Lucan News 11.11.19 by Newsgroup

11th November 2019

€40 MILLION MOUNTPARK CENTRE OFFICIALLY OPENS Mountpark’s €40m logistics centre in Baldonnell was officially opened

recently. Cllr. Emer Higgins, who proposed the zoning of this land for commercial

use, joined Mayor Vicki Casserly at the celebration of the creation of local jobs

Pictured Mayor Vicki Casserly and Cllr. Emer Higgins with Philip O’Callaghan, Mountpark and Peter Byrne, South Dublin Chamber of Commerce

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and the state-of-theart fit out of the site. The building is being leased by Home Store and More and is one of two logistics hubs on the site, the other of which is being leased by United Drug.

Emer Higgins said: “Already 740 people have been employed here as part of the construction phase, and as a County we’ll be benefiting from €2.3m in developer fees to the Council. I led the campaign to allow these lands be developed and am delighted to see the progress that’s been made on the site. It’s fantastic to hear that two such reputable tenants are coming in to our area and generating more jobs.

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‘STOP! FOR THE LOLLIPOP’

School Wardens throughout South Dublin County Council (SDCC) are calling for all road users to ‘STOP! for the LOLLIPOP’ as part of a new campaign being launched by South Dublin County Council this November.

Each morning, and afternoon, School Wardens face many challenges in the delivery of a safe crossing service for primary children. Incident data recorded at school crossings show that, over the last five years, 29% of all recorded incidents at a school crossing is a driver, motorcyclist or cyclist failing to stop. Not

many

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know

that a School Warden is legally empowered to stop traffic to facilitate a safer crossing for children on the journey to, and from, school. So, what should you do on approach to a school crossing? All road users should be extra vigilant around schools and near school crossings by reducing their speed and being free from distraction. In accordance with the rules of the road, road users should always observe the instructions of the School Warden and remain stopped until the school warden has safely returned to their position on the footpath. Failure to stop for the

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School Warden carries the threat of penalty points and fine for a motorist, and a fixed charge notice for cyclists. However, a fine and penalty point fail in comparison to the damage that can be done when a road user fails to stop at a school crossing. As part of the campaign primary schools, serviced by School Wardens, will be sent a campaign pack consisting of a poster, key rings and a #stopforthelollipop campaign sheet to help spread the school crossing safety message throughout the wider school community. “School wardens provide an excellent service in creating a safer environment to enable children to independently walk, scoot or cycle to school and fellow road users must play their part in observing the instructions of a School Warden to create safer spaces outside our schools.” Ally Menary, Road Safety Officer, South Dublin County Council.

School Warden Jim Smith with pupils from St Peter the Apostle S.N.S., Neilstown, Clondalkin and Garda Tom Conway Ronanstown Garda Station.

€40 MILLION MOUNTPARK CENTRE OFFICIALLY OPENS ..... CONT’D FROM PAGE 1 development was possible and that these jobs were created.” “The official opening was also a celebration of history and education. As part of the event, the nearby bridge, was named in honour of Colonel James Fitzmaurice, the world’s first transatlantic pilot.

The Colonel took off from Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnell and landed to much fan fair in New York city. Airman Michael Whelan was on hand to bring to life his historic achievement. Mountpark has also developed a philanthropic partnership with the nearby Carline Centre, a learning hub for disadvantaged

young people. It’s great to see companies like them making a positive difference to the local community.” “This development is a good news story for our County and I wish Mountpark, Home Store and More and United Drug every success here in Dubin Mid West,” concluded Cllr. Emer Higgins.

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AGRI AWARE LAUNCHES INCREDIBLE EDIBLES 2020

Thousands of pupils set to sow, grow and cook with Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles programme. Agri Aware recently launched its national healthy eating initiative “Incredible Edibles”. Now in its 12th year, the free initiative for primary schools aims to educate

students on how to sow, grow and cook an array of Irish fruit and vegetables to help them get their 7 a day! Schools across Ireland will receive free grow packs including compost, seeds to grow their own school garden, along with curriculum-linked interactive educational resources - including lessons

on food origin, the health benefits of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and cooking tasks.

Agri Aware’s 2020 Incredible Edibles programme was launched with the help of the 5th class students of Scoil Íde Presentation Primary School, Clondalkin who have developed their

Pictured (L-R) are Suzanne Finnerty, Meade Potato Company; Alan Jagoe, Chairman Agri Aware; Paul Brosnan, Department of Health; student, Waridath Alao; Niamh Brennan, Irish Farmers Association with 5th class students Grace McClusky, Christina Shaw, Alicjya Kaczmarek and Breda Leonard, Country Crest.

growing and cooking skills thanks to the Incredible Edibles programme. The project is going from strength to strength with 1,300 primary schools across Ireland participating in last year’s programme. According to the National Children’s Food Survey 2019, conducted by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance (IUNA), intakes of fruit and vegetables are still low amongst 5 12-year olds in Ireland. It found that children consume about 3 servings per day, which is well below the recommended 5 to 7-a-day. Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles is a free healthy eating initiative that is supported by the Department of Education and the Department of Health through the Healthy Ireland framework, the Department of Agriculture, Bord Bia and the horticulture industry. Speaking at the launch, Chairman of Agri Aware, Alan Jagoe said: “There are a number of benefits to school gardens. As a

farmer myself, it is great to see children learn firsthand how to grow and cook their own healthy foods, as well as learning about the work carried out by Irish farmers to produce food for 50 million consumers worldwide. By empowering students in this way, you are guiding them towards a healthier lifestyle. Healthy eating guidelines

now suggest that children consume seven+ portions of fruit and vegetables a day Incredible Edibles is a free healthy eating resource which teachers can use to increase awareness of the production and consumption of healthy Irish produce”. To register your school for the project or for further information visit www. incredibleedibles.ie.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEST IN TALLAGHT

A recent turn out of locals for an environmental protest in Tallaght.

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BONFIRE DAMAGE IN TALLAGHT OPEN SPACES Local Councillor Charlie O’Connor has called on the Council to ensure that adequate resources are available to deal with damage done to open spaces at Halloween. He raised the matter at the November meeting of the Council and sought a report on recent Bonfire activities. The Council Management responded to

Charlie O’Connor with the following report. The motion is s follows “That this Council calls on the Chief Executive to ensure that adequate resources are made available to deal with damage to our Open Spaces following the recent Bonfire season and in reporting will he give his initial reaction to how the Council responded to that recent

challenge and will he make a statement.” South Dublin County Council supplied the necessary report “All available resources have been deployed to remove bonfire materials prior to this Halloween, crews have been assigned to this task as necessary during normal working hours but also at weekends and on the run up to October 31st itself. Early contact was made with the Gardai to ensure that information was exchanged between SDCC and AGS and that assistance was provided as necessary in the effort to locate and remove the threat

associated with bonfires and the storage of bonfire materials. At the close of business on Wednesday October 30th the council had received 149 reports of stockpiled bonfire material which had been collected by Public Realm crews. A total of 90 tonnes of material was collected by the Council over the bank holiday weekend with a similar tonnage collected in the week prior to it. These tonnages are currently being updated to include the materials collected on Wednesday and Thursday October 30th and 31st.”

