ROE VALLEY NEWS

Every effort made to ensure accuracy but no responsibility accepted for incorrect details.

July 15 1999

ATTEMPTED ROBBERY AT PONDEROSA

The Ponderosa, Northern Ireland's highest bar, situated on the Glenshane Pass at the very edge of Limavady Borough, was recently the scene of an attempted robbery. Just after midnight two masked men, one armed with a hurling stick, came out of the bushes as the owner was locking up and demanded the keys to the bar. They were unsuccessful in getting any cash and escaped in the owner's white Ford escort van. He then had to walk down the hill to the filling station on the Maghera side of the Pass to raise the alarm. Although hit once with the hurley, he was not seriously injured.
June 24 1999

LEDU ASSISTS 32 NEW SMALL FIRMS
The number of new small businesses starting up in Limavady has increased by 60% during the past year it has been revealed. LEDU committed Ł135,920 with assistance being given to the establishment of 32 new small businesses in addition to help in the development of already established businesses.
BOROUGH COMMUNITY DIRECTORY PROPOSED
Limavady Borough Council's Economic Development Department has announced plans for a Community Directory for the Borough. The Directory, to be published in October, will list all community, voluntary, non-profit making organisations and statutury bodies. It will also list funding contacts and provide other useful advice.
GEM OF THE ROE FESTIVAL GETS UNDER WAY
Thursday June 24 saw the launch of Dungiven's 1999 Gem of the Roe Festival. The busy program of events running fron June 24 to June 27 include a treasure hunt, Line Dancing v Irish Dancing, a Hot Air Balloon, a Town and Loop Walk, and the"Gem of the Roe" Gala with compere Frank Mitchell.
June 10 1999

LIMAVADY ELECTS NEW MAYOR
The newly elected Mayor of Limavady Borough Council is Alderman John Mckinney of the SDLP with Ulster Unionist Councillor Ronnie Cartwright as his Deputy. The outgoing Mayor, Stanley Gault, has thanked all who helped make it a memorable year for himself and his wife Aileen.

CARRICK BRIDGE RE-OPENED
The footbridge across the River Roe has been re-opened which has brought great cheer to the many users of the Roe Valley Country Park who have been unable to cross at this point for some time.
June 3 1999

LIMAVADY BOROUGH JOINS NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK
On Tuesday May 25 at Gortmore Picnic Area the Mayor, Councillor Stanley Gault, unveiled the Millenium Milepost which marks Route 93 of the National Cycle Network as it passes through the Borough. Travelling from Coleraine, the route follows the Bishops Road, Freehall Road, Dowland Road and Killane Road.
The Route has extensive distinctive signage and there is an additional link from Bishops Road to Magilligan Point with its breathtaking views across Lough Foyle towards Donegal. The route through Limavady town to the Roe Valley Country Park is presently being finalised.
The National Cycle Network is a Millenium Commission project.
May 20 1999

DUNGIVEN CASTLE PROJECT FUNDING CONFIRMED
Dungiven's 380 year old castle, presently classified as a "safe ruin", is to be refurbished to provide hotel style accommodation. It is planned to have approximately 30 rooms with ensuite bathrooms and the development plans also include a craft shop and coffee bar and perhaps in due course a heritage display.
Limavady Borough council have confirmed funding of Ł150,000, the shortfall in the Glenshane Community Development Ltd. package also funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, the IFI and Roe Valley LEADER two.
The scheme, costing in excess of Ł800,000, is set to commence in August 1999 and will take approximately 10 months to complete. It is hoped that the scheme will create up to 12 full and part-time jobs.
LIMAVADY JOBS HOPE
Seagate technology's Limavady substrate manufacturing facility has recently hosted a major conference for it's suppliers and it is hoped that this may lead to increased employment in the area.The three day Seagate Supply Chain Conference, held at the Radisson Roe Park Hotel, brought together approximately 40 suppliers from Europe, the Far East and the United States of America.
The conference provided a great opportunity for Limavady Borough Council and the IDB to talk to suppliers about the benefits of establishing operations in the area.
April 29 1999

