Clondalkin News 13th June by Newsgroup

13th June 2022

HOSPITAL CHARGES SCRAPPED FOR CHILDREN The financial burden of children’s healthcare will be reduced for families across Dublin with the slashing of overnight and in-patient hospital charges, a local TD has said. The Government has approved legislation which will remove the existing statutory in-patient charge of €80 per night for all children under 16 years old across public hospitals. Deputy Emer

Higgins said “Fine Gael is focusing on reducing the burden on families with children in hospital, as we know there are huge logistical and financial costs for many parents. Having a child in hospital is traumatic and difficult both for the patient and their families, but we’re working hard to implement positive changes to help in these situations. “The removal of hospital

charges for all under 16 year olds will be a massive financial relief for parents across Dublin. This change, when implemented, will mean that cost should not be a major consideration for anyone when young people need medical care in hospitals including Tallaght and Crumlin,” said Deputy Emer Higgins. “Ultimately, this legislation will result in easier access,

affordability and better quality for healthcare for our children across Dublin. Fine Gael has been listening to parents of children in hospital and we’ve been campaigning for a number of supports to help these families - better coordination of hospital appointments, increased welfare supports.

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These also include the reform of the Care Allowance, which was recently introduced by my colleague Minister Heather Humphreys, as well as this announcement of the removal of hospital charges,” continued Higgins. “Our work is by no means over, and it won’t be when the legislation is enacted either. We will continue to work hard for parents with children in hospital. However, this new legislation is evidence that Fine Gael and the Government are removing barriers and reducing costs to ensure the best possible healthcare for our children,” concluded Emer Higgins.

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GRIFFEEN VALLEY PARK WETLAND SOD TURNING

On 26th of May the Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr. Peter Kavanagh and the Dún-Laoghaire Rathdown County An Cathaoirleach Cllr. Lettie McCarthy turned the sod in Griffeen Valley Park on the first of five Dublin Urban Rivers LIFE Project wetlands.

The Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council joined the Mayor and An Cathaoirleach to mark the beginning of this exciting phase of the project where the construction of the nature based wetlands will not only fulfil the objectives of the LIFE project but also objectives of the River Basin Management

Plan 2022–2027, Water Framework Directive, Climate Change Action Plan, Floods Directive, and draft Biodiversity Plan.

The Mayor noted that “this wetland and those planned for Kilnamanagh, Dodder Valley Park and Tymon Park will transform the areas in which they are located from uniform amenity grassland into vibrant, aesthetically pleasing, and dynamic habitats where biodiversity thrives year-round.” An Cathaoirleach confirmed that Dún-Laoghaire Rathdown “will be using the detailed roadmap the DURL Project is developing to create an ICW from start to

Published by: Newsgroup, Unit 3 Floor 2 St. Dominics Shopping Centre, St. Dominics Road, Tallaght, Dublin, D24 HK49. Titles: Tallaght News, Clondalkin News, Lucan News and Rathcoole & Saggart News Distributed by: Local Post Co. Contact Details: Website www.newsgroup.ie

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finish (including information on Planning, Engaging with Stakeholders, Design, Tenders and Construction). This roadmap will be a very useful too to help other local authorities construct their own ICW’s.” The construction of the wetlands will support the

DURL projects ongoing doorto-door assessment work, where the project team has assessed stormwater quality at 3,820 houses. Washing machines, kitchen sinks and dishwashers have been identified as the most common misconnected appliances, with the

wastewater from these appliances being discharged to the local river.

The reception at the doorstep has been overwhelmingly positive, with misconnection repairs ongoing and 76% repaired since the commencement of the door-to-door

work in May 2022. This demonstrates to the project team the public appetite for enhanced urban water quality and environmental improvement projects such as the LIFE project. Further information on the project is available at www. dublinriverlife.ie

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CALL FOR CABINET-STYLE OF LOCAL DEMOCRACY

A cabinet-style system of local democracy, akin to a parliamentary model, should be considered as an alternative by the Dublin Citizens’ Assembly on a directlyelected mayor, according to David Gardiner, Workers’ Party representative for Palmerstown-Fonthill. Gardiner explained: “In order to properly democratise our local authorities, the party or coalition with the most seats in a council should elect a cabinet to govern locally, not dissimilar to how the Dáil functions.” “This cabinet, composed of a mayor and vice-mayors with responsibility for the council’s various functions, would have the power to govern and could be held accountable by voters at the next local elections.” “At the moment, unelected and unaccountable Chief Executives ultimately decide what a council can and can’t do. We can’t vote these people out because they’re appointed by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. “By replacing the Chief Executive with a cabinet, we would be better positioned to hold the council accountable when election time comes around. This would be a major win for democracy on a local basis.” “For a council to function properly, it is better that the mayor, the head of that body, be a part of it rather than somebody outside of it. A mayor elected outside of the council could be completely at odds with councillors politically, leading to a political deadlock. This is why the Workers’ Party believes that a cabinet–style local government is preferable and more democratic.” ‘’However, for reform of local government to be truly effective, the introduction of a cabinet-style system must be part of a broader set of measures including the return of power to local authorities, including additional finance raising powers for local authorities, responsibility for childcare, education and other public services, as well as the introduction of a new Dublin regional authority governing the Greater Dublin Area.”

TALLAGHT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL TEAM WIN AWARD

The group are pictured with their trophy which they received as the inaugural winners of the National Sonogames Competition. The TUH Emergency Department Team represented Trinity College Dublin and the Hospital in the first national point of care ultrasound competition for medical students.

then qualify as doctors. These skills will help them to provide excellence in patient care. It was a pleasure training

Trinity Team Supersonic in the TUH ED team. Very well done to all the teams competing and looking forward to next

year already!’ Dr Victoria Meighan, Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Irish Committee for Emergency Medicine Training Ultrasound Lead.

