The truth is a powerful thing, as nobody expects it!

In our world of instant news, via 24-hour satellite TV and social media, it is an interesting debate as to whether or not we are influenced by what is real or fake. We all know that The Donald has been making hay, by constantly trumpeting on about “Fake news”. He has singled out every news channel for his twitter treatment. In fact, I am beginning to wonder if there is a news source that The Donald hasn’t targeted?

Finding the truth in news stories and our day to day lives, for that matter, is becoming harder and harder to unravel. As examples, the Facebook revelations last week and the data harvesting of all our information, by companies likes Cambridge Analytica. Were we really so surprised, to find out that the wee annoying, pop-up adverts and messages that appear on our social media pages are targeted directly at us? We’re certainly not that stupid, or are we?

Are we really that easily suckered? I’d like to think that the majority of people, who used social media are savvy. Savvy enough to know that whatever they looked at, posted or registered for is being “Gathered” or “Harvested” by someone. Chief amongst them all has to be Facebook itself. No matter what settings you opt out of, your information is ALL traceable and therefore collectable. The fact that this has a monetary value means that other third party companies, can purchase that statistical data and sell it on to their clients for “Marketing purposes”.

I have actually taken the time to look at the information that pops up on all my social media pages. I must confess, no doubt to the joy of Mrs Garland, that the majority of messages and images are relating to bikes, at this precise moment. Nothing more or nothing less, just bikes and bike paraphernalia! There are no political messages or African Princes offering me a share in millions of Dollars. Maybe I am the exception to the rule, or are the vast majority of us viewing these adverts as just annoyances? In truth, how many of us actually read these adverts? Then immediately rush to the old internet and buy said product or service? I couldn’t see many, if any, of my friends or colleagues using those ads as a call to action.

The truth is that some, a small minority, will be influenced by those social media pop-ups. Even fewer of us will be inclined to change our voting habits. I sometimes feel that these stories are as much about fake news, as the fake news itself.

It’s the truth attracts our attention. It is always a surprise to realise that we are in fact being told legitimate news or information. It somehow comes as a shock to our system. We are so used to being delivered clever spin, by people who are paid thousands of Euros, Sterling or Dollars, to circulate degrees of truth.

Take the 2040 National Development Plan. Something we all need to support, if there is even a modicum of truth contained in said document. We’ve become very excited about the fiscal funds being given for Waterford’s North Quays. However, they haven’t so far. There is a process to complete and before any funds secured our application must meet the criteria.

That promise of a Technological University for the South East? No matter how this is promoted, a degree from a Technological University will not hold the same prestige, as a degree from a mainstream Irish “University”.

We were enthused with the Capital Sports Grants. Announcing that participation in sport would be increased. Thousands of Euros ended up in private members clubs and fee paying schools? “Build it and they will participate”, is NOT supported by the evidence. Evidence of non-participation, confirmed by ESRI. This money would have been better spent on engagement programmes and encouragement.

 

One man’s truth, is another’s obfuscation, distortion or even equivocation. Take the Brexit border issue with the North. Take the continuing debates and the various positions adopted. Another topic, for another day, but rest assured the truth is out there.

Whistleblowers, paper trails and computer wizardry, uncover the “Cover ups!”

Made of Waterford!

As we recover from the excesses of yet another Saint Patrick’s Day weekend, we should reflect with pride Waterford’s historical link. There can be great comfort, for the people of the wee green isle and wider Irish Diaspora, whose roots originate in Waterford. Much of the imagery can be traced directly, to Ireland’s oldest City.

The origins of the world phenomena that is Saint Patrick’s Day, originate in Waterford City. There is a small, inconspicuous statue of an Irish Franciscan Friar, outside a somewhat derelict building in Greyfriars. Upon closer inspection of the statue, we read that Luke Wadding was, responsible for putting Saint Patrick’s Day on the Religious Calendar. He apparently lobbied Pope Charles I and therefore it is he who we must thank for the World Wide celebrations on the 17^th March.

