Clondalkin News 14th June by Newsgroup

14th June 2021

LACK OF SAFE AND SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that the lack of safe and suitable accommodation for victims of domestic violence was putting the safety and wellbeing of women and children who suffer at the hands of abusive partners at risk. Teachta Crowe said that there had been a 17% increase in domestic violence calls to the Gardaí across the State in 2020, but local services helping victims like Saoirse Women’s Refuge had been experiencing real challenges as their ability to fund raise has been

drastically reduced and impacted by COVID 19 restrictions.

Teachta Crowe said: “An Garda Síochána received approximately 43,500 calls to respond to domestic abuse incidents in 2020, which was an increase of 17%. More than 4,000 criminal charges were brought in 2020 under the Domestic Violence Act, which is an increase of 24%. “The Garda received approximately 10,000 calls to respond to domestic abuse incidents in the first three months of this year alone, an increase of 7%, and more than

1,000 criminal charges were brought.

lives at risk on a daily basis.

“At least nine counties have no refuges at all for victims of domestic violence. Here in Dublin South West, local services like the Saoirse Women’s Refuge in Tallaght have seen real challenges as their ability to fundraise drastically reduced and impacted by COVID 19 restrictions. “Demand has increased dramatically during the Lockdown but practical supports and services have not met this new challenge. “By failing to provide safe and secure accommodation for victims of domestic abuse, we are putting

“Women, as its mostly women, and children fleeing abusive relationships are often left with literally the clothes on their back as the abusive partner tries to tightly control every aspect of their lives, including finances. This is all part of the control they seek to have over their victims. “We need to see a greater investment in the safety of victims of domestic abuse. The Government has still not put in place along with local Authorities the number of refuge spaces which are in demand and increasingly needed.

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“Ideally, no one should ever be turned away from safety because there is no space or a refuge locally, but this has happened and the lockdown has unfortunately made things worse “These abuse victims and their families must also be officially counted as homeless while in refuge accommodation so that they can access a wider range of supports to help them break the link to their abuser in the long term.”

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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY’S NEWEST LIBRARY OPENS IN NORTH CLONDALKIN The Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien T.D, joined the Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Ed O’Brien, in North Clondalkin recently to open South Dublin County Council’s newest library. North Clondalkin Library is a brand-new state of the art library in the heart of the community. The new library in North Clondalkin was identified as a priority in South Dublin County Libraries’ Development Plan. An expanding youth population and a strong

demand for services from local schools and community groups underpin the need for innovative services to be implemented for young people in this locality. The new library will be ideally positioned as a key resource in the North Clondalkin area to promote inclusiveness and help young people to reach their potential. South Dublin County Council invested €5.2 million towards the overall cost of the library with the Department of Rural and Community Development contributing

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€1 million from its Library Capital Programme. North Clondalkin Library includes a lecture hall, an exhibition space, a digital training suite as well as a smaller meeting room. Further facilities include easy to use self-service units, extensive seating, a large study area, an internet café, as well as printing and photocopying facilities, adult tablets and free wi-fi available throughout the building. The children’s area has a dedicated storytelling area, junior tablets, a sensory wall for those with additional needs, child-friendly shelving and seating, and a wide range of books and DVDs for the little ones.

The North Clondalkin Library also includes an innovative Creative Studio. The Creative Studio is a free to use digital maker space facilitating the creation of music recordings, podcasts, videos, digital stories, and oral histories. At the

centre of this space is a recording booth providing library patrons with access to a variety of audio and video recording equipment and software. The idea of introducing The Creative Studio is to engage with younger people in particular - energise them and upskill them in digital media, with a view to expanding their horizons on future career possibilities.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Ed O’Brien, Mayor of South Dublin County, said, “I am delighted to open the North Clondalkin Library today and to see the facilities the library will offer the local community. I am impressed that the finished library is very modern but keeps a traditional library brickwork design. The new library offers extensive seating and

study areas, an Internet café, as well as 3-D printing, adult and childrens’ tablets and free Wi-Fi throughout the building. North Clondalkin Library also offers a Changing Places facility, two accessible gardens for outdoor events and specialist sensory equipment for those with additional needs, making it a welcoming space for everyone.”

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CALLING ADULTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES FOR RESEARCH Health psychology researchers are looking for adults with type 2 diabetes to take part in a study using smartphones to explore health and well-being. Dr Sonya Deschênes is an Assistant Professor and Amy Mc Inerney is an Ad Astra PhD student and they are interested in how behavioural, lifestyle, and psychological factors interact and influence health and well-being in people with diabetes.

On the 28th of May the RAMS in Rhythm returned back to what they do best, by celebrating Beaktaine with residents and staff in Peamount Hospital. The group also celebrated the recent Bealtaine festival by singing and entertaining senior residents in Annomore Court Chapelizod and Claddagh Court Ballyfermot. The RAMS were thrilled to sing and give a boost to the residents. With all members now vaccinated the RAMS in Rhythm will be out and about soon to entertain the community!

What is this research about? This study uses a smartphone application (“app”) called Beiwe developed by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Many of us use our smartphones every day. In many cases, our smartphones know more about important health factors, like how much we move and rest each day, than our doctor does. In fact, this important behavioural information often cannot be measured accurately in a check-up with your GP. This research aims to harness the power of smartphone technology to measure health and well-being in a safe and ethical way that protects people’s privacy and data. Why is this research important? Using technology in this way offers great potential for assessing well-being outside the clinic, in an easy, cost-effective way. Smartphones collect information on how much we move each day and how much time we spend on our screen. Combining this information with questions asked by a smartphone app (like “how stressed are you feeling today?”) could help us better understand how well-being changes day-to-day. Who can take part? To take part you must: be over 18 and under 70 years of age; live in the Republic of Ireland; use a smartphone daily; and understand English. This study is particularly interested in recruiting people with type 2 diabetes, but anyone can take part. What’s involved? Participants in this study are asked to download the Beiwe smartphone app. The app asks brief questions each day (for example, “how did you sleep last night?”) and is provided with information from smartphone sensors (for example, in relation to screen-time and mobility). The app cannot access any other content from your smartphone, such as the websites you visit or what your text messages say. This study was approved by the UCD Human Research Ethics Committee and consists of notfor-profit research. The only aim is to learn how we can better assess, and ultimately improve, psychological wellbeing in the community. For more information or to sign-up, please visit w w w. u c d . i e / p s y c h o l o g y / r e s e a r c h / p r o j e c t s / smartphonebehaviourmood/ or email Amy at amy.mcinerney@ucdconnect.ie.

