Fingal News- Issue 28- Summer Edition

Everyone encouraged to Check the Register as Local Authorities begin update campaign

ANCA has published a report on the effectiveness of aircraft noise mitigation at Dublin Airport for 2022

Fingal TY girls celebrate a day of firsts as they meet Ireland’s World Cup heroes

Fantastic atmosphere at Fingal Sports Office Watch Party in Blanchardstown

Youth Sports Grant 2023

Get On Your Bike in Fingal!

End of Summer Cycle

Community Events

Fingal Inclusion Week 2023

Fingal’s new Climate Action Plan is on the way!

Your Food Waste = Valuable Resource or Harmful Climate Emissions

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Blas Fingal’s Food Heritage

The Write Time Festival 2023

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Winning name announced for the Howth Head kid goat Howth Maritime & Seafood Festival

Everyone encouraged to Check the Register as Local Authorities begin update campaign

Even if you’re already registered – check and confirm that your details are current and correct

The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, T.D., has called on electors and potential electors to engage with the latest Check the Register campaign.

The campaign aims to encourage everyone, including those already registered to vote, to go to checktheregister.ie and either confirm or update their details. In a year when there is a referendum promised and less than 12 months before we have local and European elections, Minister Noonan is encouraging everyone to act now to get ahead to ensure their information is correct. He said:

“Local authorities around the country are gearing up for a substantial body of work over the summer months to update the electoral register and further improve its accuracy but they can’t do it on their own. Even if we’re already on the register, we all have a part to play and we can do this by checking and either confirming or updating our information. Adding details including date of birth and PPSN allows local authorities to cross-check and confirm the information provided by each person, adding to the integrity of the process.

We can also let local authorities know about other changes needed, for example in relation to family members who are deceased and still on the register, I think we all know that it can be upsetting for a loved one to receive a polling card for someone no longer with us.”

A campaign run in November last yielded over 35,000 applications through the Check the Register website during the course of the campaign and a total of 76,000 to date. The Minister hopes that the simplicity of the process will see significant numbers of people

confirming or updating their information.

This campaign will see a national campaign roll out on broadcast, outdoor and digital channels. Local authorities will also undertake activities in their local area to encourage people to get their details up to date in advance of the opportunities to vote taking place in the year ahead.

“Voters across the country now have a simple and straightforward way of engaging with their local authority on the electoral register through checktheregister.ie. Those in the Dublin region can also use Voter.ie. The ability to engage online has been a game-changer in the registration process both for registration authorities and for the wider public. These changes give us a more accessible, flexible and modern system that’s simple and straightforward to use. It has never been easier or quicker for people to register to vote or update their details, or simply let the local authority know that their details are current and correct by adding their PPSN and date of birth, so that’s what we’re encouraging everyone to do today”.

ANCA has published a report on the effectiveness of aircraft noise mitigation at Dublin Airport for 2022

In 2022, ANCA defined a Noise Abatement Objective (NAO) for Dublin Airport. An NAO is a policy for managing the effects of aircraft noise emissions on the surrounding communities and environment at an airport. It is a plan to ensure that any growth at the airport occurs in the most sustainable manner possible. The NAO for Dublin Airport was defined by ANCA to ensure that aircraft noise is considered as part of the sustainable development of the airport. It has a clear policy objective set against measurable criteria and outcomes.

The airport authority for Dublin Airport (daa) is responsible for introducing and ensuring that airport users comply with noise mitigation measures in place at the airport. On an annual basis, ANCA has a remit to review the effectiveness of noise mitigation measures at Dublin Airport in achieving the NAO.

The specific outcomes to be achieved and an analysis of operational data is presented for the health impacts of aviation activity in this 2022 report. This review indicates that although the longer-term NAO required outcomes are lower than the 2019 baseline levels, one of the four NAO expected outcomes has not been achieved for the 2022 assessment year. The inventory of noise mitigation measures in place at Dublin Airport as submitted to ANCA by daa does not incorporate all noise mitigation measures contained within planning consents and does not reflect runway operations as they have been since August 2022. On foot of this review, it must be concluded that that the noise mitigation measures identified by daa and provided to ANCA (Appendix A) have not been effective in achieving the fourth NAO outcome within localised noise bands.

ANCA will take action, whether under Regulation (EU) 598/2014 or the Act of 2019, or both, to that will be effective towards achieving the noise abatement objective.

This report has been shared with daa and any proposals put forward by daa (by August 25th, 2023) to put in place effective measures to ensure that the outcomes of the NAO will be achieved, or interim targeted measures as may be required to mitigate the aircraft noise impact.

