News from Ireland - news from around the 32 counties

What's going on around Ireland

Just 21 new housing units were commenced in the first four months of 2012 representing a decrease of 16 units, or 43 percent, on the same period during 2011, when work began on 37 new units, according to the CIF’s latest Housing Statistics Bulletin.
[Source: Waterford News & Star]

WESTMEATH

Athlone is to have its very own television channel later this month when Athlone Community TV (ACTV) is launched.

The community-driven initiative will be web-based and currently has some samples of what's to come available on its Facebook page.

The brainchild of Martin Sumner, Athlone Community TV aims to facilitate individuals, groups and communities to tell their own stories and Martin explained this week that it is very much a community initiative – driven by the community for the community.
[Source: Westmeath Independent]

WEXFORD

Wexford County Council has stated that they would welcome any interest in using Enniscorthy Courthouse from public or community users, following calls from two Town Councilors to make use of the currently empty building.

Calls came from Clr. Tom Moorehouse, who suggested the building be used as social welfare offices while Clr. James Browne stated that the Courts Service should relook at the building, with a view to refurbishing and reopening it as a court again.
[Source: Wexford Echo]

WICKLOW

A clean-up operation is revealing a long-hidden face in the countryside around Arklow as a pyramid literally emerges from the undergrowth following years of neglect.

Few people in Arklow and the wider county are even aware of the existence of the pyramid at the old Kilbride Cemetery on the outskirts of the town.

The monolith was commissioned by Ralph Howard, 1st Viscount Wicklow in the 1780s, as a burial site for him and his family is situated in and dominates the old cemetery.

It is the final resting place of 18 of his family members.

More than 500 people are believed to be buried in the cemetery which had become overgrown and neglected in recent years with the pyramid itself covered in ivy and tree growth.
 [Source: Wicklow People]

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