence of St. Patrick Photo Competition. Bray Vintage Car Club will be holding a vintage display on the seafront on Sunday, March 16 from 2 – 4pm. They will also participate in the parade. On the day itself, there will be the Pre-Parade Party at 1pm before the parade leaves from Town Hall at 3pm. With over forty groups planning to walk in the parade 2014 is set to be the
biggest and best so far. Greystones parade will begin at 12pm from the South Beach car park. Arklow’s parade begins at 3pm from Mellows Avenue on the Wexford Road. Rathdrum’s parade will begin at 12pm at Fair-Green in Rathdrum Village. Meanwhile, Wicklow Town’s Viking themed parade starts at 3.15pm leaving from Whitehall Gate.
NEWS | 07
March 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
Great line-up for Groove Killruddery cracker on cards as Paloma Faith and David Gray set to headline
By Michelle McGlynn
AT last summer is in sight now that Groove have announced their 2014 headliners and this year’s festival looks like it will be a cracker with the eccentric Paloma Faith and Irish favourite David Gray. Groove 2014 will take place in the magnificent Killruddery estate on Saturday July 5 and Sunday July 6. Paloma Faith will headline on Saturday and will no doubt draw from her new album A Perfect Contradiction which is due out this Friday, March 7. Paloma collaborated with big names such as Pharrell Williams, Diane Warren and John Legend on this album. Notably, they were the ones who pursued her. Meanwhile, David Gray will play on the Sunday. he is set to release his tenth studio album in 2014. With 12m album sales worldwide and the bestselling album ever in Ireland with White Ladder, Gray is sure to deliver a fantastic performance.
Sophie Cooke (8), Sarah Weijer (8) and Sebastian Weijer (4) from Powerscourt National School pictured at the launch of the National Tree Week 2014, sponsored by SSE Airtricity at Powerscourt Estate, County Wicklow.
Branching out for Tree Week
By Michelle McGlynn
NATIOnAl Tree Week 2014 was launched in Powerscourt Estate Gardens at the start of the month. Minister of State for Forestry, Tom Hayes TD, was joined by school children from nearby Powerscourt National School for a tree planting ceremony. Two thousand free trees were given out on the day with 15,000 to be distributed over the course of the week thanks to Coillte. The free event included wood turners, professional bee keepers and gardeners on hand for advice. The Powerscourt River Walk is home to Ireland’s tallest tree, which stands at over 61.5 metres this tree is even taller than Niagra Falls. Ireland remains one of the least wooded countries in Europe with only 11% of our land planted with trees compared to the European average of 40%. Ireland has agreed a target to increase our forest cover to 17% by 2035. National Tree Week is hoping to help Ireland reach this target by promoting the planting, care and enjoyment of trees through fun events
and community activities all year round. To celebrate the Irish Ramblers Club 50th anniversary there will be a com-
memorative planting of one hectare of mountain on the slopes of Derrybawn. The event will take place on Friday, March 7 at 11am.
Groove Festival promoter Roger Duggan says, “We are really thrilled to be welcoming Paloma and David to Groove this year as our headliners.” Groove 2013 was blessed with glorous weather and had a fantastic turnout and this year they are hoping to outdo themselves. This year they are bringing in a bigger climbing wall, the largest mobile one in europe and Archery Tag, a family friendly combat sport that uses archery with foam tipped arrows. There will be water zorbs on the lakes in Killruddery so you can tumble your way around the festival. The Irish Rocketry Society will stage a thirty minute display on both nights launching professional rockets of all sizes. Food will once again be provided by masterchef John Coughlan. More acts will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets go on sale Monday, March 10 at 9am via the Groove website or any tickets.ie outlets. Adult day tickets are €49 and weekend tickets €79. Child day tickets are €10 and weekend
tickets are €17. Under 4’s go free. Last year Imelda May and
James Morrison played along side locals acts, Big September and Bray Gospel Choir.
8| HISTORY
wicklowvoice.ie March 2014
Halpin the hero down the decades
ROBer T halpin was born in 1836 in Wicklow Town’s Bridge Tavern, the youngest of 13 children. how different things were then. By the age of 10 the young Robert had gone to sea. his father died when he was 11 and his mother when he was 14. he was away at sea for both events. Not only that but at the tender age of 15 he was shipwrecked off the coast of Cornwall. This disaster did nothing to dampen (pardon the pun!) the young halpin’s love of the sea. he continued to develop his seamanship and gained his first command of the SS Propellor at the tender age of 22. his career continued to prosper despite another shipwreck in 1859 when the ship he was commanding, the Argo struck an iceberg and sank. It was withn halpin’s association with the mighty ship the SS Great Eastern that halpin’s rise to fame began. The Great Eastern was the brainchild of the famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Benedikt Krainz and Sarah Pichler enjoy a visit to Wicklow Gaol. (who designed the DublinWicklow rail line). Launched in 1858 it was over 200 metres in length with accommodation for over 3,000 passengers. As a passenger ship the venture was a financial disaster. By 1860 there was great interest in telegraphy and trying to link Europe and America by ca-
ble. The Great Eastern was converted to a cable layer and halpin was successful in securing the post of First Engineer. The mammoth task of laying a cable for 2,600 feet beneath the sea began in 1865, secured to the base station at Valentia Island. The first year’s attempt was unsuccessful when the cable broke
1,800 miles from Valentia. Further attempts in 1866 and 1867 were again plagued with cable breakages. In 1868 halpin was appointed Captain of the Great Eastern and the attempt that year proved to be successful. Europe and America were connected. Capt. Robert halpin went on
to lay over 26,000 miles of cable connecting several of the world’s continents. In 1873 halpin married a Newfoundlander Jessie Munn and returned to Wicklow Town. A grateful British Government built him Tinakilly house in Rathnew. It is estimated that the cost of the house was about €3m in today’s money. he lived for the remainder of his life at Tinakilly but failed in an attempt to get elected to Westminster but was appointed Chairman of the Wicklow harbour Board and Deputy Lieutenant for the County. At the relatively young age of 57 while cutting his toe nails he nicked his skin. Gangrene set in and his health began to deteriorate. After several months of agony the man who had survived ship wrecks and adventures on some of the most dangerous seas in the world died. Philip Byrne is a Storyteller who under the title of Positive Outcomes is available for storytelling events for children and adults including special needs groups. He can be contacted on 087 2627806.
news in brief New grind school opens A new grinds school has opened in Charlesland Gold and Country Club in Greystones. Run by Sonya O’Gorman, Grinds@Greystones will cater for Junior and leaving Certificate students and starts off with an Easter Revision course, when students can get 75 minutes of extra learning a day for five days. Subjects include Maths, English, Irish, Biology, Science, French, Spanish and Business and prices start from €120. Ring 086 100 1309 for info.
Oldcourt Park Road plans outlined At the March meeting of Bray Town Council, the town engineer outlined plans to change the traffic flow on Oldcourt Park Road that will improve safety. The plan will involve building a chicane midway along the road, at the green area at the end of Oldcourt Avenue, which will allow for one-way traffic coming from the Boghall Road side to pass through to the Killarney Road but traffic coming from the Killarney Road will no longer be allowed access to the Boghall Road.
love
Slimming World
Join a warm and friendly group today… MONDAY
BALTINGLASS
WICKLOW TOWN
BLESSINGTON
Wicklow Town
Baltinglass Golf Club
De La Salle Pastoral Centre
Blessington Further
The Grand Hotel,
ARKLOW
3:30p, 5:30pm, 7:30pm
St. Mantans Road
Education Centre
Wicklow
The Rocks Club House
Tel: Sinead on 085 1224626
7:30pm
5:30pm, 7:30pm
5:30pm, 7:30pm
Tel: Sarah on 083 1503626
Tel: Donna on 087 7621562
Tel: Lorraine on 087 1552974
WEDNESDAY
Bray
thursday
The Wilton Hotel
BRAY
Emoclew Road, Arklow 5:30pm, 7:30pm
TUESDAY
Tel: Lorraine on 087 1552974
GREYSTONES BALTINGLASS
Greystones Lawn Tennis Club
ARKLOW
Southern Cross, Bray
Marino School
Baltinglass AM
Mill Road, Greystones
Arklow Bay Hotel
3:30pm, 5:30m, 7:30pm
Church Road, Bray
Baltinglass Golf Club
5:30pm, 7:30pm
7:30pm
Tel: Grainne on 086 4661566
7:30pm
9:30am
Tel: Lesley on 086 2337984
Tel: Dorothy on 0872953490
Tel: Lesley on 086 2337984
Tel: Sinead on 085 1224626
scan here or visit the website to read Alix ’ s story slimmingworld.ie 01 656 9696
save € 9 – half price membership
Just €18 on you r first night then €9 a week. See website for details.
wicklowproperty March 2014
Tale of two counties Dual speed recovery emerges along North-South divide By Cianan Brennan
Although 2013 saw a definite upturn in the Wicklow property market, the figures gathered by the Wicklow Voice suggest that price-wise, it is very much a tale of two counties. The last six months of 2013 saw property sales increase rapidly across the county, however the greatest value is definitely to be found south of Wicklow Town. Rory Fenelon of Fenelon Properties, Newtownmountkennedy suggests that the steeper prices to be found in the north of the county are a direct result of exiles from the South Dublin market looking to the commuter belt. “The lack of good family homes in South Dublin is forcing purchasers to the genuine commuter towns in North Wicklow,” he says. “The regional villages such as Newtownmountkennedy and Kilcoole are starting to see the
same pattern however.” Serena Maguire, branch manager at Sherry Fitzgerald’s Bray office, agrees: “In areas such as Enniskerry, Delgany and Greystones, an extra 10 minutes in the car from Dublin gives people excellent options. “With a shortage of supply and upsurge in demand many of our recent sales have had multiple bidders.” With the influx of commuter families estate agents are struggling to meet demand in the north of the county. “There has been a definite turnaround in the market, with significant demand for all types of property,” says Gabriel Dooley, based in Delgany. “There is a lack of supply in our area certainly at present. If we had more we’d be selling more, however, as we’re currently as busy as we’ve ever been,” says Derrick McGovern of McGovern Estates, Greystones. The staggered nature of
Wicklow’s prices becomes evident passing south through Newtownmountkennedy and on to Wicklow Town and beyond, though this very fact sees high demand in the south of the county also. “‘It would appear that everything in the line of two, three and four-bedroom houses are required to sustain the current demand in Wicklow Town,” says Seamus Eager, Director and Owner of Wicklow Homes. “The high volume of inquiries would require a major intake of stock to satisfy the market.” Dolores Somers of DNG Arklow says that demand is now outstripping availability: “We could do with more properties certainly, the upturn has been dramatic. We saw sales in Christmas week in 2013 which has never happened before.” “We have people registered with us as wanting to buy but we simply don’t have the properties available as yet.
