Latest news with #Foley
The Citizen
19 hours ago
- General
- The Citizen
Mandela Day tree planting initiative ends in tension over illegal tree felling
What began as a symbolic and hopeful Mandela Day morning for Ward 94 councillor David Foley quickly turned into a confrontation over urban tree protection and accountability. Foley kicked off the day planting trees at both Fourways Gardens Estate and Fourways Mall, alongside Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), part of a broader initiative to promote urban greening under the Mandela Day spirit of giving back, but, later that afternoon, while driving back with Fourways Review, Foley spotted something that brought the celebrations to a halt. Read more: Fourways Gardens Estate plant 67 trees for 67 minutes of Mandela Day Just nearby the estate, several individuals were cutting down trees. Concerned, Foley stopped his car and approached the group to clarify the legality of their actions. What followed was a tense exchange between the councillor and the property owner, who claimed the trees were damaging infrastructure and lifting the tar from the road. Foley, however, made it clear that unauthorised tree removal, especially on public property, is illegal and could carry serious consequences. 'This will be an example for many who are doing the same thing as him. You cannot cut down trees. You are breaking the law. That is the responsibility of JCPZ.' JCPZ, still active in the area for Mandela Day, were swiftly informed. Known for their fierce advocacy of green spaces, officials reacted strongly, contacting the property owner directly and requesting a formal explanation. Dr Joseph Ndou, an environmentalist from JCPZ, said a fine is now pending, and the matter will be thoroughly investigated. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Councillor gets honoured with engraved bench
Ward 94 councillor David Foley is known for his meticulous approach to problem-solving, often going the extra mile to address residents' concerns. Now, his dedication has earned him a unique recognition, a bench at Lonehill Dog Park with his name engraved on it. This gesture is the brainchild of Jawitz Properties, a Fourways-based estate company that wanted to show appreciation for Foley's tireless efforts on July 16. 'David has been a phenomenal leader in the community and we thought this is the best way to show our community that we are grateful for what he does,' said Ashe Thaver, a candidate property practitioner at the estate company. Foley, so shy to take credit, thought it was an unnecessary gesture, but also one that got him smiling from ear to ear. 'It is not one person that makes the difference, it is the community. It is the eyes and ears that make Lonehill what it is.' Also read: Councillor Foley elated as solar-powered lights glow up Winnie Mandela Drive Foley said Lonehill is a special place, and that the gesture was totally unexpected, but very much appreciated. The bench serves as a symbol of the positive impact Foley has had on the community that he serves. Residents and dog owners alike can now sit and relax in the park, knowing that their councillor has been instrumental in making their neighbourhood a better place. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Premier League club share first images of incredible stadium upgrade plans that will DOUBLE capacity in huge revamp
BOURNEMOUTH have shared the first images of their unbelievable £90MILLION stadium revamp plans. With by far the smallest stadium capacity in the Premier League, the Cherries plan to DOUBLE the amount of seats in the Vitality Stadium. 6 Bournemouth have shared the first AI images of their incredible stadium plans 6 Birds-eye view of the new Vitality Stadium, due to be completed in 2027 6 The capacity will double from 11,307 to around 20,500 in the next two years 6 Bournemouth have shared the first images of their incredible stadium revamp That will take the current capacity from 11,307 to around 20,500 in the next two-and-a-half years - with room to grow to over 23,000. The redevelopment would make it only the second smallest stadium, leapfrogging G-tech Community Stadium with 17,000. And Bournemouth's American owner Bill Foley reckons the Vitality won't even need to close for the expansion. Instead, the renovations will require the demolition of the current South Stand, as well as the expansion of the existing North and East stands. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS The plan - available on the BCP Council planning website - also shows how more seats will be made by infilling all four stadium corners. The stadium, built in 1910, will be completed by the end of 2027. Bournemouth unveiled an incredible computer generated montage showing how it will look on Tuesday, with the caption: Together anything is possible." The snaps shared for the first time how the new South Stand will fit in with the current ground and its surroundings. Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS It also included the proposed new fan zone in the South West corner of the ground, between the new South Stand and current main stand. There are also plans to modernise the facility with new perimeter fencing and relocated turnstiles, a new ticket office and additional hospitality space. Foley was keen to redevelop the stadium as building a new stadium would have taken five or six years. European giants see stadium wrecked by hurricanes with roof battered and pitch flooded 6 There are also plans build a new perimeter fencing and relocate the turnstiles 6 A new fan zone will be built Bournemouth will build the South Stand off site and start snapping it in place after the final game against Manchester City next season. The club will be buoyed by a strong 2024/2025 season that saw them finish in the top half of the Premier League for the first time since the 2016/2017 campaign. The Cherries have also received a huge cash injection of around £100million so far from the summer sales of Manager The Vitality will be officially owned by a new entity called Black Knight Stadium Limited - named after Foley's company which owns the club. They have tried and failed to buy it back several times since, but Foley made the announcement of the deal at the official opening of the club's £32m training facility. A public exhibition is set to take place at the stadium regarding the expansion on July 21 between 15:30 and 20:00 BST. Fans and locals are invited to attend a presentation from club personnel and advisors, as well as to pose their questions and concerns. Iraola's revamped side will travel to Premier League champions Liverpool in their opening game of the 2025/ 2026 season.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Premier League club share first images of incredible stadium upgrade plans that will DOUBLE capacity in huge revamp
