Over 200 potential jobs lost in West Kerry due to Council planning refusals - Claim

The Labour Candidate in the upcoming Dingle Local Area Elections has spoken out about the number of jobs which could have been created this year in West Kerry, but will not come to pass due to refused planning applications. Pat Hanafin claims that 200 jobs could have been created on the Dingle Peninsula this year had Kerry County Council given the go-ahead to two local projects. "Due to lack of planning permission from Kerry Councy Council and Board Pleanála, over 200 potential jobs have been lost on the Dingle Peninsula" said Patrick. "A hotel in Ventry refused will result in a loss of €2 million to the area, plus 25 jobs. "The refusal for planning for a 65-bed nursing home in Ballinaboula has also resulted in a loss of €8 million to the area and 40 full-time jobs. Sixteen retirement homes had also been indicated in conjunction with this plan." Pat, who also has a long association with the IRDA (Irish Rural Dwellers Association) has also spoken out about the continued refusal for one-off houses applied for by local people who wish to build on their own land in their own native area."Up to 30 houses have been refused in the recent past in West Kerry. One new house equals at least five people being employed for a period of eight months" said Pat, who has also been involved with the plant-hire business for many years. "From the person who draws up the plans, the person who digs the site, the block layer, the plasterer, the plumber, the electrician, the painter, the carpenter, the gardener, to the outlets and shops that supply the materials to all of these people, the positive knock-on effect of this activity is crucial to the survival of the local economy." Pat hosted a meeting with Labour leader Eamonn Gilmore who travelled to Dingle last Friday in light of the number of recent job-losses in the area.

Swine Flu - How to stay healthy

What are the symptoms of swine influenza in people?
The symptoms are like those of regular seasonal flu and include: fever of sudden onset, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache and muscle aches. Some people have vomiting and diarrhoea.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you get sick with a flu-like illness as described above, and have recently visited an affected area or have been in contact with a known case of swine flu, contact your GP/family doctor by telephone. They will decide if you need testing or treatment.
What can I do to stay healthy?
As with any infectious respiratory disease, the following precautionary measures are recommended to avoid getting or spreading the flu:
*Cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissues when sneezing, coughing, wiping and blowing your nose
*Dispose of used tissues in the nearest waste bin
*Wash your hands often with soap and water, and especially after coughing and sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
*Clean hard surfaces (e.g door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
*Try to avoid close contact with sick people
*If you are sick with flu, stay at home to avoid spreading infection to others and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
This information has been provided by the Health Service Executive's website, www.hse.ie

Swine Flu - The Facts

As fears of a global pandemic grow, it is important to be aware of the facts surrounding Swine Flu, the respiratory disease which has caused a number of deaths in Mexico. The HSE and the Department of Health and Children continue to closely monitor cases of Swine Influenza A/H1N1 and yesterday it was confirmed that a small number of people have come forward in Ireland with mild flu-like illness and a history of relevant travel. These cases are being examined however at the time of publication, no cases of this illness have been confirmed in Ireland. Swine, or Pig flu, is a respiratory disease, caused by Influenza Type A which had, up until now, not infected humans. The virus however has many variants which are constantly evolving and adapting. This outbreak of the virus contains genetic material that is typically found in strains of the virus that affect humans, birds and swine. It is believed that the virus can be spread from person to person, most likely through coughing and sneezing. There have been 103 deaths in Mexico, so far it has been confirmed 20 of these had the virus. There were also outbreaks in parts of the United States, Canada and Spain. The only treatment which currently exists are two anti-viral drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza. No vaccine against this form of flu has yet been developed.For further updates on the Irish and global situation visit www.hse.ie .

'Africa Awakes' in Dingle's Greenlane this Friday

Africa Awakes

A photographic exhibition by Manuel Scrima.

Greenlane Gallery Dingle, 1st - 16th May.

