18,000 COPIES WEEKLY LCEB continue good work Page 13
Briege celebrates at surprise party Page 14
Can you identify people in photo? Page 20
€36k fine for use of illegal signs Wednesday 11th January, 2012. Vol. 5, Issue 2. 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Tel: 042 9320888 Fax: 042 9329676 Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com / advertising@dundalkleader.com
The owners of a Dundalk business have been fined a total of €36,000 after being convicted of offences arising from the erection of advertising signs The Dublin-based owners of the local fuel station were convicted at Dundalk District Court on Thursday January 5 in relation to nine offences and were also ordered to pay costs of €6,300. Economy Fuels Mount Brown Ltd were prosecuted by Louth County Council under Section 19 (1) of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 which covers advertisements placed on certain structures including road traffic information signs. There were two offences each committed on May 17, June 7 and June 15 last while individual offences
were recorded on May 19, 20 and 23. All of the offences occurred at Faughart Lower, Dundalk where the defendants operate a fuel service station. In addition to being fined €4,000 in respect of each of the nine offences, the company is also required to pay Louth County Council expenses and costs amounting to €6,300 in respect of the successful prosecutions. This leaves the company facing a total charge of €42,300. Economy Fuels Mount Brown Ltd based at Kilmainham, Dublin 8 were not represented before Judge Flann Brennan while the Louth County Council prosecution was led by Daniel O’Connell & Son Solicitors. See Page 14
Young Scientists get ready
Chiara Mischo and Marie Christina McManus from St Vincents who are taking part in the Young Scientist Exhibition
A number of local schools are taking part in this fying for the annual schools competition which year’s BT Young Scientists and Technology exhi- takes place today in the RDS in Dublin today bition with a number of students’ projects quali- (Wednesday). See Page 10
Small explosion heard during house fire
2
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
By Niamh Kirk
Fire services from Dundalk, Ardee and Dunleer battled to control a house fire at Castle Cosy, Castlebellingham over the weekend. The Fire Control Easter Region was contacted at 12.18 am and dispatched crews from all three areas to the house on the outskirts of the town.
At one point 23 people were working at once to contain the fire in the large two-storey building. Two men, both 30 years old, who saw the fire and made attempts to extinguish it were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. A small explosion was heard while the building was still on fire and during a search of the area the crews noticed
some ammunition, including bullets and grenades. The house, which was rented, was believed to contain military memorabilia. An Army Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team being asked to secure the area before the Fire crew could complete their work. They removed some items before declaring the area safe
again and allowed the fire Gardaí say the matter is that anyone who passed midnight contact Ardee crew to continue their work. still under investigation the house between the Garda Station at 041A fire crew from Dundalk and have requested hours of 10pm and 6853222. was later called back to the scene on Saturday afternoon to help cool down areas of building which had sustained extensive damage. The house was sealed off over the weekend as examinations by Gardai and Fire Services continued.
Sean Coburn, Pat McCreesh, Bridgid Coburn, Briege Kelly and Anne Magos at the 50th birthday party for Briege Kelly.
Hospital ward remains closed By Niamh Kirk
The HSE has not yet opened Louth County Hospital’s Ward 1 after closing it over the Christmas period. In November the HSE stated that any closures of wards in the hospital were merely a part of seasonal cutbacks and claimed that services would resume after the holiday period however one Ward has not yet reopened despite the HSE’s claims. In a recent statement spokesperson for the HSE said that over the
Christmas period they discharged a number of patients using the step-down and rehabilitation services in order to encourage them to spend time at home with families. Those who did remain in the hospital over Christmas were centralised into a number of wards for ‘safe and efficient services’ however it has been confirmed that ward was not yet reopened. The HSE were contacted to detail whether the ward would remain closed but had not responded by the time of publication.
Green light for Tesco filling station
Tesco Ireland has had it application granted for a new six island filling station on their planned site on the Dublin Road. The service station which will face the Stapleton Place and Dublin Rd area was applied for separately to the shopping complex which has already gotten the green light. The application was objected to by Maxol Ltd but an Bord Pleanala found that the objection was invalid and gave the new filling station the go-ahead. As well as the forecourt with six filling islands and canopy, which will have new underground storage tanks, the filling station will include a shop. Permission for a totem and advertising signage as well as access and egress provisions has also been granted. The development will tie into the developed site as a whole and the area will have a new road layout to accommodate the facility. However a spokesman for Tesco could not provide any time scale for the start of construction on the new complex stating “we are still in the post planning and pre-construction phase and will be getting the ball rolling once we have everything in place.”
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
3
Toxic sludge clean-up costs increase
4
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
By Niamh Kirk
Louth County Council has uncovered more toxic sludge dumped around the northern part of county Louth in the first few days of the New Year. The council say that the quantities have been small so far this year however if it is indicative of the trend for 2012 there will be more undoubtedly to come. Six IBCs in total were found in four locations January 1 to January 5, one at Major’s Hollow Roundabout, Doylesfort Road, Carrickarnon and another left in a field in Carnmore. The dumping of the toxic sludge that is bi-product of diesel laundering was a recurring problem
for the County Council through 2011. There was a record spend of €989,100 on clean up operations for the year. It is estimated that the sludge costs approximately €1000 per tonne to process and the volume has dramatically increased in the past number of years. 2009 saw 72 tonnes dumped in the county, followed by a significant jump in 2010 to 220 tonnes. The Council had 90 incidents of recovery and processing of the refuse to deal with during the year with over 80 25lt drums, 48 200lt drums and over 800 IBC’s found in the county. IBC is a one tonne plastic container that can hold 1,000 litres. They also had 48 tonnes of spill material to deal with.
Once discovered, it is the responsibility of the local authorities to ensure that waste is properly disposed of. They are required to transport the waste, repack it and send it on. The work requires specialist handling and disposal and the hazardous by-product is exported to facilities in Germany for treatment. Members of the Local authorities have called for a multi agency approach, including the Gardaí Síochána, the PSNI and the Criminal Assists Bureau, will be required to deal with illegal laundering and dumping. The approval of members for this multi-agency strategy is now being sought from the council’s members.
News
in Brief Playroom Project
Playroom Project @ Womens Aid Dundalk are now enrolling for morning and afternoon sessions for children. They offer playschool, preschool and afternoon sessions, and are enrolling for ECCE 2012. Phone 0429337202.
Beginning experience
A coping programme for widowed, separated and divorced will take place for six sessions from January 19. Inquiries contact Armagh Diocesan Pastoral Centre, 042-9336393.
