no7a

Caherslee Area Plan
As stated in the September edition (Vol. 1 No. 6) it was proposed to the Major that there was an immediate need to begin the
process of developing an area plan for the general Caherslee-Mounthawk areas. Caherslee Community News can reveal that as far
back as 1996 the suggestion to plan development in our area was brought before the then UDC (Town Council). This did not
happen. The results are that we have had and still have piecemeal development in our area. We have serious traffic congestion. We
do not have adequate open spaces or amenity areas proportionate to the population in our area.
Why has such a situation arisen – public representatives have not taken notice of the just needs and concerns of people in this area.
There has not been any public representative living this area in many years, who has taken a proactive interest in our area.
It is for these reasons that, those of us who are interested enough should be prepared to be proactive by lobbying effectively, with
one voice, the appropriate authorities so that we can develop and enhance our community.

Golf Society
During the next meeting on the 22nd November 2005 the Golf Society for the residents of the area will be established. If you are
interested please do attend this meeting in The Grand Hotel, Tralee at 8.30pm.

Contact Us
Do you have a story to tell? Do you have an issue or concern you want to express, tell us.
Do you have some new ideas you want to share? Do you wish to sell something? Did you lose something? Do you wish to
advertise your business-service-trade?
info@cahersleenews.com or
Tel. /Text 087 - 76 152 76

Update on ‘Umbrella Group’ – Area Council Meeting on 3rd October 2005
24 Interested Residents from our area, out of an estimated 2,500 population, attended this meeting in The Grand Hotel. Many issues
of concern to all residents were discussed. The formation of a Council or representative body was postponed until the next meeting
to allow more people the opportunity to voice their concerns and to become involved.
As has already been stated the purpose of this Council is to ensure that the quality of life and the environment in our area is
maintained and improved where possible.
If current plans for development in our area go ahead then the likelihood of increased traffic congestion and the devaluing of
property is very real.
This Council when formed will be in a position to represent all residents in our area and it will act proactively to ensure that that the
future development of our area will be positive for all.
It is important that as many people as possible living in our area get involved or at least attend the meetings. The Council will hold
meetings for residents initially on three occasions annually unless there is a need to hold more meetings, depending on the needs at
any one time. In order to ensure that this Community Council is representative of the whole area we appeal to all residents to make
the effort to attend the next meeting – on Tuesday 22nd November 2005 The Grand Hotel, Denny Street, Tralee at 8.30pm

Creative Solutions
In one of Oscar Wilde’s top-drawer story one of the characters remarks that a colleague was one of those people who believe that
if one says something often enough, eventually it will be true. There are fewer better truisms in the world of self-delusion! If I
were to pick an issue where I think this truism is alive and well is in relation to traffic in Tralee and, more to the point, in Caherslee.
How often have we heard that traffic is such a huge problem in Tralee. ‘The traffic is crazy’, ‘the roads are hopeless’, ‘the streets
are badly designed’, ‘the weather causes more traffic’, ‘there should be more roundabouts’.
The real truth is of course that we ourselves are the problem. The streets and the roads are innocent old things really as is the
weather. The real problem is that we are lazy, don’t want to walk and are afraid of getting wet. We ourselves snarl up the roads
with cars and don’t obey the laws. The two thousand or so people living in Caherslee could walk down to town in 10 minutes at
rush hour, have a chat and get to know each other – or even the next door neighbour, get exercise, lose a few pounds and get to
work or school on time – and maybe enjoy the walk whatever the weather.

So get on your walking shoes, get on your bike, sell the car and stop the giving out about the traffic. What a lovely walk it is into
town after all!

Newsletter Survey
We have distributed over 50 questionnaires to date. We intend to distribute at least 50 more questionnaires to ensure that we can
get a better representation of the views of the residents of the whole area. Therefore, we will postpone any results, until this
process is complete.

