wicklowvoice overall business of the year at the bray chamber of Commerce endeavour awards
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Donnelly Stephen
Unit 5, Idea House, Killarney Road Business Park, Bray
VOTE
Care for children & adults Support for nurses & doctors Respect for taxpayers' money
d n a l e r I An for all Vote No. 2 Pat Casey
wicklowvoice.ie January 31, 2020
wicklowvoice overall business of the year at the bray chamber of Commerce endeavour awards
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Top doctors target Health Minister
Hospital consultants launch campaign ahead of election The Irish Hospitals Consultants Association (IHCA) have taken out full and half page advertisements in all local newspapers in County Wicklow targeting the health service and Minister Simon Harris ahead of the General Election on Februay 8. When contacted, the IHCA said that the #CareCan’tWait campaign is being run nationwide and that the ads are appearing in both national and local newspapers throughout the country. However in Wicklow, the home constituency of Mr Harris, the IHCA is running the ads in all local newspapers in the county - Wicklow Voice (see opposite page), Wicklow Times, Bray People and Wicklow People for the two weeks ahead of the poll. The hard-hitting ads show a picture of what appears to be a morgue with three trolleys beside the words ‘Government
Sean Dorgan, Minister for Health Simon Harris, Sarah James and Audrey Houlihan at the opening Wicklow Hospice last week Inaction Is Bad For Your Health’. Below that in very large type it says ‘118,367 Patients treated on trolleys in 2019’ and ‘1,000,000 million people on waiting lists’. A separate 1200-word press release from the IHCA says that at recent face-to-face talks with Minister Harris it appealed to him to:
• Immediately address bed and consultant shortages. • A commitment to open 800 public hospital beds within two years and fast-track an additional 2,600 hospital beds by end 2025. • Commit to and resource a maximum waiting time of four hours at Emergency Departments to be admitted to an inpatient bed if needed,
discharged home or transferred to an appropriate service. • Commit to and resource a maximum waiting time of 18 weeks following a GP referral for a consultant outpatient appointment and for inpatient/ day-case public hospital treatment. • End failed Government policy of consultant pay discrimination that has caused 500 unfilled permanent consultant posts and added to the misery of one million people waiting for treatment and hundreds languishing on trolleys daily. The Wicklow constituency is also the home of Fianna Fail Health spokesperson Stephen Donnelly. The publishing of the ads is being seen locally as a direct attack on the Minister with one Fine Gael activist saying “it hasn’t gone down well at all.” Continued on next page
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04| NEWS news in brief Rathmichael Historical Society The next meeting of the Rathmichael Historical Society, the local history society for Shankill, Ballybrack, and the surrounding area, takes place at 8pm on Wednesday February 5th in Rathmichael National School when Dominic Lee will present his lecture ‘The Life and Times of William Orpen’ - all welcome, admission €5. Members are of the Society are reminded that annual membership subscriptions for 2020 fell due for renewal on January 1st and can be renewed at this meeting or any meeting of the Society.
wicklowvoice.ie January 31, 2020
We did it! Local bridal store wins top award
Shankill Classicla Music Club
The next meeting will be on February 5. Classical music on CDs: all genres orchestral, instrumental, vocal, opera etc. Usual venue: Shankill Day Centre, Lower Rd, Shankill, 7.45-10.00 pm. 100 yds from the main street, car parking available. Visitors and new members always welcome. €2on the night, tea and biscuits at the interval. Just come along, or see further details of the club on www.shankillclassical.org
A leading local bridal boutique is celebrating this weekend after it come out tops at the Irish Wedding Awards. Dreamy Curves in Bray won both ‘Best Leinster Boutique’ and overall ‘Best Boutique of the Year’ at the gala black-tie event at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport Hotel. The boutique was opened in 2018 by Niki Donohoe, who identified a gap in the market for curvier people within the bridal market in Ireland.
Speaking after her double win, Niki said: “We are over the moon to be recognised by our peers as Leinster and Ireland’s best boutique, especially as we are relatively new to the industry. “I would like to thank my team who have worked tirelessly to make the business such a success as well as our amazing customers who voted for us.” Niki added: “There is limited choice and availability for curvy girls in bridal and
occasion wear across Ireland and it is important when you are looking for that special dress, that you can try on a variety of styles and feel beautiful and special. “I believe that I have sourced ranges in the Bridal, Bridesmaids, Mother of the Bride and Evening gowns/ Debs sector which fit this brief and by coupling it with excellent customer service, and a beautiful boutique environment we are growing in popularity.