The competition was held in the Mater Hospital in Dublin where medical student teams from the RCSI, UCD, UCC and UCL competed against one another demonstrating their technical skills, ability and knowledge of point of care ultrasound. The TUH Trinity supersonic team trained tirelessly within the team at TUH Emergency Department and were worthy winners of the trophy! ‘Training the students really helps them to learn and achieve competencies that will be so useful when

Pictured from left to right are medical students Sara Sotirakos, Claire Doherty, Niamh Dunne, Erin Visser, Dr. Victoria Meighan, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, National lead for ICEMT Ultrasound training and trainer for the Supersonic Team. In absentia is team member Siobhan Lee.

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TALLAGHT SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR RECEIVES SEI IMPACT AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE PROJECT

Tallaght based social entrepreneur Dr Francesca La Morgia, founder of Mother Tongues received the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Impact Award at an event in Dublin city centre recently. Mother Tongues creates and delivers training and informative resources in the areas of multiculturalism and bilingualism. Mother Tongues was one of five organisations to win a place on the SEI Impact Programme in August 2021 after the programme drew more than 110 applications from all corners of Ireland. In 2022 alone, Francesca and team have reached over 2,000 children and their families through their diverse programme of events based in Rua Red, South Dublin Arts Centre. The SEI Impact Programme is a nine-month accelerator programme that identifies high-potential social entrepreneurs and supports them through significant funding and mentoring, as

well as providing access to a network of support. The 2021-2022 Impact Awardees received training in areas such as fundraising, governance, leadership, and storytelling, in addition to €20,000 in direct, unrestricted funding. Commenting, CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Tim Griffiths said: “Over the past nine months, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has invested in, supported and grown five promising social entrepreneur-led organisations. We are hugely inspired by what the Impact Awardees are doing to improve people’s lives across Ireland.

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Men’s Sheds Association, FoodCloud, Grow Remote, jumpAgrade, Ó Cualann and The Shona Project. For

more information on the 2021-2022 Impact Awardees and the work of SEI, visit socialentrepreneurs.ie.

Social entrepreneurs are integral to spotting problems that might otherwise be hidden, and creating innovative solutions. We look forward to seeing what our Impact Awardees achieve next.” Since its foundation in 2004, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has supported more than

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SOUTH DUBLIN VOLUNTEERS TO BE AWARDED FREEDOM OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY The Honorary Freedom of South Dublin County is to be conferred on South Dublin Volunteer Centre in recognition of the outstanding work of their volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Elected members of South Dublin County Council agreed to honour the group on the 19th of May with the Mayor of South Dublin County, Councillor Peter Kavanagh, announcing the news at an event in the Round Tower, Clondalkin to honour individuals and community groups through South Dublin County. The Honorary Freedom of the County is the highest civic honour that can be bestowed upon an individual by South Dublin County Council. The honour is reserved for those who have made exceptional or unique contributions to the common good or to persons who have made outstanding

contributions Dublin County.

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The event in the Round Tower was organised by Mayor Kavanagh and South Dublin County Council to pay tribute to the spirit of volunteering in South Dublin County by recognising individuals or groups who have worked within their community during the pandemic. All elected members of the Council were invited to nominate a person, group or voluntary organisation to receive a token of recognition from the Mayor at the event. The Mayor of South Dublin County, Councillor Peter Kavanagh, said at the event that, “I am very proud that my colleagues in South Dublin County Council have agreed unanimously to confer the freedom of the county on our community volunteers. Their service to the nation

Pic Credit: Ben Ryan during the COVID-19 pandemic should be honoured, as should their

response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis. When Ireland called, the South Dublin

Community Volunteers answered, without hesitation, and I can think

of no more fitting reward than the Freedom of South Dublin County.”

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IMPROVEMENTS TO SUPPORTS FOR CARERS

Deputy Emer Higgins, has said that a series of improvements to the Government’s supports for carers are now in effect. “My colleague the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD is introducing changes to the means test for carers, the first such change in 14 years. This means that many more people in the community will now be eligible for the Carer’s Allowance. “The capital disregard for carers will increase from €20,000 to €50,000. Furthermore, the weekly income disregard for Carer’s Allowance will increase to €350 per week for single carers, and to €750 per week for a couple. “Separately, 26,598 carers in Dublin will be paid the annual Carer’s Support Grant. The annual grant of €1,850 was increased by Minister Humphreys in her first budget as Minister for Social Protection, in recognition of the vital role of carers and

the contribution they make to society. “It is available to all carers providing fulltime care to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions.

“It will be paid automatically to those who are receiving the Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and those on Domiciliary Care Allowance schemes. “Fine Gael is working to build stronger, safer communities. Carers make a hugely valuable contribution to local communities all across South Dublin and Fine Gael in Government will continue to ensure they are supported.” Commenting on the changes to the means test, Minister Humphreys said: “Since my appointment as Minister for Social Protection, I have listened closely to the views of carers the length and breadth of the country. “Our carers have endured a particularly difficult two and a half years, dealing

with extraordinary daily challenges posed by the pandemic. “I am therefore really pleased today to put into effect significant changes to the carer’s means test – the first such changes in 14 years. “From now, the amount of capital and savings that are

many carers currently on a reduced rate of payment due to means will now qualify for the full rate. “Equally, thousands of carers who may not have qualified for a payment at all up to this point will now be brought into the net. “I want to take this opportunity to

disregarded in the means assessment for carers will be increased from €20,000 to €50,000. “I am also increasing the weekly earnings disregard to €350 for a single person and to €750 a week for a couple. “These changes are significant and will mean

RAMS CONTINUE FUNDRAISING FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Recently was a very special day for the RAMS in Rhythm, who presented the 4 District Responders with a cheque for €1800, for the purchase of life saving equipment.

the defibrillator for the use of the community. This defibrillator is in situ at their shop in Newcastle. As part of South Dublin County Council, Bealtaine Celebrations, the RAMS also sang at the Pieta House fundraiser in Corkagh Park from 4 am until 6.30 am to the delight of the participants. They also entertained patients and staff of Peamount Hospital, and at the Mill Centre Clondalkin.

