One might say that it has been a tough few weeks re the water problems, lack of pressure, burst pipes etc, but now it seems we are slowly getting back to normal, but as the icy weather is an act of god, the area has gone through a learning curve in so many ways perhaps the powers that be will be better prepared, if god forbid these acts of god, should happen again

A fortune was spent on the new water system (Killkerrin / Carna) which was eventually brought into Roundstone, problem with the pumps I gather that end. We have so many deep clean lakes around us closer to home to be investigated that could be tapped into as back up, nothing like local Knowledge to pin point these possible lakes, or perhaps look into to create a Salination treatment plant by the sea; the sea is all around us.

Better still we should arrange to have the old lakes re connected as a possible back up, granted there is E.coli, but that won’t worry the toilets, or water for boiling etc, if these idea’s were to be implemented, there is no doubt about it would take a long time, but at least we must try for the sake of Roundstone and for the next generation.

Because really it was during the cold snap a very frustrating time, to make contact with the relevant people to have an update for the village to have questions answered, either their phones won't be answered or not very helpful once one got through.

Granted GCC has a website (a paragraph for Rosmuc, Roundstone) which was not very helpful, apart from what we should or should not do.

As now that there is a shortage of water in the reservoirs, various pumps are being turned off for some hours, (which I appreciate has to be done), but we never know when, (lack of information again), it would be helpful if there was some way to let us house holders know why and when these pumps are going to be turned off, however I have just found out they will still be turned off from 10pm to 8am, until further notice. I have already burnt out my House pump because of not knowing when the turn off was going to happen. One has to admit that the County Council have really worked hard in getting the various problems solved within the area, but unfortunately, there is certainly a lot more for them, particularly the roads here in Roundstone and Ballyconneely, the pot holes are getting deeper, which would cause drivers to swerve to avoid them, which is a hazard in its self, when there could be other drivers behind you or coming towards you.

Fr Ray Flaherty:
Fr John has just informed me that it is still uncertain if and who will be the next parish priest in June, Fr Ray was mentioned as the new parish priest for Roundstone out of jest during a funeral Mass a few weeks ago, but apparently it’s a matter of seniority for a new parish priest which has to come from the Diocese of Tuam, therefore we will not be told until June, So we just have to keep our fingers crossed.

Registration for Dance classes:
Jive dancing Classes will be held in the Community Hall here in Roundstone on Wednesday 27th January at 8.30pm to 10pm, for six weeks duration, under the guidance of Christina Lowry, the cost will be €30, so if any body would like to take part, please register on Wednesday 20th January in the community Hall at 8.30pm. More information can be sought from Michael Reynolds 095 35838. The proceeds will go to the Community Hall restoration Fund. So watch out ladies, the lads are going to match you, I for one am not very good but with Christina’s tuition watch this space.

An update from The Roundstone Development Council meeting of 11/01/10.

Water: The water situation dominated the RDC monthly meeting of 11th January. It was agreed that RDC pursue an urgent meeting with Galway County Council. A meeting has been arranged for Friday week next in Roundstone. At this meeting Jim Cullen, director of services, will be present along with council engineers to give RDC an outline of the problems our water supply encountered and how these problems will be rectified going forward so that they do not happen again. RDC will be impressing upon the council the hardship endured by the residents of Roundstone over the last three weeks and the fact that if these problems resurface during the peak summer season it could mean absolute disaster for the local tourism industry.

Tennis Courts: RDC were contacted by the local FAS group to say that they have been given the green light by the County Council to commence a small project under the Greenfield wall. This will involve the clearing of debris, bushes and briars from the area and the provision of flower beds to run parallel with the wall. This should greatly enhance the tennis court area and discussions are ongoing on whether to expand the project down as far as the children’s playground. RDC will fund the purchasing of materials used in the project.

Roundstone Hall Carpark. RDC are in the process of implementing a landscaping project in the surrounds of the community hall. This will involve the lining of the existing car park, a stone faced wall between the playground and car park, a small amenity park adjacent to the hall facing onto the sea with wooden benches and picnic tables, associated lighting and footpaths. It should be a very nice, scenic and quiet amenity area, ideal for families to have a picnic or just sit and admire the beautiful scenery.

Roundstone Meals on wheels: The Roundstone meals on wheels are almost one year in existence. It currently provides 20 hot meals per week delivered to the door of various local residents from Inishnee to Murvey. Meals range from Bacon & Cabbage, Irish stew, Shepherds Pie, Roast Chicken, Roast Pork, Roast Turkey, and Pan Fried Fish, all served with potatoes and vegetables. The meals are cooked on site at O’Dowd’s Restaurant and delivered within the hour by Pauline Keane. The meal costs just €5 per person and if there is anyone in the community who believes that they qualify under the rules of the scheme, they can contact the forum office in letterfrack at 095-41116.

Murder Mystery: It’s the year of fun and laughter I have decided, we will kick off on the 29th January with a murder mystery entitled “The Brie the Bullet and the Black cat” evening in my house, with Dinner, inviting 12 members of the community to take part in costume for this murder mystery, the year is 1942 the place is Casablanca in the last days of the world war, the scene is in the dinning room of the Mayor of Casablanca in his private residence Monsieur Le Grand butte with a candle light supper, the guest of honour (Owner of the Black Cat Café) could not attend because he is already dead, the suspects is one of the guests around the Dinning Table. Just a thought, X factor eat your heart out, who knows with our so called budding actors, we might have the Roundstone Drama group in time to come. If this works we will endeavour to do a Dinner mystery once a month during the winter and the goal is to have Murder mystery weekends in Roundstone.

Bingo: I might just mention as part of the Have fun year 2010, I have applied for a bingo license to have the game brought into the village, under the guidance with Mary King, who is very knowledgeable and regular player, this of course is subject to be granted permission for a licence. We need entertainment that could be good for various charitable fund raising situations relating to the village, fun! fun! fun!

Roundstone Arts week. This year I and Ann Conneely have decided not to hold the annual Roundstone Arts week for the year 2010, owing to the lack of funding. Each year we appeal to our regular visitors to Roundstone for donations and I must say we have had very good support to help us make the arts week happen over the years, but with the way this financial year is going we will not be sending out our regular begging letters, however we will write to all those that have made donations over the year to explain our plight and perhaps those who are in a position will continue to keep us on their mailing list. We will continue to raise some funds by other means over the year 2010 in order to build up some capital, so that we can make a come back in 2011

Billy Smyth: Sadly we have learned of the death of Billy Smyth from Belfast. Billy died last Monday suddenly at his home in Dundonald. For many years he and his wife Ena spent more than one or two visits a year to Eldon’s in Roundstone where they became very well known and liked amongst the local people. It was only six weeks ago since their last visit and this time with all their family and including their son in law David McWilliams in fact it was David that broke the sad news of Billy’s passing to us. On behalf of ourselves, and the village we send our condolences to the immediate family. May he rest in peace.

Emma O’Sullivan: A little message in the ear of anyone who is watching “Ireland has got talent”. Next Sunday 10th January, Emma O’Sullivan from Renvyle will be dancing her heart out to the music of Johnny O’Halloren to gain a place in the finals of “Ireland has got talent” program.

Emma had a workshop in Roundstone last summer when she taught some traditional steps to our ladies and the children as part of the Summerfest. The good news is while watching the program this Sunday, 17th January; Emma made it to the finals. Congratulations Emma, we will keep our fingers crossed that Emma will be the over all winner.