CURRAN SHOCKED BY DELAYS TO SPINRAZA ACCESS

Local Dublin Mid West T.D. John Curran has said that he is shocked that after four months the HSE Approved Drug Spinraza for children suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) has not treated one of the children in need of the drug. Deputy Curran has called on the Minister for Health to urgently investigate what is causing delays in patients being able to avail of this drug. “It is disappointing that after months of campaigning and the successful approval by the HSE of the drug

Spinraza in June of this year that not one child approved for this drug has received treatment 4 months on.”

“I campaigned for months to raise the ongoing failure of this Government to make Spinraza available to those who desperately need it in the Dáil and was truly delighted when the HSE finally approved the drug. “This drug is a first in the treatment for SMA and the relief and happiness that came for the wonderful families who campaigned endlessly cannot be overestimated when it was

approved 4 months ago by the HSE. The current delay and wait for the children who need this treatment is unacceptable.” Deputy Curran said he has called on the Minister for Health to investigate this matter urgently. “It is a shame that it has taken so long to have Spinraza authorised and this delay has exposed our system of approving drugs and I have called for a review of our system seeing that we can be the only country in Europe delaying authorising drugs for this length of time,” concluded Deputy Curran.

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STAFF FROM 10 EDUCATE TOGETHER SCHOOLS GATHER

A Unique School Day: Staff from 10 Educate Together Schools Gather to Share Best Practice and Build Virtual Staffrooms Teachers, school leaders and SNA’s from 10 equality-based Educate Together secondary schools including Firhouse Educate Together Secondary School recently gathered in Dublin for a unique event in Irish education. The staff came

together to pool their resources, skills, knowledge and practice with the ultimate goal of setting up virtual spaces to continue this valued networking online.

It is envisaged that this sharing of best practice will enhance the learning experiences of students in Educate Together’s fast-

growing network of secondlevel schools nationwide. The event took place in Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School. Host Principal, Bernie Judge stated: “The staff and Board at Hansfield are delighted to welcome teachers, SNA’s, principals and Deputy Principals from across the Educate Together network to spend

the day with us at Hansfield ETSS. We’re really excited about the learning being shared today, including inputs on assessments and reports, Universal Design for Learning and supporting students with autism, as well as allowing space for teachers of specific subject areas to work together.”

Another unique aspect about the event is that SNA staff from many of the schools are also meeting to pool their learning and experience in parallel sessions. Sandra Irwin-Gowran, Education & Support Manager with Educate Together National Office

commented: “We hope that out of today we’ll build virtual communities of practice amongst the staff in our schools so that they can continue to support each other over the coming school year and beyond which will result in richer learning experiences for our students.”

THE GROWING PREVALENCE OF LUNG CANCER IN WOMEN HIGHLIGHTED Frances Fitzgerald, MEP for Dublin, has recently highlighted her concern about the growing prevalence of lung cancer in women across Europe. Speaking in the European Parliament while hosting an event entitled “Lung Cancer: Early Diagnosis & Screening”, in cooperation with Lung Cancer Europe, the European Respiratory Society and the European Lung Foundation, Mrs Fitzgerald took note of the importance of early detection and screening, and called for the European Commission to examine how to effectively tackle increasing instances of lung cancer in women. “Lung cancer is now the third most prevalent cancer amongst women in the EU, after breast cancer and colorectum cancer, while it is the second most prevalent cancer amongst men after prostate cancer. However while instances of lung cancer

amongst men are decreasing, the same cannot be said for women, with instances of lung cancer rising.” “As has been done with breast cancer, a comprehensive approach to lung cancer needs to be taken, incorporating research, diagnostics, patient supports and post-treatment return to the workforce, amongst other things. The EU has the potential to work with and support Member States in this valuable work through a comprehensive European Master Plan to tackle cancer and a special European Parliament committee on cancer, which my group the European People’s Party have championed.” “I look forward to working with incoming European Commissioner for Health, Stella Kyriakides, in tackling lung cancer at a European level and ensuring that we can mobilise all our available resources to dramatically decrease instances of lung cancer”

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AMI TARGETS €10.5M REVENUE BY 2021

Ireland’s leading secure IT recycling company, recently announced that it is targeting growing group revenues €10.5 million by 2021. The company has more than doubled its business in the last two years to €7.6 million as demand for its services continue to rise across the island of Ireland, in Great Britain and in continental Europe.

AMI signed 96 new customers in 2019, who will generate €1.05 million revenue in the next year. Earlier this year, AMI also agreed a three year outsourcing agreement with

charity Camara Education, which saw the company take on an additional 122 new customers.

To support its recent growth, AMI has added 15 new jobs to date this year, bringing its total workforce to 75. It is on track to achieve its target of 90 employees by 2021. It is currently hiring for roles in marketing, sales, compliance and business development. The introduction of GDPR has helped to drive demand for AMI’s services, as organisations realise that IT hardware recycling and data destruction specialists

like AMI can help with data compliance by eliminating all residual data from unwanted IT equipment when disposing of these devices. Commenting on the announcement, Philip McMichael, CEO, AMI, said: “Businesses are more aware than ever that failing to cleanse their old desktops, laptops and hard drives of all data can lead to a breach of sensitive customer and company information. We are experiencing a corresponding surge in demand for our secure services, especially given

the high rate of return we can offer customers through the resale of their equipment. Last year we returned €2.5 million to our customers.” The uncertainty of Brexit has brought about new opportunities as well as challenges for the IT recycling company. Since launching in December 2018, AMI’s deployment and relocation support service visited 140 sites across the island of Ireland to help them install new IT systems and manage office moves. In its first year, the service is up 300% on expected revenue - benefiting from

the closure and relocation of businesses affected by Brexit.