ISPCC volunteeers
The organisers of the Nestling Project wish a happy New Year to all the older people and volunteers connected with the programme as they look forward to meeting with participants, sharing information, activities and social outings during 2012. The weekly social groups commence for 2012 as follows: Tuesday January 10 with both men’s groups in The Parlour of The Great Northern Haven. Wednesday January 11 and Thursday January 12 with both women’s groups in Lis na Dara. Monday January 16 heralds a new year for the Nestling Choral Group who have provided wonderful entertainment to date. Nestling volunteers began visits to older people in their homes form Monday January 9. Home visits in Omeath will recommence from Thursday January 12. For new members, enquiries or further information please contact Ann Marron at 042 9370360.
The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) is currently recruiting volunteers to assist us in their work in supporting children and parents in Louth and are holding Group Information & Interview Evenings in February. For further contact Mara O’Reilly via email moreilly@ispcc.ie or telephone 041-9810858 by Wednesday February 1. More information can be found on www.ispcc.ie.
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
5
6
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
Stolen iPod located in shop An iPod which was stolen from a car was subsequently identified at a local Cash Converter shop. Joe Dollard (20) of 16, Riverwell Close appeared before Dundalk Court on a charge relating to the stolen item, and also with being an occupant in a car which was stolen a week later in Dublin. Inspector Martin Beggy told that the two incidents occurred in June last year. He stated that a number of items were taken from a parked car which was broken into in the
Saltown Estate. The owner called to the Cash Converters shop at Church Street and saw an iPod which was taken from his car. Garda enquiries revealed that the iPod was handed into the shop by a man and there was CCTV footage showing this. The Inspector said a car stolen from the car park of the Jervis Street Shopping Centre on June 10 last year, was abandoned at the Newry Road and two people were seen alighting from it. CCTV footage placed the de-
fendant at the shopping centre car park. Defence solicitor Michelle Murphy said the defendant never came to the notice of Gardai. He bought the IPod for a price he should have been suspicious about. He had €40 in court to compensate the shop for its loss. The defendant joined the Civil Defence with the view to joining the Defence Forces, and asked the judge to consider an option other than a conviction which would affect his ability to join.
Winter Wonderland spreads Christmas festive cheer
News
in Brief
Chamber networking On Thursday February 2 Dundalk Chamber in conjunction with the Causeway Chamber of Commerce in Coleraine will host a free Cross Border Speed Networking Event. This event is sponsored by Eures Cross Border and will be held in the Lodge Hotel in Coleraine. A free bus will depart from Dundalk at 7am and arrive in Coleraine at 10am. If you want to travel by car and meet us in Coleraine.
xxxxx
The annual charity fundraiser held by Freda Hearty and the Dance Kids once again proved to be a hit over the festive period as they delighted audiences with their Christmas show ‘A Winter Wonderland’. The talented Dance Kids aged from just four years to 23 years danced and sang their hearts out when the show took to An Tàin Theatre stage and brought festive cheer to everyone who attended. Over the past number of years the group has raised over €125,000 for various charities all around the world. This year all their hard work paid off when proceeds from ‘A Winter
Wonderland’ raised €1000 for St Theresa’s Special Olympics Club. Once again Paudie Breen, Yvonne O’callaghan and the famous Dance Kids Daddies, David Minto, Eddie McArdle and Niall Farrelly made an appearance much to the audience’s delight, with an Irish reel and the Twelve days of Christmas, which had the audiences on their feet throughout. In addition to ‘A Winter Wonderland’, the Dance Kids also performed in the Marshes Shopping Centre to raise money for the Meals on Wheels organisation. raising €1,396.
Don’t leave your children home alone A Judge told a 38year-old father “it’s as simple as this: You can not leave your children alone and go for a walk in this country. It’s a breach of the law”. Judge Flann Brennan accepted though that it was a mis-understanding on his part when he went for a stroll near midnight and left three young children aged two, four and eight alone in their home.
But the Judge made it quite clear to the defendant that he could not do this again. He dismissed a prosecution under the Children’s Act after finding the facts proven. The case was adjourned to Dundalk Court on Wednesday after the Judge opted to seek a probation report after hearing the evidence in September regarding an incident on March 9 2010.
Places are limited and if you would like to book a free place please call me in Dundalk Chamber of Commerce on Tel: 042 9336343 or email brenda@dundalk.ie.
Martyn’s award Martyn Mulry audiologist with Hidden Hearing, Dublin Street, Dundalk has received one of the highest accolades in audiology, having graduated recently from the Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge with a Degree in Sciences in Hearing Aid Audiology. The course was undertaken as part of a continuous training programme which Hidden Hearing audiologists undertake.
Support group
The next meeting of the Parents Separated SupIt was stated Gardai port Group will take place were alerted and for an on January 24. hour couldn’t get an an- Those wishing on attendswer at the house as they ing the meetings should repeatedly knocked on confirm their intentions the windows and doors. with Val on 085 7303609.
The defendant said on the night in question his youngest child became ill and his wife decided to take him to hospital. He put the other children to bed and when they were asleep went for a stroll in the estate where they lived.
Meetings are every second Tuesday, donations in lieu of set charge for attendance from 7:30pm until 9pm, at Social Services Building, 15a Clanbrassil Street.Visit our website at :www.parentsseparated. org for details.
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
7
The CEO of Co. Louth VEC, Dr. Pádraig Kirk, has said that it is critical that the site for the new post-primary school earmarked for Dundalk
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
is given full and detailed consideration before its location is finalised. The Department of Education and Skills plan to establish a new
1,000 place post-primary school in the town by September 2014. “Our preference would be for up to a 20 acre site in the vicinity
of the town; a site of this size would allow for a large modern school building, a spacious and high quality sports gymnasium, a number of playing pitches and hard core activity areas, as well as for further expansion into the future when needed”. Dr. Kirk said that the VECs mapping of all of Dr Padraig Kirk the primary and postprimary schools in the highlights a concentration Dundalk catchment area of schools in the town
centre, with a small scattering of schools on the south side of the town, and very few to the north of the town. The CEO encouraged the public, and especially parents of prospective students for the new school, to log onto www. newschooldundalk.ie and make their views known on their preferred location for the new postprimary school.
Pete Treanor’s
Weekly Quiz
The Bible Who in the Old Testament, lost all his strength after a haircut? Rock and Pop Which American is nicknamed ‘The Boss’? Names What name is given to an unlicenced pub in Ireland? Television Who is referred to his wife as ‘She who must be obeyed’? Local In what Dundalk street was ‘The Bluestone Grill’? Movies James Finlayson is regarded as the third member of what vintage comedy act? Nature What name is given to the young of a kangaroo Literature
Which Shakespeare character killed his wife, Desdemona, in a fit of jealousy? Geography What calls itself ‘Music City USA’? Advertising Luke Kelly, Ronnie Drew and The Dubliners advertised what beer on television? This Week’s Stinker Which chain of shops, which has an outlet in Dundalk, sponsor the referees in the Scottish Premier League.
—this week’s answers— 1. Samson 2. Bruce Springsteen 3. Sheebeen 4. Horace Walpole 5. Roden Place 6. Laurel and Hardy 7. Joey 8. Othello 9. Nashville 10. Bass. Stinker – Specsavers.
