Latest news with #McGuinness
Daily Record
8 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Grangemouth community demand 'less consulting, more action' from Falkirk Council
The draft of a new masterplan for Grangemouth will now go to public consultation but the public want to see changes soon Falkirk Council chiefs say they have heard 'loud and clear' that people in Grangemouth want them to 'stop consulting and start doing'. Members of Falkirk Council's executive agreed this week to launch a consultation on a new 'spatial vision and masterplan' that they hope will guide the transformation of the town over the next 20 years. Officers say the plan has been developed to tackle some of the key challenges currently affecting local residents, such as the closure of shops and businesses and a lack of high quality, family housing. But councillors made clear that Grangemouth cannot wait for change and that they want to see 'shovels in the ground' as soon as possible. Falkirk Council's head of growth, Michael McGuinness, told the meeting that he recognised that there have been a number of consultation exercises with the community in the last few years. "In engaging with our community, the feedback we've had is 'stop consulting, start doing'," he said. "They want to see changes happening in Grangemouth - that's a real concern." But Mr McGuinness said he believes that the draft plan they are now consulting on "will give us a really strong blueprint for allowing that change to happen". The main aims are: Make the town centre easier to walk and cycle around by improving paths and connections. Develop new housing in and around the town centre to bring more people into the area. Attract new businesses by offering better spaces and supporting mixed-use developments. Improve public spaces with more green areas, seating, and landscaping. As the industry in Grangemouth begins to transition away from fossil fuel-led businesses, the hope is that local people will start to see some of the benefits from an array of investment programmes, strategies and policies that have been introduced. Officers say that a masterplan is vital to pull together and oversee all of the changes that will inevitably affect the town over the next few years. But councillors questioned officers on the value of another consultation - which will cost £70,000. Director of Place Services, Malcolm Bennie, said the document would be crucial to attract funding for the ambitious plans that are being laid and make sure that everything happens "in a considered, planned way". Conservative councillor James Bundy asked how long it would take to see "shovels in the ground", once the final version of the document is ready. Mr McGuinness said that some projects are already ready to get underway as part of the Greener Grangemouth programme, which has funding from UK and Scottish Governments through the area's Growth Deal. "This masterplan leads directly to that so we'd expect to see some shovels in the ground next year but what scale is still to be determined." But Mr McGuinness did admit that masterplans were essentially a longterm commitment that can take "decades" to come to fruition and that funding will be a significant factor. "Our objective is to accelerate that as much as possible and bring forward as much investment into the town centre as we possibly can," he said. "This gives us a tremendous blueprint to do that." Councillors agreed that officers should progress with engagement on the draft masterplan. Once complete, the executive will be asked to approve the final version of the masterplan.
Irish Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
League of Ireland players reach compromise on tracking technology blackout
League of Ireland players have agreed to a two-week blackout on clubs using technology to track their fitness in the off initially wanted a four-week lockdown where their physical activity was not being monitored, but have indicated they will meet clubs proposal is that players get a four-week off-season break after their final game of the season, with 'at least two of those weeks being completely commitment free'.PFA Ireland chief Stephen McGuinness wrote to all clubs this week, requesting their co-operation ahead of formally introducing the measure to standard player contracts. McGuinness wrote: 'This period is essential for players to recover physically and mentally from the demands of the season and to reduce the risk of injury and burnout.'Seen by Mirror Sport, the letter continued: 'Players should not be issued any structured or informal training plans, fitness schedules, or physical conditioning expectations. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'Clubs are asked to refrain from using GPS, heart rate monitors, wellness apps, or any other tracking technologies during this time."There should be no club-led training sessions, meetings, or check-ins - either in person or remotely - during the blackout period. Players should be free to use this time as they see fit, without any pressure or implied obligations from club staff or management.' PFA Ireland conducted a recent survey of 319 players, the majority of whom felt that wearing GPS tracking vests in the off-season was 'like working from home.'This week's PFA Ireland letter to clubs concluded: 'These safeguards are not merely recommendations. They are evidence-based standards aligned with global occupational health and safety principles.'As such, we believe their implementation is not only in the best interest of the players but also of the clubs and the league as a whole. It is our expectation that the above blackout period and related terms are recognised in the Standard Player's Contract (SPC) ahead of the 2026 season.'The National League Committee will meet to discuss the players' proposal. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘Smelly' Louth coastline a ‘naturally occurring phenomenon'