SANTA CYCLE 2019 IN CLONDALKIN VILLAGE

Ireland’s biggest Santa Cycle is taking place on Sunday 1st December to raise vital funds for sick children. The public are invited to take part in the country’s biggest Santa Cycle, now in its fifth year, which will have 500 people dressed as Santa with Christmas lights, leaving Clondalkin Village at 5pm, going through town, past CHI at Crumlin and finishing in Clondalkin. The Laurels cycle crew, who are arranging the cycle, won the charity event of the year at the Irish Healthcare Awards in 2016. The cost is €30 which includes the Santa suit and Christmas lights and the money from the cycle goes to CMRF Crumlin who raise vital funds for Crumlin Hospital and the National Children’s Research Centre. The Laurels Cycle Crew is 11 years old and has

McMichael said: “While we have seen some short term benefits of Brexit through our deployment and relocation service, we are also examining new income streams to maintain our position in the market long-term. The Republic of Ireland has become a major hub for data centres and Brexit has seemingly accelerated this growth. Processing high volumes of data and with a high equipment turnover, this market represents

an obvious and lucrative opportunity for AMI and is one we are actively pursuing”. In addition to AMI’s business growth, the company also enjoyed award success in 2019, being named the Vertical Market Specialist of the Year at the Tech Excellence Awards in May. Furthermore, the company was among the first indigenous Northern Irish businesses to become members of the Living Wage Foundation - ensuring that all of its employees earn a wage that meets the cost of living.

raised an incredible €1,030,000 for CMRF Crumlin. In 2019 the group celebrated passing the €1million mark. “We’re so excited for the Santa Cycle this year!” Damien Long, cofounder of the Laurels cycle crew, said. “We’re expecting over 500 Santas to join us this year and to raise vital funds for an extremely important cause. It’s always such a lovely day and we’re calling on the public to join and support us for a day full of enjoyment, with one common goal – to do whatever it takes to help some of Ireland’s sickest children!” People can sign up to Ireland’s largest Santa Cycle on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/dublin-santacycle-2019-tickets

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LUCAN SCHOOLS EMBARK ON RP PROJECT Griffeen Community College and Lucan CNS (both DDLETB schools) will embark on a community based Restorative Practice (RP) project over the next 3 years. The aim is to develop the implementation of Restorative Practice (RP) in both schools and the community that they serve in Lucan. Restorative Practice is a valuesbased philosophy; it aims to consciously build relationships and respond to harm /conflict in a way that honours relationships which CONNECTs us to our best selves and to one another.

Connect RP Director, Michelle Stowe, will facilitate and lead this project, empowering students, educators, parents and other stakeholders to create a community that is committed to the use of Restorative Practice. The intention of supporting and strengthening the quality of relationships within our schools and the wider community of families invested in the schools aims to enhance teaching and learning, foster

wellbeing and community; and to develop positive communication skills needed for empathy and connection. Both school communities have been engaged with RP as a guiding premise of their school cultures. Since 2017 they have shared this journey under the mentorship of Michelle Stowe.

This project now envisions the deepening of the communities’ understanding and commitment to living of the restorative values and practices in their every-day life. The generative core of RP holds the wellbeing of human relationships as key to all human engagements. Aspirations for our key relationships are identified, examined and celebrated within the framework of RP, as are the associated formative skills and use of language. Both schools wish to develop and infuse social emotional learning & RP practices through the creation of sustainable and effective practices; and believe whole-heartedly that restorative approaches

will support their culture of care and inclusion; nurturing their capacity to facilitate discussions with the values of respect, empathy and responsibility as a compass.

their practices with others as this projects evolves. These primary students will become Friendship Keepers) in their school, developing and growing their leadership skills.

This unique project will support both schools by providing a tailored programme of educator, student and parent training that will be scaled over a three-year period with the intention of building internal capacity and sustainability as school communities committed to the use of RP. Students and teachers, who have already begun their training, will build upon the scaffolds already in place within both schools.

They will model restorative behaviours to the other pupils and reinforce restorative work from the staff in the school. Griffeen CC students (Relationship keepers) will develop facilitation and public speaking skills as they guide these primary school

students at designated times throughout the project. Its hoped that in time these links between the schools will serve to support the transition of students from primary to post primary school whilst honoring the values of a restorative community. Later in the project explicitly sharing these practices, values and skills with parents/carers, stakeholders and the wider community will be facilitated by students

under Michelle’s mentorship to build on their capacity to understand and engage with positive communication skills at home, whilst also supporting positive relationships between school and home. This pilot project funded by private and public bodies seeks to teach empathy as a skill set and to support young people in fostering compassionate ways of being, which will serve our schools and our wider communities as they evolve.

This year, the 2nd & 3rd year students of Griffeen CC will introduce RP to incoming 1st years and will be sharing their restorative skills by developing Friendship Keepers among the 4th & 5th class students in Lucan CNS. Teachers will also build their capacities to become trainers and enabled to co-facilitate and share

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TESCO TRICK OR TREAT FOR TEMPLE STREET Tesco Liffey Valley staff, from left, Linda Barry, Store Manager Robbie Kelly, Debbie Myler and Noeleen Walker are pictured at the Trick or Treat for Temple Street Halloween party hosted in Tesco Liffey Valley on 26th October.

This year’s Trick or Treat for Temple Street fundraisers took place across 151 Tesco stores around Ireland, with a total fundraising target of €100,000. All of these vital funds raised will go toward purchasing new

paediatric scopes - life saving equipment needed for Temple Street to ensure

each child receives the best care possible. Pic: Fennell Photography

A drive is underway to improve kids dental health in Tallaght, after research has shown that many children have poor dental health. Furthermore, there is currently no HSE Dental Hygienist covering the Tallaght area – so the Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) has teamed up with a special children’s dental awareness programme called ‘Smiley Eileey’.

and a toothbrush. The first Smiley Eileey workshop was held at Brookview Childcare Services centre and further workshops are underway in other childcare facilities.

CHILDREN’S DENTAL WORKSHOPS TO BRIGHTEN UP SMILES

The awareness drive involves dental health promotion workshops in local childcare facilities to educate parents and show children how to care for their teeth correctly. The children also receive a goody bag with toothpaste

A Irish study in 2018 found that 37% of HSE dentists saw children every day with major dental problems which were preventable should have been recognised much earlier. Poor dental health is closely linked to social disadvantage. CDI’s Parenting Specialist Celine Moran said the workshops are “both informative and good fun for parents and their young children. I encourage children and parents to take part”. See www.cdi.ie for more information.

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CITYWEST SLIMMING WORLD CONSULTANT SHARON SKYDIVES! Sharon had always fancied doing a skydive but was unable to due to weight restrictions. “It was one of those things I always saw, and thought one day I would love to do that, but I didn’t think I would be able to because of my weight and total lack of selfconfidence. Sharon was told if she did not lose weight she would develop type 2 diabetes. She struggled with this and so developed type two diabetes in her early 40’s. She had to take 5 tablets a day to help control her blood sugars. The side effects of the medication were not very nice and her blood sugars were not controlled and neither was her weight. She wasn’t happy and blamed it all on everything else except her

weight. Sharon knew she had to do something. She had heard glowing reports from people about Slimming World. She decided to give it a go. When she arrived in the Green Isle in September she was greeted by a warm welcome and a cup of tea or coffee.

