Local Notes: School set down concerns, rent a workbench, Ferrybank shopping centre – Your Community – Waterford News & Star

School Set Down

Kilkenny County Council is preparing a new Local Area Plan (LAP) for Ferrybank to replace the existing one. Public consultation sessions at Abbey Community College on June 19, had a good turnout, with many positive ideas. However, St. Mary’s Boys National School has raised concerns about the dangerous conditions during drop-off and pick-up times.

The school entrance is on a busy main road without a designated drop-off area or car park, creating significant safety risks. The Board of Management has communicated these concerns to Kilkenny and Waterford County Councils, the Department of Education, local TDs, Councillors, and the Gardaí. Issues include vehicles running red lights, cars parking on double yellow lines, and pupils exiting cars onto the main road. The school is urging community members to submit their opinions on the challenges and opportunities in the area, emphasising the need for a designated drop-off area and car park. 

This would ensure safer crossing at the lights, reduce illegal parking near the school gate, and provide parking for staff and visitors during events like Christmas plays, parent-teacher meetings, and graduations. A safer environment would also encourage more pupils to walk, cycle, or scoot to school. The school believes that widespread community support through submissions will strengthen the case for these improvements. They stress that without numerous submissions, this critical safety issue may not be prioritised. Parents and community members are encouraged to spend a few minutes writing emails to highlight the need for a drop-off area and car park, demonstrating the community’s significant concern.

Peader’s Summer Camp

Ireland’s oldest summer camp is back again, commencing on Monday, July 15. The popular summer camp will see over 200 boys and girls aged between 6 and 13 years coming down to the GAA grounds to learn the skills of our national game. Applications forms can be obtained from the Spar Shop in Ferrybank, Coffee by King, or from any committee member.

The annual fundraising event for Peadar’s Summer Camp will take place in Briar Rose on July 12. Your support in buying tickets for this event and attending allows us to keep the cost of the camp down. Our camp is probably the cheapest in the country for a full week of activities and this is down to you supporting these events and to all our other sponsors. Once again, many thanks to our main sponsors Keltech for their continued support, for which we are truly grateful.

Ferrybank Shopping Centre

The Chairperson of Kilkenny County Council, Councillor Ger Frisby, said Dunne’s Stores moving into Ferrybank Shopping Centre would benefit the area. Cllr Frisby, Chair of the Piltown Municipal District, noted the centre will serve Ferrybank and nearby areas. Recently installed as Chairperson at the district’s AGM, Cllr Frisby has long sought clarity on the centre’s opening. Progress appears to be underway, with Kilkenny County Council officials meeting with Dunne’s Stores’ owner. A report will be presented to councillors soon, with more details expected at tomorrow’s municipal meeting.

Rent a Workbench

You can rent a Woodwork/ Metalwork bench at Ferrybank Men’s Shed. This is for anyone who would like to try their hand at setting up a business or working on personal projects, or even if you just need time to yourself for a few hours without the burden of taking on a long-term lease or purchasing expensive equipment this would be an ideal opportunity.

You can rent a bench monthly, with access to a wide range of tools. You have full access to canteen and secure yard with support from Shed members. Contact Ferrybank Men’s Shed on Abbey Road by email at ferrybankms@gmail.com or by phoning Frank on 083 4721336.

Summer Camp

Stay cool this summer at our Indoor Games Summer Camp from July 8 to 12, at CUBEX, Ross Abbey Retail Park, Ferrybank (X91 ARX6).

Tired of the usual outdoor activities? Join us for exciting indoor games, including board games, card games, VR games, e-sports, and more. Our expert staff will ensure you have fun while staying safe. Make new friends, learn new skills, and create unforgettable memories. Open to boys and girls aged 6 to 11 years old, the camp costs €100. Sign up now by contacting us on WhatsApp or phone at 087 7179775 for an unforgettable summer.

Summer Stars

The Summer Stars Shining at Kilkenny Libraries, with a one-of-a-kind interactive family gameshow, is coming to Ferrybank Library on Friday, July 5, at 4pm.

‘Helena the Storyteller’, will take you on a spectacular time-travelling, fact to fiction adventure around the world. Through treasure hunts, quiz questions, team challenges and all sorts of interactive role play, this gameshow will be fun for young and old. Suitable for those aged over 7 ( parents/guardians), the whole family can take part. Booking required and for more information contact Ferrybank Library on 051 897200.