11-03-2006
Mountmellick takes action to reduce waste
Mountmellick took one step closer to becoming Ireland’s Race against Waste green town when Mountmellick Environment Group (MEG) launched its action plan earlier this week.
The launch of the plan coincided with the unveiling of a 50 foot barometer which will dominate the town centre skyline and will measure the amount of waste that is being recycled against the amount of waste going into landfill.
Sr Imelda Carew of MEG welcomed everybody to the launch. She said “This gathering is a unique group of like minded people all here with a unified purpose of caring for the environment”.
The plan follows on the heels of Mountmellick’s win of a Race against Waste national Tidy Towns award last summer. Among the initiatives announced in the plan is the ‘Buddy Project’, a programme to encourage householders to start composting their garden and kitchen waste instead of sending it to the landfill. Under the buddy system the 250 households which already compost will introduce two other households to composting. By doing this it is hoped to treble the number of households composting.
Other initiatives outlined in the plan include
* Increasing household recycling to 40%.
* Increasing steel and aluminium can recycling by up to 50%.
* Developing a proactive waste prevention campaign.
From its humble beginnings as a small group with an interest in gardening MEG has grown into an innovative group actively caring for the environment. MEG members are drawn from all sectors of the community such as householders, local businesses, the schools and many voluntary and community groups.
Cllr pledges support to residents on inner road
CLLR Pat Bowe was scathing in his criticism at information given at the recent
oral hearing into the Mountmellick Inner Relief Road when he spoke on the
issue at the recent meeting of the local town council.
“I was a bit taken aback with the information at it,” he said.
“I remember sitting in at a meeting in Irishtown and being told no trees or walls would be interfered with. It’s a disgrace if trees and stone walls are now to be uprooted and knocked down. I will support the residents of Irishtown. I’m not in favour of trees being knocked or walls taken down,” said Cllr Bowe.
Cathaoirleach of the town council Cllr Michael Gormley said: “It’s now up to An Bord Pleanála to make a decision. Everyone had the chance to have their say at the hearing.”
Cllr Paddy Bracken said: “This annoys me. We’ve gone through a public procedure. It’s now in the hands of An Bord Pleanála to make a final decision.
“I’m appalled at the criticism levelled at the Mountmellick Development Association (MDA). If we look back when it was formed the only tiger to be seen in Mountmellick were in Fossett’s or Duffy’s circuses. It’s very unfair to the people working in the community on a voluntary basis. It’s wrong for people to criticise them. Everyone has a right to have their say. After all we’re living in a democracy.”
“This is the first I heard about the trees and walls being knocked,” said Cllr Marc Connolly. He too also commented about criticisms that were levelled at the MDA.
Deputy county manager Declan Byrne said there were no proposals to knock trees.
Cllr Bowe said: “If anyone sat in at the hearing they would have seen the maps on the walls.
“What’s taking place between Cllr Paddy Bracken and Cllr Marc Connolly seems to be a hidden agenda. I don’t know where you’re coming from,” said Cllr Bobby Delaney.
Cllr Bowe said there were proposals to run a 1.8m footpath along Irishtown. “You can’t put a footpath down without knocking walls and trees.”
Cathaoirleach Gormley said it was news to him that walls or trees would be knocked. He said pressure should be applied to prevent it.
Mountmellick library to be re-located
THE library is Mountmellick is to be relocated to the Courthouse.
The new location will, according to Cllr Marc Connolly, make it more accessible to the people of Mountmellick.
He told his fellow councillors at the last town council meeting the site the library will be vacating would be an ideal location for a children’s play area and he called on Laois County Council to consider it for such facilities.
“The land is available at the moment. Last year we missed out on funding (for play area) because we had no lands available,” said Cllr Connolly.
“The minister has delivered,” declared Cllr Helen Hanson. “Now that the funding is available it will be a great asset for the town. The plans look wonderful. We will now be to the fore with a modern library,” she said
Cllr Bobby Delaney said the town council should now push to have the play area located at the site of the old library. “It would be an ideal location,” he said.
Deputy county manager Declan Byrne said the next stage in the relocation was to prepare detailed planned drawings with a view of submitting them to the department. He said the council was working with the local community on the issue of a play area. “The location (old library site) is not deemed suitable on safety grounds. It is next to a main road and a river runs behind it,” said Mr Byrne.