‘I did feel nervous and awkward but was made feel really welcome. I found with the help of the other members that I could fight this battle and we were all on the same journey together.’ Sharon found the Extra Easy plan really easy to follow and the best thing was she could eat pasta, rice and potatoes no need to weigh or measure. ‘I have lost 2 stone so far and my diabetes is under control and I don’t have to take as much medication I am down

to one tablet. I continue on my weight loss journey. I’ve got my sexy back and I feel great. And I have just fulfilled a life dream. For my 50th birthday I completed that skydive that I have always wanted to do. I did a tandem jump from 10,000ft and I plan to do more it was the most amazing experience ever.’

Sharon runs her own Slimming world Group in Scoile Aoife across from Lidl near Citywest Shops on a Tuesday and a Thursday

5.30pm and 7.30pm. Sharon says ‘she is blessed to have the most amazing supportive members that make her groups very special with great fun and support.’ When asked what her top tip is she replied ‘Stay to Group. People who weigh and go lose interest people that stay are more motivated and get great ideas and help from group.’ For more information call 0851402870. Facebook: ‘Slimming World Tallaght D24/Citywest with Sharon D’ and Instagram @sharon_ citywest_scoileaoife

WINTER COMFORT FOOD WITH SLIMMING WORLD; IRISH BEEF & GUINNESS CASSEROLE Serves: 4. Prep Time: 20 Minutes. Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes. A complete meal in a bowl, with the rich, satisfying taste you only get from slow cooking. Ingredients - 900g lean Irish beef fillet, cut into chunks - Low-calorie cooking spray - 2 garlic cloves, crushed - 6 small onions, peeled and quartered - 2 celery sticks, cut into 2.5cm pieces - 6 carrots, peeled and thickly sliced - 125ml Guinness - 800ml beef stock - 1 tbsp beef gravy granules - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - 1 bay leaf - A small handful of fresh parsley, chopped

Margaret Hackett Slimming World Firhouse Firhouse Community & Leisure Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Monday Evenings: 5:30pm & 7:30pm. Mobile: 087 6161439 Christine Murphy Slimming World Tallaght Plaza Hotel Plaza Hotel Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24. Times: Saturday Mornings: 7:30am, 9.00 am & 11.00am Mobile: 086 088 5142

Method 1. Preheat your oven to 160°C/fan 140°C/gas 3. 2. Spray a large non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a medium heat. Add the beef and stir-fry until browned on all sides. Next, add the vegetables, Guinness, stock and gravy granules. Season well and add the bay leaf. Bring to the boil. Transfer to a medium casserole dish and cover. Cook in the oven for 1½-2 hours, or until the beef is tender. 3. Remove from the oven and scatter over the chopped parsley before serving. To lose weight and enjoy family friendly winter warmers like this, pop into any of my groups and we’ll show you just how easy it can be! Wednesdays 9:30am & 5:30pm at St Mark’s GAA Club Springfield, Tallaght. And Fridays 9:30 & 11:30am at The Maldron Hotel Tallaght. Call Sandra 0851484669

Miriam O’Shea Slimming World St. Annes’s GAA Club Bohernabreena, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Tuesday Mornings 9:30am & 11:30am. Tuesday Evenings: 3:30pm, 5:30pm & 7:30pm. Mobile: 087 9703016. Pamela Slimming World Old Bawn The Maldron Hotel, Tallaght, Dublin 24. Times: Monday Evenings: 3:30pm, 5:30pm & 7:30pm Tuesday Mornings: 9:30am Mobile: 086 1231774

Paula Slimming World Rowlagh Community Centre, Rowlagh Community Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 Times: Tuesday Evenings 5:30pm & 7:30pm Mobile: 085 810 9812 Martine Slimming World Green Isle Hotel Naas Road, Newlands Cross, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Times: Wednesday Mornings 9:30am & 11:30am. Mobile: 089 4482127

Sandra Maxwell Slimming World St. Mark’s GAA Club McGee Park, Cookstown Road, Tallaght,Dublin 24 Times: Wednesday mornings: 9:30am. Wednesday Evenings 5:30pm. Mobile: 085 1484669 Pauline Slimming World Plaza Hotel Plaza Hotel, 1st Floor, Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Wednesday Evenings 5:30pm & 7:30pm Thursday Mornings: 9:30am & 11:30am. Thursday Afternoons: 3:30pm & 5:30pm. Mobile: 085 7704751 Sharon Daly Slimming World Citywest Scoil Aoife (Opposite LIDL) Fortunestown Lane, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Tuesday Evenings: 5:30pm & 7:30pm Thursday Evenings: 5:30pm & 7:30pm. Mobile: 085 1402870 Sandra Maxwell Slimming World Maldron Hotel Tallaght Maldron Hotel, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Friday Mornings: 9:30am & 11:30am Mobile: 085 1484669

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KN CIRCET LAUNCH €500K TRAINING ACADEMY IN RATHCOOLE

The training academy launch coincides with the announcement of 600 jobs. Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD, spoke at the launch on integral role of skilled

telecoms tradespeople. KN Circet, Ireland’s number one telecom contractor, launched their state-ofthe-art training academy in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin recently, with Minister for

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

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The Fianna Fail Team is John Lahart TD, Councillors Yvonne Collins, Teresa Costello, Emma Murphy, Charlie O’Connor & Deirdre O’Donovan

Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD in attendance to speak on the importance of creating telecoms tradespeople in Ireland and the value of the apprenticeship as a career path. As part of the launch, KN Circet announced their 600 jobs plan over the course of 18 months, with 200 jobs currently bedding in, in areas such as administration, fibres splicing, cabling and smart metering installations, with a further 400 more jobs planned for the coming 12 months. Key contracts for KN Circet include eir, openreach, BT Ireland, Enet, Virgin Media, ESB and more.

KN Circet’s €500k Rathcoole training academy can facilitate up to 2,000 people per year, it is a vital investment for the industry leaders. Alongside traditional classrooms, the academy focuses on scenario-based training such as a mock street, outdoor electrical poles, an underground space and more. The soft skills training space, a mock apartment,

focuses on the customer experience and how to best facilitate customer needs. Everything from customer service to applying technical skills in difficult settings is covered in this experience led facility In 2017 Irish owned, KN Group employed 3,500 and had a turnover of €310M, and continued growth was a key motivator for the company going forward. In 2018 KN Group partnered with French company Circet

to create the newly formed KN Circet, the largest telecoms contractor in Europe.