National Radon Forum
The 4th Irish National Radon Forum will be held in the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee Co Kerry on the 14th November 2005.
The principal objective of the forum is to bring together people who have a role to play in raising public awareness of the risks of
radon in Ireland and in reducing those risks.
Key participants are groups concerned with public health and the health and safety of workers, local authorities and employers
particularly those in high radon areas as well as trade unions. The forum is also aimed at those companies involved in the radon
protection industry such as radon remediation and testing. The forum is open to the public and attendance is free.
Exposure to radon gas in Ireland is linked to some 200 lung cancer deaths each year in Ireland. High radon levels have been found
in all parts of the country however north Kerry seems particularly affected. It is for this
reason that this year’s forum is being held in Tralee.
Further details of information on the day’s proceedings will follow in the coming weeks.

Traffic Survey No. 02
On Tuesday morning 13th September 2005 traffic survey No. 02 was conducted (08.10 –
09.20hrs.) in relation to traffic at Balloonagh Cross.
The total number of all types of vehicles, which arrived at Balloonagh Cross/Junction from the Caherslee direction was 796, in this
time period. 206 vehicles turned right at the junction to proceed along Matt Talbot road.
191 vehicles proceeded straight along Pembroke Street. 399 vehicles turned left and proceeded along Austin Stacks Villas.
The average number of vehicles that passed through the traffic lights on green was 18.6 during the period of the survey.
Comment: The principal cause of traffic congestion in this area occurs from 08.40 to 09.00 due to the number of children who
cross the road on entering Balloonagh Primary School.
Possible solutions: These include a timed pedestrian crossing at the school entrance, which would synchronise with the lights at
the main junction and the possibility of using the school grounds for dropping off children or the use of the traffic light pedestrian
crossing at the junction, only, for school children.
Children who need to cross the road could also use the traffic lights that already exist. This would require the extension of time
allowed for pedestrians to cross and also the need for the school warden to be present at this location.
There is also an extensive area of land within the Balloonagh school complex that could be used to take traffic off the roads and
allow for the safer movement of children. This land if developed could perhaps be used for parents, staff and even the general
public.

Your Gardening
Courtesy: Liscahane Nursery, Ardfert
·        continue cutting lawns where the
weather permits
·        lawns may still be treated for weeds
where it is necessary
·        trim hedges to keep them tidy as the
winter approaches
·        summer bedding plant displays that
are past their best may be replaced by autumn bedding plants
·        keep weeds under control to prevent
them going to seed
·        continue to feed houseplants
·        now is the time to plant bulbs for
spring colour. There are a wide rage available:- daffodils, tulips, crocus,
hyacinths, anemones, snowdrops and many more – these can be planted in the ground and/or in pots.

Historical Tralee
Tralee (Irish: Trá Lí) is the county town of County Kerry in Ireland. It is situated in the southwest corner of Ireland. The name
Tralee comes from the Irish Trá Lí, or Trá Laoi, which means "strand of the Lee" (river), although some believe it comes from the
Irish Trá Liath meaning "grey strand". The town is situated at the neck of the Dingle Peninsula.
Today, the town of Tralee and it’s immediate environs has a population of 25,000 – about 20% of the 126,000 population total for
Co. Kerry - this figure is very likely to increase to about 30,000 in 2007.
Tralee lies on the southwest coast of Ireland at the gateway to the Dingle, Fenit and Barrow Peninsulas; it is almost 800 years old.
The town takes its name from the river Lee, which flows into Tralee Bay, and is the capital town and administrative centre of Co.
Kerry, Ireland’s premier tourism county. (Tra means strand.) The town grew up around the major Geraldine Castle of John
Fitzthomas Fitzgerald from the 13th century onwards. During this century, the Earls of Desmond used the town as a base from
which to build up the greatest Anglo Norman lordship in Munster.
More Tralee history in later editions.

Security in Your Home
With the advent of autumn/winter and the dark, dreary, wet and wild nights ahead it is necessary to start thinking of the
precautions you will need to take to ensure your property and yourself are safe and secure.
Make sure your outside light fittings are functioning correctly (ask a trusted neighbour or relative to check these if necessary).
If you live alone, don’t open your door to strangers after a particular time at night.
Have a spy hole fitted to your front door.
If you have a patio door – lock it at a particular time, at night, the earlier the better.
Don’t leave windows open when you are not at home.
Access to the rear of your property should be made difficult – i.e. gate, fence and/or wall.
Do not overload electric sockets. Always place a guard in front of an open fire when you are out of that room. Do not leave your
car unlocked, even in your driveway. Report suspicious activity to the Gardai and to your neighbours – you will not be wasting
their time – you will be preventing trouble for yourself and others. Check on elderly neighbours, who are living alone, regularly. If a
relative or friend is calling to your home late at night insist that they ring you before hand – especially if you are living alone.
These are just some of the things you may need to think about – if you haven’t done so already.

October in World History
1956: Hungarians rise up against Soviet rule
Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Hungary to demand an end to Soviet rule.
1957: Sputnik satellite blasts into space
A Russian satellite has been launched into space - the first man-made object ever to leave the Earth's atmosphere.
1962: Mississippi race riots over first black student
Two people have been killed and at least 75 injured in rioting at the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford.
The protesters are angry at the admission of James Meredith, a black American, to the university.
1966: Coal tip buries children in Aberfan
More than 130 people, mainly children, have been buried by a coal slag heap at Aberfan, near Merthyr Tydfil in Wales.
1970: Large oil field found in North Sea
The oil company British Petroleum has announced it has struck oil in the North Sea.
1975: Franco's 36-year reign ends
General Franco's dictatorship has effectively ended with the announcement heir designate Prince Carlos will take over as
provisional head of state for Spain.
1978: Polish bishop is new Pope
Cardinals at the Vatican have chosen the first non-Italian Pope for more than 400 years.
Catholics around the world have been astonished by the choice of Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, the Archbishop of Krakow
1981: IRA Maze hunger strikes at an end
Senior Republican figures and inmates' families have indicated that the hunger strike in the Maze prison is effectively over.
1981: Egypt's President Sadat assassinated
President Sadat of Egypt has died after being shot by gunmen who opened fire as he watched an aerial display at a military parade.
1984: Indian prime minister shot dead
Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India, has been killed by assassins in New Delhi.
1985: Gunmen hijack Italian cruise liner
Palestinian militants have hijacked an Italian cruise liner, the Achille Lauro, in the Mediterranean and threatened to blow it up.
1989: Earthquake hits San Francisco
A powerful earthquake has rocked San Francisco killing nine people and injuring hundreds.
The epicentre of the quake, which measured 6.9 on the Richter scale, is thought to have been Loma Prieta, 10 miles north of Santa
Cruz on the San Andreas fault.

Directory – useful addresses - LINKS
The following is a list of some of the more useful telephone numbers for various agencies etc. We will list further useful addresses
in later editions.
An Post (066) 71 21 013
State Solicitor (066) 71 27 988
Tralee Tourist Office – (066) 71 21 288
Bus Eireann (066) 71 23 566
Dept. of Social & Family Affairs – 3 Godfrey Place, (066) 71 21 088
ESB – The Basin (066) 71 45 700 &
1850 372 372 (accounts) 1850 372 638 (networks)
FAS – Monavalley (066) 71 26 444
Garda Siochana – Tralee – (066) 71 22 0 22
Rail – Iarnrod Eireann (066) 71 23 522
Kingdom Greyhound Stadium – (066) 71 80008
Legal Aid Board – 1 Day Place – (066) 71 26 900
Kerry County Council (066) 71 21 111
Kerry County Library (066) 71 21 200
Kerry Education Service (VEC) – (066) 71 21 488
Tralee Town Council – (066) 71 21 633
Partnership Trali – (066) 71 80 190
Institute of Technology Tralee – (066) 71 24 666
Tralee Chamber of Commerce – (066) 71 21 472
Tralee Credit Union – (066) 71 22 373
Kerry Money Advice & Budgeting Service –
Tralee – (066) 71 29 750
Kerry’ Eye Newspaper – (066) 71 49 200
Kingdom Newspaper – (064) 31392
Radio Kerry – (066) 71 23 666
Kerryman Newspaper – (066) 71 45 500
See Links on www,cahersleenews.com

