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Access to transport in West Wicklow is not the norm unless one owns and runs a private car or has access to public transportation, which runs to a schedule, which does not allow any flexibility. Therefore working in Dublin or the surrounding areas necessitates the use of private transport - a family car. Wicklow Rural Transport provides the most comprehensive service through out the area. Services are provided between Donard and Baltinglass on Wednesdays, departing Donard at 9.30am and returning at 2.20pm. Every third Wednesday of the month there is a service between Donard and Newbridge. Wicklow Rural Transport also provides a service between Rathdangan and Baltinglass every Thursday, departing Rathdangan at 9.00am and returning at 1.00pm. Every third Thursday of the month, the bus travels to Carlow town. A service is also provided every Saturday from Donard to Tallaght, departing Donard 11.30am and returning at 5.00pm. Residence along the N81 can avail of the four daily Bus Eireann service on the Dublin to Waterford and Dublin Tullow routes. A Bus Eireann service on the Dublin Rosslare route passes through Baltinglass every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Two private Taxi services are based in the town of Baltinglass and serve the immediate surrounding areas.
Children are dependant on car pools when availing of sport and recreational activities. Most young people recognise the need for transport at the weekend and older members of the population viewed public transport as an essential service for accessing health and other services. "The perceptions of all age groups across the different localities are that Wicklow Rural transport provided an essential service that promotes inclusion of a variety of social groups including older people". West Wicklow Rural Communities Consultation Project. Research report by POBAL community development agency in Partnership with Wicklow County Development Board.
One of the issues affecting the community at present is the lack of community centre and lack of recreation facilities for the youth. At the moment it is necessary to travel to Carlow to avail of Bowling, Swimming, Soccer, Rugby, Snooker, and the cinema. As the town has grown over the years the facilities for the youth have not changed. The G.A.A. is the main sporting recreation available to the youth of Baltinglass but if you don't play there is little else.
The community support and youth group are working on this issue at the moment. In the next few months the scouts will be starting and it is hoped to involve the local youths in a big way. The local park group are also doing great work and it is hoped that when the park is completed that land will be available there for other sports and recreation activities. Both of these groups are progressing well and I feel that they will make great changes for the better of all especially the youth.
A need for a recreation/play area in Baltinglass was recognised. There is a wealth of documentation around the need and importance for this in the healthy development of children and young people. Wicklow County Council (WCC) has developed a play policy outlining this. The New Charter for Children's Play, Children's Play Council, 1998. Play Policy, WCC.
"Play can empower children to make choices, take risks, discover solutions and lay claim to their surroundings, their space. This remains true through later childhood and adolescence."
The same document highlights the valuable role children have in community development, "They (children) can be responsible for creating networks and links among people in an area."
Regarding social inclusion, "To proactively ensure participation in play is value to all factors such as money, ethnicity, gender, location and ability do not act as barriers."
There is a small area of FAS maintained, (WCC) land on the river Slaney used by the outdoor education centre for kayaking. Locals use this area for walking and picnics, it is at the site of The Abbey ruin and particularly picturesque. There are two benches and a refuse bin. The grass is well maintained. A metal barrier used by the outdoor education centre blocks the car park area. The general public has no suitable parking to the area. It does not demonstrate parity with WCC's play policy. There is no other maintained public amenity area in Baltinglass.
A piece of WCC owned land at the rear of a housing estate, Parkmore, covers 2.5 hectares and includes extensive river frontage to the Slaney. It is accessed via two roads with two small car parks. The area is 'A Special Area of Conservation' protected by The National Park's and Wildlife government service (formerly Dúchas).
Historically the area was well maintained with "pitch and putt' and soccer pitch. Many members of the community speak about the great fun to be had at this area in years gone by.
Flooding caused local residents hardship so WCC commenced a flood relief operation, funding ran out, silt from the river was removed and dumped on site with cut down trees which were left to become over grown mounds. The Pitch & Putt and the soccer pitch became unusable due to damage and neglect. The area is a potential health and safety hazard.
Approximately two years ago a group of interested locals began to address concerns over lack of public amenity area. The Park Committee includes ten individuals and is supported by an environmental officer at WCC. Plans have been finalised and the work tendered for by local contractors. Together the committee and WCC have secured sufficient funding to commence, though not complete, and work on site. Wicklow Rural Partnership has been approached for LEADER grant aid. Tidy Towns with FAS have recently become involved and are working with the Park Committee. The Baltinglass Women's Group, The Parent and Toddler Group, The Soccer Club and The Cultural Committee have actively supportive the proposed Park. WCC's play policy recognise the benefit of''co-ordination and partnership to maximise opportunities.' Many other groups were approached but did not respond or said they did not have the opportunity for active support.
Some frustration has been expressed at the slow development of the park - two years on and no sods turned. The group involved struggle to push the project forward relying on voluntary efforts. They welcome constructive support and sense of community to see the park through to fruition.
We believe the park project is very valuable for our town. It has themes of health, education, recreation, culture and environment. The plans include children's play area, boardwalks, disabled fishing platforms, wildflower/native tree and shrub planting, remembrance garden, art feature and soccer pitch. There will be tarmac paths and car parking.
The park offers potential to support current issues affecting our community. Teenagers will have a safe place to be. Babies, children, teenagers, adults and those who experience disability or are frail may avail of the facility. The park will provide employment during its construction and maintenance.
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