Right site for school is critical 8
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
Man bought drugs to share with his friends A 30-year-old Dundalk man at whose address Gardai found €1,200 worth of cannabis, told the local court he was willing to do community service. John Mulligan of 60, Chapel Street was further remanded to May 23 for a report on his suitability to be prepared.
Inspector Martin Beggy told that Gardai carried out a search on April 8 last year, and the defendant admitted having the drugs found for sale or supply. The defendant had a previous clear record. Dermot Lavery solicitor, said the defendant hadn’t come under
notice since the date, and was very determined nothing like this would happen again. He bought the drugs to share with pals and got his own needs from what he did. From his instructions the defendant was no longer taking drugs.
Information night on bee-keeping
Ardee school best for decorations
The best dressed Christmas Trees don’t have to cost a fortune according to the pupils in Scoil Mhuire na Trócaire. The school entered Louth County Council’s annual Christmas Decoration Competition and won the top prize. All schools were invited to send in a maximum of six entries and Scoil Mhuire na Trócaire won five of the top prizes. The front hall of the school looks like Santa’s grotto crossed with the Toy Show as it houses an amazing number of fabulous decorations all made by the pupils from recycled materials. The school won the following prizes: Best Crib: Laura & Aisling came 3rd in Louth; Best Christmas Tree: 1st Prize won by Emma in Senior Infants and 3rd Prize was won by Abbie in Junior Infants; Best Rudolph: Lauren and Carol in 6th Class came 3rd; Overall Best Christmas Decoration in Co. Louth was won by sisters Ellen and Hannah.
House prices in Louth fall sharply
House prices in Co Louth fell sharply the further final quarter of 2011, one of the largest quarterly fall’s witnessed since house prices began to plummet. According to property website daft.ie the asking prices in the commuter counties dropped 8.5% in the final quarter of 2011 compared to a 3.1% drop the previous quarter. They say that the average fall for 2011 is as significant a drop as seen in previous years. Both global and domestic issues contributed to the unexpected drop; the increase in Stress Sale Auctions was an influential factor as banks and struggling developers attempted to off-load vacant properties. This led to other sellers having to drop their prices in turn in order to compete. Globally fears of the euro collapsing were a factor as people were dissuaded from taking on 25 to 30 year investments. Ronan Lyons from daft.ie commented “if you want a buyer straight away you need to be looking at dropping your price by up to 75% from its peak asking price, otherwise the drop is around the 54% mark. The increase in fear and pessimism in the latter part of 2011 was the main cause of the sudden drop.” Louth’s house prices on average are down 54.5% to €163,000 since their 2007 peak, an average drop of €195,000. The severe drop in asking prices has been put down to this but brings no comfort to those in negative equity but commentators are not so dispirited. “It is tempting to see larger house price falls as a bad thing and no doubt many, particularly those in negative equity, will see this dramatic fall in those terms. However, if the size of the correction in house prices is determined by fundamental factors, then it is better for the prices to race to the finishing line than crawl there.”
The County Louth Beekeepers Association, are hosting a free information night for beginners, or people thinking of keeping bees or are just interested in beekeeping. During the past few years more and more peo-
ple are taking an interest in beekeeping and do not know how to start. There will have experienced beekeepers (local people) there on the night to answer all questions regarding the keeping of bees.
9
For people wishing to take up beekeeping seriously, details of a training programme will be explained and the associated costs. People wishing to register as beekeepers the fee is €35. The meeting will be held on Thursday Janu-
ary 19 from 7pm to 9pm in Teagasc Centre, Dublin Road, Dundalk, next door to Meehan’s Garage, Dublin Road. For further Information visit www.louthbeekeepers. org or contact Tom Shaw at 086 236 1286.
10
Local students prepare for Young Scientist Exhibition Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
rne’s Paul By
on Conor Hughes
By Paul Byrne
Conor’s guises are the stuff of legend.
“I’m more someone else than myself” “I’m more someone else than myself” muses Conor Hughes, the Blackrock native who is part businessman, part musician and part charity fundraiser. Conor’s annual St Stephen’s Day fundraiser for his Cross Cause charity has become the stuff of legend and has seen him take on many different guises including Charlie Chaplain, a spaceman and even Thierry Henry’s infamous left hand. Conor dressed up as a giant hand and climbed a mock Eiffel Tower on Blackrock beach in 2009 in the wake of the infamous Henry handball against ireland. Conor founded the Cross Cause charity in 2003 after spending a couple of years trying to figure out how he could help out the disadvantaged of the world. “I always wanted to help out the underprivileged but the conundrum was how to distribute the money to the right people. In 1998 I went to Romania and I learnt an awful lot over there. I kept my silence and took in what I was seeing and decided that the orphans of Romania needed help. “I wasn’t entirely convinced that the money would reach the right people if we just sent it over there so myself and a few like minded people bought a wee house over there and gradually brought the orphans out of their terrible conditions and housed them”, explained Conor. “From that house we’ve extended four more blocks to it and we’d have 16 or 17 permanent residents. We also have a day centre were the poorest kids of the area can come every day for a hot shower and a meal. We’ve expanded to Ghana and Moldova now as well and we continue to grow as a charity”, he added. Although Conor’s charity work keeps him busy he sees himself primarily as a shopkeeper and is proud to carry on the family legacy which was started by his father Danny 60 years ago. “Dad started the shop in Blackrock probably about 60 years ago. He’d sell vegetables in the morning and ice cream in the afternoons. When I left school I was just messing about doing menial jobs and it just seemed like a nice thing to do to continue the shop and continue the legacy”, said Conor. “We started selling musical instruments about 20 years ago as I wanted the shop to be busy all year round rather than just the summer. I got the idea after seeing my mother drive to a woman’s clothes shop in Athboy. I realised then that if you had the right product then people would come. “I have to say that I absolutely love what I do. I love coming into the shop and meeting people and I suppose I love the place because it’s a building that personifies our family. “Loads of people come in just for a chat or just to hang out and I think a lot of people would miss the place if we ever shut down”, addedConor. Conor also plays in a band called “The Willing Fools” which he sees as a bit of a hobby but he says that they plan on going into the studio pretty soon to record an album. So all in all it’s a pretty hectic schedule for Conor but as he says himself, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
St Vincent’s secondary school are well represented in this year’s BT Young Scientists and Technology exhibition with no less than nine projects qualifying for the annual schools competition which takes place today in the RDS in Dublin today (Wednesday) That figure represents the highest in County Louth and the sixth highest overall for a school with a long and proud tradition in the Young Scientists exhibition. Under the watchful eyes of their science teachers Mr John White, Ms Ruth McArdle, Ms Laura McGrory and Miss Sarah Hunt the St Vincent pupils have
prepared a wide variety of projects which will be on display in Dublin today. Transition year students Chiara Mischo and Marie Christina McManus set out to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined woodchip and charcoal home-made filter in improving the drinking quality of raw slurry while 2nd years Amy Byrne, Sarah Callan and Megan Crilly investigated the different factors which cause the dreaded red eye so often found in photographs. Arthritic dogs were the subjects of Transition Year student Rachael Bothwell’s project as she used gait analysis to see how dog’s movements affected their bones.