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ROWLAGH CRESCENT & FONTHILL RD NEW PATH TO ADDRESS LOCAL ROAD SAFETY CONCERNS Local Councillor for North Clondalkin, Lucan and Palmerstown, Derren Ó Brádaigh has welcomed a recent commitment by South Dublin County Council to a motion he had at the

May local Area Committee meeting, calling for the construction of a new section of footpath on the Fonthill Road. Cllr Ó Brádaigh said: “The

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area in question is situated on the Fonthill Road and concerns the absent section of public pathway that local residents and pedestrians alike need, when walking from the path that adjoins Rowlagh Crescent to the Fonthill Road. “This is a significant section representing approximately 200 metres where pedestrians are forced into taking an unnecessary risk to walk within the bus lane in order to reach the nearby 40 and 51D bus stop or indeed simply travelling in that direction. “South Dublin County Council management have agreed to include this new section of pathway in their footpath programme of upgrades 2022. In the original response to the motion, it was pointed out that there was a structural obstacle that represents approximately ten feet,

however having made the case during the meeting, it was accepted that this should not inhibit a much needed 200metre long section of essential

path. “There can be no compromise when it comes to matters of road safety and facilitating upgrades and improvements, that not only seek to improve upon

connectivity and pedestrian safety but also ensure that motorists are protected on our roads too. I commend the council for agreeing to this.”

LOCAL AUTHORITIES MUST OUTLINE THEIR PLANS TO FACILITATE SAFE OUTDOOR SUMMER Local authorities must act fast to put practical solutions in place to facilitate safe socialising as we prepare for an outdoor summer, a local TD has said. Deputy Emer Higgins has asked the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, of which she is a member, to request all local authorities in the country to share their plans and ideas on providing for an outdoor summer. “While the waste that was left behind on Dublin City streets recently was not acceptable, the majority of people seemed to be meeting up in small groups to socialise outdoors and enjoy the fine weather after a very difficult year,” said Deputy Higgins. We have asked the public to follow health advice and stick to outdoor activities for the summer, but it’s no use asking people to socialise outside if the facilities aren’t in place to do so. We can’t place the blame here on the public, instead we need to take action to avoid a repeat of last weekend’s

scenes in the capital.

“Local authorities need to act now to put the practical solutions in place to ensure safe outdoor socialising can happen; allowing parks to stay open later, increasing the provision of bins and bathrooms, and opening up the availability of large outdoor spaces. “A few weeks ago, we saw Merrion Square Park take great initiative by laying out grids on their grass to allow people stay in their social bubbles. We should be doing more of this and keeping parks and public spaces open later. “With the bright evenings getting longer, there’s no reason for parks to close so early and these bigger spaces are perfect for outdoor socialising. “I have asked the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage to write to all local councils so they can outline the steps they are taking to prepare for an outdoor summer,” concluded Deputy Higgins.

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NEW ONLINE PITCH ALLOCATION LOCAL SUBSTANCE USE WORKSHOP AND BOOKING SYSTEM The Labour Party’s Local Area Representative for the Clondalkin-Rathcoole electoral area is taking matters into his own hands and conducting substance use workshops with residents. O’Dwyer, who has been calling on Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan TD, to do more with regards to drugs policy reform said: “When Minister Feighan was appointed as the Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy I sent him an email to congratulate him and to wish him well in his new portfolio. However, a year in I am deeply disappointed with the lack of progress made with regards to drug policy.

Picture credit: Ben Ryan Recently, Mayor of South Dublin County Council Cllr. Ed O’Brien officially launched the new online Pitch Allocation and Booking System. South Dublin County Council are excited to announce that all pitches will be available to book online through the South Dublin County Council’s website www.sdcc.ie/bookapitch , with booking software provided by Dublin-based sports facility management software, Bookapitch. This new technology will make the annual pitch allocation and booking process, easy to use, and accessible to all clubs who wish to avail of South Dublin County Council pitches. Mayor O’Brien said, “The new easy to use online booking system has streamlined the allocation process for sports

clubs and has the potential to inform how the pitch maintenance programme is delivered across the County.” Clubs will be invited to register online and submit their annual application forms through the new system which has streamlined the process. Clubs will be issued a link to their allocated pitch allowing them to book time slots within their own club for the various team games throughout the season. Pitch usage data collected from the system will help inform South Dublin County Council’s pitch maintenance schedule and capital investment programme. With this new online pitch allocation and booking system, South Dublin County Council looks forward to making outdoor exercise more accessible for everyone.

“Like many people I was very angry after reading an article about a Cork man who was brought to court for possessing €4 worth of cannabis. What a petty and unnecessary ordeal to take anyone through, what a ridiculous waste of tax payers money and police resources. “Last year when nitrous oxide use was on the rise across the country I called on Minister Feighan to provide funds to run harm reduction campaigns. A year

on, nothing has happened, nitrous oxide use is still prevalent and local activists are trying to keep up.

“I decided to use the knowledge I have from working in homeless services and working with those in active addiction to inform residents and community groups about current drug trends, where to access supports and what to do when they come across drugs paraphernalia in their local area. “I am starting with residents up in Saggart but will be rolling out the workshops across local areas to support residents and community groups. When it comes to drugs and substance use education is key. There are so many misconceptions about drug use and the campaign to decriminalise drugs for personal use. The misinformation being shared about harm reduction is doing more harm and the so called “war on drugs” is a war on disadvantaged communities. “Residents and community groups can contact me in order to express an interest and I will slot groups in. These workshops are carried out on my own time.