KN Circet training academy will train telecom operatives for ongoing projects such as Eir’s 1.4 million urban homes and openreach NI’s ultrafast fibre rollouts. In addition to training electricians for rollout of ESB smart metering project. Future potential investment in fibre deployment such as NBI in ROI and Project

Stratum in NI will see high speed broadband brought to rural Ireland with a large requirement for highly trained telecoms operatives. KN Circet’s training academy will hopefully support both these projects in the future and these projects would see the creation of a further 700 jobs. For further information visit www.kngroup.com, Twitter @group_kn and LinkedIn @ kn-group

Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh with Donagh Kelly CEO and Founder pictured at the official launch of the KN Circet training facility in Rathcoole Co Dublin. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland.

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FOSL TO HOST EVENTS FOR GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL COUNTY INTERNATIONALSURVIVORS OF COUNCILLOR EMER HIGGINS SUICIDE LOSS DAY In conversation with Dublin Mid-West bye-election candidate Cllr. Emer Higgins. The Dublin Mid-West area comprises Lucan, Palmerstown, Clondalkin, Newcastle, Rathcoole and Saggart and the bye-election will be held on the 29th of November.

Emer you’ve been a local politician for a number of years now, why do you want to take the plunge and run for the Dáil? Yes I’ve been a County Councillor for eight years now and I absolutely love it. I’m a real people person and in politics you get to meet so many people and hear so many people’s stories; there’s nothing as rewarding when you can help with something that matters to someone. I’m really proud to have been able to have made a positive difference locally and I want to do that nationally. I think we need more young people in the Dáil, I think we need more women in the Dáil. Outside of politics I work for PayPal, I’m Chief of Staff for Operations, so I’ve experience in the real world too and I think that practical business experience is something we need more of in Leinster House.

How did you get involved in politics? My interest goes back to school. I went to school locally in Holy Family Community School in Rathcoole and I was one of the first classes to do CPSE as a subject for the Junior Cert. Our homework was to watch the news and I became really interested in current affairs, something my parents were always interested in. I went on to become a member of the Students Executive in Rathcoole and, when I went to college, I was elected to the Student Union Council in U.C.D. I’m actually on the Board of U.C.D. now so it’s been nice to have come full circle there. I joined Fine Gael because of Frances Fitzgerald who’s seat I’m standing for now. My Dad’s old boss was a member of Fine Gael and he set me up on a kind of ‘political blind date’ with a young guy who, at the time, worked for Frances. He was really intelligent, really passionate and I felt ‘do who know what’ if Fine Gael can attract people like this guy then I’m definitely willing to meet Frances and hear what she’s about. Today, that young guy sits at Cabinet table Simon Harris. He introduced me to Frances. We met in Kenny’s in Lucan and we hit it off right away. I volunteered with her for about six months and then she offered me a job running her General Election campaign and then managing her Constituency Office in Clondalkin. I worked with her for five years and it was fantastic experience. It was a real honour when Frances nominated me as the Fine Gael Bye-Election candidate to fill her seat.

If you were elected what would your priorities be? I believe we need to build infrastructure hand in hand with housing, so that we develop communities not just housing estates. That means delivering better public transport and less commuter traffic. I’m on the M50, the N4 or the N7 every day, full buzzes whiz by bus stops without stopping for people because there isn’t enough buses on our routes and the train still doesn’t stop in Kishogue. We need to drive change for commuters because it’s impacting people’s quality of life. We also need investment in our schools. In Lucan we need new school buildings for a number of schools, and the same in Rathcoole. Community is my big passion and I believe we need more support for community initiatives and sports clubs. I’m a renter so I know first-hand how difficult it can be to save for a mortgage if you’re renting in Dublin. There’s a lot of people who have moved home to save. Access to affordable housing needs to be a priority for this Government, and we need someone from our area advocating for that and for investment in our community at Government level. I’d also like to campaign for alternative energy supplies to develop a greener future. You know the way your laptop heats up when it’s being used? Well image how much a data centre heats up. Our Council is working on a big flagship project at the moment, to take heat-waste from a datacenter and use it to power buildings like Tallaght IT (Technological University Dublin) and the Civic Theatre. We have loads of data centres in Grangecastle and other business parks and I’d like to see their heat waste utilized as energy.

International survivors of Suicide Loss Day is being hosted for the 2nd year in Dublin by Friends of Suicide Loss (FOSL) who are based here in the capital. Also known as Survivor Day which began in America in 1999 and was introduced into Ireland last year for the first time by FOSL. The day always falls on the Saturday before Thanksgiving in America as the holiday period can be a stressful time for the suicide bereaved. Each year hundreds of events take place around the world. In 2018 371 total events took place in 20 countries. FOSL introduced its ‘’Mourning Has Broken’’ walk and events last year for the occasion. This year they will continue to host events on the 23rd of November with the same theme. A ‘’Mourning Has Broken’’walk is arranged from the Spire in O’Connell Street to Clontarf Castle. Former Leinster and Ireland rugby star Mike Ross will lead the parade. Following which events take place in the castle with a special commemoration for the beloved departed and then a celebration for the suicide bereaved with a candlelight dinner and entertainment

all evening up to 23:30 including interview with Mike Ross on Dublin City FM, raffles, draws, music, singing, karaoke, dancing , disco and a sing song Dublin style as at last year’s successful event. While the walk is free the cost of the events in the castle comes to €60.Tickets can be booked on line at https://www. eventbrite.ie/e/friendsof-suicide-loss-fundraisertickets-75995008115 or by telephone 014927576 If you are bereaved by suicide and need support or know someone who is please contact Friends of Suicide Loss at www.fosl. ie, facebook @Friends of Suicide Loss or Twitter @ foslireland. Their unique services include outreach support, one to one counselling, and specialized support groups ranging from the recently bereaved to the long term bereaved, workshops, pamphlets, literature and books for their members. For those who are in immediate crisis after a suicide please ring emergency line 086 937 1030 or landline 01 4927576 or email foslpost@gmail. com

DODDER VALLEY LITTER MUGS OCTOBER CLEAN UP

Obviously it’s going to be a busy few weeks ahead for you, will you get time to relax? What do you like to do to switch off? Campaigns are all-consuming but they are fantastic fun. We had the Taoiseach out with us this week and he did a press conference from one of my local coffee shops, it was great to be a part of all that excitement. I’ve taken my annual leave from work so I can be out canvassing six hours most days, and I’m really lucky to have a fantastic team of volunteers helping me. There’s nothing glamourous about leaflet dropping or postering in the rain and I’m amazed at how many people are willing to do that for me in their spare time. As for me, spare time is kind of at a premium right now. When I can, I try to spend as much time as possible with my family and nephews and niece, but as soon as this campaign is over I plan to hit the dance floor. Last year I took to the stage during a LipSync for two of my local GAA Clubs and I really enjoyed the experience - I had very patient dance teachers. It has re-ignited my love of dancing and I hope to get back to salsa after the elections.