Agreeing Cllr Hanson said: “The river is far too dangerous and too often children will climb any fence. I’d have reservations about the site.”
“I’d like to remind the manager in Portlaoise where the playground is. There were problems that were unforeseen. It takes the gardaí to patrol the area. It’s too far down and there’s also a water feature there.
“Look at Portarlington they’re (playground) just off the Main Street and also beside a more dangerous river. The proposed site is beside a river we’re well aware the funding for it is available,” said Cllr Marc Connolly.
Deputy Moloney visits St. Joseph’s NS
The parents’ council of St Joseph’s NS invited Mr John Moloney, TD, to the school on February 7.
The principal, Sheelagh Coyle, chairperson of the board of management Padraig McCabe and members of the parents’ council outlined to him some of the difficulties in the school at present. These relate to the high pupil/ teacher ratios in most classes, the two highest numbers being in sixth (32 girls) and senior infants (31 girls).
It was pointed out to Mr Moloney that the new revised curriculum calls for hands-on activity type learning but that this is impossible to implement with the big numbers in all classes. Because of recent housing developments numbers have increased in all classes. It was also pointed out to the local deputy that an application for more classrooms and other building improvements has been with the department for some time, but nothing has been done yet. Mr Moloney is to report back to the parent’s council in early March.
Juvenile GAA
Training times in Acragar - u-16 football and hurling on Fridays from 6.30 to 8pm; u-14 hurling on Sunday training is on Friday evening at 6.30 to 8 pm under lights in Acragar; u-12 football training on Tuesday nights from 6.30 - pm. Times for other juvenile teams will be announced over the coming weeks.
The club held its annual juvenile awards function at the clu house recently. Pride of place went to the u-16 footballers who received county league medals. They were presented to team members by former Mountmellick and Laois footballer Danny Reddin. Presentations were all made to all the club’s juveniles who played on county teams in 2005. These were: u-16 football John O’Loughlin and Conor O’Shea; u-15 football, Robert Cashera; u-14 football, Garry Fitzpatrick, Ben Forde, Cian Hyland and Declan Kenny; u-16 hurling, John O’Loughlin; u-14 hurling, Karl Donoher. Everyone is proud of their achievements.
Mountmellick GAA Club would like to thank all who contributed to their churchgate collection at the weekend. Thanks also to all the collectors.
Mountmellick GAA and Sarsfields ladies football club held their annual social in the Mellick Inn on Friday night, March 3. There was a very good attendance and all greatly enjoyed the music by Double L and the refreshments as well as the chance to chat with old acquaintances.
Old Clothes Wanted
Clean, old clothes are wanted for a travellers recycling project at MDA Irishtown. Al help would be appreciated. Please contact Catherine for further details.
Farmers Market
Laois farmers market every Friday in Centrepoint car park, Mountrath Road, Portlaoise, from 9am to 3pm. A great selection of home baking, locally grown vegetables, jams, fresh meat, cheeses and delicious breads are available. So come along on Friday and support your local producers.
The parents’ council of Mountmellick Community School are holding a table quiz in The Mellick Inn tonight (Wednesday) at 9.30pm. Quizmaster on the night is Michael Linehan. There will be table and raffle prizes on the night. All welcome, your support would be much appreciated.
Will be held in Mountmellick Concert Hall from Friday, March 17 to Friday, March 24 inclusive. The main sponsor is Mountmellick Credit Union. The following plays will be staged: Friday March 17 Anvil Players present Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward; Saturday, March 18 Bunclody Kilmyshall drama group present The Salvage Shop by Jim Nolan; Sunday March 19, Droichead Nua players present John B Keane’s Sive; Monday, March 20, Silken Thomas present Trainspotting by Irvine Walsh (adapted by Harry Gibson), this production is for over 18s only; Tuesday, March 21 Shannonside drama group present Out of Order by Ray Cooney; Wednesday, March 22, Shoestring Theatre Co. present Sharon’s Grave, also by John B Keane; Thursday, March 23, Kilrush drama group present Silver Dollar Boys by Neil Donnelly and on Friday, March 24,
Drama Festival
Nenagh players present The Drawer Boy by Michael Healy.