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SDCC LAUNCH HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS

South Dublin County Mayor Ed O’Brien launched a new Residents’ Association Handbook on Thursday 27th May aimed at helping Residents’ Associations in the set up

and running of their groups. Developed by SDCC’s Community Services Department, the handbook is a step by step guide of how to set up and effectively run a Residents’

Association. Including sections on the establishment of a Residents’ Association, such as roles and responsibilities and a constitution, to everyday requirements like running productive meetings and communications, to useful templates and contact information, the Handbook covers everything you will need to help you establish and run a Residents’ Association. Speaking at the launch, Mayor O’Brien said, “This Handbook is an innovative venture and will prove particularly useful for new Residents’ Associations. Given the amount of development that is currently in South Dublin, I think residents of the new estates

will find the handbook invaluable as they set up their Residents Associations and develop their local communities.” Also present at the launch were members of Daletree Residents’ Association in Ballycullen. The association has been re-established in the last year, and having read the Handbook, Denise McCann, PRO said, “It is excellent, and will be really great for anyone starting out on setting up an association. It gives you point by point exactly what you need to do.” Also in attendance were Fforster Estate Residents’ Association Lucan. The Residents’ Association Handbook is available in hard copy from the Community Services Department and online.

Pictured Cllr Ed O’Brien Mayor of South Dublin with Bernadette Kaluzny (SDCC), Cllr Alan Edge, Cllr. Emma Murphy and Ger Neill (SDCC) along with John Glackin and Andrew Shinnick from Forrester Estate Residents’ Group and Gary Cronin and Denise Gann from Daletree Residents’ Association at the launch of the SDCC Residents’ Association Handbook and Guidelines at County Hall, Tallaght. Pic: Ben Ryan

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LUCAN STUDENT AWARDED IN THE FULBRIGHT AWARDS

Grace studied at the University of Sheffield as part of an ERASMUS programme, and was the ENACTUS Sheffield International Innovation Project Leader. She is the recipient of the UCD President’s Award, Arthur Cox Contribution to University Life Award, and the 2019 winner of the Unilever UK Individual Purpose Competition. Passionate about social entrepreneurship, Grace is the Co-Founder of The Student Collective, a mentoring initiative which brings university students and Leaving

Certificate students together. Her research interests include human rights, criminology, penology, and recidivism. During her undergraduate dissertation, Grace completed a comparative study on female imprisonment in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and Finland and proposed changes to the current prison regime. As a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, Grace will research the factors that influence overrepresentation of minority groups in prison populations, measures that facilitate the reintegration of ex-prisoners into society and the role of social entrepreneurship on the realisation of human rights. As a Graduate Student Affiliate of the Klau Center for Civil & Human Rights, Grace will join a collaborative community of scholars and students who advocate for the realisation of human rights, and provide leadership on critical issues of justice.

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Fulbright Ireland-USA are awarding eight Dubliners the Fulbright Awards this year which sees all of them go to the USA next in 2022. Grace Oladipo is a Bachelor of Civil Law European Graduate from University College Dublin. Born in Nigeria, Grace grew up in Ireland living in Lucan and takes pride in being African and Irish. While at UCD, Grace was the Co-Founder of the UCD Gospel Choir and the Founder of The Inner Room.

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UNIQUE NEW SCHOOL FOR FIVE YEARS OF EPAS PROGRAMME LOCAL CHILDREN ACROSS THE EU A brand new multi-denominational Gaelscoil will open its doors this September. Gaelscoil Lir will serve the communities of Saggart, Newcastle and Citywest and is currently accepting registrations for the new school year. The Department of Education and Skills gave the green light for the school, to cater for the ongoing growth in population within the locality. It is the area’s first multi-denominational Gaelscoil and is open to all pupils regardless of their religion or language of the home. The co-ed primary school, which is under the Patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta, will temporarily be located in the same campus as Rathcoole Educate Together and Coláiste Pobail Fóla, facing the Saggart LUAS stop on Fortunestown Lane. Planning

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permission for a state of the art building which will permanently house Gaelscoil Lir has been granted and construction is due to commence this year on the same campus.

Newly appointed Príomhoide, Sinéad Bheilbigh said; “We are so excited to welcome our first, very special class of junior infants to Gaelscoil Lir this September. The advantages of immersion education have long been documented. Teachers will fully support parents in helping their children with homework, as mini-lessons will be posted online regularly. Each child will be cherished and provided with the best start on their educational journey. We would like to reach out to any parents who are still considering where to send their little one this year and to offer a céad míle fáilte from Gaelscoil Lir”. With the lowest pupil teach ratio in the area and best practice teaching, Gaelscoil Lir is sure to be a welcome addition to the area. For more information, you can visit http:// gaelscoil4all.ie/new-schools/saggart/

The European Parliament Ambassador School Programme (EPAS) is celebrating five years of successful cooperation between teachers, schools and the European Parliament, teaching students about their rights as citizens of the European Union. To mark this anniversary, the group would like to thank all the teachers who have been involved in EPAS and who, particularly in the challenging circumstances of the last two years, found new creative ways to deliver the programme. They would also like to give special recognition to the Senior Ambassadors who have delivered the EPAS programme to students every consecutive year since its inception in Ireland by awarding them with a Certificate of Appreciation on their outstanding commitment. These local Senior Ambassadors have included

Viki Malcolm, The King’s Hospital School in Palmerstown. Frances Fitzgerald MEP said, “On the 5th Anniversary of the European Parliament Ambassador School Programme, I want to congratulate all schools across Dublin who have participated in this visionary and inclusive EU programme. The project brings the role of the EU, the importance of democracy and a greater understanding of different cultures into our classrooms at secondary school level. Today in particular I want to acknowledge the immense contribution of two of our Senior Ambassadors of the project in Dublin, Anita Irwin of St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush and Viki Malcolm of The King’s Hospital School - thank you for all of your outstanding work and your continuous commitment to this worthwhile programme.”