The review report can be accessed by clicking on this link

Fingal TY girls celebrate a day of firsts as they meet Ireland’s World Cup heroes

Fifty years after the first ever Ireland Women’s National Team took to the field against Wales, a trailblazing initiative between Fingal County Council and the Football Association of Ireland has been celebrated as the first cohort of Transition Year Girls met with the Republic of Ireland’s squad who made history with the country’s debut at a FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The meeting took place just before the Irish team embarked on their momentous journey to Australia, where they competed in their inaugural Women’s World Cup. The Girls in Green took a break from their hectic training schedule ahead of their international friendly at Tallaght Stadium against France.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, had expressed great pride and admiration for the students and their dedication to the sport: “Fingal has always been a hotbed of sporting talent, and we are incredibly proud to witness our young girls forging their paths in football. The TY Girls’ Football & Fitness Course is a testament to our ongoing efforts to nurture the talent we have across the County and to empower the youth of our community. We are thrilled that our students had the chance to meet Ireland’s Women’s National Team and before they set off on their historic World Cup journey. This experience will undoubtedly inspire and motivate our young athletes to aim high and pursue their dreams.”

The Fingal-FAI Transition Year (TY) Football & Fitness Course gives students an opportunity to sample full-time football training while also fulfilling their educational requirements and obtaining qualifications in coaching and fitness training. The programme promotes equality and inclusivity in sports and aims to achieve the same level of success and recognition as its male counterpart. The opportunity for these students to connect with their role models is an incredible milestone.

Ireland international player and Fingal native, Diane Caldwell, had expressed her support for the ground-breaking initiative: “As a player who has experienced the challenges and joys of playing football, meeting these passionate young players from Fingal has been a fantastic experience. It’s incredible to see the enthusiasm and dedication they bring to the game. I was once in their shoes, dreaming of representing my country, and it’s great to be able to offer them guidance. I wish them the very best of luck in their journey and hope to see them donning the green jersey someday.”

The TY course, a brainchild of Fingal’s forwardthinking Council in partnership with the FAI, marks a significant milestone in Ireland’s commitment to women’s football. The course aims to nurture young female talents, providing them with the necessary

tools, knowledge, and opportunities to excel in football alongside continuing their school education.

By facilitating encounters with accomplished athletes like the Ireland Women’s National Team, these students gain invaluable inspiration and insights into the world of elitelevel football. The TY programme commences in September and will be based at the worldclass Sport Ireland Campus and the FAI National Training Centre in Dublin 15.

Fantastic atmosphere at Fingal Sports Office Watch Party in Blanchardstown

Organised in partnership with Sport Ireland and Active Cities, Fingal County Council Sports Office were thrilled to host a World Cup Watch Party at the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown. The event saw for Ireland’s opening game against Australia! 1,500 people, attended the booked-out Ultimate Viewing Experience, including Mayor of Fingal Councillor Adrian Henchy and Australian Ambassador Gary Gray, in attendance.

The celebrations began with a parade of young supporters walking from Corduff to the Sports Ireland Indoor Arena. When the doors opened at 09:30 am, the venue became a sea of green with enthusiastic young families decked out in their Ireland colours. The match was viewed on three large screens with kick off at 11.00 am and there were plenty of other activities to entertain the younger audience including huge balloons and giant football/dartboard.

Although the result disappointed the nation, FM104 Strawberry Alarmclock DJ Crossy kept the community in high spirits, giving away two signed Irish jerseys to two lucky viewers, courtesy of the Fingal Sports Office which were presented by the Australian Ambassador. It was hard to pick the winner of the best dressed superfan as the event saw a wave of Irish green jerseys as everyone got into the spirit.

Youth Sports Grant 2023

Fingal County Council Sports Office in conjunction with Sport Ireland provide funding under the Youth Sports (Small Grant) Scheme. This scheme is open to Voluntary Sporting Organisations who have registered with the Fingal Community County Register( PPN), affiliated to a recognised NGB or disability organisation and are working with young people and based in the Fingal administrative area.

The Youth Sport (Small Grant) Scheme aims to assist existing clubs towards equipment purchase, referee/coaching fees etc., Applications that create a positive impact on participation levels, encourage diversity and integration and demonstrate sustainability within the club may have a greater chance for funding approval. This year we welcome applications from clubs that promote a circular economy (swap shop, equipment and gear exchange).

