26-04-2023

Sod is turned while residents feel spurned

Paul Byrne

Louth County Council welcomed Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien to officially turn the sod for the €11 million Mount Avenue Link Road Scheme in Dundalk, a major milestone in upgrading the western road network in the town.

However, amid the fanfare and photoshoots, residents in nearby Lis Na Dara continued to voice their frustrations at the lack of communication and engagement from the local authority regarding the project.

The construction contract is valued in excess of €11 million and will involve the building of a new road from Lis na Dara, on the Carrick Road, to the Mount Avenue Road, known locally as the “Back of the wall”.

The new road will join the existing Mount Avenue Road north-west of the ESB Substation. From that point, the Mount Avenue Road will be widened and upgraded to Castletown Cross on the Castleblayney Road.

Continued on Page 2

Lost engagement ring

and gold watch

Gold Engagement ring with four diamonds and gold watch lost around dunnes Stores car park/ dunnes Stores shop in the Marshes Shopping Centre.

Call Paul at 0869140697.

Sod turned. Residents spurned.

Official NOtice Of Ship Name chaNge

I Cpt. F. Allen, of Dundalk Shipping Company (DSC) Limited, hereby give notice that I have applied to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport under Section 67 of the Mercantile Marine Act 1955 in respect of my ship ‘Huelin Dispatch, Official Number 404769, of Registered Tonnage 1460 Tons’ [Net], for permission to change her name to ‘Aggatha’, to be registered in the said new name at the Port of Dundalk. Any representations or comments on the application should be sent to the Superintendent, Mercantile Marine Office, Leeson Lane, Dublin 2, within seven days of the appearance of this notice. Signed: Captain Frank Allen.

From Page 1

The project is set to open up the wider Mount Avenue residential zoned lands for new housing, and initially will facilitate the development of 194 private units by Urban Life and 93 social housing units to be provided by Louth County Council in conjunction with the Department of Housing.

The completion of the scheme will see a total of 234 units delivered by 2025, 51 of which are cost reduced by agreement, with 93 social houses projected for 2024.

The total estimated cost of the roads scheme is €11,100,000 of which the land cost is €2,185,000 and €700,000 attributable to Irish Water.

In a statement released on Monday the Lis Na Dara Residents Association stated it was unacceptable that the local authority was willing to do a photoshoot with the Housing Minister but were not willing to meet residents who wish to express road safety concerns.

“We are writing to you as concerned residents of Lis Na Dara estate in Dundalk. We are appalled by the lack of communication and engagement from Louth County Council regarding the ongoing major road infrastructure project in

Mount Avenue area.

“It is unacceptable that the local authority is willing to do a photoshoot with Minister Darragh O’Brien at a sod turning event for the project this week but are not willing to meet residents who wish to express road safety concerns. We feel that our voices are being ignored and our concerns dismissed.

“Lis Na Dara is a private enclosed housing estate, which was never taken in charge, with many young families, vulnerable road users and elderly people living here. We are worried that this project will change the character, quality and in particular safety of our neighbourhood.

“Louth County council continue to ignore this community and ongoing requests for engagement from local representatives, but they never seem to ignore the chance for a good photo opportunity.

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely, Lis na Dara Residents Association.” read the statement.

The Dundalk Leader asked Louth County Council to respond to the accusations from Lis Na Dara Residents Committee and the local authority sent the following statement.

“Louth County Council are open to and are continu-

ing to engage with all of the relevant stakeholders in the Mount Avenue link road scheme. This will include a monthly progress report to be given to local residents along with updates on proposed traffic management amendments as they occur. A point of contact will also be available to stakeholders as the project progresses.”

Meanwhile, back at the sod turning ceremony the Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien expressed his delight and pride on what he called ‘an important piece of infrastructure for Dundalk’.

“I’m delighted to turn the sod on this important piece of infrastructure for Dundalk, and I’m proud that the Government’s Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) has helped the project to happen. LIHAF is about relieving infrastructure blockages and unlocking the potential for large scale housing projects – supporting Housing for All as it ramps up the supply of new homes across the country.

Mount Avenue Road is a perfect example of this fund in action. The money we are investing here through LIHAF will support the initial development of over 200 homes – social, affordable and private – with the potential for more than 1,000

more on the wider lands.”

Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin added that she was delighted that the works at Mount Avenue are commencing. “The cost of the works and land acquisition will be provided by Louth County Council and the Department of Housing under the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF). The works will open up lands for much needed housing development and will improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.”

Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Councillor Conor Keelan said “On behalf of Louth County Council, we are delighted to welcome Minister O’Brien here today to turn the sod on what has been a strategic objective of Louth County Council for many years. This significant investment will breathe new life into a part of Dundalk that will in the coming years become home to many new families.”

The work is being carried out on behalf of Louth County Council by Contractors Gibson Ireland JV.

John Gibson, Gibsons Brothers Ireland JV, said:

“We are delighted to be working in conjunction with Louth County Council to deliver this new and upgraded

link road at Mount Avenue, Dundalk. We are looking forward to being part of the team for this prestigious and important project and wish to thank the local residents in advance for their cooperation and understanding during the construction period.”