Some of the St Vincents students who are taking part in the Young Scientist Exhibition
Health was at the fore of Aoife Tonna-Barthets project as she investigated the results of replacing salt from beefburgers with flax seed. Health
was also the theme of Sarah McAdam and Elizabeth Marcus’ experiment as they sought to find out if there really is any difference between artificial
Community mourns death of Gavin Sheelan Family and friends are mourning the death of local man, Gavin Sheelan, whose body was discovered five days after he went missing from his home. Gavin had last been seen at 8am January 3 at his home in Annaloughan and was reported missing soon after. An extensive search of the area commenced involving Gardai and Civil Gavin Sheelan Defence along with many friends and members of search resulted in the disthe local community. The covery of Gavin’s body on
Their entry is designed to innovate home heating and liquid heating systems. The project is harnessing the power of electromagnetic radiation to promote a more efficient means of heating water than the conventional heating elements. The method they have conceived has proven to be more cost effective than boiling a kettle or turning on your immersion heater.
Saturday. The 20-year-old is survived by his parents Gerry and Dolores, brother Patrick and sister Lauren. Many friends took to Facebook to express their condolences to Gavin and his family. He will be buried today in Lordship cemetery. Gavin’s family and Gardaí have thanked the public for their help and confirmed that they need no further assistance in the Anne Magos and Enda Kelly at the 50th party for Briege Kelly. See page 14 matter.
DLS Brothers to get Civic Reception By Paul Byrne
Dundalk Town Council will hold a civic reception for the De La Salle brothers on Tuesday evening (January 17) in recognition of their contribution to education in Dundalk. The Brothers left Dundalk last September ending a 112 year as-
initiative while Orla Shelley and Emma McShane studied the effects of different types of stimulants on the body.
Colaiste Ris duo look at News in Brief more efficient heating Bush and
The local area is also represented today by two pupils from Colaiste Ris, Michéal Cairns and Declan Byrne both Leaving certificate students who have made the finals in the technology category. Michéal and Declan were among 560 students who were picked from over 2000 entries this year. Both students are from the Castlebellingham area and both study Physics under Evan Markey in Coláiste Rís.
Micheal Cairns and Declan Byrne
sweeteners and ordinary sugar. Ciara Rafferty and Emily O’Reilly looked into the value of Dundalk’s recent age friendly
sociation with the town having started a school back in 1899. Cllr Eamonn O’Boyle a former teacher in the De La Salle college expressed his delight upon hearing a civic reception would be held in their honour. “I think it would have been remiss for us as a town council not to show our appreciation for the
De La Salle brothers. They made a huge contribution to this town and dedicated their lives educating children in this town” he stated. “They were educating people around this area even before education wasn’t free like it is today. I think that it’s wholly appropriate that we are honouring
them next Tuesday”, added Cllr O’Boyle. The De La Salle brothers started out over 300 years ago with the purpose of meeting the educational needs of young people, especially the poor. Today there are over 5000 people working in over 80 countries in schools around the world.
De La Salle entrants
The Bush Post Primary school will be represented by Deirdre Ruane McAteer, Orla Cull and Emma Shields, three transition year students who look into how partition has affected young people’s social attitude. According to their teacher Ms McMahon they have carried out extensive research regarding people’s attitudes on both sides of the border and are looking forward to the exhibition. De La Salle are also well represented with projects such as “Did you switch off the immersion?” and “The Fuel Source of a Greener Tomorrow” on show. Awards will be competed for and presented across a range of categories including, Best Individual or Group, Runner-up Individual and Runner -Up Group, Category Awards in Biological and Ecological Sciences, Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Social and Behavioural Sciences and Technology, BT Business of Science and Technology, Travel Awards, Special Awards, Rev Dr Tom Burke Bursary and the overall title of BT Young Scientist(s) of the Year.
Local Sinn Fein vote against property tax
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
By Paul Byrne
The three Sinn Fein representatives on Dundalk Town Council voted against the town council budget because of the inclusion of the property tax. Councillors Kevin Meenan and Harry Todd voted against the motion to pass the budget while Cllr Jennifer Greene abstained. Cllr Kevin Meenan
Cllr Kevin Meenan said that while he and his colleagues had the highest of respect for the members of the town council staff they would be voting against passing the budget. “We all respect the work that has been put in by the board and we appreciate that the members had an extremely difficult job in putting this budget together but unfortunate-
ly due to the property tax issue we will not be supporting this budget.” Sinn Fein recently described the Government’s decision to bring forward its plans to introduce a property tax as another attack on low and middle income earners. In total, nine councillors voted for the budget with two voting against and one abstention.
SONG looking for dancers SONG are delighted to announce that their production for March 2012 will be Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This Amateur Youth Production will take place from March 29 to April 1 in An Tain Theatre, Town Hall, Dundalk. Rehearsals are up and running and SONG. are looking for female dancers to join their cast. If you are aged 14 to 18 and wish to be part of this fabulous rock musical then dance auditions are taking place on Sunday January 15 at 11am, 2nd Floor, McGeough’s Bar and Restaurant, Dundalk.Anyone with queries regarding auditions can Some of the cast members who contact Terese Dunne @ 086 performed in the SONG productio Jekyll and Hyde n of 8963079 or email songdun-
11
12
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
Over to you Question: Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions this year
13
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
News
in Brief Green Party meeting
Kelly Joyce
Olive Kerby
I didn’t make any one resolution in particular but in general I plan on improving myself for the new year.
I don’t really bother with New Year’s Resolutions anymore. My philosophy in life is ‘Whatever will be, will be’.
