June 2020 News
We aim to provide Daily Local News in brief.
We're frustrated with Social Media deciding WHAT we see, WHEN we see it, and WHO gets to see it.
Road Changes
Navan Town Scheme (Navan 2030) –Traffic Management changes begin at the Abbey Road roundabouts as part of the current upgrade works in the town.
Image Source: Meath County Council
Phase 3 Starts
From today gyms, cinemas, churches, leisure facilities, hairdressers and 'most places' can reopen and all travel limits removed.
This does not mean the virus has gone away.
Image Source: www.gov.ie
Hedge Gone
News that more trees and hedge line was removed for development concerned us. When the rain eventually cleared we took a look for ourselves at the Dunville Estate development where it meets Kentstown Road. We discover that the hedge was removed in accordance with planning permission, albeit during bird nesting season, but we were relieved to see that the plan suggests over 20 trees will be planted together with what looks like a boundary wall. It should enhance the route but since we can't publish the plans you can view them here .
Well done Keith
Amazing endurance with 226 km and 567 laps in his 24hr fundraiser to help Claremont Stadium replace the running track.
€17,533k raised so far and you can donate via GoFundMe.
Image Source: New Track For Navan
Local Charities
Going forwards all fundraising activities are hampered by social distancing and they desperately need donations to keep supporting our communities.
Local Sports
Our Guide presents 32 Sports Categories with 188 venues within our neighbourhood.
Social Clubs
We have 23 Categories of non sports based clubs in our guide ranging from arts and crafts through to singing, dancing and theatre.
Spend Locally
Put the theory into practice and keep local people employed in local services, facilities, shops and restaurants.
See our Guides for what the neighbourhood has on our doorsteps.
Thirsty Plants
The Johnstown Tidy Towns portable rainwater buggy gets its first outing of the year to feed and water the Sunflower Planting outside Athlumney Hall.
Remember there's still a hosepipe ban in effect until July 21st. Between members of the JTT they have capacity for 1000 litres in rainwater butts. During the wet spell it's worth getting one for your home.
Vandalism
'Navan Gardaí are investigating an incident which occurred at Páirc Tailteann yesterday evening between 5pm and 8pm. A number of youths broke into a shed on the grounds of Páirc Tailteann and stole a ride on lawn mower, which they proceeded to drive around the car park and the pitch, causing damage.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to contact Navan Garda Station on 046-9036100.'
Words and Image Source: Meath Crime Prevention
Community Help Needed
A Johnstown family needs help from our Community.
Read the Meath Chronicle article.
You can make a donation via https://www.gofundme.com/f/bogdan-treatment-in-south-korea
Doctor on Call Returns
The NEDOC service officially returns to Navan from Dunshaughlin this evening.
Please note that it is an appointment only service via 1850 777 911 at the new location at Academy Square.
Quick Analogy
In response to the recent news item about wearing face masks where social distancing is difficult we received this illustration which gets the point across quickly. Image credit source
There's a further explanation to go with it where the takeout point we would like to highlight is that 25%-50% of the infected population may appear healthy but they could still infect you, the people you then meet, and how many will be vulnerable to the worst effects of the virus?
Wear a Face Mask when it's needed.
Ladies Haircut
Ischia Hair, Beauty & Wig Clinic reopen June 29th and their phone line for bookings opens today from 9am (046) 909 1791.
Contact details for more Local Hairdressers
Gents Haircut
Crew Barbers in Johnstown Village announce they will reopen June 29th. To assist everyone they have introduced an Online booking form although you can still phone to make appointment rather than turn up and wait.
Tara Barbers in the Johnstown Shopping Centre book via Dave on 087 149 1723
Contact details and more Local Hairdressers
Wear a Mask or Not?
Wearing a Face Mask is not mandatory, it is not invincible but if you watch the informative video to the end you might decide to wear one AND help inform others. Facebook Post to Share
Read the HSE advice here
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New Electric Meters
Has one been fitted to your home yet?
ESB Ireland have recommenced the roll out of new meters to homes in the area. They will contact you directly to advise on the installation date.
NEDOC Returns
Updated 24th June with news that it reopens this evening
We don't yet have a date but Doctor on Call was due to return to Navan in March. Understandably the health emergency has prioritised services.
Formal signage has appeared in the new Navan location of Academy Square but we'll have to wait for a formal announcement for it's relocation from Dunshaughlin Health Care Unit where it has been based since Nov 26th, 2019.
Restaurants to Reopen
Plenty of celebrations have been postponed in the past few months not to mention date nights and escape nights.
Local venues offering dining services are making social distancing adjustments and getting ready for a new customer experience.
Contact details and more in our guide to Very Local Food Outlets.