YOUTH MURDERED IN BALLYKELLY
Police have been engaging in a full scale manhunt following the shock discovery of the body of a teenager in a shallow grave in Loughermore Forest near his Ballykelly home.
Jonathan Cairns, aged 18, had been reported missing from his home hours earlier and his bloodstained clothes were found at Glasvey Special Care School close to his Ballykelly home.
PENSIONER'S HOME DESTROYED BY GAS BLAST
An 80 year old Limavady woman had a narrow escape when her semi-detached house at Glenmill Park, off the Balyquin Road, was ripped apart by a freak explosion as she was making her morning cup of tea. Her son was also in the house when the gas explosion took place, ripping off the roof and demolishing the rear wall. Fortunately the house did not catch fire but the elderly lady, Mrs. Rankin, was detained overnight in hospital where she was treated for burns, cuts and shock.
LIMAVADY BY-PASS GETS GREEN LIGHT
After many years of campaigning, the by-pass around Limavady has finally been given the green light. Lord Dubs announced on Wednesday April 21 that the 9.2 million scheme would commence in the year 2002/2003. The by-pass will stretch for 5 kilometres from the Coleraine side of Limavady running almost parallel with Killane Road, under Dowland Road, joining the Ballykelly road near the Rough Fort. Not only will there be a major saving in travelling time for those who formerly had to pass through the town, but there will be a benefit to the locals who have seen their streets congested with heavy goods vehicles.
April 15 1999

Heavy snowfall closes Glenshane Pass.
On Tuesday morning, April 13, a sudden snowfall that began at 7a.m. and lasted for 90 minutes surprised motorists and the emergency services and caused the temporary closure of the Glenshane Pass and a number of minor roads in the Limavady area. There were a number of minor accidents, fortunately none serious.
Budget concerns regarding fuel and road tax increases.
Following the recent increase in fuel prices in the United Kingdom an increasing number of people in the Limavady area consider it worthwhile driving along to the border with nearby Donegal in the Republic of Ireland and filling up with fuel at greatly reduced prices. East Londonderry M.P. Mr. William Ross highlighted a man featured recently on television who claimed to save Ł2200 per month because he filled his lorry with fuel in the Republic. He called on the Government to do something to redress the balance.
It is known that a number of local businesses now have their lorries registered in the Republic where the road tax is also considerably less and the Budget increases, rather than bringing in increased revenue, appear to have resulted in a decline in revenue with a boost the Republic of Ireland exchequer.
Local direct flights to Majorca
Falcon Tours has launched the first ever direct flights from the City of Derry Airport, situated at Limavady's western boundary. Local holiday makers can thus avoid the necessity to drive to Belfast and already two thirds of the tickets for the 15 flight programme have been sold.
Launch of disability access to Dungiven Castle Environmental and Conservation Park
Disability access for the one mile loop walk around Dungiven Castle Environmental and Conservation Park has been officially launched by Glenshane Community Development Ltd. Glenshane Community Development Ltd. provided the labour for the project and secured funding for the materials from the BT Countryside Access for All Awards. Ramp access is provided enabling wheelchair bound people and those with walking difficulties to enjoy the scenic walk. A link walk is presently being constructed from the Castle Environmental Park to Dungiven Priory, along Bleach Green Lane, with a June completion date.
April 1 1999

FEENY TOURIST INITIATIVES LAUNCHED
Feeny Community Association have announced details of three tourism related ventures at their recent Annual General Meeting. One initiative is the partnership that the Association has formed with the Department of the Environment Water Executive to develop Banagher Glen, renowned for its beauty, as a community owned tourist venture. A second initiative is the development of a North-West Heritage Trail and the North Sperrin Interpretative Trail which stretches from the Maghera district to Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula. The third project is a Hillwalking Activity Breaks Package developed in conjunction with other community associations in Carntogher and Glenullin.
18th March 1999

COUNCIL AGREES TO CONTINUE L.C.D.I. FUNDING
Limavady Borough Council are to continue to fund the Limavady Community Development Initiative Advice Centre for a further twelve month period. The Council's current three year funding arrangement is due to expire in September. Five people are employed in the programme which in 1998 dealt with 5613 queries. A total of 3353 individuals were assisted and Ł269,795 in unclaimed benefit was reclaimed for clients. Specialist services provided include a Consumer and Money Advice Centre and a Rural Outreach Service.
LIMAVADY SENDS REPRESENTATIVES TO WESTPORT ST.PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATIONS
Limavady Borough Council was represented by two aldermen, two councillors, the Town Clerk and the Chief Recreation / Tourist Officer at the Saint Patrick's Day celebrations held in Westport, Co.Mayo, Limavady's Linkage Partner.
DUNGIVEN SCHOOL PARTICIPATES IN ROCK CHALLENGE
St. Patrick's High School, Dungiven is one of nine schools in Northern Ireland participating in the Belfast heat of Rock Challenge, the United Kingdom's largest anti-drug and crime prevention performing arts initiative. Each school gives a dance based performance on a particular theme, to last no more than eight minutes. The winners of the Belfast heat win Ł250 and the chance to participate in the Grand Final at Grimsby Auditorium.
4th March 1999

