DIFFICULTIES PERSIST IN SECURING LAND FOR FERMOY CIVIC AMENITY SITE

Members attending the Northern committee meeting earlier this week again queried as to when a site for a civic amenity facility would become available in Fermoy. The report presently states that ‘suitable sites are being considered’, while ‘suitable sites had been identified’ in Mitchelstown.

“Fermoy would be a priority for a civic amenity site, given that it would provide significant coverage for the east of the region, but I must admit we have had difficulties in securing land,” manager Tim Lucey told the members.

At this point Cllr Kevin O’Keeffe queried whether price was an issue. “It is never an issue, we get the market value and take it from there, the issue seems to be with the use of the land,” said Mr Lucey. He expressed the hope that landowners would be reasonable in their expectations.

“The council has to meet substantial costs to run civic amenity sites and we would be conscious of this. They are operated on a running costs basis and we do not get full refund on our losses, we only get 48%,” he added.

The National Spring Week collection in Mitchelstown alone last year cost €178,000, “the money we got was limited in comparison for collection and land filling. We must certainly review what we have been doing.”

Overall in North Cork this year the council through their kerbside recycling service will have collected more than 2,250 tons of recyclables. In the mad rush that marks the final days before Christmas, perhaps it mightn’t be a bad time to take note of the following refuse collection changes as announced by Cork County Council to coincide with the holiday period.

If the collection day is Monday 24/12/07, this will change to Saturday 22/12/07. Tuesday 25/12/07 will change to Monday 24/12/07. Wednesday through to Friday will all move a day forward, for example Wednesday 26/12/07 will change to Thursday 27/12/07, and so on. Moving a week further on, if your usual refuse bin collection day is Monday 31/12/07, this will remain. Tuesday through to Friday will all move a day forward, for example Tuesday 01/01/08 will be changed to Wednesday 02/01/08.

Earlier this week Cork County Council wrote to its customers thanking them for availing of their recycling and waste collection/disposal service during the past year. “Your participation, along with that of all our customers, has helped enormously to reduce the amount of waste destined for landfill and has significantly increased the amount of material being recycled, “Jim Moloney, a senior executive officer of environmental services wrote.

Cork County Council have asked householders not to overfill your bin over the festive period, requesting instead that people spread the volume over the first few weeks of January. The council has also requested that recyclables should not be left at bring sites if the containers are full, and under no circumstances, should members of the public leave refuse anywhere else other than their bins.

Once Christmas has passed, you can bring your tree to the Millstreet Recycling Centre (029-30971) or to your nearest council depot for shredding. This can then be later used as garden mulch. The message is, re-use, recycle, and rejoice.

RATHCORMAC FAMILY’S SONG COULD BE A CHRISTMAS HIT

The race for the Christmas number one has become a bit predictable and has, to all intents and purposes, become a bit boring over the past few years, with the latest ‘pop idol’ claiming the coveted spot, long before the charts are even officially announced.

This Christmas the Power family of Rathcormac are hoping to change the current trend and maybe make a late surge for the Irish top spot, but the modest family will just be happy to see their work in shops and hopefully help the Simon Community along the way. The Powers CD, ‘Unfair Hand’ last week went on release at Spar, Flamingo Redz and Dooley’s in Rathcormac, while 50 CDs have already been donated to the Simon Community.

Singer/songwriter and mum, Marie Power, fronts the family group which already has two recordings under its belt. She grew up surrounded by music and has managed to transfer that passion into her home life and even the local community. The family previously lived in Donegal, later moving to Limerick before coming to North Cork thirteen years ago where Marie set up the Rathcormac Folk Group.

"It is very much the children’s home, when we have visitors we will all sit around and have a bit of a sing-song, ”she told The Avondhu . These little singsongs have proved to be very popular, and when composer Paul Tate heard their latest piece, he advised them in no uncertain terms, to release it.

Marie wrote ‘Unfair Hand’ after she witnessed the distress of a homeless man as she was out driving one day.

“Normally I write hymns but the kids were always asking me to write a ‘normal’ song. I got home and the words just filled my head, I just had to write about it”.

Marie admits that this is often the case. She finds it difficult to sleep, so she will have to get up and put pen to paper before relaxation comes again. Most of her material comes from everyday life, and musical influences include people like Christy Moore and Mary Black. The CD was recorded locally at Fiona Recording Studios and the family is delighted with the final production.

“We hope that we sell enough so that we can make a contribution to the Simon Community to help the homeless in Cork, but we must first cover our own costs,” said Marie.

It has already been a busy few weeks for the family who have performed 3 concerts over the past seven days alone, with another on the way in aid of Chernobyl. “We are exhausted, my voice is definitely feeling the strain but we are having a great time. We had to order a further 200 CDs, so that’s great too. Marie said, “We would really like to thank everyone for all their help and support.” You can pick up a copy of the much-acclaimed CD at Spar, Flamingo Redz or Dooley’s, Rathcormac..

AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR FERMOY MART SITE

Plans are currently being finalised for the former Cork Marts site in Fermoy town centre. A delegation from new owners the Shipton Group, responsible for the rejuvenation of Midleton and Blackpool through their multi unit retail centres, met with the members of Fermoy Town Council earlier this week.

