Glenties Notes 10th July 2014

Glenties Wind Farm Information Group:
The Glenties Windfarm Information Group welcome the variation to Donegal’s County Development Plan which will see new conditions imposed on wind farm developments This variation, adopted by County Councillors last week, will require a greater level of scrutiny for wind farm applications submitted within the river catchments of the Six Sub Basin Districts designated for the protection of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel. These areas, including the Owenea catchment, are now to be zoned as ‘not favoured’for wind farm development. The second important aspect of the variation is the requirement that turbines are not located within ten times the turbine’s tip height of homes, schools etc. This addresses the previous decision of the Council in 2012 to remove all prescribed set back distances from homes etc. The wishes of the public were respected, as over 98% of those who submitted to the council’s public consultation process were in support of GWIG’s position with over 1,000 submissions coming from the Glenties/Fintown/Ardara area. GWIG thank all those who supported them, including the councillors who voted in the group’s favour on 30th June.

Collections:
The Irish Wheelchair Association Church Gate Collection will take place next weekend.

The Irish Cancer Society Church Gate Collection taken up in June amounted to € 793. Thank You to everyone who made a contribution.

Tír Chonaill Gap Cycling Event:
Tír Chonaill Gap Cycling Club is pleased to announce that on 12th July we will be holding a mountain bike event (The Rescheduled Mad March Hare) With some of our members working tirelessly on adding to and improving the course it is sure to be an unreal event! The start of the event once again will create a bit of a stir as the participants have to ride down the steps beside the Garda station in Glenties. They will then follow a van up the Glen of Glenties road for three and a half miles. From this point they’re on their own as they turn off the road and start climbing the mountain, a climb sure to make the riders glad when they have reached the top. But there’s no time to relax as they start the first bit of the descent. For the next two miles the riders will have to cross narrow wooden bridges, boardwalk, muddy holes if they can find them, even bigger muddy holes without looking for them, more boardwalk and a final descent guaranteed to put a grin on anyone’s face, if they can hang on. Participants can either do one or two laps, finishing down the steps at the Garda station. Refreshments will be served afterwards. Entry is open to everyone over the age of 14 years with their own bike. If you don’t want to participate come and watch, or maybe help out with marshaling. Registration is at 10a.m. and starts 11a.m. Entry Fee is: €10 for Cycling Ireland Members (€15 for Non-CI Members) So get the Bike out and join us for what is guaranteed to be a an epic adventure!!l!!! For more information contact: Hugh McMahon on (087) 2892562.

Graveyard Mass in Edeninfagh:
The Graveyard Mass in Edeninfagh is on Sunday 10th August at 3.00 p.m.

The Biddy Devine Memorial Fundraising Weekend:
This event in aid of The Kidney Dialysis Unit Letterkenny Hospital is on this weekend -11th, 12th and 13th July in The Glen of Glenties. On Friday – Golf Classic Narin / Portnoo; 10 k Fun Run / Walk at 7 p.m. from the Glen Tavern; Table Quiz at 9 p.m. in The Glen Tavern. On Saturday – Vintage Tractor Run from the Glen Tavern at 4 p.m. “Overs” Football – Naomh Conaill V Gleann Fhinne in Davy Brannan Park at 7 p.m. On Sunday – Honda 50 Run from the Glen Tavern at 1 p.m. Contact: Frankie 087 918 6261; Carina 087 610 1527; or Mary 9551170.