Successful clubs will be asked to acknowledge the funding through their social media channels.

Clubs who applied and were approved for Fingal Sports Equipment Funding in 2023 are not eligible for the Youth Sports Grant in 2023.

Closing date for applications is Friday 15th September 2023, 6pm.

Apply here: https://www.tfaforms.com/4831075

Get On Your Bike in Fingal!

There is no better time of year for you to get on your bike and get moving. Whether it’s a family weekend cycle along the Baldoyle to Portmarnock greenway, choosing a cycling commute one day a week or popping to the shops using pedal power, Fingal County Council has a service to support your needs.

Try our ecargo hire bike!

Located at Mountview Community Centre this ecargo bike is available to hire by the public and is perfect to get the shopping home, bring sports gear to training or even picking up a Facebook Marketplace find without the need for a car or van. The ecargo bike is battery assisted to help you along your way. Visit https://www.fingal.ie/ecargo to learn more.

You don’t need to own a bike to use one!

Tier and Bleeper bikes are available in locations across Fingal. These bike share services are app powered, affordable and convenient. If it’s been a while since you’ve been on a bike, why not try one out this week? Visit https://www.fingal.ie/activetravel/bikes to learn more.

Can’t cycle? Take a spin with Cycling Without Age.

With locations in Skerries, Santry and St. Catherines Park we welcome older people and those with limited mobility to feel the wind in your hair on a trip led by one of our volunteer pilots. This free of charge service is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and feeling of freedom that cycling brings. Visit https://www.fingal.ie/activetravel/mobility/cycling-without-age-fingal to learn more.

End of Summer Cycle

Join us for an End of Summer Cycle on August 26th at 1pm!

The relaxed cycle will be along the new Greenway Connection from Portmarnock into Baldoyle and as far out as Howth! We’re hoping to see cyclists of all ages attending. Ssee you there!

https://forms.office.com/e/ZDfmheQewS

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Hopping on a bike is something most kids take for granted, but for children with physical and intellectual disabilities the experience of cycling isn’t as simple. Some

children require additional guidance, a safer learning environment, help to develop the confidence to get cycling or access to adapted vehicles to accommodate physical needs.

The Active Travel unit has been running Learn 2 Cycle courses since 2022 and have now completed more than 20 courses in locations around Fingal. Children learn to cycle supervised and aided by trained instructors, along with their peers and have the chance to try out adapted cycles. It is a transformative opportunity for these brilliant kids who love having the chance to have fun while learning to cycle. Here are just a handful of our amazing course graduates! See https://www.fingal.ie/activetravel/mobility/learn2cycle for up-to-date information on upcoming courses. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

than 20 learn 2 cycle courses now completed

Community Events

Failte Isteach conversational English classes will recommence in Holywell Community Centre in September 2023. Classes which are run by volunteers, are informal spaces to practice and improve your language, and a place to meet new people living in your community. Classes take place on Monday from 10.00-12.00. For information contact Jacinta.lowndes@fingal.ie

Swords Circular Economy Workshops: A circular economy aims to keep products in use for as long as possible and avoid waste generation. A series of workshops, talks and walks will take place in Swords in the autumn covering topics such as Food Waste, Sustainable Gardening, Biodiversity and Clothes Upcycling, as well as local nature walks. Events will be posted on the Community Centres social media pages. For more information, please contact Jacinta at jacinta.lowndes@fingal.ie

Information Event for Older People: Sutton/Baldoyle

Following the success of information event for over people in Fingallians GAA Club, Swords earlier in the year, a similar event will take place Suttonians Rugby Club on Thursday 14th September 2023 (2.004.00pm).

National organisations and local groups will be available at stands to provide information on their services and activities for older people in the area. Organisations present will include, Age Friendly Ireland, Age Action, Alone, An Garda Siochana, Fingal Leader Partnership (Care & Repair), Fingal Community Development Office, Fingal Healthy Homes, Libraries, Sage Advocacy, plus many more. For further information contact Cathrina at Cathrina.murphy@fingal. ie

Fingal Inclusion Week 2023

As of August 18, the expression of interest for Fingal inclusion Week 2023 has been closed. We are thrilled with the numerous registration we’ve recieved and are excited about the incredible events that will take place during the week.

Your commitment to fostering inclusion and reducting social exclusion in Fingal is commendable and we are eagar to witness the postive impact of your contribution during this years Inclusion week which will be taking place from 13-19 November.

Thank you for being part of this meaningful initiative. Together, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant community in Fingal. We look forward to seeing you all at the events and activities!