During his visit to Dundalk, Minister Darragh O’Brien also visited Patrick Tierney Crescent and Aisling Crescent to unveil a commemorative plaque.

The 22 new A-Rated energy efficient residential homes in Patrick Tierney Crescent and Aisling Crescent were delivered by Louth County Council – Housing Capital section - under the Government’s ‘Housing For All’ Plan. The scheme, which consists of eight houses and 14 apartments, has been shortlisted as a ‘Project of the Year’ finalist in the Residential - Social and Affordable Housing (up to €5million) category. Minister O’Brien’s final engagement included a visit to Dúiche Roden, the Cluid Housing Development adjacent to Ice House Hill. The scheme is being built in three phases, and when completed will provide secure, highquality homes for 133 families on Louth County Council’s housing list.

Ruairí Ó Murchú TD, Cllr. Sean Kelly, Cllr. John O’Reilly, Cllr. Kevin Meenan, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council Cllr. Conor Keelan, Cllr. Tomas Sharkey, Minister Darragh O’Brien, Senator Erin McGreehan and Cllr. John Sheridan

Fitzpatrick asks government to offer teachers full-time jobs with full-time salaries

SPEAKING in the Dáil this week

Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick highlighted the fact that a recent TUI survey claimed that only 13% of teachers receive a permanent contract on initial appointment. He warned An Taoiseach that the teaching supply crisis would continue if the government continued to make the teaching profession unattractive.

“The Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, ensured there was funding within the budget for the employment of teachers and SNAs. Without a viable career structure, however, teaching careers will remain unattractive and the supply crisis will continue. The teacher recruitment crisis is a direct result of attempts to make the education system do more with less. A Teachers Union of Ireland survey highlighted that only 13% of teachers receive a permanent contract on initial appointment and only 31% of teachers recruited since 2011 got full hours in their first year of teaching. This means 87% have to make do with parttime work as a direct result of the lack of full-time contracts offered and have no creditworthiness to obtain a mortgage. Schools are being forced to use unqualified teachers, to divert resources away

from students with special educational needs and to drop subjects from the curriculum.

“At a time when we are crying out for teachers, the remedy is simple. I ask the Taoiseach to provide the relevant funding and put in place the relevant actions to ensure new teachers or those we want to bring home are offered full-time jobs with full-time salaries. Teachers are leaving the country and emigrating. They cannot get mortgages and they face issues relating to the lack of housing and the cost of living. Please give the teachers what they want,” urged Fitzpatrick.

In response An Taoiseach insisted that that throwing money at the issue wouldn’t prove to be a quick fix for the teaching supply issue.

“It is important to say as a point

Resource the Gardaí to help tackle organised crime—Ó Murchú

of context that we have more teachers in Ireland and working in Ireland than ever before.

“The pupil-teacher ratio is lower than it was in the past. We are having at least some success recruiting and retaining teachers but there is a real challenge as well. We are in a period of full employment and a period of very fierce international competition for talent.

“This is true in the public sector and the private sector. It is true for well-paid jobs and for poorly paid jobs. I do not know anyone who is not struggling at present to recruit and retain staff for this reason. It is not as simple as saying that putting up pay necessarily solves the problem because other people will then put up pay also and they are still competing for a scarce resource and scarce talent. We have a pay deal with teachers. They ratified that pay agreement.

“We are implementing it. It involves improvements to pay, conditions and allowances. I expect that during the summer, and certainly before October, we will begin the process of engagement with the public sector unions, including the teachers’ unions, on the next deal,” stated An Taoiseach.

GARDAí feel that ‘no-one, including the government has their backs’, according to Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú who made the comment during a debate in Leinster House last week about organised crime.

The Sinn Féin TD said that ‘organised and disorganised crime have flourished in areas of high disadvantage, areas that nobody cared about for many years, under multiple governments of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’.

And while he welcomed the Drogheda Implementation Board and its plan, there are ‘still issues’. He said: ‘The Red Door Project and others may be glad of certain bits of funding, but nobody has the real multi-annual funding required to be strategic’.

If the government was serious about tackling organised crime, ‘it is about resourcing the Gardaí’ he said.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘We have all spoken to gardaí who do not believe anybody, the Government included, has their back and do not believe they have the supports.

‘We know that there are issues

with recruitment and retention and that there have always been issues with resourcing, training and equipment, so we need to

provide the Garda with the supports needed.

‘We know that the addiction services are not there. We know that gardaí at times have to make up for the mental health supports that are not there. Let us be really clear. Let us see if we are serious about dealing with organised crime and drugs’.

Getting to grips with poverty is one of the core issues that need to be tackled. He said: ‘We have to level the playing field and bridge the gaps, and that means early family intervention, real supports and changing the way we do things altogether.

‘There will always be a need to give those supports to the Garda. When I was a councillor I probably spent more time dealing with gardaí than I did with council officials, and it was usually about drug debt intimidation.

‘I commend the work they do, but they do not have the resources or the capacity to deal with the level the government have let organised crime get to’.

Peter Fitzpatrick, TD.

Ruairí Ó Murchú, TD.

