01 Jul July Newsletter
Summer has truly arrived in Blainroe, and with the lifting of government restrictions we are expecting a large influx of owners and their children now that the 29th June has finally arrived!
Covid 19
While it is very welcome that some restrictions have been lifted, it is very important that we continue to observe social distancing (the recommendation remains 2 metres) and that we continue to wash our hands and do everything that we can to ensure that we do not put our own or anybody’s health at risk.
We have taken steps to reopen the tennis club, the playground and the Pavilion in accordance with the recommendations of public health authorities as well as relevant government bodies such as Tennis Ireland. Again, we ask everybody to exercise vigilance both on their own behalf and on behalf of your children in ensuring that nobody’s health is compromised.
Summer Events
We will be circulating information shortly about the events we will be able to organise whilst ensuring everyone’s safety in the present circumstances.
The first event is our “Summer Welcome” drinks event organised by Moira Reilly. This will take place on Friday the 10th at 7 pm outside the Pavilion. We ask you to bring your own glass but the good news is that the drink is free! We hope to see as many of you as possible. Social distancing rules will be observed.
Beach Access
We sent a circular around some weeks ago regarding beach access. If you don’t have any bands for the beach there will be a supply available at the Welcome evening on the 10th of July. Use of wrist bands is important to ensure that only members of the estate, their guests and members of the golf club can access the beach.
Please note that dogs are not be allowed on the beach between 10am and 6pm in the summer months.
Service Charges
We recently collected the second half of the service charges for the year. We are at a stage that we are at almost full compliance with the service charge payments. Thanks to everyone who signed up to direct debit and who paid on time! We greatly appreciate your cooperation.
AGM
We will be sending out information about the AGM, to be scheduled for August. By reason of the existing government restrictions it will not be possible to hold the AGM in the normal fashion. Nevertheless, we are required by our constitution to conduct an AGM with a minimum quorum of 25. We are currently investigating venues and logistics. Further details will be provided shortly in a separate communication.
Dumping
We have had a number of incidents of significant amounts of dumping at the north eastern point of the estate. This area has traditionally been used for the composting of grass cuttings and other green waste. We are arranging for no dumping signs to be erected and also for some planting to take place.
Please respect your neighbours in this regard as the dumping causes an environmental hazard as well as creating an unsightly landscape for the owners in that area.
If you are getting work done to your house can you advise your contractors that they cannot use this area for dumping any waste material.
Please note that Avondale has agreed to take small amounts of grass cuttings that you wish to have removed on Friday mornings, so please leave these outside where you leave your bins, and they’ll be taken.
Golf Club
The Golf Club has suffered a huge loss of income in recent months as a result of Covid-19. The Club is a great resource for us, and we would appeal to all owners to use its facilities as much as you can.
Think Globally, Shop Locally!
Similarly, local shops have suffered terribly – some irrevocably – due to the pandemic. Fortunately, many in our community are making a special effort to support local supermarkets, shops and restaurants, and we would like to thank our neighbours for doing so and encourage everyone to make that special effort to patronise locally-owned enterprises.
Grounds Works
We are conscious that as a result of Avondale not being on site for several months the estate is not looking its best. Your Management Committee are working closely with Avondale to make up for lost time and return our community to its pristine beauty.
We are conscious that some of the driveway remedial works require to be upgraded. We have conducted a survey of the affected driveways and are in the process of communicating individually with these owners. The reality is that because of our focus on the landscaping works over the coming months and also because of the need to complete the water meter project in September we will not be addressing any remedial works to driveways until September.
You may have noticed that the trial areas of biodiversity have been established in four sites in the estate. If you have any views on this project feel free to email our Secretary at blainroeestatae@outlook.com. Assuming this process is successful, we will look into expanding the biodiversity areas in the future, and we welcome your comments and suggestions in this regard.
New website
Our new website is now in beta-testing phase and will be ready for launch soon.
Local Link Bus Service
The Redcross to Wicklow Local Link route 1411 is currently available to serve Blainroe (main road by Blainroe Lodge) on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month at approximately 10.40am and returning from SuperValu Wicklow at 12.30pm.
A seat can be booked on it by phoning Local Link at 1890-424141 or 056-7715912 by 4pm on the day prior to travel.
The adult return fare from Blainroe to Wicklow is €5 and a single (one-way) fare is €2.50.
Free Travel passes are also accepted on the service.
The availability of the service at Blainroe is for a three month trial and if there is sufficient patronage a more frequent service will be looked at. Finally, we wish you and your family a fantastic and sun filled summer in glorious Blainroe. Above all, stay safe and respect and look out for your neighbours.