For more information or questions contact Emer. email: ehiggins@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie or on facebook @EmerHigginsCllr

Local volunteers from Dodder Valley Litter Mugs carrying out one of their recent clean ups in Tallaght.

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CELEBRATING HALLOWEEN WITH A FANGTASTIC FUN DAY KIP’S TIPS FOR TEACHING CHILDREN TO READ THROUGH PHONICS At Kip McGrath we understand that to read English successfully, children must learn to turn the words they see in a text into sounds and make sense of these sounds. It is important for children to learn letter-sound relationships because English uses letters in the alphabet to represent sounds. Here are some ideas to get your child on the path to reading English: 1. Teach the sounds of the letters before the names of the letters. For example, in phonics it is important to know that the sound of the letter B is “buh”. This will help the child to read. Knowing that the name of the letter is B is irrelevant. 2. Teach the child writing and reading at the same time. Younger children can “write” in a pan full of rice, in sand, or in finger paints. 3. Teach the short vowel sounds first. This will enable children to read simple words such as cat, hot, up, met, or pig, rather than more complex ones such as name, seem, boat, ice, or cute. 4. Train your child’s ear to the sounds of language. Play games to help your child identify the beginning sound of his or her name and of common words such as baby, mama, dog, and so on. 5. Incorporate all the senses whenever possible. Cut out felt letters, make clay letters, or paste pictures of animals or items beginning with a specific letter / sound. 6. Eat your words! There are many edible products that could promote literacy: Alphabites cereal, alphabet spaghetti, alphabet cookies, or alphabet fries. You could also “write” edible messages in mashed potatoes on a coloured plate. Of course, don’t forget that while phonics can help children learn to sound out both familiar and unfamiliar words in texts, the approach has limitations. In English, many high-frequency words are irregular, like ‘one’ or ‘of’. If you still feel your child needs more support with their reading, Kip McGrath Professional Tutoring can help. Call us on 01 490 8780 to discuss how we can help.

A marvel of monsters led by Frankenstein joined an army of giant spiders, ghosts, mummies and witches and some 3,500 visitors to celebrate Halloween at the Scientology Community Centre. Children of all ages shared a day of fun and laughter carving pumpkins, decorating monster cookies, getting scary face painting, sliding, bouncing, jumping and sharing over 5,000 treats and at least as many tricks. Families from many different backgrounds and origins attended the family day which was promoted as all-inclusive and aimed to create a fun and uplifting atmosphere for people of any cultural, religious or social background. “The response from parents and families we received since the event has been overwhelming and heartwarming. This is

what motivates our volunteers to go the extra mile and create even bigger and better family fun days in future.” said Diana Stahl, Director of Public Affairs at the Scientology Community Centre. “We opened just over two years ago as an all-inclusive community facility where anyone of any background can come in, be themselves and celebrate what is dear to them. In the past 2 years we have held over 350 community events here welcoming nearly 100,000 visitors representing more than 70 nationalities.” added Diana. Although today Halloween is celebrated around the world in a fun and entertaining style, it originated with an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain which saw people lighting bonfires and wearing costumes to ward off ghosts.

Sarah Davies BSc, MSc, PGCE Secondary, MSc Educational Leadership, PGDip Speech & Language Difficulties

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THE CAPACITY OF THE IRISH WATER PLANT IN LEIXLIP TO SERVE THE INCREASE IN USE IS QUESTIONED Local Cllr. Mark Ward for North Clondalkin/ Lucan/Palmerstown has questioned the capacity of the Irish Water plant in Leixlip to serve the increase

in use. This comes on the back of the second boil water notice in a couple of weeks which has affected 600,000 people. Cllr Ward is reiterating his previous call

to have the water source changed back to Celbridge. Cllr Ward said: “There is confusion, anger and fear amongst people who are currently served by the

LOCAL HEROINE ANNE FRANCES CALDBECK HONOURED

1st November 2019 was the 175th anniversary of the death of local heroine Anne Frances Caldbeck. As a token of remembrance of the pioneering educational work of Anne Frances and her mother Elizabeth who lived and taught in the village all those years ago, a bouquet of white roses was placed on their grave at Mount St Joseph’s cemetery at the Monastery Road, Clondalkin. Some other members of the Caldbeck family are also buried there. Photo shows some of the people who attended at the cemetery. It includes supporters of the Save Clondalkin Convent Campaign and representatives from Clondalkin Tidy Town, Clondalkin History Society as well as other Clondalkin parishioners. Pic credit: Eddie Murphy

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NEW HEAD CHEF KEITH NUGENT

Leixlip water plant. There have been two boil water notices in a couple of weeks and residents are rightly worried about the quality of water” “Previously my constituency of Clondalkin and Lucan was served by the Ballymore Eustace water plant in Celbridge, this was changed to Leixlip with no consultation with the general public. The Celbridge plant is a soft water supply, whilst Leixlip is hard water. This led to reports from residents of a change in the water quality” “Electrical appliances such as kettles and washing machines became damaged. Residents reported a change in taste and colour, with particles and grit like substances found in the supply. I had Irish Water test several samples and they reported back that all was fine. This did not stop residents being concerned and some buying bottled water for daily use” “The two recent boil water

notices make me question the capacity of the Leixlip plant to supply all the additional homes since this change was made.

It also raises questions of governance by Irish Water particularly in the delay in notifying the public during the first scare. Irish Water also reported that the reason for the most recent boil water notice was due to heavy rainfall. We live in Ireland; heavy rain is a regular occurrence.

This does not fill me with confidence that this will not happen again.” “I received reports that the Leixlip plant is due a substantial upgrade next year. I argue that this upgrade should have taken place prior to supply being changed from Celbridge. I have also asked that the supply be changed back to Celbridge and that if there are any changes in the future that a full public consultation is carried out”

SENSORY FUN WITH FRIENDS As part of the celebrations of social inclusion week 2019, Sensory Fun with Friends have secured funding from South Dublin County Council Social Inclusion Unit to hold a sensory friendly screening of Frozen 2 in IMC Tallaght on Saturday the 23rd of November at 10:30am. Limited places are available. For more information and booking search ‘Sensory Fun With Friends’ on facebook.

Upcoming Entertainment

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THE KINGSWOOD LODGE, KINGSWOOD HEIGHTS, TALLAGHT, DUBLIN 24 TEL: 01 4514567

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MORE INVESTMENT NEEDED TO TACKLE DRUG SCOURGE GRIPPING IRELAND

TD for Dublin Mid-West, John Curran has said the Government’s poor attitude towards delivering much

needed funding to Local and Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces in communities nationwide, is letting down

those most in need of support. Recently all nine former ministers who have held responsibility for the

National Drugs Strategy came together to call on the Taoiseach to act to reinvigorate drugs policy as the situation is now at epidemic proportions. Deputy Curran said: “The task forces play an essential role in communities across the country by providing a targeted response to emerging trends in drug and alcohol use.