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GET IRELAND GROWING DAY GIY and Energia are calling on the country’s budding GIY’ers to join them in the first-ever Energia Get Ireland Growing Day on June 19th 2021. The midwifery team from University Hospital in Waterford has joined the ‘Get Ireland Growing’ challenge and are encouraging as many people as possible to join in ‘Get Ireland Growing’ day on June 19th to enjoy the benefits of growing your own food. The founder of GIY, Michael Kelly, and his co-presenter from GROW COOK EAT, Karen O’ Donohoe will be broadcasting live online from the home of GIY at GROW HQ in Waterford and they will be challenging the nation to join them in growing their own food. In May 2021 the Energia Get Ireland Growing initiative announced the giveaway of 1,000 GROWBoxes to families and communities across the country and in the lead up to Get Ireland Growing Day everyone is invited to take up the set of growing challenges on the

GIY app to represent their county and stand a chance to win a range of growing prizes.

Members of the public also have the opportunity to nominate someone going above and beyond to support others to grow and be named their province’s Get Ireland Growing Champion. Whether leading a community garden project, bringing food growing into schools or simply motivating other households in the neighbourhood, Get Ireland Growing Day’s €1,000 top prizes aim to support the most passionate food growers in Ireland to develop their passion project. Speaking about the initiative Michael Kelly says, “While this is the fifth year of the Get Ireland Growing initiative it is the first year of Get Ireland Growing Day and we are very much looking forward to getting as many people across the country all joining us online to talk about and celebrate the importance of food growing in Ireland. We are in

the middle of both a climate and biodiversity crisis, and food growing is a hugely powerful way to connect with these challenges in a proactive way. Get Ireland Growing Day is designed to show that food growing is in our nature – both as a culture and through the planet’s resources that make it possible.”

On the day itself, Karen and Michael will be sharing their knowledge and insights into successfully growing great food at home, showing that growing it is really not difficult. They are inviting everyone to download the free GIY app and discover 12 simple but powerful challenges to help people connect with nature through food growing. Anyone who takes part can share their photos on any social channel using #GetIrelandGrowing and be in with a chance to win spot prizes throughout the day. Challenges range from simply sowing a seed to filling a takeaway coffee cup with soil to turn into a pot, making bug hotels

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that support biodiversity, and turning nettles into plant food. Instructions are provided on the app to make it easy for people of all ages and experience levels to get their hands dirty and spend quality time outdoors over the summer

solstice weekend. People taking part can do so as part of their county’s team with completed challenges earning points in the allIreland leaderboard. Throughout the day, Mick and Karen will be joined

online by some familiar faces from the campaign and other special guests giving it a go from their own home. For more details on how to get involved see, www. getirelandgrowing.ie

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TALLAGHT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL HEROES AWARDS 2021 LAUNCHED

Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) has recently launched the fourth annual TUH Hero Awards and is calling for the local community, patients and their families to nominate their Hospital heroes for the “Patient Experience Award.” Every year this staff recognition scheme celebrates staff members who have gone above and beyond in providing an exceptional patient experience. This year’s concept, “Vote for the hero behind the mask,” aims to recognise the extraordinary resilience, commitment and dedication of TUH staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the cyber-attack on hospital systems.

The TUH Heroes is an employee recognition scheme which celebrates the individuals and teams who go the extra mile and make a real difference to patients and their families. This is the fourth year of the annual awards that celebrates Hospital staff from every discipline who contribute to the care of patients and support the Hospital ethos of People

Caring for People to Live Better Lives. TUH is calling for the local community to once again get behind the “Patient Experience Award” and nominate a member of staff who has made a real difference during their time or indeed during their family’s time in hospital. There are also various categories of internal nominations within the Hospital where staff can nominate and vote for their colleagues. Speaking about the awards Chief Executive of TUH Lucy Nugent said, “This is the fourth annual TUH Hero Awards and it has always been a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge groups and individuals in our hospital that make our patient’s journey that much easier. It is an opportunity for their colleagues and the wider community to recognise the times our staff have gone above and beyond. Our staff have had a particularly challenging year and recognising their contribution is now more meaningful than it has ever been. Their dedication and perseverance in providing

the best possible care to our patients in this new pandemic world and more recently following the cyber-attack on the healthcare service has been truly inspiring and I look forward to celebrating their individual and group achievements at the award ceremony in September.”

Declan Daly, Chair of the Patient Community Advisory Council representing the community on the judging panel said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has put a very positive spotlight on the incredible work that takes place in our hospitals every day. It has been truly remarkable to witness the resilience of the staff of Tallaght University Hospital in the last 16 months and the pride and support that the patients, their families and the wider community have shown has been overwhelming. The TUH Hero Awards this year is a perfect opportunity for the community to express their gratitude for the unyielding professional dedication to patient-centred care and the personal sacrifices that staff have made to

care for patients despite the extremely challenging environment. It is recognition of the care, commitment and generosity they show to their patients and our community every day.” How to vote for your TUH Hero 2021 - Community Nominated Award Application forms for members of the public to vote for the Community Nominated Patient

Experience Award can be found through www.tuh. ie/Departments/HumanResources/TUH-HeroesNomination-Form.pdf and the Hospital Facebook page. The closing date for submissions is July 23rd with the awards scheduled to take place in a socially distanced ceremony in the Hospital in September. The Patient Experience category is open to the community to nominate an

individual whom for that patient demonstrated a deep understanding and compassion for them or their loved one during their time in the Hospital. This person will have demonstrated the finer ideals of caring through extraordinary service to a patient and or their families, going beyond the expectations of the care the patient / family expected and delivered an ‘exceptional patient experience’.

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make up and plan for the ‘Go Anywhere Gift Card’ from Irelandhotels.com is the ideal gift this Father’s Day, June 20th.

