07 Jun Blainroe News – Spring 2020
In these challenging times, the board would like to thank and congratulate everyone for their diligence and adherence to quarantining and social distancing practices.
Obviously, most activities have been suspended during this pandemic; the Pavilion is closed, as is the playground, and there are no current indications as to when that may change. It is encouraging, though, to see people out walking and even cycling around the estate, greeting one another from a safe distance, exercising (and dutifully cleaning up after!) their pets, etc.
During this crisis, the Winter Movies WhatsApp group has developed into a kind of community forum, sharing tips, inspiration and encouragement with residents unable to meet in person. Keep up the great work!
WEBSITE
A similar function will soon be a feature of our new website, currently being developed for a phased roll-out before the summer season. In a new Members Only section of the site we will have a forum for owners to communicate with each other, whether currently resident or not, on any subjects of interest.
We’ll keep you posted on progress on the website project as it develops.
GOVERNANCE
Paul O’Neill has been approved as our new company treasurer. (This of course will not in any way impact on the great work our financial administrator Anne Nugent carries out on behalf of the members). Also, Gillian Colleran will take over as company secretary. Our thanks to both members for stepping up into these important roles.
BUILDING REGULATIONS
We are pleased to see members upgrading their homes and are applying to BEMC for consent. Members are reminded that the application for works needs to be forwarded to BEMC before work commences. Applications for consent are being turned around quickly where all the information is provided such as drawings, specification, consent of neighbours, etc. Before works commence, members are required to furnish an undertaking regarding insurances, completion of works, etc. These details are set out in the Rules that were approved at last year’s AGM.
Where there may be issues, BEMC will assist where possible. Members will be aware that there is an obligation to ensure that all properties be kept safe at all times and that works, material, etc do not become a danger.
MAINTENANCE STORAGE SHED
We have formally applied for planning permission and are awaiting a decision by Wicklow County Council. As you may recall, the proposed location is in a relatively secluded spot at the north western corner of the estate.
LIGHTING
Billy Nelson has confirmed that the lights are working as required and certificates have been issued.
LANDSCAPING
We are all aware that the estate is looking decidedly shaggy, but unfortunately this is an unavoidable consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic. Avondale is adhering to the ALCI (Association of Landscaping Contractors, Ireland) guidelines during the lockdown. Unfortunately, routine grass cutting is not considered essential work, so they have not been able to secure a travel permit to work on the estate. They were last on-site Friday 28th of March.
A little good news, though. Avondale has secured a contract (and travel permit) to do work at the Wicklow Hospice, and they’re using that opportunity to send someone to do some emergency grass cutting – emphasizing areas around occupied homes. We don’t know if this will be able to continue, but we’ll keep you posted.
Although most of the work reinstating landscaping following the lighting upgrade project has been completed, they had to vacate the site before fully finishing. Reseeding, finishing driveway repairs and sealing the new tarmac remain to be completed. Also, four driveways were left open, and Billy Nelson filled the gaps in a temporary repair to make the driveways safer and allow car access.
Finally, we’d like to thank Pat Conway for volunteering to mow the football pitch!
BIN COLLECTION
The situation with Greenstar is unfortunately a bit fluid at the moment. They’ve lost substantial numbers of staff and have to keep crews on trucks to two (instead of the usual three) to comply with social distancing requirements.
So, for now they have been collecting both bins on Tuesdays, which effectively means everything is going into the landfill. Anecdotally, it seems that several recycling centres are closed, so little or no recycling is currently taking place. This is obviously not acceptable, and we are attempting to work with the account manager to find a solution.
LEARNER DRIVERS
Some people have recently been taking advantage of our relatively quiet roads to train L-drivers. We need to remind all members that Learner Drivers are not permitted to drive on estate roads for safety and insurance reasons. Please spread the word, as some of these drivers have come from outside the estate.
CONTACT US
As always, we love to hear from our community – whether bouquets or brickbats! – so please get in touch with your questions and suggestions. We are working to make this easier all the time, and our new website and new email address are steps in that direction (as is this newsletter!).
Please note: our new email address is blainroeestate@outlook.com .