Little did Luke know, that this Day would become so well received? We can see many iconic “Wonders of the world”, turning verdant green every 17^th March. Edinburgh Castle, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, One World Trade Centre, Christ the Redeemer, the Colosseum, the Sphinx and even Nelson’s Column have all succumbed to the charm of the Irish. They’ve been bathed in viridescent green, to honour Saint Patrick’s Day. Maybe secretly Luke was using the force?

The draw to be “Irish”, even gets our Taoiseach access to the most powerful man in the world – the President of the good old U.S. of A. There is no other country that gets such an open invitation. No other country that gets such a focus. In fact there are weeklong celebrations of “Saint Patty” and all manner of official lunches, dinners and receptions to attend. This year The Donald, received his customary bowl of Shamrock from, let’s face it, a star struck Leo. Yet, few will know that the glass bowl containing said Shamrock was decorated and engraved right here in Waterford City!

We and the whole rugby playing nations of the world for that matter, got behind the boys in green on Saturday afternoon. Old “Green, White and Orange” flags were found in the bottom corners of drawers. Previous Saint Patrick’s Day paraphernalia, recovered from those supermarket “Bags for life”. Dusted down, or wiped down in some cases, ready for the off, on what would turn out to be an extra special 17^th of March.

The thousands of morning parades, which had to be attended, an exciting pre-curser to a bigger sporting occasion. Many a procession had their start times moved slightly forward, to allow Joe’s adoring hordes the chance to get settled onto their favourite bar stools. Then Ireland would take on the Auld Enemy, hoping to seal the ever elusive Grand Slam. The Championship had been won the week before, with a resounding victory over the Bonnie Laddies fae Scotland. The ultimate prize and immortality awaited at “Twickers”, the home of that red rose and English rugby.

As Saint Patrick’s Day wore on, it was becoming apparent that history was in the making in a corner of TW2. The Irish rugby team were outscoring “Engerland”. There was a distinct possibility that a Grand Slam and Triple Crown would be returning with the Victors, on flight EI159. After 80 minutes of controlled, passionate, never say die rugby, Angus Gardner put his whistle to his lips and blew for full-time. Cue the wild celebrations and the mad, over-enthusiastic waving of the Tricolour. It was all over and Ireland won the lot!

The flag that had been so proudly waved all day on 17^th March originated here. To be precise, Thomas Francis Meagher, designed, created and raised The Original Flag, right here in Waterford City. To be exact, it was flown for the very first time at 33 The Mall, on the 7^th March 1848.

So there we have it. Two of Ireland’s most recognisable symbols, the Flag and Saint Partick’s Day, were born here in Waterford City. Yet I do feel, that we fail to acknowledge and publicise, such ownership. Everyone who proudly flies the Tricolour or takes part in a parade, no matter where in the World, should know of these Waterford City connections. Let’s make more mileage, out of these historic associations.

“Use the force Waterford!”, as Obi-Wan Kenobi would say.

“When Leo came to town!”

It was a busy week last week. What with the news of the North Quay Strategic Development Zone and Leo’s bandwagon rolling into the City. “The 2040 NDP Tour” was in full swing and those busy bees in the Special Communications Unit were doing what they do best, spinning us a yarn!

Everyone was very excited and relieved on Thursday last, to read across various social media sources, that the North Quays would go ahead unhindered. It appeared that the planning process had this time worked in Waterford Inc’s favour. Unlike many a scuppered past development, this time there were to be no road blocks. No insurmountable barriers and no “Serial-objectors”, using their pens to blunt our sword.

The announcements were made by various media savvy Councillors. Immediately after the Mayor declared at the monthly Council Meeting, that An Bord Pleanala had corresponded with the Executive, confirming that “No valid objections had been received”. It would surely be plain sailing from this hour forward? Waterford City would be able to grow, expand and develop at an accelerated pace.

No sooner had we caught our collective breath, when the rug was well and truly pulled from under our feet!

News started to trickle through, that one “Valid objection” had in fact been received by An Bord Pleanala. Apparently, this was delivered around the 6^th of March, though nobody is really quite sure. The reason given for not noticing this paperwork, was that storm Emma and the Beast from the East had caused “Issues with the post!”

