Tralee Town Council and Caherslee Area Residents 14th July 2005 Tralee Town Council varied Tralee Town Development Plan 2003 zoning Mounthawk land use from Leisure/Tourism to Housing Medium Density. The rezoning raises the question whose best interests Tralee Town Councils protects. That is does the Council truly protect the best interests of residents or does it actually protect the best interests of developers? In seeking to answer the question this article quotes from official publications by way of information as to the best interests of Caherslee area residents concerning a number of issues relating to their quality of life, and the range and distribution of resources and benefits in the area. Tralee Town Development Plan 2003 1. The Mounthawk site was zoned for leisure/tourism so as to provide for recreational and amenity developments and any ancillary structures; [these facilities are as follows]: “Leisure complex, bed and breakfast, conference centre, cultural/recreational building, craft centre, guest house, hostel, hotel, public service installation, residential (holiday homes), restaurant, shop (tourist orientated), small scale tourism-related industry, taxi office, sports facility, open space, playing fields.” 2. 14th July 2005 Tralee Town Council in rezoning this site stated: “ The site immediately south east has been granted planning permission for the construction of a leisure/ tourism development as such the need for such a facility no longer exists.” These two leisure/tourism development statements are contradictory. Residential/Housing Development Section p.47 states: “It is clear therefore that there is adequate zoned and serviced land to cater for the projected demand, and there is a spread in the location of these lands. There is, in addition, adequate serviced lands available to cater for development over and above projected need.” In March 2005 a 20 hectare green field site in the area, zoned for housing medium density, was sold to a developer. . Projected land usage of green field site, allowing 25% for non-residential purposes: 26 dwellings per hectare is 26*15 = 390 dwellings 35 dwellings per hectare is 35*15 = 525 dwellings Population growth 2.6 persons per dwelling 390 dwellings *2.6 persons = 1014 persons 525 dwellings*2.6 persons = 1365 persons Planning and Development Act, 2000 Section 19-1) (a) A local area plan may be prepared in respect of any area, (………. ) and in particular for areas likely to be subject to large scale development within the life time of the plan. Manager’s Report to Tralee Town Council 27th June 2005 - response to submissions- states: “ 4. A local or action area plan for the area in question has not been carried out as the site is I.792ha (4.4 acres) and as the majority of the adjacent zoned lands has already been developed.” “Residential Density Guidelines for Planning Authorities” Department of the Environment, September 1999, states; “Local Area plans should play an important role in setting the framework for the achievement of integrated and balanced communities in development areas, providing for schools, social [post office, library, medical and health centre] and recreational facilities, local shopping and appropriate employment uses, integrated with housing, roads and public transport network.” PAST TRALEE TOWN DEVELOPMENT AREA PLANS Town Development Plan 1996 states: It is the policy of the Council; “to promote and encourage sustainable growth of quality tourism in Tralee and to liase with Shannon Development Company and other agencies with regard to the marketing and promotion of the town as a distinct tourist destination.” “…to cater for the full range of tourist requirements.” “Prepare action plan for the Mouthawk Carrigeendaniel area.” “It is an objective of the Council to investigate the provision of well equipped playgrounds to cater for the western areas of Tralee.” Town Development Plan 1989 states: “In zoning land the expressed objective is to maintain the existing uses for the foreseeable future.” “A parish of some 5000 persons provides a convenient administration unit. Within this structure opportunities should be created to enable multiple use buildings and land for education, community, and recreational activities.” “Caherslee area was designated a residential and community unit and had a projected population of 5000 persons.” “Land at Mounthawk may be developed as an Industrial Park research park”. What happened to the Caherslee area plan? November 22nd 2005 You will have the chance to voice your opinions and concerns for the future development of your area. If you do not take this opportunity and attend this meeting others may decide for you. Influencing the future development of our area is important as it impacts on all of us. We all need to enhance and promote the following issues: road safety, traffic congestion, parking, road surfaces, safety and security, services and infrastructure etc. Meeting: The Grand Hotel, Tralee, Tuesday 22nd November 2005 at 8.30pm Important Notice December Issue-Vol.1 No. 9 The December issue of Caherslee Community News will be available in the week beginning Monday 5th December 2005. The distribution of the December issue will be via the shops in our area. A door to door delivery will be available to those who contact this newsletter before December 5th next. 