New assisted decision making laws marks radical change in Irish law

By Tamara O’Connell

MEMBERS of the public are being encouraged to seek information to help understand new landmark laws which came into effect today (Wednesday, April 26), according to Sage Advocacy Regional Manager North Ana Reynolds.

Sage Advocacy has announced an important information resource to help people understand new laws relating to the capacity to make decisions.

“We have resources available on our website including a video which provides a clear guide,” said Ana.

The Assisted Decision-Making Acts which came into effect from Wednesday, April 26 will replace the much criticised ‘Lunacy Regulation Act’ of 1871 and the associated Wards of Court system.

The new laws have guiding principles of which the most important is a presumption of capacity to make decisions. The law also places responsibility on health and social care professionals and legal, financial, and public services to be proactive in assisting people’s decision making as much as possible.

“The organisation has been highly anticipating this legislation. It is highly anticipated by all healthcare professionals,” said Ana.

“We have been waiting 150 years for this change. The previous legislation was extremely outdated.”

The new laws will be relevant to all families at certain times, and a very wide range of professionals and service providers in their routine work.

They are of particular importance for people who live with frailty, dementia, an intellectual disability, an acquired brain injury, or who communicate differently, and close family and friends, as they set out a new tiered approach of differing levels of assistance with decisionmaking.The ADM Acts mark a radical change in Irish legislation and Sage Advocacy, which has been campaigning for the legislation since it was established in 2014, has developed a public and professional awareness video called ‘Minding your Marbles’ to explain it.

The video provides a clear guide to the different levels of support for decision-making and guidance in supporting a person who might have diminished capacity to make decisions using an approach called ALERT. Minding Your Marbles is now available at www. sageadvocacy.ie

Sage Advocacy CEO Mervyn Taylor said that in thinking about how best to explain the new legislation Sage Advo-

Sean-nós singing workshop this weekend

EVER wanted to learn some sean-nós Irish songs that were once very popular in North Louth/South Ulster? County Louth was once part of the ancient kingdom of Oriel and this Sunday a workshop will delve into the rich musical tradition of the region.

As part of Féile na Bealtaine, this song workshop will be led by Ciara Hall, a sean-nós singer from Dundalk, who has a particular interest in the Irish-language songs of north Louth/south Ulster. She will help you learn some lesser-known Irish songs of the region and become part of their re-introduction to the local tradition. The workshop will be held primarily in English and translations of the lyrics will be provided.

Refreshments will be offered (tea/coffee). We will gather after the workshop to decorate the May Bush to celebrate Féile na Bealtaine (wear suitable shoes)! Tickets cost just €10 and the workshop will take place between 2pm and 6pm. All welcome. Bluebell Lane, 49 Tullymacreeve Road, Tullymacreeve, Mullaghbawn, Newry, County Armagh, BT35 9RE

cacy listened to phrases people use in everyday life to describe problems with remembering and forgetfulness.

“In such situations people may say ’I must be losing my marbles’. This legislation is all about ‘Minding Your Marbles’ and ensuring that others, including family members and health and social care professionals, do not start making decisions in our ‘best interests’.

“People are now obliged to assist people with making a particular decision and not to presume that because a person

might need support that they lack capacity to make the decision.

“Sometimes when people talk about ‘best interests’ they are overly influenced by their own interests or the interests of service providers. The Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Acts will, in practice, help people to ‘mind their marbles’.

“I really encourage the public to view this video to understand these legislative changes as they will affect all families at some point in the future.“The legislation is of considerable importance for the practice of health and social care professionals, and also for those providing financial and legal services.

“There will be codes of practice for all of these and, significantly, there will also be a code of practice for independent advocates. We now have legal change; what we need to work on is the culture change.”

The Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act was passed in 2015 but it has taken until 2023 to implement it. Amending legislation was required in 2022 and collectively they are now known as the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Acts or ADM Acts for short.

A Decision Support Service has been established under the legislation and it is

responsible for promoting public awareness and oversight of the more formal decision support arrangements. The Courts will be involved in the appointment of Decision-Making Representatives where it decides that a person lacks the ability to make decisions.

The coming into effect of the new legislation means that all those who are currently Wards of Court will have their cases reviewed during the next three years. Advance Healthcare Directives are now covered by legislation for the first time and Powers of Attorney arrangements are also being refined.

Mr Taylor concluded: “Over 150 years later, much later than most other developed countries, we now have legislation reflecting the democratic instincts of our time’.The Assisted Decision-Making Capacity Acts place an onus on all of us to presume, and assist if necessary, each persons’ capacity to make their own decisions.

“It gives a long overdue framework for upholding the decision-making rights of people who may be vulnerable.“We must always remember that any diminution in decision making abilities does not mean a diminution in rights.”

For more information visit www. sageadvocacy.ie.

The local Dundalk branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association had a ‘Blue Day’ recently to help raise awareness for autism.

Ana Reynolds, Regional Manager of Sage.

Historic win at World Irish dancing Championships

People of louth encouraged to participate in 100k to raise funds for the Marie Keating Foundation

Event has raised over €4m to date for Breast Cancer Services

100K in 30 Days have teamed up with the Marie Keating Foundation to support their vital breast cancer services and organisers are calling on the people of Louth to sign-up for the June event.