Fingal’s new Climate Action Plan is on the way!

Fingal County Council’s Environment, Climate Action and Active Travel Department are preparing a Draft Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 (CAP). This Draft Plan continues the progress made through the Climate Change Action Plan 2019-2024, building on the successful outcomes and learnings from the first cycle.

The Draft Plan contains an exciting list of climate actions across six thematic areas including a Community Engagement theme which is a new addition to this CAP and reflects the Councils ambition for the Plan. The other thematic areas include Energy and Buildings, Transport, Flood Resilience, Nature-Based Solutions, Circular Economy and Resource Management. The Plan demonstrates Fingal’s continued commitment to climate action by proposing innovative climate adaptation and mitigation actions which the Council intends to take.

Four key targets have been identified for the Plan:

• 50% improvement in the Council’s energy efficiency by 2030;

• 51% reduction in the Council’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030;

• To make Dublin a climate resilient region, by reducing the impacts of future climate change-related events; and

• To actively engage and inform our communities on climate action.

An extensive public consultation process will begin in mid-September. The Council will host a series of public information events during this period to actively engage with and inform the public and other stakeholders of the proposed Plan. There will be an opportunity for the public to engage with the draft Plan during this process, and there will be an opportunity for feedback in the form of submissions during the consultation period.

Details of the public information events will be posted on Fingal’s social media in the coming weeks, and we strongly encourage you to take action and come along and have your say!

Your Food Waste = Valuable Resource or Harmful Climate Emissions

Food waste accounts for approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is a major contributor to climate change. This is a staggering figure. As well as causing greenhouse gas emissions, this costs households money, and is a waste of a valuable resource.

More than ever it’s so important to be aware of how to avoid and recycle food waste. Ireland’s retail culture is filled with multi-buys, like packs of fruit, meat or bread products. This can make it challenging to buy loose or buy food in the quantities we need, but there are increasingly more options if we look for, and request them.

Food Waste Prevention: Food waste in many cases comes from uneaten meals or leftovers. So what can we all do to reduce food waste in the first instance? We can purchase responsibly and remember to eat fresh foods first as they have a short shelf-life. If the portion is too big or there are too many items in a pack then we could freeze foods. Freezing is really convenient, especially when planning school or after-work dinners. After cooking a pot of stew or soup, it’s great to put some into the freezer for a rainy day. There’s nothing like taking out frozen summer berries in wintertime when making an apple tart, scones or a smoothie.

We can do better! There’s lots of recipes for leftovers like rice, bread and potatoes. Making a potato or rice salad, a grilled toastie with cheese, tomato and herbs can be delicious options. Keeping on top of food waste is a challenge, but preventing food waste is like getting a bargain! To learn more visit www. stopfoodwaste.ie Some of the food tips will surprise you!

Use the Brown Bin: Using your Brown Bin is the next best thing. This is absolutely essential. Food waste is an organic product, it is a

valuable natural resource and can be part of a bioeconomy. It can be composted to become a rich garden compost, a valuable fuel for growing plants and vegetables. All food waste can go into the brown bin, milk, fish, bones, meat, cheese, pasta, deserts, crisps, basically anything! The only exception is cooking oil (the bacteria can’t work with the oil).

What about Compost? The commercial composting process only takes a few days and it results in a beautiful rich compost. Backyard composting is just as effective, although it works a lot slower and is only used for raw vegetable and fruits. Both processes recycle food waste into compost.

This is where the other part of the picture emerges. As an alternative to peat compost for gardening and horticulture - we can ideally use compost from food waste. Restoring Irelands peatlands involves ceasing the use of peat. Peat in its natural environment as a wetland, stores and sequesters carbon. This is very important in the context of Climate Change. Gardeners and landscapers are swapping over to using peat-free compost which is available at your local garden centre.

Home-composting can be an option if you have the space though it does take a little effort and there are a few essentials- the bin should be located in a shaded spot, the food waste should be varied and needs to be mixed regularly in the compost bin, and it must be moist, so in the summer months it might need a drop of water. Be sure to exclude bindweed and ivy from all home-composting! Landscape waste like branches and grass cuttings can either go into your brown bin for collection, or into a large outdoor compost heap –separate from the food waste. Schools and community groups are actively composting – using wormeries for classroom food waste and leaf-mould cages in areas of high leaf fall. Both processes result in high-grade garden compost.