“Most people in Arklow, particularly those with preapproved mortgages, are sticking to their budget. The asking price is generally met or beaten slightly, but not much more.” It is not all bad news from a supply point of view, however. As the recession begins to fade construction has begun to take its first faltering steps towards recovery. According to the latest edition of the National Housing Construction Index, which compiles all planning applications and commencements nationwide, 2013 was an equally positive year for Wicklow as far as development is concerned. Their statistics show 414 planning applications made in Wicklow in 2013, an increase of 34 (9%) from 380 in 2012. Construction showed an even more notable increase with 40 more commencements recorded in 2013 (202) than in 2012 (162), an increase of 25%.
Robyn Smullen (6), Karen and Ewan Galligan (6) in the playground in Greystones.
10 | ADVERTISING FEATURE
wicklowvoice.ie March 2014
Wicklow Arms on market for €1.5m Landmark property dates from 1858 when it was first used as a coach house DeLGANY’S iconic property, the Wicklow Arms, has gone on the market with a quoting price of €1.5m. Built originally in 1858 as a coach house and then known as Newel’s hotel from the 1880s, the Wicklow Arms is regarded as a historical landmark in the area and its original front section is a listed building. Renowned for its food and cosy pub atmosphere, the Wicklow Arms is famous for attracting a glittering clientele down through the decades, including Liz Taylor and Richard Burton when they stayed nearby during the filming of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold in 1963. Since then the pub has attracted a host of music and movie stars – due to its location near to Ardmore Studios – such as Laurence Olivier, Katherine hepburn and Peter O’Toole. Situated just two minutes off the N11 in the bustling village of Delgany, 25km south of Dublin
City Centre, the Wicklow Arms is part of an overall site that measures 81,290sq ft, which consists of the main building, large car park and much smaller separate building currently comprising of four office and retail units. The property is being sold as four lots, Lot 1 being the main building. There are successful planning permissions for a Town Centre Development and a Nursing home on the building. Lot 2 is the potential resi-
dential site currently making up the top of the car park. This site has its own separate access road from a neighbouring development. Lot 3 is the Office Units. Lot 4 is the entire, site, which is circa two acres and zoned Town Centre. The office units are all currently occupied on leases of varying value and terms, the current businesses in situ are: A Photographers Studio, an Arbitration Firm, a Charity headquarters and the current owners who have their administration offices on site. The Wicklow Arms main building in its present form comprises a Main Bar, Restaurant and Bar, Cafe, two Function Rooms, Large Kitchen and the Off Licence, which is still trading successfully. In total the property comprises of approx 16,966sq ft and it comes with a full seven-day licence. Delgany is a thriving village in the heart of north county Wicklow and has witnessed a
The iconic Wicklow Arms, well-known for it’s food and cozy atmosphere, was visited by Liz Taylor when she stayed nearby with Richard Burton. massive population increase over the last 20 years, and the combined current population of the Delgany and Greystones area lies in the region of 22,000. The area is now a commuter suburb to the city centre and also attracts a large number of visitors from the urban population of Bray, which numbers 31,000. Surrounded by great walks in the Glen Of The Downs and two golf courses, the village is drawing plenty of visitors and footfall following the opening of the new Delgany Centre which is home to a restaurant, bakery, market shop, butchers and fish counter. The area has regular Dart and
Bus services to the city centre while the adjacent N11 means Dublin is 25 minutes drive at non-peak times. The car park currently has parking for 110
cars approximately. There had been planning granted on the site in July 2010 for a three-storey 2960 Sq meter Nursing home.
PROPERTY | 11
March 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
how much is your house worth? By Cianan Brennan
Number of Arklow sales rise 18%
Down at the south end of the county the resurgence in consumer confidence is no less pronounced, with Arklow seeing a similar increase in property investment throughout 2013 to that of Bray. All told 2013 saw an 18% increase in sales from 2012 at the mouth of the Avoca. At just an hour from the capital however, the value available in Arklow throughout the last 12 months has been exceptional. As in 2012 the properties sold in Arklow were at the lower end of the price scale as first-timers felt their way into the stagnant market. Twelve months on and the percentages remain broadly the same, however a 3-bed semi in Arklow in 2013 went for fully 19% per cent less than the previous year, at an average of €97,000. Other dominant property types included 3-bed terraced and 3-bed bungalows, while the 4-bed semi saw a resurgence in popularity with five times as many being sold in 2013 as
previously, at an average price of €153,000. The level of new development however remained very low at just 1%, while fully 68% of sales occurred in the final six months of 2013. With average prices of just €126,000, Arklow stands as great value for money for both those looking for a start in the market and those happy to buy big, whilst living slightly further from the capital. Prices: 2-bed apartment: 2012: €77,000 2013: €75,000 3-bed bungalow: 2012: €136,000 2013: €153,000 3-bed semi: 2012: €120,000 2013: €97,000 4-bed semi: 2012: €150,000 2013: €153,000 3-bed terraced: 2012: €91,000 2013: €87,000
22 properties sold in Ashford
Picturesque Ashford, set at the entrance to the Devil’s Glen and just north of Rathnew, has been expanding as a commuter centre for both Bray and Wicklow Town in recent years. With an average asking price of €266,000 property in the area is not exactly cheap, though this average is significantly lower than the same figure in 2012 which stood at €331,000. With 22 properties sold last year the area saw a two-fold increase in transactions reflecting broadly the jump in consumer confidence seen across Wicklow in the second half of 2013. Home to the well-known Mount usher gardens, the high asking prices in the village and the relatively large nature of the properties involved (4 and 5-bedroom country homes and bungalows being the most popular house-types sold) give the lie to Ashford’s status as a quiet, rural settling area for those who like to live comfortably. The relative scarcity of new
development in the area is reflective of the general status quo in the county as a whole. The lowering of the average asking price suggests that there is value to be had depending on the relative means of the buyers concerned. As might be expected the rate of sales were evenly spread across the year 2013, which is more in line with the levels of confidence displayed by buyers not in thrall to the whims of the national property market. Prices: 3-bed bungalow: 2012: €310,000 2013: €388,000 4-bed detached: 2012: €421,000 2013: €294,000 5-bed detached: 2012: – 2013: €392,000
3-beds dominate in Bray area The county’s largest town had an especially bumper 2013 with 225 properties changing hands, a 36% increase on 2012. The increased confidence across the spectrum from starter-households to investors is encapsulated within Bray’s numbers, with properties of all types and class accounted for. Overall, prices within Bray and its environs remained stable, averaging at €248,000, unchanged from 2012 despite the increase in sales, although away from the high-end of the market prices jumped in most categories. While by far the most popular property-type within the town was the 3-bed semi-detached, with 47 being sold for an average price of €234,000, a figure very much in line with that of 2012 for the same category with prices increasing by 7%. 3-bed terraced houses and 2-bed apartments also featured prominently with sales proceeds topping out at a 13% annual increase for the former, with apartment prices remaining static.
The vast majority of sales took place in the final four months of 2013. Prices: 2-bed apartment: 2012: €133,000 2013: €135,000 2-bed terraced: 2012: €133,000 2013: €142,000 3-bed terraced: 2012: €178,000 2013: €200,000 3-bed semi: 2012: €218,000 2013: €234,000 4-bed semi: 2012: €272,000 2013: €302,000 3-bed bungalow: 2012: €242,000 2013: €248,000 4-bed detached: 2012: €363,000 2013: €404,000
Continued on page 12
12| PROPERTY Continued from page 11
Affluent eye up Delgany
Situated just west of Greystones, Delgany belies its small size and has become an attractive prospect for the more affluent of buyers. Despite a population of just 5,000, the village has finished fourth in the property-sales table in Wicklow in each of the last two years, second only to the larger population centres of Bray, Greystones and Arklow. In common with the rest of the county Delgany’s sales totals rocketed upwards in the final five months of 2013. At odds with the rest of the county however is the fact that fully 30% of these sales in 2013 were new residential properties, a statistic carried over from 2012. Such sales are dominated by developments at Cherry Lane, and most especially at Delgany hills, where the vast majority of said development’s luxury apartments were sold in the last year. With its beautiful location, such sales firmly tag Delgany as the prime commuter destination for young, affluent singles within Wicklow. The average price for Delgany hills’ (mostly 2-bed) apartments stood at €246,000 for 2013. This dwarfs the figures for elsewhere in the county, even Greystones, where the price for a similar apartment was €70,000 cheaper than that of Delgany during 2013. elsewhere in the village at large, detached properties are the order of the day, generally retailing for greater than €500,000.
