www.fotc.ie

About us - who we are, what we do...

Welcome to www.fotc.ie


This is the website of Friends of the Camac, a voluntary group

 who meet regularly to clean the Camac River and it's environs,

and improve the environment.

This website was last updated on
09 December 2023.

Well done Paula!

Best wishes & congratulations to our Hon Secretary Paula Galvan on being selected to attend 

GOP 28 for her Students climate change poetry book.
Paula's enthusiasm and leadership is exemplary. Well done!

Clean Up 09 December 2023.

Here's the totals for this year on the attached spreadsheet. The figures for 2023 are almost exactly the same as for 2022, And the good news is that, of the total number of bags collected of 132.5, we have saved 81 bags (that's 61%) from landfill.  
Well done Volunteers for all your hard work. Much appreciated. 
Of 8 bags collected today only 3 remain for SDCC to collect, plus some other general rubbish. 
Big thanks to SDCC's Nessa and Piotr for their continuous support. 
Next Cleanup scheduled for 2nd Saturday of January which falls on 13 January, 
Make a note ion your diaries and be sure to check the website and Socials nearer the time for updates.
Pictures to follow....

 

Annual General Meeting 30/11/23 8.15 p.m.

Summary of the AGM – more detailed report to follow.

The Annual General Meeting of The Friends of The Camac Voluntary Group was held on Thursday 30 November in Aras Chronain, Watery Lane, Clondalkin and was attended by 19 people, details to follow.

The Agenda was handed out to the participants, and Tommy Keogh opened the meeting at 20.25 in the absence of Chair Lile Frost who was unable to attend. It was suggested that Tommy Keogh would deputise for Lile Frost and chair the meeting, proposed by Tim O’Brien and seconded by Maria O’Connor.

1. Tommy Keogh read our Chair Lile Frost’s welcome and address.

2. The Adoption of the Adjourned AGM held on 05 April 2023 was proposed by Pat Ging and seconded by Kevin Keogh.

3. Paula Galvan delivered the Hon Secretary’s Report and a discussion about the Fish Kill in Saggart took place. It appears there was an accidental leak of Chlorine into the river and prompt action by SDCC and Inland Fisheries Ireland minimised the damage. Brian Nolan and Gerry Carroll walked the river the next day and reported no serious effects downstream. It was stressed that prompt action in reporting any such incidents to SDCC and Inland Fisheries Ireland are vital, especially if a prosecution may follow. The Inland Fisheries Ireland Hotline to report such matters is 0818.347.424. The adoption of the Honorary Secretary’s Report was proposed by Tim O’Brien and seconded by Brian Ronan.

4. Tim O’Brien delivered the (Interim) Treasurer’s report and presented the account summary which had been reviewed by the Honorary Auditors Peter Ging and Maria O’Connor. We ended the year with funds of €8,381.24. The adoption of the Treasurer’s Report was proposed by Adair Cowan and seconded by Cllr Francis Timmons.

5. The election of the new Committee was next on the Agenda. Chair Lile Frost has to step down from that role having completed 3 years, but is prepared to stay on as a Committee Member. Following a lot of discussion of options available the meeting decided that Tommy Keogh would act as Chair and that Maria O’Connor would act as Deputy Chair, which was unanimously endorsed by the meeting.

Paula Galvan is prepared to stay on as Hon Secretary, proposed by Tommy Keogh and seconded by Maria O’Connor.

The role of Treasurer will be undertaken by Oyewale Amiola, proposed by Paula Galvan and seconded by Maria O’Connor.

The rest of the Committee who volunteered themselves to stay on are Pat Ging, Gerry Carroll, Brian Nolan, Adair Cowan, Lile Frost, and Tim O’Brien (who will stay on as Minutes and Media Secretary). Dermot Doyle volunteered to be on the Committee, and these persons were proposed by Cllr Francois Timmons and seconded by Kevin Keogh.

It was noted that Kevin Keogh will step down from the Committee but will stay on as Safety Officer and will continue to store our equipment, for which thanks is due.

6. The election of the Honorary Auditors was next on the Agenda, and the current Honorary Auditors Peter Ging and Maria O’Connor volunteered for these roles and were proposed by Tommy Keogh and Pat Ging.

7. No Motions or Recommendations had been submitted.

The new Committee will meet at a date to be decided.

As this completed the business of the Annual General Meeting, Tommy Keogh thanked all for their attendance and input, and closed the AGM at 21.25.

Environmental and Biodiversity Studies


We have been contacted by Anne O’Brien of Cathal Brugha FET College, City of Dublin ETB, regarding a Course entitled Engineering for Sustainability which will commence in September 2024.

Details about the course can be found on the College’s website – here’s the link - www.cathalbrughafet.ie and Anne can be contacted by e-mail at anne.obrien@kmcfe.cdetb.ie


The course is open to Mature Students.


River Camac Cleanup Saturday 11 November  2023.

On Saturday 11 November our 26 Volunteers collected a total of 19 bags made up as follows - 9 bags General Waste, 7 bags drinks cans and plastic bottles (re-cycled with Round Towers GAA, 3 bags glass bottles (re-cycled at The Mills Centre Bring Centre), leaving 9 bags of general waste plus some miscellaneous rubbish for SDCC to collect.
Well done to all our volunteers - many hands make light work!

