02-03-2022

DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Facades Project To Resume In Town Page 4

Councillors Clash Over St Patrick’s Day Trip

Downtown Hub Project To Open Next Month

Page 7

Page 8

Respite at last for local service users

Wednesday, 2nd March, 2022. Vol. 15, Issue 9 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: 042 9320888. Fax: 042 9329676. Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com

By Paul Byrne

A new respite house for adults will be opened by the end of April replacing Sruthan House in Ashbrook, which has been closed since the pandemic begun in March 2020. Sruthan House provided a range of accessible respite care supports for people with a disability and their families There have been calls from local politicians and service users in the meantime to reopen Sruthan House but last December the HSE stated that the house would not be re-opening due to safety concerns in the building.

On Monday afternoon Minister for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte was in

Dundalk where she confirmed that a new respite house would be opened in the town by the end of April.

Independent Councillor Maeve Yore - A member of the HSE Louth Disability Forum - welcomed the news that the new respite house will open next month and noted that it will provide 4bed/7night/48week respite to a greater group of people availing of respite including those with complex needs.

However, she highlighted to the minister, the lack of communication and information from the HSE to those availing of respite, the staff of Sruthan House, the residents of Ashbrook and the Louth HSE Disability Forum Members.

Continued on Page 2

Williamsons Mall, Dundalk Tel 042 9351903 www.bsharpmusic.ie

Anyone for Pancakes?

Second class pupils Jinny Bradley, Maria Louiza De Andrade and Godoy Sa get their day off to the best possible start with a helping of pancakes in the Friary Girls School.

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Respite at last for service users Dundalk Leader 2nd March 2022

From Page 1 She asked the HSE Management who attended the meeting yesterday whether the staff from Sruthan House will be offered the opportunity to redeploy to the new respite facility and the reply received was if staff were willing, had a preference all options would be explored.

The Independent Councillor queried whether a busy housing estate was suitable for the person who now

resides in Sruthan and urged the Minister and the HSE to provide every possible suitable support and service to help them on their path to recovery.

Councillor Yore requested that Minister Rabbitte met with respite users as her predecessor Finian McGrath had and the Minister agreed too stating she hopes to be back in Louth for the opening.

After the meeting, Councillor Yore intro-

duced the Minister to Sruthan staff members and John Morgan an advocate for people with disabilities who also sought clarification from the Minister in relation to their employment options.

John highlighted to the Minister that Staff and those who avail of respite are like family and want to continue building on that excellent relationship. Respite serCllr Yore also took the opportunity to raise with

the Minister the apparent inaction and lack of ownership of successive Governments to bring before the Courts those responsible for the sexual abuse of people with Intellectual disabilities across residential care and foster settings in Ireland and highlighted the anger, frustration and disgust felt by families of people with Disabilities in Ireland.

Senator Erin McGreehan also welcomed the news stating that the new

house will accommodate more people with all details to be sent out to service users later this week.

Senator McGreehan commented, “I have been working with Minister Rabbitte in relation to Sruthan House. It has not been in use as a respite centre and has been causing huge disruption for people who use it. Sruthan was deemed unsuitable for use during covid due to its size and lack of social distancing capabilities.

“Midlands Louth Meath CHO Louth Dis-

ability Service is in discussions with a provider to develop plans for alternative accommodation - it is anticipated the service will be delivered by the end of quarter one 2022.

“Service users will be contacted with all the details at the end of the week and in about three weeks’ time, the families will receive an invitation to visit the new service to see it before they use it.

“The new service will accommodate more people and a more diverse population.”

Part-time Accounts Assistant/ Book-keeper Required 2 days per week 6th class pupils Zoe Murphy, Ciara McCann, Susanna Witkowska and Bronagh McGinnity busy preparing pancakes yesterday morning in the Friary Girls School. Pancake Tuesday is traditionally the last feast day before the start of Lent.

Silent vigil in Market Square this Saturday for Ukraine

A silent vigil to show solidarity to the people of Ukraine will take place in Market Square, outside the courthouse this Saturday at 3pm.

Members of the Ukrainian community in Dundalk will be in attendance and everybody is welcome to go

and show their support for the country which is currently being invaded

by Russia. According to Oliver Morgan, one of the event organisers the vigil is a way for people to show their support to the people of Ukraine.

“We’ve all seen the horrible videos and pictures coming out of Ukraine during the past week and myself and a few friends wanted to do something to show the people of Ukraine that they are in our thoughts. I got in contact with a facebook page called ‘Ukrainians in Ireland’ and told them about our planned vigil and they messaged me back telling me that there are many Ukrainians living in the town and that they would love to come along to the vigil.

“We will stand outside the courthouse for an hour, and we expect a couple of Ukrainians who live locally to speak at the event.

Everybody is welcome to come along and show their support and solidarity for the people of Ukraine and they can bring flags, candles banners or anything they want on the day. We hope that this terrible war ends soon and in the meantime, we feel it is important to show the people of Ukraine that we are thinking of them and that we will support them in whatever way we can,” stated Oliver.

Meanwhile there have been two collection points started in the town centre for people who want to support refugees who have crossed the border into Poland to escape the war-torn country.

Polish shop Sam Smak in Clanbrassil Street and the Solarium Sunshine Studio, Adelphi Mall are both collecting items in the shop. Personal hygiene products are needed, diapers, food for children, colouring books,

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Dundalk Leader 2nd March 2022

Transformation of town centre to resume

Two of the buildings on Clanbrassil St. that have been transformed by BIDS ‘Facades’ project.