The ideal gift for golf breaks with long lost friends, staycations with family and celebration weekends away with loved ones. The Go Anywhere Gift Card is the perfect promise to make up for lost time in one of over 400 participating wonderful hotels and guesthouses across Ireland. Delivering the widest choice, the ‘Go Anywhere Gift Card’ has the highest number of affiliated members across the hospitality industry in Ireland. Offering so much choice and flexibility, the gift card, which is valid for five years, enables families and loved ones to plan and enjoy well-deserved memories to last a lifetime. Speaking on the ‘Go Anywhere Gift Card’ from Irelandhotels.com, IHF President Elaina Fitzgerald Kane said: “For so many people, the past year has made us value what’s important and we can certainly feel the excitement in the air as people look forward to creating wonderful memories

with loved ones on their well-deserved breaks away. It is a special time as loved ones reunite and reconnect. With a ‘Go Anywhere Gift Card’, you’re giving the gift of an experience to create lifelong memories and as the saying goes, the best thing about memories is making them!”

Operated by the Irish Hotels Federation and supported by Failte Ireland, the ‘Go Anywhere’ purchase is simple; just log on to Irelandhotels.com and select the value gift card you wish to purchase. Complete your personalised note and the gift card can then be delivered electronically or by post in a thoughtful gift box. Then all that’s left is for the lucky recipient to decide where in Ireland and when they choose to spend the Go Anywhere Gift Card voucher. The ‘Go Anywhere Gift Card’ can be purchased from www.Irelandhotels.com in denominations of €50 to €1,000 and is valid for five years. It can be redeemed at any of the hundreds of participating hotels and guesthouses across Ireland, which are all listed on the website.

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WALKING GROUP REMOVE OVER 1,500KGS OF RUBBISH FROM THE WICKLOW/DUBLIN UPLANDS The 2021 Pure Mile Project is in full clean-up mode right now with over 800 miles of road, mountains, valleys, woodlands and forestries, being adopted by a variety of communities, groups, individuals, organisations, businesses, scouts, walking groups and cycling clubs, and now involves over 2,500 volunteers who are assisting Pure to, Clean Up The Uplands. A recent litter pick and clean up by the Glencree

Walking Group in the beautiful scenic Wicklow/ Dublin uplands, all the way from Killakee Car Park in South Dublin to the Sally Gap Crossroads in Wicklow, resulted in the removal of over 200 bags of rubbish and over 1,500kgs of waste. The majority of the litter encountered on the day was all recyclable, consisting of glass and cans, all discarded on this beautiful upland environment. Other items included material from household renovations,

tyres, car bumpers, tiling, flooring, as well as a considerable amount of domestic waste. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Pure were unable to organise their regular cleanups of the South Dublin Mountains, and this recent litter pick was the first one of 2021. The Glencree Walking Group have been involved in the Pure Mile, Cleanup The Uplands Project, for a number of years now, and all of their dedicated volunteers were delighted to be Back On The Hills. The groups first cleanup of the uplands in 2017 resulted in the removal of hundreds of bags of litter with over 3,000kg of illegal dumping collected on the day. Ian Davis, Pure Manager commented, ‘The Wicklow/Dublin Uplands is a unique landscape and environment, attracting thousands of visitors annually. It is also worth noting that this landscape is of environmental significance, and part of the

Wicklow Mountains National Park and on The Dublin Mountains Way. It’s an area of both Irish and European significance and protected under the European Habitats Directive as a Special Area of Conservation. I would like to thank all of The Glencree Walking Group Pure Mile Volunteers for their continued dedication and support in assisting Pure to Clean Up The Uplands. Although Pure has

removed over 3,500 tonnes (3,500,000 kg) of illegal dumping from this beautiful scenic landscape, they only have one truck and one driver, and unfortunately, they are unable to remove the unsightly small-scale litter. The Glencree Walking Group Pure Mile clean-up makes a huge difference to the appearance to the South Dublin Uplands, and Pure are currently organising other cleanups of upland

roads, mountain trails, woodlands and forestries. Pure supply all Pure Mile Volunteers with Pure Mile bags, litter pickers, gloves, Pure Mile high-vis jackets, and the Pure Truck removes all of rubbish gathered by groups. Further information on Pure can be found on www. pureproject.ie. TO REPORT DUMPERS AND DUMPING LO–CALL 1850 365 121

COUNCIL MUST TAKE ACTION AGAINST CLONDALKIN EYESORE The Labour Party’s Local Area Representative in Clondalkin-Rathcoole, Chris O’Dwyer, is calling on South Dublin County Council to take action on high rise storage containers in the Clondalkin Industrial

Estate. After meeting with concerned local residents and those who use the canal for leisure purposes O’Dwyer said: “Residents living in James Connolly Park and on the Station Road reached out to me

recently regarding the continued presence of storage containers that they say resemble high rise apartment blocks. “As a Clondalkin local I am all to familiar with the sight of the storage containers. I reached out to the wider Clondalkin community regarding this eyesore. I heard back from Clondalkin residents who use the canal for recreational purposes and they have expressed concern for the growing eyesore. “The Council needs to step in to limit the number of containers held on the site and place a restriction on how high they can be stacked. The canal is a wonderful asset to Clondalkin and needs serious investment to maintain its scenic beauty. These containers are impacting on the beauty of the area. “The Council needs to do their job which is to listen to the concern of residents and act accordingly.

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TALLAGHT COMMUNITY MORNS LOSS OF 200 YEAR OLD BRIDGE

On the 1st of June, the Tallaght community watched in shock as a 200-year-old bridge was dismantled as part of a social housing project in Sean Walsh Park, on Whitestown Way in Tallaght. The 200-year-old bridge had been identified by the voluntary Tallaght Community Council (TCC) as part of the South Dublin County Council’s Part 8 public consultations in 2018. The bridge is believed to be one of the last remaining bridges from pre 1843 in Tallaght and possibly the wider County area. TCC had in fact commissioned

and funded an independent report by a conservation expert, Dr Jason Bolton on the structure.