We were joined today by Professor Ken Whelan and some of his students and we explained to them the work we do and our achievements to date.
The next scheduled River Camac Clean Up is on the second Saturday of December, which falls on 9th December at the usual time of 09.45
Make a note in your diary and we hope to see you there.
The table showing our Year to Date figures and some photos are attached – more to follow. 

So far this year we have re-cycled 76 bags from a total of 124.5 bags collected as can be seen on the attached spreadsheet.

Thanks to SDCC for their support in our efforts, and also to our intrepid volunteers for their commitment to our goal to improve and maintain the River Camac and its environment.

River Cleanup Saturday 09 December 2023.

NEXT MONTHLY RIVER CAMAC CLEAN UP IS ON THE SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH WHICH FALLS ON 

SATURDAY 09 DECEMBER 2023.

The last Camac River Cleanup was on Saturday 11 November 2023.

The next official River Clean Up will be on Saturday 09 December 2023, all welcome.

MAKE A NOT IN YOUR DIARY!!

We normally meet at 09.45 at the Clondalkin Sports and Leisure Centre first car park nearest to the Old Nangor Road entrance, the Eircode is D22 E283.

Protective clothing, Hi Viz vests, gloves and pickers will be provided. Dress for the weather and make sure to wear suitable footwear.

Spread the word! Many hands make light work! Hope to see you there.

Crack Willow Removal 1123

 Crack Willow is a  very fast growing invasive species and can spread from the riverbank into the water course, put down roots, and slow down and impede the flow of the river.  In some countries it is banned and numerous studies have shown its detrimental effect on rivers.

We have been in touch with South Dublin County Council with a view to removing some of this from the water course and are delighted to report that work to do this has commenced - see the pictures attached.

 

River Camac Cleanup Saturday 14 October  2023.

 

On Saturday 14 October our 21 Volunteers collected a total of 17 bags made up as follows - 8 bags General Waste, 7 bags drinks cans and plastic bottles (re-cycled with Round Towers GAA), 2 bags glass bottles (re-cycled at The mills Centre Bring Centre, leaving 8 bags of general waste plus some miscellaneous rubbish and over 35 Nitrous Oxide canisters for SDCC to collect.


Well done to all our volunteers - many hands make light work!


The next scheduled River Camac Clean Up is on the second Saturday of November, which falls on 11th November. Hope to see you there.


The table showing our Year to Date figures attached and Pictures from the day to follow.  So far this year we have re-cycled 57 bags from a total of 88.5 bags collected as can be seen on the attached spreadsheet.


Thanks to SDCC for their support in our efforts, and also to our intrepid volunteers for their commitment to our goal to improve and maintain the River Camac and its environment.

The next scheduled River Cleanup is on Saturday 11 November 2023 - make a note in your diary!!


Inland Fisheries Ireland

How To Report an incident

Call us to report illegal fishing, water pollution or invasive species
on our NEW number: 0818 34 74 24

Check their website for more information - here's the link - 
https://www.fisheriesireland.ie

River Camac Cleanup Saturday  09 September  2023.

On Saturday 09 September our 9 Volunteers collected a total of 7 bags made up as follows - 3.5 bags General Waste, 3 bags drinks cans and plastic bottles (re-cycled with Round Towers GAA, 0.5 bags glass bottles (re-cycled at The mills Centre Bring Centre, leaving 3.5 bags of general waste plus some miscellaneous rubbish for SDCC to collect.
Well done to all our volunteers - may hands make light work!
The next scheduled River Camac Clean Up is on the second Saturday of October, which falls on 14th October. Hope to see you there.
The table showing our Year to Date figures attached and Pictures from the day to follow.So far this year we have re-cycled 57 bags from a total of 88.5 bags collected as can be seen on the attached spreadsheet.

Thanks to SDCC for their support in our efforts, and also to our intrepid volunteers for their commitment to our goal to improve and maintain the River Camac and its environment.

The next scheduled River Cleanup is on Saturday 14 October 2023 - make a note in your diary!!


River Camac Cleanup Saturday  12 August 2023.

1On Saturday 12 August 2023 our 15 Volunteers collected a total pf 11 bags of waste of which 4 bags were plastic bottles and drinks cans which we recycled at Rounds Towers GAA Monastery Road, 4 bags were glass bottles which we recycled at The Mills Centre Bring Centre, leaving only 3 bags for South Dublin County Council to collect.

So far this year we have re-cycled 53.5 bags from a total of 81.5 bags collected as can be seen on the attached spreadsheet.

Thanks to SDCC for their support in our efforts, and also to our intrepid volunteers for their commitment to our goal to improve and maintain the River Camac and it’s environment.

The next scheduled River Cleanup is on Saturday 09 September 2023 - make a not in your diary!!

 

New Email address

Please note our new e-mail address is
friendsofthecamac@gmail.com

All future correspondence should use this address.
Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

The Rocking Weirdos Gang!!
(those who use rocks to build weirs)

Committee Member Brian Nolan contacted the contractors who had done some drainage work on the Gaelic Field in Clondalkin Community Centre to see if we could take some of the rocks they had unearthed during their work.  Thankfully they agreed, so a work gang was arranged or Saturday 22 July 23 to collect suitable rocks before the contractor removed them.

But Why?