At its December constituency group meeting held just before Christmas in Dundalk, members of the Louth Green Party described the budget measWhen you get to my age I’m off the drink and cigaI made one resolution this ures introduced earlier in you don’t bother your head rettes. I’m hopeful that I’ll year and that was to give the month as damaging with New Year’s Resolutions. be able to stay off them for up drinking. I’m going out to job prosects and damI’m too old at this stage to good. tonight though so I don’t aging to the environment be changing my lifestyle. think it’ll last very long! too. The meeting commended Cllr Ollan Herr and Dundalk Town Council on the ongoing work to make Dundalk a safe place to For 2012 the LCEB are cycle with the new cycle businesses in need of devel- successful business. LCEB has been financially also hopeful that they will network now being built. oping their online presence
Jack Casey
Kevin Casey
Emma Clarke
LCEB continue to work for new business By Niamh Kirk
In a year of economic depression Louth County Enterprise Board (LCEB) saw 2011 through with great success. The enterprise board’s end of year figures reveal a number of outstanding achievements by the local body whose prime objective is to encourage and stimulate entrepreneurship and nurture and develop the micro-enterprise sector in County Louth. LCEB awarded €400k in grant aid to 29 local start up businesses, a 46% success rate in applications. They also handed out 44 grants to Ronan Dennedy.
to progress their business and spent €200k in training and mentoring. Subsidised start your own business courses are also hosted in their Quay Street offices for general business as well as focused courses for those who are planning on entering the creative industries. These courses show how to set up a business or how to manage an existing one. In line with the area’s age awareness they also hosted their first start your own business course for the over 50s; bringing them up to speed on the new requirements for a
supporting small to medium enterprises since 1993 and conduct a review of them annually. This year’s review revealed that in the businesses they support there has been a steady increase in the number of employees taking on. Following an understandable drop in 2009, one hundred additional employees were taken on in supported businesses in 2010 and a further 44 in 2011. The Board is currently supporting businesses with a total of 1,105 full time equivalent employees and hope to see the number increase again in the coming year.
not see their budget cut by any significant degree for the coming year and are confident that they will be able to build on their successes to date. Ronan Dennedy said “this is the first port-of-call for anyone who is thinking of starting up their own business, there is a host of activities for people who want to get involved in developing a business coming up, starting really with Enterprise Week in March. We are continuing with most of the support activities we have been aiming to develop along with our support of non-Irish ethnic entrepreneurs”.
Playroom Project
Playroom Project @ Womens Aid Dundalk are now enrolling for morning and afternoon sessions for children. We offer playschool, preschool and afternoon sessions, we also are enrolling for ECCE 2012. Please phone 0429337202 for further information.
Got a Story?
We want to hear from you Phone: 0429320888 Email: editorial @dundalkleader.com
14
Fine for illegal signs
Girls had falling out in night club
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
Judge Flann Brennan agreed to deal with a case against two young women charged with assault causing harm arising from From page 1 what was described a “falling out” Speaking after the between girls in a night club. court case, Frank PenGarda Inspector Martin Beggy tony, Director of Serv- outlined that the two injured parices, Louth County Council, said it was an important issue from the local authority’s point of view. “We take the whole issue of unauthorised signage very seriously as it has both environmental and road safety implications given the distraction impact. “In this case, there was an element of ‘reOlive Reid from peat offending’ over a Dundalk and period from mid-May Leanna Cusack to mid-June and that from Ardee who contributed to the large were the winners of fine which relates to the Sixes Category in the Dundalk Badthe number of offences minton Tournament prosecuted. Ideally, we on Sunday night. would not need to be bringing this type of prosecution but where offences arise we will continue to use all of the relevant legislation to the fullest extent”, stated Mr Pentony.
ties did not sustain serious injury, and stated that the DPP consented to the charges being heard in the district court. The case against Emma Callan (26) 133, Castleross, Castletown Road and Katie Callan (21) 61, Oldbridge, Toberona was ad-
journed to April. Charges of assault against Jennifer Reilly (26) 45, Oldbridge, Toberona and Michelle Reilly (21) 46 Castleross arising from the incident on December 12 2010 at Silence Night Club, Ramparts were also put back to April.
Badminton winners
letter to the editor
Safe cycle lanes network Dear Editor, The safe cycle lane network which the Dundalk Town Council has commissioned will be up and running by April 2012. This cycle lane network will make the town a much better place to live in and to shop in. The Councillors and their staff deserve our appreciation for giving our locality a twenty-first century infrastructure. Liam Kieran Chair Dundalk Cycling Alliance, Sandymount Drive, Blackrock, Co. Louth.
Got a Story? We want to hear from you Phone: 0429320888 Email: editorial @dundalkleader.com
Briege Kelly’s 50th birthday party
Pat and Briege Kelly (centre) with
ll and Enda Briege Kelly and Niall Watters three of their children Allsun, Cona
Bridgid Coburn with her daughter Briege Kelly
Anne and Adam Magos with sons Tiarnan and Abban
Siadhal,
Assumpta, Eamonn, Amanda and Gerard O’Hare
Eugene Kelly, Sean Coburn, Niall Watters and Eugene and Alana Murphy Brea and Tessa Coburn with Anne Ryan
Sisters, Brid Mc Bride, Anne Clarke, Majella Murphy and Margaret Boyle
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
15
16
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
Appliances
Blinds
Blinds
Bathrooms
Builder
Couriers
Book-Keeping
Builder
17
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
Conservatories/Windows/Sunrooms
Garden Sheds
Electrical
Heating
Fuel
Home Insurance & Claims
House Maintainance
Locksmiths
18
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
Sliding Wardrobes
Windows
Skips
Apology after incident at Mass A 45 year-old man who caused a disturbance during Mass, offered a profuse apology to the priest involved. The incident at St Patrick’s Cathedral where he also shouted at people leaving the Mass was one of a series of public order offences for which Patrick McDonagh of 1, Ladywell Terrace, Dundalk appeared before Dundalk Court. He also was charged with the theft of a bottle of whiskey from a supermarket, and with being found very drunk in a garden of a house and with causing annoyance to shoppers. Evidence in regard to these and other offences where he was intoxicated on different dates in November and December last were outlined by Garda Inspector Martin Beggy. The Inspector said that McDonagh had 53 previous convictions, the majority in the last five years for breaches of public order. Solicitor Frank McDonnell said the defendant particularly regretted the Mass incident, explaining that the church was helpful and supportive to him. When sober the defendant presented as polite. He was given an opportunity over Christmas to stay out of trouble and took it. Judge Brennan adjourned the case for a report to May 23rd, stating he would be prepared to impose 200 hours of community service instead of ten months jail on the defendant.
Man found with quantity of drugs A 32-year-old man who was found in possession of ₏550 worth of cannabis herb was sentenced to 120 hours community service. Charges against Adam Kucharski for possession of the drug and also for sale or supply were adjourned in November last for a probation and welfare report to be prepared on him. The report was presented to Wednesday’s sitting of Dundalk Court. The case against the defendant resulted from a search carried out at his residence at 32, Block C, Tain Court in the town on February 15 last.