Club's football side has been remodelled too GROUND BREAKING Premier League club share first images of incredible stadium upgrade plans that will DOUBLE capacity in huge revamp Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BOURNEMOUTH have shared the first images of their unbelievable £90MILLION stadium revamp plans. With by far the smallest stadium capacity in the Premier League, the Cherries plan to DOUBLE the amount of seats in the Vitality Stadium. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Bournemouth have shared the first AI images of their incredible stadium plans 6 Birds-eye view of the new Vitality Stadium, due to be completed in 2027 6 The capacity will double from 11,307 to around 20,500 in the next two years 6 Bournemouth have shared the first images of their incredible stadium revamp That will take the current capacity from 11,307 to around 20,500 in the next two-and-a-half years - with room to grow to over 23,000. The redevelopment would make it only the second smallest stadium, leapfrogging Brentford's G-tech Community Stadium with 17,000. And Bournemouth's American owner Bill Foley reckons the Vitality won't even need to close for the expansion. Instead, the renovations will require the demolition of the current South Stand, as well as the expansion of the existing North and East stands. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS SPURRED ON Championship club confirm plans for 60,000 stadium with feature used by Spurs The plan - available on the BCP Council planning website - also shows how more seats will be made by infilling all four stadium corners. The stadium, built in 1910, will be completed by the end of 2027. Bournemouth unveiled an incredible computer generated montage showing how it will look on Tuesday, with the caption: Together anything is possible." The snaps shared for the first time how the new South Stand will fit in with the current ground and its surroundings. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS It also included the proposed new fan zone in the South West corner of the ground, between the new South Stand and current main stand. There are also plans to modernise the facility with new perimeter fencing and relocated turnstiles, a new ticket office and additional hospitality space. Foley was keen to redevelop the stadium as building a new stadium would have taken five or six years. European giants see stadium wrecked by hurricanes with roof battered and pitch flooded 6 There are also plans build a new perimeter fencing and relocate the turnstiles 6 A new fan zone will be built Bournemouth will build the South Stand off site and start snapping it in place after the final game against Manchester City next season. The club will be buoyed by a strong 2024/2025 season that saw them finish in the top half of the Premier League for the first time since the 2016/2017 campaign. The Cherries have also received a huge cash injection of around £100million so far from the summer sales of Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Jaidon Anthony. Manager Andoni Iraola will hope to build on this new financial support - and the improved home support after the expansion - to make a push for European football over the coming years. The Vitality will be officially owned by a new entity called Black Knight Stadium Limited - named after Foley's company which owns the club. They have tried and failed to buy it back several times since, but Foley made the announcement of the deal at the official opening of the club's £32m training facility. A public exhibition is set to take place at the stadium regarding the expansion on July 21 between 15:30 and 20:00 BST. Fans and locals are invited to attend a presentation from club personnel and advisors, as well as to pose their questions and concerns. Iraola's revamped side will travel to Premier League champions Liverpool in their opening game of the 2025/ 2026 season.
Irish Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Post
Two pubs closing each week in Ireland
OVER 2000 pubs have closed in Ireland in the last twenty years, according to a new report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI). The study, by economist and DCU associate professor Anthony Foley, paints a bleak picture for the future of Irish pubs, especially in rural areas. From 2005 to 2024, the number of licensed pubs in Ireland dropped from 8,617 to 6,498, amounting to a decline of more than 25%. While closures have been widespread across all 26 counties, rural areas have been hit hardest. Counties like Limerick, Offaly, and Cork experienced the steepest drops, with decreases of 37%, 34%, and 32%, respectively. Meanwhile, Dublin saw the smallest decline at just 1.7%. The report underscores a troubling trend: the erosion of pubs in rural communities, where they often act as much more than just a place to drink. 'There has been a pattern of pub closures across Ireland, particularly in rural Ireland, in recent years,' said Professor Foley in the report. These pubs are frequently the heart of their communities, offering a vital social and cultural hub as well as a key attraction for tourism. According to DIGI Secretary Donall O'Keeffe, the primary reason behind these closures is the high costs imposed by the state, including taxes and regulatory burdens. Ireland currently has the second-highest tax rate on alcohol in the European Union, alongside a 23% VAT rate. These costs, coupled with rising operating expenses and falling rural populations, are making it harder for family-owned pubs to stay afloat. 'The addition of profound economic uncertainty through US trade tariffs and reduced levels of inbound tourism further threaten the financial foundations of family-owned pubs across the country,' said Foley. DIGI is calling for a 10% cut in excise duty in the upcoming budget to help ease the financial burden on pub owners. 'With Irish consumption of alcohol having fallen to average EU levels and likely to continue dropping, it is no longer justifiable that pubs should be faced with the second-highest excise rates in Europe,' said O'Keeffe. The report projects that between 600 and 1,000 more pubs could close over the next decade if nothing changes. See More: Anthony Foley, DIGI, Donall O'Keefe, Irish Pubs