wicklowvoice.ie March 2014
the wicklow market in n
Prices: 2-bed apartment: 2012: €230,000 2013: €246,000 3-bed apartment: 2012: €242,000 2013: €282,000 3-bed semi: 2012: €263,000 2013: €286,000 4-bed semi: 2012: €341,000 2013: €363,000 4-bed detached: 2012: €495,000 2013: €590,000 5-bed detached: 2012: €593,000 2013: €590,000
Enniskerry tops rich list
Enniskerry has long been the domestic preserve of the very wealthy in North Wicklow, and 2013 was no exception. With stunning views, an idyllic village, three golf courses and nearby Powerscourt Hotel, gardens and waterfall, Enniskerry is one of the most sought-after addresses in the country. The standard rules do not apply here, with property sales remaining almost exactly at the same levels as in 2012. The average price jumped dramatically in 2013 from €404,000 to over €1 million, although this is skewed considerably by the sale of
two separate country estates in Bushy Park and Grattan House. Indeed four of the five most expensive properties in Wicklow were sold in Enniskerry in 2013, with €1.8m the lowest asking price. At the other end of the scale there was little movement as might be expected, although a number of 2 and 3-bedroom terraced houses were sold in the village proper for an average of €110,000. Those sales aside, Enniskerry remains firmly a location of large, spacious and wholly individual country family homes, properties that change
hands with a regularity independent of the wholesale property market. Buyers should expect to pay €400,000 minimum for a 3-bedroom home in this most exclusive of locales. Prices: 3-bed detached: 2012: €315,000 2013: €560,000 4-bed detached: 2012: €520,000 2013: €673,000 5-bed detached: 2012: €780,000
2013:
€994,000
5-bed period: 2012: – 2013: €3,925,000
Greystones remains popular
Traditionally seen as one of the most attractive places to live in Ireland, 2013 was a case of steady as she goes for the property market in Greystones as sales increased by a modest 6% compared to some of the larger leaps seen elsewhere in Wicklow. This is perhaps to be expected given the style of property
generally on sale in the affluent town just south of Bray. Together with similarly wellto-do enniskerry, Greystones is the only area within Wicklow to maintain property sales at similar levels to 2012 rather than showing a dramatic rise (or drop). From that point of view it could be surmised that the type of buyers seen in such areas are effectively recession-proof. The styles of property available in Greystones are evenly spread across the spectrum, with as many large detached family houses being sold as 2-bed bungalows and apartments for example. The common denominator is
price – Greystones remains an expensive place to buy, with 12% of properties sold going for greater than €500,000. Fortunately prices, while high, have actually reduced slightly throughout 2013, with average prices standing at €331,000 at year’s end. So value may not be the watchword, but quality certainly is. For a family home with style, panache and individuality (with access to the DART Wicklow’s second largest town is now firmly in commuter territory) Greystones remains a safe bet. Prices: 2-bed apartment:
PROPERTY | 13
March 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
numbers
sales within the Holywell housing development slowing to a trickle from their high water mark reached in 2012. The split between new and second hand sales reflect this quite clearly, with just 36% of transactions standing as new development sales, compared to 64% in 2012 (this obviously still marks Kilcoole and Delgany as by far the dominant forces in Wicklow at present for new residential development). In spite of this the value to be found in Kilcoole is marked, with a 3-bed semi-detached house averaging a sales price of just €162,000 in 2013, down €30,000 from the glut of sales at Holywell in 2012. The other notable sellers in 2013 included 2-bed bungalows (averages unchanged at €173,000) and larger 4-bed detacheds, averaging at €203,000, a marked decrease from 2012. Prices: 2-bed apartment: 2012: €70,000 2013: €135,000 2-bed bungalow: 2012: €170,000 2013: €173,000 3-bed bungalow: 2012: €162,000 2013: €240,000 3-bed semi: 2012: €192,000 2013: €162,000 3-bed terraced: 2012: €148,000 2013: €153,000 4-bed detached: 2012: €263,000 2013: €203,000
2-beds drive 79% rise in Newtown
2012: €177,000 2013: €177,000 2-bed bungalow: 2012: €172,000 2013: €218,000 3-bed detached: 2012: €355,000 2013: €322,000 4-bed detached: 2012: €412,000 2013: €506,000 3-bed terraced: 2012: €222,000 2013: €199,000
4-bed semi: 2012: €369,000 2013: €383,000
Kilcoole sales down by 25%
Just three kilometres south of Greystones, Kilcoole has been expanding rapidly in recent years. The village is unique among the commuter belt of towns south of Bray however, in that 2013 saw its levels of property transactions decrease by 25% from 2012 levels. This can be attributed to a reverse of the selling-behaviour seen in nearby Delgany, with
At just 15km south of Bray and the same distance from Wicklow Town, Newtown has expanded rapidly in recent years and stands as an important commuter catchment area for workers in both Bray and Dublin. With property sales increasing by 79% from 2012 to 2013, this village is in a similar position to both Delgany and Kilcoole with sales from one particular development driving the figures, in this case the 2-bed apartments of the Glenbrook development. As such these apartments completely dominate the sales figures within Newtown. At an average of €161,000, an increase of 23% on 2012, they don’t stand as being particularly cheap in comparison to what’s on offer in both Wicklow Town and Kilcoole (though substantially cheaper than Delgany hills). Leaving these apartments aside, sales have been relatively modest in Newtown. Those 3-bed semis that have been sold averaged at €164,000, a dead heat with what is in offer in Kilcoole and Wicklow Town. Only one 3-bed terraced house went on sale in 2013 in Rossmore Park, and its selling value of €243,000 (comfortably greater than the average across the rest of the county) suggests that this is a development that can inspire price-wars when one becomes available. Prices:
2-bed apartment: 2012: €132,000 2013: €162,000 3-bed semi: 2012: €156,000 2013: €164,000 5-bed detached: 2012: €386,000 2013: €318,000
Rathnew remains relatively steady
Rathnew has in recent years stood as a feeder town for access to Wicklow Town to the east, and its level of property values have remained as steady as might be expected with its status as a village in a quieter enclave of the county. The average price of a home in Rathnew at the end of 2013 stood at €157,000, a 6% decrease on 2012 levels, while the new-found buyer confidence to be found elsewhere in the county is similarly reflected with an 89% increase in sales in just one year. larger family homes have been changing hands for roughly €220,000 on average. The increase in sales has likewise seen a reduction in the average prices of 3-bed semi detached homes, €137,000 being the average for 2013 which stands as excellent value in comparison to both Wicklow Town and nearby NewtownMountkennedy where similar properties have been retailing for up to €30,000 more. The surge in confidence
seen in the second half of 2013 is especially prominent in Rathnew, with fully 78% of sales taking place in the final six months of 2013. Not counted in the average figures are the sales within ghost estate Broomhall Crescent, where 13 properties were sold for €10,000 each. Prices: 3-bed semi: 2012: €163,000 2013: €137,000 3-bed terraced: 2012: €70,000 2013: €101,000 3-bed detached: 2012: €155,000 2013: €213,000
Moderate rise in Wicklow Town
The county town south of Greystones showed a moderate increase in sales in 2013, though a quarter of sales in 2012 were below market price (Graham’s Court on Marlton Road) in June of that year. The 9% increase in sales is therefore slightly misleading, when only true market sales are counted the increase seen is a very healthy 45%. The average price of €209,000 has remained quite steady across both years and leaves the town standing as good value for a 4-bedroom family property with averages for same totalling a full €140,000 less than those seen in Bray. The most popular property type for sale in Wicklow during
2013 were large 4-bedroom detached houses, a large-size family property suggesting the town has become an attractive yet affordable destination for larger, more settled families looking for more space and amenities at a knockdown price. The availability of an Irish Rail service to nearby Dublin, together with improved traffic infrastructure completed during the boom, makes Wicklow an ideal commuter location for larger, working families. Starter homes such as 3-bed semis and terraced houses similarly retail for about 30% less than their equivalent in Bray and Greystones. As was the norm across the county the vast majority of sales took place in the final four months of the year. With little to no new development, this is a firm indicator that buyer-confidence has officially been regained. Prices: 3-bed bungalow: 2012: €161,000 2013: €182,000 3-bed detached: 2012: €174,000 2013: €175,000 4-bed detached: 2012: €275,000 2013: €264,000 5-bed detached: 2012: €240,000 2013: €359,000 3-bed semi: 2012: €170,000 2013: €165,000
14 | PROPERTY
wicklowvoice.ie March 2014
how to Add real value to your property Homes
with Clodagh Doyle (info@wicklowvoice.ie)
AS the property market in Wicklow turns a corner, you should take a pro-active approach to create extra value prior to selling your home. Renovating and extending your home are great ways to give it a new lease of life. Not all home improvements will have the best financial impact however, while others can actually hamper the sale. Setting a realistic budget and keeping to it will be critical to
your improvement project(s). Your goal is to make your property stand out from the competition giving prospective buyers little or no reason not to want to buy your property. Below are some of the ways you can add real value to your property along with some that should be avoided. Property Structure You should investigate if any aspect of your property’s structure is in need of obvious repair. Once you have paid sufficient attention to the repairs you should look towards improving the structure. Upgrading your insulation and ventilation are very worthwhile projects along with perhaps improving your central heating or glazing on your windows. Creating More Space extending your living space is always a good idea but careful consideration should be given
to the design element. You should also weigh up the added appeal in relation to the overall cost of extending. Basement extensions are probably the most expensive.. It would be vital that you engage specialists for the design and the installation and it would most likely mean moving out of the property for the duration of the works. Conservatories are very popular and can be the least expensive solution to adding extra living space to your home. Aim to make this a suitable all year space. Converting More Space A loft conversion is probably the easiest solution for achieving that extra room without radically changing the look of your home. however, it would be important to ensure that that the conversion sits well with the rest of the house. Garages that are directly next
Bobby Connolly (5), Bella Connolly (1) and Margaret Dobbin visit Garden World in Kilquade. to a property can prove to be great extensions and will most certainly add value but only if you are not taking valuable storage space. If you convert your garage you might need to consider perhaps creating a new storage space perhaps in the garden. Cosmetic Fixes Ensure that all superficial defects are fixed, and that all D.I.Y. projects have been finished professionally. Freshly painting and decorating with warm neutrals will make all the difference. Improving your floor finishes will also help. Improve your existing kitchen and bathroom by maybe
changing your worktops and cabinet doors in the kitchen or freshly re-tiling or re-grouting your bathroom tiles. Improving Existing Space Replacing your kitchen or bathroom should add real value, however make sure the price bracket of your new kitchen or bathroom matches the price bracket of your property. Creating an extra bedroom or remodelling to create a home office or en suite, are other options to consider. Cleverly adding extra storage space whether under stairs or using ceiling voids will also add to the appeal.