Making the presentation on behalf of the RAMS, were Chairman of RAMS Mr Paddy Becton and Musical Director Mr Liam O Donnell. Other members in attendance were Matt Dowling, Ciarán Dowling, Lorcan Ryan, Sean Keane, Jim Nolan, Amby Moloney. The RAMS in Rhythm fundraise for the purchase of a defibrillator, for the village of Newcastle Co Dublin. The RAMS in Rhythm sang at the Spar Supermarket Newcastle, and at Avoca Rathcoole, prior to Christmas. The RAMS in Rhythm sang, and performed, and the collection was done by the 4 District Responders. With the generosity of Brian & Karan Kelly, who purchased

The main recipients of the RAMS fundraising are Capuchin Fathers, St Vincent de Paul and Down Syndrome Kildare branch. The RAMS are very pleased to be performing again after such a trying time during lockdown. The RAMS in Rhythm will again be in Avoca Rathcoole, singing and entertaining patrons of Avoca, and fundraising for the Capuchin Day Care Centre.

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thank all carers in Ireland for the vital and valuable contribution you play in our society and in all our local communities. Your commitment and work in supporting those that need help and support is hugely important and is greatly appreciated.”

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AN GORTA MOR EXHIBITION OPENS AT NMI

An Gorta Mor Permanent Exhibition was opened by the CCIFV and the Director of the National Museum of Ireland Lynn Scarff on the 25th May 2022. An historic and great day for Ireland, for the Irish people home and abroad when the victims and exiles of The Great Hunger were honoured and commemorated with a permanent exhibition in the National Museum of Ireland in Collins Barracks. Michael Blanch of CCIFV commented “After a century of neglect and Famnesia by consecutive governments on this important part of Irish and global history, the greatest loss of life in our recorded existence. The victims and exiles day has come to find a permanent home and place in the NMI. The persistence and fortitude of Tallaght group CCIFV sixteen year campaign became a reality with the belief in a worthy cause for the innocents and exiles of their rightful place in the NMI. CCIFV would like to thank all those who helped on this trials and tribulations journey family, friends, the global Irish community Wherever the Green is Worn and the Tallaght News for many articles over the year’s informing the people and assisting in lifting a century of silence by State and Museum in acknowledging The Great Hunger with this permanent exhibition now open to the public”.

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RISING FOOD PRICES ‘ONLY THE LATEST PART OF THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS’

TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that every household across the state is seeing massive increases in costs across the board from electricity to rent to groceries, and that elected representatives cannot bury their heads in the sand and pretend that this will not make people’s lives completely unaffordable.

Speaking ahead of a recent Sinn Féin motion on rising food prices in the Dáil, Teachta Crowe said: “The cost of living crisis has gotten to a point that is bordering on catastrophic for many of my constituents and others living across the State. 62% of people feel they will have to cut back on food spending over the coming year. “Many people cannot afford rent. Increasingly they cannot afford to heat their homes and now they are finding it difficult to feed their children. “There are a great many

things this Government could do to lessen the burden on families and help them keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Irish people are sick and tired of hearing what Government cannot do. “Sinn Féin have put forward a whole range of workable solutions including putting a month’s rent back into renters’ pockets, reducing childcare fees by twothirds, and increasing the minimum wage and social welfare rates. “We are calling on the Government to immediately introduce a cost of living cash payment of €200 for every adult with an income less than €30,000 and €100 for every adult with an income between €30,000 and €60,000 as an emergency measure to help families in the short-term. “The cost of living is a runaway train at the minute. Almost every household expense is seeing

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massive increases at once. From electricity to rent to groceries. Government elected representatives cannot continue to bury our heads in the sand and pretend that this will not make people’s lives completely unaffordable.

“The €200 energy credit was only a drop in the ocean of what is required. Not that it even was €200 because the Government clawed back the VAT and left people with €176 worth of electricity. They couldn’t even follow through on that promise. “People are tired of this Government saying they understand the burdens families are facing and talking about examining their possible options. My constituents are tired of it because they know as well as I do that that means that there is neither immediate or long-term help coming. “We need a Government that will stand up for workers

and families. Sinn Féin could be that Government.

The establishment has proven time and again that

they’re just not interested in anyone but themselves.”

LUCAN CYCLING CLUB ARE RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS

Lucan Cycling Road Club are currently recruiting new members with an interest in racing, the club is keen to encourage those from 12 years of age upwards to join. The local club offers a comprehensive training programme including bike handling skills on a purpose built cycle track in Corkagh Park. And their leaders have years of experience in road cycling and racing and are willing to teach others and pass on our skills to equip to new racers with skills and confidence to take to the peleton. Our leaders are also Garda vetted. If anyone wants more information please contact lucanbeginners@gmail.com The club was formed in the mid eighties by Brian Hammond and Jimmy Stagg, of Stagg Cycles in Lucan Village. They are primarily a racing club but cater for all abilities having groups meeting in Lucan Village at 9.30 every Saturday

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CITYWEST AND SAGGART CNS OFFICIAL OPENING Citywest & Saggart Community National School, formally Scoil Niamh was established in 2012 by then principal Seamus Conboy (ETBI). The school opened alongside Citywest Educate Together. Since opening its doors in 2012, Citywest and Saggart CNS has grown to become an innovative and vibrant learning environment. The school now caters for 448 children from infants to 6th class and welcomed two classes of children with Autism in 2020. The school is now under the patronage/management of Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB. In 2019, the completion of the permanent school site was greeted with great joy and excitement, only to be overshadowed by the pending pandemic. However, following two years of restrictions, both school communities came together to celebrate and mark the official opening of a state of the art multidenominational campus in the Citywest area. “It was with great pleasure that following two years of waiting, we could mark the significance of this new campus. The two schools work very closely together to serve the local community and wished to celebrate together with the whole school communities” Michael Byrne, Principal of Citywest and Saggart CNS (DDLETB). It was a wonderful day and was attended by our CE Caitríona Murphy, Director of Schools Noel

Kelly, the Mayor of South Dublin Peter Kavanagh, members of the managing body for Citywest ETNS, both school communities and the wider Citywest and Saggart community. An Oak tree was planted as a symbol of strength, unity and community and a plaque unveiled between both schools. Attendees were entertained by the students of Citywest and Saggart CNS who sang and performed an original song written by a parent. The official event was followed an international food fair in the school hall and a family fun day on the grounds of the campus. Principal Michael Byrne and his team worked tirelessly to ensure the day was a huge success and a fitting celebration for the whole school community.