Well, we have seen the dramatic improvement in the River Camac by the installation of a number off small weirs we already installed along the Cruidin section and we propose to use these rocks to repair existing weirs and to create new weirs downstream along the river.

Weirs are important because they slow the river down, which encourages the growth of aquatic plants which provide food for invertebrates which in turn provide food for the fish and other wildlife on the river.


The nature of these structures is to alter the flow regime of a river or stream and have possible consequences for: discharge, water velocity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, river bed movement, siltation and suspended solids.  They provide deep pools where fish can rest on migration, 

Brown trout are flow-loving fish that benefit from the structural variety associated with complex current flow. Adequate spawning, juvenile and adult habitat is important for a healthy fish population and formation of this habitat is favoured under a natural (varied) flow regime.  For instance, features such as habitat diversity (e.g. pools, riffles and glides), good water quality (cool, well-oxygenated and low levels of pollutants) and a low amount of sediment are generally regarded as desirable.  Indeed, overall species diversity, of both flora & fauna, tends to be associated with diverse physical habitat, favoured by a natural flow regime with its attendant natural processes (erosion & deposition).  Habitat connectivity and diversity are therefore of utmost importance to successful populations.  (Information from the Wild Trout Trust - see https://www.wildtrout.org for more details).

On Tuesday 01 August a work team of our Members gathered to  repair and enlarge the weir which was installed by Daire Fitzharris and Ian Church a few years ago, using the rocks which were collected on 22 July 2023.

The images below show the before and after images where the weir height was increased and this will cause a deeper pool upstream,  We started another weir between the existing one and the Sandy Hole which will be worked on later on.

Thanks to all who helped us in this work, Brian, Pat, Adair, Gerry, Dermot, Paula, Tim and Lile.

Stay untidy for wildlife



This image from the Hungarian Entomological Society shows the importance of wild places, even gardens, are for biodiversity and insects.


A perfectly neat and manicured garden can be like a desert for the creepy crawlies we all depend on.


So, give the lawn mower a rest for the next few weeks.


Heritage Week Events 2023.


Friends of the Camac – Heritage Week 2023 events.


Heritage Week this year runs from Sunday 13 August to 20 August and Friends of the Camac are delighted to announce 2 events which we will host during the week.

On Sunday 13th August we will host a Walk and Talk along the River Camac from 14h00 to 15h30,

Meet at South Dublin County Civic Plaza, 9th Lock Road, Clondalkin, Dublin D22 E9X5

The flow of the river Camac through time . Come along and enjoy an interactive walk and talk along the Camac River. Listen and share stories about, its rich heritage, history, birds, fishing, fauna, the restoration of the Camac River and its importance both past and present.

On the following Sunday 20th August, we will host a Fishing is Fun event.

Enjoy Heritage Water Day with an introduction to fly casting and spinning for all the family. Come along and meet with Members of the former Clondalkin Anglers Association about past times fishing on the river.

Try your hand at casting and spinning and learn about your wonderful local amenity that is the Camac River. We will provide rods and experts to show you how to get started. Anyone can do it and all are welcome.

Meet in Car Park of Clondalkin Leisure Centre, Old Nangor Road, Eircode D22 E283

Children must be accompanied by an adult on both events.

Check our website for up to date information – www.fotc.ie

River Cleanup Saturday 08 July 2023

We held our Monthly River Camac Cleanup on Saturday 08 July, which was well attended by 22 volunteers.

Today we collected 10 bags altogether, of which only 4 were General waste, 3 bags were drinks cans and plastic bottles sent for re-cycling to Round Towers GAA, and 3 bags were glass bottles which were re-cycled at The Mills Centre Bring Centre.  

That meant that 6 of the 10 bags were fully re-cycled and avoided going to landfill, which is great for the environment.  

Last year we collected a total of 132.5 bags, of which 52 were general waste, 54 were drinks cans and plastic bottles, and. 26.5 were glass bottles. So last year we saved 80.5 bags from going to landfill. Well done to all our volunteers.

Continued thanks to South Dublin County Council for their assistance in our efforts.

Note for your diary - Next Monthly River Camac Cleanup is on Saturday 12 August 2023.

 

Paula Galvin retires!

Wishing our Honorary Secretary Paula Galvin a long and happy retirement as she finishes school today in Our Lady Queen of the Apostles where she was a great influence on her students to be aware of nature and the environment.

Paula was a key player in setting up Clondallkin as a Fair Trade town, and her students have won awards for environmental matters under her guidance and leadership.

We are lucky to have such a dedicated and enthusiastic environmentalist as our Honorary Secretary.

Bawnogue Summer Market – Saturday 17 June 2023

The Bawnogue Summer Market – Saturday 17 June, from 12.00 noon to 4.00 p.m.

This event was held at the Bawnogue Youth and Community Center, on Saturday 17 June.

The Friends of the Camac Voluntary Group had a stand there (beside the Clondalkin Fairtrade Town Stand), where we enlightened visitors about who we are, what we do, and how to volunteer with us.

Thanks to Tommy Keogh for the picture of our stand, left to right are:-

Committee Members Tommy Keogh, Tim O'Brien, Lile Frost, Brian Nolan, Paula Galvin and Adair Cowan.

No Mow May to help the Bees

No Mow May - give the lawnmower a month off!