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 Land at Mounthawk A planning notice has been erected for 31 houses on the land which was rezoned in July 2005. I am referring to the article in the September edition (Vol.1 No.6). At this stage, residents in the area may still submit objections to this development, if they so wish. If you are submitting an objection send it to Tralee Town Council. November in World History 1956: Motorists panic as petrol rations loom Panic-buying breaks out at garages across the country as the government gives details of its petrol rationing plans. 1956: Soviet troops overrun Hungary The Soviet air force bombs the Hungarian capital of Budapest and troops pour into the city in a massive dawn offensive. 1957: Russians launch dog into space The Soviet Union sends the first ever living creature into the cosmos aboard Sputnik II. 1960: Narrow victory for John F Kennedy Senator John F Kennedy has won the election to become the youngest elected president of the United States. 1963: Kennedy shot dead in Dallas The president of the United States has been assassinated by a gunman in Dallas, Texas. 1966: Viet Cong bombs Saigon At least eight people are killed including an American officer when Viet Cong artillery shells the South Vietnamese capital. 1969: Second Apollo mission lands on Moon A second crew of astronauts lands on the Moon with the Apollo 12 mission to the Ocean of Storms. 1972: Police foil IRA hospital rescue attempt Eight armed men protesting against the imprisonment of IRA hunger striker Sean MacStiofain try to rescue him from a Dublin hospital 1974: Police hunt Lord Lucan after murder Detectives are searching for British aristocrat Lord Lucan following the death of his children's nanny last night. 1975: Graham Hill killed in air crash One of Britain's greatest motor racing drivers is killed in a plane crash in south-east England. 1975: IRA kidnappers release industrialist Dr Tiede Herrema, a Dutch industrialist kidnapped by the IRA more than a month ago, is freed 1982: Solidarity leader Walesa released The Polish government frees the leader of the outlawed Solidarity movement, Lech Walesa, after 11 months of internment. 1983: £25m gold heist at Heathrow An armed gang carries out Britain's largest-ever robbery from the Brinks Mat warehouse, at London's Heathrow Airport 1985: Anglo-Irish agreement signed Britain and the Republic of Ireland sign a deal giving Dublin a role in Northern Ireland for the first time in more than 60 years - unionists accuse Mrs Thatcher or treachery. 1985: Volcano kills thousands in Colombia About 20,000 people are feared dead after a volcanic eruption in northern Colombia. 1987: Bomb kills 11 at Enniskillen Eleven people are killed after a bomb explodes during a Remembrance Day service at Enniskillen in County Fermanagh 1989: Berliners celebrate the fall of the Wall The Berlin Wall is dramatically breached after nearly three decades of keeping East and West Berliners apart. 1990: Tories choose Major for Number 10 John Major wins the Conservatives' leadership elections, becoming Britain's new prime minister 1990: Ireland elects first woman president Voters in the Republic of Ireland choose their first female president. 1991: Church envoy Waite freed in Beirut Church envoy Terry Waite is freed by the Islamic extremists who kidnapped him in Beirut in 1987. 1991: Publisher Robert Maxwell dies at sea The body of the millionaire newspaper publisher, Robert Maxwell, is found in the sea off the coast of Tenerife. 1991: US accuses Libyans of Lockerbie bombing America demands Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi hand over Libyan intelligence officers indicted over the Lockerbie bombing. 1992: Clinton beats Bush to the White House Democrat Bill Clinton becomes the first baby-boomer United States president after he beats rival George Bush to the White House 1994: Blazing liner abandoned off east Africa Almost 1,000 people are forced to abandon the Achille Lauro luxury cruise ship in the Indian Ocean after it catches fire. 1995: Israeli PM shot dead The Israeli Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, is assassinated at a peace rally in Tel Aviv. 2004: George W Bush wins second term George W Bush is elected president of the United States for the second time, beating his Democratic rival by a comfortable margin. Study Skills 2 Taking Notes in Class In classes, your teachers will talk about topics that you are studying. The information they provide will be important for you to know when you take tests. You must be able to take good written notes from what your teachers say. Taking good notes is a three-stage process in which there are certain things you should do before class, during class, and after class. Here are the three stages of notetaking and what you should do during each stage. 1. Get Ready to Take Notes (Before Class) Review your notes from the previous class session before you come to class. This will help you remember what was covered and get you ready to understand new information your teacher provides. Complete all assigned readings before you come to class. Your teacher will expect that you have done this and will use and build upon this information. Bring all note taking materials with you to class. Have several pens and pencils as well as your notebook. 2. Take Notes (During Class) Keep your attention focused on what your teacher is saying. Listen for “signal statements” that tell you that what your teacher is about to say is important to write in your notes. Examples of signal statements are “The most important point…” and “Remember that . . . “ Be sure to include in your notes information that your teacher repeats or writes on the chalkboard. Write quickly so that you can include all the important information in your notes. Do this by writing abbreviated words such as med for medicine, using symbols such as % for percent, and writing short sentences. Place a ? next to information you write in your notes, but about whose meaning you are not sure. 3. Rewrite Your Notes (After Class) Rewrite your notes to make them more complete by changing abbreviated words into whole words, symbols into words, and shortened sentences into longer sentences. Make your notes more accurate by answering any questions you had when writing your notes in class. Use your textbook and reference sources to obtain the information you need to answer your questions. If necessary, ask your teacher or other students for help. Check with other students to be sure you did not leave out important information. Having good class notes will help you to be better prepared for tests. Historical Tralee – Part 2 Lord John Fitzthomas, who had built the Great Castle, obtained a grant of borough status for the town; this was accompanied by a charter which conferred various privileges on the town, including the right to hold animal fairs and weekly markets. In a remarkably short space of time Tralee developed as a market town and trading port, with an economy based on the agriculture of the Lee Valley. Medieval Tralee was burnt in March, 1580, shortly after Garrett Fitzgerald, 15th Earl of Desmond, was forced into revolt by the relentless policy of centralisation pursued by the Elizabethan Government. In 1557 the newly- created 600 acre “signory of Tralee” was granted by Queen Elizabeth to Sir Edward Denny (son of Sir Anthony Denny of the privy chamber of Henry VIII); the family was to be closely linked to Tralee and surrounding areas for the next 300 years. (More on the Denny family and its connections with Churchill and Barrow in a book on the local area entitled “Links: Barrow & Hinterland.”)* Edward brought over a number of English settlers, among them the Blennerhassett, Chute and Morris families. The burnt castle was rebuilt by the Denny family in the 1620’s. From 1613 until 1800 there was never a time when the county was not represented by a Blennerhasset, a Crosbie or a Denny in the English Parliament. The State of our Roads If you are a road user, you will be aware that there are many areas of Tralee where road surfaces are still in a pretty poor state. The following is a list of some of those areas: Balloonagh Cross, Rock Street, Ballymullen. The surface of the main Caherslee road has deteriorated badly in recent times and will suffer more with the onset of winter and the ever increasing volume of traffic that uses it. There are other areas of concern regarding traffic hold ups and congestion: parking outside Barry’s shop in Rock St. is causing significant problems and must be dealt with; illegal parking too close to the traffic lights at the Pembroke St./Rock St. junction – we have highlighted this previously – taxis and hackneys are the usual culprits here. Solutions to some of these problems in these area and other areas around town could include: Restrict the times when deliveries to shops can take place; Introduce clamping for vehicle which are parked in blatant contravention to local traffic bye-laws i.e. junctions and double-yellow lines etc. Introduce one-way traffic system, where possible, if a roadway cannot cope with two-way traffic. Enforce parking fines, particularly in areas where congestion is most likely, and not in areas where people are compliant and not causing traffic problems or congestion. Directory – useful addresses Accord – (066) 7120194/7122280 Adapt Kerry Ltd. – (066) 7129100 Alzheimer Society – (066) 7180377 Athletics Association Ireland – (066) 7147065 Aware – (066) 7128010/7136362 Cunamh Energy Action Ltd. – (066) 7122546 Cura – (066) 7127355 Enable Ireland – (066) 7181746/7128220 GAA – (066) 7122061 Irish Red Cross – (087) 2920350 Wheelchair Association – (066) 7180154 Kerry Airport – (066) 9764644 Citizen’s Information – (066) 7123655 Kerry Counselling Centre – (066) 7122931 Kerry Childcare Committee – (066) 7181582 Kerry Network of People with Disabilities – (066) 7180611 Deaf Resource Centre Ltd. – (066) 7120399-Or 7120386 – Videophone Kerry Diabetic Association –(066) 7125661 Kerry Diocesan Youth Service – (066) 7121674 Kerry Parents and Friends (066) 7126964 Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (066) 7123122 / Free 1800 633333 National Council for the Blind – (066) 7122223 Samaritans – (066) 7122566 / 1850 609090 Siamsa Tire – (066) 7123055 St. Vincent de Paul Society – (066) 7128021 Tralee Woman’s Resource Centre - (066) 7120622 / 7190766 Hedges, Scrubs and Trees There are many trees and hedges in all areas that need to be cut back. Winter months are best for this work as these plants are dormant and will not be harmed. Overgrown these trees / hedges can cause an injury to passers-by. Trimming will allow you to control their growth, ensure thicker growth and they will continue to be manageable. They will also look a whole lot better! Testing Your Computers Performance Test your computer in any / all of the following areas: Windows Configuration, Running programmes, Performance-Related Windows Settings, Internet Configuration, Security Configuration etc., for free, log onto www.pcpitstop.com Beyond the track: Disposable Dogs Darkie Pride takes the final bend. There is an expectant hush. On my right a group of men, animated with adrenaline, punch the air willing their dog to go faster. Bookies shift uneasily on their stands as it looks like the favourite is coming in to win. Darkie wins by a head. The crowd roars, caught up in the ecstasy of the moment. Being at the track can be a fun night, a happy night, a family night. However it is hard to reconcile the bonhomie and bantering with the fate that awaits many greyhounds later. Once the crowds have abated and the track lights dimmed there is a sadder face to the racing industry. Nobody wants to know what happens to these dogs. They are only greyhounds and in the competitive world of greyhound racing they are disposable. Prior to the emergence of greyhound rescue groups in the late 80’s and 90’s almost all greyhounds used for racing were killed or worse sent off to an unbearably cruel fate in countries such as Spain. In England greyhound retirement homes have sprung up in response to their appalling fate. Sadly here in Ireland there has largely been a laissez- faire approach to greyhounds. The majority of the dogs here dont live long enough to reach retirement age. According to the ISPCA 14,000 greyhounds are disposed of every year. These are dogs who have not made the grade as racing dogs or they are past their best for racing. Other unwanted dogs are sent to Spain where they race in appalling conditions, with little or no veterinary care. Other misfortunate greyhounds end up being used for vivisection. One ISPCA worker Marion Fitzgibbon spoke of the horror she witnessed in Spain. In one track injured dogs raced against each other, animals with open sores and bites, who despite their fate still managed to wag their tails as she stroked them. These images haunted her for many months afterwards. Bord na gCon laissez faire approach to the welfare of greyhounds is shameful to say the least. Any organisation who condones the sale of greyhounds to Spain are hardly thinking of the welfare of the animals. In response to the plight of greyhounds Bord na gCon have set up a retirement trust for greyhounds in Ireland. Thinking that this was a sanctuary where I could visit the dogs I was sadly disappointed. This is a scheme run by people like John Carroll who told me that they provide quality accommodation and homes for 50-70 dogs. This is Bord na gCons’s contribution to greyhounds, a PR stunt giving the impression they are doing something. This is paid for by the owners themselves as they pay 2% of their winnings to the retirement fund. The money which amounts to an estimated 100,000 euro is used to house a small percentage of greyhounds. The plight of greyhounds will not be forgotten while we have brave hearts such as Bernie Wright and Marion Fitzgibbon who have worked tirelessly on their behalf. There is also the greyhound sanctuary Avalon funded by the German Pro Animale group which provides homes for 60 greyhounds. The ISPCA want the government to intervene and to put forward a bill of rights, as was done in Britain to protect