When the housing project was approved by the councillors of SDCC in 2018, commitments to preserve and retain the bridge in the final design were given by SDCC to allay the community fears that the bridge structure would be negatively impacted by the proposed development. The council also confirmed the structure was not on their list of protected registered structures list, despite sitting under their

ownership on a park depot site for decades. In June 2020, Tallaght residents from Old Bawn brought this historic report on the bridge to the attention of Josepha Madigan, TD, then Minister of the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht as not being on the protected structures list, asking for it to be given legal protected.

Dr Bolton’s report stated, “The bridge is in good condition and the masonry wall continues to function... The brickwork was given an aesthetic ‘pennystruck’ finish which is distinctive

GAELPHOBAL THAMHLACHTA WINS AT NATIONAL LOTTERY GOOD CAUSES AWARDS Two Dublin-based organisations were recently presented with top awards at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards. The Immigrant Council of Ireland won the Community category while Gaelphobal Thamhlachta won the Irish category Award. Both organisations were presented with their awards during this afternoon’s virtual ceremony with the 36 finalists tuning in from the comfort of their own homes all over Ireland. Grainne Seoige hosted the event live from the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin and was joined by an array of familiar faces to present each of the awards to the category winners. Gaelphobal Thamhlachta is an Irish language

and cultural organisation based in Tallaght who aim to promote the Irish language as part of everyday life within the Dublin 24 suburb.In 2019 Gaelphobal Thamhlachta opened the bilingual Café Aon Scéal in the heart of Tallaght Village, as part of an Irish language and cultural centre which was developed on the back of vital contributions made by National Lottery players through Good Causes funding. The opening of the Café drove even more awareness and interest to the organisation following widespread coverage across national and local media. It also gave Irish speakers in the area a place to meet and socialise through the Irish language.

Pictured Pól Ó Meadhra from Gaelphobal Thamhlachta, an Irish language and cultural organisation based in Tallaght, was presented with the Irish Language Award at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards. Also pictured are broadcaster, Grainne Seoige and National Lottery Chief Executive, Andrew Algeo.

of many buildings in Dublin in the 19th century...The bridge and wall are not archaeological monuments or protected structures, but are sound historic structures which form some of the few physical reminders of the importance of milling in south Dublin in the past when the area acted as the ‘breadbasket’ of Dublin City....they both commemorate the past and add a historic element to a modern development, and in addition also aid in ‘placemaking’ and local distinctiveness.” Since work started in 2021 on this housing project and heavy earth moving machinery was moved onsite, multiple community representations have been made to SDCC seeking reassurance of the preservation of the historic wall and bridge structure. SDCC never outlined a planned removal of the wall and bridge in any response. In fact, the bridge area was cordoned off in Mid-May as the site was cleared by the contractors. This gave a clear impression to all observers that the bridge was being protected and conserved in its historic location in this public park. It was therefore a complete shock to Tallaght residents, who have been monitoring the site daily, to see the bridge being removed with heavy machinery and packed in a dozen or more identical white half tonne bags. The community flooded local representatives, social media and the voluntary community council with emotional reports of the dismantlement of the revered structure. Two days on, the community are still

in the dark as to why the bridge was removed from its historic location and taken offsite. There is no detail as to the removal, curation and reinstatement approach being taken by SDCC towards the historic structure. “There was no ambiguity remaining about the community’s wishes in relation to this structure and why it was considered important. This bridge was a litmus test of South Dublin County Council’s commitment to heritage and history in South Dublin. How this is managed will reflect SDCCs regard for community consultation, working in partnership and best practice in the preservation of Tallaght’s built heritage. We eagerly await answers, as to how this 200-year-old structure could simply be knocked in one day and bagged. The necessity of public housing for older people is not in question. But we also need to honour the last fragments of Tallaght’s

rich history and heritage to the highest standards.” said Albert Perris, Voluntary Heritage Officer 2021/22 with Tallaght Community Council. TCC have furnished a list of Questions to South Dublin County Council and are awaiting a comprehensive reply: Tallaght Community Council are acutely aware of the disappearance of the original stones of Virginia farmhouse over a decade ago and the destruction of the Tallaght wetlands beside The Weir in 2019. There is a long and troubled history of Tallaght’s heritage buildings being levelled, bagged and removed, often with some vague commitments around conservation and heritage. A strong lead is now needed by SDCC to clearly show they do and will value Tallaght heritage, particular the heritage located on their land. According to Mr. Perris, “If this modest but historic little bridge, held in public ownership on public land, can be removed by a developer acting on behalf of public Interest (SDCC and Clúid Housing), for the provision of public Housing, what hope is there for those larger buildings held on private property, such as The Priory in the years ahead? A line now needs to be drawn and a clear sense of value and leadership by SDCC, the community of Tallaght will no longer accept the destruction of what little is left of Tallaght history”.

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9% TOURISM VAT RATE FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

The Economic Recovery Plan launched by Government recently sets out a range of supports and investment that will benefit the tourism industry in Dublin Mid-West, including the extension of the 9% tourism VAT rate, a local TD has said. The Plan includes targeted supports for the local tourism sector such as pilot events for arts, culture, sports, and live entertainment, as well as restart payments up to a maximum of €30,000 for businesses reopening in time for the tourist season this Summer. Deputy Higgins said, “From

double CRSS payments to a lower VAT rate, the tourism industry in the local area is set to get a real boost over the coming months with the launch of the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan. “I know that some of our local businesses haven’t had the opportunity to take full advantage of the reduced tourism VAT rate to date, so I’m delighted to see the extension of the tourism VAT rate of 9% until September 2022. This will give businesses across the constituency the opportunity to gain back some of their much-

needed lost revenue. “Many restaurants, shops and local attractions in Dublin Mid-West have faced huge challenges over the past 15 months, but this announcement marks a new chapter on our road to recovery post-pandemic. “Our economic recovery is going to be rapid; businesses are going to reopen, and people are going to return to their jobs. “Summer 2021 is a summer we can look forward to, with tourists returning to visit our local attractions and businesses here. We’re going to see people back in our local