Docs target Minister Continued from previous page
When contacted by the Wicklow Voice, Minister Harris’s office replied with the following statement: “Minister Harris wants to increase capacity in the Irish health service. This year, we will open over 100 beds but we know it is not enough. We have a plan to increase capacity and open 2,600 more beds over the coming years. “We want to hire more doctors. Under the Slaintecare plans, we want to transform the way our health service is run. Minister Harris does not believe it is fair that consultants can engage in private work in our public hospitals. This is why from mid2020, we will begin the process of hiring 1,000 new consultants on public only contracts. This will begin to end the two-tier health system. Minister Harris acknowledges the frustration many people feel regarding the difficulties in our health service. But we now have a plan to fix it. A plan that has the support of our doctors, nurses and all political parties. Minister Harris encourages people to stick with the plan as it will transform health services in this country for the staff and crucially for the patient.”
I didn’t mean for him to die, says stab suspect “I didn’t mean for him to die.” Those are the words Sarah Doyle, the wife of Philip Doyle, said to Gardai after she was charged with the “production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury namely a chef’s knife.” Mrs Doyle was charged with an offence contrary to Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990, after her husband Philip died following a violent incident at a house in Ramsgate Village in Gorey at the weekend. The 31-year-old appeared before Gorey District Court with her family and her solicitor where she was granted bail. As part of her bail conditions, Judge Gerard Furlong agreed hat her passport would be surrendered within 24 hours, that she lodge €500 in cash and
agree to sign at Bray Garda Station between 9 am and 9 pm twice weekly. Mrs Doyle said she would adhere to a curfew from 11 pm to 8 am and she would remain at an address in Bray. The accused will appear again in court on April 15. Judge Furlong added that she was subject to good behaviour and that a Garda could call to the address at any time and that she would have to present herself. The father-of-three (33), who was originally from Bray, died after the incident at a house in the Ramsgate Village estate in Gorey early on the morning of Sunday, January 26. Anyone with information can contact Gorey Garda Station on 053-9430690 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
A hugely popular Wicklow start-up which pairs people with highly friendly and fluffy animals is looking to move its business to the next level. K2 Alpaca Farm on Upper at Callowhill Newtownmountkennedy has been granted permission by Wicklow County Council to add self-catering accommodation to the farm allowing people more time with the charming Alpacas. The local authority has given
the Alpaca farm owner, Joe Phelan, permission to demolish an existing derelict farm outbuildings to create seven self-catering cottages. The Alpaca farm and its famous Alpaca and Prosecco Trek is rated the ‘number one tour to take’ in Wicklow on Tripadvisor – this however only lasts one day. The cottages when built will give tourists more access to and time with the lovable South American animals.
Alpaca farm wants to build cottages
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06 | news in brief Contract signed for harbour study The contract for a study on Bray Harbour has been signed. Funding for exploratory work on the harbour was approved by members of Bray Municipal District Council in 2018. Yesterday council leaders signed off the contract with the RPS Group. The project requires the consultant to: • Carry out detailed survey; • Report on the options available to protect the harbour from storm conditions; • Look into options to provide additional berthing facilities, including the possibility of providing a short term drop on/drop off berth for a small passenger vessel plying between different harbours within an hour or so of Bray.
Pluck’s plan KO’d Plans to build a restaurant, office, retail, and apartment development onto a landmark county Wicklow pub have been refused. Clearwater Properties Ltd submitted plans to Wicklow County Council to build the mixed-use development, which would involve the demolition of an existing outbuilding on the site of Pluck’s bar and restaurant in Kilmacanogue.
wicklowvoice.ie January 31, 2020
Picture shows young family Local Gardai crammed into one bedroom to get device
that can detact if car tax paid
A Wicklow TD has shared a picture showing a room a young family have crammed into as the housing crisis takes centre stage in the general election campaign. The picture shared by Sinn Féin TD John Brady shows a cramped box room with a bunk bed, a double bed, and a cot, which the family are sleeping in. Deputy Brady said three generations of the same family are all crammed under
the one roof. He attacked the Government’s record on housing and said the family’s living conditions aren’t “an isolated incident” in Wicklow. He said: “The official homeless figure is 10,448, whilst this figure is shocking and disgraceful, it’s only the tip of the iceberg. “The picture is of the box room which a family live in, its in their parents home. Mam and dad sleep on the bottom bunk, one child on the
top, and the cot is at the end of the bed. The family are at breaking point. “This is not an isolated case, it’s unfortunately happening right across Wicklow. People lingering for years on housing lists. Can’t afford to rent privately. “Slightly above the income threshold to qualify for social housing, but not enough to rent or purchase their own home. Impossible to find HAP or RAS properties.”
