Note of Gratitude from the Chairman

On behalf of the Dalkey Community Council, those volunteers who represent each road and many organisations in Dalkey, I would like to express my gratitude to you for contributing to the Community Council s recent annual collection. Your generosity is very much appreciated as without your help we could not bring you the likes of this Newslette1; the Christmas Tree and many other activities. Thank you again and to those who may still like to contribute please contact your road representative whose name and address appears on the back of this Newsletter: Richard Mooney

The monthly meeting of the Dalkey Community Council was held on Monday, 3Oth June 2003. The Chairman called for a Minute's Silence as a mark of respect for Mr. Harry Kidd who had passed away earlier in the month. Harry was a long-standing former member of the Community Council and Vice-Chairman and a great friend and supporter of the Council.

SPORT:
James Thorne of Castlelands won Gold in the under 14 Breastroke in the Dublin Community Games. James now goes on, not only to represent Dalkey but Dublin at the National All-Ireland Finals in Mosney in August. Well done to James and all the boys and girls who took part in the Swimming. Best of luck James in Mosney -Ed

The Athletics finals will commence on Friday, 4 July and continue through till Sunday, 6 July.

TIDY TOWNS:
A meeting will be held in July with Iarnrod Eireann's stationmaster with regard to the Dalkey DART Station e.g. planting of flower beds etc.. Work (as reported last month) has to be carried out to extend the platforms as the trains will have eight carriages in the future. Concern was raised, once again, about the condition of Dillon's Park and Sorrento Park and how upsetting it is to residents and also embarrassing with the large number of visitors to our town. Despite the help and support from the Parks Department of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council it was felt that further action was required. In timesgone by, it was recalled, there were none of these problems as one groundsperson kept both parks in lovely condition.

Along by White Rock is also is a bad condition.

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT:
Intersection of Castlepark Barnhil1 Roads:
This development of townhouses and apartments has been refused permission.

Draft Development Plan:
The Community Council submitted its observations on this Plan to Dun Laoghaire- Rathdown County Council. It was a very detailed submission and will be reproduced in the Newsletter over a couple of months in order to keep residents up to date.

Retentions: There has been a large increase in the number of retentions being sought and this is giving cause for grave concern. The Community Council has never agreed with the principle of 'build now, apply later' as this is an abuse of the planning application process. However where an application for retention has not been granted the Enforcement Section of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council must enforce the County Council's decision and non-compliance has resulted in some court cases.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
There were a number of burglaries in the area and most appeared to occur when houses {windows and doors) were left open, especially during the good weather, and the culprits obtained easy access. There were three serious public order offences and unfortunately alcohol plays a big factor in this type of crime. The Community Guard emphasised that drinking in public places is not allowed. In addition licenced premises need a licence from the County Council to permit eating and drinking outside on the pavement. However this activity cannot and should not obstruct the general public passing on the pavement. In a few instances pedestrians have been forced out on to the road in order to pass. The Community Council is contacting the Environment Section of the County Council for clarification and an up date on this situation.

TRAFFIC PLAN:
The Plan had been on display in the Town Hall and the library last month. As many residents as possible are asked to look at the Plan and submit their comments to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. It appears that the enforcement of the parking controls will be contracted out to a private company.

As there was no further business the meeting concluded.

• Totem Pole Exhibit created by children from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, co- ordinated by artist Grainne Doyle, 7 -31 August.
• Art Workshop -Make a North American Indian Dreamcatcher with Noeleen Healy -Tuesday, 19 August at 3pm (ages 6-12) max 20 people.
• Tura Arutura of the Artfrique movement -Tura's unique storytelling is brought to life through music, drums and dance -Thursday, 21 August, 3pm (all ages)
• Maori Art Workshop with Jackie Gray- Friday 22 August at 2.15pm (ages 6-10) max 15 people.
• Storytelling form the South Pacific with Niall de Burca -Friday, 22 August at 3.45 pm (all ages)
• DrummihgWorkshop with Brian Fleming of De Jimbe -Saturday, 23 August at 11 am (ages 7-12) max 15 people.

NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS These gardens were founded by the Royal Dublin Society in 1795 and cover an area of 19.5 hectares on the south bank of the Tolka. There are many attractive features including an arboretum, rock garden and burren areas, large pond, herbaceous borders and there is an annual display of decorative plants including a rare example of Victorian carpet bedding.

A sensory garden is also being developed.

There are glasshouses that include the restored curvilinear range, alpine house and the complex for ferns and tropical water plants.