COUNCILLOR CALLS FOR SUPPORT TO BAN DATA CENTRES

A local councillor has called for the support of other councillors in South Dublin to ban data centres from the county. People Before Profit Cllr Madeleine Johansson made the call as part of the new Development Plan for South Dublin County Council. According to the ‘Not Here- Not Anywhere’ campaign electricity demands from data centres could account for 36% of Ireland’s electricity demand by 2030. The Irish Academy of Engineering predicts that data centre development will add at least 1.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030. Data centres could also contribute to higher electricity costs for consumers because of their high usage. There are already a number of data centres located in

South Dublin, including Amazon in Tallaght and Microsoft in Grange Castle. Councillor Johansson commented: “I have submitted a number of motions which, if they were passed, would ban any future data centres in South Dublin County. I am very concerned about the proliferation of data centres in the area. They have a massive impact on the environment because of their high energy use and provide very few jobs for people. I think we should be using our limited land resources in a much better way through high-density employment developments on lands zoned for Enterprise and Employment. I am calling on all councillors to support my motions and to ban data centres from South Dublin.”

restaurants and pubs, our parks and beaches, and our local shops and attractions. “The supports for the tourism industry outlined in the Plan go far beyond the reduced VAT

rate. The commercial rates waiver will be extended for three months for businesses in Dublin MidWest while businesses set to reopen can avail of double CRSS payments for three

weeks up to a maximum of €30,000. “I am really looking forward to see our tourism industry and local business thriving again and getting back to business,” concluded Deputy Higgins.

JOBSTOWN RUNNING CLUB RAISING FUNDS FOR VISIT

Jobstown Running Club recently held their Festival of Running in aid of VISIT. The event raised €340 for the local organisation that helps families within the community with care packages and hot meals for the homeless. Well done to everyone involved! For more information see Facebook.com/Jobstownrunningclub

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MOTORING LIFE

WITH

NEW FORD FOCUS MHEV – ELECTRIFIED PERFORMANCE By Breda Corrigan The first Ford Focus appeared on Irish roads in late 1998 as a replacement for the ageing Ford Escort. Now in its fourth generation, the Focus still remains one of Ireland’s bestselling cars. The current Ford Focus is based on a completely new platform, while a new design language and improved infotainment also feature. Originally available in petrol or diesel engine guises only, the enhanced Focus is now available with EcoBoost Hybrid technology for the first time. Cutting-Edge Engine Tech; The new EcoBoost 1.0-litre mild hybrid powertrain in the Focus features cuttingedge technology designed to keep pollution and running-costs down. Thanks to its 48V mild-hybrid system (mHEV) and cylinder deactivation, the new engine boasts increased fuel efficiency of up to 17% when compared to a standard, nonhybrid, 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. Cylinder deactivation enhances fuel efficiency by automatically switching off one of the cylinders when full capacity is not needed, such as when coasting or cruising with light demand on the engine. The system can disengage, or re-engage, one cylinder in 14 milli-seconds with no compromise in performance or refinement. Regenerative braking reclaims energy as you slow down, and uses it to deliver a boost as you accelerate, helping to improve performance. A belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG) enables recovery of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a 48-volt lithium-ion air-cooled battery pack. Locating this battery beneath the front passenger seat has allowed the mild hybrid powertrain to be integrated with no loss of cargo or passenger space for Focus occupants. Specification Options; The Focus mHEV is available in a choice of six generously-equipped trim levels – Zetec Edition, Titanium Edition, Vignale Edition, Active Edition, Active X Vignale Edition, and ST-Line Edition, all of which come with a standard six-speed manual transmission. Exterior Design; With the exception of a discreet badge on the rear of the car, there are no visual changes to distinguish the mHEV Focus from its petrol or diesel counterparts. As with the entire Focus range, the mHEV is available in both five-door hatchback and estate body styles, with both also offered in crossover-style Active guise with a slightly raised ride height. The Focus is blessed with a distinctive and stylish exterior design language, which looks terrific from every angle, but Ford know that style is nothing without substance. With this in mind, the Focus rides on Ford’s latest ‘C2’

platform, which enhances the excellent driving dynamics and sporty characteristics that the Focus has become famous for. This new platform also enables the wheelbase to be 53mm longer than before, freeing up extra cabin space in the process. Rear knee room in the Focus has increased by 56mm over that offered by it’s predecessor and, thanks to re-profiling of the rear doors, rear seat passengers have more head room too. Interior Design; The cabin of the new Ford Focus is pleasing on the eye, with a central band of polished trim on the dashboard, topped with a softtouch section that spreads as far as the top of the door cards. The buttons for the climate control, and other functions, are all large and well labelled and, as so, are easy to identify. It is difficult to fault the cleaner, sharper ergonomics of the new Focus dashboard, as it benefits from a massive 50% reduction in button clutter, with as many functions as possible relocated to the prominent SYNC 3 infotainment screen. Boot space in the Focus is impressive, with 341-litres of cargo volume available with the rear seat backs in place, but this can be extended to a healthy 1,320-litres when the rear seat backs are folded flat. Test Car; My test car was a Focus ST-Line Edition 1.0-litre EcoBoost mHEV 125PS, which was finished in ever-popular Magnetic Grey metallic paint with 18” Machined ‘Gloss Black’ Alloy Wheels (a €488 cost option) for a truly sporty look. ST-Line Edition standard equipment includes key features such as LED reflector headlamps & day-time running lamps, front fog lamps with cornering function, power folding door mirrors with puddle lamps, large body coloured rear spoiler, polished twin tailpipes, sports tuned suspension, black cloth trim with red stitching, Ford KeyFree System with Keyless Entry & Keyless Start (with sleep mode key fob), rain sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, rear privacy glass, autoheadlamps (on/off), Pre-Collision Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, Lane-Keeping Aid with Lane-Keeping Alert, Intelligent Speed Assist (limiter), My Key®, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Mini Spare Wheel, Ford SYNC 3 with 8’’ TFT touchscreen & App Link Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, satellite navigation, FordPass Connect (Embedded Modem) and wireless charging. An array of keenly-priced optional extras are available across the entire Ford passenger car range, with my test car coming with a Driver Assistance Pack (Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto High Beam, and Adaptive Cruise Control @ €599) and a Convenience Pack (rear wide-view camera, door edge

