Latest news with #Arklow
BreakingNews.ie
6 days ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Wicklow woman (22) disqualified from keeping animals for 30 years
Sarah Cullen (22) with an address at Asgard Close, Arklow, Co Wicklow, has been banned from keeping animals for 30 years after entering guilty pleas to four offences under the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013. The offences include one of obstructing an authorised officer. Advertisement Arklow District Court heard evidence from ISPCA chief inspector Conor Dowling, who described how he called to the defendant's home on Tuesday, April 9th, 2024, in response to a report received from a concerned member of the public. He spoke with Ms Cullen, who brought two dogs to the front door, a black and white Collie named 'Sky', and a six-month-old Golden Retriever pup named "Romeo'. Inspector Dowling said that he could immediately see that both dogs were in poor condition and told how he picked up the Collie and was alarmed at how light she was. He said he could feel every bone in her body and described her as 'a bag of bones'. The inspector made the decision that he was going to bring both dogs for veterinary assessment and would seize them if necessary but, while he loaded the Collie into his vehicle, the accused brought the Retriever pup into the house and would not permit the inspector access to it. Advertisement The court heard that Dowling advised the defendant that he would seek a search warrant to gain access to the dog if necessary but that she seemed more concerned about who had made the report and said that she wanted to make a complaint about the officer. Mr Dowling told how he gave the accused a business card and advised how she could go about making a complaint. He added that, as he left the property, Ms Cullen said 'I'll have your job you f***ing c***'. Sky was taken to a local vet where she was found to weigh just 7.5kg, but veterinary records showed that she had been presented for vaccination two years prior, at which time she was almost double that weight, at 14.8kg. The vet assigned her a body condition score of one out of five and described her as 'skin and bone'. Photo: ISPCA Inspector Dowling described how he obtained a search warrant the following morning, on April 10th, 2024, and returned to Asgaard Close accompanied by gardaí. Advertisement Contact was made with the defendant, and it was established that she and the Retriever pup Romeo were at her sister's home. The officials proceeded to that address and the second dog was seized. The inspector said that the pup's belly appeared swollen and he formed the opinion that he had been fed a lot since the previous day. The pup vomited during the journey to the vets producing a large volume of barely digested dog food. On veterinary examination Romeo was found to weigh 13.5kg. Vet records showed that he had lost 2.9kg in the previous 11 weeks despite being a growing pup. The vet noted muscle wastage on the back legs of the dog, said that the dog should weigh over 20kg, and described him as 'skin and bone'. Mr Dowling told of how he later conducted an interview under caution with the defendant during which she offered no real explanation for the condition of the dogs. Advertisement She claimed that Sky the Collie was a picky eater and acknowledged that she had noticed they were losing weight but claimed to not think it was as severe as it was. The court heard that both dogs increased in weight over the following three weeks without any medical treatment. Sky almost doubled in weight, increasing from 7.5kg back to her previous weight of 14.8kg, and Romeo gained 25 per cent of his initial weight, from 13.5kg to 18kg. Both dogs recovered fully and were subsequently surrendered and rehomed. Photo: ISPCA Under cross examination inspector Dowling confirmed that, other than the poor physical condition, there were no other signs of neglect or abuse. When asked by Judge David Kennedy whether the dog's coats were dirty indicating that they had been living in a poor environment, the inspector said that was not the case. In mitigation, the defendant's history of depression and anxiety disorders was highlighted as was her difficult upbringing. The court heard that she 'panicked' when the ISPCA inspector arrived and that she was 'sorry for her behaviour'. Advertisement On passing sentence, Judge Kennedy wondered 'how it got so bad' and said that he would have thought that the defendant's family 'would have been some guidance'. He imposed a 30-year disqualification from keeping all animals, imposed a nominal €500 fine, and ordered that Ms Cullen pay €2,620.35 in ISPCA costs. 'The poor physical condition of Sky in particular was really concerning' commented Chief Inspector Dowling, 'for a dog to be half of its ideal body weight is exceptional. "I'm relieved that I got there in time because I'm not sure how much longer she would have gone on for. Romeo's future development could have been severely compromised from being deprived of nutrition at such a young age. "Thankfully, due to the wonderful work of our animal care staff, both have recovered fully and are enjoying life in their new homes'.
