Lighting works to finish in early 2017

PUBLIC Lighting being installed in Glendalough and Laragh should reach completion early in the New Year.

During an update of the engineers report at Monday’s meeting of Wicklow Municipal District, it was explained that Wicklow County Council are currently carrying out a traffic management plan and while lighting columns have been received, they have yet to be put up.

After the New Year it should take another three or so days to complete the works. It will then be up to ESB to power the lights.

All the lights making up the Newtownmountkennedy public lighting project on the R772 near the Coillte offices should now be complete and ready for ESB to activate them.

Cllr Shay Cullen inquired about two black and white poles located beside a pedestrian crossing.

He said: ‘ one is in the middle of the footpath and there are concerns that parents wouldn’t be able to pass by with a buggy.’

Cllr John Snell praised recent footpath works carried out in Rathnew, which he said had already helped improve the safety of pedestrians using that particular route.

‘It’s getting great use. We now have two amalgamated schools there with over 400 pupils and over 1,000 students up the road. It has made a huge difference to everyone already.

‘You also have the soccer club and GAA club up there so this path was badly needed and the outdoor staff did a great job and should be commended.’ CATHAOIRLEACH of Wicklow Municipal District Cllr John Snell has thanked all his fellow elected members for their input into the unveiling of a 1916 Proclamation Stone at Leitrim Place in Wicklow town.

The granite stone features the Proclamation carved into its back and front in both Irish and English and was unveiled the previous weekend.

‘Leitrim Place is the perfect spot and everyone I talked to has passed comment on the location. It will stand the test of time in respect of future generations.

‘It’s great that local children, who have probably learnt a lot recently about what happened a Century ago, now have a marker to visit where they can see the Proclamation in both Irish and English,’ said Cllr Snell.

Cllr Shay Cullen said: ‘ the area looked really well on the day and it’s a great credit to everyone involved.’

Cllr Daire Nolan described the unveiling as a ‘great day.’

‘It was very well put together and very well organised. It was a lovely setting, with the trees and the green areas, and the Proclamation stone will be present for many future generations to visit,’ said Cllr Nolan.

Meanwhile, councillors have also offered their support to Patrick Power and his application for some funding from the Wicklow Commemorate programme.

Patrick, along with David Owens, added a dash of colour to each 1916 memorial unveiling held in Wicklow this year, complete with military clothing from the era.

David Owns also received a People of the Year award this year.

Cllr Gail Dunne said that the pair were also present at a 1916 event he attended in Wexford.

Cllr Snell said: ‘Both those gentlemen were probably the busiest people in Wicklow this year and they did it all off their own backs.

‘ From a historical aspect it was great to have them on board. I’m not sure why they weren’t successful for a grant but I think there was an underspend so hopefully we should be able to do something,’ he said.