Community Liaision Committee March 2014

Sitting down on Strand Street

Thanks to the efforts of some dedicated Skerries residents, who collected over 1000 signatures in favour of seating on Strand Street, Fingal County Council has agreed to pilot two benches on Strand Street. They will be located in the area to the south of the bus stop between the bus stop and Gerrys Supermarket. The pictures show f the proposed style of bench.

Skerries bathing water quality figures

The Council recently released the attached figures on bathing water quality in Skerries last summer (2013). They were very good indeed. The reasons for this were improvements in the water treatment infrastructure and the very low rainfall levels.

Unfortunately, several years of good readings are needed before we will qualify for a Blue Flag again so although the Council has applied for one, it is very unlikely that Skerries will be awarded it this year. However, we are going to run our Skerries Water Quality project again this summer taking samples of seawater during the bathing season which the Council will have tested immediately, providing more timely information which we will then publicise. If you would like to volunteer as a water tester, please contact us on info@skerriesca.com

Water quality figures for 2012 and 2013:

Click to enlarge

 Cycling restrictions on South Strand pathway

The South Strand pathway is not currently wide enough to safely accommodate cyclists and pedestrians. In order to address this problem, the Council has decided to apply for funding to widen the pathway to 3.5 metres, the required width for safe shared use. In the meantime cycling will be restricted to small children who are learning to cycle. Signage to this effect will appear soon. Click on this link to see a note prepared by FCC for the Skerries Community Liaison Committee recently:

Cycling on South Strand

 Skerries skatepark

Thanks to the lobbying efforts of the Skerries skate park committee, the Council is enthusiastic about building a skatepark in the town. A probable location is next to the playground on Red Island. The next challenge will be to source the required funding which is in the region of 165k euro.

 Springboards (Springers) repairs

The Council has committed to repairing the damage caused by this winter’s storms in time for the summer bathing season.

Events for Senior Citizens in the Fingal Area

Fingal CoCo Community Liaison provided this information:

The following events will take place over the coming months for Senior Citizens in the Fingal Area.

  •  16th April – Seniors Olympics in the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown 10am – 2.00 with a presentation/certificate of participation.
  •  20th May – AGM – Fingal Senior Citizens Forum / Information conference, “Feed the Brain & Feed the Body” this will take place in the Emmaus Centre start time 9.15 until 2.pm – places are limited so please book your place early. Main guest speaker this year is Dr. Kate Irvine – DCU on Dementia and how to keep your brain Healthy.
  •  29th May Memory Makers – Carlton Hotel near Dublin Airport. Application forms available soon, please prepare your exhibit now in order to be ready nice nibbles, music and prizes for 1st 2nd etc., promises to be a great evening starting at 6.30 until 10.00 approx. Intrigued? Ask Fingal County Council for information!
  •  Nordic Walking – Fingal County Council sports department will be in contact with groups in the area if they show interest a walk will be arranged for them
  •  Aqua Fit lessons – we are awaiting confirmation from the Aquatic Centre regarding availability of pool
  •  September – ITB Health Fitness and Wellbeing course starting first week in September and runs through to December with a graduation for seniors the 17/18th December / Party.
  •  Fingal Seniors Afternoon Tea Dances – are being planned for June and November – more information to follow
  •  Fingal Seniors Information Seminar – November title and venue to be planned – more information to follow.

The Community Officer dealing with events for Senior Citizens is:

Louise Edmonds

Senior Community Officer
Area-West Fingal and Swords
Email: louise.edmonds@fingal.ie
Telephone: (01) 8704488 

The Community Officers with Fingal County Council for our area are:

Valerie McAllorum Byrne

Community Officer
Area – East Fingal & North Fingal
Email: valerie.mcallorumbyrne@fingal.ie
Telephone: (01) 8905106

Eugene Moore

Senior Community Officer
Area: East Fingal & North Fingal
Email: eugene.moore@fingal.ie
Telephone: (01) 8905085