Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

Dublin

Journalist at East Coast FM

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Articles

First new local area plan for Blessington in a decade is voted in

1 week ago | independent.ie | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

The plan for the west Wicklow town and surrounding area is the first to be adopted in over a decade, with the previous plan in place for six years between 2013 and 2019. During a meeting of Wicklow County Council on Monday, members considered 37 amendments to the proposed plan that will provide a framework to support the future development of the area up until 2031.
Wicklow County Council leaders to be all female for first time

1 week ago | independent.ie | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

But the move to put a Government party in the chair was not welcomed by all. On Monday, Melanie Corrigan was elected as the new cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council. The Fine Gael representative in Bray West comfortably beat independent councillor John Snell by 22 votes to 10 during the local authority’s annual general meeting at County Buildings. Ms Corrigan succeeds Paul O’Brien, who took up the position last summer.
Promenade linking Blessington Lakes could be solution to greenway refusal

1 week ago | independent.ie | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

The move comes after concerns were raised about the lack of information on the environmental impact of the project, with a focus on the conservation of native bird species and drinking water quality at the Poulaphouca Resevoir. There were also fears the project would have adverse impacts on the surrounding area of the Wicklow Mountains.
One Wicklow town centre’s long-awaited renewal design due within weeks

1 week ago | independent.ie | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

Wicklow County Council was initially awarded €3.5 million in 2019 under the Rural Development Fund (RDF). The works will include the re-allocation of road space, enhanced lighting, tree planting and landscaping as well as associated drainage works. In an update to the June meeting of Wicklow County Council director of services Fergal Keogh said further discussions are currently taking place with the design consultants, with the aim of finalising the documents for tender.
Wicklow bus issues prompt calls for regular NTA clinics

1 week ago | independent.ie | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

The motion was brought forward by Cllr Stephen Stokes and seconded by Cllr Lourda Scott and comes following a presentation by representatives of the NTA to the Wicklow County Council chamber last October, which outlined the future of transport in the county. At their monthly meeting in June, several members indicated they have yet to receive a satisfactory response from the NTA about projects in their district.
All houses in Wicklow estate to be surveyed by county council

1 week ago | independent.ie | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

The local authority has been heavily criticised for their failure to resolve a catalogue of issues faced by residents. These include issues with attic insulation, water supply as well as complaints that the access ramp outside the estate is “not the correct gradient”, for wheelchairs users. Speaking during the council’s June meeting Cllr Louise Fenelon Gaskin said she doesn’t know if any progress is being made. “Every time I pass it by I'm afraid to look in.
Wicklow County Council chief says Tánaiste has not responded to N11 junction closure letter

1 week ago | independent.ie | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

There has been widespread opposition to the proposals, which form part of the N11/M11 Bus Priority Interim Scheme. Residents protesting the move recently assembled at the sod turning on the new Fassaroe Park and Ride Facility to hand deliver a letter to the chief executive asking her to keep a promise that she would raise their concerns with the Tánaiste Simon Harris and Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien.
Tánaiste not responding to Wicklow County Council over N11 junction closure opposition

1 week ago | independent.ie | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

There has been widespread opposition to the proposals, which form part of the N11/M11 Bus Priority Interim Scheme. Residents protesting the move recently assembled at the sod turning on the new Fassaroe Park and Ride Facility to hand deliver a letter to the chief executive asking her to keep a promise that she would raise their concerns with the Tánaiste Simon Harris and Transport Minister Darragh O’ Brien.
Wicklow ‘eyesore’ could grow into bigger car park

1 week ago | independent.ie | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

The call comes amid an ongoing transport study of the town, with a public consultation on a new one-way system due to take place by September. Speaking during the June Meeting of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Kennedy said more car parking spaces are badly needed.
New Wicklow solar farm plan ‘is a great concern’

1 week ago | independent.ie | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

Malone O’Regan Environmental has submitted a planning application on behalf of Wicklow Renewables to develop the facilities in the townland of Mullycagh Upper, between Hollywood and Donard village. Speaking during the June meeting of Wicklow County Council Cllr Mahon said more information is needed about the proposal. “I’ve been inundated with phone calls from local residents.