Latest news with #ShaneMcGuinness
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Haggardstown and Blackrock deserve bigger share of capital investment
And hasn't been for quite some time while especially for the last decade or more the community has expanded rapidly, and services and facilities are not keeping up to serve residents. More especially infrastructure is not up to requirements to serve the growing population and to add insult to injury a lot of the funds and taxes generated from development and other sources in the area have gone to other parts of the county to fund development. This in a nutshell was the strong case local councillor Shane McGuinness put to his fellow councillors as he asserted that Blackrock and Haggardstown is not getting it's proper share of the cake. Statistically he backed up his case that in his words the area has been 'starved of funds over the past ten years', and argued for it to receive overdue and badly needed funding to bring infra structure and facilities to the required level. The Councillor quoted that Dundalk south boasts the biggest population of the five electoral areas in the county which has a total population of 100, the figure for Dundalk South stands at 26,110, followed by Dundalk/Carlingford at 20,034, Ardee 19, 689, Drogheda Urban 19,685, Drogheda Rural 14,480.. The Councillor was making his valid pitch with national development plan funds coming down the line. He wants to ensure that the area and Blackrock and Haggardstown, where clearly major housing development, in particular, has taken place, gets it fair share of the pot, and redress the imbalance that has taken place. This has seen the area he contends produce the highest income in terms of rates and development levies. Now with Blackrock invited to represent the country in the international Entente Floral competition, there is a clear need and desire to present it's best foot forward, and some of the investment that has seen other parts of the county like Omeath/Carlingford, Dunleer have substantial money spent and plans drawn up to carry out improvements be allocated to the area. The county council will soon be drawing up its own budget and Councillor McGuinness will be pressing for the area to get funding to undertake projects. One that councillor sees as a priority in the Blackrock/Haggardstown area, is the completion of the Rock Road footpath and road improvement scheme, which has been held up for the past three years after a €100,000 grant obtained by the Tidy Towns committee actually was lost to carry out what was proposed to be the penultimate stage of the work. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The Councillor also believes safety works needs to be undertaken, including the installation of traffic lights and re-alignment of the junction at Sexton's junction on the Dublin Road to address the increasing volume of traffic and consequential increase in danger to road users and pedestrians. He also urges that a new waste water treatment plant be provided for the area and the provision of a community sports facility. Gers lotto The jackpot is now €23 000 in the Geraldines lottery with nobody claiming the prize last week. The numbers drawn were 9, 10, 24 and 31. Two players, Paul McCaffrey and Aislinn Connor selected three numbers to share the €200 prize. Remembrance service The annual remembrance service for those interred in the parish old cemetery on Old Golf Links Road takes place next Sunday, commencing at 7pm. The graveyard is believed to date from the fifth century. Saint Fursey, patron saint of the parish, is said to have founded a monastery there. A church was established there which was in use until 1620 approximately, and is documented to have fallen into ruins by 1692. Famine graveyard An ecumenical prayer service of remembrance will also be celebrated the same day in Killally famine graveyard, starting at 5pm. The graveyard was opened in 1853 and was a burial place for those who died in the nearby workhouse at Rath until 1905. Road closure Louth County Council has issued a notice that Old Golf Links Road will close for a fortnight this month. This will be from Monday August 11 to Friday, August is to facilitate emergency works – the upgrading of foul sewage drainage facilities. No through vehicular traffic will be allowed for the duration of the works, and diversions will be in place. However, there will be an exception made for local access for vehicles and pedestrians.