It’s very encouraging to see these kinds of climate actions popping up all around Fingal. Everyone can limit emissions by buying only what we need, reducing food waste, and switching to peat-free compost. For compost queries visit www.compostingireland.ie where you’ll find information leaflets, booklets and videos.

Blas Fingal’s Food Heritage

Sharing Food Memories

In Fingal we have strong tradition of horticultural, farming and fishing. Our food heritage encompasses everything from grandparent’s recipes, cooking and utensils, traditional ways of farming and fishing, to folklore, the famine, and fieldnames.

BLAS, Fingal’s Food Heritage project will explore, record and share traditions, attitudes, beliefs, and practices that surround how we produce and consume food and introduce different food traditions to new audiences.

As part of the project, we’re gathering food memories, photos, and recipes from the community to share on a digital map celebrating food heritage as part of our social history. If you have something to add please contact us at fingalfoodheritage@gmail.com

It could be the cake your nana baked or that you still remember the smell of, or the taste of the liver and onions your mother made you eat so you’d be full of iron. Picking fruit in summer or baking potatoes in winter. We all have food memories good (and bad) that tell us about our culture and traditions in Fingal and beyond. We’re trying to capture those memories and celebrate our food heritage as part of our social history. Please fill out the Fingal Food Memories Form and return to fingalfoodheritage@gmail.com

The Write Time Festival 2023

A Celebration of Creativity & Writing in Fingal

The Write Time Festival 2023 is packed with a range of events to inspire you to write: meet published, working authors, discover the craft of writing short stories and explore your options for getting published. We have a fantastic, diverse group of facilitators with most of the events taking place in your local library and some online via zoom. Workshops range from using art as inspiration, to beginning your novel, crafting memoir, submitting your writing to magazines and publications, and taking your idea from the abstract to a crafted piece of writing. In our ‘Words for Writers’ series, we have six amazing writers who will be sharing their creative writing process, their journey to publication, and the many challenges and supports they encountered along the way. We encourage you to sign up, come along and be inspired by people you meet, and the stories you hear at the many free events spread throughout the month of September.

The in person events can be booked by contacting the library hosting the event, and the online events by clicking the Eventbrite link or scanning the QR code.

View the Write Time Festival 2023 Brochure by clicking here.

Winning name announced for the Howth Head kid goat

With the competition now over, we would like to congratulate Bryan Dunne, winner of the competition for the suggested name, Talún. Bryan along with his family, including his mother, sister, nieces, and nephew were invited for a special photoshoot on Howth Head, where they had the opportunity to meet the named goat and enjoyed an unforgettable memory against the breathtaking scene of Dublin Bay. This experience allowed the family to witness firsthand the importance of preserving these magnificent goats and the stunning landscape they call home.

Fingal County Council and the Old Irish Goat Society are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the Howth Head Kid Goat Naming Competition. After weeks of anticipation and an exciting public voting phase, a name has been chosen with over 1,000 voting responses. Talún has emerged as the name the public is in favor.

The shortlisted names, Saorla, Talún, Fiáin, and Danu, were put forward for public vote, allowing individuals to choose the name they believed was most fitting for one of the newest additions to the Howth Head herd. It was Talún who emerged as the most popular choice, having captured the imagination of those taking part in the competition.

The formr Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony, said: “We would like to once again thank everyone who participated in helping to name our new kid goat. The level of enthusiastic engagement and passion that has been shown throughout this competition has been wonderful to see. I think it really highlights the importance many of you place on preserving Ireland’s natural heritage.”

“Talún perfectly reflects the bountiful year the goats had and their essential role in nurturing the land. The name embodies the natural beauty and vibrancy of Howth Head and the significant contribution of the Old Irish goats in maintaining its health and charm,” said Melissa Jeuken, Goat Herder for the Old Irish Goat Society.

For more information about the Howth Head Kid Goat Naming Competition

Howth Maritime & Seafood Festival 2023

Numbers

Fingal by Numbers

23

wellbeing seminars have been delivered this year with a total attendance of 1042 staff

128,237 175,000

The number of page views on fingal.ie during first three weeks in June

240

affordable housing applications have been submitted to date for those seeking to purchase a home at Hayestown, Rush

27

people attended the 7 astonishing nights at Malahide Castle Concerts in the month of June

37

writers were selected from nearly three hundred applicants for the Irish Writers Centre’s National Mentoring Programme

2,757

TIER bike trips were taken in the month of May beach lifeguards waere employed by Fingal County Council for the 2023 bathing season

417 tonnes

The amount of glass collected in Fingal for recycling to the 26th of June 2023