“Ensuring that they are adequately funded is a matter of public health. For

these services to remain in communities to support those with problematic drug and/or alcohol use, they need to receive consistent levels of funding year-round.” Deputy Curran noted that drugs such as cannabis are becoming more potent in Ireland and too many people are living with the daily nightmare of drug-related intimidation and violence “During a time when drug and alcohol use is on the rise, particularly among our young people,

this serious issue was not mentioned or featured in the Government’s funding agenda for 2020. What we need to see is investment in community-based services to tackle the ongoing issues. “This Fine Gael government continues to neglect this very serious problem. The lack of collaboration poses a risk to the success of the scheme and we urgently need to see change in this area,” concluded Deputy Curran.

PROBLEM OF CHILD DRUG COURIERS HIGHLIGHTED Local T.D. Seán Crowe, has called for new legislation and a different response from the government to the growing problem of children being used as drug couriers. The TD raised the issue in the Dáil and quoted from a report released by the Blanchardstown Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force that highlighted children were being used to deal drugs. The average reported age of drug dealers in the area is 13 years old, with the youngest just 8 years old. Deputy Seán Crowe said: “The report by the Blanchardstown Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force that highlighted that children were dealing drugs there has brought a dose of reality to the challenges facing many communities, including my own constituency of Dublin South West. The report found that the average age of drug dealers in the area was 13 years old, with the youngest just 8 years old. “We know that drug intimidation is widespread. Many young people caught with large amounts of drugs then have the debt follow them or their families after they are convicted. Young people are also used to

collect these debts and other children of the family involved again being threatened. “Illicit drugs are widely available and sold openly with cocaine and crack cocaine, heroin, and prescription drugs leading the demand. “The nature of drug dealing has also changed in recent times. The Blanchardstown report calls for additional sentencing for drug barons that use children to deliver or sell their drugs and I support this call. The government and An Garda Síochána also need to make areas where young people socialise and go to school drug free zones. “I want to welcome the Blanchardstown Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force report as it brings greater clarity to the challenge of drug dealing. It puts additional responsibilities on the government to act and also on all of us as legislators to respond to the emerging needs in communities. “Illicit drugs are being sold openly by children as young as 8 years old who are caught up in criminality and face a bleak future. We need to respond to this latest challenge collectively and urgently.”

NOVENAS FOR LAURA LYNN 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. S.B

Tallaght Drug & Alcohol Task Force South Dublin County Partnership Block 3, County Hall, Belgard Square North Tallaght, Dublin 24. Ph. 01 464 9303 Web: http://www.tallaghtdatf.ie/

f: https://www.facebook.com/tallaghtdrugandalcoholtaskforce

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. J.B

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

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

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MOTORING LIFE

WITH

New Ford Focus Leads An By Breda Corrigan ‘Active’ Life The new Ford Focus (Irish Small / Compact Car of the Year 2019) has undergone an ‘Active’ makeover in a similar fashion to that of its KA+ and Fiesta siblings. Available in hatchback and estate bodystyles, the new ‘Active’ model takes the standard Zetec trim level and gives it a rugged, off-road look. Key to this transformation is the addition of stylish protective black cladding lining the wheelarches and side sills, tough-looking front and rear bumpers, roof rails, and a raised ride height courtesy of revised suspension and larger tyres. The new suspension set-up increases the car’s ride height by 30mm at the front, and 34mm at the rear. Interior ‘Active’ upgrades consist of the addition of some bespoke trim elements. Engine & Transmission Options; Engine options in the new Ford Focus ‘Active’ consist of a 1.0-litre EcoBoost 125PS (3-cylinder petrol), or a 1.5-litre TD EcoBlue 120PS (4-cylinder turbo-diesel), while both engines are available with a choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions. Every Focus ‘Active’ is front-wheeldrive, but a selectable drive

mode system can tailor the traction control for slippery, soft and soggy terrain. Test Car; My test car was a Focus ‘Active’ Estate 1.0-litre 125PS EcoBoost 6-speed manual and was finished in ever popular Frozen White paintwork, with contrasting black plastic cladding for a tough, off-roader look. The multi award-winning 1.0-litre 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine produces 123bhp and 200Nm of torque, which enables the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in 10.3-seconds. Capable of a top speed of 195km/h, and fuel consumption as low as 5.8l/100km on a combined driving cycle, the Focus ‘Active’ Estate 1.0-litre EcoBoost costs just €190 for an annual road tax disc. Standard ‘Active’ specification is impressive, with key features such as 17” ‘Active’ alloy wheels, ‘Active’ bodykit with unique front grille, ‘Active’ front and rear skid plates, ‘Active’ badge on front fender, twin polished tailpipes, LED daytime running lights with cornering function, auto lights & wipers, black roofrails, cruise control with Lane

Keeping Aid, Quickclear™ heated windscreen, Pre-Collision Assist (including vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists), Post Impact Braking, electronic parking brake, keyless start, unique ‘Active’ interior trim, 8” SYNC touchscreen with Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay™, selectable drive modes, manual airconditioning, and a front central armrest, along with many more comfort, convenience, and safety features. Excellent Driving Dynamics; On the road, I found the 1.0-litre petrol engine to be well suited to the relaxed nature of the Focus ‘Active’ Estate, with the supremely refined 3-cylinder unit being very quiet - not only at a cruise - but also through the gears during hard acceleration. The car drives with the same excellent driving dynamics as the regular Focus, with the car’s highly-acclaimed chassis taking centre stage. The car’s steering is direct, and well-weighted, while providing terific feedback to the driver at all times, making the Focus ‘Active’ Estate a genuinely fun car to drive. My test car’s standard six-speed manual gearbox was a pleasure to use, with effortless gearchanges taking place with poise and precision. Commendable Build Quality;

Build quality throughout the car’s cabin is commendable, while supportive seats ensure that occupants arrive at their destination in comfort. Interior space is identical to that of the regular Focus Estate, while boot space can only be described as enormous. With the rear seat backs in place, there is 608-litres of useable space available, but this can be extended to 1,650-litres with the rear seats folded flat. A low load lip ensures that bulky, or heavy items, can be loaded easily, and will prove beneficial for people who want to load mountain bikes, or whatever lifestyle items that need to be transported. Pricing & Warranty; Along with its rugged looks and surprisingly good driving experience, value is an area where the Ford Focus ‘Active’ really stands out. Fitted with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine (in 5-door hatchback guise) it starts from just €24,809 (ex-works), undercutting many crossover rivals in the process. The ‘Active’ Estate costs an additional €1,070, with the 1.5-litre EcoBlue engine commanding a €2,200 premium over the EcoBoost unit. As with all Ford passenger cars, the Focus ‘Active’ comes with a comprehensive 7-year/100,00km warranty for the ultimate in peace-of-mind motoring.