I am pretty sure, with ALL the publicity and mountains of paperwork, that the guys and gals at An Bord Pleanala, must have known that this development would be Waterford’s Renaissance. Yet indefensibly, they managed to misplace, loose or ignore a fundamental part of the process. Should they not have been extra vigilant with the Council’s application?

To communicate that “All is good”, when in fact it is not, is unpardonable incompetence.

We in Waterford, will have to wait that wee bit longer, to see if the planning process finds in favour of our North Quays. Whilst it is disappointing that a person, persons or an organisation has objected. The process allows this to happen, being part and parcel of a free democratic society. I have no doubt, that when the name or names are revealed, the keyboard warriors will have a field day with said objector/s. Stoking the internet fires with bile, vitriol and lots of bad grammar.

Just before Leo and his considerable cavalcade rolled into town, we had the wind well and truly taken out of our sails. We were expecting so much from this, the latest leg, of the National Development Plan Tour. Waterford was finally on the map. Leo, supported by Paschal, would be playing to an adoring audience at the WIT Arena. He would have the opportunity to localise his NDP, demonstrating exactly what it would deliver for Waterford.

This was a wonderful opportunity to make that “BIG” funding announcement, on the back of An Bord Pleanala’s faux pas? Leo’s magically, mystic, new Spin Unit would be well aware of the Department’s boob, only 24 hours earlier. He would make amends. He would shine in his natural environment - the stage. He would play to the audience and waiting media, “Oh no he wouldn’t!”  

Alas, the tour schedule must have been so demanding that Leo forgot to cement the Government’s commitment and our plea for circa €60,000,000 of infrastructural works. Didn’t he also forget to commit to a funding for our second Cath Lab. No money to allow a regional airport to grow. He even made it very clear that the Technological University title was very likely to go to a Dublin consortium first, rather than the Waterford and Carlow axis.

A gruelling tour schedule had obviously muddled his lines. He was after all off to greener fields. The good old U.S. of A. was calling him for the annual St Patricks’ Day/Week expedition. A much more palatable audience, than the “Quiet people” of Waterford.

The highs and lows of Waterford’s development history are well written. I just hope that these, “Best laid schemes o’ mice and men”, don’t go awry.

“It was snow joke!”

Well, didn’t we get some dollop of snow last week? In Castle Garland, the back garden had over 50cm and believe it or not, 100cm in some places where the wind caused drifting. This was three days of Winter weather nobody will ever forget. We’ll be talking to our Grandchildren, in years to come, saying “I remember the Spring of 2018, when Ireland STOPPED for three days.” “We ran out of BREAD!” Or tea, in my case, I had to resort to drinking “Lady Grey, with zingy orange zest!”

Unfortunately, an event I am involved with, the 1848 Tricolour Celebrations, had to be cancelled in its entirety, from the 2^nd to 4^th March. We had an inkling that reaching Waterford City was going to prove impossible. The main roads may have been cleared by Saturday, but we had a feeling that accessing these major arterial routes was going to prove slightly more troublesome. In the end the right decision was made. The thaw only truly started between Saturday evening and early Sunday morning. We did have a number of intrepid guests, who completed their journey to Waterford City from Montana, New York and Tasmania. Hopefully, they will return in 2019.

I was on WLR’s Deise Today, to speak about the tough cancellation decision. Of course the conversation came around to my Scottish roots and how my home country coped with these unprecedented levels of snow. Scotland is a country of four REAL seasons. We do get snow in the Winter and therefore are prepared for this eventuality. We drive in the snow, get our messages in the snow and “Boi” do we love playing in the snow, much like our Scandinavian cousins.

Truth be told, I love the Winter, cold crisp air and sharp morning frosts. Lots of snow, to practice my driving skills and some great Scottish skiing. (Though admittedly almost always bloody freezing!) I used to own a 1964 Mini Cooper S and when the snow fell, I would be transported to the South of France and the Monte Carlo Rally. I was Paddy Hopkirk, on the back roads around Pitlessie Village. For a few fleeting moments I could make my Cooper S dance on the snow. Then I’d get stuck in a snowbank, having to dig myself out, without a spade and with no Winter clothing on – you get my drift.