Cllr. Shane McGuinness raised the issue at the June meeting of Louth County Council, highlighting the red/brown algal bloom which has washed up along the coast at Blackrock. He told councillors the bloom is particularly prevalent 'along the strand at the main street, the Priest's beach and along the marsh grasses at The Loakers which is an Special Protected Area (SPA) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).' Explaining that he had raised this with the local authority, he added: 'I was told that it wasn't what I thought it was, and it was a natural occurrence and harmless. I requested it be cleaned up as soon as possible as people couldn't put their clothes outside on the line, or even walk in the area because the smell was so repugnant. I cannot imagine the effect this is having on our wildlife.' The response to my queries was that 'we couldn't take a vehicle on to the beach as the National Parks and Wildlife services would not allow it'. He added: 'I believe this material washed up is an Algal Bloom which is a rapid increase of algae which is caused by an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus in particular. These blooms can be extremely harmful, impacting water quality, causing oxygen depletion and producing toxins that not only affect wildlife but seriously effect humans and pets. Animal and human health is threatened here as this nutrient pollution contains high levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus from sources like sewage and slurry.' 'Sometimes, you only have to use your sense of smell, to realise that this is a major problem caused by our lack of sewerage treatment capacity in this entire area and toilet waste getting into our seas is the main cause of it I believe. The permitted use of human sludge from WWTP (Waste Water treatment plants) on our lands and the "uncontrolled releases" from WWTP and storm drainpipes has contributed enormously to this algal bloom, I believe.' 'I am requesting the environmental section of this council to get an independent analysis carried out on this Algae, as the onus is on us as councillors in the chamber to have it tested and determine its safety and our next moves. I believe the environmental section of Louth County Council cannot continue to promote the notion that this is a natural occurrence and not in any way a risk to human health.' Cllr. McGuinness criticised what he referred to as 'a lack of engagement' "I have raised this a number of times over the last twelve months, Dundalk South needs a Waste Water Treatment Plant. I know that we can easily say it is an Irish Water issue, but I believe we need to communicate better over the next twelve months.' Director of Service, David Hanratty, said they had been in contact with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in relation to this matter, adding: 'The position hasn't changed, it is a natural phenomenon.' He explained that the nutrient rich water in this area, comes largely from the marsh land. Mr. Hanratty said they had 'no reports of malfunctions at waste water treatment plants that would have contributed to no evidence of any links to sewage or any run off from agricultural activities.' He added that as it is a "naturally occurring algal bloom' the local authority 'cannot clean it up, we cannot interfere with the natural ecological processes.' The very warm Spring weather, coupled with the nutrient rich water, had likely contributed to the increase in algal bloom, he said. 'But, that being said, we will continue to monitor the situation,' On a related topic, Cllr. Marianne Butler asked if there were any 'nature based projects' to deal with the 'run off from streets etc' in Louth. She asked: 'When are we going to adopt nature based solutions?' Mr. Hanratty said that under the new Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, Dundalk has been chosen as one of five pilot sites around the country that will see the development of an integrated waste water treatment plant, looking at where water comes from and where it goes. He added that it is being led by Uisce Eireann, but involves local stakeholders including Louth County Council.
Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
GAA defend Hyde Park, Roscommon venue decision after Jim McGuinness blast
GAA chiefs have defended the decision to fix the Donegal/Mayo All-Ireland round robin encounter for Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon - following stinging criticism from Jim McGuinness after the game. Donegal knocked Mayo out of the Championship with a last-gasp Ciaran Moore point at the Roscommon Town venue to set up a home preliminary quarter-final encounter with Louth next weekend. But McGuinness claimed Donegal fans are 'being taken advantage of,' as the county face into their eighth championship game - more than any other side, with five of those away or at neutral venues. For comparison, this weekend's encounter with Cork will be Dublin's sixth championship game with four of them at away or neutral venues. In Kerry's case this weekend's preliminary quarter-final against Cavan will be their sixth championship game, with just three of them on the road, although the choice of Tullamore for last Saturday's encounter with Meath certainly favoured the Royals, with the venue much closer to them. In Armagh's case, they've played six championship games, with just one in Armagh. If Donegal are to make an All-Ireland final, it will mean they'll have played in 11 championship games this season with trips to Croke Park (3), Clones (3), Cavan (1) and Roscommon (1). Speaking about the Hyde Park decision, McGuinness said: 'It was the equivalent of bringing Mayo to Omagh and staying in Derry and I don't believe that would happen. We put in an email to the CCCC to say we couldn't get a hotel in the area so we had to stay in Athlone. "We had to go beyond the venue to come to play in the venue. I think that would only happen because it's us. Disappointed in that. 