By Tamara O’Connell

THE ‘Facades’ project led by the Dundalk BIDS office is set to get underway again after a temporary break due to bad weather.

The project has led to the transformation of the town centre over the past couple of years with many buildings being repainted as part of the scheme.

“It’s an ambitious plan targeting up to 30 buildings, largely

‘over shop’ facades. It’s the third year of the project,” said Town Centre Manager Martin McElligott.

“The project had been delayed to due a period of bad weather. It’s that time of year.

It’s not a good time for painting.

“However, we are due to start again on March 2nd. Certain properties are historical and the plan is to paint right through to October this year.”

Martin added: “It’s been hugely successful beyond my expectations. We are delighted with how it’s been received by the general public.

“We believe it’s started a shop-front revolution. It all feeds back into the wider Dundalk brand. It’s fundamental.

“It adds to the wider overall look. This is what our work is.

It’s what we do and I think people’s perception of Dundalk has changed.”

Dundalk Leader 2nd March 2022

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Dundalk Leader 2nd March 2022

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Transport Authority must give commuters options on flexible tickets after Covid The National Transport Authority must explore ways to give flexible ticket options to commuters engaged in a mix of remote and office-based working, according to Fine Gael Senator John McGahon.

Senator McGahon welcomed the NTA’s decision to evaluate proposals on the possible introduction of

alternative tax saver commuter ticket options due to a change in public transport use after Covid-19.

Senator McGahon said: “I have been campaigning for the National Transport Authority (NTA) to introduce a three-day tax-saver ticket for those planning to engage in a mix of remote and office-based working.

“I was extremely disappointed when the NTA indicated earlier this month it could not introduce a threeday tax-saver ticket as it was more complex than they envisaged and could not be delivered quickly.

“But the NTA has since said it is still examining alternative tax saver commuter ticket options, as it’s clear

that a substantial number of commuters want ticketing options better suited to their new work patterns.

“Irish Rail chief Jim Meade also confirmed in the Oireachtas Transport Committee last week that the issue is still front and centre for them, and that work was ongoing in delivering flexible options to commuters.

O’Murchú hits out at National Pen’s ‘ugly’ redundancy package Workers facing redundancy at Dundalk company National Pen have been offered a just over a week and a half ex-gratia payment for up to 15 years’ service, with slightly over a week for each year over 15 worked, it has been revealed.

Around 100 workers are facing redundancy over the coming months as the company, owned

by Cimpress, moves part of its operation to the Czech Republic.

The final offer, given to workers by management last week, is for statutory redundancy, along with 1.65 weeks’ pay for each year worked up to 15 years, and 0.65 of a week’s pay for every year worked over 15.

The offer was revealed by Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú who said the workers, particularly those with over 15 years’ loyalty to the firm, were ‘very disappointed’.

He hit out at Tanáiste Leo Varadkar who is-

sued a statement to coincide with National Pen’s redundancy announcement last month.

Minister Varadkar said the company would offer an ‘attractive redundancy package’ but this was, Deputy Ó Murchú said, ‘an ugly offer’.

The Sinn Féin TD said the workers’ representatives had engaged with management at all stages and had hoped for a more generous offer, particularly as the company is in ‘a robust financial position’ and the move to the Czech Republic would ‘save millions of euro’ every year.

He said: ‘The past number of weeks have been very stressful for the employees, with intensive negotiations go-

ing on with management on two days each week.

‘Ultimately, the offer was made last week and there is widespread disappointment at what is on the table, particularly in light of the fact that Tanaiste Leo Varadkar had assured them that the offer from the company would be ‘attractive.

‘However, the exgratia payment, which is paid on top of the two weeks’ statutory redundancy, is anything but attractive. Just over half a week for each year over 15 years’ service is very, very disappointing.

‘There are around 60% of the workers are in the position where they have over 15 years of loyalty, working hard

to bring the company to the position it is in now, and half a week is all that is offered to them.

‘I am disappointed, and saddened, for those facing redundancy, but I am not surprised. National Pen, and its parent company, Cimpress, have not covered themselves in glory when it comes to downsizing their operations in Dundalk over the last couple of years.

‘Minister Varadkar, who helped salve the wound of the National Pen announcement by assuring the workers that the redundancies would be ‘attractive’, now needs to clarify if 1.65 weeks per year, and 0.65 weeks for those years over 15, are ‘attractive’ packages in his view.

‘Is this a case where Minister Varadkar was duped into believing that National Pen would offer attractive package or he does he think that 1.65 weeks per year is a good deal?’

He also said the NTA is endeavouring to come up with a new product as quickly as possible.

“It is essential that we have a workable solution for commuters who are having to fork out money on monthly and annual tickets, when they may only be travelling to the office for two or three days a week.

“I will continue to work with the NTA to ensure that some sort of flexi ticket system is introduced for commuters as soon as possible.

“We must give commuters more flexibility and value for money, and encourage better use of public transport,” Senator McGaSen. John McGahon hon concluded.

Solutions needed to News Brief tackle renewable energy in Dundalk Dog Rescue waste—McGreehan Fianna Fáil Senator Erin McGreehan is urging the Government to provide solutions to tackle dumped renewable energy.

Senator McGreehan commented, “We need to tackle the amount of renewable energy waste that is being dumped in Ireland especially when you consider the hundreds of thousands of families in energy poverty as we speak.