At the moment the Great Palm House of 1884 and the orchid house are undergoing restoration.

The gardens are open all year round. General access is free but there is a charge for parking. Guided tours cost €2 per person and are available by prior arrangement. Generally most areas are accessible for people with disabilities but there are some steep gradients.

You can get a bus from O'Connell Street -number 13 and 19 or the number 134 from Middle Abbey Street.

A very hearty welcome to all visitors to Dalkey whether you are returning home for a short while or just dropping by, each and every one of you is very welcome. We hope you enjoy yourself however long you manage to stay with us.

The longest road out is the shortest road home

This Year's Rathmichael Historical Society's 29th Summer Series of Evening Lectures will take place from Monday August 18th to Friday August 22nd nightly at 8 p.m. in Rathmichael School, Shankill. The series opens on

• Monday, August 18th with a lecture by Ms Heather A. King, (Duchas) on "Excavations at Clonmacnoise ", followed on
• Tuesday, August 19th by Charles Doherty on "The Monastic Town in Early Ireland: "A City ofGod upon the Earth".
• The Leo Swan Memorial Lecture will be presehted on Wednesday, August 20th by Conleth Manning on "The Cathedral and Churches at Glendalough: Results of new research".
• On Thursday August 2lst, Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien will present her lecture "Rediscovering Columba's Monastery at Durrow (nr Tullamore} Co.Offaly" with the closing lecture on
• Friday August 22nd to be given by Dr. Catherine Swift on "Og am stones and the Earliest Irish Christians ".

Admission to each lecture will be £4 with further information and inquiries available from Dr. E.O. Brien at (01) 2984897,
e-mail bettyob@indigo.ie.

The 15th Annual Féile Filíochta - Europe's biggest and brightest International poelry competition has begun! Last year there were over 4,600 entries in nine languages from all over the world.
There is a prize fund of Euro12,300 from Dun Laoghaire- Rathdown County Council with three age categories and a range of additional prizes from cultural organisations and embassies.
The Féile Filíochta is internationally recognised as a showcase and stimulus for the craft of poetry writing. This will be the second year that the Féile Filíochta Poem of Europe trophy will be awarded by the Assemblee des Regions d'Europe for the most outstanding poem in the adult categories.
This was won in 2002 by the Swedish prizewinner, Merit Ahs, for her poem Monasterboice.
The competition is open to all adults and young people who may submit up to four poems in each language in their age group which are:
Adult; Young People under 17 and in the Irish and English languages a Young People under 12 category.

Entry is free-of-charge. This year entries are invited in Irish, English, German, French, Italian, Welsh, Spanish, Scottish Gaelic and Swedish.
Closing date for receipt of entries is Saturday 11 October

Multilingual information and entry forms available from www.dlrcoco.ie/library or telephone 278 1788.

DALKEY COMMUNITY COUNCIL AGM -MARCH 2003

The past year has been a busy one for the Centre. The FAS Staff in the Centre under the committed leadership of the Manager Margaret Dunne have worked hard throughout the year to promote and expand the Centre's core activities. The Board of Directors and various sub committees of the Board also devoted a considerable amount of time to the activities of the Centre. In some respects the past year was a watershed for the Centre.

People:
During the past 12 months the Board lost some valuable members through retirement. Gone from the Board are Frank Mulligan, Rob Millard and Barry Andrews (now elected to High Office). We thank them for all their work and effort on behalf of the Heritage Company and wish them well for the future. I am delighted to say that they have been replaced by equally capable and industrious people including; Howard Kilroy (our own) Dr. Susan McDonnell, Councillor Helen Keogh and Richard Shakespeare and Kieran Higgins (both from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council). Howard Kilroy kindly accepted the invitation to chair the Board and already his abilities and experience are making themselves felt in a very positive way.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has committed two of their brightest senior staff to the Board in the persons of Richard Shakespeare and Kieran Higgins. Our chairman has met informally with Derek Brady the Manager of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Co. Council and we 1ook forward to a fruitful relationship with the Council I am also very pleased to be able to tell you that the Board managed to secure the services of Margaret Dunne as our Manager for another year. There are a number of cultural and artistic enterprises in Dublin who would only be too delighted to persuade Margaret to go and work for them. There are far more tempting financial packages available to Margaret and it is a credit to her loyalty and commitment that she has elected to remain with us in Dalkey.