Wicklow gardai will soon be armed with new technology that will allow them detect vehicles without valid tax, insurance and NCT - and to recognise disqualified drivers. The rollout fof the crimebusting app follows the successful trial of 50 devices in the Limerick Garda division. The app is now being rolled out on 2,000 Garda devices nationwide, with 484 of these being earmarked for the eastern region which includes Wicklow. The new technology will be distributed among the Road Policing Unit. The app will allow gardai when they stop a vehicle to instantly check whether the driver is fully licensed, whether they are insured, whether the car is taxed, insured and NCT’d, and whether the driver is disqualified or not. It will also allow officers to issue fixed charge penalties from
A law designed to jail people who vandalise defibrillators needs to be passed urgently to put a stop to the mindless destruction of AED units, Bray Cardiac First Responders (BCFR) have said. And voters should tackle their TDs and general election candidates as they call to doorsteps in the last few days of the campaign, a spokesperson for BCFR told Wicklow Voice. Earlier this week, vandals smashed the glass of an AED unit in SuperValu Bray but failed to break the defibrillator itself. “Currently there is a legal bill stuck in the system for nearly two years called the Lifesaving
Bill that will impose large fines and possibly prison sentences for people convicted of interfering with AEDs and life buoys. “While all CFR groups are non political we would encourage our supporters to pass on to canvassers at the doorsteps that this bill needs to be progressed.” The country has been hit by a swathe of attacks on the vital devices - Wicklow alone has now seen four incidents in just 12 months. In December thugs stole and dumped a defibrillator from Centra in Rathnew, while in October, one was vandalised in the Vevay area of Bray and another was wrecked on Strand Road in June.
the roadside. It is estimated there are up to 150,000 uninsured drivers on Irish roads. According to reports, some 80% of motorists issued with driving bans fail to hand over their license. It is expected more of the new devices will be rolled out later in 2020.
Tell your TDs to pass defibb law, responders say
“On Sunday evening into Monday morning someone set fire to newspapers at the side door of SuperValu in Castle Street shopping centre,” the spokesperson said. “They also smashed in the window of the AED cabinet. Thankfully the AED unit is OK and in full working order. “While the panel in the door of the cabinet is not costly and our suppliers of the cabinet Eirmed in Cork have offered to provide it free of charge, it still means that the cabinet is out of use for a couple of days. “The AED is still available during the opening hours of SuperValu from the customer service desk. “This is not the first time that Bray CFR has suffered damage to our lifesaving AEDs around the town and it has also happened to many CFR groups around the country.”
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08 | news in brief Landfill looks to extend planning A Wicklow landfill site has applied to extend its planning permission until 2026. Ballynagran Landfill Ltd is looking to extend the duration of its planning permission on a section of its landfill site at Ballynagran, around five kilometres south-west of Wicklow Town. The application is to the extend the period of permission on 31 hectares of engineered residual landfill to accept 180,000 tonnes per annum of non-hazardous waste for 15 years along with its ancillary facilities.
wicklowvoice.ie January 31, 2020
Well done all: Hospice finally opens its doors
Tesco stores scrap multipack wrappers
Tesco Ireland has announced that it will become the first retailer in the country to remove plastic-wrapped multipacks, sold across its 151 national and six Wicklow stores in Wicklow, Kilcoole, Gretstones, Arklow, two in Bray, and online. The supermarket claims this will see 1.5m multipacks of Tesco own-label and branded tinned beans, tuna, soup, and tomatoes sold without plastic wrap each year. “We are working hard to remove all unnecessary and non-recyclable plastic from Tesco,” Tesco Ireland, CEO, Kari Daniels, says.
Chair of Wicklow Hospice Foundation, Sean Dorgan, clinical nurse manager Sarah James and Chief Executive of Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services Audrey Houlihan celebrating the official opening of Wicklow Hospice. Pic : Conor McCabe Photography Take a bow, Wicklow. After 11 years, millions of euro raised and countless volunteer hours, Wicklow Hospice opened its doors for the first time on Friday, January 24. “This is an important milestone for the people of Wicklow and another positive step for palliative care in Ireland,”
Chief Executive of Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services (OLH&CS), Audrey Houlihan said. “This development will transform patients and families’ quality of life and meet the changing care needs of this and future generations in the local community.