“I recognise that there are technical and electricity gridbased challenges that need to be addressed, if there is a will it can be achieved.”

The Louth Senator noted how solutions are available to divert surplus renewable energy – which would otherwise be wasted – to Irish homes.

Senator McGreehan added, “The much-needed Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme will credit domestic electricity customers with €200. At a cost

DDR “Annual” Table Quiz, Lisdoo, 8.30pm Friday 4th March. Free refreshments served. €10 per person for a table of 4. Raffle and lots of spot prizes.

Knights Of Hibernia AGM

The John Boyle O’Reilly Society will hold their Annual General Meeting on the 13th March at their offices on 30 Clanbrassil St., at 12 noon sharp. All members welcome.

Senator Erin McGreehan. of €400 million this is a one-off exceptional payment designed to tackle the cost of energy.

“Looking at the energy that is being dumped, I looked at the potential retail cost to consumers of the dumped renewable energy, and what it would cost families in fuel poverty. In 2020, according to EirGrid, 1,448 GWh of zero carbon energy from wind generation was dumped, equivalent to 11.4% of the total available wind energy. Based on the

24-Hour Standard Rate from Electric Ireland of 21.12 cents per Kilowatt Hour (kWh), 1,448 GWh of dumped energy would cost over €305 million (excluding VAT) to families.

“This is what was dumped in 2020, it is likely to have been higher in 2021 and again this year.

But something can be done. We need to reduce renewable energy wastage and instead divert it for social good to heat hot water in fuel poor homes.”

Ballymac Is Sold

The sale of well-known Ballymascanlon House Hotel in Dundalk was recently confirmed ending a 75 year run for the Quinn family who owned the venue.

The popular hotel has been bought by Davy Real Estate for the TMR Hotel Collection, the portfolio of fourand five-star hotels assembled by Austrian investor, Thomas Röggla.

The hotel has 97 bedrooms and is set on 130 acres of parkland.

Management and staff of the hotel will remain the same and business will continue as usual.

Dundalk Leader 2nd March 2022

Councillors clash over St Patrick’s Day trip

Independent councillor Maeve Yore has branded a decision to resume the annual St Patrick’s Day visit by Louth County Council officials to New York as ‘absolutely ridiculous and a waste of tax-payers money’.

At last week’s monthly Louth County Council meeting Drogheda Councillor Paddy McQuillan asked if Louth County Council were planning on sending officials to New York this year for St Patrick’s Day as they had been doing pre-pandemic.

In response Joan Martin, Chief Executive, of Louth County council confirmed that local authority officials including An Cathaoirleach of Louth Council, Pio Smith would be travelling to the U.S having accepted an invitation from the Louth Men in New York.

Independent councillor Maeve Yore is unconvinced of the worth of these trips and says she wants to see tangible evidence that they impact tourism or job creation positively in the County.

Cllr Maeve Yore.

“I think the idea of sending council officials off on what can only be described as a junket to New York is absolutely ridiculous,” stated Cllr Yore. “I am being told by our chief executive and a fellow councillor that they help

Cllr Kevin Callan. create jobs and entice US companies to come over here but please show me any tangible evidence that this has ever happened. We have some brilliant people in the IDA doing great work to bring in foreign investment and we should let

them continue to do their job. We have been lucky to get some great foreign companies into our town and that was mainly down to the work of the IDA. I’m pretty sure none of these junkets helped pave the way for them to come

to Dundalk.

“We should be inviting representatives from New York over here and show off our beautiful county to them. Sell our country to the mayors and officials over in the U.S rather than us going over there and

wasting taxpayers money,” she added.

“It is so frustrating sitting in council meetings month in month out asking for help to fix roads and lights only to be told the council has no money. Then we see them organising trips like this which don’t come cheap and in my opinion serve no purpose. It was the same with the Fleadh in Drogheda. We ended up in a financial hole to the tune of €1.3m after hosting that event and there seems to be a blatant lack of prudence when it comes to handling public money.

“I think the people making these decisions to travel to New York courtesy of the people of County Louth need to take a long hard look at themselves. If they really want to go why not pay for the trip out of their own allowances?,” asked Maeve.

Independent councillor Kevin Callan was at odds with his fellow councillor’s opinion stating that the use of the word ‘junket’ was inaccurate and unfair.

“It’s easy to use the word junket when in reality it is

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a very worthwhile exercise which is of great benefit to our county. Trade opportunities and contacts are made on these trips and I know that at first hand from when I travelled to California in 2015 and met the vice president of the IDA and Tom Valente the owner of a US company called Yapstone. We sold them the idea of Drogheda as a great Irish base for their company and lo and behold a couple of years ago they arrived here creating 300 jobs in the process. Tom confirmed that the Louth delegation that travelled to California in 2015 were the reason the deal was pushed over the line. The bottom line here is that if the chairman of our County Council is invited to the U.S for St Patrick’s Day he simply has to go. It’s his or her job to represent our county abroad and the U.S is the place to be in terms of trying to entice inward investment and trade. If you’re not in you can’t win so I completely and utterly reject Cllr Yore’s claim that this is simply a junket,” concluded Cllr Callan.

Dundalk Leader 2nd March 2022

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Downtown hub project to open next month

A brand new working hub which will see up to forty remote workers relocate to Clanbrassil St. is due to open next month.