N EWS in Brief

Church Notice

DARAGH Roddy, son of Helena and Pat Roddy, Ravensdale has made history by winning the World Irish Dancing Championships in Montreal over the Easter holidays

A pupil of De La Salle College, Daragh won the under 18 men’s competition and was a clear winner by placing first in all 3 rounds in front of 15 adjudicators from across the world. Daragh dances for his Aunt Niamh Roddy-Murphy and is now the 3rd generation of his family to win World Irish dancing titles. He also won the Ulster Championships in November last and the very prestigious All Ireland title in Killarney in February of this year.

“I am immensely proud of Daragh and what he has achieved. He is a very hard working young man and has been on top form since the commencement of the 22/23 competitive season last September. To have won every major title in the one season is not something that happens very often in your competitive life, if at all, so it’s truly very special indeed” Niamh stated

“ I am so happy for him as he is a very humble young man who is always cheering everyone else on and his much deserved success is testament to his hard work and dedication”

Daragh comes from a rich family heritage in Irish dance, and has now firmly etched his name in to the history books by becoming the 3rd generation of the Roddy family to win the world title. He shares this title with his grandfather Tony Roddy, his father Pat Roddy, his aunt/ teacher Niamh Roddy-Murphy and their late cousin Bertie Roddy, RIP.

His grand mother Úna Roddy was also a runner up!

Marie Keating lost her life to breast cancer 25 years and her son Ronan Keating will be running 100K across the 30 days of June to raise awareness and show support for the Foundation he and his siblings set up in her name. Joining Ronan in the challenge is his wife Storm, children Missy and Jack, Dancing with the Stars Judge Arthur Gourounlian, Today FM presenter Dara Quilty, broadcasters Glenda Gilson, Norah Casey, Laura Woods and Anna Daly, to name but a few.

2023 is the fourth year of the event and to date over €4million has been raised for breast cancer services in Ireland, including the state-of-theart Clinical Trial Centre in the new Breast Centre at Beaumont Hospital.

100K in 30 Days was

founded by Co. Louth (Blackrock, Dundalk) couple Niall Carroll and Cara McAdam and launched in 2020 after Cara was diagnosed with breast cancer. They are delighted to team up with The Marie Keating Foundation for this

year’s event.

Liz Yeates, CEO of the Marie Keating Foundation and breast cancer survivor, said:

“Some of the breast cancer services provided by the Marie Keating Foundation that will benefit from this

year’s event include our community nursing service, Schools Cancer Awareness Programme, , Comfort Fund, BRCA Peer To Peer Support, Survive and Thrive Programmes and Positive Living Workshops supporting our Cancer Community at every step.”

100K in 30 Days for breast cancer in aid of The Marie Keating Foundation takes place over the month of June. Organisers are calling on everyone – runners, walkers, those in wheelchairs, families, colleagues, schools, community groups and sports teams, whether you’re based in Ireland or abroad, to join the #pinkarmy and take part in the June event. Registration is now open at www.100kin30days.ie.

New Gaelcholáiste welcomes students at their Easter Camp

THE first ever Easter Camp was held at Gaelcholáiste Dhún Dealgan last week. There was great excitement as sixteen students from four different schools took part. Fourth, fifth and sixth class students attended. It was a chance for them to experience not only activities through Irish but also to get a flavour of Dundalk’s newest secondary school. Activities ranged from science experiments, cooking, art, to sports, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing and sustainability.

One of the projects during the camp was to investigate,

design and decorate a Bug Hotel which will take pride of place in the school garden once the school fencing is erected during the summer months.

Caoimhe Héarún, Deputy Principal of Gaelcholáiste Dhún Dealgan said ‘The Easter camp was a great way for sixth class students in particular to get to know one another which will help them transition from primary to secondary school.’

Gaelcholáiste Dhún Dealgan is a co-educational, multidenominational, multi-cultural, secondary school and it is opening its doors to First Years

this September. This new Gaelcholáiste is under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta, the largest patron of Irish-medium schools. It is located in Robin House, The Ramparts. There are spaces available for sixth class students and you are invited to register on www.gcdd. ie. It is not a requirement that a child attends a gaelscoil. Gaelcholáiste Dhún Dealgan is the only school in Co Louth where students can receive their secondary education through Irish.

This a unique opportunity for parents / guardians to avail

Dundalk Group of Parishes church notice: The final training this year for Child and Adult Safeguarding will be held in St. Richard’s Chapel on Wednesday 26 April at 7:30 pm. Each Select Vestry needs one or two trained members. Anyone involved with children in church needs to update training every 3 years.

This is so that we are compliant with state law and church protocols.

Bealtaine Events

of post primary education through Irish for their children.

Three of the many benefits of a small school community are that students will receive individual care and attention as well as extra support for language development and everyone will know one another.

Caoimhe is busy getting the school ready for September and is looking forward to welcoming the first class to Gaelcholáiste Dhún Dealgan.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact eolas@gcdd.ie or visit the school website www.gcdd.ie

Students at the first ever Easter Camp held at Gaelcholáiste Dhún Dealgan last week. Sixteen students from four different primary schools attended.

