Lucan News 19th April by Newsgroup

19th April 2021

CALL FOR GREATER ACTION AND UNDERSTANDING OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE Nitrous oxide inhalation using silver cartridge whippets continues to plight our communities with a local councillor again calling for a more proactive approach to both understanding and tackling this increasingly rampant and worrying practice. Cllr Derren Ó Brádaigh had a motion for hearing at the recent South Dublin Co Co meeting. Ó Brádaigh said: “Only a year or two ago, not many of us had heard of the emerging

fascination with Nitrous Oxide abuse amongst our youth. Commonly referred to as ‘Silver Bullets’ or more worryingly still, being called ‘Laughing Gas’ really serves to only downplay the danger involved. Rapidly becoming a widespread problem, the inhalation referred to as ‘nagging’ can cause serious mood swings and lead to depression – frequent use can affect blood pressure and can cause problems for people with heart problems or mental

health concerns. “I very much welcome the response to the motion – this is calling for a pilot project to map discarded Nitrous Oxide drug litter. This data can be used to assist the work of local drug addiction services in better understanding the full nature of the problem and areas most affected.

“Furthermore, I have asked for the support of all councillors to agree to request that the Minister with responsibility for

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national drugs strategy, rolls out a National Awareness Programme for schools.

Engaging the industry that manufacture this product should also be a part of the solution in my view. “These whippets are the silver cartridges that are strewn about streets and parks across the community, a now frequent sight in shop car parks and regularly discarded alongside beer cans and bottles becoming an environmental eyesore and additional element of recent upsurges of anti-social behaviour.

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“I look forward to the next meeting where I will be seeking more detail to the initial response on the pilot project timelines and method of recording and reporting. I have spoken with local drug addiction services in the hope that any such data can be utilised to further understand substance abuse disorders and to work toward eradicating this problem from our communities and the danger it presents to our young people.

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PLANS FOR AN URBAN GREENWAY BETWEEN THE GRAND CANAL AND LUCAN UNDERWAY

South Dublin County Council is asking people to have their say on a 4.2-kilometre section of emerging concept route that has been identified for pedestrians and cyclists.

To better engage with people, South Dublin County Council has created a Virtual Consultation Room, which contains online display material on the work carried out so far. Citizens are asked to take part in shaping the Canal Loop Urban Greenway, and to access the Virtual Consultation Room and its contents, by visiting South

Dublin County Council consultation portal.

designation as a ‘destination town’ by Fáilte Ireland.

network of safe cycling and walking routes for people.

Linking the Grand Canal Greenway and Grange Castle Park with Lucan Village via Griffeen Valley Park, the emerging route seeks to provide a safe route for commuters and school children that will help to promote sustainable modes of transport, reduce traffic in the area and reduce carbon emissions. The proposed route would also complete the Griffeen Valley Greenway, support the Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan (2013) and strengthen Lucan’s

In addition, the route is identified as route number one in the Council’s Cycle South Dublin programme and will form part of Council’s plan to deliver a County wide, connected

Cycle South Dublin is an ambitious programme of work that reflects the increasing importance of making cycling a realistic and integral part of how people move around the

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Key Locations

County. There is currently 207km of cycle lanes across South Dublin County. In recent years, the Council has been moving in the right direction and in that time, South Dublin County Council has progressed eight active travel projects totalling approximately 21km of new

and improved cycle lanes, however, we recognise that more needs to be done. The Cycle South Dublin programme proposes a set of 41 projects that would deliver nearly 210km of new and improved cycle lanes across the County within the next ten years.

Seen here are photos of key sites and their corresponding map locations

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PEOPLE WITH AUTISM DESERVE BETTER SERVICES AND SUPPORT Speaking recently on World Autism Awareness Day, Sinn Féin TD,s Mark Ward and Eoin O’Broin for Dublin Mid Wests have given their full support to AsIAm’s ‘Say Yes to Autism Acceptance’ campaign that will run throughout the month of April. Deputies Ward and O Broin said: “Today on World Autism Awareness Day and through AsIAm’s ‘Say Yes to Autism Acceptance’ campaign during the month of April, there is an important opportunity to highlight the many barriers that people with autism face on a regular basis and which need to be changed. “We have an opportunity to break down barriers and create a greater understanding of autism, as well as the challenges people with autism and their families face. Every experience of autism is very unique, bringing different individual skills, attributes and characteristics. I want

to thank everyone who is sharing their story today and who is raising awareness. “The government needs to do much more to ensure that people with autism can live their lives fully and equally. Two years ago, the Dáil backed Sinn Féin’s proposals for an Autism Strategy and a specific Autism Committee in the Oireachtas. However, the Government has still not acted on this.