Improving Outdoor Space Freshly painting the exterior of your property is a must. Consider the possibility of creating off-street parking or improving the privacy of your property. Prior to placing your property on the market, leave no stone unturned. Keep in mind, that the more personal your choice of project it may be less likely to have a positive effect on the resale value. Painting and decorating your home prior to selling will make it more appealing but only if you choose colours and finishes that appeal to the wider market. Rooms that don’t fit or flow with the floor plan will most certainly have a negative effect on your value. You may decide to invest in landscaping your back garden and as a result your back garden may look fantastic, but when it comes to selling it could hinder the sale. So to add value, there is no doubt you should invest time researching and considering well-judged improvements that will best suit your property. With this approach, you should be well on your way to adding value to your home and hopefully get the return on investment you are wishing for – best of luck!
Thinking of selling or letting your property or perhaps making some improvements to your home? Our one-stop range of affordable services will save you time, stress, energy and money! Get in touch on 086 815953, 01 25480701 or e-mail us at info@placelift.ie or visit www. placelift.ie
Start a business – pay no income tax Revenue have introduced a scheme that provides relief from income tax for longterm unemployed individuals who start a new business, up to a maximum of €40,000 per annum for a period of two years to individuals who set up a qualifying business; having been unemployed for at least 12 months prior to starting the business. It runs from 25 October 2013 to 31 December 2016. Who qualifies for this relief? You may qualify for this relief if: (a) you have been unemployed for 12 months or more, and (b) during that period you were in receipt of any of the following: crediting contributions, jobseeker’s
allowance, jobseeker’s benefit, the one-parent family payment, partial capacity payment. Periods of time spent on certain training courses and schemes will be treated as part of a period of unemployment.
Are there any restrictions for my business? It must be a new business and not a business that is bought, inherited or otherwise acquired. It must be unincorporated, that is, it must not be registered as a company. How do I apply for the relief? This relief does not require pre-approval unlike the Back to Work enterprise Allowance scheme which is administered by the Department of Social Protection. Instead, you claim
this relief by completing the relevant section of your annual Income Tax return form each year. I was a self employed carpenter but have been unemployed for the last 12 months. If I start working again as a carpenter will this qualify? Yes - setting up as a carpenter will qualify as a new business for this scheme. For more information log on to www.revenue.ie or contact Justin Fitzsimons F.C.C.A, a partner in Bray and Gorey based accountancy firm Fitzsimons Howick McEvoy on 01 2869977 or email justin@fhm.ie. See ad on page 6
PROPERTY |15
March 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
it’s time to spring clean your garden at last! Gardening
with All Seasons Garden Centre WITh the days getting longer and the weather starting to get milder, this is a great time to get back into the garden. Here are our 10 top tips for your garden right now: 1. One of the most rewarding jobs to do right now is to get rid of the weeds before they start growing with renewed vigour. Hand weed or hoe out new and emerging weeds. 2. Early spring is the best time of the year to give everything in the garden a good feed to kick start the new growing season. A slow release fertiliser is best as it breaks down slower and filters into the soil over a period of time and can be absorbed by growing roots and used to fuel growth and flowering. 3. This is a good time of year to buy your fruit trees and bushes and they can be boought bare rooted and cheaper than when in pots. 4. Buds are already starting to swell on fruit trees and bushes, so pruning of fruit trees and bushes such as apple and pear trees and blackcurrant bushes should be completed now. 5. Use a metal rake to remove any build up of thatch and moss. If the lawn is looking sparse, reseed or returf bare areas. Keep everyone off areas that are being renovated until the new grass is growing vigorously. Apply a slowrelease complete lawn food to all grass areas. 6. Early spring is a rewarding time to plant vegetables, whether you’re starting a new garden or popping some herbs in a sunny window box. Plant garlic and shallots sets
Evie Coury (5), Simon Coury and Ríona Coury (3) visit Garden World in Kilquade. without delay if the ground is dry enough to cultivate. Sow seeds of early varieties of cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, lettuce and onions in a tunnel or glasshouse to get a start on the season. Sow vegetables such as early peas, broad beans, onions and parsnips outdoors. Seed potatoes should be prepared for planting now also. To give them a start, they can be sprouted in the dark laid out in a flat box before being planted into the ground. 7. Flowering spring annuals can be planted now to give your garden a quick lift. Add instant colour with pots of pansy, polyanthus or flowering bulbs such as daffodils and tulips. Also plan ahead for flowers later in the year. 8. Early spring is a good time to plant trees, shrubs and annuals. Remove plants that have died or are past their best, or extend your garden to accommodate new plantings. Prepare for new planting by clearing grass and weeds, then digging organic matter into the soil. When working out where to place a new plant take into account the amount of space that’s needed as it grows both
across and up (see plant labels for information on plant size or ask for advice at your local garden centre). 9. Check outdoor furniture and outdoor sitting areas. Wooden furniture may need to be repainted or re-oiled. Nuts and bolts should be checked and tightened. Canvas chairs may need to be cleaned or re-covered. Also, clean the barbecue and replenish gas bottles. Paving and other hard surfaces benefit from a vigorous sweep to remove accumulated leaves and dirt. Mossy or slippery paths can be cleaned and treated with a once-a-year product. 10. Plants that have already bloomed or have frost damage can be pruned to encourage new growth. Also remove old canes from perennials and grasses to make way for fresh spring growth. To keep shrubs, perennials and annuals in bloom over the months ahead, remove spent flowers regularly. This is a good time to lift and divide early Spring flowering bulbs, as the flowers start to fade lift and divide clumps and move them to their new home, make sure the new spot
has been well prepared and is well drained, dig in plenty of organic compost, bulbs can be planted under deciduous trees and shrubs, where they will get plenty of light in the Winter and Spring. All Seasons Garden Centre, Dublin Road, Bray, 012040697.
NEW WEBSITES FROM €295
SOCIAL MEDIA FROM €148
SEO PLANS FROM €148
16 | OPINION
opinion&comment
For every winner there is a loser
D
uring the bubble, a lot of people got very excited about rising property prices. And well they might – Developers became super rich, some lucky land-owners made fortunes turning pasture into profit, bankers earned bonanza bonuses, and a Fianna Fáil Government, drunk on property-related taxes, bought itself a few more years in power. We must be very careful about cheering on a rising property market in Wicklow. So what’s driving the higher sales volumes and prices? Undoubtedly there’s growing sentiment that the property market has hit the bottom and the economy is on the up. So people who’ve already got money, and have been waiting for the right time to buy, are now doing so. The population in Wicklow is rising, banks are beginning to lend again, Wicklow County Council reduced its building levies – all good things, and all contributing to the rise. Developers are beginning to plan again – with costs much lower than before, and prices on the march, the economics of building is starting to look attractive. There are other, less positive, reasons too. One is the lack of supply in some areas. Bray and Greystones are good examples of this, where there are virtually no family homes to be had. The result is artificially high prices for those few properties coming to market. A second reason is the growth in what banks call ‘voluntary surrenders’. I meet with people every week, all over Wicklow, who are being forced out of their family homes by banks. Some repossessions are inevitable, but many are avoidable. Because of Government failure to impose standards, it often comes down to which bank the family has the mortgage with. Surrendered, or repossessed, properties are beginning to appear on the market, and the numbers will rise considerably. One source of these new repossessions will be from the sale of the Irish Nationwide mortgage book. The Government, in an act of stupidity and spite, has refused to allow the families to bid for their own mortgages. Instead, it is offering the mortgages, at discounts, to international funds. There are, nonetheless, winners from the rising volumes and prices. New building means badly needed jobs for construction workers. It means badly needed income for Wicklow County Council. It means more options for people looking to buy a home. For families in negative equity, rising prices reduces their liabilities, and gives some the opportunity to sell and move on. For pensioners looking to downsize, higher prices mean they can bank more money
for retirement. The problem with the property market, however, is that much of it is a zero sum game. For there to be winners, there must also be losers. In Wicklow, the biggest losers are first time buyers and people looking to trade up. The disparity in prices by location is also a problem. The new data shows that the same house in Greystones is more than three times more expensive than it is in Arklow. But many people earn the same amount for the same job, regardless of where they work. A teacher in Bray, for example, earns exactly the same as a teacher in Arklow. So many people who work in particular areas can’t afford to live there, which is unhealthy for the county. One school principal in Bray told me that her teachers under the age of about 40 (who would have bought between 2000 and 2008) travel long, expensive distances every day to get to work. Nobody wins in that scenario. If I had to generalise, I’d say that the rising prices are not, on balance, a good thing for the county, whereas the rising volumes are – particularly where they involve new builds. It should be possible for Wicklow to benefit from the positives, while many of the downsides could be dealt with by smarter legislation and Government policy. That last bit, mind you, probably requires some changing of the Guard. Stephen Donnelly is an independent TD for Wicklow and East Carlow and is a former management consultant for McKinsey & Co.