Community spirit can always be judged in times of hardship. Over the four days of “Snowmagedden”, the Council, Civil Defence, Armed Forces, Garda and hundreds of volunteer “4x4 minicab drivers” did their bit. We saw nurses walking to University Hospital Waterford, like a scene out of “Scott of the Antarctic”. Our local Broadcast Centre, home to WLR and Beat, steadfastly refused to go “Off-air”.

Then there was Damien Tiernan and his local cameraman, Neilus Dennehy. Our very own Shackleton and Crean. Standing up to absolutely everything that the “Beast from the East” and “Storm Emma” could throw at them. Despite ALL their stoic minute by minute coverage, I picked up a comment, by some numpty on social media, that there was more to the South East than just Waterford. Clearly this bloke had his head buried.....in the snow.

“Team Waterford” came to the fore. We pulled together with blitz like spirit. You could see people helping neighbours. Communal paths being swept clean of snow and grit/salt being shared by all. This was truly uplifting.

Yet amongst this fortitude, we saw gratuitous acts of vandalism beyond imagination, in Dublin. A local supermarket being raided, then destroyed with a mechanical digger. The safe being stolen, then paraded as a trophy through the street, like a Sam Maguire homecoming. Appalling watching, which sadly made International news.

 

Thankfully, nothing like this took place in Waterford. Though we did appear to be missing from ALL the TV3 weather maps. Maybe, we had too much snow and were metaphorically buried?

As we return to some form of reality, spare a thought for the many SME independent businesses that had to close for 3 or 4 days. It’s time to support our local shops. Perhaps Government could give them a tax break in their aid package? After all, Waterford’s SME’s are far more important than the NDP!

“The future’s bright!”

It seems that the “fallout” from the National Development Plan (NDP) started in earnest last week. (Poor old Ernest always getting the short straw). All manner of TDs and public representatives eventually managed to find their reading glasses and started to scrutinise the “Terms and Conditions”. Low and behold, all was not as it seemed, after Leo spoke to his adoring, assembled press in Sligo.

We here in Waterford, have learned the hard way. Thick, glossy, weighty documents, never seem to translate into positive results for the principal players in said publications. I recall when “Talk Talk” closed its doors out of the blue and rather sharply, in September 2011. We had the usual flurry of activity from local TDs and senior political portfolio Ministers. A publication was hurriedly put together and launched, per Christmas, during the start of Winterval.

Ian Noctor was DJ on WLR’s “Drive-Home” and was beaming a live programme, with the outside broadcast unit, from the ice rink on The Quays. He interviewed me as CEO of the Chamber, about the plan and what it would or would not do for Waterford. I distinctly remember being markedly cautious in welcoming “The Plan”. The devil was always going to be in the detail. Having witnessed firsthand, the reluctance of Department Officials to support the recently redundant staff members, I was unwilling to become too enthused. Ian questioned my rational, but I stuck to my guns, stating that I hoped this plan did not become another dusty door stop, in the offices of power in Dublin.

Sure enough, this plan was rather quickly superseded by another publication. The delivery of help and resurrection for Waterford’s economy, soon faded into the annals of history.

Since 2011, I know that we have seen many a journal come and go. Each one promising more and more for Waterford. It’s “Groundhog Day!” There is a glitzy press launch, lots of RTE coverage, loads of newspaper’ headlines, with radio interviews galore. Then “Boom!” reality strikes, a new story and memories fade. Another crisis looms large and yet again a Government Department is busy engaging with the printers.

I have quite literally, run out of fingers, counting the numbers of publications promising to be “THE ONE”. The one, which will once and for all, bring salvation to Waterford’s troubles.