Noel Kelly, Director of School at DDLETB. Seamus Conboy, Former Principal of Citywest and Saggart CNS and now Director of Schools at ETB Ireland.

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SOD TURNED ON EXCITING EXPANSION TO TALLAGHT STADIUM

A sod-turning took place on Tuesday 7th June for the construction of a new fourth stand at Tallaght Stadium. As well as the new North Stand, the development includes major refurbishment work to the main stand corporate areas, which will result in an improved offering which

will have much-enhanced facilities for media and sporting fixtures as well as revamped conference and meeting room facilities. In addition, there will be improved fully accessible seating areas in the South Stand, as well as a changing places facility. The investment in Tallaght

Stadium is approximately €11.5 million with the works maintaining the stadium’s UEFA Category 4 status which will potentially allow the hosting of all European games including group games for the Champions League or Europa League. South Dublin County Council is making a substantial

investment in the Tallaght area, with major support from the Urban Regeneration Development Fund. The delivery of the North Stand at Tallaght Stadium and the opportunities it provides as an events venue will also compliment the current investment of over €80m in infrastructure projects underway in Tallaght, such as the delivery of a new Heritage Centre, the Tallaght Innovation Centre, which is now under construction, the Tallaght District Heating Scheme, as well as a major public realm enhancement programme for Tallaght Town Centre. Tallaght Stadium is home to the FAI Women’s national football team, the men’s under 21 football team and Shamrock Rovers and it has also hosted American football and other sports in

SHORTFALL IN ASD SECONDARY PLACES IN DUBLIN MID-WEST TD Mark Ward has called on the Government to address the shortfall in ASD secondary places in Dublin Mid-West. Teachta Ward met the newly formed Clondalkin Autism Parents Support Network who outlined the struggles they are facing in addressing their children’s educational needs. Teachta Ward said “I met with the newly formed Clondalkin Autism Parents Support Network this morning and I listened as they outlined the problems that they are facing in addressing their children’s educational needs. “They raised a number of issues with me including the lack of primary and secondary schools in their area. “They also informed me of the need for a special educational school in the Clondalkin area. “This is on top of the daily struggles as parents of children with additional needs in trying to access disability services.

“Children with ASD are been failed by both the Department of Health and the Department of Education “The parents asked me to talk about the lack of ASD secondary school places in Dublin Mid West “Information the groups received from the National Council for Special Education tells me that we currently have 17 primary schools with 29 ASD classes in our area. “That’s a total of 174 children in ASD primary school classes. “We have 5 secondary schools with 1.5 ASD classes that will accommodate 45 children. “Simple maths tells me that putting 174 children into 45 places simply does not go. “Whilst there are nowhere near enough ASD primary school places there is a complete lack of ASD secondary places and this is creating a bottleneck. “ I raised this matter with the Tainiste last week and called on him to provide an immediate solution

recent years. South Dublin County Council also intends to use the stadium as an events venue and will be looking to host concerts and other large scale events in the coming years.

The development of the new North Stand, which will hold over 2,000 spectators, will allow for an increase in the spectator capacity to over 10,000, up from the current capacity of 8,000. The new North Stand has been architecturally designed to the highest possible standard with the undercroft of the stand containing new offices, part of which Shamrock Rovers will occupy. It is anticipated that the expansion works will be completed by the end of July 2023. The Mayor of South Dublin County, Councillor Peter Kavanagh, said, “I am delighted to turn the sod on the new stand at Tallaght

Stadium this morning. I want to commend the staff in the Council for what they have achieved in the past number of years with the development of the stadium. I know there are very exciting plans to develop the stadium for events in the coming years and I look forward to the continued success of Tallaght Stadium as a focal point for the entire County.” Jason Frehill, Director of Economic Enterprise and Tourism Development at South Dublin County Council added, “The addition of the fourth stand to complete the stadium is proof of South Dublin County Council’s commitment to attracting local, national and international visitors to Tallaght. This substantial investment is a milestone in promoting the entire County as a hub for sports and entertainment tourism.”

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HOMELESS NUMBERS UP 24% IN DUBLIN

TD for Dublin Mid-West, Eoin Ó Broin has called on government to take urgent action as the number of people experiencing homelessness in Dublin has reached 7,200. Figures from the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive show the situation in Dublin is deteriorating. At the end of April 2022, there were 956 families in emergency accommodation

– this is an increase of 55 compared to March 2022, and an increase of 257 when compared with the same period in 2021. For each single adult that left emergency accommodation to a tenancy in April, nearly 4 single adults entered emergency accommodation.

40 single adults exited to tenancies in April 2022 compared to 139 in April 2021. The number of

single adults presenting as homeless and using emergency accommodation for the first time was 165 in April 2022. This is an increase of 28 compared to the same period last year.

Speaking recently, Deputy Ó Broin said: “We are once again at record levels of homelessness. This is entirely an effect of the government’s actions. The private rental sector is

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shrinking every month, and the government refuses to take appropriate action to mitigate this and hence stop the mass evictions that we are seeing here” “Sinn Féin, and a number of NGOs have called on the government to allow councils to buy rental properties where HAP or RAS tenants have an eviction notice, to prevent the family becoming homeless.”