Cooleyconnectwell in collaboration with Age and Opportunity have put together a huge range of events for Bealtaine, the festival of Positive Aging. These include many diverse walks and talks, demonstrations and outings, many of which are delivered by older people showcasing their passions and skills. All events take place in Cooley and many are outdoor, highlighting the beauty of this area. For further details of events contact 0860461781(for general events) or 0876479715 (for walks only) All events are free.

Kilwirra Graveyard

Kilwirra—Our Heritage In Stone. Date Of Talk: Friday, May 12, 2023, at 2.30 pm. Seamus Heaney’s powerful poem “The Cure at Troy” was recently read by Joe Biden for RTÉ. At Kilwirra we have an ancestral graveyard linked to President Biden, a Knight’s Templar Church, a pre Christian site and a holy well. If you believe in miracles, cures, healing wells, springs and heritage, please come along. You will be most welcome.

Taize Music

ALL are welcome to a time of peace and silent prayer in candlelight, with the music of TAIZE. Friday 5th May 8-9pm (refreshments served).

“Bethany” 34 Point Rd, Dundalk A91 WOC 9. Tel. 042-9331602.

Senator Erin McGreehan.

Dearbhla, Aaron and Donál cooking quesadilla.

World Champion Daragh Roddy.

Students with their newly constructed Bug Hotel.Activities ranged from science experiments , cooking, art and sports with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

Numbers of Dentists re-entering medical card scheme in Louth rising

loCAl Fine Gael Td, Fergus o’dowd, has said the number of dentists re-entering the medical card scheme in louth and Meath is slowly increasing but says much more needs to be done to address the ongoing shortfall in the scheme.

deputy o’dowd received a response this week from the Minister for Health confirming that as of the end of March 2023, a total of 21 dentists were registered on the dental Treatment Services Scheme (dTSS)

in louth and 11 in Meath, this compares to figures at the end of 2022 of 17 in louth and 8 in Meath.

o’dowd said “Whilst this modest increase is certainly welcome, much more needs to be done to encourage more local dentists back into the scheme.

“I will be pressing the Minister to do everything within his power to further strengthen the attractiveness of the scheme ahead of his upcoming meeting

Housing Adaptations and disabled Person’s Grant scheme

with the Irish dental Association on the 24th of April.

o’dowd “The government has also provided an additional allocation of €15m to enhance the provision of oral healthcare in 2023 which is also very welcome, however we must see a tangible outcome for medical card holders from this investment to ensure we have better access and less emergency referrals impacting the already overstretched HSE dental teams.”

OVER the past number of years Sinn Féin Councillor Pearse McGeough warned that grants specifically designed to aid vulnerable citizens were being underfunded and that it was unacceptable for these citizens to have to wait in excess of three years for this emergency funding. This week, that system according to Cllr McGeough “has collapsed.”

Cllr McGeough explained “The Housing Adaptation Grants (HAGs) and Disabled Person’s Grants (DPGs) are designed to be emergency grants for people who need their homes adapted to enable them to live independently for longer. It could be anything from a stair-lift, wet room or even the addition of downstairs bedroom or bathroom. An example would be if a home had to be adapted in some way to allow a person to leave hospital to remain living independently. That is the timescale the grants are designed for but unfortunately over the past

number of years that has not been the case and the situation has been getting worse.

Just before Christmas, Cllr McGeough estimated the waiting time for these grants to be around 3 years given that there were over 730 people on the waiting list. The Council then ordered a review and this week Cllr McGeough was informed by the Director of Services that “as has been the practice in previous years – I am now suspending receipt of applications for the various DPG scheme due to the vast over subscription which exceeds both budgets and capacity to manage and process applications.

Receipt of applications

will recommence as soon as is practical and the team will continue to give attention to priority cases.”

Cllr McGeough said “I am disgusted that this has happened and want to lay the blame firmly at the door of the Government. They allocate a certain amount of funding each year and clap themselves on the back and make the announcement with a huge fanfare all the while knowing the system is underfunded and some applicants will die before they will ever get these essential works done to their homes or end up in nursing homes or remain in hospital because they can’t be discharged without the adequate adaptations being made.

“During Covid we had the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar telling the media that it would be preferable if more older people could remain living independently rather than going into care homes, but he didn’t provide adequate funding for this to happen

and once the interview was over he never gave it a second thought.

“I have raised this consistently each month at the Council meeting asking for increased funding to meet the needs of people in Louth and have even written to the Minister myself pleading for increased funding to no avail. I did not even get the courtesy of a reply.

“We need people to live independently at home for as long as they can or wish to but the only answer is increased funding into this scheme and allow our older people and people with disabilities to be able to do that. Otherwise they will have to go into care homes or nursing homes which are already overstretched or remain in hospital, unable to be discharged.

“To say I am disgusted and angry is an understatement. This suspension was avoidable. The government cannot say they didn’t see it coming.,” stated McGeough.

• Solar Battery Retro fit for current systems

• EV car charging points

• All electrical works, residential & commercial carried out

Cllr Pearse McGeough.

Staff and students presenting a cheque to Cara Cancer after a very successful non-uniform day.