Check this link - https://www.anpost.com/Sustainability

Common Irish Bumblebees

Check out this on the Irish Wildlife Trust website - here's the link - https://iwt.ie/people-for-bees/

How to help pollinators

Check out this website link too help the Pollinators https://pollinators.ie/top-ten-ways-to-help-pollinators/

Earth Day Saturday 22/04/23 Clean up


We held our Earth Day River Camac Cleanup on Saturday 22 April, which was well attended by 14 volunteers despite the awful weather.   

4 New Volunteers are always welcome as many hands make light work.

The last river cleanup was on 01 April 2023, so it was 3 weeks since our last Cleanup.

Today we collected 8 bags altogether, of which only 3 were General waste, 2 bag was drinks cans and plastic bottles sent for re-cycling to Round Towers GAA, and 2 bag was glass bottles which were re-cycled at The Mills Centre Bring Centre.

That meant that 4 of the 8 bags were fully re-cycled and avoided going to landfill, which is great for the environment.

Last year we collected a total of 132.5 bags, of which 52 were general waste, 54 were drinks cans and plastic bottles,
and. 26.5 were glass bottles.  So last year we saved 80.5 bags from going to landfill.  Well done to all our volunteers.

The next scheduled Clean Top is on the second Saturday in May which falls on 13th May - please note in your diary.
Continued thanks to South Dublin County Council for their assistance in our efforts.

 

River Clean up Sat 01/04/23

We held our postponed River Camac Cleanup of 2023 on Saturday 01 April, which was well attended by 8 volunteers despite the awful weather.   New Volunteers are always welcome as many hands make light work.

The last river cleanup was on 11 February 2023, as the Clean Up scheduled for 11 March was cancelled due to an adverse weather  warning.  

So it was 7 weeks since our last Cleanup.

This month we collected 5 bags altogether, of which only 3 were General waste, 1 bag was drinks cans and plastic bottles sent for re-cycling to Round Towers GAA, and 1 bag was glass bottles which were re-cycled at The Mills Centre Bring Centre. 

That meant that 2 of the 5 bags were fully re-cycled and avoided going to landfill, which is great for the environment.

Last year we collected a total of 132.5 bags, of which 52 were general waste, 54 were drinks cans and plastic bottles,
and. 26.5 were glass bottles.  So last year we saved 80.5 bags from going to landfill.  Well done to all our volunteers.

Continued thanks to South Dublin County Council for their assistance in our efforts.


 

Bags collected 2022

Here's a spreadsheet of the Bags we've collected in all of 2022.
By using the 3 bag system to sort out General waste, Plastic drinks bottles and cans, and finally glass bottles, we have saved 80.5 bags out of a total of 132.5 bags from going to landfill.  Check the Facebook page and website – www.fotc.ie - for more details.
Well done to all our volunteers!
This spreadsheet last updated 17/12/2022.
The next Cleanup is scheduled for 11 February 2023 - Hope to see ye there - make a note in yizzer diaries!!

Winter 2022 Newsletter - click below to download

Re-cycled rucksacks and drinks bottles

Friends of the Camac have taken delivery of the rucksacks and bottles generously funded through the South Dublin County Council's Antilitter / Anti-graffiti Initiatives. The reuseable water bottles and recycled rucksacks are being delivered to local schools this week. The design element was deliberately high so that the children would value the items. It also means something to them that the bags are made from the kinds of plastic bottles the children pick up when they participate in our community clean-up days along the River Camac in Clondalkin. 
We are also supporting the teachers in their efforts around this year's Green Flag projects i.e. global citizenship, litter and waste.
Each bag is made from 100% recycled post-consumer plastic and produced with 3.5 recycled PET bottles, so it is a real good news story. 

George Smith RIP

George Smith RIP - Picture shows George Smith's family members Reese, Anita and Georgina with the "Volunteer Ireland Certificate of Lifetime Volunteering" posthumously awarded to George at the recent Volunteer Ireland Awards Ceremony. Thanks to Tommy Keogh for the photo.

 

2022 School Art Competition

 The results are in! for the 2022 School Art Competition, who's theme was "Keep our River Camac Clean".The Competition was sponsored by SDCC Antilitter / Anti Graffiti Initiative.
 The winners details are available on the Winter Newsletter, which can now be down loaded from the home page of our website - see above.

 

2023 Calendar update

On Friday 02/12/22 Brian, Lile, Kevin and myself were in the Mills Centre, explaining to shoppers about our work on and around the Camac River and it's environment. A few promised to come to our next cleanup on the second Saturday of December which falls on the 10th, everyone welcome!

We also gave away a number of Newsletter and Camac Connections booklets and our 2023 Friends of the Camac calendars with a suggested donation of €10.

We will be there next Friday as well from 2.00 to 4.00 p.m., but if you need calendars in the meantime they are available in Mannion's Daybreak in Castle Crescent (Eircode D22 R7P3), and Delaney's (formerly Reynolds) at 11 St Brigid's Road, (Eircode D22 F890).

Thanks to these shop keepers for their assistance, and also to Sandra Crosby, Manager of The Mills Centre for accommodating us.