protectors, Active Park Assist and front & rear parking sensors @ €410). Getting comfortable behind the wheel of the Ford Focus is an easy task, as the car’s standard multi-adjustable driver seat and steering wheel offer multiple options. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol powerplant in the Focus made its international debut in 2011 and, since then, has gone on to win multiple awards due to its ingenuity and cutting-edge technology. In mild hybrid (mHEV) form this unit gets a lower compression ratio and a larger turbo, and delivers a little electric boost from low revs to ‘torque-fill’ while you’re waiting for the turbo to wind up. Producing 125PS (123bhp) and 210Nm of torque, the EcoBoost mHEV engine is capable of propelling the Focus from 0-100km/h in 10.3-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 197km/h (where permitted). In terms of handling, the Focus continues to rank among the best driver’s

cars in the class. The steering is quick, accurate and confidence-inspiring, while there is very little body roll when cornering briskly. Indeed, the well-appointed chassis delivers a composed and enjoyable drive over a variety of road surfaces, while fuel consumption as low as 5.1l/100km (WLTP) on a combined driving cycle is equally impressive. Thanks to a low emission rating, annual road tax is just €180. Pricing & Verdict; The new Ford Focus is a beautifully made, well-equipped and comfortable family car that now adds mild-hybrid engine technology to the mix. Pricing for the new Focus starts at just €21,117 (ex-delivery), with my test car specification priced from €26,712 (ex-delivery). The new Ford Focus mHEV is on sale now at Ford dealerships nationwide.

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THE OPEL MANTRA IS BACK AND IT’S ELECTRIFYING

The legendary Opel Manta is back. Launched over 50 years ago with a four-cylinder petrol engine, today the famous Manta has been reborn and electrified. Opel has unveiled full details of the Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD, the first electric modified car in the history of the German brand. Futureproof, emissions-free and full of emotion, it combines the best of both worlds: the classic appearance of a style icon, together with stateof-the-art technology to deliver sustainable motoring. “The Manta GSe impressively demonstrates the enthusiasm with which we build cars at Opel. It combines our great Opel tradition with today’s commitment to emissionsfree mobility for a very desirable, sustainable future. Opel is already electric with many models – and now the legendary Manta is too,” says Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. The Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD reflects the fascination of a growing fan community that transforms classic cars like the Manta into so-called RestoMods, brimming with modern technologies and new design. The purely battery-electric Manta is as sporty as a genuine Opel GSe and proudly displays its ambitions in its name; ElektroMOD. The four-cylinder engine under the Opel-iconic black bonnet has made way for an electric motor with 108 kW/147hp. The “e” in GSe now stands for electrification. This makes the new GSe the most powerful Manta A ever built by Opel ex-works. In 1974 and 1975, the Manta GT/E was the first generation’s powerhouse model with 77 kW/105 hp. The 2021 electric Manta delivers maximum torque of 255 Nm from a standstill. Now the driver has the choice of manually shifting the original four-speed gearbox or simply engaging fourth gear and then driving automatically; power

is always transmitted to the rear wheels. The Manta thus remains a classic sports car, with an innovative, modernised drivetrain. The lithiumion battery has a capacity of 31kWh, allowing an average range of around 200km. As with the production Opel Corsa-e and the all-new Opel Mokka-e, the Manta GSe can also recover braking energy and store it in the battery. Regular charging takes place via a 9.0kW on-board charger for single-phase and threephase AC charging. This means it takes just under four hours to fully charge the Manta battery. The classic Manta A was the clear inspiration for the striking new Opel Vizor front face signature, first unveiled on the newly launched Mokka and Crossland. The Manta GSe ElektroMOD, the work of passionate designers, 3D modellers, engineers, technicians, mechanics, product and brand experts, differentiates itself with the introduction of the Opel Pixel-Vizor, stretched across the entire width of the vehicle. Its wide LED screen speaks to the world through text and graphics. “My German heart has been ELEKTRified” is written across the new front. “I am on a zero e-mission”, the GSe explains and in the next moment, the silhouette of a Manta ray glides over the Pixel-Vizor. LED technology is also used in the integrated daytime running lamps, the main headlamps and the strikingly threedimensional taillights. The neon yellow paintwork matches the recently updated Opel Corporate Identity and frames the signature black bonnet in a vibrant contrast. The wheel arches now house specially designed 17inch light alloy wheels from Ronal, with 195/40 R17 tyres at the front and 205/40 R17 at the rear. The boot proudly displays “Manta” in the new, modern Opel

badging font. The interior features the latest Opel digital technology. The classic round instruments have been replaced by a wide, just like in the new production Mokka. The two integrated, driver-oriented, 12 and 10-inch widescreens show important information about the car such as charge status and range. Music comes via a Bluetooth box from the legendary amplifier brand Marshall, a modern classic, in a modern classic. The sports seats, with their centre yellow decor line, were once developed for the Opel ADAM S. They now offer a level of comfort and lateral support far superior to that in the original Manta. The driver gets behind a Petri three-spoke steering wheel reworked by Opel. The styling of the seventies has been retained and the yellow marker in the 12 o’clock position brings another sporty touch. In addition, surfaces in the cockpit and door panels are now matt grey, which perfectly matches the neo-classic’s other yellow and black coloured elements. The ceiling of the passenger compartment is lined with fine Alcantara and completes the stylish ambience of the new Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD.

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