Ladies Walking
As the autumn and winter arrive with the darker evenings etc., I have been asked to convey the following message. Some ladies
who enjoy a walk in the evenings are interested in forming – informally – a network
whereby they can contact others to accompany them while out walking. There are many reasons why this is worthwhile, it
provides some security, it makes walking more enjoyable, it makes it easier to arrange other activities and it encourages you to get
out and exercise.

Land at the entrance to Carraigeendaniel
We at Caherslee Community News have been informed that Tralee Town Council are actively working on a plan to develop 2 or 3
houses on this land in the near future. It is unclear, at the moment, whether these will be private houses. It is clear, however, that if
and when this land is put up for sale that it will be sold at full market value. One advantage of such a proposal is that at least the
area will be tidied-up and not remain in the neglected state it has been in for so long.
Caherslee Community News would suggest that interested residents should, as a group, arrange to meet officials. We would gladly
facilitate this.

Mounthawk Montessori School and Bust Bees Nursery – 14 The Grove, Mounthawk.
As the Autumn term gets underway, Mounthawk Montessori School and Busy
Bees Nursery and Childcare Centre at 14 The Grove, Mounthawk is springing into action to provide a comprehensive range of
services to meet the needs of Children from 0-12 years and their families. Established in 1999, our range of flexible Childcare has
increased to meet the growing demand locally.
Open 52 weeks a year from 8.30to 6.00pm, we offer indoor and outdoor facilities in our architecturally designed purpose built
school.
Our nursery
"Busy Bees" as the name suggests is a hive of activity for our younger children. from 0-3years. We provide full-day care service, a
toddler and wobbler playgroup and the option of additional flexible hours when required. The playgroup is available from 9am to
12pm or 12pm to 3pm.
Places are available on a pre-booked basis only.
Mounthawk Montessori School provides high quality pre-school education in ideal surroundings for the 3-5year olds. Morning
Sessions are 9am to 12pm and 12pm to 3pm Monday to Friday; additional hours are available if required and we also offer full day
- care.
An exciting new initiative for the Autumn is "Art Alert", a new after-school and homework club for the over five's. Your child will
be able to do his or homework, with assistance if required and then enjoy our exciting exploration of Art's and Craft's Activities...
Boys and Girls are welcome. We are delighted to offer a limited school collection
service from Balloonagh and Holy Family Schools. Other schools may be catered for by arrangement with local bus providers. We
are sure that your children will enjoy "the hands on way to fun and play"
For bookings and for further information please contact Susan or Helena at 066-7121397 or 085-1531818. We will be delighted to
help you.