Sean’s reflective poem ahead of National Poetry day

There but for Fortune

AHEAD of National Poetry Day, local poet Seán Brannigan sent in the following poem which is taken from his most recent book of poetry which is called ‘Oriel Observations’. The poem called ‘There but for Fortune’ was inspired by a walk down Moore St. in Dublin several years ago according to Seán.

“I saw some men down on their luck, at the end of the trading day collecting the discarded fruit which had fallen from the stalls. It’s a thin line that separates people, and I realised that I too could be one of them if the circumstances of life changed. Checking my reflection in a shop window I gave thanks for my good fortune, heading for the train and home with my family,” he explained.

McGeough welcomes work been done in Castlebellingham to address derelict buildings

SINN Féin Councillor Pearse McGeough has welcomed the work being done in Castlebellingham addressing the growing number of derelict buildings.

Apple street, September eve. Inwardly observing between my chips’n’burger children and some forgotten orchard where fallen fruit pickers are, in a twilight, profiled.

Dublin of decaying dreams and tired revolutions, there stand your famine sons in petal coloured gutters while my stylish companion sugars a surplus coffee.

Threading through Dickensians who shuffle silently, unaware of timetables, Pied-piping towards the train in prosperous formation I stare at my reflection.

—Seán Brannigan.

Cllr McGeough said “over the past number of years there has been an increasing number of buildings in Castlebellingham falling into dereliction and it is having a detrimental effect on the area. I am pleased that the Council is engaging with the owners of some of these buildings and hopefully that endeavour will bear fruit.

“In 2021 I had a motion passed at the Council asking for a ‘Village Health Check’ to be carried out in the Castlebellingham/Kilsaran area. What this means is that a complete audit of assets, needs, strengths and weaknesses in the area are identified. Relevant stakeholders including building owners, businesses, community groups and residents of the area all come together and work out a plan of what is needed to make the area a thriving hub once again and that it reached its full potential.”

Cllr McGeough said “at the time I was told that no sources of fund-

ing were available but the ‘Health Check’ would be considered when those circumstances changed. I believe that now would be an ideal time for that ‘Health Check’ to take place to work alongside the audit of derelict buildings and any improvements taking place.

“We cannot allow the area to deteriorate any further”.

1—Australian comedian Barry Humphries died last Saturday. What was the name of his very popular alter ego?

2—Five counties in Ireland contain the letter

F. Can you name them?

3—Which record breaking American musical announced a nine-week run in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre in 2024 this week?

4—Who played Rodney Trotter in Only Fools and Horses?

5—The Punters Bar on Park St. was formerly called what name?

6—In the game of snooker how many balls are on the table at the start of each frame?

7—Which actor uttered the famous lines “I coulda had

class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody.” in a 1950’s Hollywood movie?

8—What is the smallest planet in our solar system?

9—1973 saw the trial of 7 men accused of breaking into the Democratic Party Headquarters. What did this become known as? 10—Astana is the capital city of which Eastern European country? The Stinker: Which insect lives in a Formicary?

—this week’s answers—

1—Dame Edna Everage, 2—Longford, Offaly, Wexford and Waterford, 3—Hamilton, 4—Nicholas Lyndhurst, 5—Gormleys, 6—22 (15 reds, 6 colours and the cueball), 7—Marlon Brando in On The Waterfront, 8—Mercury, 9—The Watergate Scandal, 10—Kazakhstan. The Stinker: Ant.

Cuchulainn Camera Club - Photo Exhibition

E. Mark, Esme, Sienna, Amy & Lucia McArdle – with Amy’s image titled ‘Mammy’s Wedding Dress’.

Declan Gernon – with his image titled ‘Red Hat, Red Lips’. Exhibition runs until 29th April.

Eleanor Clarke & Ena Keogh – with Eleanor’s image titled ‘Ena on the Beach’.

Freddie & Nuala McArdle – with Freddie’s image titled ‘The Red Hat’. Exhibition is taking place in Dundalk Library.

Mark Duffy, Freddie, Darren & David McArdle discussing the exhibits.

Joe McArdle – with his image titled ‘Rás Tailteann’.

Cross-Border Partnership Employment Services and Dundalk Chamber to host a free lunch time Business Seminar

duNdAlK Chamber of Commerce in association with Cross Border Partnership Employment Services will host a free Business Seminar on Employment Incentives and Supports available for SMEs in the Cross Border Region on Wednesday the 10th May in the

Fairways Hotel from 12.30pm to 2pm.

The event will give employers in the border areas information on how they can be assisted with their recruitment needs.

There will be several speakers at the event including the department of Social Protection, Cross Border

Partnership Employment Services, the dept. for Communities, Intertrade Ireland and the local Enterprise Office Louth.

Paddy Malone PRo of dundalk Chamber is delighted that the chamber is running this event as it will help increase the awareness of what

supports are out there for SMEs in the Cross Border Region. This is the first CBPES Cross Border event that dundalk Chamber of Commerce will host to assist the cross-border worker, jobseeker, and employer with more planned for the future.

Special olympics dundalk

To book your free place call Brenda in dundalk Chamber on 042 9336343 or email brenda@dundalk.ie A light lunch will be provided.