'We made a case and we made the case early. It was on deaf ears. But again, that's for another day but I don't like the fact that our supporters are always being taken advantage of.' He added: 'We had seven games up to this point. Nobody's played more games than us. Nobody. And yet and all, we had the longest trek and all those people have to find a way to do all that. Breffni (Park) was an option. They're going to say it wasn't. 'I know that Clones was offered and that was rescinded. All you're looking for is fairness and the middle is fair.' CCCC Chairperson Carroll outlined why the decision to stage the game at Dr. Hyde Park was made and said he'd heard McGuinness' comments. 'The CCCC, we sit down to put these fixtures together,' said the current Roscommon Chairperson. 'A lot of situations have to be taken into consideration. In the case of Donegal and Mayo, the obvious venue for us was Sligo. Unfortunately for us, Sligo wasn't available because the pitch is being repaired. The ground wasn't available. 'Breffni Park wasn't available. Cavan were playing at the same time. Clones wasn't available. Monaghan were playing two hours earlier in the day. 'Omagh wasn't available because Tyrone were playing at the same time, so our feeling was that the most logical venue for both of these counties was King and Moffat Dr. Hyde Park. 'There was people in Mayo had to travel just short of three hours as well, so it wasn't ideal for both. Look, there are a lot of things that have to be taken into consideration when we are doing these fixtures. 'When you have the most northerly county and a westerly county playing each other, it is always going to be difficult to find an ideal venue, but in fairness I think both counties were looked after well and got a good welcome. 'I'd say most Donegal people are fairly happy this morning. They are in second place (in their group).' Fixture making is determined by a number of factors, but ultimately the GAA have the final call on dates, times and venues. The availability of local GAA officials and stewards at venues to run big games is a primary factor. The GAA tend not to fix games for venues when that particular county are playing elsewhere on the same day - to allow officials to attend their own county's matches and carry out match day duties. Another factor in fixture making is broadcasting rights, with RTE having the first choice of live games. They tend to opt for Sunday slots, with GAA+ screening some of the other ties on offer over the weekend. Last weekend RTE screened Donegal versus Mayo and Down against Monaghan as a Sunday double header. Derry versus Dublin or Armagh against Galway would have been regarded as bigger games in most quarters than Down versus Monaghan, but they both went on GAA+. However, final round games have to be played at the same time and had RTE screened Dublin/Derry or Armagh/Galway, their viewing figures would have been hit if GAA+ staged the other one at the same time.
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
CCCC chief defends Donegal venue decision after Jim McGuinness' anger
The chairperson of the Central Competitions Control Committee, Brian Carroll, has defended the GAA's venue selection for Sunday's All-Ireland SFC clash between Donegal and Mayo. Donegal edged to a one-point win over Mayo at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park, a result which saw Jim McGuinness' side finish second on Group 1 and ended Mayo's Championship involvement. However, speaking afterwards, McGuinness was highly critical of the decision to play the game in Roscommon and revealed that Donegal had written to the CCCC complaining about the choice of venue. McGuinness said: "We think it was very unfair to bring us here. "It was the equivalent of bringing Mayo to Omagh, and we also put in an email to the CCCC to say we couldn't get a hotel in the area so we had to stay in Athlone. "We had to go beyond the venue to come to play in the venue. "Everybody else had a fair shake this weekend. You're 38 minutes from Mayo's training ground. We're three and a half hours from Inishowen. It's not fair." However Carroll has defended the decision, insisting that there was no viable alternative to Dr Hyde Park for the game. The CCCC chief, who is also chair of Roscommon GAA, was in RTÉ for the All-Ireland and Tailteann Cup draws this morning and, after Donegal were handed a home tie against Louth, he explained the rationale for the venue against Mayo. "When we sit down to put these fixtures together, there are a lot of situations that have to be taken into consideration," he said. "In the case of Donegal and Mayo, the obvious venue for us was Sligo. Unfortunately, Sligo wasn't available because the pitch is being repaired, so the ground wasn't available. " Breffni Park wasn't available - Cavan were playing at the same time. Clones wasn't available because Monaghan were playing two hours earlier in the day and Omagh wasn't available because Tyrone were playing at the same time. "So our feeling was that the most logical venue [remaining] for both of these counties was King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park." Kerry were arguably at more of a disadvantage in having to face Meath in Tullamore. Carroll pointed out that some parts of Mayo as far as from Roscommon town as Donegal but did not address McGuinness' point about a lack of accommodation. "People in Mayo had to travel just short of three hours as well, so it wasn't ideal for both, but there are a lot of things that have to be taken into consideration. "When we're doing these fixtures and when you have the most northerly county and a western county playing each other, it's always going to be difficult to find an ideal venue. "In fairness, I think both counties were looked after well and got a good welcome, and I'd say most people are fairly happy this morning."
