Local Notes: South East Greenway, new bike bunker, active retirement and Pride of Place
The planning application to develop a 32-pitch motorhome park for the South East Greenway was lodged by a Waterford based company
Waterford City and County Council has installed a bike bunker at Abbey Community College, Ferrybank, to promote active travel and sustainable transportation. The bunker can securely store up to six bikes, encouraging cycling as a viable alternative to car travel. Cecily Johnston, Project Manager, highlighted the school's strategic location near the South East Greenway, which connects the school to key areas and to the under-construction Sustainable Transport Bridge. She hopes this initiative will inspire more people to consider sustainable travel options. Lauren Walsh-Kett, Active Cities Officer, praised the project as a collaborative effort to increase physical activity. Deputy Principal Helen O’Connor noted a positive shift towards active travel among staff and expressed optimism that the development of local infrastructure would further encourage cycling. The school plans to continue working with local partners to promote sustainable transport in 2024.
The Slieverue ARA members return from their summer break on Wednesday, September 4, with chair yoga at 11.30am, followed by a meeting at 12.50pm at St Mary's Hall, Slieverue. The Trip to Watergate Theatre Kilkenny is on Friday, September 6, to see 'Matches and Old Flames', by Tommy Marren. The Autumn break is from October 21, for three nights to Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, an independently owned and family-run hotel on the River Shannon which exudes character, elegance and above all, pride in service. The Landmark Hotel is ideally situated for you to take full advantage of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. The Slieverue ARA are always looking for new members male and female if you would like to join us and remember we are on the bus route and times are suitable.
Ferrybank Community Group have been nominated under the community wellbeing initiative category for this year's IPB Pride of Place awards. The group will present a variety of projects completed by the Men’s Shed and will have the opportunity to meet the judges at the Hillsfield Centre, followed by a visit to the sensory gardens and allotments. The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony in November, which is due to take place in Monaghan. Hopefully John Hayes and the group will bring home the prize. Kilkenny County Council has also released a statement congratulating the nominees for their wonderful achievements and valued contributions to their communities.
Waterford Older People’s Council will hold its Annual General Meeting in the Mary Strangman (Large Room) at City Hall, Waterford, on Wednesday, September 18. All are invited to the event which will take place from 2pm to 4pm. It will be chaired by the Older People’s Council Executive, Susan O’Connor and addressed by the Ombudsman, Ger Deering. Light refreshments will be provided for those attending the event. Information will also be provided at several stands located throughout the room.
Exciting events are unfolding at the New Ross end of the South East Greenway, highlighted by United Striders AC’s annual 5K Stride. The race, beginning near the Glenmore car park and concluding at Stafford’s Yard in New Ross, is renowned for its fast course, perfect for those aiming to set personal records. The 5K Stride has gained a strong reputation among runners, drawing participants from Cork, Tipperary, Dublin, and throughout the southeast. This year, 350 runners registered, including several elite athletes. There is hope that next year’s event can utilize the new Ferrybank section of the Greenway.
In addition to the race, New Ross is seeing significant developments around the Greenway. Recent weeks have seen planning permission granted for various projects in the district. A notable new application has been submitted by Waterford-based Tramoncal Limited for a motorhome park near the South East Greenway. This proposed park would feature 32 motorhome pitches and a food truck plaza, adding to the area’s appeal for visitors. These developments suggest that New Ross is becoming a vibrant hub of activity, with the Greenway at its heart.
The third of the Deise Draws was held live on WLRfm last Friday, unfortunately there were no Ferrybank winners. However, Theresa Anthony from Leaca Ard, Ferrybank won the confined members' draw, this month’s prize was a voucher for Colin Molloy Meats. The fourth Deise Draw is scheduled for Friday September 20th, will again be broadcast live on WLRfm. The local club is deeply grateful to the community for its ongoing support, which is vital in maintaining the club’s operations. Their recent success in retaining senior hurling status for 2025 is a testament to this support. Best of luck to all Ferrybank members in the upcoming draw.
A residents' committee is being formed for The Fairways/Greenoaks Estate, now that Kilkenny County Council has taken over from Finn Homes. A well-organised committee is essential for managing estate issues, communicating within the community, and applying for grants. A meeting will be held soon to establish the committee and discuss necessary improvements like grass cutting and tree maintenance. A good turnout is encouraged, and all feedback is welcome. Date and time will be confirmed shortly. All residents are invited to attend.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024 at Abbey Community College. What an outstanding achievement on the Leaving Cert results. It’s evident that the education provided at Ferrybank is of the highest quality, and the dedication of your teaching staff, led by Principal Ms Michelle Jefford, as well as Deputy Principals Ms Helen O’Connor, Ms. Linda Cummins, and Mr Colm Rice, has played a pivotal role in the success. Scoring over 600 points in the Leaving Certificate is a remarkable accomplishment, and the substantial increase in the percentage of students achieving over 500 points reflects the hard work and commitment of both the students and the educators at Abbey Community College. We hope that all students who aspire to pursue higher education have received their college offers last week, and we wish them the very best on their academic journey.