One of the most exciting exhibitions to hit Dingle in recent times, Africa Awakes, opens this Friday, May 1st, in the Greenlane Gallery. This stunning photographic exhibit by Manuel Scrima is presented in conjunction with NGO New World International, the Ministry of Health , NWI Kenya and the tribal communities of the Rift Valley, Kenya. This exhibit presents a unique opportunity to see another side of African life, aside from the poverty, starvation, disease, AIDS, corruption, dictatorship or civil wars that dominate our evening news. The objective of Africa Awakes is to enable people to experience the magic and culture of Africa . It brings together the power and sheer scale of Africa, combining the energy and fire of the ancient and the new. This exhibition portrays the profound distortions that exist today in Africa, illustrating the reality of life as seen through the eyes of the people, through their customs. It is raw and compelling, highlighting the challenges and contradictions facing Africa today as well as the confrontation between tradition and contemporary. A first preview of the exhibition was displayed in Tampere Hall in September 2008. After travelling to Salerno, Paris and Milan, a new updated exhibition travelled to the Cultural Centre Caisa, international cultural centre in the heart of Helsinki. The exhibition will move to many locations including Dublin, London, Bornemouth, Budapest and Nairobi.The exhibition was created to support acclaimed and essential programmes in Kenya. The aim of this exhibition is not only to raise funds to finance the work of ICROSS and NWI in Kenya but also to raise awareness of the plight of the peoples of Africa and the difficulties they face. The proceeds of the sale of these photographs will go to fighting suffering in Africa and donations may also be made at the exhibitions. For more information on the exhibit visit http://www.greenlanegallery.com/. This event is part of the Féile na Bealtaine line-up, for a complete run-down of events happening from day-to-day visit http://www.feilenabealtaine.ie/.

Feile na Bealtaine - April 29th-May 4th

A vivid exploration of the cultural senses Féile na Bealtaine

Dingle Peninsula

April 29th-May 4th

www.feilenabealtaine.ie
Festival Office Tel: 066 - 9151082

The Dingle Peninsula, has a rich cultural heritage. From April 29th-May 4th Féile na Bealtaine, the region's annual celebration of the arts, seeks to embrace this heritage through the mediums of art, literature, culture, custom, music, dance and the Irish language. 2009 marks the arts’ festival’s 15th anniversary and the key is to expect the unexpected at this unique and engaging festivals which unfolds against the stunning backdrop of the Dingle Peninsula. Street theatre, puppet shows, art exhibitions, film screenings, poetry readings plus a number of art and photographic exhibitions top the Féile menu along with a plethora of musical performances featuring acclaimed artists, propagating everything from the traditional to the exotic. Local, national and international drama societies will also feature throughout the Féile and a number of children's events including a special Children's Day will serve to invigorate young and enthusiastic minds. On Sunday May 3rd, the streets of Dingle will erupt in a musical melee with the annual Street Theatre Parade through Dingle town featuring the Dingle Fife & Drum, Cullen Pipe Band, Waterford Fife & Drum, Middleton Brass Band, Swiss Band, Samba Cuisle, Stilt Walkers, CoConuts, the Globe Academy of Dramatic Arts Street Performance and Big Bang Band – Children’s Percussion to mention just a few! An art trail, where local artists invite the public to step into their studios and engage in the creative process, will occur at a number of locations throughout the Peninsula. One of Féile na Bealtaine's key aims is to inspire new ideas; as a consequence the festival has always enjoyed a healthy mix of the arts and political debate with the political symposium also returning this year. A visual and visceral exploration of the cultural senses, Féile na Bealtaine broadens and extends artistic horizons, entertaining and enthralling the thousands that come together to experience this unique Corca Dhuibhne celebration year in, year out. The 15th annual Féile na Bealtaine takes place on the Dingle Peninsula this year from April 29th-May 4th. A full programme of events is available at the festival website: www.feilenabealtaine.ie. For further information contact the Féile na Bealtaine office at 066- 915 1082.

Two dolphins join Fungie in Dingle Harbour

Fungie's new friends!

Value for money is an extremely important consideration in these tough economic times and those travelling to Dingle to see Fungie the Dolphin in the coming weeks may get to avail of a very special 'three for one' deal as two other dolphins have joined the mischievous prankster in Dingle Harbour. Skippers conducting boat-tours to see Fungie last week noticed not one, but three fins as they approached the gentle giant's playground last Tuesday. While Fungie himself is anything but camera-shy, playing and frolicking with the boats and many visitors that go and swim with him everyday, the two new arrivals have been a little bit more elusive, hanging back while the man himself takes the spotlight. “Two adult dolphins appeared with Fungie last Tuesday and they have been hanging around with him since” explained Gillian Maye who co-ordinates tours from the boat-tour booking office on Dingle Pier.
“We didn't see them for another few days but then they turned up again at the weekend and seem to be settled here with Fungie for now. Dolphins come and stay with Fungie from time to time and these two new dolphins may be the same couple who also came into Dingle Harbour this time last year, however we're not 100% certain yet.”Despite the evident down-turn in West Kerry's economy, interest in Fungie remains strong with the Dingle Boatmen's Association welcoming many visitors over the Easter break. While many dolphins and whales visit different coastal ports in Ireland, Fungie is currently enjoying his 26th year in Dingle Harbour, something which is practically unprecedented for a bottle nose dolphin in the wild. Meanwhile he remains as curious and playful as ever captivating the countless visitors that come to see him, including many locals who travel out into the harbour themselves on a daily or weekly basis to visit their old pal. Fungie's new friends are stationed in Dingle Harbour for now, for more information on how to visit Fungie contact 066-9152626 or visit www.dingledolphin.com.