“Sinn Féin will continue to press the Government on this and ensure that people with autism get the services and supports they should be entitled to. There can be no more delays. “Autistic adults face huge gaps in the provision of crucial services, particularly in finding work, securing social welfare or living independently. “Children face lengthy waiting times for assessment and struggle to locate appropriate school places. We see this every

day with the Assessment of Need process, which is failing people with autism and their families. “While there is a legal requirement to carry out an Assessment of Need within six months, the average waiting time, as of July 2020, was 19 months. 5,000 children were waiting longer than the law permits for an assessment.

“And this is only the tip of the iceberg as, while the law stipulates that an assessment should be carried out within this timeframe, we know this is often not the case. There is no statutory timeframe of access to the supports, services or therapies stipulated as needed within the assessment. “Recently, RTÉ Investigates lifted the lid on the scandal of how the Department of Health has been collecting secret dossiers on the families of children with autism who had taken legal cases against

the government. This was appalling and never should have happened. There needs to be an independent non-statutory investigation

into what happened, similar in scope and duration to the Scally Inquiry. “The issues affecting people with autism are longstanding and

they have been battling many years for their rights and entitlements. The Government needs to step up and act.”

CELEBRATE ALZHEIMER’S TEA DAY 2021

Dáithí Ó Sé invites Dublin to show solidarity with people with dementia and family carers to celebrate Alzheimer’s Tea Day 2021. Pic Credit: Provision Photography

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LOCAL CODER PROJECT WILL HELP ASPIRING GAME DESIGNERS TO KICKSTART THEIR CAREER

It can be hard for aspiring game designers and coders to break into the field, and a lack of real-world experience can prevent

aspiring developers from booking the job, a Dublin Mid-West TD has said. Emer Higgins T.D. is calling on all aspiring coders,

game designers and those interested in music and sound effect creation for gaming to sign up for Quantum Zen’s brand-new

RETROFITTING OF COUNCIL HOMES WELCOME- BUT MORE IS NEEDED A new Energy Efficiency Retro-Fit Programme for South Dublin County Council’s housing stock was approved at the April county council meeting. The Programme has been welcomed by councillors but there have been calls for the Government to substantially increase funding for the scheme. A total of €3 167 054 has been provided under the scheme for 117 homes across the county that will have works done to bring them up to BER rating B2. This will be done through the provision of insulation, windows and doors replacement and the installation of heat pumps. Estates selected for the programme in the Clondalkin area include Kilmahuddrick Crescent, Oldcastle Drive, Greenfort and Liscarne Dale. The 117 homes represent only 1% of council homes.

People Before Profit Councillor Madeleine Johansson commented: “The retro-fit programme for council homes is very welcome, however it doesn’t go far enough. If we are serious about tackling

climate change and improving the living conditions of tenants there is a need for the government to substantially increase funding for this programme. While the government is unable to make private property owners carry out works to make their buildings more energy efficient, they can ensure that publicly owned buildings, including council homes, are improved. However, the low level of funding provided for local authorities makes it impossible to for councils to carry out the work needed. The funding is also limited to €27 000 per home, however a complete deep retro-fit would cost between €38 000– €45 000 on average. To tackle climate change we need substantial funding for retro-fitting of homes, both council and privately owned. The current grant schemes for homeowners are not adequate and this new programme for council homes is welcome but not enough.”

incubator project which started on April 9th. The project is being run by Lucan man, Michael Laskowski and will offer coders, artists and other gaming enthusiasts the chance to contribute to a real-life game design project and receive a credit for their CV, with the project remaining open to new members along the way, as space permits.

“I am delighted that Michael is running this project for all those looking to gain experience,” said Deputy Higgins. “Work in coding and game development is such an exciting and rewarding career and many young people have begun to dip their toe into this realm with the likes of Coder Dojo. “But it can be difficult to know where to go from there and how to gain real experience on simple but professional projects that will show off your skills. “This incubator project will do just that and give team members the opportunity

to work on creating a gaming product that will be available for use afterwards as a showcase of your skill and contribution. “The project will begin work on April 9th, but people can join at any stage throughout the project, space permitting and decide what elements of the game design process they feel they could best contribute to. The project is open to all ages and abilities, kids included, the only

requirement is a passion for the design process.” As project creator Michael says himself: “If you code, design UI/UX, design graphics, compose game music or FX sounds…or have children who are good with crayons; you may enjoy joining the team.” For more information and to sign up for this free project go to www.quantumzen.ie/ incubator.html

VERONICA GUERIN 25TH ANNIVERSARY Cllr Francis Timmons commented on the upcoming 25th anniversary of journalist Veronica Guerin “It’s nearly 25 years ago that Veronica Guerin was shot on the Nass Road - Veronica Guerin‘s murder led to the establishment of CAB (Criminal Assets Bureau) and a crackdown, I feel 25 years later we need to look at our drug laws, decriminalize drug use and have a real national debate/ discussion on drugs. We have to do something, some of our communities are being ripped apart by drug use”. We must respect the memory of Veronica Guerin and we must relook at how we deal with the issue of drugs / drug crime.’’ Cllr Timmons added ‘’I have also requested that South Dublin Co. Co. clean up around the area of a memorial stone laid near where Veronica Guerin was shot dead 25 years ago. I hope pending restrictions to be able to do something to mark the anniversary of her death.’’