The new co-working hub is the brainchild of Creative Spark and has been christened the ‘Downtown Project’. It will be located in the building which formerly housed Cumiskey’s Music Store at 42 Clanbrassil St. The idea behind the project is to give people who would normally commute to Dublin or outside the county the chance to work remotely in the hub. The building on Clanbrassil Street has been completely refurbished and last week finishing touches were being done inside what is now a spacious and modern open plan office with high speed internet.

Earlier this year An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar published details of a new law which will give employees the right to request remote working and more and more workers are expected to utilise this avenue in the months and years to come with hubs like the Downtown Project

1—Which Irish goalkeeper scored the winning penalty in Sunday’s league cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea?

2—Which National Park was home to Yogi Bear?

3—What in radio does AM stand for?

4—What total do the two numbers on the opposite side of a dice always add up to?

5—What colour is zero on a roulette wheel?

6—Where in Dundalk

expected to be widespread over the next year or two.

According to Ciara Breen who is managing the project the idea to bring workers into the town centre who would normally be working alone at home or facing a long commute each day is a win win situation for everybody.

“We are hugely excited ahead of our planned opening in April,” stated Ciara. “The idea of the downtown hub is to bring working professionals together in a modern spacious office where they can work as well as build up relationships with each other and share knowledge. As well as that you will also have forty or so extra workers in Clanbrassil Street which is great news for all the shops and cafés on the street.

“Our new building is equipped with 42 hot desks (In hot desking, workspaces are allocated or occupied on a first-come, first-served basis. Desks, tables, and chairs have no permanent “owner,”) in an open plan office with privacy screens and

would you find John Street?

7—What is the collective name for Tinky Winky, Dipsy, La La and Po? 8—What does Fitz mean in Irish surnames?

9—Black Velvet is a beer cocktail made out which two ingredients?

10—Minsk is the capital of which country?

Stinker—What is the angle between the hands of a clock at 1 o’clock?

—this week’s answers—

a communal area at the front. We expect to have a mixture of professionals with some small business consultants, freelancers and workers who have previously commuted on a daily basis to Dublin.

“We know a lot of people have been working from home during the pandemic and although many restrictions have now eased some might not be ready to return to the office or face up that long commute again and this new hub is an ideal way to work remotely while also having that office feel where you get to interact and maybe share ideas with workers in similar fields,” explained Ciara.

“We are chomping at the bit to get going and we have already had plenty of interest from local professionals who like the idea of working in a remote hub environment,” she added.

If you would like to register your interest in utilising the downtown hub as a workplace or need more information on the project you can email Ciara downtown@creativespark.ie

Lifting of visa restrictions too late for Brendan for Ukrainians coming into Ireland had paid off with the lifting of restrictions on Friday.

Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people as he raised the issue of Omeath man Brendan Murphy in Leinster House.

The Sinn Féin representative has also asked that Dundalk people support the humanitarian appeals that are being made in the town for clothes and non-perishable food items.

He said on Monday that he had been in contact with Mr Murphy over the weekend as he tried to get out of Kyiv and bring his family to a safer place. Deputy

Ruairí Ó Murchú, TD. Ó Murchú said the efforts of TDs and of Mr Murphy to get the government to waive the visa requirements

breach of international law. I see him, in a straightforward way, as the equivalent of the local drug dealer who gets away with But, he said, the burning down peomove had come ‘very ple’s houses as leverlate’ for Mr Murphy. age.

In addition, the TD ‘The question is had been involved in whether he is going to the citizens’ meeting burn down the whole on Europe in Dublin street or is anyone at the weekend where going to bring him to the discussions turned book. to Ukraine.

‘We want to see In the Dáil on peace. All engageWednesday, Deputy ments that are necesÓ Murchú said the sary from the point Russian leader Vlad- of view of bringing amir Putin was ‘a war about a diplomatic criminal’. solution have to be He said: ‘We have done. to state plainly that ‘Many people have Vladimir Putin is in suggested that the

only way one is going to hurt this guy, and the oligarchs who surround him, is by hurting him in the pocket.

We cannot have the case where we have had €118 billion funnelled through this State to Russia in the past number of years through the IFSC, with multiple devices and the use of shell companies.

‘It would be remiss of me not to bring up an issue that has been brought to my attention by a constituent from County Louth, Brendan Murphy, who is in Ukraine at this point in time with his family.

‘He has been given an instruction by the ambassador that it is a very dangerous situation. I feel for everybody who is there. Mr. Murphy states that he is not enabled to leave the state or country to come directly here because there are visa issues. I have brought this case up previously.

‘There is complete support here if we can come up with a motion that will just state that this State stands solidly and soundly with the Ukrainian people and against what is basically the war criminality of Vladimir Putin’.

Louth shines a spotlight on retail

1—Caoimhín Kellegher; 2—Jellystone; 3—Amplitude Modulation; 4—7; 5—Green; 6—John Street sits between Patrick Street and the Castletown Road - just beside the St Nicholas’ National school; 7—The Teletubbies; 8—The term is Latin for “son of,” and was brought to Ireland by the Norman invaders in 1066; 9—Guinness and Champagne; 10—Belarus; Stinker: 30 degrees (1/12th of the whole clock face which is 360 degrees).

All eyes will be on Louth on Monday, March 7th as the county hosts a huge national Retail event as part of Local Enterprise Week 2022.

Thomas McEvoy, Louth’s Head of Enterprise explains “It’s a huge honour for any Local Enterprise Office to be selected to host a Spotlight event for the national audience. We are so proud of the line-up of incredible speakers and are delighted that Retail Guru Miriam Simon will host it. This event is a must for anyone running a retail business.”