“The government must also take action to progress the Simon Communities

(Homeless Prevention) Bill, which was passed by the Dáil late last year.” With regard to long term homelessness in the Dublin region, the numbers continue to remain alarmingly high. 155 families have been in emergency accommodation for 2 years or more, while 552 single adults have been in homelessness for 2 years or more. “These are real solutions that could have a positive effect on the numbers we are seeing here” “Homelessness

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Our valued customers like you have become well known friends over these 36 years. You rely on our honesty and our personal experiences to guide and advise you for your occasions that we call ‘’holidays’’. We know you, we know what you like and, we know what you expect from your local travel agent. We deliver always – And that’s why you come back to us every single year and that.. is why we are Irelands multi award-winning travel agent - Voted by you! Our in store travel

Paralympic swimming gold medallist Ellen Keane has partnered with the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC) as an ambassador to support their ‘Get In the Sea for the CRC’ swimming challenge campaign. Ellen is asking people from around the country to participate in the swim challenge and help to raise vital funds for CRC services, as well as helping to spread awareness about disabilities. The sea swim challenge commences on the 1st of July 2022 and encourages participants to do 10 swims in the month of July, all the while helping to raise funds. The CRC is hoping to have 300 swimmers and raise €50,000 for its vital supports and services that are helping to support people with disabilities and their families and carers right across the country. The ‘Get in the Sea for the CRC’ swimming challenge is a fun filled event which allows participants to swim at their own leisure, when and where they wish, throughout the month of July. You can swim with your family, friends, neighbours, your local swim club, on your own or even with your dog. Swim in the sea, the swimming pool or perhaps a local spot! For more information see www.crc.ie.

is rising across Dublin and throughout the country, but it is preventable. If we act now and take the right decisions , we can halt and reverse this trend. But, it will take the Minister acting urgently. So far in his tenure, such kind of action doesn’t seem to be within the Minister’s vocabulary. His focus seems to be consumed with developer lead strategies such as Croí Conaithe, which will push more people into precarious living conditions”

experts are on hand to assist on all your travel needs from your mini city breaks, sports events, family holidays and those special celebration multi generational holidays, the list is endless and we are here to make the dreams a reality and you can rest assured your in safe hands with your local 5 star Trustpilot fully licensed and bonded travel agent that is Cassidy Travel. Don’t forget to sign up at your local store for our super special deals so you never miss out!

Visit your local Cassidy Travel in Tallaght in the Square where our in house experts are there to assist you or phone 01 4629100 or www.cassidytravel.ie for all your travel needs.’’

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13% JOBS GROWTH IN DUBLIN

Jobs figures published by the CSO show that employment has increased 13% in Dublin, with a record level of employment reached nationally, with 2.5m people now at work, a Dublin Senator has said. Senator Mary Seery Kearney was speaking after the publication of the Quarter 1 2022 Labour Force Survey published by the Central Statistics Office recently. Senator Seery Kearney said, “Fine Gael has always prioritised job creation, and it is great to see that employment now stands at 2,505,800 million, in excess of the 2.5 million target set by the Government, ahead of that target date of 2024. “In the wake of the Covid pandemic, the Government put a real focus on job creation to help get the economy back on its feet, just as Fine Gael did in the wake of the economic crash a decade ago.

“275,200 jobs were created in the year to Q1 2022. Female participation is at a record high and youth unemployment is at a record low. “Fine Gael is working to build stronger safer communities and job creation across the country is crucial to

that. It supports the regeneration of our towns and villages and revitalises our local communities. “So it is particularly good to see that all regions have registered job growth. Employment outside of Dublin increased by 187,400 in the year to Q1 2022 (+ 12 percent).”, Seery Kearney concluded. The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, said: “We now have more people employed in the country than at any other point in the history of the state. That is remarkable. “Throughout the pandemic, we did our best to help businesses survive and hold onto their staff, so that when things opened up they could reopen and thrive. We set a goal to have 2.5m people at work by 2024 and thanks to the incredible fortitude of Irish businesses, their staff, families and communities, we have now exceeded that goal, with 2,505,800 people at work today. “There has been jobs growth across all regions with the highest increases in the South West and South East, while female labour market participation is

at a record high and the youth unemployment rate is at a record low. “Our aim is to create good quality, secure jobs and to make sure work pays. I’m working on five new workers rights this year, including introducing mandatory sick pay, in addition to moving to a living wage starting next year, and auto enrolment so everyone who’s working has an occupational pension in addition to the state pension, starting in 2023. “I know these numbers do not reflect the lived reality of some, and that many are still struggling and worried about the future. We continue to work hard to provide people with opportunities for good, sustainable jobs in every part of the country for anyone that wants one. “We’re making available 50,000 reskilling and upskilling courses through our Recovery Plan, to help move to a more digital and climate resilient economy. We recognise that many of our small businesses are still trying to get back on their feet after a really tough few years and will continue to help them and we are working hard to continue to attract the very best multinational investment to all parts of Ireland.”

Dominican Retreat Centre Tallaght Village, Dublin 24, D24 KA40 Tel: 01 404 8189 and 01 404 8123 Housekeeping staff needed for immediate start in the Dominican Retreat House, Tallaght. 15 Hours per week, including some evenings/weekends; must be fully flexible. Please forward CV to dominicanretreats@gmail.com for the attention of Anita Kenny or contact 01 404 8189 / 01404 8123

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OVER 350 SECOND LEVEL STUDENTS ATTEND PRESTIGIOUS SCIENCE COMPETITION

Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) was delighted to host three SciFest competitions for secondary school pupils in May. The events, which took place on the Blanchardstown, Tallaght and Grangegorman campuses of TU Dublin, saw 166 projects exhibited by pupils from the junior and senior cycle of secondary schools in Dublin and neighbouring counties. SciFest is an all-island STEM initiative which fosters active, collaborative and inquiry-based learning among second-level students. The programme operates throughout the school year and, being locally and regionally based and free-to-enter, is highly inclusive and accessible.

Winners from each regional STEM fair will go on to compete in a National Final in November. In addition, winners from the national final will compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in America and the Hong Kong Global Youth Science and Technology Bowl (GYSTB), attend the Long Night of Science in Berlin and participate in the Broadcom MASTERS International Programme in America. The SciFest

programme is funded primarily by Intel Ireland and Boston Scientific. Best Project Award Winner on the Tallaght Campus was Maura Moore-McCune from The King’s Hospital.