Pre Booking will be essential:
Monday 29th June:
- Ardboyne Hotel
- O'Briens
Thursday 2 July:
- Fifty50
Awaiting confirmation:
- Costa Coffee
- The Willows
Sunshine Display
Johnstown Tidy Towns have been busy with the help of local residents.
"They're not this big yet but in August they should flower to produce a fabulous display of giant sunflowers along the wall of Athlumney Hall on Metges Road."
Send them suggestions of where to make future displays.
Words & Image Source: Johnstown Tidy Towns
Internet Tip
If the local Electricity Power Supply goes off and you're working from home you can switch on your Smartphone's 'Mobile Hotspot' to connect to the internet.
HOWEVER be prepared for the network to be heavily tasked, your mobile battery to wear down, and be careful about the cost and mobile data use.
Remember to switch it off after the power supply comes back!
Fogging Up?
As more people start wearing facemasks in confined spaces where social distancing is difficult those wearing glasses have a serious issue.
Glasses fogging up is a potential health hygiene hazard if you need to frequently touch your face.
Avoid the issue by following a tip in the video clip.
Mens Health Matters
Regain control of your mental and physical health.
Discover more on Facebook and Instagram from Mens Health Week 2020.
Video Source: Ciara McCormack - Health Focus Ireland
Mark of Respect
A minutes silence was observed outside the four District Headquarters Garda Stations in Meath today in honour of Detective Garda Colm Horkan RIP.
Image Source: Meath Crime Prevention
Happy Father's Day
17 hours & 1minute
is the amount of daylight on our longest day. It's 9 hours, 22 minutes longer than on the December Solstice.
- 4:03am Dawn
- 4:46am Sunrise
- 9:57pm Sunset
- 10:49pm Dusk
Eclipse
We have a 'New Moon' today where it passes between the earth and the sun leaving us to see it's dark side.
We will have to wait until Saturday, 23rd Sept 2090 to see the full 'ring of fire' as it passses completely infront of the Sun. Our next partial eclipse is a lot sooner on Thursday 6th October 2021
Summer Solstice
June 21st is our longest day so perhaps see the sunrise and sun set too.
Mindful of everything that's been going on lately it's a chance to pause in the moment, to catch your breath, to take in the natural spectacle and to be thankful for what we have.
Johnstown Playground
TD Peadar Tóibín is backing for a playground to be sited within the Athlumney Riverside Woodland running behind the Council HQ.
We've looked into this area over the past 18 months and have reservations about developing what we think is the crowning jewel of Navan South.
In the meantime we encourage anyone to put forward suggestions to find a feasible solution for the sake of generations to come.
If you don't want to post on social media simply Email or Messenger us and we'll post it anonymously.
Good News
A Happy Message from the Johnstown family recently searching for their stolen caravan and just in time for their holiday.
"We got our caravan back, thanks to Garda Kevin McGuinness Clonmel Garda Station pictured in photo handing Andy the keys. Thanks to my friends in Dundalk, Lorraine in HSE, Fiona, the cyclist in Clonmel, garda Martin in Kells, Garda Brady in Slane, and everyone for sharing on Facebook,
Only one caravan left to find, the 'Adria Altea Trent', please keep sharing and find their van.
Thank you all. Boys Aaron and Ciarán and my dog Bella will be delighted when we come back with it."
Phase 3 Easing Restrictions
This evening the Taoiseach revealed the acceleration of the roadmap for Phase 3.
From June 29th gyms, cinemas, churches, leisure facilities, hairdressers and 'most places' can reopen.
This does not mean the virus has gone away, or that there is a treatment or vaccine. It does mean we will need to continue with social distancing, hygiene and there are limitations to gatherings.
Causey Ice Cream Adventure
A family favourite for camps and events Causey Farm have announce a new adventure to meet your favourite farm animals with a few unexpected surprises .... and Ice Cream too!
More Information but do visit their Facebook Page for a discount offer.
Text 'TALK' to 50808
A new text-based mental health service funded by the HSE is a first of its kind for Ireland, a free 24/7 text service, providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through mental health or emotional crisis.
More InformationImage Source: www.hse.ie
Navan Train
Drastic transport changes are required if we are to cut carbon emissions and reduce the effects of climate change. Despite many Meath Councillors and TD's knowing that Meath road transport infrastructure will soon see miserable commutes return , it doesn't appear to be on the current government agenda.
'Cathaoirleach of the Meath on Track Campaign Peadar Tóibín TD has castigated the absence of the Navan to Dublin Rail Line from the new FF/FG/Green Programme for Government'
Source: aontu.ieRead our previous article and, regardless of Politics, get behind your TD & County Cllr to push for change.
GAA Cúl Camp On
Walterstown Gfc Official confirm the Kellogg's GAA Cúl Camps will go ahead in Meath July 20th - Aug 17th.