Sinead “Our Tarmey Lady’s and Bill Hospice Porter & Care Services celebrated its 140th anniversary last year and is delighted to welcome Wicklow Hospice to its family, alongside Harold’s Cross Hospice and Blackrock Hospice.” Minister for Health Simon Harris officially cut the ribbon on what will be the first specialist palliative care facility in the county, providing 15 public beds for those with life-limiting conditions. Wicklow Hospice’s 15 inpatient public beds and specialist Community Palliative Care team will provide care for patients and families across the county (excluding West Wicklow, which comes under St Brigid’s Hospice in Kildare) when it opens to patients in April this year. “This is a truly wonderful achievement by the people of Wicklow,” Chair of Wicklow Hospice Foundation, Sean Dorgan said. “We are humbled by the efforts of groups and individuals from around the county who have
Chris de Burgh with his wife Diane and Chief Executive of Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services Audrey Houlihan. Pic: Conor McCabe
Gerry Walsh, Dr Brendan Cuddihy, Tom O’Sullivan and Sean Olohan Pic: Michael Kelly come together to realise this dream to construct a stateof-the-art specialist palliative care facility for the people of the county.” Speaking after the opening, general election candidate for Sinn Féin John Brady
Bill Porter with General candidates Valerie Cox and John Brady
Coronas to headline festival
A brand new festival headlined by The Coronas is set to take place over the August bank holiday weekend in Bray. Called No Where We’d Rather Be, it will be held in Killruddery House & Gardens on July 31 and August 1. The band are currently queueing up to launch their brand new album in May,
which is currently unnamed, having not released new music in a number of months. The Coronas’ are now a three piece after Dave McPhillips announced he was leaving the band due to the hectic touring schedule. The announcement of the new festival will cast fresh speculation over the future of Groove Festival which was last held in 2018 but was set
to return this year between August 1 and 2. The Coronas will be joined by special guests Tom Walker, Hudson Taylor, LYRA, Gabrielle Aplin, Aimée, Somebody’s Child, Thanks Brother and True Tides. Tickets for Now Where We’d Rather Be are €55.85 incl. booking fee, and go on sale January 31, at 9am from Ticketmaster.
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Property 2020: Special report
Civil & Public Servant Mortgages Advertorial
With the Central Bank mortgage lending rules capped at 3.5 times salary, if you are Public Sector Employee then Platinum Mortgages can offer you a higher mortgage approval figure by leveraging your income based on your pre-set salary scales. How does it work? Allowable Income for Civil & Public Servants Basic Salary: 100%. Basic taken as two points up Pay Scale Overtime: 100% of regular overtime earned Allowances: 100% of contractual allowances Other Income: Up to 100% (On a Case by Case basis) Civil & Public Servants Accepted for the Public Sector Mortgage Offering Department of Agriculture,
Food and the Marine Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation Department of Children and Youth Affairs Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Department of Defence Department of Education and Skills Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection Department of Finance Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Department of Health Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government Department of Justice and Equality Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Department of Rural and Community Development Department of the
Taoiseach Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport Other State Bodies/Agencies Irish Coast Guard The Arts Council Office of the Attorney General Central Bank of Ireland Irish National Meteorological Service National Mapping Agency National Consumer Agency National Roads Authority Environmental Protection Agency National Oil Reserves Agency Central Statistics Office Ireland Office of the Information Commissioner, Ireland
Finance House, Florence Rd, Bray, Co. Wicklow, A98 AK23 Phone: (01) 286 5211
Averages pri
Property prices in Wicklow have increased by €5,000 in the last quarter, according to the latest MyHome.ie Property Report in association with Davy. The report for Q4 2019 shows that the median asking price for a property in the county has gone up to €335,000 from €330,000 in Q3. It also increased by €15,000 compared to this time last year. This is the highest price recorded since Q4 2010. The asking prices for 3-bed semi-detached houses in the county have fallen by €5,000 this quarter, to €320,000. However, prices for this house type have increased by €21,000 compared to this time last year, when they stood at €299,000. Meanwhile, the asking price for a 4-bed semi-detached house in Wicklow have gone up by €10,000 in the last quarter, and now stand at €435,000. The price went up by €60,000 compared to this time last year. The number of properties for
house of the week
€385,000, 9 The Grove Woodbrook Glen, Bray, Wicklow Mitchell Douglas are pleased to present 9 The Grove to the market. The property has been upgraded over the years with many additional features including. Double glazed windows, new front door, new boiler system, fitted with attractive wardrobes in Main Bedroom, lovely fitted Bathroom and Kitchen. The property is situated in a cul-de-sac with off street parking to front and side pedestrian ac-
cess. The accommodation comprises of an entrance. Hallway with door leading to the Livingroom with feature fireplace, archway to spacious Kitchen/Diningroom. Upstairs there are three Bedrooms and a modern fitted Bathroom Gas fired central heating Gardens in lawns to rear with garden shed The property is only a short drive to motorway for easy commute to Dublin and beyond
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wicklowvoice.ie January 31, 2020
ces up €5,000 sale in Wicklow on MyHome. ie decreased by 25% in the last quarter and by 14% compared to this time last year. The average time for a property to go sale agreed in the county after being placed up for sale now stands at nearly 5 months. The author of the report, Conall MacCoille, Chief Economist at Davy, said that the slowdown in house price inflation was to be welcomed and was inevitable given stretched affordability. “Central Bank rules have stopped first-time buyers taking out too much mortgage debt and should lead to more realistic asking prices. Our analysis shows that the average residential transaction in Ireland (€292,000) is now 6.8x the average income of €43,000. This is only slightly below the UK’s ratio of 7x. This is the first time since 2012 that Ireland’s house-price-to-income ratio has declined. “While there has been a 13%
fall in new instructions to sell and an 11% drop in the total number of homes listed for sale, there are positives in the market. Mortgage lending to first-time buyers is up 15% in the first three quarters and transaction volumes in the €300,000-€400,000 price range are up 7% in the capital,” he said. “It is also encouraging to see homebuilding completions rose
Central Bank rules have stopped first-time buyers taking out too much mortgage debt and should lead to more realistic asking prices
above 20,000 for the first time in the 12 months to September, and housing starts went above 26,000.” Angela Keegan, Managing Director of MyHome.ie, said it was welcome that clarity was emerging regarding Brexit and Central Bank mortgage lending rules. “For most of the year, we understandably saw prospective purchasers being reluctant to take the plunge due to these two unresolved issues, leading to sluggish house price inflation. The clarity we now have will likely lead to more settled price expectations and a stabilisation of residential transactions in 2020. “It remains to be seen how the Central Bank’s decision to keep mortgage rules unchanged and indeed Brexit will affect the Irish market in the long term, but at least now purchasers can plan without being fearful of any sudden shocks.” Full details of the report can be found at www.myhome.ie/ reports
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wicklowvoice.ie January 31, 2020
generalelections2020
Positive mental health is crucial
F
ine Gael in government has tragically failed people across Wicklow and Ireland. Suicide is the leading cause of death for (specifically) men under the age of 45. This is a shameful indictment of the Fine Gael-Fianna Fáil establishment. I am committed to tackling the structural causes of mental health difficulties and if elected to Daíl Eireann this will be one of his key priorities to work on for all the people of Wicklow. Too many people are suffering with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Séamus has seen first-hand how this lack of governing has seriously affected some of his friends and family. I hiked over 800km in June and July 2017 from the French side of the Pyrennes Mountains all the way across the width of Spain from East to West to raise much needed funds for the Irish Mental Health Charity Aware. I created a YouTube online VLOG (Search ‘Camino for
Wicklow teachers in primary and second level schools, whose pupils take part in the annual Texaco Children’s Art Competition, are reminded that the closing date for receipt of entries this year is February 28. Last year almost 700 pupils from schools in Co Wicklow submitted entries to the Competition
Seamus Connor Aware’ to see his daily video logs) and was absolutely delighted to raise nearly €4,500 for the charity by the time he returned home to Ireland. I believe positive mental health is crucial for a safe, happy and successful society. So much that is wrong in society; anti-social behaviour, drug abuse and addiction, gangs, violence, self harm and suicide, loneliness and depression find there roots in low self-esteem and a sense of worthlessness among individuals. his is a sad truth and I believe we should be doing far more to help all the people in Wicklow when it comes to their mental health. As a TD I would focus on pro-
viding more free sports and recreation facilities for our people to improve mental health. As a Secondary School Teach-
er with 14 years experience I welcome the new ‘Wellbeing’ syllabus in all our schools and I will ensure this pro-
gramme of education (physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing) is successfully rolled out and flourishes which
will benefit both our young people but also our community as a whole too. As a TD I want to fight for more professionally trained psychologists and counsellors for people in crisis situations across our county. I would ensure family and friends have much clearer guidelines on what they can do if they discover a loved one, family member or a friend are suffering from depression or suicidal ideation.” As a TD, I will make mental and physical health priority issues and hold those in power to account for their shortcomings. I will work tirelessly to support recreational and sports opportunities for all the people of County Wicklow. I believe that such resources would be invaluable for both physical and mental health, especially for young people in County Wicklow. We live in an age where smartphones, Ipads and social media platforms dominate far too much of young people’s time, to the detriment of social interactions, physical and mental health.