Following two years of online competitions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the University was again able to host the event on its campuses in Blanchardstown and Tallaght, and for the first time following the move from Kevin Street, SciFest was hosted on the Grangegorman campus. This year was the seventeenth year in which TU Dublin (or a legacy institution) hosted SciFest, with the first SciFest competition on the University’s Tallaght Campus in 2006. Commenting upon this year’s event, the local coordinator in Tallaght, Dr Brian Murray, remarked that “SciFfest is an extremely important event for TU Dublin and for our community. It is an honour for us to welcome so many young people to our campus for the day. This year, we were especially pleased to welcome a number of students who have recently arrived in Ireland from Ukraine”. In addition to providing an exhibition of projects from

Cllr. Charlie O’Connor PC Living in Tallaght ...Working for Tallaght

ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO MY CONSTITUENTS.

Living in Tallaght ... Working for Tallaght email charlie.oconnorff@gmail.com mobile 087 2982079 The Fianna Fail Team is Barry Andrews M.E.P, John Lahart TD, Cllrs Yvonne Collins, Teresa Costello, Emma Murphy, Charlie O’Connor & Deirdre O’Donovan

secondary student pupils, the events allow pupils to engage with professional scientists from TU Dublin and elsewhere and develop their knowledge of science and careers in STEM areas (Science, Technology, Engineering Mathematics). The local coordinator on the Blanchardstown campus, Laura Corry, commented that “Learning about the importance of science in all our lives, and in the future of our planet is a central objective for SciFest – our special guest – Scientific Sue ensured all of this year’s participants left the event excited about their future engagement with the sciences.” Each of the three SciFest events awarded a Best Project award as well as a range of additional category awards and special topic awards. The three Best Project award winners are listed below, all of whom will go forward to the national final in November. The local coordinator on the Grangegorman Campus of TU Dublin, Dr Ciaran O’Leary, remarked, concerning the awards that “While it is a great honour for the students and teachers involved to be selected as winners of awards, everyone who participates has a huge amount to gain from SciFest, by visiting our University campus, meeting our Scientists and working with each other to solve real problems.” Commenting on the SciFest@ TU Dublin regional STEM fairs, Sheila Porter, SciFest Founder and CEO, said: “As we mark the 17th year of SciFest, more than 80,000 students have participated in the programme to date, and we are sure that 2022 will be another stellar year for projects in science, technology, engineering and maths. SciFest gives students an excellent opportunity to develop their interest in STEM and in inquiry-based approaches to learning, while developing their creative and problemsolving skills and learning to work in a team.”

IRISH LANGUAGE SUMMER CAMP IN TALLAGHT DATE: 4th - 8th July TIME: 10am - 2.30pm PLACE: Coláiste de hÍde, Tallaght AGE GROUP: 7 - 12 years COST: €60 per child Activities:

• Ciorcal Comhrá (Irish Language • Conversation Circle) • Practical Workshops • Arts & Crafts • Treasure Hunts

• Sport and exercise • Treasure Hunts • Music and Dancing • Day Trip • …And lots more

For more information or to register your child for the camp, visit Ógras’ website www.ogras.ie or contact Amie at laighean@ogras.ie

CAMPA SAMHRADH GAEILGE I DTAMHLACHT Dáta: 4-8 July Am: 10am-2.30pm Áit: Coláiste de hÍde, Tallaght Aois: 7-12 years Costas: €60 per child Imeachtaí :

• Ciorcal Comhrá (Irish Language Conversation Circle) • Ceardlanna • Ealaín • Tóraíocht Taisce

• Spórt agus aclaíocht • Ceol agus damhsa • Turas lae • …Neart eile

Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil nó chun do páiste a chlárú don campa téigh go www.ogras.ie nó déan teagmháil le Amie laighean@ogras.ie

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MOTORING LIFE

WITH

New Ford Kuga PHEV – Electrify Your Drive By Breda Corrigan The all-new, third-generation Ford Kuga SUV offers the most electrified powertrain options of any Ford, improving efficiency by up to 30 per cent. The new Kuga is now available as a petrol/electric Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and a Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle (FHEV) for the first time, and it lets drivers choose when and how to deploy battery power, while 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbo-diesel engines are also offered. Introducing a sleek new exterior design, with premium proportions for improved roominess and comfort, the new Kuga also adds sophisticated infotainment and connectivity technologies to the mix. Global Architecture; The new Kuga is based on Ford’s new global front-wheel drive flexible architecture that supports improved aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency, and helps reduce the Kuga’s weight by up to 80kg when compared to the previous generation. This new architecture is designed to enhance crash perfomance and contributes to the Kuga’s Euro NCAP 5-star safety rating, while 10 per cent more torsional stiffness leads to improved driving dynamics. Low Running Costs; Powered by a comparatively large 2.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor fed by a 14.4kWh battery, the Kuga PHEV promises low running costs and the ability to be driven for up to 64km’s on electric power alone. Drivers looking to run the Kuga PHEV as a company car will make the biggest savings, as its low emissions (just 32g/km) give it an appealing Benefit in Kind (BIK) tax rating. Being able to charge the Kuga PHEV from an EV Home Wallbox charger really makes sense, as the charging process is effortless, and an empty battery

can be fully charged in as little as three and a half hours. Presently, an SEAI home charger grant of up to €600 is available for private customers, resulting in a cost to the customer of around €300 – depending on the type of charger chosen. Other plugin charging options include those found at public charging stations, with an everincreasing number of locations around the island of Ireland, or at home (or work) by way of a domestic 230V electrical socket. However, the latter process will take the longest time to charge the Kuga’s battery (approximately 6 hours for a full charge), but it is an option that will appeal to a certain portion of PHEV and EV drivers. Four Trim Levels; The all-new Ford Kuga PHEV is available in Titanium, ST-Line, ST-Line X and rangetopping Vignale trim levels, with a CVT (automatic) transmission and a front-wheel drive format across all levels. Thanks to a hefty power output of 225PS (222bhp), the Kuga PHEV can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 9.2-seconds, can reach a top speed of 201km/h, and can consume as little as 1.1-litres of fuel for every 100km’s driven on a combined driving cycle when every journey is started with a full battery charge. Test Car; My test car was a Ford Kuga PHEV ST-Line X, which looked super-stylish in its Chrome Blue metallic paintwork with contrasting 18” Rock metallic alloy wheels. Standard ST-Line X specification includes such key features as full LED headlights and front fog lights with front cornering, automatic high/low beam control, black roof rails, STLine full body styling kit, large rear spoiler, red brake calipers, premium touch partial Sensico sports seats with red stitching,