Finances:
I am pleased to say that on the lst May, 2002 the Centre received from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Co. Council a payment in respect of the capital monies expended by the Centre on the building programme. Unfortunately because of the time delay in making this payment substantial interest had accrued on the Bank debt. Our Chairman has received certain assurances from Mr. Brady and we are hopeful that the issue of the outstanding interest can be resolved. Our finances will always be problematic because of the nature of its business. The Board is trying to commercialise the operations of the Centre insofar as that is consistent with its objectives. The Centre is most grateful to its sponsors to include our own Community Council, the Dalkey Credit Union, John and Thelma O'Connor at the Kings Inn, John and Marie Sheehan at the Queens and the B1ackrock Education Centre.

Visitors:
Visitor numbers climbed again in the year ended 31st December, 2001 visitor's numbers amounted to 5,963. In the year ended 31st December, 2002 the numbers had gone up to 9115.

Artistic and Cultural Events:
The Theatical Animation of the Centre continued to be the jewel in the crown insofar as the operation of the Centre is concerned. Its success is based on having a cast of players available to perform the animation. In the past this role was ably filled by our Fas staff and by other helpful persons whom Margaret persuaded to get involved. In view of the fact that the Fas contract is no longer certain we may not be able to continue with this.

During the year the Animators made a presentation to the members of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Co. Council which was warmly received. The Board recognises the worth of the animation and is doing its best to secure it into the future. The Guided Walks continue to be supported. Walkers in Dalkey and residents generally will notice the new banner, which flies over the Centre. (The banner features the three goats from the coat of arms, which gave Goat Castle its name in the 1600s.). The Inter Reg initiative with our sister organisations in Wales continues to flourish. The final green light has not yet been given but we are optimistic the hard work which has been put in, in this regard will bear fruit. The Centre also provided theatrical animation for the Bealtaine Festival (celebrating creativity in older age) in May, 2002 in association with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Libraries. Animation in the Library was followed by Heritage Walk of Castle Street and an animated tour of the Centre. We also led a Heritage Walk for the distinguished guests of the library on the occasion of the centenary celebration of the founding of the Dalkey and Bangor Carnegie Libraries.

The Frank McGuinness Lecture was a great success. The distinguished playwright gave an informative and insightful lecture on his plays. The Lecture was followed by one woman performance of the play Bag Lady which was performed by IMP Productions of Wexford. The Read Write Now Programme on RTE used the Heritage Centre as a location. The programme was transmitted in January 6th, 2003. The Centre looked very attractive. Yoga classes and rehearsals continue on a weekly basis and various Art Exhibitions were well advertised and well promoted. The Bloomsday Festival (which will become an annual event) was very successful... We also published the Heritage Map of Dalkey which had been commissioned by the Centre. This map is being installed at various locations around the town and is available for sale in different sizes. This initiative could not have succeeded without the kind donation of the Community Council and the Heritage Centre is very grateful in this regard.

Future Plans: Literary Walks will begin in June to compliment the Heritage Walks already in operation. The Centre in association with Deilg Inish, the new theatrical animation company, will begin lunchtime theatre in June. The plays will be from the repertoire of local writers. Work is at an advanced stage in promoting the Centre (and the town) via the DART. Plans are being commissioned to improve the entrance to the Heritage Centre. A study is being undertaken in relation to the old church and graveyard. The Board is engaged in the formulation of a long-term strategic plan. The Centre and everybody associated with it is grateful to the Council and to the people of Dalkey for their continued support. In all senses the Centre belongs to and is owned by the people of Dalkey.

Dominic Dowling

Courtesy of the European Commission
What are the first five things that spring to mind when you think about Ireland ?
Green - Irish Pub - Celtic Design - James Joyce - U2

GREEN:
Also known as the 'Emerald Isle' most people associate the colour green with Ireland. Many visitors come to Ireland in the hope of seeing beautiful green landscapes. No part of Ireland is more than 110km from the sea and this combined with the high precipitation rates means that the grass is very green. Less than one eighth of the land is actually arable, however it is highly fertile and 81% of our total land area is used for agriculture. Green is also associated with 'The boys in green', our national football team.

IRISH PUB:
The pub has always been the focus of our social life and because this 'pub culture' has developed our drinking habits differ from the wine-drinking countries of the Mediterranean. It is becoming more and more commonplace to find an Irish pub in many overseas cities. In part due to the number of expatriates living abroad but also very much due to the reputation of being a place ofhaving a friendly ambience and good live music, a place for 'craic'.