If I had to generalise, I’d say that the rising prices are not, on balance, a good thing for the county, whereas the rising volumes are – particularly where they involve new builds
with Stephen Donnelly
“W
According to the survey, very few there can afford to buy, or rent, a property of the size they want and in the area they desire, so they are often forced to compromise on one or the other.
with Michael Wolsey
My house has been reduced to junk status hat’s in your garage? There are two lawnmowers in mine. One ground to a halt a few years back and I’ve never managed to start it again. I intend to give it to the handyman next time he calls at the door, although, come to think of it, it’s about 25 years since a handyman last called. Perhaps I’ll drop it down to the local repair shop. What’s that? Closed in 1992? I must try harder to keep up. Maybe it’s for the best. It would be difficult to get out that lawnmower anyway. It’s wedged behind two tea chests. One’s full of invaluable things we took out of the back bedroom when we got it decorated five years ago and the other is full of indispensable stuff we took out of the kitchen when the new units went in a year later. There must be some items in them I could dump; they can’t all be vital. I’d have a look if that carpet wasn’t in the way, the one we took out of the front room when the wooden flooring went down. My wife was all for throwing it in a skip. If we had a skip. Waste not, want not, I said. I’ll cut it up; make great little rugs. I see the damp’s got at it. Good heavens, it’s falling to bits. Sorry love, you’ll never get those rugs now. She’s hiding her disappointment well. Another problem is that foldup pool table lodged between the tea chests. It’s not meant to be folded up. In fact it’s meant to be in the spare room where I’d be enjoying many a frame if it had only been six inches shorter or the room six inches longer. Anyway, I’ll set it up in the garage once I get rid of that damned lawnmower. Oh yes, and the old electric cooker. Although it would be a shame to dump that. I mean, there’s nothing actually wrong with it, apart from two of the hot plates not working and the grill that nearly set the house on fire. It’s not as if it’s broken. And there are all the children’s books. Can’t understand why they don’t pass them on to their own children. The blue mould would easily brush off and I
think some of them might be valuable. That’s a first edition of James and the Giant Peach. Well, first paperback edition; first one I ever saw, anyway. And it’s the same with those old vinyl records. Some of them are collector’s items. Rolling Stones, 1969. OK, it sold about two million but you don’t see many around these days. I’ll dig it out once I get that lawnmower out of the way. When I lived in england for a while, I was surprised to find that many of my friends and neighbours kept cars in their garages. I don’t think there’s anyone doing that here. If there is, I’ve never met them. And now the english are com plaining there’s not enough room in their houses. Nearly a third of parents say they feel squeezed into their homes but cannot afford to move to a bigger property, according to a survey. Twenty-nine per cent of them say “their property is too small to accommodate the size of their family’’ – and that goes up to 40% for those 34 and under. Anyway, this survey of house prices and property trends found that one in four children is “forced to share’’ a bedroom, such is the pressure on space. That doesn’t sound too tragic to me. When I was growing up, four children to one bedroom was a more likely ratio. Ochón, ochón. We were poor but we were happy. Sure you don’t know how lucky ... Ah, forget it. It could be worse. You could be living in england. According to the survey, very few there can afford to buy, or rent, a property of the size they want and in the area they desire, so they are often forced to compromise on one or the other. Well, there you go. Life can be hell. But they’ve only got themselves to blame. If they’d get those cars out of their garages they could make room for some important stuff and clear a bit of space indoors. But sure, they never learn. Not like us. Michael Wolsey is a former deputy editor of the Irish Independent, features editor of the Irish Press and managing director of the Drogheda Independent group. Michael sits on the judging panel for the National Newspaper of Ireland Journalism Awards.
OPINION | 17
March 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
focus on faces
This month the Wicklow Voice speaks to Jerome Anglin of ANG Architects
The building blocks for success How’s life? Life is pretty busy at the moment but I enjoy keeping busy.
Why are you so busy? I’m actually getting married this year to my beautiful fiancée, Rachel. So planning for that is keeping us both busy but it’s exciting. I’m looking forward to married life! Aside from that though, the business is keeping me busy which is a good thing. How is business? It has been affected by the downturn, as all businesses have but at the moment things are going quite well. I am working hard to make sure that it continues that way. Whether business is booming or not, you have to ensure that the quality of your work remains the same. That is my focus and I think that it is what will help my business to continue to succeed. This year looks to be off to a good start. hopefully that is a sign of things to come. What is the key to
success in business? The key to a successful business is client service. If your client isn’t happy at the end of the day then you haven’t done your job right. When you’re heading into, for example, an extension on your house you want to be sure that you get what you wanted. You don’t want to end up compromising so much that what you have is completely different from what you wanted. Such projects cost a lot and take time and you want to be happy with it. Listening is key here. I listen to my clients and do everything I can to make sure that they get exactly what they want. What are the biggest challenges? Obviously the economy has been the biggest challenge over the past number of years. The decline in the number of people with a disposable income meant that less people were in a position to take on projects. It has been a tough time but thankfully things look like they’re improving. People are beginning to spend again which
Luckily, I am surrounded by some great people who helped me to get through those tough days.
is fantastic news for businesses. I think consumer confidence is growing. The fact that my own business has picked up is just one of many signs that things are really starting to improve in Ireland.
Is it tough to stay positive during recession? I think everybody in the country has faced those times when it seems like things aren’t going to get better. But it’s important not to dwell on the negative. Take things a little bit at a time. If you try to take on everything in one go, it can be daunting and feel insurmountable. Luckily, I am surrounded by some great people who helped me to get through those tough days. It’s important to remember that there are people around who can help. even just talking things through with someone can help to relieve some of the stress. It’s amazing how much a positive attitude can help. Describe a typical day My days aren’t very typical. Things vary depending on what projects I have at that time.
every project is different so every day is different which is something I really enjoy about being an architect. We guide clients through the entire building process from the first sketch through to one year after construction finishes. I provide bespoke design solutions for a range of project types from house extensions to small town master plans. So depending on what type of project it is and where in the process we are, my day could go any number of ways. If I am in the office I might be filling out construction or tender documentation, doing a feasibility study, doing some
lack of spend on flood defence in some parts of the south, suggested taxes would need to be increased if we wanted the best flood relief to be put in place. To people crippled with taxes already due to his government’s austerity measures this was just callous. They should have watched David Cameron’s handling of the same issue across the water. his government didn’t do any more than ours but he played the politics better. Refusing to be drawn into an argument with the global warming faction, with whom he doesn’t agree at all, he said he “very much suspects their might be a link’’ between the storms and global warming. Visiting badly hit areas in Devon and Cornwall he promised to “put the full resources of the state, including the army, navy and unlimited access to public funds’’ at the disposal of these areas. Stirring stuff, like Churchill rousing the troops to battle.
An englishman’s home is his castle and the State will help protect these homes. Whether he did or not is immaterial, he played the politics with impeccable aplomb and made the right noises at the right time and that’s what people will remember. Ultimately, if you were badly affected by the storms, it meant your business or home was put at risk. In the current economic climate, when people are struggling to keep a roof over their heads for financial reasons, you can do without the added worry of having your home threatened on a more local and literal level by gales and downpours. The stormy weather has in a way been a metaphor for the recession – wave after wave of attack. People who have been around the block before (whether with recessions or bad winters) know that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Spring will come and so will an economic upturn. In Wicklow thankfully we were spared the
3D rendering and images or drawing up plans. What are your hopes for the future? I hope that the business continues to do well. I’m hoping that the economy continues to improve and that as a country we can move on from this. hopefully having learned a few lessons! Personally, I just hope that myself and the ones I love remain healthy and happy.
lot of fun! I’m lucky in that I live in a beautiful area so there is no shortage of scenic places that are ideal for taking a walk to clear your head. Although, maybe not in the weather we’ve had lately! When I’m not playing hockey I really enjoy getting out on the bicycle and doing a few kilometers as I plan on completing the Wicklow 200 this year. Jerome Anglin, ANG Architects 01 2532939 or email jerome@angarchs.com
How do you relax? I play hockey with Bray hockey Club so I try to do that as much as possible. It’s a great way to get some exercise. Plus it’s a
Interview by Michelle McGlynn
worst of the weather. We have also been lucky enough to see a rise in our house prices recently. After years of falling prices it is good to see the tide has turned. Should we be worried about another property bubble? I don’t think so. We should take some lessons from what happened in the last crash and try not to let the same mistakes be replayed. Some joined-up thinking is needed going forward. Banks need to start lending money again to more prospective borrowers. This is vital for the banks to increase profitability, for the housing market to continue to recover and for our culture of homeownership in this state to be preserved (particularly amongst younger, first-time borrowers). But we can’t go back to the days when people were allowed borrow too much money – money that the banks didn’t really have, and that people would be still expected to pay
back if things went disastrously wrong. In other countries (like the US) people are allowed to hand back the keys when things go wrong and they are free from any negative equity debt. This isn’t ideal either but the banks did value the houses at the inflated prices before they gave the loan so shouldn’t be able to put the blame for the devaluing solely on the borrower – there has to be an element of some debt write-down. Perhaps the debt of the borrower should, in times of falling house prices, be maintained as a fixed percentage of the value of the property? This would be fair on all the stakeholders in the mortgage transaction. historically house prices al ways rose - slowly at times, quicker at other times. If you got into difficulty with your mortgage you could get out of the problem by selling up. We need to be moving towards a reintroduction of this kind of safety net.