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RECENT ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR CONDEMNED BY LOCAL COUNCILLOR Cllr Ó Brádaigh said: “On a Wednesday evening just over a week ago I began to hear of reports of power outages across large parts of Clondalkin.

Initially I heard of the situation through social media but before long I was receiving personal messages seeking updates and with much concern expressed. “Within a couple of hours, it emerged that the cause of the power outages was a direct result of a car being deliberately set alight on the Clonburris lands located

off the Fonthill Road. For anyone living in the area, this would not necessarily be a strange occurrence – however on this occasion the car was set alight against an ESB pole and more worryingly beside the main Dublin to Cork railway line – the potential risk to life was very real. “This incident is further evidence of the escalating anti-social attacks being inflicted upon our communities and raises lots of questions and concerns surrounding adequate

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Garda resourcing amid the continuing Covid crisis – the harsh reality is that many recent instances of anti-social behaviour are taking place in during the day and in the heart of our communities. I have raised this matter with South Dublin County Council and requested that the site lands be adequately secured. I also intend to raise the matter at the next Joint Policing Committee meeting later this month. “In addition to problematic illegal scramblers, acquiring cheap cars for ‘rallying’ has become an issue across the county – often being purchased online for as little as €100, driven on road and uninsured, sometimes used in illegal activity and frequently abandoned across housing estates and underground carparks. Greater collaboration between the council, estate management companies and Gardai to tackle car abandonment

in our communities is now required. “At a time when many services have been affected, we cannot simply tolerate a situation that allows for a small minority to impact the lives of the

wider community – neither can we accept an underresourced Gardai. I would appeal to the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and her Department to work directly with community groups in identifying areas experiencing upsurges

in problems, in order to ameliorate the situation where needed and to adequately provide Gardai with greater powers of seizure and equipment to carry out their functions in keeping the community safe.”

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COMMITMENT TO NO INCREASES IN INCOME TAX OR USC RATES POST PANDEMIC The Government has reiterated its commitment to no increases in income tax or USC rates post pandemic, a Fine Gael Deputy has said. Deputy Emer Higgins said: “As we emerge from the pandemic and return to normality and economic growth, the last thing we need is higher taxes on income, business or savings for people in our area. “There will be no increases in income tax or USC rates. We won’t see increases on tax on business, we won’t see increases in tax on people’s savings, and far from increasing income tax, we are going to index income tax bans. “Fewer people now will end up in the higher income tax band – this is a solid a commitment in the Programme for Government

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from Fine Gael.” Deputy Higgins continued: “This commitment in the Programme for Government is as solid as any measures regarding environmental issues such as greenhouse

gas emissions.

“This Government and its predecessor have shown solidarity since the start of the pandemic through the Pandemic Unemployment

Payment and the Wage Subsidy Scheme, and many other measures.” “The last thing we need now, when it comes to an economic recovery, is higher taxes on anyone.”

THE JOBSTOWN RUNNING CLUB KEEPING THE COMMUNITY ACTIVE The Jobstown Running Club is just over a week old and the response has been very positive. Stephen Martin, local Tallaght man and seasoned runner commented “The idea of the club is to bring the community together whilst getting active and put a few smiles on faces. Our club is open to everyone with all levels of fitness catered for. There is no membership fee and all of the training sessions are free. Over the last year with the country in lockdown there hasn’t been

much for everyone to look forward to so we are hoping that our club will give young and old a little bit of normality again”. The running club will be holding events over the coming months that will be cheap and open to everyone. Stephen said “It has been great seeing everyone getting out and active with us especially the little ones who haven’t had much to do since lockdown began”. For more information see facebook.com/ Jobstownrunningclub.

