Building work on hospice to begin
THERE IS EXCITEMENT in Wicklow as building work on the hospice draws near.
Wicklow Hospice Foundation has said it will carry out the official sod-turning ceremony at Magheramore within the next few weeks.
€4m was raised via fundraising for the 15- bed hospice, and the HSE contributed €1.25m.
Seán Dorgan, chairman of Wicklow Hospice Foundation, thanked people for their support
He said: ‘It’s all really starting to happen now and fall into place.
‘We will be announcing a date for the sod-turning in the coming weeks.’
THE WICKLOW Hospice Foundation will carry out the official sod turning ceremony for a new hospice at Magheramore over the coming weeks.
The Hospice Committee was formed in 2009 with the aim of raising enough funds to provide a 15-bed hospice. The public have managed to raise €4 million, while the HSE has contributed an additional €1.25 million.
The site at Magheramore was generously donated by the Columban Sisters and the hospice received planning permission from Wicklow County Council last year.
An announcement over the official sod turning ceremony to mark the start of the construction will soon be made, with the ceremony set to take place within the next few weeks.
Sean Dorgan, Chairman Wicklow Hospice Foundation, has thanked the Wicklow public for their ongoing support and fundraising efforts.
‘It’s all really starting to happen now and fall into place,’ said Mr Dorgan.
‘We will be announcing a date for the sod turning in the coming weeks. The contractors have been selected and initial groundworks at the site are taking place. Some preliminary fencing will be erected and an internal roadway will also be put in place to assist with the works. We are so grateful to the people of Wicklow for making this happen. The public have been behind our campaign right from the start and their support has been invaluable. The HSE and Health Minister Simon Harris have also been a great help. Finally, this couldn’t have become a reality without the generosity of the Columban Sisters.’
While the €5.25 million raised will go toward the facility, Wicklow Hospice Foundation has also secured a bank loan for the balance, which will be paid off over the coming years. THREE men fled in a dark coloured vehicle after they were disturbed while robbing the contents of a shed located in Ashford. The incident occurred at around 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15. €3,000 worth of power tools were stolen from the shed. Some of the stolen machinery had ‘Ash Con’ emblazoned upon them.
A car containing three men was spotted fleeing the scene at speed. Witnesses couldn’t provide a registration number for the vehicle but described it as being dark in colour.
Gardai are seeking assistance from any members of the public who may have witnessed a suspect vehicle in the Ashford vicinity on the morning in question. Contact Wicklow Garda Station at (0404) 67107.