Wicklow has weathered property storm
T
he stormy weather through January and February has been more pronounced this year than in recent memory. Some commentators are linking the severe weather to climate change and using it as an opportunity to say ‘’I told you so’’. Governments didn’t do enough to prevent global warming over the last few decades and now the chickens are coming home to roost seems to be their message. Scientifically speaking, the stormy weather has been unusual this winter because of its southerly trajectory. Normally the storms go well north of Scotland. But we have had stormy winters before and will have again. We had no snow this winter in a lot of parts of the country, as opposed to 2009 and 2010 when there was a lot of snow. You take what you get in winter – it’s pot luck and is usually
Brian Quigley unpleasant. Personally I don’t think you can conclusively link to this winter’s storms on global warming, it’s too small a sample of weather data to be making sweeping conclusions on. The response of the emergency services and repair crews to the severe weather has been commendable. They really did us proud. The government could have done a bit better in their response to the hardship people suffered though. One minister, defending the
1 2 3 4 5
topten
18| WHAT’S HOT
with Michelle McGlynn info@wicklowvoice.ie
wicklowvoice.ie March 2014
clever idea of the month Greystones TweetUp Mrs Robinson’s Bar, in Greystones, March 27 Have you ever been to a tweetup? Well now’s your chance… A tweet up is a gathering of people who all use the social networking app Twitter and enjoy it as a way to communicate with people in their immediate community and all over the world about pretty much everything and anything. If you use twitter for work or pleasure or would like to start and would like a very informal lesson over some chicken wings on how to set up your account then the Greystones TweetUp is where you want to be. These are not a tech group sitting around talking about the latest technologies, but local people meeting up and growing networks in the process. The Greystones TweetUp takes place on the last Thursday of every month at 8.30 in Mrs Robinson’s Bar in Greystones. Everyone welcome from all areas and please feel free to bring a friend! @GreystonesTweet #GreystonesTweetUp
Exercise idea of the month Wicklow Gaol Break Half Marathon & 10k March 23, 10am. The Coral Leisure Half Marathon and 10k is in its fifth year. Beginning at the Wicklow’s Historic Gaol and taking a scenic coastal course, you can run or walk either the 10k or the flatter half marathon. The two charities participants are encouraged to raise money for Wicklow Cancer Support
and Wicklow Mental Health Association. There will be a unique and atmospheric finish area in the Courtyard of Wicklow’s Historic Gaol. Finishers will receive a medal and a shower in the local Coral Leisure Centre while The Grand Hotel will provide refreshments. The closing date to enter is March 18. For details on how to enter go to www. Wicklowhalfmarathon and10km.com
Book of the month An Act of Love Marie Fleming with Sue Leonard The country followed the case of Marie Fleming closely as she fought for her right to die. Here is a glimpse at the woman behind the landmark case. One of her last acts before she passed away from Multiple Sclerosis on December 20, 2013 was to complete her memoir. An Act of Love describes Marie’s life story from her childhood struggles in
Donegal to becoming a mother at a young age and her quest for education and finally coming to terms with her MS diagnosis. The perspectives of her husband, daughter and fulltime carer are also included. Marie’s story is full of life, love, courage and quiet dignity. The book is made all the more poignant, following the announcement that Marie’s partner Tom Curran will contest the local elections in Arklow on a rightto-die campaign platform.
TV SHOW of the month Only Fools and Horses
Sport Relief Special, March 21 Just over ten years since they left our screens, Del Boy and Rodney Trotter will return for one night only. The Only Fools and Horses sketch will air as part of this year’s Sport Relief. David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst will reprise their roles as the beloved Peckham
Spiritual idea of the month Luisne Spirituality Centre Kilcoole, March 19 for 6 weeks, 7pm. Are you looking for a way to relieve your tension and stress? Mindfulness of Breath Energy might be just what you need. A 6 week course which will run in Luisne from March 19, combines breath energy and centring to promote healing. Many
people find it difficult to relax and let go of the things that worry them. Restriction or tensions are made more perceptible by being introduced to the mindfulness of the breath. Once you have found where the restrictions are, you will be able to let go more easily. The 6 week course costs €65. To book email info@luisne.ie or jeanmcdonald@eircom. net.
brothers. The sketch will be written by Jim and Dan Sullivan and will feature previously unused material written by their father John Sullivan. John Sullivan created the show and wrote every episode of the series. He passed away in 2011. This will be the show’s first new episode since the 2003 Christmas special, Sleepless in Peckham. David Beckham is set to make a cameo appearance.
6 7 8 9 10
WHAT’S HOT | 19
March 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
MOVIE of the month Need For Speed Gaiety Cinema, Arklow. Based on the most successful racing video game franchise ever, Need For Speed has been hotly anticipated by many. Fresh out of prison, Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul) a street racer who was framed for manslaughter, is out for revenge. Tobey plans to take down his former associate Dino (Dominic Cooper), in the high-stakes De Leon race. The film is hoping to herald a return to the great car chase films of the 1960s and 70s. It is bound to be a thrill ride from start to finish and will be available in both 2D and 3D. Those of us missing our weekly dose of Jesse Pinkman will welcome some Aaron Paul action. In cinemas March 12.
HOROSCOPES with Siobhan Moore Whelan
FUNdRAISER of the month Kidd Insurances and Bray Cancer Society March 2014 – February 2015
Give Kidd Insurances the opportunity to quote on your upcoming renewal. Not only will you be provided with a great service, you will be helping to contibute to the wonderful work of Bray Cancer Support. For details on the benefits of Kidd’s Home Insurance go to www.kidds.ie or give them a call on 01-2829730. Pictured are Stephen Tully of Kidd Insurances and Conor O’Leary of Bray Cancer Centre.
Get your home insurance and help out a great cause at the same time. Kidd Insurances in collaboration with Bray Cancer Support have agreedthat for evey new household policy that is placed with Kidd Insurances, they will donate €30 to Bray Cancer Support.
event of the month The Uprising The Parkview Hotel, Newtown, March 15, 6pm Kilcoole Muay Thai will stage The Uprising in the Parkview Hotel, Newtown on March 15. Promoters and professional fighters Ivan Clinch and Darren McFall (Irish K1 Champion) have an action packed night of Thai boxing from local clubs with fifteen fights lined up plus one professional fight.
Muay Thai is a combat sport from the muay martial arts of Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. Muay Thai uses the hands, shins, elbows and knees earning it the term “The Science of Eight Limbs”. Tickets are €20 with a full bar and local DJs on the night. Doors open at 6pm with first fight at 7pm. Contact 085 7060003 or 085 8348498.
Kila (pictured) The Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, March 22, 8pm Booka Brass Band are Ireland’s first and only seven-piece New Orleansstyle brass band. They have collaborated with artists including Lisa Hannigan and Jerry Fish. 2013 was a great year for them and saw them play Electric Picnic,
A tale of nuns, soldiers, rebels and birds is a guaranteed recipe for a fun night at the theatre. The Grand Hotel presents The Garden Theatre’s production of Feck Off Crows. When two nuns discover crows nesting in their back garden during the War of
GEMINI-May 21-Jun20 Numbers 8,15,25,30,34,40 Mercury, Jupiter and Mars are seated in your house of finance. 28th windfalls, do your lotto! CANCER-June 21-Jul 22 Numbers 2,18,21,29,33,41 Two new moons of Cancer/Aries in celestial satellite business knocks on your door. 23rd is for family.
VIRGO-Aug 23-Sep 22 Numbers 8,14,17,21,29,34 Mercury makes a rectangle with Saturn which brings you greater control. 14th brings peace of mind.
Booka Brass Band Harbour Bar, Bray, March 7
Feck Off Crows The Grand Hotel, March 1014, 8pm.
TAURUS-Apr 2-May 20 Numbers 9,11,17,23,39,42 Venus is in your house of courage and brings out inner strength. 12th brings extreme satisfaction in love.
LEO-July 23-Aug 22 Numbers 4,12,14,27,30,39 Venus goes into your home of love. 26th ensure passports are up to date.
Gig of the month
play of the Month
ARIES-Mar 21-Apr 19 Numbers:3,5,9,22,29,37 The planets are shifting for family harmony. 15th is a fantastic day for finance.
Longitude and the Cork Jazz Festival. A band not to be missed. One of Ireland’s most innovative and exciting bands, Kila, return to The Mermaid Arts Centre on Saturday March 22. There will be a family show at 2pm and an evening show at 8pm. Tickets for the family show are €7 or €25 for a family of four. Tickets for the evening show are €16-18. Contact the box office on 01 272 4030.
LIBRA-Sep 23-Oct 22 Numbers 3,12,13,22,26,41 Sun, Neptune & Mercury connect bringing luck. 7th Aquarius will motivate you to think outside the box. SCORPIO-Oct 23-Nov 21 Numbers 5,9,17,29,38,39 Saturn enters your home of character, time for a new look. 13th bursting with romance. SAGITTARIUS-Nov 22-Dec 21 Numbers 9,18,26,28,31,37 Venus and Aquarius are coming together bringing excitement. 19th enjoy your new company. CAPRICORN- Dec22-Jan19 Numbers 2,6,13,24,28,41 Venus and Mercury shift in Aquarius your goals are attainable. 30th your deepest inner wishes come true.
‘Pullquote here– In the Mafia, those who go against the wishes of the Dons can have a short life’
Independence, they recruit the assistance of both the Irish rebels and the local English Occupation Force to get rid of them. They soon find themselves embroiled in the conflict where neither side are afraid to use anything or anyone to their advantage. This play is a terrific mix of humour, tension and tragedy. Tickets are available at the box office at 0404 67337 or by emailing reservations@ grandhotel.ie
AQUARIUS-Jan20-Feb18 Numbers 4,14,18,27,34,36 The new celestial satellite brings new business interests. 23rd brings a surprise. PISCES-Feb19-Mar 20 Numbers 7,11,22,33,37,39 Sun and Moon shift together fun time. 16th pay attention to your lifestyle. For a live reading with Siobhan ring- : 1580 997 207. From 10am11pm (7 days a week). Over 18’s entertainment purposes €2.44 per minute.
20| LIVING
wicklowvoice.ie March 2014
my favourite things Women in Wicklow Your name? Mary holmes Your business? Ruby Seven Image Consulting. Find me at www. rubyseven.ie or call on 0879003494 What does your business offer? Image consulting and personal shopping services. Ruby Seven clients are both male and female and of all different age groups. How did you come to set up your business? While helping a friend with clothes shopping she suggested that I should make a business out of my shopping skills. In early 2007, I took a career break and happily haven’t looked back. Must have beauty product? Dermalogica cleanser and day cream. Inglot liquid eyeliner.
Go-to fashion label for workwear? Reiss and LK Bennett for everything, Fran and Jane for dresses, Austin Reid for suits. Tk Maxx. What has been the toughest moment so far? Setting up in 2006 the worst years of the recession were ahead of me. Thankfully the economy is picking up again and hopefully the best is yet to come! Best part about your job? The flexibility to work around my young daughter’s school hours and still get to spend lots of time with her. Interview with Audrey Vance
Mother’s Day is probably hallmark at it’s best and as a mother of a three year old boy... I love it!Although it’s a little over commercialised by retailers, what could be better than celebrating and honouring mothers and the influence of motherhood in our society? If someone is looking for a little something special to give on March 30th, here are a couple of ideas for every pocket...
Lie-in Bliss Ahhh, breakfast in bed. every hard-working mother’s ultimate treat if they have young kids. Add in the Sunday papers or her favourite magazine and it’s a winner. For a little bit of glamour try serving her preferred morning beverage is this stunning Paul Costello cup and saucer, available in Dunnes Stores, nationwide. Cost €12.
Crafted with Love If you’re looking to melt a Mum’s heart, try giving her a handcrafted plaque from local Wicklow artist Nodlaig
Caffery. Individually handpainted with personalised hanging hearts of the children’s names, each one is made with love and beautifully gift wrapped ready for shipping. Be sure to give at least four days notice and time for shipping but don’t leave it too late as these will get snapped up! Cost is €15 plus €2 for shipping. Check out all her latest designs on www. facebook.com/CaffreyCrafts.
Breakfast or Lunch? Being treated to a lovely lazy brunch on Mother’s Day sounds great too. With lots of
great restaurants in the Garden County it’s almost impossible to pick only one... but if you want to impress her, it’s gotta be The Three Q’s restaurant on Greystones Main Street.
WHAT’s HOT
with Audrey Vance info@wicklowvoice.ie Front of house manager and co-owner, Paul Quinn runs a wonderful boutique, bistro style eatery along with his two brothers, who man the kitchen. They don’t take bookings but it’s always worth the wait, outdoor seating available on sunny days and the food is great. Tel: 01-2875477.
Blooming marvellous Flowers are always popular for Mother’s Day and after Valentine’s it is probably one of the most expensive times to buy a bouquet. here is a lovely alternative from The Bungalow shop in Delgany. Six little glass jars in a wire crate, reminiscent of the oldfashion milk bottles, filled with a selection of country style flowers. Certainly on trend with current vintage styling, it’s a gorgeous way to give flowers. Cost: €15 for the empty jars, from €25 with flowers. www.facebook.com/ TheBungalowDelgany
Relax, relax, relax If you are looking to splash out on a luxurious treat for the Mum in your life, take a look
at the espa Spa, especially the Sunday Soother package in the 5 star Powerscourt hotel (formerly the Ritz Carlton). Therapists book up quickly so try and plan this lovely surprise early if you can. With the booking of any treatment full use of the spa is available and it’s a beautiful oasis of calm, where ‘Me-Time’ is celebrated. These personalised facials cost €95 but you can stay in the spa all day if someone is minding the kids. www.powerscourthotel.com
Picture Perfect Audrey Vance , fashion illustrator and owner of Wedding Dress Ink, has a home studio in Co. Wicklow. www.WeddingDressInk.com
don’t leave Dads out
Children
Dr Katherine O’Hanlon
Guaranteed!
When reading about pregnancy, labour and parenting one could often be forgiven for thinking that mothers are doing it all alone. At a time when men have a vital role to play, portrayal of these processes in the media can serve to heighten the sense of being “left out” that many experience when baby arrives. While many dads find they can’t be around as much as they would like, where dads are part of a child’s life their unique role in their upbringing and optimal development is hugely influential. Although it allows bonding from the first moment of life, and provides great support to your partner, labour is a nerve wracking experience and can be quite traumatic to witness. Once baby comes home, it is normal for mums to be totally preoccupied with the new arrival, and to have little headspace to think of anything, or anyone, else. This often leads to tension between partners as they negotiate the transition so keeping communication open is essential. The more involved you can become the better, both for your relationship with your partner
Alan Fogarty, Ciara Byrne (4) and Darragh Byrne (10) in the playground in Greystones. and in forging your own unique relationship with your baby. While many men feel excited and optimistic about becoming a dad, the change in the couple relationship and the responsibility of looking after another, totally dependent, human being can mean feelings of anger, jealousy and resentment pop up - often unexpectedly. Although not often talked about, at least one-in-10 men experience psychological difficulties in the perinatal period. Looking after your own needs is just as important as supporting your partner and caring for your baby. Dad’s are often best placed to provide children with the more physical, rough-and-tumble play they love. Just from spending time with you, your children (male and
female) will also start to develop beliefs about how men manage emotions, relate to others, deal with tension, treat women and children. We know that how we were parented has a major impact on the way we parent our children, so it is helpful to reflect on your upbringing. Although dads are often expected to take a leading role in discipline (“wait ‘til your father gets home!”) don’t forget discipline is about teaching and guiding, not punishing and forcing, so the calmer you are around your children the better - no matter what they’ve done! The full version of this article is on wicklowvoice.ie. Katherine is a clinical psychologist working with children, adolescents and parents at the Novara Centre in Bray. www. katherineohanlon.com
FOOD & WINE| 21
March 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
recipes of the month Chick pea and kidney bean burger, cottage cheese and greens Flour for Dusting Oil for Pan Frying
Directions
Sandeep Pandy Head Chef at Glenview Hotel Ingredients
Serves 4 For Burger Kidney Bean (boiled & cooled)- 150gms Chick Peas (boiled & cooled)150gms Red Onion (finely Chopped)50gms Red Pepper (Roasted & Chopped)- 25gm Coriander (Chopped)-10gms Skinned &Boiled Potatoes (Grated)- 200gms Cottage Cheese- 50gms Paprika-15gms Cumin Powder-15gms Sea Salt-20gms For Frying
Using a large kitchen Bowl add all the ingredients for burger together and work it with a kitchen fork in order to combine all ingredients together. Divide in four equal sections and shape them into balls. Press with palm to create a patty. Fry these burgers at medium heat on a pan drizzled with oil while turning each side 3-4times every minute for 5mins till crispy and golden brown. Serving Suggestions Brioche or multi seeded bun Mixed Leaf & Raw Vegetable (Carrot, Cucumber, Beetroot, Red Radish) Salad Greek Yoghurt 4. Arrange cubes of watermelon on the plate and place prawns on top of them 5. Garnish with lemon, a few coriander springs and drizzle with some soya sauce and sesame oil
Ingredients For the panna cotta 3 gelatine leaves 250ml oz milk 250ml oz double cream 1 vanilla pod, split lengthways, seeds scraped out 25g sugar For the sauce 175g/6oz sugar 175ml/6fl oz water splash cherry liqueur 350g/12oz raspberries To serve 4 sprigs fresh mint icing sugar, to dust Preparation method For the panna cotta, soak the gelatine leaves in a little cold water until soft. Place the milk, cream, vanilla pod and seeds and sugar into a pan and bring to a simmer. Remove the vanilla pod and discard. Squeeze the water out of the gelatine leaves, then add to the pan and take off the heat. Stir until the gelatine has dissolved. Divide the mixture among
restaurant review
Damodar Uprety and Ravi Bogati of Mt. Everest of Kathmandu won the watch, opting for the Bheda Ko Karang, or lamb chops marinated in home spices and cooked in a clay oven and served in sizzler. The lamb was melt-in-themouth tender and we nearly ordered a second helping it was
Head Chef at Sika Restaurant in The Powerscourt Hotel
Vanilla panna cotta
peak of its powers What can be said about Mt everest of Kathmandu that hasn’t been said already? It’s Ireland’s first restaurant that specialises in Himalayan cuisine, specifically Nepal and Tibet, and has been feted by Paolo Tullio of the Irish Independent, none-the-less . Although we had tried its takeaway food, myself and the boss decided to give the sitdown a try and ventured in one Saturday night to find the place packed and buzzing with a great atmosphere. While it’s a meat lovers’ paradise, there’s a great selection of vegetarian dishes too and we opted for a mixed platter for two priced at €14.95, all of which was fantastic. We’ve been convinced for years that there’s a “curse of the starters” in most restaurants – the first course is great but then the main can be fairly average. Not in this case however. My prawn jalfrezi was as good as one as I’ve had anywhere, with a deliciously tangy tomato sauce and juicy prawns cooked to perfection. As usual though, her indoors
Peter Byrne
so tasty. Washed down with a bottle of meaty Spanish red, the bill came in at less than €80. Mt Everest of of Kathmandu, 51 Main Street, Bray. T: 01 272 3331 GO’N
Mona Sataroiu and Prokopis Kaludis in their new Greek restaurant El Greco on Bray Main Street. four ramekins and leave to a hand blender, blend the sauce cool. Place into the fridge for at until smooth. least an hour, until set. Pass the sauce through a For the sauce, place the sugar, sieve into a bowl and stir in the water and cherry liqueur into remaining fruit. a pan and bring to the boil. To serve, turn each panna Reduce the heat and simmer cotta out onto a serving plate. until the sugar has dissolved. Spoon over the sauce and Take the pan off the heat and garnish with a sprig of mint. add half the raspberries. Using Dust with icing sugar.