Domhnal and Bríd to exhibit at the Ionad this Summer

Resident Artists appointed in

Ionad an Bhlascaod
'Crot'

Domhnal Ó Bric & Bríd Ní Luasaigh

May 1st - June 31st
An interesting new arts scheme will be launched in Ionad an Bhlascaod in Dún Chaoin on Friday, 1st May, with the appointment of two artists, Domhnal Ó Bric (whose artwork is pictured to the right) & Bríd Ní Luasaigh (whose photographic work is featured to the left), as Resident Artists in the Centre for the coming summer season. The aim of the project is to give young artists an opportunity to display their works in their native area. Announcing the scheme Micheál de Mórdha, Director of The Blasket Centre, said that both the Centre and the Artists would benefit from the scheme. “We are very lucky here in West Kerry that we are surrounded by very talented artists, and it contributes a lot to the Centre to have some of the work on display. We also intend to encourage young artist and to provide them with the space to display their work in front of a large audience. We are grateful to Ealaín na Gaeltachta who provided funding for the scheme, funding which is very generous in the current financial climate.” The exhibition, entitled 'Crot' (Shape), will open on Friday, May 1st, and will last for three months. Bríd is a photographer whose work is a study of rocks and lichen growth, while Domhnal's work encompasses paintings and drawings based on the singing tradition of West Kerry. The exhibition will be officially launched by the renowned traditional singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, on Friday, May Day, at 7.30pm. Further Information: Dáithí de Mórdha, Ionad an Bhlascaoid: (066) 9156444, 087-9778871, daithi.demordha@opw.ie.

480th Anniversary of signing of Treaty of Dingle

Treaty times back in Dingle

The commemoration of a signing of a significant piece of European legislature will be marked in Dingle this Friday as the Dingle Historical Society prepare to host a number of events celebrating 480th anniversary of the Treaty of Dingle, which was ratified in 1529. Pre-dating Ireland's entry into the EEC by 440 years, the Treaty of Dingle was a founding piece of Common European legislature, giving rise to a series of entente, alliances and subsequent treaties which formed the basis of a common European ideal, culminating in the formation of a European Union, where common laws and protocols are adhered to by member states. The Treaty of Dingle was signed between the 11th Earl of Desmond, James Fitzgerald and Don Gonzalo Fernandez, the Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Holy Roman Emperor of the German Nation and King of Spain, Charles V & I. The terms of the treaty also gave rise to a major progression in human rights legislature as the Treaty of Dingle gave a formal legal and constitutional foundation to the rights of citizenship and other privileges that Irish exiles and emigrés enjoyed in Hapsburg Spain, Hapsburg Austria and Hapsburg Netherlands (present-day Belgium & Luxembourg), from the 16th to the early 20th centuries. An incredible 480 years after the signing of the Treaty, the occasion will be marked by the unveiling of a special commemorative plaque by the Spanish Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Dona Mercedes Rico at Dingle's Temperance Hall. This will be followed by a special lecture on the Treaty of Dingle itself by Dr. Declan M. Downey, Lecturer in History, University College Dublin at local educational institute, An Díseart on Green Street. The event will begin with a parade by the Dingle Fife and Drum band from O'Flaherty's Pub on Bridge Street to the Temperance Hall on Goat's Street at 7.15pm. Following the unveiling by the Ambassador at 7.30pm, Dr. Downey, an authority on Ireland's relationship with the Hapsburg Empire, will deliver his lecture on the Dingle Treaty at An Díseart, Green Street, Dingle at 8.15pm. All are welcome to attend.Pictured, l-r, Bernie Goggin and Dr. Conor Brosnan at the new commemorative plaque at Dingle's temperance hall on Upper Main Street/Goat's Street.

Dingle based documentary nominated for Rose d'Or

'A Bit of a Filum' makes a bit of

a splash...