LIMAVADY HOSTS INTERNET SEMINAR
An Internet Seminar held in the Limavady Small Business Agency at Aghanloo has attracted representatives from over 20 local businesses. Those attending were able to explore the benefits of the Internet both as a source of information and as a business tool.

The event was hosted by Roe Valley Enterprises Ltd. on behalf of LEDU (the Local Enterprise Development Unit) with guest speakers from Roe Valley Enterprises Ltd., LEDU and NISTAR.

Limavady is one of 30 locations throughout Northern Ireland to host the Internet Seminar.
MAIN STREET ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS
An environmental improvement/enhancement scheme is to be carried out on a phased basis on Main Street Limavady between Linenhall Street and Connell Street over the next ten weeks.

Main Street will remain open to traffic with the most disruptive part of the work undertaken during the first few weeks of the contract.
DOGLEAP CANOE CLUB WIN N.I. CHAMPIONSHIP
The winners of the Canoe Association for Northern Ireland Inter Club League Championship for 1998 are Limavady's Dogleap Canoe Association. Not bad for a club that has only been in existence for two years!

There are eight competitive events in the championship and they take place throughout the country over a nine month period. Events include sea racing, marathon, slalom, surfing and wild water racing.
ROE VALLEY HOSTS TOUR OF THE NORTH HEAT
Limavady Borough is to host stage five of the P&O Ferries Tour of the North cycling event on Easter Monday, April 5. Starting at limavady leisure Centre at 11 a.m. the Roe Valley stage is 75 miles long and is due to finish back at the Leisure Centre at 2 p.m.

Participating teams this year include the Linda McCartney Vegetarian Foods Squad.
19th February 1999

ROE VALLEY COUNTRY PARK MUSEUM CLOSES
Local councillors have expressed disappointment at the decision of the Environment and Heritage Service to close the museum at the Roe Valley Country Park. The Service explained that they did not have the resources to staff the museum and the premises were now earmarked for office accommodation.

It is hoped that artefacts from the former museum will be exhibited in the planned Limavady Museum and Arts Centre.
LEISURE CENTRE HOSTS CAREERS CONVENTION
Limavady and Dungiven Business Education partnership have held their Third Annual Area Based Careers Convention in the newly renovated Roe Valley Leisure Centre. The event was sponsored by Limavady Borough Council and the National Lotteries Charities Board.

The event had over eighty exhibitors from all over Ireland and one hundred advisors and attracted a large number of visitors. Feedback from both exhibitors and visitors was very positive.
12th February 1999

GREYSTEEL MOURNS
The village of Greysteel came to a standstill on Monday for the funerals of Damien McKinney and Paul Gurney, the two 15 year old boys tragically killed by a train the previous Friday. Father John Cargan told of the adventure that the boys had planned but which instead of providing a happy childhood memory had ended so tragically.

St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church was unable to accommodate the huge crowd of mourners, many of whom had to wait outside in the courtyard.

Their school, St. Mary's High School, Limavady, was closed as a mark of respect and outside the church their coffins were given a guard of honour by their colleagues in the Faughanvale Under 16 Gaelic Football Team.
FURTHER FUNDING FOR VALE CENTRE
Minister of State Paul Murphy has announced that Greysteel Community Enterprises have been succesful in securing funding for the second and third phases of the Vale Centre complex.

The minister made his announcement in the Rising Sun Bar, former scene a terrorist outrage which had claimed the lives of local people. On this occasion the news was of social and economic regeneration for the twin villages of Greysteel and Eglinton.

Phase 2 of the centre will see the construction of outdoor playing pitches including a floodlit all-weather pitch. Gaelic football, soccer, rugby and cricket will all be catered for.