It’s not just me thinking this way either. John Deasy has re-emerged from the Wesht, like the creature from “The Black Lagoon”, to question the NDP’s content and what it means for Waterford. There are no timelines. Our Middle Eastern International Developer, is waiting in the wings. Do we have the time or the freedom to stall them off for another 6, 9, 12 months? I think not! They will simply move on to the next potential lucrative or speculative opportunity. Time is of the essence for such large conglomerates, as their return on investments, which needs specific deadlines.  

I once met the Department of Finance’s main man, in the middle of the banking crisis. At the time when banks were NOT lending to businesses and the availability of any sort of credit, was as rare as hen’s teeth. There was a proposal to put in place a review of bank practices. This would take 9 to 12 months!!!! I asked about the urgency of the situation? Stating that some businesses, in Waterford, were in such financial turmoil with their banks, that they might not be here next week, let alone in 9 or 12 months time. This fell on deaf ears. These Departments, which run our lives, work in months and years, rather than minutes and hours.

So, let us guardedly and cautiously welcome the attention we get from Government publications. We must however ensure we are delivered our fair share of the pie. This is the responsibility of our elected representatives. The very people, who stand for us in the Dail, must ensure that Waterford is at the forefront of everyone’s mind when it comes to financial exchequer help. Unfortunately, our track record on this is also, well let’s just be polite and say not so great.

Maybe the light at the end of the tunnel is still too dim? 

“Fingers, toes and everything else crossed!”

With much pomp and ceremony, the National Development Plan (NDP) was unveiled last Friday. Launched in Sligo, after an out of town cabinet meeting, in front of the usual media suspects. Leo’s future plans for the Island of Ireland, would be the defining document of his first term in office, his Guggenheim.

It certainly is a meaty document, running to over 100 pages. Available to download from official and unofficial sources. I managed to download my copy from www.per.gov.ie and a quick scan through all 109 pages, had me thinking “Just what’s in there for Waterford?”

Social media, national and local press, captured the main headlines surrounding Waterford’s biggest game changer in years. The North Quays’ regeneration, our Renaissance. The demolition of all the derelict buildings is nearly complete and our circa €60,000,000 would be there, in bold, in black and white, headlining a page inside the NDP encyclopaedia.

Having furiously searched my downloaded PDF, I eventually found the reference to our first ever Strategic Development Zone. Low and behold there it was, buried in the bottom right hand corner of page 36. No wee emojis of clapping hands or smiling faces. Just one bullet point mentioning “The Waterford North Quays SDZ regeneration project”.

 

In truth, I was all excited. Surely it was not too much to expect to see in print, reference to the sixty million we have been waiting for, far, far too long now? Alas, there was no mention of this money. So I back tracked and read the paragraph that preceded the bullet points.

The money Waterford needs so desperately, would be part of a “New Regeneration and Development Fund Initiative”. There it was as clear as day. “There are a number of examples of urban redevelopment projects that are already in train and that have the potential to benefit from the new Fund, for example:....”

“Potential to benefit” are the very words that jump out at you. Clearly implying that Waterford has an opportunity to profit from this Fund. It does not categorically state that Waterford will get its justifiable millions.

It looks like there are a few more hoops and rings to jump through. There will no doubt be all manner of checks and balances to take place, before taxpayers’ money is spent. Now, that’s a very good thing. Government must ensure that projects are worthwhile, justifiable and will show a significant return on investment. Confirmation before Pascal is allowed to loosen his purse strings. Due diligence has to take place, to guarantee the Irish public are getting value for money.

I have to confess that along with many others, I thought that the NDP was now merely a formality, before the BIG announcement. I was sure that we had already crossed and dotted far too many t’s and i’s. Alas, it now appears that we will have to wait a wee bit longer before this project reaches the finishing line. Others are also suggesting that more has to be done, before the starting gun is fired and the builders move in.

We have been told that the private investment, to support the North Quays is upwards of €300,000,000. That, on anyone’s abacus, gives a massive economic impact, for a relatively small Government outlay. With this in mind, you can’t help but wonder why the NDP was not more committed in supporting Waterford’s SDZ?

I do hope that it is only a matter of weeks and NOT months, before the announcement of funding is orchestrated. When this day does arrive, I wonder just how many will be claiming the credit?

