RIPPLE makes waves in Skibbereen
Issued : Friday 6 November, 2009
Councillor Frank Fahy is also the Chairman of RIPPLE and at the November meeting of Skibbereen Town Council,sought the active support of his colleagues for the innovative ideas being brought forward by RIPPLE. Below is a copy of the statement made at this meeting by Councillor Fahy.
RIPPLE was founded in September 2006 with the main objective of restoring the quays of the town and providing amenities associated with the river. We have been frustrated in our efforts by such things as the sewerage pipes and manhole chambers being installed on the river bed because of difficulties encountered in tunnelling beneath the streets and river, effectively cutting off access to the quays and other access points to the river bank on the town side.
We in RIPPLE have spent many hours of discussion at many meetings over long months to find ways around the obstacles that have been placed in our path due to the difficulties encountered in the installation of the sewerage system and other similar delays.
We now have several innovative and progressive ideas to put forward to make the river and the Marsh the centres of leisure for the town. These ideas are now being brought forward following meetings with an Official of the Dept. of Agriculture and with the Town Manager and Council Executive members.
For the benefit of the three Councillors not already members of RIPPLE, I would like to briefly outline what we have in mind and why we seek your earnest and continuing support. We are proposing that whatever portions of the Marsh for which there are no specific plans in place, be planted out under a Neighbourwood scheme with a diverse range of trees and incorporating paths, furniture and educational signage. This Neighbourwood scheme would, if approved by the Dept. Of Agriculture, be 100% funded by them and would be of huge benefit to the community generally and with the location of the Marsh in such close proximity to the Primary and Secondary schools, would also be of great educational benefit to all the students but in particular, those with an interest in agriculture, forestry and promotion of biodivercity.
The second proposal is the creation of a small harbour in the Marsh, slightly upstream of the O’Driscoll family pedestrian bridge. I would like for historical purposes, to refer to this project in the future as the “Little Harbour” project in recognition of the fact that the name of Skibbereen is thought to have originated from the words “little harbour” in old Irish. We have given consideration to two sites for this project and I have distributed drawings to you all showing our concept of what the Little Harbour might look like. RIPPLE seek more than the lip service of your support. We need your active support in lobbying the people in the executive that can give us the necessary permissions to progress these projects to a successful conclusion that will open up all sorts of possibilities for our town and our community.
We have also discussed the possibility of creating a walkway along the banks of the Caol Stream from the Market St. Bridge to Lough Abisdealy from which the stream flows. This of course can only be done with the co-operation and input of the landowners. We would hope to contact them over the coming months. A magnificent walk has been created in the Drimoleague area along the upper reaches of the Ilen River which is attracting large numbers of people to the area and it is being used regularly by the Drimoleague community as well. Funding for the creation and maintenance of these walkways is available to the developers and the landowners.
May I in conclusion express my gratitude to all the Councillors who immediately agreed to add their names to the motion before this meeting and in particular I would like to thank, Councillor Donal McCarthy who is unable to be present at this meeting tonight but who, when I approached him, immediately agreed to add his name to fully support the motion.
I both as a Councillor and the Chairman of RIPPLE, would welcome your comments, questions or suggestions regarding our proposals and how best to progress them to fruition. We would also welcome the input of the people of Skibbereen regarding these projects and to accommodate them, I am happy to provide my email address. It is frank.fahy@corkcoco.ie .Thank you all sincerely for your time and your support.
