Narrow Water Bridge Gets Final Approval

The long proposed Narrow Water Bridge, between the Newry Omeath Road, and the roundabout near Warrenpoint, has moved nearer becoming reality following approval by the Northern Ireland government last week, and subsequently by An Bord Pleanála.



An artists impression of the new bridge from the shoreline near Omeath.

The cable bridge which will be 660 metres in length, will carry a north and south lane, and will cost just over €18m to build.

Although, at first glance, the price seems expensive, the reason for the high figure is undoubtedly the fact that a section of the bridge will be capable of being raised to allow the passage through of masted sailing boats, and other pleasure craft, to the nearby Victoria Lock, and further up the canal, Albert Basin, beside the Quays Shopping Centre.

The impression of the new bridge can be seen just above the trees.

On the County Down side it's location will be at the roundabout close to where 18 British soldiers died in an IRA bomb ambush in 1979, and on the southern side it will link with the road on the Omeath side of Cornamucklagh House, formerly Davies Pub.
The project is one of many seeking a slice of an available €30m EU fund, and Louth County Council are hoping it will be opened by mid 2015.

Already €900,000 has been spent on the project, without even a sod being turned.

You can't help but wonder where this kind of money could have been spent.

 

You Need Oxygen Near Oxigen

There are days when you're tempted to jump the lights at the junction at the Northside Retail Park on the Dundalk by-pass, or as the Town Council prefer to call it, the Inner Relief Road, (which sounds like gastric complication) due to the stench emanating from the Oxigen Depot beside the junction.

In case you've been puzzled by the awful pong that reaches you, even with the windows tightly shut as you drive past, it's coming from their base located just beside the truck diesel stop across the road from the Millenium Centre.

In these times of 'correctness' and health and safety, it's really puzzling how this operation, of waste sorting and recycling, is allowed  to operate with the town boundary, and at times the stench is unbearable in adjoining housing estates of St Alphonsus Road, Cluan Enda, Oaklawns, and Meadow Grove.

Far lesser problematic enterprises have been forced into extinction through non-compliance agenda and the resulting Court appearances.

What's also very strange is the fact that Fine Gael TD Peter Fitzpatrick lives just over the wall from the stench in Belfry Gardens, and the silence from him on the matter is absolutely deafening.

Ravensdale Parishioners Growing Disquiet

Over recent years there has been considerable criticism of the stewardship of Fr Padraig Murphy, PP, St Mary's Church, Ravensdale, and in particular his handling of finer details of requested Masses for funerals.

He has been seen to impose his own rather inflexable viewpoints, not generally associated with a man of his relatively tender years, but which might be excused in someone of a much older generation.

In recent times, in the rapidly changing world, there is a growing tendency for young people to celebrate the lives of their departed peers at funerals, by bringing artifacts associated with the tragically deceased young person to the altar during Mass, and to read eulogies about their lives, which sometimes might include a poignant song with touching lyrics.

Fr. Murphy is totally opposed to this, and has alienated many parishoners by his dictatorial attitude, and his unwillingness to accommodate people in their hour of grief.

The largest funeral ever to take place in the parish was the recent burial of Ryan Byrne, Annaskeagh, Mountpleasant, Dundalk, aged 21, who died tragically in a road accident.

Fr. Murphy was on holiday during the period but his imposed instructions meant that the massive crowd who were unable to get inside St. Mary's Church, including all his school-friends who formed a Guard of Honour outside, could not hear the Mass.

It was very sympathetically concelebrated by Fr. Keenan, who is originally from the area, and a friend of the family, with two colleagues from other parishes, who are also friends of the family.

The sight of Ryan's motorcycle helmet, and a pair of much loved boots at the altar, and the eulogy delivered by his younger sister Sinead, and a poignant little song from a young member of the extended family, would bring a tear from a stone.

All this was lost to the massive crowd outside because of Fr. Murphy's instruction that the outside speakers of the PA system should not be switched on in case it would disturb the children in the adjoining school.

On his return from holiday it appears he vented his anger on Fr. Keenan over how the Mass was celebrated, and in particular of the presence of the helmet and boots at the altar, and the song. He instructed Fr. Keenan to make his views known to the grieving Byrne family and tell them that he would personally call on them to convey his fury.

A timely warning by way of a reply to Fr. Murphy from the Byrne family, stopped his ill-advised proposed visit from taking place, but the upshot of his lack of sympathy and understanding is that the forthcoming Month's Mind mass for Ryan will not take place in their home parish but instead right across town in Haggardtown, as the family distance themselves from Fr. Murphy.