2023 Calendar now available.

Good news! Our popular Friends of the Camac calendar is now available at Mannions Daybreak in Castle Crescent D22 R7P3, and at Delaneys, St Brigids Road, or  by contacting us at friendsofthecamac@hotmail.com

Many thanks to Joe and Caroline Mannion, and Tony Delaney for their support, and to all our fantastic photographers and volunteers. 
The suggested donation of 10euro will help us continue to clean and preserve the River Camac and its greenway for the people of Clondalkin. Thank you!

Best regards,
The Committee
Friends of the Camac

Huge thanks to our sponsors this year, LAWPRO and South Dublin County Council 'Antilitter / Antigraffiti Initiatives'.


Bags we've collected this year

Here's a spreadsheet of the Bags we've collected so far this year.
By using the 3 bag system to sort out General waste, Plastic drinks bottles and cans, and finally glass bottles, we have saved 80.5 bags out of a total of 132.5 bags from going to landfill.  Check the Facebook page and website – www.fotc.ie - for more details.
Well done to all our volunteers!
This spreadsheet last updated 12/11/2022.
The next Cleanup is scheduled for 10 December 2022 - Hope to see ye there - make a note in yizzer diaries!!


River Clean up 11 November 2022.

Camac River Cleanup Report for 11/11/22.
On Saturday 11 November 2022 our 16 Volunteers collected a total of 15 bags made up as follows - 5 bags of glass bottles (re-cycled at The Mills Centre Bottle Bank), 5 bags of drinks cans and plastic bottles (recycled at Round Towers GAA Monastery Road), and 5 bags of general waste, plus a scooter and some broken toys for SDCC to collect.
Well done to all our volunteers.
The late George Smith's daughter Georgina told the volunteers how much George loved helping out, and that he has been nominated for an award to recognise his great service over many years to his community.
Our next scheduled River Clean up will be on the second Saturday of December which falls on 10th December.  Make a note in your diaries to join us.
Some pictures from the Cleanup are attached – thanks to Tommy Keogh and Tim O'Brien for the pictures.
 

George Smith RIP

Friends of the Camac are deeply saddened to report the death of one of our long time volunteers, George Smith, from St Killian's Park.  George was always available to help us in our efforts and was often there to help on the 'behind the scenes' work, such as wildflower planting, sluice removal, as well as the monthly river Clean Ups.  George can be seen on the right of this picture at the Wildflower / Pollinator planting a few years ago.   He was also a very active member of Clondalkin Tidy Towns, and was a role model of a dedicated local citizen trying always to improve the local environment. George was the chair of the St Killian's Residents Association keeping their estate and green space well maintained, also George was been forefront with Clondalkin Mens Shed in maintaining the St Brigids Well on Boot Rd.He will be sadly missed.
Beannacht Dé le George, suaimhneas síoraí go raibh aige.

River Clean 10/09/2022.

Report of River Clean up Saturday 10 September 2022.

In addition to our 10 regular volunteers we had an additional 16 to help us on our monthly river clean up! Many hands make light work.

We collected a total of 16.5 bags altogether made up of 3.5 bags of general waste which SDCC will collect, 2 bags of glass bottles (re-cycled at The Mills Centre bottle bank), and 11 bags of drinks cans and plastic bottles (re-cycled at Round Towers GAA Monastery Road).

So this means that of 16.5 bags in total we were able to re-cycle 13 bags, and save them from going to landfill.

Well done everybody. Pictures to follow.

The next Clean Up day is the second Saturday of October which falls on 8th October. Make a note in your diaries and watch our website for more information.

Here's the link – www.fotc.ie


 

Wetlands Mini Clean Up.

Mini Clean up at the Wetlands 31 August 2020 by Kevin, Brian R, Gerry and Dermot. We collected 2 bags of drinks cans and plastic bottles, 1 bag of glass bottles, so only 1 bag of general waste and a kiddies pushchair for SDCC to collect. That means that 3 of the 4 bags collected went to re-cycling, not landfill. Well done everyone. 
The next scheduled River Clean up is second Saturday of September which is on 10 September. Check website for details - here's the link - www.fotc.ie

Heritage Week Camac River Walk 21/08/2022.

Pat Ging, assisted by his brother Peter, and 6 other Committee Members, led this year's Heritage Week Walk along the Camac River.  The walk started at the Civic Plaza at 3.00 p.m., and then went through the car park at the Nangor Road entrance to The Mills Shopping Centre where Pat showed diagrams of the various types of water wheels, and the need for man made ponds or reservoirs to provide water to power those wheels.  Here he also showed an aerial map from the 1950's of the paper mills showing the river and the various ponds used to supply water to the mills.  Look at the "Maps" page of the website for the names of the ponds on the river.
At the Nangor Road Bridge we looked upstream towards the Marchioness section of the river and could, on the left, see the culvert where the bypass from the Turbine Ponds re-enters the river.  Under the Nangor Road bridge the river goes underground, re-emerging at the Civic Plaza, where today's talk started.
On to Driscolls Pond, and then onto the Horses Drink bridge, where Brian Nolan explained that SDCC had cleared the overhanging trees which had caused "tunnelling" and had shaded the river bed, so no plants could photo-synthesise and provide food for the invertebrates which, in turn, provide food for small fish, frogs etc.  FOTC had installed a number of small weirs, mainly along the Cruidin stretch, to cause small pools and where the water was oxygenated as it flowed over the weirs.
We then walked along the river back past The Bend in the River (sounds like a title of a Western movie doesn't it?) where the man made walls used to re-direct the river are visible beneath the undergrowth.
The group then arrived at The Sandy Hole, a favourite bathing place for youngsters back in the day, and where Tim O'Brien briefly described the birds which can be seen along the river bank throughout the year.
The group then walked along the northern banks of the Sedimentation ponds and had a final chat before the walk and Talk ended at 
4.18 p.m. where our Chair Lile Frost thanked the 35 who attended and those who contributed to today's Walk and Talk.
She reminded the group that our monthly River Clean Up takes place on the second Saturday of the month, and all are welcome to join us for these events.
Make sure to check out our website - www.fotc.ie - where you can get the latest information about our activities and download a copy of the latest Newsletter - the Autumn 2022 version has just been printed.  We also have a Facebook page - just search for Friends of the Camac - to keep in touch.
 

River Cleanup 13 August 2022.

On Saturday 13 August 2022 our 18 volunteers collected 5 bags of general waste, 5 bags of plastic bottles and drinks cans (which were re-cycled at Round Towers GAA Club) , and 1 bag of glass bottles (which were re-cycled at The Mills Centre bottle bank). There was also a chair and various other large items.

This meant that of 11 bags collected only 5 remained for collection by South Dublin County Council, and 6 avoided going to land fill.

So well done everyone, and a big “Thank You” to our new Volunteers.

The eagle eyed among you may have noticed only 17 volunteers in the photo as one the extra volunteer

 was our photographer, Tommy Keogh.

The next cleanup is scheduled for the second Saturday of September which falls on the 10th 

– make a note in your diary to join us, and watch the website and Facebook page for updates.


Autumn 2022 Newsletter - click below to download

Thank You SDCC

Thank You 

Thank you to South Dublin County Council for their generous funding of €500 from the Community Development Fund to help Friends of the Camac with the cost of producing newsletters and the replacement of equipment.


Clean Up Saturday 09 July 2022.

On Saturday 09 July 2022 our 14 volunteers collected 3 bags of general waste, 3 bags of plastic bottles and drinks cans (which were re-cycled at Round Towers GAA Club) , and 2 bags of glass bottles (which were re-cycled at The Mills Centre bottle bank). There was also a clothes airer, some bits of timber and various other large items.

This meant that of 8 bags collected only 3 remained for collection by South Dublin County Council, and 5 avoided going to land fill.

So well done everyone, and a big “Thank You” to our new Volunteers.

The eagle eyed among you may have noticed only 13 volunteers in the photo as one volunteer arrived too late to be included in the picture.

The next cleanup is scheduled for the second Saturday of August which falls on the 13th 

– make a note in your diary to join us, and watch the website and Facebook page for updates.

 

Cleanup of 11 June 2022.

Report of the River Clean up on Saturday 11 June 202.

Thanks to all that turned out for our cleanup on Saturday last, especially our new volunteers.

The Bag count in The Community Centre was 6 bags general waste for SDCC to collect, and we recycled 7 bags drinks cans and plastic bottles to Round Towers GAA and 4 bags of glass bottles too the Bring Centre in the Mills Centre car park.

A separate team did a cleanup on the Watery Lane from Riversdale and downstream and they removed a Canvas seat on tubular frame, a large tree trunk, a very big advertising hoarding and long blue sheeting (underlay?) which were under Riverside Bridge.  They also removed 3 bikes, 2 scooters, an exercise machine, a metal gate and multiple metal bars.

It was great to welcome our new volunteers and well done everyone, hope to see you all again on next month's cleanup on the second Saturday of July which falls on the 9th July.

Thanks to Kevin, Peter, Brian & Tim for looking after the recycling.

The next River Clean up is scheduled for the second Saturday in June which fall on the 9th July.

Please note that date in your diary.  Watch our website – www.fotc.ie – and our Facebook page for updates.

 

On Friday 6th May, 2022, a ground-breaking environmental training
course for young people was held on the River Camac in Clondalkin.

Sponsored by Friends of the Camac and generously supported by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), the ‘Freshwater Detective’ course was delivered by renowned biologist and author Professor Ken Whelan. https://www.kenwhelan.info/biography/

Eleven young people, mainly TY students, from three schools, participated (Moyle Park College, Clondalkin; King’s Hospital School, Palmerstown; and Kishoge Community College, Lucan). As well as classwork, the group participated in fieldwork which involved water sampling, and recording the macroinvertebrate life in the river. Studying the minute creatures in the aquatic environment gives a window onto the quality of the water and the health of the river.

Friends of the Camac are delighted to pioneer this training with young people and hope to encourage the young environmentalists and citizen scientists of the future. (photos attached, or available from Tommy Keogh)

www.fotc.ie

Facebook: search Friends of the Camac Contact: Hon. Secretary Maria O’Connor 086 607 6452 Email: friendsofthecamac@hotmail.com Photos: Tommy Keogh 087 281 2626

 

The Monthly River Cleanup is held
on the 2nd Saturday of the month


The last Camac River Cleanup was on Saturday 11 June 2022 - 

see report and pictures above.


The next official River Clean Up will be on
Saturday 09 July 2022
depending on the COVID-19 restrictions in place at that time.
We meet at 09.45 at the Clondalkin Sports and Leisure Centre first car park nearest to the Old Nangor Road entrance -  
the Eircode is D22 E283.
Watch this space for confirmation.