Agriland
5 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
New farm manager appointed to Newford Suckler Farm
A new farm manager has been appointed to the Newford suckler demonstration farm. Dawn Meats has confirmed to Agriland that Co. Roscommon man Shane McGuinness has now stepped into the role. The Newford suckler demonstration farm - which was established by Teagasc and Dawn Meats with support from McDonalds in 2015 - took up its new residence on a 118ac farm in Scrine, near Athleague in Co. Roscommon at the end of 2023, having relocated from a site in Co. Galway. The new farm manager replaces Stephen Frend, who is staying within the realms of Dawn Meats but moving to a procurement role with the meat processor. A statement to Agriland from Dawn Meats confirmed: "Newford farm manager Stephen Frend has taken up a new role within Dawn Meats as a procurement officer. "The new manager of the Newford Farm is Co. Roscommon man Shane McGuinness, a past student of Ballyhaise Agricultural College." The Dawn Meats statement wished both "the very best of luck in their careers". The Newford Herd consists of Angus and Hereford cross Friesian cows, originating from the dairy herd with heifers calved at 24-months-of-age. The systems on the farm are finishing male progeny at 21-23-months-of-age as steers, with a target carcass weight ranging from 310-350kg. Some of the herds main targets are: 365-day calving interval; 8-10 week calving spread; 80% of cows calved within eight weeks; Weaning a calf at 50% of the cows' own body weight. Heifers are finished at 18-20-months-of-age with a target carcass weight of 290-320kg. The farm contract rears all of its replacement heifers, which are sourced from high-index Hereford and Angus bulls. The herd is run on "a fully commercial basis", according to the farm's website. The Newford Farm aims to also "demonstrate the potential of a moderately-large suckler beef farm to generate a viable family farm income when operated to the highest-level of technical efficiency and best practice".
Irish Independent
30-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
EPA asked to intervene in ‘crisis' at Blackrock beach
Louth County Council have written to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting an 'urgent update' following a meeting with elected members last week, where calls for action emerged on issues such as the build-up of seaweed, the designation of bathing areas and water quality. Public concern over water quality saw the popular Blackrock Raft Race not go ahead in its usual format last weekend. Although a series of onshore activities did run, the traditional raft race was not held on the open water. The local authority have advised sea swimmers to use 'officially designated bathing water sites in the area,' confirming that the beach at Blackrock is currently not a designated site. Cllr. Shane McGuinness, who represents the Blackrock and Haggardstown area on Louth County Council called for 'serious action' to be taken to resolve ongoing public concerns. He described the situation as a 'crisis' which could only be resolved by the provision of a new waste water treatment plant for the Dundalk South area. In a statement, Louth County Council said its officials had met with elected members of Dundalk Municipal District on Thursday last 'to discuss recent environmental concerns raised about Blackrock Beach.' 'Council officials shared updates from consultations with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Marine Institute. Both agencies judged that the recent seaweed deposits at Blackrock and the Priest's Beach are naturally occurring and part of a seasonal pattern of macro algae accumulation.' Local councillors have been calling for the water quality at Blackrock to be tested, but the council stated that under the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and the 2024 Amendment, Blackrock Beach is not currently a designated bathing water. As such, water quality testing is not carried out by Louth County Council at this location. 'For those wishing to swim, Louth County Council recommends using one of the officially designated bathing water sites in the area, where water quality is regularly monitored to ensure public safety and lifeguards are in attendance,' the statement continued. The local authority stated that water quality data for nearby areas such as Inner Dundalk Bay and Castletown Estuary is available to the public via the EPA's website. "Inner Dundalk Bay is classified as a transitional waterbody with a 'Moderate' status under the Water Framework Directive.' The meeting also heard that a new designated bathing water site can be nominated by the public, in accordance with EPA guidelines and under the Bathing Waters Regulations. Observations are invited from the public, and more information can be found in the Environment section of the Louth County Council website. Submissions will be accepted up until 26th September. Concerns about sewage overflows and water pollution were also raised during the meeting, where the council confirmed the EPA is responsible for monitoring water quality and regulating emissions from wastewater treatment plants. 'It also has the authority to enforce environmental regulations and ensure that wastewater discharges do not cause significant harm to the environment.' Louth County Council officials agreed to write to the EPA to request an urgent update on the water quality, particularly in the area around Blackrock. The possibility of removing seaweed from the beach was discussed but ultimately ruled out. Dundalk Bay is a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). These designations are part of the European Union's Natura 2000 network, aimed at protecting the most seriously threatened habitats and species across Europe. Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, added: 'Blackrock Beach is one of the most popular and well-loved spots in County Louth, especially during the summer. That's why it was so important for councillors and officials to come together and listen to the concerns being raised. We want to reassure the public that their voices matter and by working together, we can help protect and improve this special place for everyone to enjoy.' Cllr Robert Nash, Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, said: 'Given the strong public concern around Blackrock Beach in recent weeks, I felt it was essential that we brought everyone to the table. I requested a meeting with senior council officials and Dundalk MD councillors, and I'm glad that it took place. It was a constructive discussion where a range of views were shared, and we'll continue to keep the public informed as we move forward.' David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: 'We understand the concerns of residents and visitors regarding the recent changes at Blackrock Beach. While the seaweed and smell may be unsightly and unpleasant, it is a natural occurrence and part of the coastal ecosystem. We are committed to working with the EPA and other agencies to ensure the safety and environmental health of our coastline, and we would strongly encourage members of the public to engage in the process to nominate appropriate bathing water areas.' He added that the council will continue to monitor the situation at Blackrock Beach and communicate with the EPA and other relevant authorities to address any issues that arise.
