In early June 2005, after weeks of council and public debate, members of Fermoy Town Council voted against the proposal to change the zoning of a 14-acre site on the banks of the Blackwater River, from recreational to residential. The vote meant that a proposed 100-bed hotel and residential development could not proceed. Five councillors voted against, with four voting in favour. A letter to the editor that same week from ‘A Concerned Resident’ in Fermoy, said they were ‘amazed and disgusted at the carry on of some of our public reps’ at a public meeting that was previously held to discuss the matter. The resident said it was ‘embarrassing’ to sit and listen to the ‘backstabbing of one another’.
Galbally honoured their retiring postmistress, Peggy Kiely, who had held down the position since 1977. The Kiely family were synonymous with the post office in the south Limerick village for generations, and Peggy’s departure marked the end of a long history of dedicated service. Among the presentations made to Peggy on her retirement was a widescreen colour television and video recorder.
An open letter was issued to the Kildorrery community by the developer of a proposed bio-diesel plant, after he felt further clarity was needed following a public meeting that was held. He clearly outline his response to locals, on the ‘key issues’ which resulted from the meeting.
People passing through Mitchelstown were up in arms, and Gardaí received ‘numerous angry phone calls’ in relation to huge traffic delays that held the town up for hours one June Thursday, market day, ahead of the bank holiday weekend and the Festival of the Galtees in 2005. Roadworks at the traffic lights were the main cause of the traffic jams, which tailed back as far as Kilbehenny! Ronan Keating’s Walk Ireland 2005 was also passing through the town that same afternoon. Gardaí claimed that the council had not consulted with them ahead of the commencement of works, which ‘ceased at 3 o’clock when it had been anticipated that any delays would have begun.’
New county library headquarters were officially opened in Lismore in a restored building, which previously accommodated the Christian Brothers, and was set to double as civic offices for council staff. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2005, Dick Roche, cut the ribbon with Mayor of Lismore, Peter Ahearne.
Fermoy Enterprise Board convened a press conference in relation to the issues the town faced regarding An Bord Pleanála’s decision to remove the central bypass interchange, proposed for the Tallow Road, from the plans for the M8 motorway. Today, 21 years later, the lack of an interchange has a major effect on the town, with significant traffic backlogs being experienced. The Enterprise Board had commissioned an independent report on the decision to remove the interchange. It found that the main reason put forward by An Bord Pleanála for rejecting the interchange was one of safety, despite it being proven by Cork County Council consultants that local road fatalities would increase without the interchange. Fathom that logic!
Minister Tom Parlon, at a meeting with a deputation led by Cllr Frank O’Flynn, assured that Government was fully committed to the Fermoy Flood Plan project. He confirmed that funding was in place and said that the reason for the delay in putting the scheme to public consultation was due to its complexity. The deputation was told that the scheme would cost approximately €30 million and would go on display in early November 2005.
Diane Casey was crowned the new Queen of the Galtees, who received the crown from outgoing King of the Galtees, Moss Fitzgerald. The 30th annual Festival of the Galtees saw a strong attendance, despite dismal weather conditions,
Fermoy’s Colm Jordan claimed the All-Ireland title in Junior hardball doubles with partner Patrick Buckley from Mallow, defeating Mayo 3-21, 21-8, 21-16. The final was played in Ballina, Co Tipperary.
Park United did Mitchelstown proud, returning home with two pieces of silverware. The club claimed the County Cup and the Division 2 ‘A’ League Cup.
In brief – Vee Valley Day Care Centre in Clogheen was planning a 10th anniversary celebration. Lismore/Ballysaggart children’s playground fundraising has reached €18,000 of their €40,000 target in a bid to install swings, slides and purpose-built climbing frames for a new playground project. Adverts for used cars in 2005 advised that a 01 Toyota Yaris would set a buyer back €7,950, while a 00 VW Golf would cost €9,950. A 96 Mazda 626 cost €1,500, while a Honda Civic with 96 plates would set one back a modest €3,450!