It is simply astonishing in these troubled times for the Catholic Church, that Fr. Murphy, and many others like him, cannot move with the times and seek to bring people back to religion, instead of consistently alienating them.

It is also probably significant that the funeral Mass for another parishioner, who died in the last few days, was celebrated in Dundalk, rather than in St. Mary's Church, with internment taking place afterwards to Calvary Cemetary, Ravensdale.

Dundalk Town Council Has Lost The Plot

Not content with having robbed the town of it's very heart by giving planning for the almost countless shopping centres, Dundalk Town Council has now delivered yet another blow to the struggling town centre.

They have written to shopkeepers, and operators of town centre eateries, telling them that they must pay a fee to the town council for anything on the footpath outside their premises, and must increase their public liability insurance to indemnify them (the council) for possible claims up to €6.5 million.

For some already struggling businesses this may be 'the straw that breaks the camels back' and may well tip the scales as regards the continuing viability of their business.

The properietors of Riva Cafe in Earl Street, who a very continental touch with their tables and chairs, believe they may be faced with a charge of €2,250 per year.

John Lawrence, who appears to be proud of the title "Administrative Officer with Dundalk Town Council's Planning, Environment & Infrastructure section " says they had looked at the issue on environmental and litter grounds in the past but that it was really a planning issue.

In other words they had spent some considerable time in looking at ways by which they could further screw business owners in the town centre, who would appear to receive nothing in return for the considerable rates which they already pay.

One would hope that both Mr Lawrence, (he of the mile long pretentious title), and local town councilors receive the flak they deserve from the business fraternity for foisting yet another charge on the already struggling businesses.

Hospital Campaign to Continue

The committee spearheading the campaign to preserve the status of Louth County Hospital are determined to continue their efforts to have the decision by the HSE to move specific services to Drogheda reversed.

Despite many public and well attended meetings Minister for Health Mary Harney has refused to listen, and early in December said that the plans to transfer services was about the improvement of services, despite furious protests from Dundalk.

She said: "I can understand the protests. People are afraid of change but we have to listen to doctors and not politicians on this one. It is all about the improvement of services in Louth, not about saving money."

What a load of rubbish from the Minister without either a party, or a mandate from the people.

It is ludicrous to suggest that doctors would make such a decision.

Unless, of course she means Professor Brendan Drum, and then of course one realises that he knows on which side his bread is buttered, so to speak.

Earlier in the campaign, Minister Dermot Ahearn, from nearby Blackrock, made lavish promises at public meetings that he would ensure that the Louth County Hospital would not be downgraded, but it appears he was not in a position to deliver on his promise.

This huge gaff on his part would appear to have cost him dearly in terms of popularity, and what had earlier been a very promising political career, with potential for the 'top job' now seems to have waned.

Mountain Rescue Callout Disgrace

The recent rescue of two Dundalk couples from the Cooley mountains in the one incident, which involved fire crews from Dundalk and Carlingford, as well as an ambulance from Dundalk poses some some serious questions.

It would appear they went for a drive on St. Stephens Day, on the section of the mountain west of the Long Woman's Grave, in the area of the Clermont Cairn, where the television ond communications mast is sited and with the prevailing icy conditions, their vehicle got stuck.

No doubt they all had mobile phones in their pockets, but instead of calling a friend to arrange for a 4x4 or local tractor to help get them out, they call the emergency services and tie up their time for hours.

In accordance with the callout charges introduced in recent years it would be a lesson to them if they are saddled with a hefty bill for their shenanigans.

Mussels Kick Up A Stink

I fear that Moulles Mariniere, (mussels in a white wine sauce), for lovers of the seafood dish, may never again make the mouth water. Read on!

Residents near the Soldiers Point, on the Point Road, are hoping that the foul smell from the sewage plant there, and which has plagued the area for some time, may soon be a thing of the past.
The sh** finally hit the fan when angry residents could take it no longer, and approached the Council regarding the problem.
They in turn kicked up a stink with the company running the sewage plant, and it appears that 'officials looked into it'. Ugh!
The problem, it appears, was with the mussels used in the filtration system on one of the treatment tanks, and here we were all thinking that sewage system were extremely scientific.

Once new mussels are recruited/drafted in, everthing will be smelling of roses.

Now the similar smelly problem around Rockmarshall could hardly be due to the same problem, could it? Those pesky mussels not pulling their weight there either !

