Community News

On the 12th of May, Duhallow Choral Society had the pleasure of presenting a cheque for €3,210 to Ber Goggin and Mary O’Connor of Kanturk Community Hospital. The funds were raised from their concert on the 2nd of April. Thanks to everyone who supported and contributed to this worthy cause. To date, Duhallow Choral Society has raised over €500,000 for local charities.

Bealtaine Arts & Crafts at Millstreet Library: A Celebration of Creativity and Camaraderie

For Bealtaine, Millstreet Library hosted an Arts & Crafts workshop. The library buzzed with creativity and camaraderie. The arts & crafts workshop was led by Amanda Wright who focuses on the intricate art of macrame. The ladies who participated immersed themselves in the project, creating beautiful and unique creations. Under Amanda’s expert guidance, attendees not only learned the delicate techniques of this age-old craft but also enjoyed a fulfilling and joyous experience. The workshop served as a testament to the community spirit of Bealtaine, bringing people together to celebrate creativity and craftsmanship. In addition, Millstreet Library’s Knit & Natter group received a heartwarming surprise and were thrilled to receive handmade crocheted blankets from Millstreet Community School Transition Year Students along with their teacher Jennifer O’Donoghue. It is inspiring to see different generations coming together, sharing skills, and spreading warmth. Here’s to more moments of intergenerational joy.

Banteer Endure Further Water Outage Issues

Another water outage occurred in the Banteer area on Friday 17th May which is unacceptable with at least 6 water outages now in as many months.

Banteer and other areas supplied from the Poulgorm pumped station need a short term plan for a water supply that is available 24/7 to schools, businesses, childcare centres, businesses, farmers, and householders who are depending on same with some of these having to close if water is not available. The long term plan is for a new reservoir system to be installed by Irish Water in 2027 at the very earliest.

A new 6 inch rising main was installed in 2023 from Banteer to the Derry Reservoir with the intention of pumping water to the Derry reservoir, and a new 4 inch distribution main was installed also from the Derry Reservoir to supply Banteer and Duinch, Gouganes. This would allow the Derry Reservoir to be used as back up supply. However a new pump needed for this just above Banteer on the Nadd road has not been installed yet. It was due to be installed in Aug 2023 and is now over 9 months late.

This pump installation would make 8000 gallons of reservoir capacity available which would provide some back up for a short duration only.

Other options that should be pursued now by Irish Water are:

• Connect Banteer and other areas to the Ballinatona water supply permanently

• Provide 24/7 curator cover at the Poulgorm pumped station which will ensure that any trips and problems with pumps etc are dealt with straight away

• Provide a storage of bottled water at location/s convenient to all users to use in the event of a water outage

• Install additional temporary reservoir capacity at the Derry Reservoir

This issue will be discussed at the next Community Council meeting

Railway Nears Completion

The major construction project at Banteer Railway station will soon be coming to an end and will be of major benefit to all users of Banteer station.

Thanks to Irish Rail and Jons contractors who have worked closely with local stakeholders in ensuring the project progressed with minimum delays and issues.

Irish Rail and Jons expressed their thanks to all neighbours and the local community for their help and co-operation.

Irish Rail has also sanctioned the surfacing of the laneway at the rear of the railway station, adjoining the Sportsfield area. This will comprise the preparation of the existing surface and the application of a double surface dressing layer(tar and chippings) as a wearing course. Jons Civil Engineering will arrange for this work to be carried out. The local Community Council and Banteer Tidy Towns are also working with Irish Rail on other improvements at the railway to make a safer exit using one way system, additional parking at the Station and painting etc of fencing.

Banteer Sportsfield Draw

Banteer Sportsfield/Park draw is now on for 2024! This annual draw is for the ongoing operation, maintenance and development of the facility. Tickets are available from members. Please support as your support helps us make it better for all users.

Plans for this year include:

• subject to Sports capital funding, upgrade of old dressing rooms,

• goal posts replacement

• sanding/aeration works

• planting of trees /shrubs

• boot washes

• café equipment

• solar PV

• And more The regular annual operation and maintenance works are very important to maintain the facility to the highest level. These costs are now approx €40k p.a + which are funded by our annual draw. First draw is planned for end of May.

Text Alert Money Due For 2024

Please pay to your local Community Council members.

Note: nonpayment will mean you will no longer get Comm Alert texts. Please forward €10 to Norah O’Riordan Nadd, Eleanor Duggan, Denis Withers, Mary Cahill, or John Buckley