Phase 3 will see the construction of a multi-functional building with an indoor hall, library, I.T.suite , meeting rooms and child care and health care facilities. Cross-community involvement is a key element of planning for the centre.
5th February 1999

RAILWAY TRAGEDY AT GREYSTEEL
The villagers of Greysteel are in a state of shock today (Friday Feb. 5) after two teenage pupils of St. Mary's High School, Limavady were killed by a train. It's thought that they may have been playing truant.
29th January 1999

DUNGIVEN HALL DEDICATED TO LAWRENCE HEGARTY
Last week saw the official opening of the newly refurbished balcony for Dungiven Community Hall. At the ceremony the hall was dedicated to the memory of Lawrence Hegarty, a former Alderman of Limavady Borough Council.
22nd January 1999

TRANSPORT TO BE PROVIDED FOR ROE VALLEY LEISURE CENTRE
At a meeting of the Leisure Services Committee last week, Sam McGregor the Chief Recreation and Tourist Officer for Lmavady Borough revealed plans to set up an activity transport scheme. This was designed to give access to all citizens of the Borough to the new facilities and would include supervised transport with subsidised charges from Aghanloo, Ballykelly, Dungiven, Drumsurn/Balteagh, Feeny, Foreglen, Greysteel and Magilligan to activities such as a Saturday Club for children.
It was also proposed that non-supervised public transport for adults could be organised in conjunction with local community associations with the pilot schemes carefully monitored.
DETAILS OF FURTHER TWINNING EVENTS REVEALED
Events planned as part of Limavady's successful twinning partnership with Vigneux-sur-Seine include Limavady High School Youth Club exchange in March, pupils from Vigneux coming to Limavady at Easter, Over 35 football exchange in May, Limavady Mayor's parade in May, Vigneux festival week in June, Scouts visit to Vigneux in August, War Veterans visits to Limavady and Vigneux in November and Limavady Rugby Club visit to Vigneux (date to be arranged).
DATE SET FOR JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL
The Limavady Jazz and Blues Festival Committee are currently working on this year's programme and have confirmed that the festival will take place on June 11, 12 and 13.
In it's short lifespan, Limavady Jazz and Blues Festival has become established as Northern Ireland's premier jazz and blues festival.
15th January 1999

SWIMMING FACILITIES OPENED AT ROE VALLEY LEISURE CENTRE
Wednesday January 13 was a special date for Limavady's swimmers. They have had to do without local swimming facilities for quite some time due to the closure of the Roe Valley Recreation Centre during it's transformation to the Roe valley Leisure Centre. However, from Wednesday January 13 they have been able to enjoy a 25 metre main pool and new learner / baby splash pool and associated modern changing accomodation.

The facilities are open for public use each evening from 4.30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 2p.m. to 6p.m.

The remainder of the new Leisure Centre facilities should be open late January / early February
BETTER ACCESS PLANNED FOR DUNGIVEN CASTLE ENVIRONMENTAL PARK
Glenshane Community Development Ltd. has announced that it has secured a grant of Ł1000 from the BT Countryside for All Awards. This will enable the provision of a ramp into the Victorian Gardens, facilitating access for wheelchair users of the 20 acre plus Environmental Park.
8th January 1999

ELDERLY COUPLE DIE IN HOUSE BLAZE
An early morning blaze claimed the lives today (Friday January 8) of 77 year old Leonard Solomon and his 62 year old wife Elizabeth.
They were found dead at their Edenmore Park home after neighbours raised the alarm when they noticed their windows blackened. The accidental blaze had started in the lounge.
A fire brigade spokesman revealed that a fire alarm had been fitted but tragically had no batteries at the time of the blaze.

News of the tragedy comes the day after the death of three members of the same family in Rostrevor, Co. Down. It is reported that their smoke alarm had also been non-operational.
COUNCIL CONFIRM FUNDING FOR WORKSPACE EXTENSION
Limavady Borough Council has confirmed that it will provide funding of up to Ł100,000 towards the extension of the Limavady Small Business Agency workspace at Aghanloo. Currently there are 18 businesses employing over 80 people and there is a waiting list for occupants.
The development of another 18,000 sq.ft. of workspace is expected to cost over Ł500,000. Other proposed funders are the International Fund for Ireland and Limavady Peace and Reconciliation Partnership with a contribution from Limavady Small Business Agency themselves.