CELTIC DESIGN:
For many centuries we have been enriched by our people's instinct for design and craftsmanship. The Tara Brooch, dating from the mid-eight century is an exquisite example of metalworking technique and The Book of Kells the illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels is another medieval treasure of calligraphic design. Traditional materials and techniques are still used in Irish design today.

JAMES JOYCE:
James Augustine Aloysius Joyce was born in Dublin in 1882 and died in Zurich in 1941. He is noted for his experimental use of language and new literary methods. His most well-known works are Dubliners (1914), A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1916), Ulysses (1922) and Finnegans Wake (1939). In general, it is widely accepted that literature by Irish authors has profoundly influenced the whole of English literature. Writers such as Jonathan Swift, Edmund Burke, William Butler Yeats, Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett are all part of the English-speaking Irish literary tradition. In 1995 Seamus Heaney, the poet, became the fourth Irishman to win the Nobel prize for Literature.

U2:
Possibly our most famous rock export with a couple of the band members living here in Dalkey. Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Junior formed the band in 1977 after Larry put a notice up at school about starting a band. They played to their first audience of 400 at a concert in Dublin in 1979 a far cry from the tens of thousands they now play to.

Wishing every student awaiting the results of the Leaving Certificate or college exams the best of luck

I am delighted to present the report of the Functions Committee. We have enjoyed another very successful year.

The Annual Dinner was held on the 18th May in the Northover Hall, St. Patrick's and our thanks to St. Patrick's for allowing us to use the hall free of charge. A most entertaining evening, attended and greatly enjoyed by members past and present, with excellent food and wine. Guest speaker, Margaret Dunne, Manager of Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre, inspired us with her report of the activities at the Heritage Centre and her ongoing plans and aspirations for it's continued success. Rev. Ben Neill and his wife Kay and Fr. John McDonagh were welcome guests.

Garden Outing on the 13th June: this year's outing took us to the magnificent Corke Lodge in Shankill with it's Mediterranean grove and cork tree and then to the Palladian style Knockmore House in Enniskerry with it's beautiful and tranquil garden. A most 'enjoyable afternoon was then spent admiring the delights of Airfield House in Dundrum, the former home of the Overend family.

Garden Judging: judged this year by Nancy McKeever and Phil Clarke. A very high entry of 38 most attractive gardens. Thanks to Norah Hart for the delightful lunch and to the drivers.

Garden Reception: 21st September. Our Lady's Hall was packed to capacity for this prize giving ceremony to garden winners and other special recipients. The McCabe Cup was awarded to Sorcha Ryan, captain of the under 16 Hockey team and the Community Council Cup was awarded to Tamsen McGarry, the first woman to represent Ireland at the Winter Olympics. Canapes and wine were prepared and served by the Functions Committee. Congratulations to all.

Annual Art Exhibition: 22nd to 24th November in Our Lady's Hall, was opened by journalist and broadcaster Caroline Erskine. The Exhibition attracted many visitors over the weekend with twenty-seven paintings and eighteen woodcarvings being sold. My appreciation of all who helped set up and staffed this exhibition. Finally, I would like to thank my predecessor as Functions Manager, Colette Doody, for all her help over the past year. I want to thank all the Functions Committee for their hard work and good humour, Ursula Brooks, Peggy Comerford, Berry Curtin, Lena Feely, Norah Hart, Laura Doyle, Deirdre McDonagh and Maura Murray.

Margaret Farrell

Lamb Kebabs with Fresh Ginger Marinade: (serves 4)
1 lb lamb trimmed and cut into cubes.
Marinade: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon grated root ginger, I teaspoon Dijon mustard, juice of half a lemon, salt and black pepper, 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped).
Prepare: Combine all the marinade ingredients and whisk lightly with a fork. Spoon the marinade over the lamb and allow to marinate for an hour if possible. Thread the lamb on to skewers. Grill or barbecue, turning frequently.
Serve with the following dip:
Yoghurt & Red Pepper Dip: 8oz Greek style natural yoghurt, 1 red pepper diced, I clove garlic chopped, half tablespoon wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon chilli sauce, salt and black pepper.
Prepare: Mix all the ingredients together and season to taste.

Chinese Noodle Salad: 6oz egg noodles (soakedfor four minutes in boiling water and drained), 4 scallions finely chopped, 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves chopped or parsley, Boz bean sprouts. Dressing: 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons groundnut oil, 1 tablespoon sesame oil. -
Prepare: Mix noodles with the scallions, coriander/parsley and bean sprouts. Mix the dressing ingredients together in a bowl, pour over the noodles and toss well.

Recipes courtesy of An Bord Bia

Coffee Crunch:
6ozs margarine, 6ozs light brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 6ozs self raising flour.
Topping: 4ozs caster sugar, 1 level tablespoon instant coffee, 1 tablespoon water. You will need a swiss roll tin.
To bake: Melt margarine in pan over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Add beaten eggs alternately with flour to make soft consistency. Turn mixture into tin easing to sides. Bake for 30 minutes at gas 4, 350°f, 180°c in the centre of the oven until light brown and spongy. As soon as the tray comes out of the oven dissolve coffee in water and add sugar. Quickly pour on top of sponge (in tin) and spread evenly. Leave to thoroughly cool. Coffee will seep into sponge leaving a crunchy top.

On Monday 18th August Ms Alice Cullen will lead a guided walk of Killiney Village, Ballybrack and Seafield Road. Meet 7.15 p.m. in Killiney Village.

The port of Dalkey became more and more used as the ships increased in size and found the navigation of the Liffey impossible. In 1244 a cargo of deer arrived to stock the Royal Park at Glencree whereas in 1303 and 1323 ships carried arms, reinforcements and provisions for expeditions against Scotland. Following legal proceedings in 1305 each ship was obliged to discharge a portion of its cargo at Dalkey before carrying on to Dublin. Dalkey was not just a cargo port it also saw many passengers to include John Penros in 1384 who was the Chief Justice of Ireland and later promoted to the English Bench. However the constant flow of passenger traffic did bring some disadvantages to include disease. It seems a 'pestilence' of some sort originated in Dalkey in the 14th century, killing, in four months, 14,000 people in Dublin. Then during the 15th and 16th centuries when Dalkey as the port ofDublin was at its peak, weekly markets were held and also seven fairs held annually. Imagine on a fine day looking down from Dalkey Hill and seeing the picture of the town unfold in front of you. A town bustling about its business, the view only broken by the sunlight on Dalkey's castles and church and Dalkey Sound full of ships. In the town there were many merchants not just from around Dalkey and Ireland but from England enthusiastically selling their wares to just as enthusiastic buyers. There were goods being stored in the castles for onward transport to Dublin and important messages being despatched to and from Dublin overseas. Life continued like this until the close of the 16th century when Ringsend was adopted as the port of Dublin and from then on Dalkey lost its commercial importance and soon became abandoned. More to follow.......

• Dead-head roses, annuals and perennials for a longer flowering period. Also keep watering and feeding with liquid fertiliser.
• Water and keep feeding hanging baskets/tubs daily.
• Sow some spring cabbage.
• Dry off onions as the tops brown.
• Pinch out the tops of runner beans for a larger crop. Also pinch out the tops of tomato plants and remove lower leaves (in greenhouse).
• Take cuttings of fuchsias and geraniums.

Above all enjoy your garden while the weather is milder, possibly even warm! and the evenings are longer

I believe there have been some improvements to the Back to School Allowance. Have the allowances increased for 2003?

Yes, the income thresholds as well as the payment for children over 12 have increased, however, the payment for children under 12 has not increased. The back to school Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a special payment to assist with the costs of children's school uniforms and footwear at the beginning of the school year. It may be claimed for a child aged 18 - 22 in full time education for whom a Child Dependent Increase is payable. Families claiming a social welfare payment (including Family Income Supplement) or a Health Board payment are eligible for this scheme if their income is below certain thresholds as follows:

Those taking part in a Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) or in receipt of Back to Education Allowance are also eligible. The allowance is also available to people on employment schemes such as Community Employment, Back to Work Allowance, and Revenue Job Assist who retain their secondary benefits, ( i.e. gross weekly household income is less than €317.43). If they do not meet this condition they can apply under the normal income limits. The allowance is €80 for each child aged 2 - 11 and €150 (was €120) for each child aged 12-22.

The Scheme runs from 1st June to 30th September and is administered by the Health Board as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme. Families should apply to the Community Welfare Officer at their local Health Centre

Citizens Information Centre
85-86 Patrick Street
Dun Laoghaire
Tel: 2844544

Just in case you thought it was a myth there is a bus that leaves Dalkey every morning at 7.35 for the City Centre. It goes via Sandycove, Albert Road, Glenageary Road, Baker's Corner, Stillorgan, Donnybrook and on to O'Connell Street. In the evening a bus leaves O'Connell Street at 5.42 and travels the same route back to Dalkey. And the number of the bus the 7D.

Thanks for the info from a Dalkey resident -where in O 'Connell Street is the next question!?! -Ed.