Irish Independent
19-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘Smelly' Louth coastline a ‘naturally occurring phenomenon'
Cllr. Shane McGuinness raised the issue at the June meeting of Louth County Council, highlighting the red/brown algal bloom which has washed up along the coast at Blackrock. He told councillors the bloom is particularly prevalent 'along the strand at the main street, the Priest's beach and along the marsh grasses at The Loakers which is an Special Protected Area (SPA) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).' Explaining that he had raised this with the local authority, he added: 'I was told that it wasn't what I thought it was, and it was a natural occurrence and harmless. I requested it be cleaned up as soon as possible as people couldn't put their clothes outside on the line, or even walk in the area because the smell was so repugnant. I cannot imagine the effect this is having on our wildlife.' The response to my queries was that 'we couldn't take a vehicle on to the beach as the National Parks and Wildlife services would not allow it'. He added: 'I believe this material washed up is an Algal Bloom which is a rapid increase of algae which is caused by an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus in particular. These blooms can be extremely harmful, impacting water quality, causing oxygen depletion and producing toxins that not only affect wildlife but seriously effect humans and pets. Animal and human health is threatened here as this nutrient pollution contains high levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus from sources like sewage and slurry.' 'Sometimes, you only have to use your sense of smell, to realise that this is a major problem caused by our lack of sewerage treatment capacity in this entire area and toilet waste getting into our seas is the main cause of it I believe. The permitted use of human sludge from WWTP (Waste Water treatment plants) on our lands and the "uncontrolled releases" from WWTP and storm drainpipes has contributed enormously to this algal bloom, I believe.' 'I am requesting the environmental section of this council to get an independent analysis carried out on this Algae, as the onus is on us as councillors in the chamber to have it tested and determine its safety and our next moves. I believe the environmental section of Louth County Council cannot continue to promote the notion that this is a natural occurrence and not in any way a risk to human health.' Cllr. McGuinness criticised what he referred to as 'a lack of engagement' "I have raised this a number of times over the last twelve months, Dundalk South needs a Waste Water Treatment Plant. I know that we can easily say it is an Irish Water issue, but I believe we need to communicate better over the next twelve months.' Director of Service, David Hanratty, said they had been in contact with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in relation to this matter, adding: 'The position hasn't changed, it is a natural phenomenon.' He explained that the nutrient rich water in this area, comes largely from the marsh land. Mr. Hanratty said they had 'no reports of malfunctions at waste water treatment plants that would have contributed to no evidence of any links to sewage or any run off from agricultural activities.' He added that as it is a "naturally occurring algal bloom' the local authority 'cannot clean it up, we cannot interfere with the natural ecological processes.' The very warm Spring weather, coupled with the nutrient rich water, had likely contributed to the increase in algal bloom, he said. 'But, that being said, we will continue to monitor the situation,' On a related topic, Cllr. Marianne Butler asked if there were any 'nature based projects' to deal with the 'run off from streets etc' in Louth. She asked: 'When are we going to adopt nature based solutions?' Mr. Hanratty said that under the new Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, Dundalk has been chosen as one of five pilot sites around the country that will see the development of an integrated waste water treatment plant, looking at where water comes from and where it goes. He added that it is being led by Uisce Eireann, but involves local stakeholders including Louth County Council.