The Spring 2022 newsletter is out now.

Did you know??
That we issue quarterly Newsletters and you can get an electronic version by sending us an e-mail with
"Yes" in the subject line to friendsofthecamac@gmail.com
OR
Click on the Download button below.

09 April 2022 Clean up

16 Bags collected

On this lovely sunny spring morning our 12 volunteers collected a total of 16 bags of which 5 bags of plastic bottles and drinks cans, to be re-cycled at Round Towers GAA, 2 bag of glass bottles, to be re-cycled at the Mills Centre Bring Bank, leaving only 9 bags of general waste for SDCC to collect.  Well done to all our Volunteers.

12 March 2022 River Clean Up

On this lovely sunny spring morning our 11 volunteers collected 2 bags of plastic bottles and drinks cans, to be re-cycled at Round Towers GAA, 1 bag of glass bottles, to be re-cycled at the Mills Centre Bring Bank, leaving only 2 1/2 bags of general waste for SDCC to collect.  Well done to all our Volunteers.  Additionally 2 sluice planks were added to the Marchioness Weir and the pictures below show the effect on rising the water levels, which is vital for spawning frogs and other river life.



 

February 2022 River Clean up

As our January Clean Up was cancelled due to the high cases of COVID-19, this was our first cleanup since 11 December.  So on Saturday 12 Feb, our 23 Volunteers collected a total of 20 bags of litter, made up as follows - 4 bags of glass bottles (recycled at The Mills Centre Bring Centre), 7 bags of plastic drinks bottles and tins (recycled at Round Towers Monastery Road, and 9 bags of general waste, which SDCC will collect. Well done everybody.  Great to see so many new faces joining us for the first time.The next cleanup is scheduled for 2nd Saturday of March which falls on 12th March -please  note this in your diaries.
Picture (from Kevin Keogh) shows some of today's volunteers.

Dublin Bus Community Grant

We would like to acknowledge the grant of €1,000 from Dublin Bus from their Community Grant Scheme.  This funding has enabled us to purchase the necessary equipment needed for the clearance and maintenance of the river channel.
Such funding is vital to allow us to continue our volunteering work on the River Camac and its riparian environment.

Children's Art Competition

This year Friends of the Camac were delighted to receive lots of entries for our art competition.  The theme this year was “Life in Our Rivers”, and as you can see from the winning entries, the standard was extremely high.

We had very difficult decisions to make and wished we could give prizes to all the children who entered. We think you will agree that the winners’ artworks really capture life in our rivers and we congratulate all the children, their parents and teachers for taking part.

All winners received a €25 cash prize, a mounted copy of their artwork, and an award certificate.

Maith thú do na daltaí, do na muinteorí agus do na tuismitheoirí go lair!

Presentations were made to the Winners by Lile Frost, (Chair), and Brian Ronan (Treasurer) on 20 December 2021 at the Winners schools.  Photos of the Presentations by Tommy Keogh.

FOTC Calendar 2022 - Thanks

Sold Out!! Great news!Our Friends of the Camac 2022 Calendar has sold out!!
Many thanks to all who purchased as this is a major fund raiser for our Voluntary Organisation to help us care for our local river and it's environment.

Also, thanks to those who compiled and sold the calendar. Special thanks to Mannions and East Village, South Dublin County Council and The Mills Centre for their help in this matter.


Bramble clearance at The Marchioness

On Thursday 16 December 2021, Volunteers Brian Nolan, Adair, Dermot, Gerry and Pat tackled the brambles which were causing a logjam at The Marchioness.  The before, during and after pictures show the progress made.

 

Some Images from recent events

These pictures are from some of our recent events, The Transition years students from Colaiste Cillian helped with planting Pollinator bulbs, Work team at the sluice planks to lower the levels before the winter rains, and some images from the Information Day at the Mills Centre where we sold calendars, and handed out the Camac Connections booklets and give information out about our volunteers and their work.

 

River Cleanup Saturday 11 December 2021 - sorting rubbish pays dividends.

On Saturday 11/12/2021 our 10 volunteers collected a total of 14 bags consisting of 8 bags of general waste, 5 bags of plastic bottles and cans (which will be donated to Round Towers GAA for re-cycling), and 1 bag of glass bottles (which were re-cycled in the Mills Centre Bring Centre), along with a babies pushchair, footballs, and various bits of metal and wood.

So that just left 8 bags of general waste and other bulky items for SDCC to collect. The picture shows the volunteers who gave of their time on Saturday.  A big Thank You to them all.

The next scheduled River clean up will be on the second Saturday of January 2022, which falls on 8th January.

Annual General Meeting 2021

On Thursday 11 November our Annual General meeting was held by Zoom Videoconference.  
The Committee for the 2021 / 22 season was elected as follows - Chair = Lile Frost, Hon Secretary = Maria O'Connor, Treasurer = Brian Ronan, other Committee Members = Tommy Keogh, Kevin Keogh, Brian Nolan, Tim O'Brien. Peter Ging and Adair Cowan.  The Auditors elected were Patrick Ging and Ian Church.  A full report will be emailed to the Members shortly.

The Winter 2021 newsletter is out now.