Local Solicitor Suspended And Another Before High Court

A DUNDALK solicitor found guilty of professional misconduct has been struck off by the High Court.
Declan McCourt, Solicitor, Defender's Row, Dundalk, was struck off after he was found guilty by the Law Society's disciplinary body, of professional misconduct.
This related to failures regarding an undertaking for a loan on a property in Dundalk, completion of work on another property matter in Carrick-on-Shannon, and failing to furnish accounts in 2005.
After being told on Monday that an affidavit concerning McCourt's health, and threats on his life had still not been provided, Mr Justice Johnson refused to further adjourn the matter and struck him off the Roll of Solicitors.

Also in the High Court this week an application was made by the Law Society to suspend Joseph Traynor, practising as Traynor Company solicitors, Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, and to freeze his accounts.
The judge noted the Law Society's regulation committee had met last May to discuss Mr Traynor's case and the chairman of the committee had described the investigating accountant's report as one of the most serious and damaging reports ever put before the committee.
Mr Justice Kelly said he was satisfied the matter required the urgent attention of the High Court and he listed it on Monday before the president of the High Court.
The Regulation of Practice Committee of the Law Society has expressed concerns that Mr Traynor allegedly gave undertakings to various financial institutions to stamp and register deeds when he was not in funds to do so.
Other issues raised included an alleged € 102,900 deficit in a client account but that deficit has been resolved.
Among other matters investigated by the Law Society's committee include an alleged € 1 million loan by a client, Francis Tiernan, to Mr Traynor, of which € 600,000 was drawn down.
Mr Traynor had told the Law Society that Mr Tiernan owed him € 750,000 in outstanding fees.
In separate proceedings, ACC Bank secured judgment orders in the Commercial Court earlier this year for some € 12 million against Mr Tiernan, with an address at Anne Street, Dundalk, arising from loans made to him over a five year period for property and other investments.
At Monday's sitting, Mr Justice Johnson said he would hear the application today to suspend Joseph Traynor, and to freeze his accounts.

Court Bid For Prison Release

A LOCAL man wanted over an alleged arms smuggling plot has launched a High Court bid to be released from custody in Northern Ireland.
Liam Campbell, one of the men held to be responsible for the Omagh bombing, is seeking an order that he is being held unlawfully at Maghaberry Prison.
Last month, he and three other men were found liable for the Omagh atrocity following a landmark civil action brought by relatives of some of the 29 people killed in the 1998 blast.
Campbell from Upper Faughart, Dundalk,along with four others, is wanted in Lithuania over a suspected operation to acquire and ship guns, ammunition and explosives.
Last week the High Court was told that the Lithuanian Authorities were no longer seeking Campbell's extradition but are seeking the extradition of one of the others Brendan McGuigan, aged 29, with an address at New Houses, Knocknagoran, Omeath.The Lithuanian authorities are seeking McGuigan's extradition on charges similar to those against Campbell.
The judge also fixed trial dates in early November for extradition proceedings brought by the Lithuanian authorities against McGuigan.

Murphy Charged With Tax Offences

Thomas 'Slab' Murphy, was charged with nine counts of failing to file tax returns when he appeared before Judge Flan at Ardee District Court earlier today.

Judge Flan Brennan agreed to bail on condition that he surrender his passport, sign on three times a week at Dundalk Garda station, and that a substantial independent surety be lodged with the court.

It is understood that the deeds of a 15 acre farm, valued at about €500,000, was accepted by the Court as security.

He will appear in Court again next week.

Thomas 'Slab' Murphy due in court today.

Well-known local senior republican, Thomas 'Slab' Murphy, Ballybinaby is due in court, at the Ardee sitting this morning, having been arrested yesterday by Gardai attached to the Criminal Assets Bureau.

The Slab,as he is locally known, who is in his 50s, was rushed to hospital last night after his arrest as he was complaining of chest pain.

However, he was later returned to Drogheda Garda Station ahead of his court appearance in Ardee this morning.

Mr Murphy's home and farm, which straddle both sides of the Louth/Armagh border, was the scene of a much publicised raid by the CAB in March 2006, and made the headlines for several days.

The Assets Recovery Agency Plot Thickens

The Assets Recovery Agency is currently investigating a serving PSNI officer on suspicion of benefiting from the proceeds of crime.

The female constable is one of three people who own assets worth £750,000 that were frozen at the request of the agency last week.

The assets include a house, 15 horses, three cars and a number of bank accounts held by Joanne and Samuel McKee.

She is suspected of involvement in tax evasion and benefit fraud, as well as holding property funded by her husband's criminal activity.

Mr McKee is alleged to have made his money from fuel smuggling, money laundering and tax evasion.