A documentary shot in Dingle last year about the making of the film Ryan's Daughter in the late 1960s and early 1970s has been shortlisted in the prestigious, Rose d'Or Film Festival, held in Lucerne, Switzerland.
The documentary made by RTE is entitled A Bit of a Filum and features a number of local faces from Dingle and West Kerry including former senator Tom Fitzgerald (High Road), Margaret Sheehy (Milltown) and TP Ó Conchúir (Baile na nGall). The title is derived from a remark made by the late Pat Baker (Goat's Street) who worked in the Wood Mill at the time of the making of the movie; remarking one day to his colleague Tom Fitzgerald that some people who had been purchasing wood were in the process of making 'a bit of a filum'!. The documentary was aired on Christmas Day 2008 to great acclaim. It was revealed last week that the film has been shortlisted in the Arts Category making it the only Irish entry at this year's Rose d'Or festival. Ryan's Daughter is David Lean's 1970 film which is set in 1916 and tells the story of an Irish girl who has an affair with a British officer during World War I, despite opposition from her nationalist neighbours. The film stars Robert Mitchum, Sarah Miles, (pictured above right) John Mills, Christopher Jones, Trevor Howard and Leo McKern, with a score by Maurice Jarre. It won two Oscars.

READ MORE ABOUT RYAN'S DAUGHTER http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan's_Daughter

RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta appoints new artist-in-residence

Do you listen to RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta?

RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta with the support of Ealaín na Gaeltachta have commissioned Ceara Conway (pictured far left) as their first Artist in Residence. As part of this commission she will be exploring the connection between the station and the people who listen in everyday. "I feel that the Gaeltacht culture and community is a unique one and that RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta both represents and connects the nationwide and international community in a very particular way" said Ceara. "I would like the opportunity to talk and meet with people who listen to the station, hear their thoughts and views on listening to RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and of being a part of this this community. I am interested in showing you the work that I have made to date and discuss the ideas and observations that I have, seeing what arises by meeting the people/community who listen to this station." Ceara may be contacted by Phone or Text at 0876934038 or via Email: EIST.CEARA@GMAIL.COM.

89% rise in fishermen signing on in Dingle

Fears that the ice-plant in Dingle may be about to close were compounded this week by a claim that there has been an massive increase in fishermen forced to sign on since January of last year. The claim was made by Fine Gael Deputy and South Kerry TD, Rathmore's Tom Sheahan in the Oireachtas this week when he stated that there 89% more fishermen were signing on in the Dingle area, compared with January of 2007. In his speech, he also outlined the fact that only two boats now operate from Baile na nGall (Ballydavid) in comparison to five boats this time five years ago. Fishermen in Dingle staged a protest at Dingle Pier last year, claiming that the Irish Government had sold them out to Europe in terms of fishing rights, fishing-grounds and quotas. It is a strange situation when an island country surrounded by water with the vast Atlantic Ocean lapping at its western doorstep, has fishing communities who can no longer make a living from the sea. It is also strange when you consider the amount of foreign fishing vessels that dock in Dingle regularly. Fellow island nation Iceland, the first European country to go bust following the recession, has seen many of its bankers, office and municipal workers revert to fishing following the country's economic collapse.
What will Ireland do...

Dingle Ice-Plant under threat?

The prospect of a fishing port without an ice-plant may seem ridiculous but in recession-riddled Ireland its looking like a real possibility as local concern grows that Dingle's ice-plant is at risk of closing. Two plant workers have been informed that their contracts will not be renewed at the end of the month, adding to speculation that the Bórd Iascaigh Mara plant, which provides ice for boats fishing out of the port, will cease operations in Dingle. According to the CEO of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation, Lorcán Ó Cinnéide the idea of a fishing port without an ice-plant is 'ludicrous'. Ó Cinnéide has stated that he has written to Minister of State Tony Kileen saying that the possible closure of the plant is unacceptable.There has been so official statement from BIM as of yet clarifying the current, or indicating what may befall the Ice-Plant in the future. It will be interesting now to see how the Government respond in light of this crisis, given the detrimental state of the fishing industry in the region to begin with. In addition, it will also be important to see how the area's local election candidates (Breadán Fiitzgerald & Micheál O'Shea-FF, Seamus Cosaí Fitzgerald & Brendan Griffin-FG, Pat Hanafin-Labour & Teresa Rafferty-Sinn Féin) react to the current situation as unemployment figures soar in the West Kerry region.

Ballyferriter to host local art expo on Easter Sunday

Féile na Cásca 2009 - An Máimín - Baile an Fheirtéaraigh

Well known writer and musician, Maidhc Dainín Ó Sé, will open this year’s Féile na Cásca in An Máimín, Ballyferriter at 3pm on Easter Sunday. This year Gabriel Fitzmaurice, Maidhc Dainín, and Bríd Ni Mhóráin visited twelve primary schools in Corca Dhuibhne helping local children to create a link between literature and the visual arts by giving readings in the schools in an effort to spark their imaginations. Artists Andrew Duggan, Susan Ní Chearna, Áine Uí Dhúbhshláine and Lone Uí Raghallaigh then worked in the schools creating art works with teachers and pupils based on the writers’ readings. Along with the primary pupils’ work the exhibition will feature works from over fifty artists in a variety of styles and media. Doors open at 2pm on Easter Sunday (in Ballyferriter). All are welcome. The exhibit will run until the 19th.