This online event is open to anyone across Ireland running or starting a retail business. It is Captain Eoin Doohan presents a bouquet of a brilliant opportunity to learn flowers to Lady Captain Alison Quigley at the from industry experts.

Miriam Simon, of miriam2022 Captains Drive-In at Dundalk Golf Club.

simon.ie, explains “We always knew that retail was changing fast, but the last two years have really accelerated that. This pace of change is going to continue.

But Irish retailers are really agile, nimble and adaptable. In this dynamic session, we will explore the current retail landscape, managing through change, staying connected with customers and selling across different platforms. We want retailers to gain knowledge and feel inspired and empowered after this session.”

Speakers include retail industry leaders Duncan Graham of Retail Excellence, Jean McCabe of Willow Group, Orla McDonnell of OMD Consultancy and Aidan Harte of Optimum Results. Minister for Business, Employment and Retail Damien

English will address this event as guest of honour.

Renowned for her ability to anticipate and interpret trends in Retail, this event will feature one of Miriam Simon’s Future Focus sessions, where she explores some of the big new innovations in retail.

Taking place online on Monday, 7th March at 7pm, this event is open to retailers across the country. The event is free of charge but pre booking is essential. To book this, and other Local Enterprise Week events, visit Localenterprise.ie/Week.

Thomas concludes “We are delighted to host this Local Enterprise Week event for a national audience and look forward to putting Retail firmly in the SpotMiriam Simon. light.”

Dundalk Leader 2nd March 2022

Bills going through the roof—Ó Murchú

A communal heating scheme at a housing estate in Dundalk has been raised in the Dáil after it was revealed that some residents’ bills have gone from ‘a couple of hundred euro to almost €700’ in the last two months.

The issue was raised with Minister Michael McGrath at Questions on Promised Legislation by Louth TD Ruairí Ó Murchú who said the group heating

scheme was ‘inefficient’ and residents were being charged ‘commercial, not residential gas rates’.

The Carlinn Hall development was launched in 2007 by Green Party leader Eamon Ryan and was billed as ‘the estate of the future’ with Arated homes and a communal heating scheme, initially provided by biomass.

However, with the economic crash, Carlinn

Hall was a ghost estate with a small number of homeowners living there until recent years, when the 200-home estate was completed.

The estate was initially beset with problems with the biomass heating and sewerage issues, but the latest problem is related to the communal gas heating system.

Deputy Ó Murchú told Minister McGrath that Energia are the providers and he has

already been in touch with them about the fact that residents’ bills have rocketed in recent months.

One example provided to Deputy Ó Murchú showed how the bill for one house was €59.10 on August 18, rising to €67.99 for the October 22 bill, going up to €208.16 for the December 16 and hitting a massive €374.69 for the February 15 bill.

He said he had

Sinn Féin Councillor Pearse McGeough has welcomed the addition of eleven bus shelters across the county and in particular one that is scheduled to be installed at St Mary’s Villas in Kilsaran. However, Cllr McGeough has written to the National Transport Agency (NTA) identifying at least six other designated bus stops in the area that according to him “badly need shelters.”

Cllr McGeough said “in reality, we are on

the one hand trying to encourage people to use public transport to reduce our carbon emissions while on the other hand we are not making life any easier for those who do. If we are serious about this then we need proper investment in our infrastructure and bus shelters would help somewhat.

“There are half a dozen bus stops around Castlebellingham and Kilsaran alone with no protection. It is just a red pole showing it is

a designated bus stop.

The area is a small village between the two towns of Drogheda and Dundalk and as you can imagine, many of those who avail of public transport are our older community.

“With it being a small village, they have to travel to access vital services such as medical services and larger shopping facilities. Given the weather we have here in Ireland and the extreme weather experienced by us in the last few years,

is it too much to ask that our vulnerable or older people have a bit of shelter from that if they are using public transport? Or that they even have a place to sit while waiting on a bus?”

The NTA has confirmed to Cllr McGeough that upon completion of the current bus shelter programme, they will give consideration to a further programme where it could include further bus shelters for the Kilsaran/Castlebellingham area.

Calls for investment in bus shelters

RECRUITING FOR EVENING SHIFT Temporary position, Fixed Term Contract.

Gernord Ltd, Carrickmacross., established since 1968, are part of a French based multinational operation, and are one of the largest PVC flooring & wall Covering manufacturers in Europe.

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Production Operators

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042-9661060 | francis.duffy@gerflor.com Closing date no later than Monday, 7th March.

received numerous complaints from residents. He said he understands that not only is the communal heating system ‘sending bills through the roof’, it is also ‘extremely inefficient’ with 50% of the heat generated being lost before it reaches the homes.

Energia charges Frontline Energy a commercial rate for the gas which is passed onto

home consumers, who are, the TD said, ‘losing out on the double with the high prices and the inefficient system’.

In the Dáil, the Sinn Féin TD called for the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to have a responsibility in this area and for prices charged for gas to communal heating schemes, such as the one at Carlinn Hall, to be capped.

He said he is working with his colleagues Deputies Darren O’Rourke and Eoin Ó Bróin on the matter.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘We need solutions for the people in Carlinn Hall in the short term, along with a cap on gas, as well as engagement on building regulations and additional powers for the Commission for the Regulation of UtiliRuairí Ó Murchú, TD. ties’.

