Rowing club has no base Public are warned to remain away from Ashtown Reservoir
COUNCILLOR John Snell has expressed his frustration with Wicklow County Council’s failure to purchase a property which could have accommodated Vartry Rowing Club.
The club has been searching for a suitable premises to call “home” for the past number of years.
Cllr Snell made his comments at Monday’s meeting of Wicklow Municipal District, following a presentation from Senior Marine Office, Paul Ivory, though Cllr Snell stressed he didn’t hold Mr Ivory responsible in any way.
‘The Vartry Rowing Club has raised many thousands for many worthy causes and yet still don’t have a home,’ said Cllr Snell.
‘I contacted the County Council about the purchase of a private building where the owner had permission to build a three storey apartment block. Eight or nine months later and still nothing has happened.
‘It’s an ideal opportunity for Wicklow County Council to avail of a property. You have toilet facilities down there that are third world. This would have addressed all of this. The Council are missing out on a golden opportunity.’
He also expressed surprise at the decision by the Local Authority to sell the property privately a number of years ago.
‘Some time ago it was sold to a private owner, who then sold it on again shortly afterwards for a much greater sum. Why it was ever sold by the Local Authority in the first place I will never understand in my wildest dreams.’
Mr Ivory offered his continued assistance in trying to find a home for the club.
‘I am very aware of the problem with the Vartry Rowing Club. It’s down to a problem of space. It’s difficult to get enough space to accommodate everyone. We will have to keep working on it.’
MEMBERS of the public were advised to keep their distance from Ashtown Reservoir at Monday’s Wicklow Municipal District meeting due to safety concerns.
Cllr Irene Winters had been contacted by a member of the public who had voiced surprise at fencing recently erected around the reservoir.
Cllr John Snell felt the reservoir wasn’t a suitable location for anyone to be walking beside.
‘The Vartry Fly Fishing Club run that place. It is in ownership of Wicklow County Council and has always been under lock and key.
‘It’s unsafe for anyone to be out walking around there, especially during the summer when you had young fellows swimming in dangerous, stagnant and still water. The Vartry Fly Fishing Club have being running the area since the 1990s, but they are only trustees for Wicklow County Council.
‘I don’t think it’s a planning issue but if there is an issue, then it’s an issue for Wicklow County
Council.’
Cllr Mary Kavanagh said there was never a right of way in the area anyway.
‘The main reason fencing was put up was because fish were being poached and boats were being turned over and wrecked during drinking parties that were being held.’