London Marathon Fundraiser
On Sunday, April 23, Ailish McDermott from barnashrone will participate in the London marathon. Ailish is running to raise funds for the Irish Guide Dogs for the blind and would welcome all sponsorship.
Parish Office Moved
Due to the renovations of St Joseph’s Church the parish office has moved temporarily to the office at the back of Fr MacNamara’s house in Davitt Road. The parish office telephone is out of order at present. Please phone.
Charity Shop
The Charity Shop in Parnell Street will be open each week on Thursdays from 10 am to 3 pm.
Grow Group
A Grow Group meets each week in Mountmellick. If you are someone who experiences depression or anxiety attacks or who is simply in need of company you are welcome to come along. You will have an opportunity to meet others, share your problems in confidence, get support and make new friends. All welcome. Meetings take place in the MDA, Irishtown at 3 pm on Monday. For further information please contact Harriet. Website: http://www.grow.ie.
Jazz Ballet Classes
Are held every Wednesday in Mountmellick Macra Hall - u-10s from 5-6pm and 10 years and over from 6-7 pm. Contact Michelle for details.
Money Advice
MABS - the money advice and budgeting service will be running an outreach service at MDA on the first Thursday of every month from 10 am to 12.30 pm. No appointments needed.
Laois Citizens Information Service
Is in attendance every Wednesday at MDA, Irishtown from 10am to noon or else may be contacted at the Portlaoise office. Anyone who would like help with tax problems, social welfare entitlements, health, housing, or any related problem are welcome to attend.
Slieve Bloom Walks
The programme for walks for 2006 organised by the Slieve Bloom Walking Club is now available. The full programme is available to view and print at www.slievebloom.ie or by contacting Gerry Hanlon or the Community Centre, Kinnitty.
Rock GAA Club
Thanks to all who supported the table quiz in Turley’s Bar on Friday night, March 3 it was much appreciated. Training continues every Wednesday Friday and Sunday for seniors. Juniors and minor training will commence shortly.
Rock GAA Juvenile News
Training has resumed on Saturdays for u-8s, u-10s, u-12s, u-14s and u-16s. New players wishing to join the club can do so by arriving at the club grounds on Saturdays at 5 pm. For more details you can contact John Allen the clubs juvenile secretary.
AGM
The Willie Brock Cumann held its AGM recently. Officers elected for the coming year were: Chairperson, Richard Fitzpatrick; vice chairperson, Michael Coss jnr; secretary, Adam Houghton; treasurers, Stephen Lynch and Noel Whelan; pro, John Nelson.
Game Preservation Association And Gun Club AGM
Was held on Friday, February 24, in the town hall. Elected: Chairperson, John Murphy; secretary, Raymond Murphy; treasurer, Stephen Lynch; vice chairperson, Luke McRedmond; assistant secretary, Patrick Feeney; assistant treasurer, John Kenna. Committee Pascal Dunphy, Martin Sheppard, Anthony Dempsey, John Smith, Kevin Sadler, Brian Lynch, Oliver Walsh, Paul Gammell, Alan O’Rourke.
Safety officers Martin Sheppard, Luke McRedmond. Game development officers Stephen Lynch, Pascal Dunphy. Delegates to Laois regulatory game council Stephen Lynch, John Murphy. Subs Luke McRedmond, Patrick Feeney.
The association would like to thank all land owners for the use of their lands and all who supported us through the year. All members are to carry their NARGC insurance card when entering lands, as landowners can ask for it.
School Bus
There will be a bus to take students to Clonaslee secondary school starting in September. It will cover the following areas: Mountmellick, Clonaghadoo, Killeigh and Rosenallis. For further information please contact.
Late Joseph Maher
There was widespread sadness at the news of the death of Joe Maher of Harbour Street on Saturday, March 25, following an illness. A kindly friend and neighbour and known to many through his work with Bank of Ireland, Joe was held in high esteem by all who knew him.
Removal from Joe’s residence at Harbour Street to St Vincent’s Hospital Oratory took place on Monday morning, March 27. Requiem Mass was celebrated at noon with burial afterwards to St Josephs cemetery.
Joe is mourned by his wife Lily, his sons Noel and Denis, his daughters Mary Emer and Geraldine, family, relatives and friends to whom the sincere sympathy of the community is extended.