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
Cinderella in the Town Hall year. Under the careful direction of Robert Murphy who has Fresh from their hugely taken the role of director successful recent sell out and choreographer this year production of Oliver, the hard working Dundalk Musi- assisted by Sarah Carpenter the talented pair have been cal Society will this week putting the cast and chorus perform ‘Cinderella’ in the through their paces for the Tain Theatre in Dundalk. The show runs from Tuesday past couple of months with Geraldine Casey taking up January 10 until Sunday 15 the baton once again to with shows starting at 8pm make sure the singing is nightly and a 3pm matinee pitch perfect. on Saturday and Sunday. Speaking ahead of last The show will feature an all night’s opening show Dunsinging, all dancing chorus of ninety children and young dalk Musical Society’s secadults from the Dundalk Mu- retary and vice chairperson, sical Society who celebrated Phyllis Woods was looking forward to the first performtheir 60th anniversary last By Paul Byrne
ance of the show. “Everybody has worked extremely hard over the last couple of months and the actors and actresses have been rehearsing for four or five hours a week two or three days a week”, she explained. Pat Kelly helps wife Briege cut her 50th birthday cake at the weekend “The society is growing all the time and we always welcome anybody who would like to pop in and see what we do” Tickets are priced €12 for evening performances and €10 for matinees are now on sale from the box office at An Tain Theatre at the Town Hall call in or contact 042 9392919.
Stewart Agnew at The Spirit Store Dundalk sensation Stewart Agnew is set to take to the Spirit Store stage this coming Thursdsay January 19. Almost seven years since his last release Agnew’s 2011 album Hello Bright Spark received much acclaim and received the Hot press Album of the week upon its release with album reviewer Colm O’Hare describing it as “a highly impressive record”. The album was produced by Roger Bechirian who has worked with Elvis Costello, The Undertones and Bell X1. He worked with Agnew over 18 days in a Westmeath studio to complete the album. This outing to the Spirit Store is his first performance since his home town album launch back on October 7. The singer songwriter’s reputation as a captivating performer has spread since his performance at the year’s Electric Picnic and in particular since the release of Hello Bright Spark. Unlike many players in the genre, Agnew does not confine himself to the melancholy but swings between down beat and up tempo numbers like his single ‘Look How The Stars Turn On’ and ‘Candyfloss.’ As an artist and performer Agnew has matured since his first two albums, Tailor Made and Songs from the Gass Station. The album, and in-turn the performances are crafted with care and delivered with honest heart-felt emotion.
19
20
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012 Can you help identify anyone in this photo?
This photo was taken in late 1973 at a function held by the Dundalk Branch of Paralysis Fellowship of Ireland in the Imperial Hotel. Do you know anybody in the photo? If so please contact Brendan Moore of the Post Polio Support Group on 083 4036434.
Local film-maker requires extras for third production By Paul Byrne
Talented young Dundalk filmmaker James Mulholland is certainly not one for letting the grass grow under his feet. Hot on the heels of his critically acclaimed short films ‘Lose the booze’ and ‘What if’ the Cox’s Demesne man is about to start shooting his third film, entitled ‘My Father’s Son’. The latest production is a short film about John, a teenage boy living in a modern day working class estate with his mother and brother in a provincial Irish town. It deals with a few days in John’s life where he
finds out he might have more in common with his absent violent father than he thinks. James who wrote the script for the film will also produce and direct the short film which is being shot in Dundalk next week. The DKIT student is currently looking for extras to appear in the movie and anybody interested in taking part should contact James at jamesmulhollandfilm@gmail.com. “I’m looking for males and females between the ages of 15 and 17 for shooting on January 14 and 15. The extras will be asked to play young gang
PREMISES TO RENT/FOR SALE ATTENTION: BER’s now required for Better Energy Home Grants. For BER certification at affordable prices contact Robert Mulholland 087 6091906.www. louthber.ie Advertise your House/ Premises for rent or sale to 60,000 readers each week from €5 Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 9320888 ARTICLES / ITEMS FOR SALE BEDS & FURNITURE DIRECT. Beds, mattresses, wardrobes, chests, lockers, pine beds etc., also furniture removals call 086 8704908 anytime. Bed & Mattress Sale, beds from €99, mattress from €69. Massive range on show (free delivery) The Bed & Sofa Store, Northlink Retail Park, Dundalk 042 9320927 COLLON FURNITURE – Probably the most interesting shop in the North East. Arriving regularly: container loads of quality Dutch furniture. A wonderland of household furniture including leather & fabric suites, dressing tables, kitchen tables and chairs, pictures, mirrors, bedroom furniture. Open 364 days a yearyou’ll pick up a bargain at Main Street, Collon. Tel 041-98 26484. The only Dutch furniture shop in the North East. Sell it through a classified, only €5 for one week up to 20 words, Phone Dundalk Leader 042 9320888 Beds for Sale. Totally heavy solid pine beds. Brand new, super strong, rock solid bases, lifetime guarantee. Good deep super memory foam mattresses included. Everything brand new. Can deliver. €89. 086-820-8303 Dealgan Furniture (formerly Sofaland) Longwalk, Dundalk (inside The Paint Store), for a wide range of New & Used Bedroom, Dining room and Kitchen furniture. Suite reupholstery and furniture fixing service available Tel 0429329111 12 place setting dishwasher for sale, 2 years old and in perfect
members from the estate and anybody interested in being a part of the film should get in touch with me through email” said James. “As with the previous films I’m funding this one myself and I’m hoping to release it around March. After that I’ll be working on my first full feature ‘Ransom for me’ which I hope to have out by the end of the summer. I’ve done eight or nine rewrites for it and it took me months to get it right but I’m delighted with it now and I can’t wait to start shooting.” Along with his directorial work James is also a full time
working order, no reasonable offers refused Tel 087 9165242 CLASSES, COURSES & LESSONS Guitar Lessons Available Beginners Welcome – Contact Gerry Larkin 0871684260 CELTIC SCHOOL OF MOTORING. ADI approved driving instructor, dual controlled car, test routes covered, nervous pupils welcome. Motorcycle lessons also available. Contact Frank 089 425 8215 or 042 93 26148. www.celticschoolofmotoring.com Beginner Guitar Lessons. Adults and Children catered for. Dunleer / Togher area. Reasonable rates. Weeknights and weekend lessons. Contact Neil on 086-3818196 YOGA/MEDITATION Strengthen, tone, detox, de-stress. Beginners 16th Jan. Intermediates 17th Jan. 7.30 - 9.30pm. Six weeks €100. Also pregnancy, kids & private sessions. Yoga-Fox Studio. Call 087-9765153 Beginner guitar lessons only €8 per lesson. Weekdays/Evenings. Can provide guitar if needed. 086-2052108 ACCOUNTING: Leaving Cert Honours Accounting Grinds available. Grinds complete with typed questions, answers, notes, study guides & exam tips. Tel. 0872545359 Creative Kids 10 weekly art classes for 5 -12 years at Bridge St Studios, Classes will include Drawing, Painting, Print, Fabric & Fibre & Clay Modelling! Saturday 11.30am–12.30pm, Starting 14 Jan 2012, fee €100 call Sarah 0863499195 Creative Clay 10 weekly Classes at Bridge St Studios, Thurs 7.30pm – 9.30pm or Fri 10am—12am, Explore clay as a material, express yourself and produce a lasting piece! Starts- 26th Jan 2012 fee €195 to book call Sarah 086 3499195 Creative Clay for Kids 8 Weekly classes for 9-12years at Bridge Street Studios. Have fun in this 8 week set of hour and a half long ceramics classes. Saturday 1pm
college student in DKIT and has been juggling his studies with his film-making for the past year. “It’s definitely not easy trying to get everything done on time but I absolutely love what I do and I still get a buzz from the whole thing so I don’t mind being so busy all the time” insists James. “At the moment my main goals are to do well in my college exams and to shoot and release both ‘My Father’s Son’ and ‘Ransom for Me’. These are definitely exciting times for me.