For more information on the Cross Border Partnership Employment Services and how it can assist you log on to www.cbpes. com.

SPECIAL Olympics Dundalk

Football team had a fantastic opportunity before Easter as they took part in something that fitted right in with the recent promotion of Women in Sport by Sport Ireland.

On March 22, Special Olympics Dundalk volunteer Nazaret Diaz Escobar, organized a

friendly football session with her friends from Social Ladies Soccer team. Dundalk’s football team played the Ladies at DKIT Pitches in preparation for a Special Olympics Ireland blitz to be held in Abbotstown. The lads thoroughly enjoyed the session and went on to have a very successful blitz.

Initiatives like this, changes the scope of participation for both players with disabilities and players in mainstream teams. It was a session to remember.

Dundalk Special Olympics Club’s football team train at DKIT indoor pitches every Wednesday 6-7pm.

Thank-you from dundalk lions

DUNDALK Lions Club wish to thank all the sponsors and supporters for our upcoming Poker Classic 2023 on Sunday April 30th at 5.00p.m. Our thanks go especially to the

venues and the players.

The proceeds from this event will contribute to our ongoing support for the local community. The Main Event is at the Lisdoo Restaurant on Sunday

April 30th at 5.00p.m.

Tickets are still available from Matt Pepper at 085 174 0221 or James Watters at 087 256 8895. We hope all who attend have a great evening.

Faughart Spring Clean this Saturday

F AUGHART Community Group together with Faughart National School Parents’ Association are organising their big road clean up this Saturday. This is a very successful event every year and both kids and parents do a great job of clearing the roadsides of a huge skip full of rubbish.

It is the only day of the year when all community members are asked to pitch in and do their bit even if it is only to clean in front of their house. Every effort helps, no matter how big or small.

The skip will be in O’ Donnell’s yard from 2 to 5pm this Saturday but people can start

their clean up from Friday if they like. If you can’t get over to the skip then leave your rubbish bags along the roadside and someone will collect them for you. Anyone who wants more info or pickers and bags can call 086 087 9979.

Please wear Hi Vis and supervise children at all times.

The Special Olympics Dundalk Football team enjoyed a friendly match with the Dundalk Social Ladies Football team in DkIT Sport last week. The game was organised by Special Olympics Dundalk volunteer Nazaret Diaz Escobar.

Paddy Malone.

Family Notices

NOVENA tO thE

SACrED hEArt

PROPERT y/RENTALS SPECIAL SERvICES

thrEE DAY

MIrACLE prAYEr tO

NELSON

(nee Shields)

1st ANNIverSArY

Formerly of

14 Clover Hill, Monaghan

We think about you always, And talk about you still, You have never been forgotten, And you never ever will. We hold you close within our hearts,

And there you shall remain, To walk with us throughout our lives,

Until we meet again.

—Loved and missed every day by your sisters Anne & roisin; brother Brendan; husband Declan; sons Conor and Barry; grandchildren Kate and Suzie. Also, daughter-in-law Sinead and sister-in-law Breda and David.

Anniversary Mass at 10am this Saturday, 29th April, in St. Joseph’s Church, Monaghan Town.

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) M.t

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) J.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) F.h

thE hOLY SpIrIt

Holy Spirit, you who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal. You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and you who are in all instances of my life with me. I, In this short dialogue want to thank you for everything, and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. Amen. You must pray this prayer three consecutive days without asking your wish. After the third day your wish shall be granted no matter how difficult it may be. Promise to publish the dialogue as your favour has been granted. J.C.

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.

HOUSE fOR RENT—Central location, two double bedrooms, €1,200 per month. Text only 087 6749959.

ROOM AvAILABLE to rent, Dundalk Town Centre, non-smoker Tel 087 6332748.

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.

NORMENDE ELECTRIC COOkER for sale. Four Ringed. Never Used. €250 Call 0862788551.

CHIMNEy & STOvE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094.

CHIMNE y CLEANER—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact - Cathal 087-2259799.

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>.

Na Piarsaigh/Bride’s girls are county champions

MAN IN A vAN—Furniture delivery & Removals. House, yard and garage clearances. Call Will on 085 8604048 For a competitive quote.

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.

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

fIfI’S ALTERATIONS—Longwalk S.C. (formerly A-Alterations) Tel 083 011 8728. Zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry Cleaning Service. Open Mon—Fri 9.30—5.30pm & Sat 10-2pm. 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.

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. LOCAL POwER wASHING—No job too big or too small. Patios, driveways, walls, also grass cutting & gutter cleaning. Contact James 089 9705466 for free quotation.

PAINTING & DECORATING—Interior & Exterior, Spray Painting & Hand Painted Kitchens, etc. All work carried out by professional Trades Men. Call Brian 087 7558506.

LANDSCAPING—Flower beds tided up, outdoor cleaning, patios, footpaths, walls, general property maintenance, exterior painting of fences, gates, walls, etc and decking cleaned. Dundalk & District. Tel. Jim 086 3818184.

GOLD ENGAGEMENT RING with four diamonds and gold watch lost around Dunnes Stores car park/ Dunnes Stores shop in the Marshes Shopping Centre Call Paul at 0869140697.