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PARKING CHARGE NOTICE GLENDALOUGH VISITOR CENTRE CAR PARK With effect from Saturday February 1st 2020, parking charges will apply at the Glendalough Visitor Centre carpark. This is designed to cover the costs of new security and carpark management measures at the site. Public carparks near Glendalough will be in operation in 2020 at the following locations: Area
Carpark Name
Parking Details
OPW Visitor Centre
Glendalough Parking Charges will apply during the following dates; • February 1st to March 8th (inclusive) Weekends (Saturday and Sunday only) • March 14th to November 1st (inclusive). Daily parking charges will apply. • November 7th to January 31st 2021 (inclusive) (Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays only) Outside of these dates The Car park is free.
Wicklow Upper Lake, Car Parking Charges at Co. Council Glendalough all times. Carpark The DAY RATE charge at Glendalough Visitor Centre carpark will be; • €4 Cars • €25 for Buses (Greater than 20 seats) • €15 for Minibuses (Less than 20 seats) • €15 Camper Vans Visitors to the Glendalough Visitor Centre will be refunded this charge on their Admission fee.
COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHILL MHANTÁIN WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to form panels from which the following vacancies may be filled:
• PERMANENT CRAFTWORKER PLUMBER REF: 09/2020 Salary €643.52 to €752.99 gross per week Application Forms and further details may be obtained from Enterprise & Corporate Services at 0404 20159 or by emailing recruitment@wicklowcoco.ie and on the Wicklow County Council website www.wicklow.ie CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS IS 12 NOON ON THURSDAY 20TH FEBRUARY 2020 SHARP. Wicklow County Council reserves the right to shortlist candidates in the manner it deems most appropriate. Wicklow County Council Is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Thomas Murphy, Director Of Services Enterprise & Corporate Services Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Wicklow Phone: 0404 20159, Fax: 0404 20112 e-mail: recruitment@wicklowcoco.ie
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wicklowvoice.ie January 31, 2020
WILDLIFE
with Justin Ivory
Go wild in 2020 – Part 4
Welcome to part 4 and the final part of our Go Wild in 2020 series, as we continue our list of simple actions you can take to make your garden a wilder and more environmentally friendly place in 2020. 10. Planting for Pollinators Beautiful butterflies, buzzing bees and mysterious moths, along with other pollinators (such as hoverflies, flies, wasps etc.) need nectar rich flowers to feed on. Plant a wide range of species, so that there are flowers available every season of the year. As much as possible stick to native wildflowers. Make sure any plants and seeds you purchase are of native stock and harvested legally and sustainably.
ninenottomiss book of the week
tv show of the week
film of the week
HOROSCOPES
scrublands
Herstory Monday 3 February, RTE1 8.30pm
Little Women Released 23 January 2020
An isolated country town ravaged by drought, a charismatic young priest opens fire on his congregation, killing five men before being shot dead himself. A year later, journalist Martin Scarsden arrives in Riversend to write a feature on the anniversary of the tragedy. But the stories he hears from the locals don’t fit with the accepted version of events. Just as Martin believes he is making headway, a shocking discovery rocks the town. The bodies of two backpackers - missing since the time of the massacre - are found in the scrublands. The media descends on Riversend and Martin is the one in the spotlight.
New series. Episode 1: Lady Mary Heath The stories of six remarkable Irishwomen, beginning with Lady Mary Heath. The Co Limerick native was the first woman to hold a commercial flying licence in the British Isles and the first to parachute from an aeroplane, and also was one of the founders of the Women’s Amateur Athletic Association of England.