Venue and bookings have not been confirmed.
Image Source: Walterstown Gfc Official
Donate Food & Clothing
As you shop or clear out cupboards please donate items to support families in need within our communities:
Food donations
- Athboy's People Who Share Care Group Alan Lawes, 15 Boyne View, Johnstown, Navan
- Meath Food Bank Tierney's Newsagents, Navan.
Clothing donations
- Inner City Helping Homeless Alan Lawes, 15 Boyne View, Johnstown, Navan
Charity Shops
- Enable Ireland
- Friends of Asthma
- NCBI
- Oxfam
- St Vincent's on Brews Hill and Kennedy Rd
Holiday Stolen
Many of us will have had their 2020 summer holidays abroad cancelled but imagine having your Irish holiday stolen just weeks before departure!
See Update News 19th June : The caravan has been reunited.
One family from Johnstown is now desperate for the return of their caravan which was stolen from storage in Gernonstown, Slane, on the night of 10th/11th June. Their missing caravan is a Swift Sprite Major 2016 4sb and one of 4 taken on the night.
Give the Gardaí a call on 046-9021445 with any sightings or information.
Read RTE's coverage of the heartless theft of one of the other caravans entitled "Family of boy with special needs in plea for return of 'happy place' caravan"
Balrath Woods Reopens
Officially reopen from Tuesday 16th June. Read our previous article and it's a great opportunity to map their trees too.
Please do not leave litter behind, do maintain social distancing and don't leave valuables in your car!
Shopping Centres Reopen
Today sees Navan Town Centre retailers reopen but restaurants based in shopping centres will still need to wait until June 29th for eat-in meals whilst hairdressers remain closed until 20 July.
Expect there to be distinct floor markings to aid social distancing, encouragement to wear face masks and customer numbers to be restricted.
Adding a Smile
What a difference a Community working together can make to enhance the lives of those in less fortunate circumstances.
Today saw a great turn out of Johnstown Tidy Towns volunteers who deliver food hampers to needy families in OUR neighbourhood. You could join them every Saturday morning to lend a helping hand
Athboy's People Who Share Care Group
Image Source: Amy Lawes
Social Tennis Night
Navan Tennis Club announce the return of Tuesday Social Tennis, 7:30pm only open to Members who prebook.
Discounted Membership is also now being offered.
Image Source: Navan Tennis Club
Food Hampers
Every Saturday from 11:30am volunteers are needed to help distribute food parcels to many households in need within the Navan Neighbourhood.
Offer your time via Johnstown Tidy Towns.
What's On
We've reawakened our Local Event Guide including activities of Interest which you can either attend in person or tune in online, also any planned road works to avoid.
Navan Upgrade
Meath County Council announce the continuation of road works in Navan Town Centre to start week of June 22nd. These include two roundabouts on Abbey Road, Bridge Street, the Bridge Street/ Church Hill junction, and the Bridge Street/Circular Road/ Academy Street junction .
Navan 2030
To further elaborate on the road works that have been completed and those yet to come it's worth reviewing the vision for Navan.
See this illustrated plan for more details Navan 2030 Public Realm Strategy
Theatre Survey
Solstice Arts Centre seek audience thoughts on restarting productions.
Public Petition
The Community is being asked to sign a petition Demanding 'More Garda Resources for County Meath'. This includes reopening stations full time and creating more in large urban areas including Johnstown.
Tree Guide
To help you with our quest to identify and map local trees we've updated our article with 19 of the most common Irish Trees.
Drive In Movie
Causey Farm are hosting 4 movies just click a link to book Tickets.
Saturday June 13th: Shrek and Back To The Future
Sunday June 14th: The Secret Life Of Pets and Anchorman
Masks 4 All
Are doing fantastic work offering cotton reusable masks delivered free of charge to your door if you are a frontline worker living/working in Meath.
See their Facebook Page for more information.
You can Donate via GoFundMe
Hosepipe Ban
Irish Water have announced a hosepipe ban will come into effect from midnight for 6 weeks.
Give Blood
Irish Blood Transfusion Service will be at the Ardboyne Hotel Monday 15th to Thursday 18th June.
Existing donors can make an appointment via 041 - 685 9994 with your donor ID number.
Charity Shops
This week most are reopening and we need to support them with items for resale and of course buy something.
Image Source: NCBI Charity Shop Navan
Over 70's
Now that we can reach Blackwater Park the Over 70's can participate Wednesday 10th June in 20mins of gentle exercises at the following times: 1.45pm-2.05pm or 3pm-3.20pm with Meath Local Sports Partnership.
To book a place please contact Ruairi at rmurphy@meathcoco.ie or call 046-9067337.
Image Source: Meath Local Sports Partnership
Volunteer
Volunteer your time to help Aware cope with the increasing demands on their services.