- 2.30pm Starting 28th January 2012. Fee €120 call Sarah 086 3499195 YOGA CLASSES. Free Trial. Monday - 12 noon - Over 55’s class. Thursday 6pm Beginners. 7.15pm - General Classes. 8 Roden Place, Dundalk. Tel 0857347133. SPECIAL SERVICES HUGHIE MCELROY BUILDER All types of building work carried out. *House Maintenance & Renovations*Painting & Decorating*All PVC products supplied & fitted*Wall & Floor Tiling* Power washing of driveways & houses*Large & Small jobs*Free estimates.TEL:087 2602501. GERRY’S UPHOLSTERY SERVICE Suites/Antique furniture repaired and recovered. Better than new. 0860800788 Dundalk Bureau de Change – Best rates guaranteed – No commission – We buy and sell all major currencies – Electronic Bank Transfers – sterling and euro cheques – 8 Park St. (open 7 days 8am-11pm) & 4 Linenhall St (open MonSat) – call 042 9339922/9370101 –www. dundalkbureaudechange.com – accepting all major Credit and Debit cards. Dundalk Bureau de Change – Western Union money transfer – pay over 140 different bills – payzone/postpoint – stamps – pre-paid credit cards – phone top-ups – best rates guaranteed – no commission - 8 Park St. (open 7 days 8am-11pm) & 4 Linenhall St. (open MonSat) – call 042 9339922/9370101 –www. dundalkbureaudechange.com – accepting all major credit & debit cards PERFECT FIT ALTERATIONS - For all your sewing needs. For your convenience NOW OPEN on Avenue Road. 10% off for Slimming World members. Castletown Road: Tel: 042 9327837. Avenue Road: Tel: 042 9352348 HOUSEHOLD INSURANCE CLAIMS. All types of household insurance claims, fire damage, flood damage, water damage, shower leaks, break-ins, call our Insurance Helpline today for a free consultation, Lo-call 1890 247 911 or mobile 087 6487466
Kochani, W Nowym Roku chcielibyśmy życzyć Wam zdrowia, miłości, życzliwości wokół, sukcesów na każdej płaszczyźnie życia oraz spełnienia marzeń i tylko słonecznych dni. 30 grudnia 2012, w Shamrocku odbyło się rodzinne kolędowanie, wszystkim przybyłym dziękujemy za wspólną zabawę i śpiew, a Iwonie dodatkowo za jej gitare, akompaniament i wyrozumiałość, dzięki serdeczne! Z tego miejsca chcielibyśmy również podziekować wolentariuszom za zorganizowanie I Finału WOSP w Dundalk, w imieniu organizatorów raz jeszcze przeprosić za zmianę, w ostatniej chwili, miejsca imprezy oraz podziekować Wam za liczne przybycie do North End Bar, wspólne granie z pompą, zawziętą licytację oraz Wasze dobre serca i wsparcie akcji, która obchodziła w tym roku swoje 20te urodziny. W marcu 2012 po raz pierwszy w Dundalk w paradzie Św. Patryka zaprezentujemy się jako Polonia, z tej okazji przyjedzie do nas Młodzieżowy Zespół Pieśni i Tańca „Młody Toruń”; Wszystkie chętne rodziny, które chciałyby włączyć sie w to przedsięwzięcie i pomóc nam w
Chimney Cleaning, Inspection & Repair. Tel: Paul McArdle 042-933-2491or 087-666-0094. Email tribalky@yahoo. com Telephone Problems, Wires everywhere? Ring John (ex-Eircom) for all your needs, no job too small Tel 085 1234003 anytime. Looking for a unique gift? Create a personalised newspaper page to celebrate a special occasion - birthday, anniversary, birth, sporting success etc. Contact 086 3238328 www.frontpagenews.ie A VAN AND DRIVER available for furniture removal, also single items, 3 piece suites, cookers, fridges, washing machines. Day & night Tel 086 8704908 Computer callout service. Day, evening & weekend hours. Experienced and professional. Dundalk & Blackrock and surrounding areas. Call Oisín now on 086-8778361. Fully Qualified Mechanic available for MOT, servicing & Mechanical repairs. Renault specialist Tel Declan 0044 7749488859 A1 INSULATION All types of house maintenance. Renovations/Extensions/ Facia/Soffet Guttering Garden Fencing and Patios. Estimates free Tel Tom 0863961206 Advertise your service to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 9320888 We can distribute your leaflets from €65 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 9320888 Aerial, Satellite – TV, Freeview Freesat professional installations, repairs etc. Phone Eamonn Cooney 087267-1809, 7 Distillery Lane. Weddings 2012 Special at Peter Hughes Photography, Professional Wedding Photography, full coverage of wedding and 26 page picture story book album total price €750 phone 042 9333732 mob 087 2561161
zakwaterowaniu członków zespołu prosimy o jak najszybszy kontakt. Agnieszka Boniewicz 0857286736 lub angie_23@o2.pl/ simulpolonia@ o2.pl/ simulpolonia@gmail.com Z końcem stycznia wracają do Shamrock Pub Polskie Wieczory Klubowe, karnawałowa playlista już 27 stycznia, startujemy tradycyjnie o 20tej, kończymy tradycyjnie o 23.30 W ostatni piatek lutego natomiast muzyka na żywo, wszystko tradycyjnie przy polskim piwku, mając nadzieje, że będzie go starczało na dłużej. Więcej szczegółów na naszej stronie www.dundalk.pl W imieniu Simul Polonia Agnieszka Boniewicz.