Writer-director Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) has crafted a Little Women that draws on both the classic novel and the writings of Louisa May Alcott, and unfolds as the author’s alter ego, Jo March, reflects back and forth on her fictional life. In Gerwig’s take, the beloved story of the March sisters – four young women each determined to live life on her own terms -- is both timeless and timely. Portraying Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth March, the film stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, with Timothée Chalamet as their neighbor Laurie, Laura Dern as Marmee, and Meryl Streep as Aunt March.
TaurusThe sky’s the limit. Explore, grow and reinforce longdistance connections. Expand your terrain in new directions.
gig of the week
festival of the week
CancerLove inspires your collaboration. Confess dreams and crazy ideas. Align on the easiest option and run with it.
by Chris Hammer
concert of the week Plant flowers to attract pollinators like this beautiful Red Admiral butterfly (Photo Justin Ivory)
11. Don’t forget the caterpillars There is little point planting loads of flowers for adult butterflies and moths to feed on if there is no foodplants for their caterpillars. Each species lays their eggs on the plants that the newly hatched caterpillars will feed on. These food plants are quite specific from species to species. Nettles, ivy, holly and cuckoo-flower and are some of the best butterfly caterpillar foodplants.
GeminiProvide support and contribution to grow a collaborative venture. Invest for solid gain. A lucky break offers a dreamy financial opportunity. Show up.
LeoYou can generate any result you’re willing to work for, within physical limitations. Healthy routines pay longterm benefits. ALINA BZHEZHINSKA QUARTET 8th February 8:00 pm, Courthouse Arts Centre Tinahely Co. Wicklow. COST:€15/€13
ROB STRONG BAND 8th February 8:00 pm The Beach House GreyStones Harbour, COST:€14 - €16
BRAY COMEDY FESTIVAL 12th February 2020 @ 5:30 pm – 16th February 2020 @ 10:00 pm www.braycomedyfest.ie/
Alina Bzhezhinska and her quartet bring a new perspective to this supposedly dainty instrument, taking the ground-breaking work of Alice Coltrane in the 1960s as a steppingoff point for her own flighty improvisations and sonic adventures. Capable of high-octane lapel-grabbing statements, she can also create extraordinary lyricism and soul within her own compositions and this versatility and curiosity has marked her out as a pioneer in the field of Jazz Harp. Constantly challenging the notion of boundaries in music, roughing up the harp with tones and textures that would ruffle many an angel wing.
He may be 72 years old this year but Rob Strong, as his name suggests, is still going strong! The Derry native with the sensational blues/soul voice, is celebrating an amazing 55 years on the road this year! From fronting The Plattermen to The Rockets, Rob actually turned down an offer to join Deep Purple! After touring Ireland’s finest theatres last year with Don Baker to huge acclaim, Rob continues to perform in this, his fifty fifth year on the road, with that same distinctive voice that saw him mesmerise audiences all those years ago!
What started with a few gags in The Harbour Bar, has spread its wings beyond its birthplace, and returns for another from Feb 12 – 16, 2020. Bray Comedy Festival gets bigger and funnier every year with more of the best comedy acts bringing belly laughs and banter to Bray. Join us to laugh out loud with Ireland’s best known jokers and the crème de la crème of new Irish funny talent. Highlights include Jason Bryne, enya Martin, Andrew Maxwell, David McSavage, the Improv All Stars and Nonsense of Ireland,
hike of the week
course of the week
foodie of the week
VirgoGet inspired with a renovation. Home beautification projects flower. Realize an idea you’ve been dreaming about. Research options. LibraPut together a dreamy moment with someone you love. Deepen your relationship with an unforgettable shared experience. ScorpioArticulate your vision and inspire participation. Discuss the results you’d love to see realized. New opportunities arise. Sagittarius-
Cuckoo-flower – food plant of the Orange Tip caterpillar (Photo Justin Ivory)
12. Plant trees, shrubs and hedgerows If space allows plant a selection of native trees, shrubs and hedgerows. These will provide shelter and food for many animals. Pick a selection of species that provide a range of fruit, nuts and berries. Trees and shrubs also help to sequester carbon from the atmosphere. 13. Avoid peat-based products Peat extraction destroys important habitats so avoid using peat-based products in the garden and use other more sustainable and less damaging alternatives instead. 14. Start Composting Following on from the above why don’t you start making your own garden compost by creating a compost heap or using a dedicated composter.
AriesA professional dream opportunity beckons. Take new territory. Reinforce foundational structures and elaborate upon their framework.
Silver flows your way. Divert some into longerterm savings. Your past work reflects you well. Discuss dreams with family.