B&O premium audio system (575 watts), driver impairment monitor, wireless phone charging, fully digital instrument panel, Lane Keep Assist, alloy pedals, and multiple airbags, along with a whole host of safety, infotainment and connectivity features. Optional extras included a Technology Pack (glare-free full LED Quad Projector Headlamps and a Heads-Up Display), and a Drive Assistance Pack, which consists of front and rear view cameras, Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Active Park Assist, and door-edge guards. The new Kuga PHEV comes with many drive modes to cater for a variety of driving styles. Not only are there the usual Normal, Eco and Sport settings, but there is also a Slippery Deep Snow/Sand mode – even though the Kuga PHEV is offered only with front-wheel drive. Additionally, there are four settings for the electric drivetrain. ‘EV Charge’ tops up the battery using the engine, while ‘EV Now’ prioritises any remaining electric energy. ‘EV Later’ holds the state of charge for a later journey, and ‘EV Auto’ uses the car’s electronics to determine the most efficient combination of petrol and electric power delivery. With a full battery, the Kuga PHEV will move off in near-silence, while the Kuga’s raised driving position and good visibility, make it very easy to drive in town. With a delightful balance of comfort and composure on offer, and the

finest handling in its class, the Kuga PHEV provides a grown-up driving experience. The Kuga PHEV feels like a taller edition of the dynamic Focus (itself, one of the best handling cars in its class), while refinement within the cabin is impressive. Instant torque delivery from the Kuga PHEV’s electric motor provides terrific forward motion from the get go, while a strong brake pedal feel ensures driver confidence behind the leather-clad, multi-function steering wheel. The level of brake regeneration can be boosted by pushing the ‘L’ button on the rotary gear selector and, while it doesn’t allow one-pedal driving, it does help to make urban journeys as efficient as possible. As long as there is enough charge in the PHEV’s battery, the Kuga can operate at speeds of up to 136km/h without the engine intervening. Pricing; By injecting some of the original Kuga’s dynamic appeal into the new Kuga, it is safe to say that Ford’s latest mid-size SUV is on target to reclaim its crown as one of the best SUV’s on sale. The all-new Ford Kuga PHEV is priced from €41,480 with my test car specification priced from €45,690. Additionally, a host of optional extras and keenly-priced ‘packs’ are available for ultimate personalisation. The all-new Ford Kuga PHEV is on sale now.

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NEW €500 GRANT TOWARDS COST OF HAIRPIECE, WIG OR HAIR REPLACEMENT A new grant of up to €500 towards the cost of a hairpiece, wig or hair

replacement will support people who suffer hair loss due to illness, Dublin

Mid-West’s TD has said. Deputy Higgins said: “This new grant recognises the

physical and psychological impact that hair loss can have on someone’s life, especially when they are already dealing with illhealth. “This initiative, provided for in Budget 2022, is about supporting people who suffer from forms of alopecia or cancer and will provide up to €500 towards the purchase of a wig or hairpiece, for people who suffer the trauma of hair loss. “The new grant will fall under the Treatment Benefit

Scheme and is expected to support approximately 2,000 women or men during the first year of its introduction which is great news,” added Deputy Higgins. For many people who suffer hair loss due to illness it can be a very traumatic side effect and wigs or hairpieces can cost upwards of €1,000 in some cases which makes them massively unaffordable especially on top of the cost of medical bills, treatment

and medication.

“I hope this new grant helps in some small way toward improving the confidence of those suffering hair loss due to illness and improves their quality of life during a difficult time. Full details on how to qualify for the grant towards the cost of a hairpiece, wig or hair replacement are available on the Department of Social Protection’s website www. gov.ie/dsp

CLONDALKIN YOUNG ARTIST ‘REELS IN’ TOP PRIZE IN NATIONAL COMPETITION Emma Kilmurry, a fifthclass pupil from Sacred Heart School, Clondalkin, Co. Dublin scooped the winning prize in the fifthclass category of the 2022 ‘Something Fishy’ national poster competition. The competition which is organised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in conjunction with Blackrock Education Centre received artistic entries from across the country. Earlier this year, primary school students around the country were challenged by Inland Fisheries Ireland to create a poster with the ‘catch-photo-release’ (CPR) message that could be used in awareness campaigns. Announcing the winners Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: ‘I’m delighted to be able to congratulate

this year’s winners in the national Something Fishy poster competition. We received a host of beautiful posters containing important conservationbased messaging. It is reassuring to see the level of awareness that today’s young people have on issues around conservation and protection of our fisheries resource. Engagement in these issues early on is promising for future generations to be active stewards over our inland fisheries and the surrounding environment.’ The overall winners will receive a tablet to the value of €500 each and the winner of the ‘Special Judges Category’ will receive a tablet, to the value of €200. Niamh Murray, Director of Blackrock Education Centre said: ‘It was fantastic to

see the number of entries in this year’s Something Fishy competition. I was incredibly impressed by the standard of artwork created by the young people. They are all winners as far as I am concerned! It is also greatly encouraging to witness young people wanting to be involved in environmental issues and the competition was a perfect way to harness this interest. The future looks very good with such committed, environmentally aware young people. Their artwork will go on to feature in awareness campaigns nationally on fish conservation.’ From the entries, the poster competition judging panel also selected winners from Ardfield National School in Clonakilty, Co. Cork, and Presentation Portarlington Primary School, Portarlington, Co. Laois. The national poster competition is an important element of the wider ‘Something Fishy’ Educational Programme, aimed at primary school pupils aged between ten and thirteen. It educates students on the importance of biodiversity and on having sustainable habitats, fish and angling. Information about the programme is available from www. somethingfishy.ie.