Dingle Sailing Club host Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday

Dingle Sailing Club's Annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place this Holy Saturday, beginning at the Marina at 12 noon and culminating at 2pm. All are welcome to come along and take part. They will host their AGM afterwards at 4 pm in the Dingle Marina Centre. The agenda is as follows: Minutes of the 2008 AGM,Treasurer’s Report, Commodore’s Report, Membership Fees, Motions, Election of Officers & Any Other Business.It is important that all club members and at least one parent of junior members be present at the meeting. The outgoing members of the committee are: Commodore-Mark Greely, Vice-Commodore-Seán Ó Coileáin, Treasurer-John O’Connor, Secretary-Dermot Carroll. Other Members-Cáit Uí Choileáin,Aideen McConville, Chris Hayes and Páidí Ó Domhnaill. The Dingle Sailing Centre is ideally situated in a naturally sheltered harbour which offers safe and protected waters suitable for water-based activity. The vistas surrounding the harbour are spectacular, mountains, sea-cliffs, fishing boats, sea-birds and Fungi the Dolphin. The Centre is an ISA (Irish Sailing Association) recognised training centre and instructors are certified and experienced. Sailing courses run throughout the months of June, July and August, Monday to Friday, 10am - 4.30pm. ISA levels 1, 2, & 3. Other activities on offer include Splash Club for 6-9 year old, Kayak rental, Powerboat courses, Yachtmaster and School activity days. For more visit http://www.saildingle.com/.

RTÉ's Lyric FM launch new frequency on Dingle Peninsula

NEW RTÉ LYRIC FM FREQUENCY FOR NORTHERN DINGLE PENINSULA & NORTH KERRY

RTÉ Lyric FM fans in the Ballydavid area of the Dingle Peninsula will need to re tune their radios slightly from 98.7 FM to 98.8 FM. North Kerry fans of music and arts station will also need to re tune their radios slightly from 98.8 FM to 98.7FM. RTÉ lyric fm is making these minor frequency change to improve its signal in the South West. RTÉ Lyric FM, the national music and arts station which celebrates its 10th birthday this May Bank Holiday, is making this minor frequency change to improve its signal in the South West; for listeners this means a slight twist of the dial on FM radios for them to continue listening to favourite RTÉ lyric fm shows such as Lyric Breakfast with Trish Taylor, Lyric Lunchtime with Geri Maye, The JK Ensemble with John Kelly and Classic Drive with Niall Carroll on weekdays and at the weekends, Saturday Afternoon with Lorcan Murray, Sunday with Marty Whelan and Movies and Musicals with Aedín Gormley. RTÉ Lyric FM is Ireland’s music and arts station and plays classical, jazz and opera as well music from the stage and screen, world and traditional music. The station is based in Limerick and celebrates ten years on air this year. Visit RTÉ Lyric FM online at www.rte.ie/lyricfm.

Beehive Theatre Dingle unveil new drama

Beehive Theatre Company, Dingle present;

The Impostor

by Mike Venner

Mike Venner, playwright in residence, has yet again delivered an explosive piece of theatre. Against a background of betrayal; lust, love and loss meet under a canopy of madness dragging the characters towards a nemesis that threatens to unravel civilisation. The plot romps along with infectious good humour, imparting a sense the that underneath all the surreal frivolity lurks a scathing allegory of modern-day Balkan troubles that twists every character into an ideogram for vulgar humanity. A frenetic black comedy that will guarantee your evenings entertainment. Situated on the west coast of Ireland, Beehive Theatre Company is Europe's westernmost theatre. Over the last thirteen years, the company has established itself as a leading centre for theatre in West Kerry and the southwest region and has produced a well-balanced mix of established plays as well as new, innovative scripts drawing on the talents of local and international writers.Beehive is a community based theatre company providing professional training and production opportunities for individuals and groups in the region.

Beehive Theatre Company’s performance of Mike Venner’s ‘The Impostor’ will be opening on 17th April, for a limited run at The Studio, Cúilín, Dingle. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets €15.00 and €10.00 concessions. Contact 066-9152924 for more information or visit www.beehivetheatre.com