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RADICALLY EFFICIENT PEUGEOT 508 PLUG-IN HYBRID RANGE ON THE WAY The new PEUGEOT 508 HYBRID range has passed stringent certification tests under the new WLTP protocol with impressive results. Achieving 29g CO2/ km (1,3L /100km) and 54 km in 100% electric mode for the 508 fastback and 30g CO2/km (1,3L /100km) and 52 km in 100% electric mode for the SW estate, under Ireland’s Budget 2020 announcements, the range will therefore qualify for the newly calculated grant thresholds now applicable; under new rules, plugin hybrids must now emit less than 50g/km CO2 and travel more than 50km in all-electric mode to qualify for the €5,000 SEAI grant and €2,500 VRT relief. The new 508 HYBRID range will go on sale in Ireland from December when prices and specifications are announced, with first units arriving in early 2020. The new PEUGEOT 508 HYBRID and 508 SW HYBRID combine a 180bhp (132kW)

PureTech petrol engine with a 110bhp (80kW) electric motor for a maximum combined power of 225bhp (165kW). The battery offers a capacity of 11.8kWh and recharging takes less than 1h45 with a Wallbox (optional 6.6 kW charger, 32A). Built on PEUGEOT’s EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform), u n c o m p r o m i s i n g l y, spaciousness is maintained, and the boot volumes are identical to the combustion versions (487L for PEUGEOT 508 and 530L for PEUGEOT 508 SW). New driving modes are on offer: a Zero Emission 100% electric mode; an exhilarating Sport mode; a Hybrid mode; a Comfort mode, combining the Hybrid mode with the comfort of the controlled suspension. With the introduction of the PEUGEOT 508 HYBRID and 508 SW HYBRID, PEUGEOT’s primary aim was to successfully deliver ownership and running

costs, dependant on local taxes, equivalent to that of a traditional BlueHDi diesel 130bhp EAT8 8-speed automatic engine. For business to business company use, this cost is calculated based on 30,000 km per year with a driving rate of 65% in hybrid mode and 35% in 100% electric. For private individuals, the calculation is based on an assumption of 15,000 km per year with a 50/50 split between hybrid and 100%

electric driving. Available in Allure (level 3), Allure Business, GT Line (level 4) and a top of the range GT trim, the PEUGEOT 508 HYBRID and 508 SW HYBRID form a full range of plugin hybrid engines alongside the PEUGEOT 3008 HYBRID and 3008 HYBRID4 from early 2020.

Des Cannon, Managing Director at Gowan Distributors, PEUGEOT Importer in Ireland, said:

“PEUGEOT is rapidly embracing an electric future. The all-new 508 HYBRID and 508 SW HYBRID will join our growing line-up of plug-in electric hybrid and fully electric models, including the soon-toarrive and all-new 3008 SUV GT HYBRID4, the e-208 and e-2008 SUV. This is an exciting time for PEUGEOT as the brand works to fulfil its philosophy of ‘choose your PEUGEOT, choose your powertrain’ where

customers can choose between conventional petrol and diesel models as well as electrified variants. By 2023, 100% of the PEUGEOT range will be electrified.” Pictured: The new 508 HYBRID and 508 SW HYBRID will join PEUGEOT’s growing line-up of plug-in electric hybrid and fully electric models, including the soonto-arrive and all-new 3008 SUV GT HYBRID4

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NEW ŠKODA KAMIQ NOW AVAILABLE AT PILSEN SKODA ŠKODA has added a third model to its successful SUV portfolio called the KAMIQ. The KAMIQ sees ŠKODA compete in the rapidly growing city or small SUV segment for the first time. The KAMIQ blends the typical advantages of this segment such as increased ground clearance and a raised seat position with the agility of a compact car and ŠKODA’s characteristic emotive design. With state-of-the-art assistance and infotainment systems, a generous amount of space and numerous Simply Clever features, the new KAMIQ equally fulfils the needs of both family- and lifestyle-oriented customers in true ŠKODA style. At first glance, the new KAMIQ shares the

ŠKODA SUV design language of the KODIAQ and KAROQ, but with closer inspection the split headlights, which feature daytime running lights above the main headlights, distinguish the KAMIQ from its larger siblings. The KAMIQ is also the first ŠKODA to have dynamic front and rear indicators. The KAMIQ is one of the largest cars in its segment. In tangible terms, the KAMIQ is 20mm longer; has 24mm more headspace and is the very same width as the ŠKODA Yeti that ceased production in 2017. Viewed from the rear the tailgate confidently bears ‘ŠKODA’ in block lettering instead of the ŠKODA logo; a trait now shared with all models in the ŠKODA range. The KAMIQ has

a familiar and tested engine line up with three TSI petrol engines with cylinder capacities of 1.0 or 1.5 litres and a 1.6 litre TDI producing 70 and 110 kW (95 to 150 BHP). The engines can be coupled with a 5- or 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG. The KAMIQ is the second ŠKODA to incorporate the new interior concept. The elevated seat position and generous amount of space provide easy access to the car combined with excellent road visibility. The boot has a capacity of 363 litres, which can be increased to 1,360 litres by folding down the asymmetrically split back seat (60:40). The KAMIQ possesses a premium interior atmosphere created by soft materials on the dashboard and front door trims, as well as quality new seat designs. Based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0 platform, the KAMIQ offers the highest level of active and passive safety. It is equipped with up to nine airbags including a driver knee airbag and front side airbags as standard. The KAMIQ is generously specified with Active, Ambition and Style grades available. Active and Ambition models feature the 6.5-inch Swing touch screen infotainment system, LED headlights and tail lights. Lane Assist, Front Assist with City Emergency Brake and Predictive Pedestrian Protection, and Multi-

Collision Braking are also standard. Style versions receive the 8.0-inch Bolero infotainment unit and full LED headlights with AFS and dynamic front and rear indicators. ŠKODA Ireland Head of Marketing & Product, Ray Leddy, commented, “The KAMIQ is another excellent product from ŠKODA. We are very ambitious for this new model and expect the KAMIQ to follow in the footsteps of the KAROQ & KODIAQ. The KAMIQ has already seen unprecedented sales success on the continent; as a result, demand is expected to outstrip supply in many markets including Ireland. We would advise customers to order early to avoid disappointment.” The KAMIQ is now available in Pilsen Skoda, Ballymount, Dublin 12, prices from €21,300 for the 1.0 TSI, 95bhp Active. Competitive PCP finance is also offered from 2.9% APR. For more information see https://pilsenskoda.ie

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