Plans are currently being drawn up for the new retail and commercial development proposed for the site by architects Kelly Barry, O’Brien and Whelan and a draft of these was presented to the council. The main concerns expressed by the council regarded parking, traffic congestion and the introduction of too many apartments into the town.

At present a number of residential apartments are included in the plans, but representatives from the Shipton Group did admit these could be subject to change depending on need and demand in the town. The new owners expressed their own concerns in relation to the town’s history of flooding, in particular Mill Road upon which the mart site is located. They have been in contact with the OPW to determine a flood relief scheme for the area, in line with the one proposed for the town.

As expected Dunnes or Tesco, have been mentioned as possible anchor tenants at the new development. Tesco already operate in Mitchelstown and it anticipated locally that Dunnes may take prime position in Fermoy. It is expected that the new development, which incorporates 8.38 acres, comprising of a variety of commercial and retail units, could generate in excess of €150,000 in rates for the town per annum.

It is expected that final plans will be submitted to the Town council in February, 2008.

CORRIN CROSS TO BE LIT UP ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

The annual climb to the top of Corrin will take place as usual this year on New Year’s Eve beginning at 10.30pm, to reach the cross for the lighting up at 12 midnight. People are advised to bring a torch, warm clothing and strong footwear.

The lighting up of the cross is an event that is eagerly looked forward to by many people. The view from the new bypass is breath taking. As well as being lit on New Year’s Eve the cross is also lit on several feast days, St Patrick’s Day, Good Friday to Easter, Mercy Sunday, (First Sunday after Easter) September 14th, and The feast of the triumph of the Cross The Corrin committee that started the great work some years ago, and which comprised of only a handful of dedicated people, has now evolved into a prayer group.

This came about by chance, when a group of mainly young people, coming down Corrin late on Good Friday night, having done the Stations of the Cross on the Sundays of Lent, remarked that they would miss coming together.

Fr Joe Rohan C.C spiritual director, suggested starting a prayer group and coming together at his house every Sunday evening at 8 o’clock. The prayer group has met every Sunday evening since, for prayer, Bible reading, singing Eucharistic Presence, followed by a cup of tea, etc.

The group is now in their 3rd year and increasing in numbers all the time. The annual dinner will take place at Vienna Woods Hotel, Glanmire on Saturday, January 12. The group wish to thank Jim Owers for the beautiful DVD he has done on Corrin and are looking forward to the official launch.

TOOLS FOR AFRICA – MICHAEL ASKS FOR HELP

Christmas is often noted as a time of plenty, but what of those who have to suffer on just like any other day, with barely enough food to survive and none of the means to make their situation any better?

Having come into a bit of luck last year, Michael O’Driscoll of Kilworth, decided to share the wealth, and the feeling was so good he decided to continue the tradition this year. “I came into a bit of money last year, so I sent off a milking goat to Africa through Bothar,” he told The Avondhu.

This year having seen the plight of many villagers in Africa on a BBC documentary, he decided he could do more.

"On the programme, they showed what a difference some of our old machines, that many of us would deem useless, could make to the lives of the villagers in Africa. I knew I had an old manual sewing machine lying around, so I set about finding out how I could get it sent over,” added Michael.

The machine, which had previously been Michael’s grandmothers, was in need of repair but, on contacting the organization, he was informed that all repairs would be done on receipt, but that was the next problem.

“The company are based in Belfast but they told me that if I could get it to Naas, someone there would take it the rest of the way. Well, after going all that way I thought I should bring a bit more”.

In all, Michael handed over four boxes of tools as well as the sewing machine. He is now appealing to others out there to do likewise.

“Like me, I am sure there are people out there with lots of old tools that they no longer use, taking up space. The important thing to remember is that all the tools must be manually operated, as there is no electricity in the places they are going to. Hand operated drills, sewing machines and regular tools are perfect.”

Michael is now on his second round of collections and has already visited a number of garages, if you have some items that you wish to donate, either Michael or John Cotter of Kilworth can organize a collection. You are invited to contact John at 27109 or Michael on 27824 for further information.

COUNCIL TO TACKLE GALBALLY TRAFFIC HAZARD

Limerick County Council has confirmed plans for the realignment of a Galbally traffic hazard known as ‘Danny O’Brien’s bend’. The narrow bend, which is located at the exit from Galbally village on the road to Aherlow, has been the scene of accidents and is considered to be a danger to motorists and pedestrians.

Subject to agreement with the landowner, it is expected that work on its realignment may commence early in the new year. Scenic walk Work is well underway on the provision of the new pathway from Galbally village to Darby’s Bed. The entrance will be located on the village side of the existing water station on the Tipperary road.

It is anticipated that the existing footpath may be extended and the speed limit signs relocated to ensure the safety of walkers intending to traverse the pathway. The scenic walk, which overlooks the Galbally/Tipperary road and nearby countryside, will be opened to the public during the ‘Village of Tradition’ cultural and historical festival over the June bank holiday weekend in 2008.

The trail, which is being constructed under a social employment scheme, is to be officially recognised as part of the Ballyhoura Way walk schedule. Monument to Athlete Plans have been drawn up for the new ‘wall of fame’, which is to be constructed at the priest’s cross on the Mitchelstown/Garryspillane road junction. A monument to Jim Fahey, the renowned Galbally athlete, is expected to be officially unveiled there during the ‘Village of Tradition’ festival next year.