Time to focus on the big picture

With the latest shocking forecasts from the ESRI, it really is time that we all, political parties especially faced up to the full extent of the problems facing the country. It is really time that we got over the small stuff. Getting rid of a few junior ministers, or trimming expenses is meaningless in the context of the issues we face. It might make us all feel a little bit better, but it's going nowhere in terms of the bigger picture. That picture looks an awful lot worse today than it did yesterday.

This article is quite uncanny when you read it in an Irish context. There's too much good stuff in it, so rather than trying to summarise it - read it yourself here.

New Pool opens Monday

Delighted to report that the new swimming pool at Meadowbrook, Dundrum opens on Monday. I visited it already, and it's a fantastic facility for the whole community.

As well as the pool (25m) and learner pool, the facility has a fully equipped gym, 2 astro pitches, 2 squash courts, tennis court, basketball court, aerobics room and meeting room. There's also a coffee dock and seating area.

You can email the centre here, or their website is here. The phone number is 2984654.

The facility is of course long overdue, but it took a lot of work by many people to ensure it happened. I'm happy to have played my part, but full credit must also go to those who campaigned so hard for the past number of years. It is also time to salute the founders of the old DFRC in 1970s, who, when times were hard stumped up their own money to build the old pool.

It's a new beginning, and one of the best days in my time representing Dundrum.

Development Plan Dates

The Draft Development Plan 2010-2016 will be on public display,from Friday 24 April to Friday 3 July 2009, Monday to Friday, [excluding Bank Holidays], at the following locations:

· The Concourse, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire (9.00am-5.00pm)

· Council Offices, Dundrum Office Park (9.30am-12.30pm or 1.30pm-4.30pm)

The documents may also be inspected at all branches of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Libraries.

There will also be a series of public information days where staff from the Council’s Planning Department will be available to answer questions and to assist people in making a submission.

The information days will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the dates and locations listed below:

· Tuesday 5th May, Council Offices, Dundrum Office Park

· Thursday 7th May, Stillorgan Library, Stillorgan

· Tuesday 12th May, Loughlinstown Community Rooms, Loughlinstown

· Tuesday 19th May, Murray Centre, Guardian Angel’s Church, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock

· Thursday 21st May, Country Market Hall [Opposite Palmer’s], Kiltiernan

· Tuesday 26th May, County Hall, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire