Paul Collins, West Intermediate Football All Star Award winner with Limerick Senior Hurling Captain Donal O’ Grady

O’Donovan raises need for national program of drainage works

Fine Gael TD Patrick O’Donovan has raised the need for a national program of drainage works as a means to try to prevent flooding in the Dáil. The Limerick Deputy told the Dáil that the recent flooding across the country had caused a huge amount of damage and while there was no doubt that the unprecedented weather itself was the main factor; he questioned whether the issue of land drainage was a major factor in the issue. He told the Dáil that the recent events had rightly received a great deal of national attention, but for some communities this was a fact of life for many years.

Patrick O’Donovan cited the example of flooding in Limerick in 2008 where communities and local authorities were left powerless to deal with issues that confronted them including the removal of gravel and other debris from rivers and streams. Deputy O’Donovan said that it was clear to everyone that when the village of Athea flooded in 2008, the eyes of the bridge over the River Gale in the middle of the village were blocked and full of debris, gravel and so on. The local authority was prevented from taking the material out to ease the flow of water. The reason it was prevented was because the area was a habitat. We should ask ourselves what type of habitat are we going to try to protect in future.

He said that it was clear to him and others that there were too many competing agencies involved in the maintenance of rivers and streams and while the River Shannon was the worst example of multiple agencies and competing interests, he told the Dáil that every parish in the country had similar situations of rivers and streams which no one would be able to do work in because no one knew who was responsible. The protection of habitats he said, were viewed in some cases as being more important than the protection of houses and individuals and this needed to be addressed.

Deputy O’Donovan said that the recently announced Rural Development Program would give an opportunity for this issue to be addressed and he asked if consideration could be given to the introduction of a scheme that would incentivise landowners and local communities to carry out remedial works in a manner similar to the REPS and AEOS schemes. He said it was clear that given the budgetary constraints that it was unlikely for the State to be able to maintain every river and stream in the near future and that is why new approaches were needed.

Minister Fergus O’Dowd replied to Patrick O’Donovan. He told the Dáil that the Government had reacted to the issue by providing funding for recent flooding; however he acknowledged the points that were raised. He gave Patrick O’Donovan a commitment that the issues which he raised would be considered by the relevant departments and agencies

Patrick O’Donovan said that he would continue to highlight the issue in the Dáil and would also raise it at the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party.

‘Out & About’ 

This week we send heartiest congratulations to Mary Ita Casey (daughter of Peggy & Bill) who on Saturday last was married here in Athea to Ger Collins (son of Kathleen & Paddy, Knocknagorna). The bridesmaids were Tricia Bridgeman and Lisa Henihan and the groom was assisted by his brothers Tom and Robert.

The bride’s nieces Eavan Coffey and Casey Ennis were flowergirls and nephews Pierse and Ruairí were pageboys, all home from America for the big occasion. Fr. Bowen performed the nuptial ceremony. Everyone had a great day at the Ballyroe Hotel in Tralee – the newly weds are honeymooning in the Dominican Republic.

Athea Ladies Football club are holding their registration night for all the players on this Wednesday night from 5.45 to 6.45 at the GAA Clubhouse. All underage players are asked to present themselves on the night. Any adults wishing to help out, also parents especially, please inform the club. The club send their congratulations to one of their players Mary Ita Casey who got married at the weekend.

Congratulations to Paul Collins, who on Saturday night last was presented with the Intermediate football award at the West Limerick GAA All-Star banquet held at the Rathkeale House Hotel. Also on the night Kevin Moore (grandson of Nancy and Timmy Woulfe) was awarded the U-21 ‘A’ football award. Well done to them both.

A grand ‘fundraiser’ is being held on this Sunday, March 2nd at the Community Centre, Knockanure in aid of the Ballybunion Sea and Rescue. It will start at 4pm and everyone is welcome to come along and have a cup of tea/coffee and cake etc or you can buy buns and cakes, all the proceeds from the sale of Anne Flavin’s baking and her student bakers will go towards the Sea & Rescue group who we all know do tremendous work in atrocious conditions sometimes. Please support this very worthy cause.

Incidentally Anne has her baking classes at her home each Saturday for 7-13 yr old girls and boys from 1-3pm and from 4-6pm and the boys are really baking well. More details from Anne on  086-3090948.

Following a recent meeting of our hall committee, Margaret Scanlon gave a run-down on the finances of the hall. Thankfully it’s in a good position but constantly needs maintenance so we are glad when clubs and organisations use it, as the running costs are high as you can imagine. It’s a great place to have a party of any kind and now with the newly refurbished kitchen you can cook or bring food in for your party.

Sympathies to Margaret Wallace and to the Wallace family in Glenbawn on the death of Margaret’s husband Danny from Tullyleague who died in St Ita’s Hospital during the week. We remember, too, Mike Ahern, Glenagragra who died suddenly and we extend our sympathies to his wife Bridie, daughters Mary, Breda, Jenny and Michelle and all his family.

I seem to be doing a bit of travelling around the country lately, at family events, and last weekend I was in Ennistymon, Co Clare. There is not the same evidence in Clare of the storm Darwin in the number of trees that were knocked down, compared to West Limerick, but there is so much more water everywhere. Apart from numerous lakes, where there should be grass, I could not help but notice the film of water over every field. It will take a lot of heat and sun to dry up the country. Let us hope we will get it. No sign of it yet anyway but we must hope.

The year is moving on and next week is the start of Lent preceded by Pancake Tuesday. It is strange how all these customs came about and how they are lasting. Nowadays nobody gives up eggs for Lent so there is no need to use all the eggs in pancakes but it is still a nice custom to keep going.

In spite of the rough weather the daffodils are not cowarded and are growing daily and in some place have budded into flower. It is lovely to see. 

We have got used to the Knockdown area being lit up every night but did you know that it is just five years this month since the street lighting was introduced in Knockdown by Limerick County Council. A little bit of useless knowledge for you!