Scotia’s Grave - Links
The equinox moonlights the way in silver patches. The dogs forge ahead, sniffing the night air, oblivious of their final destination.
To our right a stream gurgles and gushes accompanying us on a journey that was hers. Once upon a time.
Deeper into the catacomb of undergrowth we cross one bridge and then another. The moon buries herself in clouds, shrouding the
landscape. In the space of a moment our world shrinks to the crunching of twigs underfoot and distant nocturnal sounds that fuel
our imaginings.
“ I knew we shouldn’t have come in the dark,” moans Rachael whose ghostly petulant face scans mine for guidance.
“It’s better in the dark”, I mumble as I take the lead. I want to tell her that only the night would release her secrets but the words
implode in my mouth as I exhale.
Without warning the stream peters out at the foot of Scotia’s resting place.
So this is it,” says Rachael.
She sits down on the grave and hugs her knees to herself. I will her to stay silent.
According to a 600 BC legend, Scotia, wife of the former Milesius and mother of six sons, was killed in battle with the legendary
Tuatha De Danaan on the nearby Slieve Mish mountain.
A single solitary grave from Pagan Ireland. Raw primitive beliefs fed by the purity of imagination, unfettered by later allegiance to a
dead man on a cross. Scotia whose valour and courage matched the great godlike De Danans was laid to rest in a grave fit for a
Queen.
Daughter of an Egyptian Pharaoh, hieroglyphics mark her mound like tomb. We lay on the grave my sister and I and soak up the
ancient energy. Nebulous facts make for fiction and ignite our sense of wonder. Was she given gifts for her journey? Food
perhaps, flowers, precious metals? Intuited by her primitive soul she would go to the great kingdom in the sky to meet with her
beloved. I envy her certainty.
The legend of Scotia enlarged by time slowly becomes part of our consciousness. A woman following her inner laws to avenge the
man she once loved, precious father of her sons. Sons who in time would avenge her death and become leaders of this Green Isle.
Scotia now rests in peace, assured of her lineage, confident of her place in history.
At Rachael’s instigation we take leave of the sacred site. On the nearby hills, lit by a tapestry of stars I see sheep kneeling, some
genuflecting, their silent figures caught in this vortex of ancient energy. Do they perhaps sense the gossamer thin veil between this
world and the next and are momentarily transfixed?
The name O ‘Sullivan, my mother’s maiden name is allegedly linked to the Milesians. Could it be I owe this life to Scotia’s brave
heart and scattered seeds? Or perhaps Myths born of magic are embroidered by later generations and the truth, whatever it may be,
is still waiting out there. (by Martha Brassil)

Preparing to Study: A Good Study Place
You need a good study place to be prepared to study. You should be able to answer YES to all of the following questions:
1. Is my Study Place available to me whenever I need it?
Your Study Place does you little good if you cannot use it when you need it. If you are using a Study Place that you must share
with others for any reason, work out a schedule so that you know when you can use it.
2. Is my Study Place free from interruptions?
It is important to have uninterrupted study time. You may have to hang a DO NOT DISTURB sign on the door or take the phone
off the hook.
3. Is my Study Place free from distractions?
Research shows that most students study best in a quiet environment. If you find that playing a stereo or TV improves your mood,
keep the volume low.
4. Does my Study Place contain all the study materials I need?
Be sure your Study Place includes reference sources and supplies such as pens and pencils, paper, ruler, calculator, and whatever
else you might need. If you use a computer for your schoolwork, it should be in your Study Place.
5. Does my Study Space contain a large enough desk or table?
While working on an assignment or studying for a test, use a desk or table that is large enough to hold everything you need. Allow
enough room for writing and try to avoid clutter.
6. Does my Study Place have enough storage space?
You need enough room to store your study materials. Be sure you have enough storage space to allow you to keep your desktop or
other work surface clear of unnecessary materials that can get in the way.
7. Does my Study Place have a comfortable chair?
A chair that is not comfortable can cause discomfort or pain that will interfere with your studying. A chair that is too comfortable
might make you sleepy. Select a chair in which you can sit for long periods while maintaining your attention.
8. Does my Study Place have enough light?
The amount of light you need depends on what you are doing. The important thing is that you can clearly see what you need to see
without any strain or discomfort.
9. Does my Study Place have a comfortable temperature?
If your Study Place is too warm, you might become sleepy. If it is too cold, your thinking may slow down and become unclear.
Select a temperature at which your mind and body function best.
Having a good Study Place is important for good studying
More study tips in later editions.