Got a Story? We want to hear from you Ph: 042 932 0888 Email: editorial @dundalkleader.com
LAPTOP COMPUTER REPAIRS. Internet Set Ups, Broadband Set Ups, Security, Anti Virus Removals, Business & Home Networking. Collect & Return Service. Tel 042 9323419 Mob 087 6244151 GremlinBusters Computer Services, FREE fault diagnosis, no-fix/ no-fee, collect and return, experienced professional technicians, for very cheap service and repair rates call Paul on 086 885 7350 Wedding Photography. All day coverage, DVD with pictures €350. www. elmotions.com Tel: 086-4036942 Wall Paper Hanger available. Reasonable rates, excellent work. Phone: Tom 087-632-8292 Carpenter available. 25 years exp. All interior, exterior including kitchens, decking, doors, floors, etc. No job too small. Keenest prices. Quality finish assured. Call Des for free quote: 0876180150 CHIMNEY CLEANING SERVICE Dust Free Brush and Vac Reasonable rates. Phone Tommy 0857492555 McALOON UPHOLSTERY. All furniture recovered as new. 3 piece suites, dining chairs etc. Cushions & springs replaced. Tel: 087 2305941 / 041 9842974. MOBILE LASH & BROW SPECIALIST Brow shaping, lash and brow tinting all in your own home. Tel 0857343627 THAI MASSAGE - Traditional & Aromatherapy Thai Massage. Dunleer Area. 087-1707844 SITUATIONS WANTED Barber Available Full time/Part time or Saturdays. Call Sean on 0863946588. CHILDRENS ENTERTAINMENT Magician and Balloon Modeller available for all parties. Contact Odenni. 042-9372455 or 087-2473342. WORK WANTED RESPITE CARE WORKER - Need an experienced respite care worker? Flexible hours. Dundalk area. References available. Garda clearance. 0870955462.
PLANNING NOTICES Louth County Council, We, Kevin & Niamh Corcoran, intend to apply for planning permission for a dwelling house and associated site works at No 9 Hamilton Avenue, Blackrock, Co.Louth c/o McGahon Architects Ltd., 19 Jocelyn Street , Dundalk, Co. Louth. This planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. A submission or reservation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Louth County Council, We, Sean and Rosemary Gardiner intend to apply for planning permission for 2 No two storey houses and all associated site works at Coastguards, Blackrock, County Louth, c/o McGahon Architects Ltd, 19 Jocelyn Street, Dundalk. This planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy,attheofficesofLouthCountyCouncil from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
21
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
government to blame for FUEL PRICES Irish motorists suffered the year from hell for fuel prices in 2011 and as we start the new year the prospects are not good, according to the AA. European wholesale prices are rising as the weak Euro falls against the dollar. Demand for oil products looks flat in Europe because of weak growth forecasts but still prices are rising. “It may be illogical in a weak economy but European fuel prices are high.” Says Director of Policy ConorFaughnan. “European fuel is refined to very exacting specifications and in recent years refineries are complaining of very tight margins. Three European refineries are due to close
shortly because of credit problems*. The upshot for us is that between the unavoidable effects of international prices and the owngoal of super-taxes imposed by the Irish government it will be Irish drivers who pick up the tab.” Irish fuel prices closely track the world and European markets except when the Irish government adds more taxes. The AA has carried out a comparison of world oil prices, the Euro movements against the dollar and retail prices paid in Ireland. The data shows that despite many motorists’ suspicions the retail price in Ireland does suggest healthy price
competition but the State’s regular interventions are pushing prices ever higher. “Vast fortunes are made from fuel, no doubt about it.” Says Director of Policy Conor Faughnan. “However they are not being made by local garages in Ireland.” “2011 was the year of record high fuel prices for Ireland, in no small part due to the four consecutive fuel tax hikes, and frustration among many motorists reached fever pitch.” Says Conor Faughnan, Director of Policy, AA Ireland. “Time and again we’ve seen these frustrations directed towards Irish retailers, however what many people
don’t realize is that their profit margins on fuel are in fact very small. Local prices are essentially driven by two things – taxation and the price per barrel of oil.” In their study, AA Ireland map their monthly fuel index figures for both petrol and diesel against the average monthly price per barrel of Brent crude oil, in euro prices based on real time exchange rates since the beginning of 2008. The outcome of which is three near identical gradients which see a spike during April of this year when Brent reached $114 per barrel up from just $45 in January 2009. At the same
time, motorists in Ireland paid a record €1.53 and €1.46 respectively per litre of petrol and diesel equating to a 56% increase for both since the start of 2009. “ W h i l e there’s no way of accurately predict-
ing Brent crude oil prices for the year ahead, we can look at some elements of the equation.” Says Faughnan. “For example, OPEC have agreed to keep production levels unchanged for 2012 while demand for oil in China, the world’s
biggest importer of oil, is expected to grow by 6% during 2012. The performance of the dollar against other major world currencies is also another factor that will impact Irish fuel imports in the year ahead.” Examining
the effects of increased taxation on domestic fuel, AA Ireland identifies a slightly steeper gradients for petrol and diesel than Brent in correlation with the introduction of tax hikes such as Carbon Tax in December 2009.
22
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Jeep have announced details of their Grand Cherokee SRT8 and Grand Cherokee Overland Summit. Utilising Jeep’s Street and Racing Technology - this is the performance orientated Grand Cherokee –The SRT8 is powered by a new 6424cc petrol HEMI V8 and can sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, has a top speed of 160 mph, and brakes from 60-0 mph in just 116 feet. To help
you out at the petrol pumps the SRT8 features ‘Fuel Saver Technology’ which works by seamlessly alternating between a V4 mode when less power is needed, and a sporty V8 mode when more power is in demand. This optimises fuel economy when V8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability. We think you will still spend a lot of time at the pumps – but for the performance the
SRT8 offers it might just be worth it. The Overland Summit is the luxury model of the line-up – it features a 237 hp V6 CRD diesel engine producing 2987cc. The interior is very well appointed with a mixture of fine leather and wood unique to the Overland Summit including a black lower and saddle upper interior trim colour, along with saddle -coloured Nappa heated and ventilated leather
NEW QUATTRO
Audi have announced the Audi A1 quattro, a true blue blooded descendant of the original Quattro, although only left hand drive and limited to just 333 cars. Powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI engine and mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the
Audi A1 quattro delivers 256PS at 6,000rpm and produces 350Nm of torque between 2,500 and 4,500rpm with is enough to do 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and then onto a top speed 152mph. The All Wheel Drive A1 quattro will be available in the second
half of 2012 on main land Europe. Not only will it be AWD it will also be All White - finished exclusively in Glacier White metallic, complemented by 18-inch turbine design alloy wheels also in Glacier White and a high-gloss black roof. It will also
seats – with perforated inserts, accent piping and unique stitching – and Berber floor mats with black and chestnut accent binding. Standard equipment on the Overland Summit includes an Advanced Warning System and Adaptive Cruise Control group, which consists of Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-path detection systems. distinguish itself visually through an exclusive design for the front and rear bumpers, the grille and its frame, red painted ‘wings’ within the headlights, a large two-colour rear spoiler and two sizeable, 100-millimetre diameter polished exhaust tailpipes. At 3,987 millimetres in length, the A1 quattro is 33 millimetres longer than the ‘standard’ car on which it is based. It matches its counterparts for width and height, standing at 1,740 millimetres and 1,416 millimetres respectively. Luggage capacity is 210 litres with seats up rising to 860 litres with seats folded. Drool!
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012
23
24
Dundalk Leader 11th January 2012