Irish Independent
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
New Wicklow cultural centre endorsed by Róisin Murphy and Kíla founder set to open
Sitting along the banks of the Avoca River, in the old Plain and Pearl building, the centre, which has beenendorsed by Arklow singer Róisin Murphy and Kíla founding member Ronan O'Snodaigh, will officially launch on Friday, August 15. The initiative follows the vision of councillor Peir Leonard, who, in conjunction with the 402 Collective, pioneered the way for The Sheds Gallery, formerly based in the Bridgewater Shopping Centre. The centre takes direction from her town regeneration plan and work in supporting local artists through the founding of the 402 Art Collective in 2021. As a 402 spokesperson explained, the Arklow Arts Centre will act as a 'catalyst for regeneration', breathing life into the riverside area while nurturing creativity, innovation, and community connection. 'It is a statement of confidence in Arklow's cultural future; one that honours the past while building something enduring for the next generation,' they said. 'More than just a venue, the Arklow Arts Centre represents a bold commitment to positioning arts and culture as central pillars of the town's identity, growth, and future. 'This exciting development will feature a visual art and craft gallery, artist studios, and a multi-functional event and workshop space, all housed within a reimagined building that flows out to a yard space overlooking the Avoca River. 'We hope to run visual art, pottery, creative writing, sculpture, and ceramics courses for everybody throughout the year.' As part of the centre's vision, 'Edible Arklow' will serve as the environmental arm of the project, bringing sustainable urban gardening, local food initiatives, and eco-friendly community engagement into the heart of Arklow's creative space, with the initiative furthering the 402 Collective's commitment to making the town not just a cultural destination, but an environmentally conscious one as well. To mark this turning point, the 402 Collective is inviting the public to a special open day on Sunday, July 20, during the Seabreeze Festival, from 1pm to 5pm. 'This early preview offers a unique chance to step inside the centre during its refurbishment phase, see the transformation underway, meet some of the artists involved, and imagine what's coming,' the spokesperson said. 'This space is the beginning of something powerful for Arklow. We're creating a place where people can gather, explore, make, and celebrate art in all its forms. Even in this unfinished state, it's already full of potential. 'The 402 Collective would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all sponsors involved, especially to Wicklow County Council Climate Team, to County Wicklow Partnership, to Mary Millet of County Wicklow Partnership, to Sandra Hall, Arklow Tidy Towns CE Scheme supervisor, and the CE staff, because without their generous and innovative contributions, the Arklow Arts Centre would not be a reality.' You can help support the Arklow Arts Centre at
Irish Times
10-07-2025
- Irish Times
Man taken to hospital following stabbing incident in Arklow
Five men have been arrested in Arklow, Co Wicklow , following a stabbing in the town centre. The incident occurred at about 5pm in Abbey Street. A man (30s) was brought to St Vincent's hospital for treatment of injuries believed to be non-life-threatening at this time. The five men who have been arrested are being questioned in Garda stations in the Co Wicklow and Co Wexford areas. READ MORE It is the third stabbing in Arklow in the last three weeks. A man in his 50s was stabbed in the early hours of Saturday, June 28th. On Monday a man in his 40s was hospitalised in Arklow having sustained serious injuries in an assault that afternoon. It is not clear yet if the three stabbings are related.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ireland captain Neill raring for Six Nations Women's Summer Series
Ireland captain Jane Neill is raring to go at this year's Six Nations Women's Summer Series as she returns for her second tilt at success in the competition. Neill's side begin against Wales in the opening round of fixtures at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, South Wales. Advertisement It is the second edition of the U20 tournament, which debuted in Italy 12 months ago when Ireland won one of their three games. Neill, who also skippered the side on that occasion, is looking forward to another go. 'I'm absolutely buzzing,' the 21-year-old said. 'We're really excited as a team and we're obviously playing the host nation Wales so that'll be tough, they'll probably have a really big crowd. 'We've trained well over the last couple of days so we're ready to get going.' The Arklow native has enjoyed the good feeling around the camp ahead of their opening clash after a strong build-up which saw them face Canada U20 twice, splitting the two-game series 1-1. Advertisement 'We've been lucky enough to have got going in April, that's when we had our first camp, so we've been building since then,' Neill continued. 