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Dundalk Leader 2nd March 2022

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Building Contractors

Builders Supplies

Flooring

CCTV/Alarms

Fuel

Conservatories/Windows/Sunrooms

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Ó Fiaich Institute Virtual Open Day Dundalk Leader 2nd March 2022

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Ó Fiaich Institute (OFI) has established itself as one of the leading Further Education colleges in the North East Region, providing an alternative route to both higher education and employment. There are a wide variety of Further Education and Pre-University programmes on offer. All courses are fully accredited and offer the opportunity for students to gain valuable experience in local and national industry sectors.

Our goal is to provide you with a positive learning environment which provides supports, challenges you and delivers a standard of excellence that allows you plan your education and achieve your career goals. Our staff are highly qualified, experienced,

Wednesday, 9th March, 2022 from 2.30pm - 4pm & 7pm - 8.30pm

friendly and encouraging. They work hard to help each student develop both personally and academically to meet the challenges of the workplace or to progress onto higher education.

Our diverse student population and state of the art facilities makes Ó Fiaich Institute the best place for students to progress their educational journey and take the next steps towards their future careers.

Collection in Lordship for the people of Ukraine

A Lordship native has organised a collection of items for the people of Ukraine after seeing the harrowing pictures and videos that have emerged since Russia invaded the country last week.

Mary O’Connor said she was compelled to do something to help the people of Ukraine after watching the horrific scenes in their country over the last week.

“I felt awful for the poor people over there and just felt as though I had to do something to help,” explained Mary. “You organise these things and then you start to think have you made a mistake but I just said to myself I’m going to do this. I put out the idea locally of organising a collection of goods to send over to Ukraine and got a great response including an offer of help from our local GAA club St Patrick’s GFC. If anybody has anything they can contribute to our collection such as clothing and nonperishable food they can drop items down to us this Friday 4th March from 2pm.

A list of the type of items Mary is looking for is listed below.

A collection of clothes, all ages and sizes, blankets/-bedding and non-perishable food, clothing for kids and adults, diapers, baby formula, batteries, flashlights, cosmetics, sanitary pads, first aid kits, sanitary products, painkillers, formula bottles, colouring books and crayons etc.

Anyone who’d like to volunteer to help please we’d appreciate it and they can also meet at the complex at 2pm too. If anyone has cardboard boxes or could get us some for transportation of the supplies they’d be much appreciated. Anyone looking for more information please contact Mary on (087) 270 9298 or any committee member for more details.

We would like to extend a warm invitation to our upcoming Virtual Open Day which will take place on Wednesday, 9th March 2022 from 2.30pm - 4pm & 7pm - 8.30pm. Course Coordinators, current students and past graduates will be available to give you an overview of all our courses and will be happy to answer any queries you may have. The link to the online session will be posted on our website at www.ofi.ie and all our social media platforms @ofidundalk.

Applications Now Open We are now accepting applications for all 2022/23 programmes via our online platform (www.ofi.ie). Provisional place offers to applicants will be on a first come basis, apply now!

Open Day in O’Fiach Institute will take place next Wednesday.

Dundalk Special Olympics Club back at training

Spirits were high and smiles all around at Dundalk Special Olympics Club, as athletes, swimmers and players resumed training after the holiday season.

With the ease of restrictions and thorough safety measures in place, both athletes and volunteers were delighted to be back for a bit of physical activity.

Athletes, parents and volunteers were thrilled to see each other and catch up on all the news. After a well-deserved rest over Christmas, head coach Sean Nulty with assistant coach John Farrell, took the athletes through their paces for a warm-up.

“Getting back into a training routine is very good and essential for our athletes”: says Chairperson Ailish McArdle “Although it can take a few Saturdays for some of them to settle back in.”

Dundalk Special Olympics Club welcomed athletes back during February and had their first outdoor training at Bush athletics track, courtesy of Glenmore AC, on Saturday 26th February.

The first Bocce competition will take place end of March in Kilkenny, having access to the Bocce training facilities at the Redeemer Family Center to prepare for it, is a bonus. Dundalk Club currently have more than 50 athletes participating in 4 sports with training times as follow: Athletics Saturdays—11:30 - 13:00, Blackrock Community Centre.

Bocce Saturdays—11:30 - 13:00, Redeemer Family Centre.

Swimming Tuesday evenings—19:00 - 20:00, Aura Dundalk.

Football Thursday evenings—18:00 – 19:00, DKIT Indoor pitches.

Social and fundraising days coming up is, the club’s Annual Flag Day 11th March and the Easter party in early April, to which the athletes are looking forward immensely.

Dundalk Special Olympics Club is thankful for the ongoing support of the Louth community and invite athletes, coaches and volunteers looking for a club to get in contact.

Anyone interested to join the club please contact: Ailish McArdle 087 677 9089.

Dundalk Leader 2nd March 2022

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Family Notices IN MEMORIAM

novena

Novena To The Sacred Heart Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his DUFFY/ECCLES In loving memory of Catherine, merciful eyes, it will become John and Kathleen whose Anni- your favour, not mine. Amen. versaries occur at this time.

Say this prayer for 3 days. PromWe never part from those ise publication and favours will we love, be granted. (Never known to No distance can divide us, fail). E.G. With memories dear and love sincere, Novena To The You will always walk beside us.

Sacred Heart —Always in our hearts Tom, Sharon, Michael, Caroline, Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours Anthony, David and Hazel.