Did you know??
That we issue quarterly Newsletters and you can get an electronic version by sending us an e-mail with
"Yes" in the subject line to friendsofthecamac@gmail.com
OR
Click on the Download button below.
Winter 2021 Newsletter.pdf

Flood Prevention

Floods on 06 July 2021.

Here are some of Kevin Keogh's pictures of the flooding following heavy rains on 06 July 2021. It clearly shows the spillway (overflow) near the pedestrian entrance at the Fonthill Road Bridge, and the water flooding the drainage ditch between Cherrywood and the GAA fields, and where it nears the bridge at the Horses Drink. This overflow is operating exactly as it was designed to to, and diverts some water away from the Sandy Hole and wetlands area. The surplus water re-enters the river at the Horses Drink bridge.

3 men and a boat, er, a canoe actually

Thanks to Vincent O'Sullivan for his help.

Our Safety Officer, Kevin Keogh, enlisted the help of his neighbour Vincent O'Sullivan and his canoe to help clear the litter and other items washed downstream and lodged in the trees on the Big Pond.  The pictures show the Before, During, and After images. Vincent is a member of the Celbridge Paddlers Group and more information on their activities can be found on their website which is www.celbridgepaddlers.ie.  
The Third Man mentioned in the title was Patrick Ging, who helped sort and bag the rubbish collected by Vincent. SDCC plan to cut back some of the trees which are causing log jams to the flow of the river this coming autumn.

WETLAND PHOTO WINNERS APRIL 2021

The Irish Ramsar Wetlands Committee and Wetland Surveys Ireland are delighted to announce the winners of the World Wetlands Day Photo Competition for the month of April.

For more information check out - http://irishwetlands.ie/the-world-wetlands-day-photo-competition/

Congratulations to Tommy Keogh, who won 2nd place for his "calming and charismatic photo of Clondalkin Park wetland, Co. Dublin".

The Camac Connections Booklet has been published

Camac Connections Booklet -

Click on this link to view and download

https://indd.adobe.com/view/d91e039d-f6f7-4c12-b528-4a844bcb1d06


Welcome to www.fotc.ie

This is the website of Friends of the Camac, a voluntary group who meet regularly to clean the river, and improve the environment.

Our Mission Statement

Protecting, preserving and enhancing the Camac River in Clondalkin; it’s heritage, wildlife and ecosystems; for present and future generations.

White Clawed Crayfish

This image is of a native White Clawed Crayfish, a species which occurs in the Camac and is endangered due to a virus.
Careful cleaning of fishing gear and clothing can prevent it's demise.


Catching and removing Crayfish from the river is an offence under the Wildlife legislation.

Insects and Fish

Thanks to Prof. Jan-Robert Baars from the UCD School of Biology and Environment Science for the use of the images below.

Left to right - a type of Mayfly, Ephemera danica, Large Red Damselfly, Pyrrhosoma Nymphula, Trout taking insect from the water surface.

Both the adult insects and their larval stages provide food for fish in the pools and river courses.

Surveys

We arranged to have 2 surveys on the river, and they were carried out by Triturus Environmental Ltd.

They were generously funded by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPro).

1) Biodiversity Assessment of the River Camac, Clondalkin, Co. Dublin - December 2018.
2) Fisheries Assessment of the River Camac, Clondalkin, Co. Dublin - August 2019.

We have taken the advice and recommendations arising from these surveys into consideration while planning our programmes and working on the improvement of the river's water quality and on the nearby environment.

Our Sponsors - Thank You!!

As a voluntary group we depend on help, both physical in the form of boots on the ground during our clean up days (2ndSaturday of the month) and on other special projects – like wildflower planting, hedgerow maintenance and so on, and also with financial assistance to help us purchase and maintain our equipment, and cover our running costs, printing costs of the quarterly newsletters, calendar, insurance and other costs. Contact with other groups to share ideas and knowledge is also vital, and we have received a lot of invaluable advice and guidance from a large number of individuals and organisations.

In that regard we would like to say a big “Thank You” to all those individuals and groups who have helped, and continue to help, us in our efforts.

Firstly to the people of Clondalkin for their ongoing support and encouragement, and then the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), South Dublin County Council (SDCC), South Dublin Partnership, Professor Ken Whelan, Trituras Environmental Limited, Local representatives, especially the local County Councillors, Inland Fisheries Ireland, An Garda Siochana, Tower Credit Union, Bank of Ireland branch Clondalkin, Supervalu Tidy Towns, Clondalkin Tidy Towns, Clondalkin Mens Shed, Clondalkin Partnership, Clondalkin Civil Defence, Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce, Bawnogue Enterprise Centre, Bat Conservation Ireland, The Marist Brothers of Moyle Park College, Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain, Clondalkin Leisure Centre, St Joseph's BNS, Killinarden Angling Initiative, Kilmainham and Inchicore Heritage Centre, TESCO Clondalkin, PD Visual, Four Districts Woodland Group, Ted Keane, Brendan Kneafsey, Paddy Barrett, the Ging Family, the Colley Family, the Kavanagh Family, Gaelscoil na Camoige. Paul Kavanagh, Brian McElroy Funeral Directors, Dublin Bus, Keane's Tyres Saggart, Round Towers GAA Club, CPM Sports and Social Club, Joe Mannions of Mannion's Daybreak, Castle Crescent .

Go raibh mile mile math agaibh go leir

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