'We were lucky enough to play Canada twice in May, which was really interesting for us to get a game out there as a team.' Following on from the 2024 Women's Summer Series, 14 players across the six countries have since gone on to win full international caps, including Ireland's Ruth Campbell, who made her senior bow in September 2024 against Australia. And Neill highlighted the importance of the competition for giving players the opportunity to standout and to use it as a springboard to break into the senior team. Advertisement 'It's amazing to see the growth,' she added. 'I was fortunate enough to captain last year's squad, and I think six or seven of the girls have since been involved with the senior camp. I know Ruth Campbell is now consistently with that team, and she was playing with us last year. 'It's really inspiring to see the senior team is achievable through this.' With women's rugby on an upward trajectory, the 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series is a big chance for stars of the future to gain vital international experience, graduate along the development pathway, while also inspiring a new generation of rugby fans. Advertisement Spread across three dates during July, Ireland will also face France on 11 July before rounding off their campaign against Scotland six days later. Julie Paterson, Chief of Rugby at Six Nations Rugby, added: 'The Women's Summer Series is an essential part of the strategy and commitment of Six Nations Rugby, and the six unions and federations, to proactively support the creation and growth of opportunities in the women's game.' Discover the future of international rugby at the 2025 Women's Summer Series – where rising stars shine. Follow the action live at and on Instagram @u20sixnations.
Irish Times
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
LGBTQ+ inclusivity: Plan for effective removal of rainbow pedestrian crossing leads to official clash
Plans by Wicklow County Council for the effective removal of the State's first rainbow pedestrian crossing have led to a clash between the council and the Department of Transport. Rainbow crossings, which feature rainbow colours painted each side of a pedestrian crossing, are designed to signal inclusivity and respect for diversity, particularly to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Wicklow County Council's Arklow Municipal District was the first local authority in the State to install a permanent rainbow crossing. The rainbow colours were painted on either side of the white lines of a pedestrian crossing on Arklow's Main Street in December 2021. Stakeholders and vulnerable road users such as visually impaired advocacy group the NCBI were consulted on the design. However, in May, members of the municipal council were told the colours would be allowed to wear away. READ MORE The council said it was 'not in a position to refresh the paint, having regard to current legislation'. The council said 'pedestrian crossings are regulatory road markings, and as such, it is not open to Wicklow County Council to ignore the detailed specifications set out'. Asked what specifically has changed in legislation since the rainbow crossing was installed, the council told The Irish Times: 'All road markings are undertaken in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual (updated December 2024). This manual, published by the Department of Transport , constitutes a direction given by the Minister of Transport to Road Authorities under Section 95 (16) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 in relation to the provision of traffic signs.' However, the Department of Transport responded that the only change made to the Traffic Signals Manual since 2021, which updated the manual in 2024, was in relation to the use of orange flashing lights, known as Belisha beacons. The beacons require electricity and more complex installation, making them more expensive than signage. The update said the beacons could be replaced by signage, but was silent on the installation of rainbow crossings. [ A quarter of major US corporate backers pull out of Dublin Pride over Trump fears Opens in new window ] The council also appeared to clash with a response from Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien 's office, which said: 'At present, the department does not intend to revise the guidance in relation to the current layout and road markings for pedestrian crossings, guidance which was in place at the time of first installation of the crossing [in Arklow] in question.' In a Dáil reply to Wicklow Wexford Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne, Minister for State at the Department of Transport Sean Canny said rainbow crossings 'are installed at the discretion of the individual local authority'. Arklow based film-maker Dave Thomas, who campaigned for the installation of the rainbow crossing, said the council 'wrongly cited legislation as the reason – yet the Minister for Transport has confirmed the same legislation that permitted the crossing in 2021 still stands today. The NCBI have also clarified they have no issue with such crossings if guidelines are followed.' He said it was 'appalling' and 'deeply hurtful' that Wicklow County Council 'would announce this at the start of Pride Month'.