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NEW INITIATIVES AND FUNDING WILL MAKE REMOTE WORKING MORE ACCESSIBLE A series of new initiatives and funding will make remote working more accessible and attractive for people, a Senator has said. The recent announcement by Minister Heather Humphreys includes a voucher scheme which will give remote workers free access to local digital hubs and provide at least 10,000 hot desk facilities in total free of charge to existing hub users and those using facilities for the first time. Senator Seery Kearney said: “A series of measures announced by my colleague, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, marks a significant development in making remote working a more viable option for people living in Dublin. “At least 10,000 hot desk spaces will be provided across the country under the new Connected Hubs Voucher Scheme, which is aimed at both existing hub users, as well as those accessing digital hub facilities in Dublin for the first time. The scheme will initially provide three days of hub use per person between now and the end of August. “Minister Humphreys also announced €5 million in funding, through the Connected Hubs 2022 Call, which will be used to build capacity and enhance existing Remote Working facilities. This is on top of the almost €9 million that was awarded applicants in 2021. “Some 81 projects across the country were successful in securing funding. “In addition to these measures, funding of €50,000 is also being provided to Dublin City & South Dublin Local Authorities under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. “This will help Councils to promote remote working opportunities and Dublin communities

as a destination for people considering relocating from our cities and larger towns who may want to return home and enjoy a new experience. “It was also revealed today that the number of Remote Working facilities on the Connected Hubs Network has now reached 242. This represents over 60 per cent of the 400 hubs pledged as part of Our Rural Future, the Government’s landmark five-year rural development policy. “The Department of Rural and Community Development has to date invested some €100M in the development of remote working facilities under programmes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. “Fine Gael is determined to ensure balanced regional development across the country and an important element of that is making remote working an option for more people. “The drive to encourage remote working will help revitalise towns and villages and it supports Fine Gael’s ambition and campaign to build stronger, safer communities in Dublin, Senator Seery Kearney concluded. Announcing the new measures, Minister Humphreys said: “When I meet remote workers across the country, they tell me all about the benefits of spending a few days each week working from a digital hub in their local community. “They talk about how their lives are improved now that they don’t have to embark on that early morning, gruelling commute to Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway or other urban centres. “Remote Working has been a game-changer for thousands of people. It’s given people of all ages a better quality of life – allowing

LADIES MEENA BAZAAR EVENT

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association and their community in Ireland has been very active in charitable work. Since 2015 the community has raised in excess of €67,000 for various Irish charities. The Ladies section of our Association holds a Ladies event (Meena Bazaar) every year to raise money for local charities in Ireland. This Bazaar has a variety of Asian food stalls, handicraft items, beauty corner etc. This year they will be supporting two charities through the proceeds of this Bazaar: Barretstown and Lucan Disability Action Group. The event will be held on 26th June 2022 from 12pm to 6pm in St. Finian’s Community Hall, Newcastle.

them to spend more time with their family friends, working within their local town or village. “I am absolutely delighted to

announce a series of new measures that represent the next chapter in our Remote Working journey.”

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TEXACO CHILDREN’S ART COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED Eleven South Dublin students were amongst 42 young artists from the county to have won top prizes in this year’s 68th Texaco Children’s Art Competition. In Category G, reserved for entries from young artists of all ages with special needs, Arianna O’Connor, (14), a pupil at St. Michael’s School, Chapelizod, won third prize for her artwork entitled ‘The Eyes Of The World’. Arianna’s work is described by Final Adjudicator, Professor Gary Granville as “a layered and multi-referenced reflection on postreferendum Ireland.”

Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates back to the very first Competition held in 1955. This year, as has been the case throughout its life, it has been a platform on which young artists from Dublin and counties throughout Ireland have had their talents recognised and their creativity commended.From 31st May to 30th

In addition, ten South Dublin winners each won Special Merit Awards for artworks that Professor Granville said “displayed high levels of skill and creativity.”

NOVENAS FOR LAURA LYNN

They were: Katy Kennedy (17), from The King’s Hospital School, Palmerstown; Likky Wang (16), from Holy Family Community School, Rathcoole; Finn McQuaid (5), from Riverview Educate Together N.S., Greenhills; Carly Mulhall (6), from St. Thomas J.N.S. Lucan; and Luke McCormack (9), Brian Mustos (13), Emer Hyland (15), Riley McLafferty (14), Jack McDonald (12), and Paul Byrne (10), all pupils at St. Michael’s School, Chapelizod. The Texaco Children’s Art

PALMERSTOWN CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION 25TH & 26TH JUNE At Palmerstown Camera Club they hold a weekly meeting online/in person, every Wed from 8 pm to 10 pm. People interested in joining the club or even attending one or two meetings FREE of charge to see how their photography could benefit from being a member can do so by contacting secpcc@mail.com. RTE is currently running a show called The Liffey on Sun evenings at 6:30 pm, It is a six-part documentary series and shows the lives and stories of people that use the river for recreation/work. Two Palmerstown Camera Club members Lorraine Kelly and Philip Devereux feature in the sixth episode which will be broadcast on the 19th of June. They talk about how they use the river at different times of the year to

June, Belfast’s Royal Ulster Academy of Arts is hosting an exhibition of the top 126 winning paintings in this year’s Competition. Admission is free and the Academy is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am-5pm.

photograph the changing seasons around Lucan and Palmerstown. The camera club now offers a hybrid model, this is so they can have local/ national and international speakers visit the club. The international speakers will be on zoom, and they can be viewed at home or in the parish hall in Palmerstown with other camera club members. A few weeks ago, the club held a judging night for last month’s themed competition which was an open category. Aidan Lawlor won in the intermediate section, colour category for this fantastic image titled “Yellow Sports Car”. The club are holding the end of year annual exhibition in the parish hall in Palmerstown on the 25th – 26th of June 2022 in Palmerstown Parish Centre.

MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. With grateful thanks to Our Lady for favours received. And thanks to the Sacred Heart for favours received. G.L

If you would like a Novena published please send a postal order or cheque (Minimum of €10 per prayer) made out to Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice, along with your Novena to: NEWSGROUP, Unit 3 Floor 2 St Dominics Shopping Centre, St Dominics Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

If you require any further information please call 01 45 19 000 or email: info@newsgroup.ie.

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THE FURNITURE

SALE STARTS SATURDAY 18TH JUNE