PLANT BASED @ BALLYKNOCKEn 8th February 2020 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Ballyknocken House, Glenealy
Little Sugarloaf & Bray Head Saturday, February 8, 10:30 AM – 3 PM Belmont Demesne Lower Windgates, Greystones,
Tuesday, February 4, 7 PM – 8:30 PM www.melissashealing.ie
Vegan cookery class full of delicious fast seasonal recipes. We use what is best in season & from our garden with super TASTY result! All recipes are subject to seasonal ingredients. Includes: • Tea/coffee with Ballyknocken Lemon Drizzle Slices • Learn key kitchen skills & enjoy a demonstration of signature dish(es) • Hands on informative and fun class • Take home a full suite of recipes • Light lunch or tasting plate • Support from our Tutors • Signed Ballyknocken Certificate of Completion. www.ballyknocken.ie
Meeting point Belmont Demesne Baked Arthur’s Barn cafe 10am. From here we’ll make our way on the new Belmont walking trail as we make our way up for the Little Sugar loaf. . We will make our way down to more forest trails on our way through kilruddery estate and back up for Bray Head.Making our way across BrayHead to pick up the Belmont way trail and make our for windgates and back to the Belmont Demesne. €20 pp. Places must be booked in advance. Limited to12 places. Damien on 0894647889.
This 4 week mindfulness course is for anyone interested in exploring the benefits of mindfulness from complete beginners to advanced. Most of our worry and anxiety is about living in the past or worrying about the future so in this course you will receive techniques to re-training yourself to live more in the moment with simply mindful exercises. Meditations will be seated. Compassion and self-care will be a highlight of this course. Learn how to befriend yourself with compassion and loving kindness.
Mindfulness Self care and Compassion
CapricornTry a different power tactic or style. Make a personal change. A goal long-desired lies within sight. Show up and do your best. AquariusRestore your physical, mental and spiritual energy with natural beauty and peaceful productivity. Include soothing music. PiscesProvide leadership with a community project. Play a role in realizing a dream. Share and have fun without overindulging.
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wicklowvoice.ie January 31, 2020
insideback
Is Niall a knight in shining armour?
T
he appointment of Niall Quinn as deputy chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is to be welcomed, even if it seems to be an interim appointment. Whilst Quinn’s elevation to the post has been mooted for months, it is nonetheless a relief to finally get him into position. Quinn is the right person to take on the role at this juncture. He’s the right person to get the Association up off its knees after the devastation wrought on it (and by extension, our confidence in it) by the chicanery, greed and amateurism of the Delaney era. I’m no fool. I’m not expecting Quinn to have a magic wand. I don’t have unrealistic expectations about what he can achieve. But he has my support because of who he is – one of the most high-profile footballers we have produced, one of our own and someone with experience of the business of soccer to complement his stellar playing career. Quinn is undoubtedly a good
guy who will do his best. His people skills will ensure the right debates will be had, and that the right people will be involved in them. No more closed doors and secret manoeuvrings, no more cover-ups, no more fear of authority, no more spin to paper over the cracks of a lack of substance. The domestic league here has to be sorted out. Should it be spun off from the FAI, perhaps to receive its own government funding, Lottery money etc. to assist it? Should the FAI help facilitate a debate about an all-island league? Should we revert to a singledivision format, even if our UEFA co-efficient suffers? Too many clubs have struggled for too long here, surviving hand to mouth and then only by the determination of dedicated volunteers. Our international side has had many fine glory days in the past, and we are thought of the world over as a soccerloving nation who can produce players of quality and fans to be welcomed. We want to see our national
Stephen Cotter, Chief Operations Officer, CIE Tours International, presents the CIE Tours Award of Excellence to Patrick Ross and George McClafferty, Glendalough Visitor Centre, at the CIE Tours International 30th Annual Awards
side succeed again, not read about stadium debts, cooked books and fiddled accounts. Quinn can help us there; he has been to Euros and World Cups and no doubt wants to see us back there. As I said, I have no illusions that Niall Quinn will be a panacea for all the FAI’s ills. He is there primarily for PR reasons. There is nothing wrong with that. An organisation as toxic as the FAI is post-Delaney needs not just an injection of positive PR, but a full-on head-to-toe PR overhaul. Quinn is the man for the job, the man to bring back the sponsors and get us back believing. - Brian Quigley
wicklowvoice.ie January 31, 2020
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20 | wicklowvoice.ie January 31, 2020