SCA Submission for the next County Development Plan

Development Plan Consultation April 2015 (1)The next County Development Plan will cover the years 2017 to 2023. That’s a good bit into the future, but Fingal County Council have started work on it. You can read all about the process on the FCC website.

In the first round of consultations, Skerries Community Association was part of a very lively consultative meeting hosted by Fingal County Council in Balbriggan in April.

Issues raised there, and at our Board of Directors meetings, were summarised by our vice chairperson, Geoff McEvoy, and sent in the format of a submission to Fingal County Council in May.

A link to a PDF with the full submission is below; here are the main points:

Cultural Heritage

  • need for a permanent, purpose built performance space in Skerries
  • renovation and renewal of Skerries Library

Infrastructure and Movement

  • active travel (walking and cycling) must continue to be a priority focus
  • provision of cycle lanes and accessible footpaths
  • consideration of local public transport options to further  encourage mobility and prevent traffic congestion in the town centre.
  • overall, strategic approach to traffic management in Skerries
  • completion of promised and planned cycle path between Skerries and Balbriggan

Economic Development

  • Tourism is of increasing importance for the economy of the town – need for more beds to accommodate overnight visitors to festivals etc.
  • Infrastructural support to facilitate a joined up approach to the various water sports and activities that make use of our coastline.
  • Explore options for the Martello Tower, a potential tourism resource that is not being utilised.

Natural Heritage

  • Continued access to clean water and beaches is crucial for Skerries. The recent granting of the waste facility licence at Milverton Quarry has raised concerns in this regard.
  • Effective, sustainable water treatment – address inability of the water treatment plant in Kelly’s Bay to cope with increased water (heavy rains) and water quality in Rush (due to lack of proper water treatment there)
  • Long-term plans needed to address flooding at the Mill Stream.

Settlement Strategy, Placemaking and Communities

  • Facilitate the swift return to use of vacant properties.
  • Support independent living for older people
  • Provide youth facilities
  • Provide open spaces
  • High-quality broadband for all of Skerries and environs.
  • Free public WiFi throughout the town centre is desirable
  • Maintain the green belt between Skerries and the neighbouring towns of Balbriggan, Lusk and Loughshinny.
  • While additional development for housing is probably necessary, all planning and development must be sensitive, sustainable and community focused in order to avoid the mistakes of the past.

Skerries Community Association will continue to engage with Fingal County Council so that the next Development Plan will provide a framework for the points we raised in this submission.

Click on this link to see the full submission:
SCA Development Plan Submission May 2015

Lego Family Fun Day for Soundwaves next Sunday!

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Soundwaves presents Lego Family Fun Day.

Soundwaves, one of the many parts of Skerries Community Association, is preparing for its 11th festival (September 17 to 27) with a fun fundraiser:

Sunday 21 June 2015.  2pm-5pm. Skerries Community Centre.

Don’t miss out on the chance to win one of our many fantastic Raffle Prizes on Lego day, including

  • A pair of tickets for to see Manu Chao In Royal Hospital Kilmainham on the 27th of June
  • A pair of tickets for Paulo Nutini playing in Marlay Park 4th July.
  • Lir Chocolate basket, Jewellery, Beauty basket, Vouchers, Large Airfix model and many more.

Also on the day…

  • Kids of all ages, bring your original Lego creations, display for all to admire and you could be in with a chance to win a prize for your effort.
    Registration  2pm-3pm cost €2
  • This year we have on display three Lego art projects from three of our local primary schools, namely Réalt na Mara, Skerries Educate Together N.S. , and St. Patricks Junior School. The winning school will win a specially commissioned lLego trophy!!!
  • Wheel of Fortune. Every spin guarantees a prize.
  • Face painting and Arts and crafts area.
    Design your own mini figure and be in with a chance to win a prize.
  • Lego Build Off. Everything is Awesome! Work in a team beat the clock and be in a chance to win a prize for your teams build.
  • Also this year.. Calling all Dads!!!
    Fathers Day special Lego build off!!

This event is a fundraiser for the Skerries Soundwaves Arts Festival.

LegoPoster

SCI are inviting you to a Midsummer Madness Cycle on Sun 21 June

As part of Bikeweek 2015, Skerries Cycling Initiative are organising a fun cycle for cyclists of all ages, taking place on Sun 21 June from 12 noon.

Meet at Skerries Mills (Car Park), and follow the SCI volunteers on an easy cycle (9 km in total, no hills, suitable for all ages and bikes – as long as they are roadworthy!) that will take in Strand Street, South Strand, the Rugby Club, Hillside, the train station, go past Skerries Point to Barnageeragh Cove and back along the coast road to Skerries Harbour, ending at the Sea Pole some time after half one in good time for a quick picnic (pack something nice for yourself and maybe to share) before heading over to the Lego Fun Day, a fundraiser for fellow-SCA-committee Soundwaves!

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Bring water, it might be a hot day.

MidSummer Cycle 2015

Bikeweek SCI