Panel meeting notes challenges in uplands
WICKLOW Uplands Council hosted the ‘Shaping The Wicklow Uplands’ panel meeting to a full audience in Tinahely’s Courthouse Arts Centre last week.
Designed to provide an opportunity for networking and discussion amongst the tourism, community, recreation and farming sectors, the event proved to be very popular, with people traveling from far afield to attend.
The evening began with Tinahely resident John Mullen delivering an account of the development of the numerous local trails and looped walks and the recent introduction of a pocket guide and downloadable maps of the routes.
Mr Mullen said the walks are proving to be extremely popular with visitors of all levels of experience, who are attracted to the area by the variety of walks and the hospitality of south Wicklow.
The centrepiece of the evening was the gathering of the four panel groups to discuss projects under way, the various issues affecting their sector and to share suggestions on how best to resolve any challenges.
The key focus of both the Community Panel Economic and Tourism Panel was the development of tourism across the upland region; with a unanimous agreement that that its landscape is a national asset.
Car parking and the development of a park and ride system proved to be one of the key areas discussed, with the farming panel sharing that most private landowners would welcome the opportunity for their land to be used for such a scheme, although the issue of personal liability would need to be considered.
It was agreed that public transport is an essential component to further developing the tourism infrastructure in the region. In particular, it was seen as a bigger issue in the south of the county compared to popular spots such as Glendalough and Glenmalure.
As the use of the upland road network is at its peak in the summer, it was suggested that, with incentives, school buses in the region could provide a starting point to establish an extensive seasonal bus service and a coordinated park and ride system, especially in Glendalough, Roundwood and Luggala, where thoroughfare challenges are often experienced.
Addressing the question of suitable accommodation for visitors, Tom Byrne of the Wicklow’s Irish Farmers Association said ‘the lack of accommodation for visitors to County Wicklow could easily be supported with more bed and breakfast and farmstay options, with the upland region being able to offer a unique setting and an experience that could be marketed international.’
‘Improved communication with Wicklow County Council and the streamlining of the planning process and Leader funding applications would make this an attractive possibility and assist hugely in adding to the economy across the upland communities,’hesaid.
The Environmental and Recreational Panel concluded that the soil composition of the upland region is unique to Ireland and the United Kingdom due to the moist weather conditions.
Mountaineering Ireland’s representative Jim Sheehan outlined that due to the environmental sensitivity, some of the routes and paths used by the region’s visitors may be getting excessively damaged in some places and called for a better understanding of their conditions and the development of sustainable practices to be considered.
Speaking after the event, Brian Dunne, Co-ordinator for Wicklow Uplands Council, said that this is an issue that the council has been aware of for some time.
‘It is hoped that we will soon conduct a full survey in partnership with Mountaineering Ireland, on the paths and routes in higher regions. Once completed, we believe the recommendations and any work undertaken, will ensure that hill walkers and trekkers will continue to enjoy County Wicklow’s many paths and routes in a safer and less impactful way.’
Ongoing challenges with dog control, concerns related to rural crime and the recent winter weather were also discussed, with appreciation given to the many farmers involved in road clearance operations and the community response to the severe weather.
Big entry of 2862 sheep on offer – Spring lambs easier by €5 per head on last weeks, Hoggetts & Cull ewes very strong with price up €1 / €2 head.
Hoggetts over 50Kg - €136 - €144; Hoggetts 45-49 Kg - €118 - €138; Hoggetts 37-44 Kg - €97 - €122; Hoggetts under 37Kg - €75 - €101; Spring Lambs - €105 - €140; Heavy Cull Ewes - €115 - €143; Light Cull Ewes - €65 - €105; Ewes & Lambs @ foot - €140 - €225.
Prices: Lambs - 15 Lambs 42Kg @ €144; 25 Lambs 36Kg @ €121; 15 Lambs 40Kg @ €136. Hoggetts - 15 Hoggetts 59Kg @ €140; 42 Hoggetts 56Kg @ €141.50; 100 Hoggetts 47.5Kg @ €133; 25 Hoggetts 42Kg @ €120; 37 Hoggetts 47Kg @ €131; 25 Hoggetts 52Kg @ €138.50; 22 Hoggetts 35Kg @ €101; 45 Hoggetts 39Kg @ €107.
Large entry of cattle with 1063 on offer, Calf numbers smaller than previous weeks with 400 on offer
More farmer customer demand for quality stores with prices improved, plain lighter stores saw no change. Strong export demand for weanling bulls & Fr
CATTLE SALE MARCH 31: