Clondalkin News 04.03.19 by Newsgroup

4th March 2019

CALL ON SDCC TO CHANGE BAR ON DISABLED PERSON GRANT

Seán Crowe T.D. has called on South Dublin County Council (SDCC) to change its bar on Disabled Person Grant for tenants who are living in mid-terrace council housing. The TD said that SDCC’s current policy is that tenants in mid-terrace housing who are looking for an extension or major alterations to their home on medical grounds are being forced to go on the housing transfer list.

Crowe described this approach as cruel, disruptive, and probably illegal under current disability legislation. Deputy Crowe said: “There are currently a number of

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families living in the SDCC area who have been rejected for the Disabled Persons Grant on the grounds of living in a mid-terrace home.

supports such as a ramp, adapted doors, downstairs bathroom facilities, a stair lift, and eventually a downstairs extension.

They have been informed in official correspondence to go onto the housing transfer list. They are effectively being told to leave their existing home as a result of a serious illness or a debilitating medical condition facing a member of their household. “I am currently dealing with a case where an individual, because of restrictive upper and lower limbs, is going to end up in a wheelchair and will need access

“SDCC tenants who are facing life changing medical conditions should be getting support and not being told that they have to go through the added trauma of moving home, leaving supporting neighbours and long friendships, all because they live in a mid-terrace home that SDCC policy says it is not suitable for adaption for applicants. “SDCC’s policy is cruel, disruptive, and at odds with the approach of

other local authorities who have a completely different position. “I have raised the issue with Minister of State, Damien English, who said he was surprised and unaware of the policy being operated in the SDCC area. I am not aware of any other local authority that adopts this approach to the Disabled Persons Grant. “This application process breaks, and goes against the spirit of, disability legislation. It needs to be urgently addressed and scrapped. “The policy is also discriminatory against Council tenants because private home owners can currently apply for the Disabled Persons Grant with no bar on them if they are living in midterrace house.” Crowe concluded; “SDCC’s current housing policy in this area is cruel and highly disruptive to families at a time when they are facing major challenges in their lives. “I am calling on SDCC to address this wrong and change their policy. They need to adopt a more caring approach to tenants who are facing into huge changes and challenges in their lives.”

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TALLAGHT STADIUM TO HOST UEFA UNDER-17 DOWDS’ LOCAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL Ireland will play two of their group games at local stadium

Tallaght Stadium is one of seven stadiums across

the country to host games during the UEFA Under-17

European Championships, and will host the final on 19 May, 2019. Tallaght Stadium, which is owned and operated by South Dublin County Council, was chosen along with Tolka Park, UCD Bowl, and Whitehall Stadium in Dublin, and the Carlisle Grounds in Bray, City Calling Stadium in Longford and the RSC in Waterford to host games during this international competition as they all fall within the UEFA-stipulated travel radius from the tournament team hotel, at CityWest in South Dublin County.

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Nicola Coffey, Tallaght Stadium Manager, said: “As manager of Tallaght Stadium, I am delighted that our venue has been chosen to host the final of the UEFA European Under-17 Championships. It is a great honour for the venue to host such a prestigious event and I’ve no doubt both the teams and their travelling support will receive a warm welcome in South Dublin.” Colin O’Brien’s Republic of Ireland team - who qualify automatically as host nation - will play two of their group games in Tallaght and one in Waterford’s RSC. The group draw will be made in Dublin on 4 April. Tallaght Stadium, which was opened in 2009, now has a capacity of 8,000 following the opening of a new third stand and will host the final on Sunday, 19 May. The tournament, which kicks off on 3 May, will be played across four counties in seven different venues with 16 teams involved.

Speaking at the launch of his local election campaign Labour candidate for the Clondalkin Ward (including Saggart, Rathcoole, Newcastle & Brittas) Robert Dowds said that he was going to campaign on three issues; 1. Provision of housing, both private and social, 2. Improved transport and 3. The provision of infrastructure for our new developing areas of Clonburris, Saggart, Rathcoole and Newcastle. “It was really important that all these are introduced in as carbon neutral a way as possible given that we need to do so much to halt the course of climate change” Dowds concluded.

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€315,000 FOR LOCAL YOUTH CLUBS IN TALLAGHT AND CITYWEST

Zappone confirms over €315,000 for local youth clubs Funding to be distributed by ETB head office in Belgard Sq East Small local youth clubs in the Tallaght based Education and Training Board area are to receive over €315,000 in funding, according to Minister Katherine Zappone.

The money will be used for youth clubs working with young people in communities stretching from Lucan, Tallaght and to Templeogue.

Minister Zappone’s office in the Department of Children and Youth Affairs has released the funding, which represents one of the

highest investments in an ETB in the country. Making the announcement Minister Zappone said: “Our local communities have some of the youngest populations in the country and need youth clubs working on the ground. Small volunteer led clubs have the ability to transform lives by offering accessible services in the

THIRD YEAR STUDENT TO BE HONOURED AT PRAMERICA SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARDS A student from St. Paul’s Secondary School in Greenhills has been listed as a finalist in The Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards this year. She is one of 20 finalists being honoured at national level for her volunteer work. Lena Goumaa is a third year student and is greatly involved in volunteer work with Amal women’s group and the Islamic foundation of Ireland and Islamic relief. Her volunteer work includes public speaking at events and also offering support to young Syrian refugees. Lena will be honoured at a gala event in the three arena this March where she will be awarded a silver medallion and a cheque for €500. Lena is a student who encompasses the spirit of our school ‘omnibus omnia’ - all things to all people and the school’s teachers and students are immensely proud of her.

very communities where teenagers live – which is why nationally I have increased funding support by 12% this year. I have seen the impact of this work right across Dublin South West and indeed around the country. Through adventure, sport and the arts the clubs are giving their members an

opportunity to learn and develop. It is very exciting to see and you cannot help but coming away feeling energised and positive about the future.

The level of funding being provided to our local ETB reflects the large numbers of young families in communities like Citywest,

Tallaght and Templeogue – as well those nearby such as Lucan and stretching out to Dun Laoghaire. It is my hope that the ETB headquarters in Belgard Square East will be able to get this money out into the communities as quickly as possible so as it can support the volunteers working with our young people every day.”

PUSH FOR PROPERTY TAX REFORM TO END HOMEOWNERS PAYING FOR THE SAME SERVICES ON THE DOUBLE

Bill aims to relieve homeowners who are paying Local Property Tax and management fees to deliver the same services. Fianna Fáil used its Private Members Business time in the Dáil recently to debate its Management Fees (Local Property Tax) Relief Bill 2018 which was introduced in the Dáil last June.

The Bill provides homeowners who are already paying management fees with a reduction in their Property Tax bill worth a third of the fee, up to a maximum of €300 per year. Commenting on the debate the party’s Chair of the Housing and Homelessness Committee and TD for Dublin Mid-West, John Curran said, “The Local Property Tax, which came into effect in 2013, was intended to fund services in residential developments such as maintaining public lighting, roads and paths and/or grounds keeping. “There are more than 200,000 apartments and tens of thousands of

other homes nationwide whose owners all fork out management fees to service the property. In the six or so years since the introduction of the tax, it has transpired that these management fees are also going towards the same services as LPT, which means some homeowners have been liable for paying twice for the same services. “We believe that this should be acknowledged by the State and to that end we propose a partial reduction in the LPT that equates to one third of the management fee, one third of the local property tax, or €300, whichever is the lower amount. Under our proposed legislation, no one will benefit from more than €300. “We remain committed to ensuring there is no increase in the Local Property Tax and that a fairer, more equitable system is put in place when the review of current rate is finalised and its report published in the coming weeks,” he concluded.

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CLONDALKIN MEN’S SHED SET FOR OFFICIAL OPENING Cllr. Emer Higgins has congratulated Clondalkin Men’s Shed as they prepare to cut the ribbon on their new premises. “The Clondalkin Men’s Shed has been a fantastic addition to the Clondalkin community these past five years. At long last they’re settled in to their new, permanent home, just off Watery Lane. They have a fabulous workshop for building their Buddy Benches and all the fantastic woodwork

projects they donate to local hospices and schools. Thanks to Sister Kathleen, they also have a homely kitted out kitchen and hangout place; a space they can chat over tea and lunch. The men behind the shed are some of the warmest, most committed volunteers I’ve ever met. They are fantastic at reaching out to men in our community and giving them a new outlet, which for some, can mean a whole

new lifestyle,” said Cllr. Emer Higgins. “Men’s Sheds are an amazing movement that give many men, and

indeed their wives, a new lease of life. I’d encourage any man in retirement to pop down to the Clondalkin

Men’s Shed and see what it’s about. They’re there every week day, and you couldn’t meet a nicer,

more welcoming, gang of men with many a story to share,” concluded Cllr. Emer Higgins.

GOVERNMENT’S ABJECT FAILINGS IN CHILD AND FAMILY HOMELESSNESS Seán Crowe T.D. has said the annual ‘Report Card’ published by the Children’s Rights Alliance again highlights that the Government is failing in its commitments to end child and family homelessness. The Report Card awarded the government an ‘F’ grade for lack of progress in the area of Child and Family Homelessness and called for an increase in capital spend on social and affordable housing in order to increase the supply of housing and decrease exorbitant rents and the price of housing Reacting to the publication Deputy Seán Crowe said: “What is very clear from this report is that the Government – with the tacit support of Fianna Fáil – is completely failing children and families experiencing homelessness. “The Programme for Government has a commit to ending the use of long term

emergency accommodation for homeless families, but sadly there is little evidence of this happening. Almost three years into this programme we have record numbers of homeless families and children in emergency accommodation and so called family hubs. “The Government, for ideological reasons, seems completely incapable of addressing the housing and homeless issue. Their ‘market will address the issue’ approach has failed to deliver and actually made things worse.” Deputy Crowe also noted that it is not appropriate for children to spend long periods of time in emergency accommodation and family hubs: “Long-term placement in emergency accommodation seriously impacts on young people’s education, social life, as well as their nutritional and dietary health. While the

rollout of family hubs is an improvement on hotels and B&Bs, it is not a long-term solution to the housing and homelessness crisis. Sadly many families feel trapped in these same hubs.

“Solutions should involve building more social and affordable housing, a focus on bringing vacant homes back into use, and real rent certainty and protections for tenants in the rental sector.”

SENSORY FUN WITH FRIENDS EASTER CAMPS Sensory Fun with Friends is a voluntary parent led group that are registered as a non for profit company limited by guarantee and have public liability insurance. The aim is to provide affordable, sensory friendly activities for children with complex additional needs i.e. ASD, SPD, Down syndrome, Intellectual Disabilities (mild-severe range), Cerebal Palsy and general sensory challenges and their typically developed siblings, where no camp or facility can cater to their needs. They also have joined up with many business based in Tallaght to host sensory friendly mornings to facilitate haircuts, barbering and cinema trips. In the coming months they are hosting Easter and summer camps and some of the activities include swimming, yoga, gardening, circuits and excursions all based in Tallaght. Please join the Facebook page ‘Sensory Fun With Friends’ or email sensoryfunwithfrienda@gmail. com for further information.

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CLONDALKIN SCIENTIST RECOGNISED FOR CANCER RESEARCH

Congratulations to Clondalkin scientist Dr Lisa Dwane who has been recognised for her work in cancer research at the 2019 Irish Cancer Society Research Awards. The awards recognised some of the vital work being

undertaken by researchers and support staff throughout the country, funded by the public donations to the Irish Cancer Society. Lisa won the top prize of PhD (Junior) Researcher of the Year. Funded by the Irish Cancer Society and based in the RCSI Dublin, Lisa’s research

project focussed on new and better ways to treat a form of breast cancer driven by the hormone estrogen. Also pictured with Lisa is her mother Marion Dwane, who herself is a breast cancer survivor. Lisa said of her work, “About 70% of breast cancers are hormone driven.

Most of these women will be treated with tamoxifen and about one third of them will relapse within 15 years. We’re looking for new ways to treat this type of patient, patients that either fail on tamoxifen treatment or don’t respond at all. “It’s very important for

patients to know what we’re doing even though a lot of our research is at the early stages and it may take a few years for something to come from it. There are currently therapies coming out at the moment that people have been researching for a long time; this is what we’re doing now and hopefully in a few years down the line we may have new drugs for patients.” Proud mum Marion said, “I’m so proud of her. Cancer research is so important. I’m living proof of this.” Lisa narrowly beat Alexandra Tuzova from Castleknock to the prize. At the ceremony the Irish Cancer Society also announced that, thanks to the public’s generosity, it is on track to invest €30 million in cancer research in the decade up to 2020. Averil Power, Chief Executive of the Irish Cancer Society, said: “This decade has broken all records for cancer research in Ireland.

Dr Lisa Dwane from Clondalkin is congratulated by her mum Marion.

Thanks to the generosity of the public, the Irish Cancer Society has

invested more money in life-saving research than ever before, finding better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. “In 2019 we intend to invest €2.3 million in cancer research, supporting the work of over 100 researchers around the country. This makes us the largest voluntary funder of cancer research in Ireland, but we can still do even more. “Every year we have to turn away researchers who come to us with potentially lifesaving projects, simply because we don’t have enough funds to support them. Unfortunately, this means we may have had to turn down a potential breakthrough or cure. If we’re going to stop cancer this has to change. That’s why Daffodil Day 2019 needs to be the biggest one yet.” Daffodil Day supported by Boots Ireland, will take place on Friday 22nd March. Members of the public are urged to get involved by volunteering as fundraisers and donating what they can on the day. For more see cancer.ie/daffodilday.

TEST YOUR HEARING FOR FREE WITH SPECSAVERS LIFFEY VALLEY & CLONDALKIN BRAND NEW AUDIO PAD TECHNOLOGY “Ask in-store for details about ‘Audio Pad’ and have your hearing checked”

Audio Pad is a newly developed technology from Specsavers that allows customers to check their hearing by simply listening to cues on an iPad in-store and answering

Audiologist Steve Dunn using the Audio Pad technology at Specsavers Liffey Valley

questions based on what they hear through the earphones. This quick and easy approach is revolutionising quick hearing checks and putting customers at ease according to staff locally. Danielle Lyons, Audiologist with Specsavers, explained that Audio Pad allows customers to carry out the hearing test at their own pace on the iPad. Customers can also use the Audio Pad to keep a check on their hearing over time, with the results offering an insight into the best treatments and recommendations for the future. Danielle said: “This technology really is fantastic for customers, it is a great way to check their hearing on a regular basis. It only takes a couple of minutes and we can advise customers based on their Audio Pad results.” Audio Pad is part of the Hearcare Department in both Clondalkin and Liffey Valley Specsavers branches and is available seven days a week in each store. Customers listen to the test through specially designed earphones and answer questions on the screen before going through the results with a qualified

audiologist. Staff then go through the collated results and email details explaining the audiogram directly to the customer with information about indicated hearing levels, results and recommendations. Danielle said: “The feedback from customers has been great so far, they love being able to come in and do the test for free and find out about their hearing levels and keep

up-to-date with hearing checks. We have also seen lots of people who are concerned about their hearing and Audio Pad is a great way to monitor that for them.” For more information, or to have your hearing checked for free, visit Specsavers Liffey Valley or Specsavers Clondalkin and ask in-store about Audio Pad.

Audiologist Danielle Lyons using the Audio Pad technology with staff at Specsavers Liffey Valley

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#COUNCILS4CLIMATEACTION PUBLIC INFORMATION EVENT

The South Dublin #Councils4ClimateAction public information event took place in the headquarters of South Dublin County Council (SDCC) at County Hall,

Tallaght recently. There was a strong turnout at the event and plenty of discussion on this important topic. Citizens had access to a

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range of information stands where the public could engage with Council staff for the five key action areas reflecting the key targets of the Plan.

submissions, comments or suggestions in relation to the five key action areas of the Plan.” These #Councils4ClimateAction events are taking

place during the public consultation process for the four Dublin Local Authorities’ Climate Change Action Plans, which runs until the 25th of March.

For further information on how to make a submission and details on the remaining Public Information events in South Dublin please visit www.sdublincoco.ie.

Mayor of SDCC, Cllr Mark Ward, officially launched the plan. Speaking on the evening, Mayor Ward said: “I am very pleased that South Dublin County Council is progressive in addressing the effects that climate change is having on our environment. To this end the Council approved an increase of a quarter of a million euro in the Climate Action budget for 2019, in order to kick start the actions in the plan.” Chair of the Environment, Public Realm and Climate Change SPC Cllr Pamela Kearns stated:“I am delighted to see the clear commitment from South Dublin County Council to help us realise a greener, cleaner more resilient future. There are 114 actions listed in the Draft Plan and work has begun on many of these actions. I urge citizens to make

Beaver Scouts from the 103rd Dublin (Willington) Scout group; Mayor of SDCC Mark Ward; Cllr Pamela Kearns; South Dublin County Council Director of Services Teresa Walsh.

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CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT ACTION ON CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Seán Crowe T.D. has welcomed a new report

from the Oireachtas Children and Youth Affairs

Committee on Tackling Childhood Obesity and said

Knocklyon Men’s Shed In Business

Knocklyon Men’s Shed is officially up and running, according to local Councillor, Brian Lawlor. Brian held a public meeting in Knocklyon recently to ascertain whether there was an appetite for a Men’s Shed in the area; the response was overwhelming. “Over 100 men turned up at my meeting, and that day, thanks to the support of Sue from the Council and Sheila in the Parish, the Knocklyon Men’s Shed was born. Since then the group has elected a Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and committee. Already over one hundred men are registered members but there’s plenty of room so if you want to join and be part of the Shed just drop along to the Iona Centre any Tuesday at 10am,” said Cllr. Brian Lawlor. “The beauty of the Men’s Shed is there’s something for everyone. A number of activities are already planned over coming weeks from Monday hill walks, Pitch & Putt days, and for the green fingered members, their very own Knocklyon Men’s Shed allotment,” continued Cllr. Brian Lawlor. “Men’s Sheds are a fantastic initiative that give many men, and indeed their wives, a new lease of life. I’d encourage any man in retirement to pop down, see what it’s about and I bet they’ll love if they do,” concluded Cllr. Brian Lawlor.

the targeting of children by junk food marketers must be urgently addressed by Government. The Sinn Féin TD believes that moves to restrict the sale and advertising of high sugar content drinks and junk food to children via social media, mobile gaming apps, and other forms of media needs to be planned for and the necessary actions implemented. Deputy Seán Crowe said: “This report was welcomed by all TDs and I support any action which tries to reverse obesity trends, prevent serious health complications, and reduce pressures on our health system. “Moves to restrict the sale and advertising of high sugar content drinks and junk food to children via social media, mobile gaming apps, and other forms of media needs to be planned for and the necessary actions implemented as a matter of urgency. “It is bizarre that students are being taught about healthy lifestyles in home economics on the one hand and then when they walk

out of the classroom they are immediately confronted by vending machines selling sugar laden drinks and juke food. “Research from Safefood estimates that 55,056 children currently living in the State, and 85,688 on the whole island, will die prematurely due to overweight and obesity. That is the huge challenge facing Irish society and we need to act now. “Children and adults are eating themselves into bad health, and into an early grave. We need to know it the limited measures like a sugar tax are impacting in any positive way.” Crowe continued: “We know from other reports that the total lifetime financial costs of childhood obesity are estimated to be about €4.6 billion, with the direct healthcare associated costs estimated at around €1.7 million. “We also know from other jurisdictions that simple health improvements can make a massive differenc. “If Body Mass Index (BMI) was reduced by as little

as 1%, the lifetime cost of childhood overweight and obesity would be reduced by as much as €270 million. A BMI reduction of 5% would reduce the lifetime costs by €1.1 billion with the added bonus of a significant impact on health and wellbeing of children. “Reducing the levels of obesity makes financial sense and there are huge health benefits, but unfortunately there seems to be little appetite by the government to tackle the issue among children, and later among adults, as highlighted by this Oireachtas report. “Public information campaigns and programs like Operation Transformation can be life changing but the crisis has moved well beyond the discussion phase and urgent actions are needed.”

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A STORY 25 YEARS IN THE MAKING

25 years is a milestone in any marriage and as people often comment “you’d serve less time for murder”, but a 25 year business relationship is a unique achievement. Yet that’s what Clondalkin’s Midas Touch founders

Pauline Maher and Anne Quinn have been celebrating for the past year. Celebrations culminated last weekend with the Grand Final of their €25,000 Treatment Giveaway when 25 lucky finalists shared the

Anne Quinn and Pauline Maher

winnings. Anne explains, “‘some of our clients have been with us since the business started and we wanted to thank them for supporting us so that’s where the idea of giving away €25,000 worth of treatments came from”. Pauline continues, “it’s appropriate that our Grand Final happened on March 2nd as its 25 years almost to the day since we first opened for business and we’re delighted to be able to give something back”. The story of Midas Touch began when Pauline Maher, a young mother of three, eager to combine earning a living, without compromising the care of her children, put her creative and active mind to work. In 1992, sunbeds were very popular in Ireland and a tan was regarded as a symbol of wealth and holidays abroad. Walk-in sunrooms were introduced, and it didn’t take Pauline long to work out how getting

a ‘Cooler, Faster and more Hygienic Tan’ would appeal to a lot of people. March 1st 1993, saw Midas Touch Salon open for business, offering a first rate Nail and Tanning service to the people of Clondalkin and surrounding areas. Midas Touch put a float in the Patrick’s Day Parade in Clondalkin, doing ‘live’ treatments and the business was up and running. Then, one day in May 1994, a client arrived for sculptured nails. She had been running a tanning salon for the past year and was delighted to share her experience, offering sound help and advice. This clients name was Anne Quinn and by the following week Anne had joined the business and this 25 year partnership began. Pauline says: “It’s not easy working with anyone for a long time and we have had our moments over the past 25 years,

but our commitment to our clients has always been our number one priority and everyone at Midas Touch buys into that philosophy and that’s what keeps us together. We also manage to have a good laugh at ourselves which helps too!”

In December 1999, Pauline and Anne moved the business to its present location, a ground floor unit with their dream ‘shop front’ at Newlands Cross. Although a huge undertaking, they knew the investment was essential for the business to reach its full potential. Fast-forward to 2018 and Midas Touch has survived not one, but two recessions, and Pauline and Anne are proud to be celebrating 25 years in business. Anne explains their recipe for success: “Staying relevant in a rapidly changing industry and keeping all the staff up to speed with changes

and training has been one of the hallmarks of Midas Touch. From our original nail and tan offering, we have grown to become synonymous with cutting edge, FDA approved noninvasive face and body rejuvenation treatments but at heart, we are still that local, friendly salon where everyone is welcome”. 25 years on, Pauline and Anne and the team at Midas Touch are still bringing innovative new treatments to Clondalkin. With new décor, new pedicure chairs and new staff uniforms, Midas Touch has just completed a top-to-toe makeover, but it’s still the same friendly and professional salon where every client is special. With the final word, Pauline says “We couldn’t have done it without the loyalty and commitment of staff past and present who all contributed to our success.”

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To celebrate 25 years in business Midas Touch gave away â&#x201A;Ź25,000 worth of treatments to their customers!

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Top 10 Misspelled Words at Kip McGrath At our Kip McGrath Education Centre our tutors see students misspelling words all the time. Here is our list of top 10 words that are regularly misspelled by students and a few handy hints for getting them right. 1.Because – the ending of this word is tricky to remember. Remember: Big Elephants Can’t Always Understand Small Elephants Because 2. Separate - commonly misspelled seperate Remember: Never separate a para from his parachute! Separate 3. Weird - commonly misspelled wierd Remember: We…ir…d We….are(ir)…dangerous(d) 4. Believe - commonly misspelled beleive Remember: There is always a lie in believe. 5. Friend - commonly misspelled freind Remember: A friend is a friend until the end! 6. Accommodation - commonly misspelled acommodation or accomodation Remember: Accommodation has two cots and two mattresses. 7. Beautiful - commonly misspelled beutiful Remember: It is important to “be a“ beautiful person. 8. February - commonly misspelled Feburary It is brrrrr cold in February. 9. Necessary – commonly misspelled neccessary Remember: One “collar” and two “socks”. Necessary 10. A lot - This is commonly misspelled as one word – alot Remember: You do not write alittle so don’t write alot. A lot is two separate words. There are many more and each student will be different – both in terms of their mistakes and how they best learn the corrections.

UCD PARTNERING IN NEW €4 MILLION PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL CANCER SUPPORT RESEARCH PROJECT Pan-European project to evaluate the effectiveness of support interventions for people with cancer and their caregivers University College Dublin (UCD) researchers are partnering in a new, pan-European and multidisciplinary research project to evaluate which psychosocial and educational interventions are most effective in supporting people with advanced cancer and their family caregivers. The project called DIAdic, involves experts from nine (9) research institutions in Belgium, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK and Ireland, and has received €4 million in funding, over 5-years, through Horizon 2020, the EU Research and Innovation programme. Around 4 million people in the EU are diagnosed with cancer every year and a diagnosis of advanced cancer has significant psychological and social consequences not only for the individual with the disease but also for family caregivers. Good psychosocial and educational support for the patient and the caregiver can substantially reduce such effects and help to improve the quality of life for both the patient and caregiver. The overall aim of the DIAdic project is to provide evidence about which psychosocial and educational interventions are most effective. The DIAdIC project will develop and evaluate two different methods of administering the interventions: a faceto-face method provided in the patient-caregiver’s home by a specially trained professional and an eHealth self-administered tool. Both are tailored to the needs of both patients and caregivers. The interventions will address five core areas, outlined below. Associate Professor Suzanne

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Guerin, UCD School of Psychology, who is the UCD lead on this project, said, “Our aim is that by the end of this project we will understand more clearly which psychosocial and educational supports are most effective in supporting cancer patients and their caregivers, and that such supports will be available in all European countries.” “With the significant number of new patients being diagnosed with cancer each year, the impact of this project could be considerable,” she added. Professor Joachim Cohen, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the overall DIAdic project co-ordinator said, “A major strength and uniqueness of the DIAdIC project is that it considers the patientcaregiver dyad as a unit and that it supports them using tailored interventions that are complementary to the existing professional care.” “In a context of limited resources for healthcare

there are also limitations to how much professional caregivers, such as physicians and nurses, can provide in terms of psychosocial and educational support. By supporting the patientcaregiver unit in their own home, outside of contact with health care services, we expect to have more impact on improving families’ wellbeing.” The five core areas which will be addressed in the DIAdic project are; Supporting family involvement in care, Addressing issues of hopelessness, fears and concerns about the disease, Increasing coping effectiveness to deal with stress related to the disease and caregiving, Reducing uncertainty about the disease and treatments and Teaching self-care strategies for symptom management. Other UCD researchers taking part in the project include; Professor Phil Larkin, Adjunct Professor

UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems and University of Lausanne, Associate Professor Michael Connolly, UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems and Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services and Dr Paul D’Alton, St Vincent’s University Hospital and Adjunct Associate Professor UCD School of Psychology. The research institutions in the DIAdic project, in addition to UCD are; Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Erasmus Universitair Medisch Centrum Rotterdam (Erasmus MC); King’s College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation; Queen’s University Belfast; Universiteit Gent; Azienda Unita Sanitaria Locale di Reggio Emilia; Kobenhavns Universitet and Trinity College Dublin. The European Association of Palliative Care and the European Cancer Patient Coalition are also partnering in the DIAdic project.

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GRIFFITH COLLEGE PRESENT FIVE DEIS SCHOOLS WITH BURSARIES AS PART OF STEAM INITIATIVE

Griffith College presented St. John’s De La Salle, Ballyfermot with a €5,000 cheque having been

chosen as the college’s overall winners of its STEAM Bursary Initiative in partnership with CPL.

In addition, the students will be given a site tour of the initiative supporters, Amazon. Teamed with

St. John’s De La Salle students, Daniel, Peter, Paul, Destiny and Abdul St. John’s STEAM: St. John’s De La Salle staff and students with a number of Griffith staff and judging panel

Griffith College President Professor Diarmuid Hegarty presents St. John’s De La Salle Principal with the cheque worth 5,000 as part of the STEAM initiative. Accompanied are students, Griffith staff and judging panel as well as Siobhan O’Shea from CPL

this, Kylemore College also Ballyfermot was presented with a €3,000 cheque which will be used to improve the school’s science labs.

institution Griffith College has been shortlisted for “Best Outreach Initiative” by the Education Awards 2019 for its STEAM Bursary

Initiative. The Initiative began with the intention of increasing the uptake of STEAM subjects at Second Level.

Students will also be given a site tour of Integrity 360. A panel of Griffith judges including; Ciara Browne, John Molohan, Claire Aston and Waseem Ahktar deliberated over a plethora of applications to choose one overall winner and four other deserving schools. Griffith College President Professor Diarmuid Hegarty presented St. John’s De La Salle with a cheque on behalf of the college to be used to improve STEAM related equipment. Other schools that have been acknowledged include Loreto, Crumlin which will be presented with a €1,500 bursary and tablet worth €500. Cork based schools St. Colman’s and St. Vincent’s will each receive €1,000 teamed with site visits to One Core and Microsoft, respectively. National

Head of Marketing at Griffith College Steven Roberts presents Lillian Macken (Kylemore, Ballyfermot) with a cheque as part of the STEAM initiative.

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CALLS FOR PUBLIC TO CONTRIBUTE TO CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN

South Dublin County Council has published their draft Climate Change Action Plan and local People Before Profit Cllr Madeleine Johansson has called on the public to make submissions. Climate Change is already impacting on the local community through severe weather events such as flooding, heat waves and snowfall. If urgent action is not taken we will continue to see increases in weather events which will have a significant impact on local residents. Fungi by Patrick Kavanagh Palmerstown Camera Club are successful in the Photographer of The Year finals held in Carlow recently. Aoife Tierney, Lorraine Morris and Lorraine Kelly were awarded honourable mentions by Dominic Reddin IPF president. In the Nature Photographer of the Year, Miriam Power and Patrick Kavanagh received Honourable mentions. Patrick Kavanagh came third and received a bronze medal for his image Common Dolphins. Palmerstown Camera Club meets every Wednesday at 8pm to 10pm at the Parish Hall Palmerstown Kennellsfort Road opposite the Palmerstown House. New members welcome, who have a passion for photography. See www. palmerstowncameraclub.com or Facebook’Palmerstown Camera Club’for more information.

Cllr Madeleine Johansson said: “The plan contains a number of areas with actions to be taken by the council, including to decrease carbon emissions in South Dublin and mitigate the effects of climate change. “The largest contributor to carbon emissions in South Dublin is transport, which contributes 38.9% of emissions. This is a consequence of the lack of good public transport in large parts of South

Dublin including the Lucan and Clondalkin area. Local Cllrs have been consistently calling for increased investment in public transport in the area with no response from either the government or the National Transport Authority. “Now

is the time for the public to get informed about climate change and make demands on the council and the government to make substantial changes to the benefit of the planet and ordinary citizens. The public consultation is

open until the 25th March. “Young people have already got behind the calls for action and a global strike of school students is organised for the 15th March. Hopefully schools in South Dublin will join the day of action.”

VILLAGE COUNSELLING SERVICE EVENT IN KILLINARDEN

Pictured at the Village Counselling Service Event in Killinarden Enterprise Centre were: Cllr. Charlie O’Connor, Dr. Marcella Finnerty CE of VCS, Jim Daly TD Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People

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SEOLADH SHEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE ÁTHA CLIATHA THEAS 2019

South Dublin County Council and South Dublin Library Services in partnership with Áras Chrónáin are delighted to bring you this year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge Átha Cliath Theas (SnaGÁCT). This year in

particular is a unique year for our beautiful language within South Dublin County. We are very proud to see our own Clondalkin Village going forward for official recognition and status as a ‘Líonra Gaeilge’ (Irish

Language Network).

Keep an eye out for the awareness campaign surrounding ‘Líonra Gaeilge’. The fáinne / circle has been chosen as a logo for the national campaign as

RESIDENTS “SICK AND TIRED” OF JUVENILE ATTACKS FOLLOWING A LACK OF INVESTMENT IN COMMUNITY CCTV SURVEILLANCE SCHEMES By Cathy Lee Newsgroup reported in January concerns raised about the fact that only one quarter of the total funding available for the installation of CCTV systems aimed to deter crime in local communities had been used to date. One reader, Andrew* from Cushlawn, Tallaght said that his area must be made a priority, as he feels CCTV may be the only option left to reduce crime in the locality. A long term resident of Cushlawn, Andrew has been attacked violently by youths three times in the last two years, while his partner has received regular threats. Although this issue has been ongoing, Andrew said that things are “definitely getting worse and I’m sick and tired of it”. Andrew added that he doesn’t know “what to do or where to turn” as he explained that he wants to protect himself and defend his family but he cannot afford to install a CCTV system himself. Although Andrew has reported incidents

and called the local Gardaí to his house on occasion, he said that “When you say that they’re outside causing the trouble and ask them to call up, they come up two or three hours later when the trouble is all finished”.

Andrew was told that Gardaí don’t have the manpower and were unable to act as they hadn’t seen the attacks taking place themselves. Andrew said that he has seen changes in the community in his lifetime but regularly elderly people like his parents and neighbours are having their houses vandalised by juveniles. “It’s getting to a point where I’m thinking about going further with this”, he said adding that people are aggravated, and he feels it could “go back to the old days, where people are going to take the law into their own hands and be vigilantes”. *In the interest of safety, names have been changed to protect the identity of this resident.

it represents communities working together – le chéile. The aim of the campaign is to promote the use of Irish through Gaeilge le Chéile – three simple steps, to use Irish Everyday, Everywhere, with Everyone.

the many great events on offer from music to poetry to conversation, and above all to use your cúpla focail during Seachtain na Gaeilge 2019 to support the use of

Irish in our daily lives!.”

For further information and to download the brochure visit www.sdcc.ie or www. athcliaththeas.ie.

SnaGÁCT was launched officially this week by Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr Mark Ward. The programme will run from 1– 17 March. This year’s wonderful calendar has over 120 events including a special concert by Kila, St. Patrick’s Day Céilí, Pop – Up Gaeltacht, workshops in the libraries, traditional music sessions, and many other entertaining events, most of which are free of charge. In referring to this year’s programme of events Mayor Ward said “There is plenty to do, see and explore within the pages of this year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge event guide. If you are reading the brochure online, you’ll be able to click on links to bring you to relevant content. I would encourage all our citizens to attend some of

Pictured Bernard Dunne, Mayor Mark Ward and Brían O’ Gaibhín, Áras Chrónáin

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CALL FOR PERMANENT REINSTATEMENT OF SCHOOL SUMMER WORKS SCHEME

Schools that are in serious financial difficulty and won’t receive the full investment they need now deserve to know that the schemes will be open again next year.

John Curran T.D. has called on the Minister for

Education Joe McHugh to make a firm commitment to permanently reinstating the Summer Works Scheme for schools. Deputy Curran was commenting after receiving a Parliamentary reply on the issue; “I welcome the announcement that the School Summer Works

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Scheme is to go ahead for 2019. Many schools will benefit from long-overdue minor works during the summer months. However; Schools that are in serious financial difficulty and won’t receive the full investment they need now deserve to know that the schemes will be open again next year. “This scheme, along with the Minor Works Grant, was suspended in previous years and only last year in 2018 there was no Summer Works Scheme; this left many schools that depend on these modest supports for essential maintenance works crippled by debt,” said Deputy Curran.

“I welcome the fact that Minister McHugh has finally realised the impact that suspension has had on schools across the country. It will come as a welcome relief that many cashstrapped schools, who have waited for support from Minister McHugh’s Department, may now get some much needed investment.”In order for schools to plan projects and minor works that are

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essential to the up keep of their school buildings, the Government must show a willingness to commit to reinstate these vital supports in the long-term. “Because all schools have been denied access to this scheme in 2018, there is the potential for major

backlog in the number of schools that urgently need investment for essential works. We need a firm commitment from Minister Mc Hugh that the schemes will be reinstated permanently to allow schools to plan for the

following years application process. “I am calling on the Minister to commit to keeping the Summer Works Scheme and Minor Works Grant as a permanent source of funding for all schools, he must make this commitment now,” concluded Deputy Curran.

ANOTHER HORSE LEFT TO DIE

My Lovely Horse Rescue was established in 2011 in response to observing horses and donkeys in urban areas being mistreated and their welfare compromised. Their mission is to end the suffering of equines in Ireland. They believe that the three main causes of suffering are lack of education, indiscriminate breeding and lack of enforcement animal welfare, equine ID and licensing legislation.

The organisation receives reports of mistreated horses and animals quite often sometimes as often as every day, an example of which was evident where a deceased horse was found by a walker in recent weeks. The horse was tied to a gate in the Kilbride/ Dublin/ Wicklow Mountains area, left for sometime and sadly passed away. It is unknown how this happened and local Gardai in Blessington have been contacted. A statement on the My Lovely

Horse Rescue Facebook page highlights this too often awful sad occurrence in areas across the country, the piece continued “Every day we see, hear about or rush to cruelty cases, this is what My Lovely Horse Rescue is dealing with. Animals left to die, humans not caring...no empathy. What are we doing about it? Why are we allowing this to continue? Why isn’t the government, councils, department of agriculture and other government bodies enforcing the law. There are 5 freedoms an animal should have...this poor soul didn’t have one!” If you have any information on this particular incident in Kilbride/ Dublin/ Wicklow Mountains, please contact Blessington Garda Station on 045 857620. For more information on My Lovely Horse Rescue or to donate, see ‘My Lovely Horse Rescue’ on facebook or www. mylovelyhorserescue.com.

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CHILDCARE PROVIDERS URGED TO APPLY UNDER €6M FUND

Local Childcare Services in the South County Dublin Childcare Committee area can now submit applications for funding to provide extra spaces and make fire safety improvements, according

to Minister Katherine Zappone. The Minister is inviting services for local families to examine the €6m scheme to see if they qualify for support. The Capital Funding comes

as the roll out of a new Affordable Childcare Scheme is planned for later this year. Speaking at the announcement Minister Zappone said: “We have taken big strides to improve

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childcare in communities with young families – including those in Citywest, Tallaght and Templeogue. However I know that despite the 117% increase in Government support secured since 2015 there is still more needed. The reality is we started from a very low base caused by decades of neglect by successive Governments. Capital funding is one way in which we can address these shortfalls and I am delighted to tell local providers that for the next month we will be accepting

applications for works they may be planning. The big focus is on providing extra spaces so we can keep up with demand. In addition there is some funding also available to improve safety, in particular fire safety.

The full details are available at www.dcya.gov.ie. In the weeks I look forward to giving further updates for children, parents and providers about the exciting development’s ahead. Childcare is about to change forever. It is important that in the coming months everyone knows about the

big changes ahead. For families it means more will be getting support. For our local providers it means a big cut in red tape. For communities with large numbers of young families, such as those in Dublin South West, it means a renewed focus on affordability, access and quality. Turning the most expensive childcare system in the world into the best was never going to be easy or fast. However by the end of 2019 we will be firmly on the right track – and there can be no going back.”

TALLAGHT ST PATRICKS DAY PARADE

U16’s team sporting their new jerseys. The U16 boys from Westmanstown Rugby Club were presented with their new jersey’s recently. The jerseys were kindly sponsored by ADSL Group, Thai Garden Restaurant, Sea Nymph Ireland and Top Traders guide. The team and club would like to thank all the sponsors for their contributions. There are lots of sponsorship opportunities within the club, from jerseys to pitch side signs and if you are interested please get in touch. Westmanstown Rugby Club have teams for all ages and abilities from U7 up to senior men’s and women’s teams along with the Wasps special needs team. For more information emailgardarfcpro@gmail.com or find them on social media.

St. Patrick’s Day Tallaght Parade is a free family friendly community event taking place on Sunday 17th March 2019. It is being run by a voluntary committee made up of residents and local council representatives. They are hoping to showcase the local talent of our G.A.A, Football & Martial Arts Clubs, Dance Groups, Bands etc. who will proudly represent Tallaght at the event. The Parade will start at 1.30 pm, run through Tallaght Village starting in the grounds of I.T. Tallaght. It will end back

in the grounds of I.T. Tallaght at approx. 2.30 pm. They are hoping to have people of every age and background participate in this exciting fun filled event in celebration of our Patron Saint.Last year’s parade was a huge success and they team aim to make this year bigger and better. The success of the event will be largely due to the participants & sponsors who they hope will support this event again this year. If you think you would like to be involved, email tallaghtparade.festival@ gmail.com for more information.

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GREENS URGE SDCC TO LEAVE AREAS WILD FOR POLLINATORS

As grass cutting season commences, the Green Party is asking councils to act to halt biodiversity loss. The Green Party has today called on South Dublin County Council to set aside areas in public parks and roadside verges for pollinators The party is calling on all councils to get active in halting the alarming decline in biodiversity by implementing actions within the All Ireland Pollinator Plan. Unlike Dublin City Council and Fingal Co. Council, South Dublin County Council has yet to sign up to the All Ireland Pollinator Plan.

Peter Kavanagh, Green Party candidate for the Clondalkin LEA said, “We’re running out of time to turn back the clock on Climate Change, and managed areas for wildlife are a huge part of that. The grassy flat roof of the Happy Pear in the Round Tower Visitor Centre and the meadows edging Corkagh Park are heaven for bees and other pollinators, but we need so much more.” Lucan candidate Vanessa Mulhall said “St. Catherine’s Park and Grifeen Valley both have large green areas that simply don’t need to be cut so early in the year. Letting these areas

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grow a little wild would be good for biodiversity and won’t impact the natural beauty of Lucan’s green spaces.” Tallaght Central candidate Liam Sinclair added, “Ballymount Park is a breathtakingly pleasant place, and it’s made more pleasant by the presence of pollinators like bumblebees.

We need to make sure that all public parks and roadside verges are managed in such a way that allows pollinators, and therefore our natural environment as a whole, to flourish.” Green Party Spokesperson for Local Government, Cllr Malcolm Noonan said that simple changes in the management regime for grass cutting could make a vital difference to insects sourcing food early in spring. ‘By setting aside areas to be managed for wildlife,

councils could delay mowing until mid-April, allowing important food plants such as dandelions to flower and give essential nutrients to bumblebees in particular. It’s a simple low cost and instant win and will gain points in the National Tidy Towns competition’ said Cllr Noonan. He also said that councils should cease using herbicides in public areas and incorporate wild planting and meadows into public areas.

‘Communities are demanding action and will come on board through the tidy towns movement’ he said. ‘In my own local authority in Kilkenny, we have committed to set aside areas to be managed for wildlife for the coming season and an initiative I brought to Council last year to designate the

garden bumblebee (Bombus Hortorum) as our County insect received universal support and captured public imagination. Initiatives like this could and should be replicated in every Local Authority in Ireland’. ‘We are urging all Local Authorities to ramp up pollinator actions through their respective heritage

offices; we are urging Government to resource them to do this and urging communities to play their part too. The challenge to halt the loss of our insects is immense but not beyond us, our young people and children will in the future remember how we responded’ concluded Cllr Noonan.

HAVE YOU SEEN TROUBLE THE CAT?

A Newcastle family’s Green in Newcastle since much loved cat Trouble the 8th of February. is missing from Burgage He is neuteured, microchipped and has a red collar (which he may have lost since) with my number on it. He is young (18 months old) and of slender/ muscular built. Trouble may be stuck in someone’s shed or garage. If you have any information please call 0877050452.

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PARENTS ENCOURAGED TO AVAIL OF ‘ONE FREE BOOK A MONTH’ SCHEME

A charity founded by country and western singer Dolly Parton has launched a free book programme for young children in the Dublin 24 area. Dolly Parton’s

Imagination Library (DPIL) works with local partners to gift books to children across the world. “You can never get enough books into the hands of young children,

it can be their ticket to a brighter future,” said Cllr. Lawlor speaking about the initiative. “The Imagionation Library means that new books are

COMMUTERS TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON BUS CONNECTS

“Bus Connects Phase Two is out for public consultation. The new bus corridors from Lucan to the City Centre, Liffey Valley to the City Centre and Clondalkin to Drimnagh, are on public display and commuters and residents have until March 29th to have their say,” explained Cllr. Emer Higgins.

now available free to all children aged up to five living in Dublin 24. Once signed up each child will receive a free book to keep every month until they are five. This new initiative aims to reach 3,200 children with 21,600 books in Dublin 24 in the first year alone,” explained Cllr. Brian Lawlor. “The books will be addressed to the child and posted directly to their home. It is available to all children in each household and siblings will get different age-appropriate books. It is the first time the Imagination Library has been offered in Ireland and the pilot scheme is being coordinated by the Tallaght-based Childhood Development Initiative (CDI), with the support of An Post, the Dublin Rotary Club and Shamrock Rovers Football club,” concluded Lawlor. CDI is covering the operational costs involved and if the project is successful it will seek to engage further partners and funders and expand it beyond Dublin 24. The organisation also coordinates other

programmes to improve family literacy and children’s outcomes, and it said it would integrate the book gifting scheme with these. A working

group comprised of library staff, public health nurses and health and education services has been established to promote the initiative.

2019 CLONDALKIN HANDCRAFT AND HORTICULTURAL SHOW

Clondalkin local Cllr Francis Timmons will be supporting the Clondalkin handcraft and horticultural show 2019. “Entry forms for this year’s Clondalkin Handcraft and Horticultural Show are now available and the show is open to the whole of South Dublin County Council area. This year we are running a number of free art and craft workshops in Clondalkin , Lucan and Tallaght Library for children 6 to 12 years. Places can be booked through the Libraries. We are also holding a free strawberry competition. We would love to see as many entries as possible this year particularly from Children who’s entries this year are free for every entry. In the adult section, there is a huge choice

of entries and they are €2 to enter up to Max of €10 per adult” added Cllr Timmons. Cllr Timmons says “The Show takes place in Newlands Home and Garden centre on the 29th June and in Aras Chronan on 30th June, both days will be filled with fun and laughter and are great family days out. We will have free face painting and a Balloon modeller on both days with music and dancing on both days. It’s a great chance to showcase the talents and skills of residents of South Dublin County Council” concluded Cllr Timmons.

For further information please contact clondalkinshow@gmail. com

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Noeleen Herbage Slimming Word Templeogue St. Marys Rugby Club, Templeville Road, Templeogue, Dublin 6W. Times: Wednesdays 9:30am, 11:30am, 3:30pm, 5:30pm & 7:30pm. Thursday Mornings: 9:30am Mobile: 085 749 9296 Sharon Coleman Sliming World Plaza Hotel Tallaght, Dublin 24. Times: Wednesday Evenings 5:30pm & 7:30pm Mobile: 085 710 3660 Noeleen Herbage Slimming World Firhouse Firhouse Community & Leisure Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Monday Evenings: 5:30pm & 7:30pm. Mobile: 085 749 9296 Ailish Slimming World Knocklyon Iona Centre (Beside Knocklyon Parish) Knocklyon, Dublin 16. Times: Thursday Evenings: 5:30pm & 7:30pm. Mobile: 087 7445909 Christine Murphy Slimming World Tallaght Plaza Hotel Plaza Hotel Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24. Times: Saturday Mornings: 7:30am (New session), 9.00 am & 11.00am Mobile: 086 088 5142 Tracey Quinn Slimming World Tymon North & Balrothery St. Joseph’s Special School, Balrothery, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Wednesday Evenings at 5.30pm & 7:30pm Mobile: 085 1477748

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FITZGERALD WELCOMES SUPPORT OF MINISTER GRIFFIN FOR LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS

Local TD Frances Fitzgerald, has praised the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, for his continued support to local sports clubs in Dublin Mid-West. Ms. Fitzgerald was speaking during Minister Griffin’s constituency visit, where he observed progress on a number of developments, made possible through

the 2017 and 2018 Sports Capital Grant Programme. Minister Griffin met committee members, volunteers, players and supporters from Rathcoole Boys Football Club, Lucan Harriers Athletics Club, Round Towers GAA and Lucan Sarsfields – all of whom secured funding from the Department of Sport in recent years.

“I was delighted to welcome my colleague, Minister Griffin, to Dublin Mid-West and to show him the progress that has been made to local clubs and their supporters through his generosity in the Sports Capital Grant Programme.

“The enhancement of the astro-turf pitch in Rathcoole Boys Football

Club (€142,399) is nearing completion. This is a very important facility to an increasingly growing community – and I want to congratulate Dave Hennessy and all in Rathcoole Boys for their sterling work. “GAA runs in my blood! My father hurled for Cork with the great Christy Ring; my son played for the Dubs at minor level.

to see that the track has been tarmacked in recent weeks. South Dublin County Council has assured me that the clean-up will cease in the coming days. Members and athletes will be able to once again enjoy the use of their track – which will be laid with a synthetic surface later this year. “The Minister has also informed me that

this year’s Sports Capital Grants will be announced in two lots. I would encourage sports clubs, schools and local organisations to begin thinking and preparing projects that may be suitable for this very important scheme before the opening of applications later this year.

I was very grateful to Alan Milton, Director of Communications and local Round Towers GAA volunteer for showing the Minister the site for the proposed all-weather pitch, which is being supported by the club, Gaelscoil Chlain Dolcain and South Dublin County Council. I would also like to commend the board members of Lucan Sarsfields GAA (€150,000) for their detailed presentation about the club.

Round Towers GAA Club members pictured with Cllr Kenneth Egan, Minister Brendan Griffin, Frances Fitzgerald T.D. and Cllr. Emer Higgins

“Minister Griffin was very impressed at the community strength that was evident during his visit to the Lucan Harriers Track. I fought hard to secure funding for the club - €238,000 since 2015 – and I am happy

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IN THIS MONTHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EDITION OF THE LOCAL PAPER ROMAINE SCALLY SOLICITOR OF ROMAINE SCALLY & COMPANY, SOLICITORS, MAIN STREET, TALLAGHT, DUBLIN 24 ANSWERS MORE READERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; LEGAL QUERIES. THIS MONTH THEY CENTRE AROUND VARIOUS TYPES OF PERSONAL INJURIES AND WHETHER OR NOT CLAIMS ARISE THEREFROM. WE HOPE YOU FIND THEM HELPFUL. FURTHER QUERIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO: ROMAINE SCALLY & CO. SOLICITORS, MAIN STREET, TALLAGHT, DUBLIN 24 TEL: 01 45 99 506 FAX: 01 45 99 510 EMAIL: legal@scally.ie WEB: www.romainescally.ie Q. I feel that I was very badly treated in a Cosmetic Surgery Clinic and I am very unhappy with the outcome. I went for an eyebrow lift and feel that my whole face is distorted. I am concerned about the cost of bringing a claim and wonder if I can bring a claim myself through the Injuries Board? A. Medical Negligence, or claims arising therefrom, is not dealt with by the Injuries Board. This is one of the exceptions to the rules regarding claims which must be processed initially through the Injuries Board. As such, you will have to pursue your claim through the Courts in the usual manner without a preliminary application to the Injuries Board. We would suggest that you immediately consult a Solicitor to ensure that your claim is processed in a timely fashion through the Courts. It can take a considerable amount of time to obtain initial medical reports in cases involving personal injuries due to medical negligence and your Solicitor will need time to obtain an initial medical report detailing the possible shortcomings in the treatment given to you and the outcome. Our advice therefore is to immediately consult with a Solicitor who will give you a free consultation and advise you in relation to your chances for success in any claim against the Cosmetic Company involved. Q. I was involved in an accident just over a year ago now. At the time I did not pursue any claim as I felt that I was alright. Now however, I am aware that I have a fairly constant pain in my neck which is interfering with my day to day life. It was a road traffic accident I was involved in and I did take details. Is it too late to make a claim? A. It is important to remember that in all cases of accidents causing personal injury, a claim must be initiated within TWO YEARS OF THE DATE ON WHICH THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. It is also a requirement that a letter of claim be issued by a claimant to the person he or she feels is responsible for the accident within TWO MONTHS of the date upon which the accident occurred. Such a letter of claim will normally be drafted by a solicitor. However, there is flexibility about the letter of claim being issued within the two months but there is NO FLEXIBILITY about the claim being initiated within two years from the date of the event. In short, it is advisable that you contact your solicitor as soon as possible after an accident. Your solicitor does not necessarily need to start a claim on your behalf if you do not feel that it is appropriate at that time. However, at least the facts are recorded and details taken so that at a later date, the claim can easily be processed. Our advice in all these situations, is to take legal advice early and give particulars. You are within the time limit to commence a claim but as it can take some time to obtain an initial medical report, which is a requirement of registering a claim then, we would suggest that you go to see your solicitor as soon as possible.

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NOVENAS NOVENAS NOVENAS NOVENAS NOVENAS NOVENAS

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. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received. M.M 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. L.C.N Novena to the Holy Spirit You who solve all problems, who lights all roads so I can obtain my goal. You who give me the divine gift to forgive and to forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life, you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things and to confirm that I never want to be separated from you even and in spite of all material illusion. I wish to be with you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine (mention favours). This prayer must be said 3 consecutive days and published immediately. After 3 days the favour requested will be granted even though it may appear difficult. This prayer must be published immediately and after 3 days the favour will be granted. M.M

PRAYER TO ST ANNE TO OBTAIN SOME SPECIAL FAVOUR Glorious St Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke thee, and with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at thy feet, and

humbly beg of thee to take the present affair which I recommend to thee under thy special protection. Vouchsafe to commend it to thy Daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all obtain for me the grace of one day beholding my God face to face, and with thee and Mary and all the saints praising and blessing Him for all eternity. Good St Anne, Mother of her who is our life, our sweetness and our hope, pray to her for us, and obtain our request. (Say three times.) M.M.

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony “Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints” O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request). O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen. M.M DAILY PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH FOR EMPLOYMENT Dear St. Joseph, You were yourself once faced with the responsibility of providing the necessities of life for Jesus and Mary. Look down with Fatherly compassion upon me in my anxiety over my present inability to support my family. Please help me to find gainful employment very soon, so that this heavy burden of concern will be lifted from my heart, and that I am soon able to provide for those whom God has entrusted to my care. Help us to guard against bitterness and discouragement so that we may emerge from this trial spiritually enriched and with even greater blessing from God. Amen M.M. As our regular readers will know we have asked for your generosity in supporting very worthy charities over the years. Going forward, we are delighted to support Laura

LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice provides palliative care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families, from the point of diagnosis to end of life, and throughout bereavement. Our holistic approach ensures we support the whole family through a unique care plan that may include: symptom management; planned

short hospice stays (respite); unplanned hospice stays (emergency care); end of life care; music & play therapy; psychological & bereavement support; Social Work and Chaplaincy. All care is provided free to families. Care can be availed of in the hospice, at hospital, in the community, or in the family home, depending on the child and family’s preference.

It costs €5.2million to keep LauraLynn’s Children’s Hospice open, €3.5million of which must be generated each year through fundraised income. Since opening in 2011, LauraLynn has cared for more than 325 children and their families and provided more than 265,000 hours of short stay care provided to children in LauraLynn Hospice. For further information

please visit lauralynn.ie. If you would like a Novena published please send a postal order or cheque 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.

Local Enterprise Office (LEO) South Dublin 2018 jobs figures announced by Heather Humphreys T.D. Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Pat Breen T.D., Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, show that 153 jobs were created, this is an increase of 11% since 2017. This is the 5th year of employment growth for the Local Enterprise Offices, with 3,656 net jobs created nationwide in 2018. The LEO’s now support over 36,000 jobs in 7,000 LEO client companies all over Ireland. Since the LEO’s were established in 2014 their clients have created over 18,000 jobs in small businesses across the country. The LEOs also approved €18.2 million worth of financial assistance to 1,259 projects.

Enterprise said; “These figures highlight the important role that LEO South Dublin is playing in creating jobs and sustaining small businesses in the region. The LEOs are the first engagement any entrepreneur or small business owner should have when they want to develop or grow their idea or company. Every day LEO help small businesses to get off the ground, overcome challenges, hire new staff, fund innovation, prepare for Brexit and plan for the future. The range of supports on offer from the Local Enterprise Office will help anyone seeking to start or grow a small business through highly practical services such as professional business and management training, mentoring, networking opportunities, finance and much more.”

In 2018 the Local Enterprise Offices worked successfully with 171 of their client companies to help them transfer to Enterprise Ireland along with 796 associated jobs. This was up from 60 companies making the transition in 2017. Last year was a particularly strong year for Local Enterprise Office South Dublin with the food sector representing significant growth, including in particular DVP and Safa Foods who grew their jobs by 15 and 28 respectively together with new emerging food companies Absolute Nutrition and Artizan Pizza Company and Leisure Company JCN Adventure who grew from 5 to 17 full time employees.

Mark Christal, Regions and Entrepreneurship Division, Enterprise Ireland, said; “The Local Enterprise Offices are a key component in local business across the country and have been the success story of

the strategic partnership between Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities. The figures announced today show the impact that LEOs make in communities nationwide, enabling small businesses to get off the ground and to grow, helping to create, and support, local jobs. The role that LEOs play in this is getting more and more crucial as many of these companies with global ambition look to build scale and expand reach. The Local Enterprise Office is working with these companies to ensure they are in the best possible position to innovate, compete and diversify in the global market. The fact that the amount of companies transferring from LEOs to Enterprise Ireland has almost trebled in 2018 is a testament to the quality of company the Local Enterprise Offices are helping to create, and this will only continue to grow in the years ahead.

with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities. They provide expert training, mentoring and financial assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses who may want to start, develop or grow their company. The Local Enterprise Offices have played a key role in preparing small businesses in Ireland for Brexit. This includes Brexit Mentoring, Technical Assistance for Micro Exporting grants for small businesses looking to diversify into new markets, the Brexit SME Scorecard, the Trading Online Voucher Scheme for those selling online internationally and LEAN for Micro enabling small companies to trade more effectively and competitively. The Local Enterprise Offices will also roll out the Brexit Customs Training across the country beginning in February which will enable any small business to learn about the customs import and export procedures that will be required post-Brexit to ensure they can continue to trade effectively with a country outside the single market.

Lynn Children’s Hospice.

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

LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE SOUTH DUBLIN CREATES 153 JOBS IN 2018

Tom

Rooney,

Head

The 31 Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, an initiative of the Government of Ireland, are operated in partnership

Ministers Pat Breen T.D., Heather Humphreys T.D. and Tom Rooney, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office South Dublin.

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MOTORING LIFE WITH KIA SPORTAGE THE 3RD GENERATION By Breda Corrigan Undoubtedly the car that has done the most to change KIA’s brand image, the third-generation Sportage, showed KIA could make attractive, stylish and great value cars, backed up by a seven-year warranty. The fourth-generation car took these attributes and improved on them in a number of ways, pushing the Sportage towards the top of the small SUV class. With over 100,000 sales across Europe annually, the Sportage is a hugely important model for KIA, and represents twenty-five percent of the South Korean car manufacturer’s annual output. In Ireland, the Sportage has consistently been KIA’s strongest selling model, thanks to its wide array of talents. Revised Fourth Generation SUV; The fourth generation KIA Sportage was launched in 2016, and found itself competing against more SUV rivals than ever before. The meteoric rise of the SUV/ Crossover class means that KIA now pitches the Sportage against models as varied as the Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga, Renault Kadjar, Suzuki Vitara and Mazda CX-5, with the vast majority of car manufacturer’s having at least one SUV in their passenger car line-up. The Sportage is available in 2WD and 4WD variants, and sports a five door bodystyle as before. A facelift for the Sportage in late 2018 saw the engine range revamped, along with some refreshing styling enhancements. A 1.6-litre turbo-diesel (CRDi) engine, available in two power outputs, takes the place of the old 1.7-litre unit, yet produces the same power output as before, but consumes less fuel in the process. No petrol engine is available for the Irish market. Visually, the latest Sportage has been endowed with head-turning good looks, and like the rest of the KIA line-up, the Sportage comes in trim variants that are simple to understand. Variants include K2, K3, K4 and, range-topping, GT Line. All models come in 2WD guise with 115bhp, while the K3 specification can be specified with a 4WD drivetrain, and a power output of 136bhp. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard across the range, with a 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) reserved for

the 2WD, 136bhp K3 specification. Test Car; My test car was a KIA Sportage K4 model, finished in stunning Blue Flame metallic paint for maximum impact. Standard equipment across the Sportage range is impressie, with my test car coming complete with 19” alloy wheels, Lane Keep Assist, LED rear lights, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, leather interior with heated seats front & rear, dual-zone airconditioning, reverse camera, front & rear parking sensors, and many more safety, comfort and convenience features. The 1.6-litre, 115bhp engine provides excellent fuel economy, with as little as 4.9-litres of diesel consumed for every 100km driven on an extra-urban driving cycle. Annual road tax is just €270 in 2WD guise, and €280 for the 4WD model. High-Set Driving Position; In addition to the new look, the fourthgeneration Sportage also has a new platform - shared with sister car, the Hyundai Tucson. The Sportage is great to drive, with lots of grip through corners and a suspension setup which smooths out the worst bumps very well. The car never feels bulky, and is a big improvement on its predecessor overall. The Sportage is a very relaxing long-distance companion, and is equally impressive on a twisty country road too. A high-set driving position and excellent forward visibility make the Sportage very easy to drive around town. When the fourth generation Sportage came out in 2016, it took the old car’s sloping roof line and bulging arches, but added a sharper rear and more graceful front end. A styling update for 2019 has introduced some little chrome whiskers on the front bumper and a full-width light bar at the back. Impressive Build Quality; The changes to the inside were more subtle, with the facelift adding a new steering wheel, a revised driver’s display and tweaked air-conditioning controls.

Build quality inside the new Sportage is very impressive. The cabin is full of soft-touch plastics and the buttons and knobs all feel sturdy, with the dashboard offering terrific clarity and functionality. KIA’s infotainment interface was already among the best in this class, and the latest updates make it even better. The clear menu layouts are the same as before, with a split-screen home page showing mapping on the left and other options on the right. Cabin & Boot Space; You can fit three people comfortably in the rear of the Sportage – even though the middle seat passenger has to position their feet either side of the transmission tunnel. There is excellent knee-room and headroom in the front and rear of the car. There are isofix points in the two outer seats for child seats and, one particular feature that marks out the Sportage, are its reclining rear seats, which offers an extra level of comfort in the back. Whatever gear your latest adventure requires, you’ve ample space to pack it in the KIA Sportage. In standard position, the generous boot accommodates a 491-litre load – and up to 1,480 litres with the rear seats folded down. By lowering the boot floor, you gain an additional 37 litres of storage for your shopping, sporting

equipment and more. Five-Star Safety Rating; This is the safest Sportage yet, with a stronger body and new active safety technology. It also features a smoother, more refined ride with greater handling agility. Euro NCAP has tested the Sportage and gave it a five-star safety rating (the maximum score attainable). The car was praised for its ability to protect passengers of all sizes in all seats and its side-on collision protection. It scored an impressive seventy-one per-cent for its active safety assist technologies. KIA’s ‘DRIVE WiSE’ technologies help to eliminate many of the inherent dangers and stresses of driving on today’s congested roads, making the road safer and more relaxing. With less stress and hassle, you can truly enjoy the drive in the new KIA Sportage. Verdict & Pricing; Overall, the new KIA Sportage is a very attractive proposition, thanks to its dynamic design, practicality, refined interior, and enhanced SUV capabilities. With prices starting at just €29,815 (ex works), and the reassurance of KIA’s 7-year/150,000km warranty, there has never been a better time to buy.

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PEUGEOT LAUNCHES NEW BRAND SIGNATURE To mark a new milestone in the history of the lionbrand and the transition to electrification of all its models from 2019, PEUGEOT is officially launching its new brand signature: MOTION & e-MOTION. The 2019 Geneva Motor Show will see the new signature rolled out in every country and in every statement of the brand: advertising, literature, trade shows and point of sale.

of engineering passion, it gave life to the idea that emotion will always be at the heart of the automotive experience. Now, the addition of an electric “e”, with a green and blue sheen, heralds the brand’s strength in position as it tackles head on, the major challenges of energy transition, with the launch of a range of Low Emission Vehicles (BEV and PHEV) planned from late 2019.

The famous MOTION & EMOTION signature was first unveiled in 2010, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the PEUGEOT brand. A clear statement derived from two centuries

The new MOTION & e-MOTION signature was used at the 2018 Paris Motor Show in September, together with the brand’s now familiar hashtag #UNBORINGTHEFUTURE, for

LPD

the launch of the iconic, 100% electric PEUGEOT e-Legend concept car and for the unveiling of PEUGEOT’s new PHEV technology, due at the end of the year on the 3008, 508 fastback and SW models. To support the new milestone of the brand, a new lion statue will also be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Created by the PEUGEOT Design Lab’s designers to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the PEUGEOT emblem, an enormous lion, symbolising the pride, strength and excellence of the brand, was presented on the PEUGEOT stand in Geneva 2018. In Geneva in 2019, the lion will come alive with electrifying green and blue light effects and reflections on its sculpted surfaces. With a new signature, a new brand ambassador lion and 208 years of celebrated history, PEUGEOT continues to embrace automotive evolution with confidence.

MERCEDES-BENZ IS HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO Mercedes-Benz is holding out for a hero... specifically, a van driver who would merit recognition as Ireland¹s Van Hero 2019. In a nationwide competition, organised in conjunction with the Mercedes-Benz light commercial vehicles dealer network, the search is on to find that one-in-a-million van driver acclaimed by those who nominate him or her for the award. In essence, the competition invites members of the public to nominate who their van hero would be and, in 300 words or less, to state the reason that influences their nomination. Embracing all van drivers

regardless of their vehicle ownership, trade, type, size, use or manufacture, the winner to be chosen as Ireland’s Van Hero 2019 will be offered the free use of a new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Vito van for a full one year period. Closing date for receipt of entries is 31st May next. Those wishing to enter can do so by email to vanhero@mercedes-benz.ie. Judging, by an independent panel yet to be appointed, will take place in early June.Meanwhile, full details of the Competition can be viewed online at www.mercedes-benz.ie/vans

CARS AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

5A Old Bawn Rd, Tallaght, Dublin 24 We are the biggest used commercial vehicle dealer in South Dublin with averaging over 200 vehicles at any one time. We stock and supply vans, cars and 4x4 pick up box body. We can arrange finance and credit card payments are accepted. With over 20 years experience in the motor trade our friendly staff would be more than happier to assist you with any queries you may have.

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