‘Boy Racers’
It has come to our attention that these ‘boy racers’ have and are a cause of concern in some areas locally. The activities of most of
these individuals, once known as ‘joy-riders’ except that they tend to own the cars these days (!), should not be tolerated. They
tend to operate late at night and as such are a nuisance. Elderly people and very young children are most vulnerable to the noise
they create. It is not only the unnecessary noise levels; it is also that they intimidate other road users. Report them to the Gardai –
get the registration number and or make and colour of their cars. If nothing is done then they will assume that they are being
tolerated and will continue to create this nuisance. Contact this newsletter and we will make the appropriate complaint to the Gardai.

Rogue Traders
Recently I encountered some young men offering to clean windows. When asked for ID or ‘phone numbers they became uneasy.
Advice to residents when encountering these type of people is simple. Ask for ID and contact number preferably these details
should be on a business card. Unless you are entirely satisfied with their identity or bona fides do not entertain them. I would
suggest that they may be circulating the area ‘casing out’ property, to return later. We are not entering a time of the year when the
evenings will become dark earlier and therefore allowing for ‘the cover of darkness’. Do inform your neighbours if these people
call on you. Do contact us at Caherslee Community News and we will inform other residents.

Recipe No. 1 - Links
Goulash
(serves 6)
Ingredients
3 onions
4 oz mushrooms
6 tomatoes
I green pepper
I yellow pepper
1 tablespoon of tomato puree
half carton of sour cream
pound and a half of round steak
Half pint of chicken stock
salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of sugar
3 teaspoons of paprika
Method
Chop the steak into small pieces
Cut onion into small pieces
Brown the meat and onion in hot oil
Add the rest of the ingredients
Cover with half pint of chicken stock
Simmer for one hour
Add sour cream.
Serve with rice, pasta or potatoes
(by Connie O’ Carroll)

Broadband Internet Access
OECD Broadband Report - Ireland 27 Out of 30 for Value
eircom offer a dowload connection of 1mb and upload connection of 128k, as their basis package. This is very much less than is
available in most other developed countries.
Consumer Report Shows Ireland One of the Most Expensive Countries in the World for Basic Broadband Services.
Internet consumer group Ireland Offline this morning published a new detailed broadband pricing report comparing Ireland to the
29 other OECD countries. Results of the report show that Ireland comes 27th out of 30 for value for money.
Ireland Offline Chairman Damien Mulley said "This report is the clearest evidence yet as to the state of broadband in Ireland. No
talking up, side-stepping, or clever marketing can distract from the evidence: 26 other countries in the league of 30 score better for
value for money."
Adding to Mulley's comments, Ireland Offline spokesman Aidan Whyte stated, "When you factor in the cost of Irish line rental, the
most expensive in Europe at least euro24 per month], consumers in Ireland pay out substantially more for a service that is, in most
cases, significantly inferior to those available in other developed countries."
He added, "High prices and below average broadband packages are symptomatic of poor competition in broadband markets. While
eircom retain a stranglehold on the market via their wholesale bitstream products, they have no incentive to improve the situation.
This is enhanced by their continued policy of frustrating the Local Loop Unbundling process. Recent attempts by ComReg to fix
the LLU process ran into a brick wall when eircom once again brought them to the High court in yet another attempt to sustain
their wholesale monopoly." If you cannot access the internet using broadband technology then, in 2005, you are out-dated.
Working from home becomes a reality with broadband access. Competitiveness in global markets becomes a reality too. Many
residents of our area cannot access broadband internet access through their ‘phone line yet. This further proves how government
is failing to live up to its promises especially in the west of Ireland.

Magazines and Journals
Don’t throw out those magazines and journals that you have read. We will collect these from you. They must be in reasonable
condition and no older than January 2004. Contact us by telephone: 087 – 76 152 76 or by email: editor@cahersleenews.com. All
magazines or journals will be considered for collection. Thank you.

Halloween
Halloween is fast approaching. While no one objects to children having fun. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their
children are not involved in any activity that may cause unnecessary inconvenience to other residents particularly the old, those
living alone and especially families with very young children. Also ensure that you supervise very young children’s activities.


	Caherslee News Volume 1 No 7 October 2005 'Now Is Never Too Late For The Future'