greyhounds. Although the government earns millions in revenue from dog racing they have so far done nothing. Instead they spend millions subsidising Bord na gCon. Greyhounds who do race are retired by the time they are four. Yet a greyhound can live to the ripe age of 16. Even though they are often seen as lean mean racing machines they do in fact have a gentle and patient temperament. This has been related by the many people who have greyhounds as pets. Greyhounds make lovely pets, a fact that has not yet permeated into the Irish consciousness. In Germany and in the USA greyhounds have been kept as pets for many years, some who are happy to live in apartments. Greyhounds are clean animals who smell nice. They are elegant and intelligent. They don’t bark a lot and are easy to train as they are eager to please. They only need two short walks a day and are quite happy to laze about for the rest of the time. People who have adopted them speak of the gentle nature and their ability to get along with children. Greyhounds once the revered pets of Pharaohs deserve the status of a pet. It is not fair to see them as mere racing machines when they are so much more then that. The lucky few are allowed to wander around the farm as pets once their racing career is over but this is the exception rather than the rule. If people make money from greyhounds surely they have a moral responsibility to ensure their greyhounds are well cared for and are able to spend their retirement in comfort. More funds should be made available for the welfare of retired greyhounds. There should also be an immediate ban on their export to Spain, Italy and the Far East. As Gandhi once said; The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be measured by the way its animals are treated; It seems in Ireland we have a long, long way to go. (by Martha Brassil) Road Deaths Ireland has the highest rate of child pedestrian deaths in the EU and the third highest rate of all pedestrian deaths. Poor visibility on roads, particularly during the winter, is a significant factor. Significant improvements could be made – issue ALL school children with reflective arm-bands before the end of October each year. For motorists – all roads must be fitted with catseyes, particularly along both edges of the road. These must be fitted to all regional roads as a priority. The Grand Hotel Denny Street. Tralee Town Centre Bar – Restaurant - Functions Tel. 066 – 71 214 99 New Local TAXI Service Mounthawk Taxis – T 18 This 8 seater black Mercedes will cater for the needs of the rapidly expanding Caherslee, Mounthawk, Clogherbrien and adjoining areas. It is a wheelchair accessible vehicle and as such will cater for all needs in our community. Mounthawk Taxis will operate under Taxi Plate number T 18. For bookings contact: 085 – 153 18 18. Letter/email to Town Engineer These are the points included in the letter to Tralee Town Engineer. 1. Caherslee Traffic Congestion on the Caherslee road is primarily linked to the situation at Balloonagh Primary school and the needs that exist to allow safe access to the school for children. I suggest that the traffic lights at Balloonagh junction should be put to more use in allowing children to cross the road safely in order to access Balloonagh school. The school ‘lolly-pop’ lady should be stationed at these lights. The length of time given to the ‘green-man’(pedestrian lights) could and should be increased. I suggest that the provision of parking at Kevin Barry’s shop in Rock Street should / must be addressed. The street at this location is too narrow to allow traffic to flow normally if there is a vehicle parked. This has a knock on effect on the general traffic flow in many directions outward of this I also made some observations and possible solutions to these problems in the letter/email. 2. Exiting Glencairn - Lioscarraig. At this time of the morning (08.10 - 09.40hrs.) therefore I believe that the exiting traffic is not unduly delayed and the provision of traffic management systems (i.e. traffic lights) at this site is unnecessary. The main problems for exiting traffic at this junction arises on a numbers instances: (i) when there are vehicles parked (illegally, in some cases) too close to the exit thus restricting the view of exiting motorists. and (ii) when the speed of traffic, on the main road, has increased, at off-peak times of the day thus making the exiting procedure more difficult for motorists. (iii) at peak times, such as the survey period as indicated, traffic coming from the town direction is travelling faster and therefore inhibits exiting traffic/motorists from making the manoeuvre. Suggestions for Improvement (a) The provision of permanent bollards on both sides of the exit for a suitable distance that best suits the location. (b) Signage indicating the speed limit near this location. Or Other methods that have been