Reading more of the NDP, it is difficult to comprehend why Waterford features so infrequently. The very City that has been earmarked to double its population, gets significantly fewer mentions than many others. In fact, outside of the North Quays, the Technological University carrot or stick and some possible airport funding, there’s not a great deal to shout about. You have to wonder just what was Waterford Inc’s, input into this book of “Ifs, buts and maybes”.

Maybe I am getting sceptical in my old age? Or maybe, just maybe, my pragmatic Scottish genes, dislike circumvention.

“God’s Golden Acre”

I try to get to at least one “Six Nations” rugby match each year. It’s an excuse to catch up with old friends, have a few beers, sample one or two new malts, enjoy some great rugby and reminisce about the old times, when we all lived in London.

This year, I was lucky enough to get tickets for the Scotland v France match, which was of course played at Murrayfield. A ground which my Father referred to as “God’s Golden Acre”.  

A visit to the home of Scottish rugby is in fact much more than a sporting occasion for me. My Father’s ashes were spread on the try line, under the goal post, at the “Old clock” terrace end of the ground. A spot where my Father introduced me to the hard men in blue. They would quite literally, put their bodies on the line, for the honour of representing their beloved “Bonnie Scotland”.

When I was running the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, I met and subsequently worked with, Murrayfield’s Head Groundsman Bill Elwood, a hard rugby man of Ulster. Because I use my middle name and not my first name David, Bill hadn’t realised that I might just be related to a good rugby pal of his, my Father, David Garland.

Bill Elwood first met my Father, at the newly built Glenrothes High School, in the 1960’s. My Father had been appointed Head of PE there. Bill laid the rugby and football pitches. Used by my Father, to teach hundreds of Scottish school children the joys of physical activity. He was an inclusive teacher and no matter your physical abilities, my Father always found a place for you in an appropriate team. He didn’t like pretty boys or prima donnas and wasn’t shy in telling them so!

I happened to be chatting to Bill, at an exhibition, when the penny dropped. Dave, David, DEB Garland, was Michael Garland’s Father. We spoke about my Father’s fight with Motor Neurone Disease and his huge funeral turnout. I cheekily asked Bill if we could spread the Dad’s ashes on the pitch. Bill immediately replied “It would be an honour!”

A date duly arranged, our family met with Bill at Murrayfield. Carrying the container and knowing how protective a Head Groundsman was of their hallowed turf. I asked if we might use an unobtrusive corner. Amazingly we were offered the “Freedom of the pitch”. My Father’s ashes, were spread under the very goal posts, that had been part of my first ever memories of Murrayfield.

I would later find out, that Bill had shut down the whole stadium. Removing all staff members, temporarily closing the corporate boxes and he even turning away the full Scottish rugby squad! They’d turned up for a training session, for their next Five Nations rugby match.

The annual ruby trip throws up all manner of laughs. Last year, at the Wales v Ireland game, in Cardiff, I was surrounded by Welsh and strangely enough lots of French rugby fans. During the anthems I, in true Billy Connolly style, hummed and muttered some very, very poor words of Irish. When I had finished butchering the anthem, a Welsh lady next to me, who I would later discover was in her seventies, said “You’ve a beautiful voice and it’s great that a Scotsman knows all the words to the Irish anthem.” To which I replied “Wait till you hear me singing the Welsh anthem!”

I attended my last French game, with a large group of friends, who oddly enough, all had surnames, beginning with the letter “G”. After the match, we were celebrating this infrequent victory, with far too many alcoholic beverages. The elder statesman of the group was being frog-marched out of this night-club by several bouncers. Taking exception to this, we confronted said bouncers and were ourselves thrown out! Strangely, two simultaneous, anonymous phone calls later – resulted in two Black Marias, three squad cars arriving at the club doors and it was temporarily shut down!!!!!

I was even asked at a Scotland v Ireland match, whilst wearing a certain logo beanie hat, if I was “Mr X”, who was top of that year’s tax evasion list!

The result – yet more wonderful memories.