EASy-GOING country lad, mid 50s with GSOH seeks like-minded female companion late 40s/mid 50s with no ties. For walks/ talks and to share the simple things in life. Tel 0868220403.

THERE were celebrations aplenty last weekend for Na Piarsaigh/Blackrock ClG/St Brides amalgamation team as they came out on top in darver for the louth u15 camogie feile blitz.

Na Piarsaigh/Blackrock

ClG’s u15 team combined with St Brides to play four tightly contested matches against; St

Fechins, Mattock Rangers, St Kevin’s and Cooley. After some very impressive displays they emerged to face St Kevin’s in the hotly contested final.

After a tense final Na Piarsaigh/Blackrock ClG/St Brides girls pulled ahead and came out as victors! County champions!

The club thanked all teams

who they played for a wonderful day of camogie and to St Kevins for such a close matched and well played final. They also thanked the organisers for such a successful day, the coaches for their time and dedication but mostly to the girls who played so well as a team and represented both clubs and themselves so well.

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>.

TILER AvAILABLE—Experienced local tiler to carry out all types of tile work - marble, granite, porcelain. Indoors and out. Call 087-387-8995 for free quote.

SC TILING—Professional Tiler, Specialises in full bathroom refits. Top Class Work Guaranteed Call Shane 086 107 5080.

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.

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 8184827.

C ARPENTRy & JOINERy—Maintenance and repairs, roofing, 1st & 2nd fix carpentry, sash window repairs. No job too big or small. Contact Seandon Carpentry 087 298 5110.

POwER wASHING—Get ready for Spring/ Summer. Power washing of driveways/paving/walls. Competitive rates. Call Will on 085 8604048.

BUILDER & HOME MAINTAINENCE

Building, Woodwork, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling, Kitchen Refurbishments, Paving & Fencing. No job to big or too small. Tel. 087 295 2529.

PODIATRy/CHIROPODy treatment in the comfort of your own home. Ms. Dara McCoy, Bsc. Podiatry 0871924794.

PAINTER AvAILABLE—Keen rates, no job too small! Call 086 3848079.

DDS PAINTING & Decorating Services. Dundalk area. Internal and external painting and wallpapering. Free estimates within 12 hours. 10 years experience. Tel David 085 7308777.

REfLExOLOGy—Feeling stressed, tired, fed up and need an energy boost for the spring... try a reflexology treatment and reap the benefits. Contract Rosemarie 087 2058644.

SEMI-RETIRED PAINTER available (Internal & External). 30 Years experience, also power washing services, etc. Tel Dermot 087 2993660.

NON-SURGICAL HUMAN HAIR replacement system. Undetectable for those wishing to boost confidence and regain that younger look. Phone Dundalk 083 064 5859.

MAN wITH A vAN—Hedges, tree topping, painting, facia & Soffit, patios, concreting, garage clear-outs, outside taps. Call Kevin for a free & honest quote 089-4016728.

N. BROwNE BOOk-kEEPING—Providing a complete professional bookkeeping service for small to medium sized businesses and sole traders. Offering a wide range of accountancy services—Update and maintain financial records, Payroll, Income Tax, VAT, PAYE/PRSI. Please contact Nicola on 0860412388 or by email nbrownebookkeeping@gmail.com.

LADy wITH GIfT of Healing for Skin conditions, Eczema, Psoriasis, Chest problems, Asthma. 3 consecutive visits needed. For appointment please phone 087 7188450.

GET fIT the fun way and learn to dance, the Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Jive, now taking place in the Lisdoo, Dundalk Tuesday’s from 8pm—10pm, no partner required. Newly Wed first dance lessons and private lessons also available. Contact 086 357 3271 for further information.

fRENCH GRINDS available for Junior and Leaving cert, All levels. Individual and small group options. Tel 086 8723340.

DRUM LESSONS INCLUDING

BODHRAN—For adults & children aged 8 years upwards. One to one lessons. Phone 087 414 4228.

LOUTH COUNT y COUNCIL—FURTHER

INFORMATION. I, Eugene Devlin, intend to supply further information/ revised drawings for development at this site at the Castletown Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth for planning registry reference No. 22/458. That significant further information/ revised drawings in relation to the application has or have been furnished to the planning authority, and is or are available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the authority during its public opening hours, and a submission or observations in relation to the further information may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 not later than two weeks after receipt of this newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority. or, in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS/NIS, within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

Na Piarsaigh/Blackrock CLG combined with St Brides U-15 camogie team.

Gerry and Sandra Bowman – with Sandra’s image titled ‘The Journey’.

Gemma McGivern, Seán and Michele Kenny – with Seán’s image titled ‘Niamh’.

Billy Byrne – with his image titled ‘Sunset on the quay’.

Mary Capplis, Dara and Robert Duffy – with Robert’s image titled ‘Feminine Mystique’.

Lisa McArdle with her image titled ‘Middle of the Road’.

Derek and Ailbhe McDonnell enjoying the first exhibition presented by the Cuchulainn Camera Club in the Dundalk Library. Derek is also a member of the club.