wine choice Tesco Finest Albarino Made exclusively for Tesco by renowned producer Martin Codax, this is incredibly fresh with apple and pear flavours. Made from the Albarino grape in the Rias Baixas region in north-west Spain, this is cool and crisp; delicious with shellfish. The aroma is largely apple and floral and is fresh on the palate. The wine has pink grapefruit flavours with hints of fruit blossoms. For €13.49 in selected Tescos stores.
22 | EXERCISE
wicklowvoice.ie March 2014
Running for Beginners
How to keep going
AS we finally reach the end of the winter and hopefully experience some nice weather some of you might fancy trying running as part of your fitness routine. Running is a great way to keep fit and burn calories and is not as difficult to take up as you might think. All you need is a good pair of running shoes and some comfortable clothing and you’re ready to start!
Here are some tips to get you started: Begin by briskly walking for 30 mins. Once you can do this comfortably, introduce 1 min of jogging at intervals, as this becomes easier make the jogging intervals longer until eventually you are running for the full 30 minutes. It is important to record the length of jogging intervals each workout consists of to be able to mark your progress. Combine treadmill training with outdoor running. Treadmills are useful for beginners as they absorb some of the impact on your joints if you’re carrying an extra few pounds or are prone to injury. There is also no wind
Jean O'Shea and Phyllis Donohue from Ashford out for a jog. resistance which can make it easier to build up your fitness. You can also calculate your interval times and distances very easily. When you decide to take your running outside choose routes with some scenery that are well lit and relatively free from traffic. Smoother surfaces will reduce impact and risk of injury. A very common mistake from beginners is not varying
their routes enough. How many people do you know that walk the same route in the same direction a couple of times a week? Your body will adapt very quickly to a route so keep mixing it up to gain more from your training. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during and after your run. Always stretch after your run
to reduce soreness the next day and prevent injury. Listen to some motivational music! Team up with a training partner! So what are you waiting for? Go for a run now and take the first step to a healthier lifestyle. Jamie Begley (Shoreline leisure)
Keep your thyroid in tip top shape
rks O w Fireisplay, d i 14th ls al Fr ur w
o Harb
Big Outic day h, Civ Fun ay 15t St. rd ain SatuCentre, M
FRIday 14th – tUESday 18th March 2014
www.stpatricksfestivalbray.com
NOThInG affects your weight loss like low thyroid function. It drastically limits your energy, drive and ages you well beyond your years. It can mean you are operating at 50% of normal power – mentally and physically! It makes weight loss almost impossible because you can easily burn 400 calories less than normal per day. Thyroid hormones affect every cell in the body. low thyroid can be the root cause of depression, poor digestion, constipation, poor circulation, fatigue, poor skin and hair quality, fertility problems and low sex drive – it is connected to everything! It causes big weight gain and especially stomach fat. Nothing kills thyroid function faster than undereating! Research shows there are many cases of undiagnosed slow thyroid. Many other people are classified as ‘borderline’ but left untreated. Even those who are diagnosed and on medication are often operating below ideal level. By David McDonagh., Creator of System 10 Precision Weight Loss. www.system10weightloss. com. Phone System 10 Wicklow today @ 01 2040333 or 085 2128509
It’s February and by now, a lot of our new year’s health resolutions will have been forgotten about. For many of us, we have until next year before you will be reminded you need to take action now to safeguard your health for the future, unless a visit to the doctor gives us that kick to start again. The facts are if you are not exercising at least thre times a week for at least a half hour, you are damaging your body. The good news is, exercise is not hard once you get over the initial starting stages. The most common reason for not maintaining a programme, is that the members tried to work out alone. We know that exercising without support when you need it most produces poor results for the majority of people who try it. So if you do want the health benefits from
exercise which include: Weight Control, Improved Fitness, Better Sleep Quality, Improved Stress Handling, More Social Activities; here is our advice on how to get started again. 1. Get a fitness programme. 2. Pick days when you can exercise and treat them as appointments you can’t miss. 3. Start off with easily completed programmes. 4. Challenge yourself to enjoy the programme. 5. Exercise with a friend! 6. If you haven’t tried a gym before, try one! 7. Try new things, classes and weather permitting, sports or walking can be enjoyable. By David Heffernan of Glenview Fitness. For more information see www. glenviewhealthclub.com/ weighting-for-january/
Sport| 23
March 2014 wicklowvoice.ie
insideback
with Brian Quigley
ReJoyce as Ed plays starring role
Cricket BRAY man ed Joyce starred as Ireland’s cricket team warmed up for this month’s World Twenty20 World Cup with a historic win over defending Twenty20 World Champions West Indies last month in Sabina Park, Jamaica. every so often Ireland’s cricketers produce a performance that makes the cricket world sit up and take notice and this was one such occasion. It was fitting that it came on the ground where they beat Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup. The Twenty20 World Cup starts this month in Bangldesh and we wish ed and all the Irish team the best of luck. Ireland will also be participating in the Women’s Twenty 20 World Cup with ed’s sisters Isobel and Cecelia in the squad. Rugby Greystones chalked up further victories in Division 2B of the Ulster Bank All Ireland
Rugby League. Last month they defeated Ards 27-3 and Armagh by a 21-5 margin both at Dr hickey Park. Stones are away to Midleton and Nenagh Ormond in March which will also see them entertain De La Salle Palmerston at Dr hickey Park.
GAA It was nip and tuck between Clare and Wicklow in ennis on March 3, when Wicklow went into the match as table toppers. But after having Leighton Glynn sent off, Clare used the extra man to good effect as the game wore on. James Stafford notched a consolation for Wicklow - 2-13 to 1-08 at the finish. It was fantastic to see Wicklow making a winning start to their Allianz National Football League campaign. The Garden County won their opening two rounds, against London in Aughrim by 3-13 to 1-8 and even more impressively, away to Antrim in Ahoghill where the
home side were defeated by a 3-9 to 1-13 scoreline. Wicklow sat proudly at the top of the table going into March but the stern test away to Clare in Cusack Park, ennis has now left them sitting third at the time of going to print. . A strong League performance always bodes well for the Championship in the summer so we congratulate the entire Wicklow set-up on their positive start to the year. Soccer March sees the League proper commence and we wish the Bray Wanderers management, staff and supporters the best of luck for the new season. The first league game is away to Limerick in Thomond Park on Friday, March 7 and their first home game is on Friday, March 14 against Sligo Rovers. Between these two games they face Shelbourne in the eA Sports Cup on Monday, March 10 at Tolka Park. Alan Matthews has assembled a decent squad in
a short space of time and has really hit the ground running in his new role.
Sport and Betting There was a lot of coverage in the media cross-channel about alleged match-fixing in the lower leagues of english football recently, DJ Campbell being the most high-profile name implicated [and subsequently arrested]. Some observers went as far as to blame the legitimate domestic betting industry (the scandal involved unregulated and mysterious Far-eastern syndicates) and to call for all forms of sponsorship involving betting and gaming firms to be banned from soccer and indeed all sports. I don’t agree with that myself. Whilst it was necessary to take these measures with the tobacco industry some time ago [smoking can’t be encouraged – no further discussion needed. Early film footage of flatcapped football crowds puffing away like steam trains with
clouds of smoke forming above wooden stands is scary to watch] similar steps with the alcohol and betting industries would be unfair. The vast majority of people can drink moderately and have a bet without becoming addicted to either or undermining their health. The phrase ‘’enjoy alcohol sensibly’’ is there because it is sound advice, heeded by the majority. Ironically, having banned tobacco advertising from soccer some year’s ago, the english FA didn’t foresee the rise of electronic cigarettes which are legally classified as a smokingcessation device and so can come under the radar of the ban. hence Celtic and Derby County have both signed deals with e-Lites, allowing their electronic cigarettes to be sold in their stadiums. And Southern League club Merthyr Town have renamed their ground as part of a sponsorship deal with an electronic cigarette company.
Pennydarren Park is now the Cigg-e stadium. heaven help us if that kind of fate was ever to befall the Carlisle Grounds or Dr hickey Park!
Social Media and Sports stars. In the modern world of sport where the elite are superstars earning vast salaries a disconnect has developed between the ordinary fan and the sportspersons themselves. how can you identify with someone earning millions when you are struggling to survive and vice versa? Social media has inadvertently helped break down these barriers, although not always in the right way. It’s one thing asking your favourite player to retweet your birthday celebration and being delighted when Rio or Wayne obliges, but another feeling that you have the right to direct abuse at sportspersons if they have a bad game or if you simply don’t like them.
24|
wicklowvoice.ie March 2014