used/proven to reduce speed on urban/residential roads 3. Other Issues The slip road for traffic heading in the Caherslee direction from Matt Talbot road at Balloonagh Junction is totally inadequate for the volumes using it today. The following is a list of areas where road surfaces have deteriorated badly in the last number of years: Caherslee main road (at certain points), Rock Street (the whole length of the street), Ballymullen from the Barracks to the new roundabout with the Castlemaine road, from Moyderwell Cross to Ballymullen Post Office roundabout. There are major surfacing works needed at all junctions in the town. The surfacing materials should be of such quality as to ensure that it can withstand the volumes of traffic and the weather conditions over a prolonged period.. 4. Public Lighting Failures and faults have occurred and do occur frequently. This places many people, particularly those living alone and the elderly in a situation where their safety and security in compromised. This is particularly important during the autumn/winter months. 5. The Parking of Car along the road form Balloonagh Church to Balloonagh Primary School. Many of the cars are being parked on the footpath. This means that pedestrians are being ignored and are at times forced to walk on the road. This will lead to an accident sooner or later. Further Notes: 1. Provision of at least 4 litter bins along the main Caherslee road on both sides from Balloonagh Cross to Clogherbrien Roundabout. (Total = 8 well placed sites.) 2. Paint speed limit on outward lane road pavement opposite Balloonagh Church entrance (will be seen clearly by motorists leaving the town as they approach the incline at this location) and add concealed exit/entrance sign at this site 3. Paint speed limit on road pavement out-bound lane (from town), at incline, opposite the entrance to Pairc na Dun - easily visible for approaching motorists. 4. Paint speed limit on road pavement opposite the entrance to Westcourt on the in-bound lane (to town). 5. Paint speed limit on the road pavement opposite the entrance to Mounthawk Manor on the in-bound lane (to town). These are just some of the issues which have been raised by residents of the Caherslee/Mounthawk area. I hope that you can furnish me with whatever plans are in train, at present, to resolve some of these issues. Golf Society We have had a number of enquiries from residents asking about the proposed Golf Society. Assuming that there is enough of an interest for the society to go ahead, The Grand Hotel have offered to sponsor the prizes for the first outing. It is up to interested residents to come forward in order to make this venture worthwhile. Walking Network for Ladies We have been contacted by a large number of women in the locality who are interested in developing this idea further. Therefore to get in off the ground we are suggesting that interested individuals should meet and discuss and organise it. On Sunday the 27th November 2005 at 8pm there will be an informal gathering of those ladies who are interested in establishing such a network. The gathering will be held in O’Donnell’s Mounthawk. If you have any interest in this do attend. Such a network will provide a sense of security, motivation and enjoyment for walkers. Recipe No. 2 Tagliatelle with saffron, seafood and cream. Ingredients Good pinch of saffron. I glass of white wine Olive Oil 1 large garlic clove (finely chopped) 1 lb. of tagliatelle 1 and a half lb. of seafood (mussels, cod, scallops) Half a pint of double cream Flat parsley Method Soak saffron in white wine, Add oil and garlic to pan Cook until soft Add mussels and cook Add white wine Bring to the boil Lay rest of the seafood on top with cream Simmer for 3 – 4 minutes Add cooked tagliatelle (by Connie O’Carroll) www.cahersleenews.com/links Is Your Home Properly Insulated? Do you find that your house is not staying warm, even though you have the heat turned on ? Here are some facts about Heat Loss in the Home; 1. Up to one third of heat is lost through the roof if your attic is not insulated. 2. 15% of your heat is lost through badly fitting doors and windows. 3. 35% of heat escapes through poorly insulated walls. Cunamh Energy Action Ltd is a Social Economy Project based in Tralee, providing insulation services for households in Kerry. These services are available to all, and certain funded services (through Sustainable Energy Ireland) are available should the householder meet the criteria. We provide the following services: Attic Insulation Draught-proofing Cavity Wall Insulation Energy Awareness Advice If you are interested in any of these services please contact us at: Cunamh Energy Action Ltd., Cumann Iosaef Centre, Balloonagh, Tralee Phone: 066 7122872 Contact: Mary Tuohy Top of Page Home Newsletters |
| Caherslee News Vol. No. 8 'Now Is Never Too Late For The Future' November 2005 |