See also our guide to Mental Health Supports
Antisocial
Numerous social media postings in the past few weeks are highlighting the unacceptable antics of a minority of youths within the neighbourhood.
Click to Read More
Parents need to be fully aware of their children's location since the Garda, Council and Community are coming together to stamp out antisocial behaviour. If your children are not part of the group causing issues they need to be advised to keep their distance.
Whether it's drinking alcohol openly in the streets, leaving litter: especially broken glass and lethal gas canisters, late night music and intimidation Antisocial behaviour is not acceptable.
Contact the Garda via 999, 112 or the Confidential Line 1800 666 111 to ensure that it is registered, recorded, logged and actioned.
Residents are also encourage to email our elected representatives expressing their concerns and sending specific information / images / video and to request their intervention to curb the actions of a small yet highly disruptive minority.
Email Addresses:
- yemi.adenuga@members.meathcoco.ie
- emer.toibin@members.meathcoco.ie
- tommy.reilly@members.meathcoco.ie
- edward.fennessy@members.meathcoco.ie
- padraig.fitzsimons@members.meathcoco.ie
- francis.deane@members.meathcoco.ie
- alan.lawes@members.meathcoco.ie
- johnny.guirke@oireachtas.ie
- peadar.toibin@oireachtas.ie
- damien.english@oireachtas.ie
Restrictions Ease
You can now travel within the County but if you're seeking a brief change of scenery where could you go?
Shop Locally
To help you support our local community as the shops begin to reopen we offer a very local retail guide to help you stay local and buy local.
Love Our Trees
Some of our trees are not being lost naturally but by developments. We ask for your help to record what we have to establish the biodiversity they offer.
Help us to ensure that Johnstown, Navan and County Meath remains Green.
June Edition
If you have News, Reviews or ideas for Article then get in touch.
Everything Matters
This Saturday last year (June 8th) saw Metallica play Slane Castle.
You can find our favourite Headline song at the 2:05:00 mark or have a great night in and watch from the start.
Street Art
Involve Meath have been busy transforming walls into street art (with consent as opposed to graffiti ).
If anyone has a blank wall let them know.
Seen Any?
www.irishhedgehogsurvey.com would like you to tell If you see any hedgehogs since they believe they are in decline due to habitat loss.
Fundraiser
Walterstown Gfc Official announce their Solo for Siún Fundraiser in aid of CMRF Crumlin.
Watch their Facebook Video Post and donate via their Go Fund Me Page
Image Source: Facebook Page
New Fire Engine
Meath County Fire & Rescue Service received a new Scania Fire Appliance for Navan Fire Station.
Big Phase 2 Changes!
Announced today there are far BIGGER changes than expected made to the Phase 2 easing of restrictions from Monday June 8th.
Too many to mention even briefly, with huge implications, so read them here on Gov.ie
It's On!
National Heritage Week 2020 is one of the few events to confirm that it will be taking place from 15-23rd August
Sign up to their newsletter to keep up to date:
Image Source: heritageweek.ie.
Not this Year?
Covid lockdown has meant that there is a severe shortage of plants. This could mean St Martha's Bridge may not host a flower display by the Johnstown Tidy Towns this year.
Low Levels
Are we going to have a hosepipe ban soon?
The water level in the River Boyne has dropped considerably which is great news for children wishing to see the fish.
Growing Fast
Tree Trim
Maple Estate trees get a trim to remove some of the overgrown lower branches.
Holiday @ Home
Another beautifully sunny Bank Holiday but the message remains to stay within 5km of home.
5km from Home
Keep within the health rules set down to help curb the spread of Coronavirus.
On June 8th the the distance from home you can travel for exercise is set to increase from a 5km radius to 20km.
Discover exactly where this extends to for you.
Leave Only Footprints
Even with local movement restrictions we're still finding litter where it should not be.
The estate lawns, the Johnstown People's Park and even the Athlumney Riverside Walk is not a rubbish bin.
Please take it Home.
Good Work
Volunteers within our community continue to distribute food parcels to Families in need every Saturday.
To offer your help contact Johnstown Tidy Towns.
New Timetable
Check out this weeks physical activity planner by Meath Local Sports Partnership's
See their website for more information on these activities.
New Track 4 Navan
Claremont Stadium has received a substantial grant from the Sport Capital Programme but needs to raise more to replace the 20 year old track.
See their GoFundMe Page to see if you can help..
Community Garden
On Saturday June 6th Solas Glan are hosting an open day which for some might be within their 5km range. Map Location here.
Their organic community garden is something we would love to see created in every neighbourhood.
Discover more on their Facebook Page and Event Page
Image Source: Solas GlanBuzzing
If you planted wildflowers they could now be blooming adding not only colour to your garden but also a bee symphony,