DUFFY This time, I ask for this special 9th ANNIVERSARY favour (mention it). Take it, dear In loving memory of Triona, Heart of Jesus and place it withR.I.P., who died 28th February, in your own broken heart, where 2013. your Father sees it. Then in his Still loved, Still missed, merciful eyes, it will become Still very dear.

—Always remembered by the your favour, not mine. Amen.

Duffy family. Also her parents, Say this prayer for 3 days. PromJohn and Kathleen Eccles, ise publication and favours will whose anniversaries occur on be granted. (Never known to 29th January and 1st March. fail). M.T.

novena Novena To The Sacred Heart Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). D.W. Novena To The Sacred Heart Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). A.D.

DkIT students raise €7,000 for cancer charities

Students of the Business Ethics and Corporate Citizen module, Lecturers Dr. Maeve McArdle, Mr. Shane Hill and Cormac McMullan from fundraiser for Cancer Fund for Children.

Dundalk Institute of Technology were proud to report that their students of the Business Ethics and Corporate Citizenship module raised €7,000 on behalf of two charities, The Cancer Fund for Children and The Irish Cancer Society. They

planned several events including a table quiz, a sponsored walk, and a Christmas jumper night out. Unfortunately, Storm Barra had other ideas and instead of walking the Greenway in Carlingford, the students did a virtual sponsored walk on a

day when it was safe to venture out.

Throughout the years the students of this module have raised money and awareness for many causes and the total this year brings the amount raised to date on this module to over €150,000.

PROPERTY/RENTALS

special services

special services

ATTENTION—For B.E.R. CERTIFICATION of properties being offered for sale or rent, contact Robert Mulholland, BER assessor.

087 609 1906 www.louthber.ie.

Double Rooms available to rent in Dundalk. 5 minutes from train station, private parking Tel 086 0838163.

ADVERTISE YOUR HOUSE Premises for rent or sale to 55,000 readers a week from €5.

Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 93 -20888.

TILER AVAILABLE—Experienced local tiler to carry out all types of tile work - marble, granite, porcelain. Indoors and out. Call 087387-8995 for free quote.

ROOF LEAKS MASTER—We repair all types of roof/tile, slate, bangor blues. Repair torch on roofs, scrape & clean, chimneys & chimney pots, chimney bird guards, gutter facia & soffits. All work guaranteed, 25 years experience. Tel. 086 818 4827.

Carpentry & Joinery—Maintenance and repairs, roofing, 1st & 2nd fix carpentry, sash window repairs. No job too big or small.

Contact Seandon Carpentry 087 298 5110.

MOBILE HOME TRANSPORT—Transported throughout 32 Counties. Contact Eugene 086-607-1702.

CARPET & OVEN CLEANING—Carpet, upholstery & specialist oven cleaning available.

Call MVI Cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning.ie.

Roofing Repairs & Stoves—Stoves supplied and fitted, fully insured, Hetas certified. Contact Paul Englishby 087 6301914 or 041 98 94633 and Mark on 087 1302040 for roofing enquiries.

GARDEN & HOUSE MAINTENANCE— Strimming grass, hedge cutting, weeding, also garden clearance, concreting, patios, painting, power washing, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, fencing. Have all the equipment. Contact Brian 086-109-7358.

Coaching with Esther—Life and Executive Coach Tel 086 8972007 www.coachingwithesther.com.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building, plumbing, painting, roof repairs, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, concreting, gardening, power washing, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Tel 085-762-3758.

Fifi’s Alterations—Longwalk S.C. (formerly A-Alterations) Tel 083 0118728.

Zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry Cleaning Service. Open Mon - Wed 9.30 - 5.30pm, Thur & Fri 9.30 - 6pm & Sat 102pm.

J. King Plumbing—Heating & Property Maintenance Tel 086 6086327 or 042 9377775.

WATCH REPAIRS—Mechanical/Quartz (battery) and Vintage. In our own workshop.

Most brands: Cartier, Longines, Omega, Revue, Raymond Weil, Seiko, Citizen & more, also Jewellery repairs. Goldstar Jewellers, Demesne Shopping Centre Dundalk Tel. 042 93 39478.

Qualified Carpenter available for Floors, Doors, Frames, Architraves, Skirtings, Stud Walls, Roofing & All Building Repairs.

No Job too big or too small. Call Mark 086 089 5508.

BIRTHDAY Cakes €29—Personalised, Themed & your wording. Cakes for any occasions, including Wedding Cakes. “Your Photo” toppers just €6 extra. Tel 087 3228790 Omeath.

Painting & Decorating—No job too big or small. Also general handyman services. Tel Ian 087 4158238.

Sewing Classes—Become confident as you grow your sewing skills. No experience needed. Monday evenings 5.30-7.30pm at Muirhevnamor Community Centre. Private classes can be arranged on request. Contact Elizabeth 087 2649221 Whatsapp.

Local Power Washing—No job too big or too small. Patios, Driveways, walls, etc Contact James 086 8930086 or 089 9615606 for free quotation.

Plasterer available—All work carried out. Contact Larry 083 4664871.

Retired reliable local man available for Painting & Decorating, Internal and External,30 years’ experience, also grass cutting, strimming. General Garden Maintenance and Garage Clearance. Keen prices. Tel 086 845 9472.

SC Tiling—Professional Tiler, Specialises in full bathroom refits. Top class work guaranteed. Call Shane 0861075080.

GARDENING/LANDSCAPING—Hedges sowed, flower beds tided up and new bulbs planted, general property maintenance, exterior painting and decking cleaned. Dundalk & District. Tel. 086 3818184.

articles for sale Attention Landlords—We supply furniture & Beds for any rental properties you have. Beds from €180, Bedroom Furniture Sets from €249 Call us today www.bedstore.ie, Coes Rd, Dundalk Tel 042 932 0927.

CD Logs—Kiln Dried Ash/Oak & Birch, Weekly Deliveries to Dundalk & surrounding areas. Newry Co. Down Mob 00 44 77 6040 3254 or 048 30269632 www.cdlogs.com.

Hedging plant privets for sale. Green, Gold & Silver. 3ft high. €2 each. Ardee area.

Contact 087-0689-521.

L-shaped fabric couch for sale, excellent condition, €290 Tel 086 3218090.

TWO FIRESIDE CHAIRS For Sale. €150 each.

Tel. 042 935 2962.

SELL IT THROUGH A CLASSIFIED—Only €5 for one week up to 20 words. 042 93 20888. The Dundalk Leader.

special services CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094 Email tribalky@yahoo.com <mailto:tribalky@ yahoo.com>.

CHIMNEY CLEANER—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact Cathal 087-225-9799.

ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888.

WINDOW CLEANING—Gutter & facia cleaning carried out by professional, fully trained and insured staff. Affordable rates.

Domestic & Commercial. Call our office for a free quotation. Everkleen 042 935 2717 or 086 829 3585. www.everkleenservices.ie <http://www.everkleenservices.ie>.

HOUSE & APARTMENT CLEANING Service.

Specializing in Re-Let & Spring Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery cleaning. Fully insured.

For a free quotation contact Everkleen 042 9352717 / 087 6873188, www.everkleenservices.ie <http://www.everkleenservices. ie>.

GRIMLEY’S DUBLIN ST. DUNDALK— Televisions, TV aerials, satellite, Freeview & Saorview, new installations, sales, service & repairs. Free estimates 042 935 4343.

DUNDALK GARDEN SERVICES—Tree topping, felling, hedge trimming, grass cutting & strimming. Rubbish removals/Garage clearance, House & Garden refuse. Permit holder. Contact Ben 085-840-7707.

FORTUNE TELLER—Available for appointment, private or group bookings. Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-67-51229.

Building Services—Extensions, Renovations, Sunrooms, Conservatories and All General Maintenance. P.V.C. Fascia, Soffit and Guttering products supplied and fitted.

Bathroom Refurbishment, Painting, Decorating, Wall & Floor Tiling. All types of Roof Repairs & Maintenance. For free estimates Tel 087 260 2501.

WE CAN DISTRIBUTE your leaflets from €75 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888.

classes & courses

DRUM LESSONS INCLUDING BODHRAN— For adults & children aged 8years upwards.

One to one lessons. Phone 087 414 4228.

tuition

MATHS GRINDS—Leaving and junior certificate. All levels. One on one tuition with an experienced tutor. Phone/text 083 094 1872.

situations wanted

MATURE, EXPERIENCED BARTENDER available for part-time bar work. Contact 086 030 5015.

ADVERTISE in our classifieds to over 50,000 readers from only €5 per week up to 20 words Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888

Dundalk Leader 2nd March 2022

14

Survey highlights sources of distraction for Irish motorists In AA Ireland’s recent poll of over 5,000 motorists, AA Ireland examined the issue of driver distraction. Whether it is driving with children, back-seat drivers (back seat driver refers to a passenger who gives the driver unwanted advice) or personal grooming when behind the

wheel, we reveal how common these activities really are.

“Driver distraction is any activity that causes you to take your eyes, hands or mind away from driving. When distracted, your reaction time can double which significantly increases

your chance of having a collision. While you can’t control distractions outside your vehicle, you can control what goes on inside,” says Anna Cullen from AA Ireland.

According to the survey of 5,304 motorists, 50% of respondents find ‘back-seat drivers’ dis-

tracting when driving. 1 in 5 drivers said they were ‘rarely’ distracted, while 30% said they do not find them distracting.

Motorists admitted to being a back-seat driver with someone they rated as a poor driver (50%), a driver they know to be inexperienced (43%), their spouse or partner (32%) and least likely with a parent (20%).

“While you might be trying to help, you most likely are not. You are potentially causing the driver to take their eyes off the road, causing them to do more sudden manoeuvres and gen-

Hill Street, Dublin Rd., Dundalk.

erally sending their frustration levels through the roof,” says Anna Cullen.

“Unless it’s an emergency, our advice is to stay silent, push your foot on that imaginary brake pedal if you need to and then offer your advice once you’ve pulled in,” adds Cullen.

Meanwhile, 52% of respondents find children distracting when driving. 26% ‘rarely’ find them distracting, while 22% ‘never’ find them distracting.

2% of motorists say they were involved in a collision or near-miss while attending to a child in

042 9331515/086 2559201

the car in the past year.

“Kids can be very distracting when you’re driving. Driving takes total concentration so if you are having difficulty then we encourage all drivers to indicate and pull into the hard shoulder or a suitable space at the side of the road if a child in the back of the car requires urgent assistance,” says Anna Cullen.

The AA Ireland poll also reports that 54% of motorists admit to eating or drinking a nonalcoholic beverage while driving in the past year. By AA Ireland

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Dundalk Leader 2nd March 2022