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CLONDALKIN HANDCRAFT AND HORTICULTURAL VIRTUAL SHOW 2021 Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Clondalkin Handcraft & Horticultural Show (CHHS) are hosting this year’s show online. Pictured are the committee from the event launch back in 2019. For this year they will be removing categories that they will not be able to judge. Entry forms will be available online on their Facebook, Instagram pages or by emailing on clondalkinshow@gmail. com. The group hope the public get involved in this year’s online show. To enter they will require 2 photographs of the item, 1 photograph of the item on a plain white background and 1 of the entrant holding the item. Both photographs must be clear. The photograph of the item needs to be up close, so the judges can see the item

clearly or they will not be able to judge the item. Email your photographs to clondalkinshow@gmail. com. The Secretary will assign a Unique Show Number (USN) to each person entering the show. The judges will be sent only the photograph of the item. The photograph of the entrant holding the item is to prove they are the creator of the entered item, this photograph will never be seen by anyone except our Secretary and will be deleted after the show. There will be no entry fee for this year’s show. Arrangements will be made collecting or delivery of prizes. Medals and rosettes can be posted to winners. Entries will be accepted up until the 26th June 2021.

Judging will take place for the following week and winner will be announced on 4th July 2021.The committee would like to thank sponsors who have been there right from the start without them and the public getting involved they would not be able to run the show. Best of luck to everyone entering the Clondalkin Handcraft & Horticultural On-line Show 2021. Local Clondalkin Councillor and committee chairperson Francis Timmons commented ‘’Sadly we can’t meet in person so the only safe option is to have the show online for 2021 , We have had to cut some categories out but there is still loads for people to enter , I look forward and am hopeful that the show will return to Newlands

CALL ON DUBLIN LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO FUND LGBTQI SPACES Chris O’Dwyer, the Local Area Representative for the Labour Party in Dublin Mid West is calling on the four Dublin Local Authorities to fund LGBTQI in local towns and communities in the County.

O’Dwyer said: “At present the majority of LGBTQI affirming spaces are located in the city centre and the current Covid 19 restrictions have highlighted the need for more LGBTQI friendly spaces in communities across the county. “Yes things have gotten better for the community in recent years, the marriage referendum

boosted the visibility of the community however, homophobia still exists and members of the LGBTQI Community need access to local resources “Spaces like the Outhouse on Capel Street are invaluable to the community and provide amazing levels of support. This is what is needed locally, this what should be invested in and resourced. These spaces allow members of the community to get peer support, access resources and allow them to socialise without having to continously check themselves and ask themselves the question “am I being too gay?”

Home and Garden centre and Áras Chrónáin in 2022.

This show is an opportunity to showcase all the

wonderful skills we have in South Dublin’’

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HOMES SELLING IN RECORD TIME

Three-bedroomed semis are reaching sale agreed in a record low of two weeks after coming to market in some areas, fuelled by an unprecedented lack of supply, the Q1 Irish Independent REA Average House Price Index has found.

The average three bed semi is now reaching sale agreed after just five weeks on the market across the country – almost half the nine-week average this time last year. Average house prices rose by almost 2% over the past three months, despite the absence of physical viewing, in a marketplace which is seeing the lowest supply and the shortest time taken to sell in recent history. Not having to schedule appointments has led to potential buyers making swift bidding decisions on the back of virtual viewings, speeding up the selling process according to REA spokesman Anthony McGee of REA McGee based in Tallaght Village. REA agents have reported that properties are reaching sale agreed just two weeks after going on the market in areas such as Dundalk and Ashbourne, where prices have risen by 8% (€205,000) and 4.9% (€320,000) in the last 12 weeks. This

compares to average selling time of eight and seven weeks respectively in the Co Louth and Co Meath towns a year ago. REA Gunne in Dundalk are seeing remote workers with increased savings bidding for scarce supply while REA Grimes in Ashbourne have seen their virtual viewing and online sales campaigns facilitating an increased demand during lockdown.

In Dublin, three bed semidetached properties are being snapped up after just three weeks in the Lucan area, compared to seven weeks in March 2020. In Bray, the annual reduction is even starker, coming down from 15 weeks in March 2020 to just three as quality homes attract instant bidding. Properties in Limerick city are taking three weeks to sell, down from five a year ago, while Galway city has seen average selling time drop from ten weeks to just four. “Supply is down 38% year on year according to myhome. ie and the few properties going on the market are generating immediate interest and attracting offers within a week,” said REA spokesperson Anthony McGee. “Buyers are massively motivated, with many anxious to

secure a home before their mortgage approval runs out. “The enforced move to virtual viewings has facilitated a speeding up of the sales process as buyers are not waiting for viewing appointments.

“Despite the restrictions, there is a willingness from some buyers to make offers for houses without physically viewing them. “We are finding that some people are bidding for a number of properties at one time, in an attempt to get bids in, especially whore mortgage approvals may be running out. “We only show properties to bidders once their offer has been accepted. At that stage they can withdraw, however, most sales are progressing toward completion. “The past three months have also seen a marked return of both private investors and pension funds to the market, driven by strengthening rents and potential of negative interest rates. “This is adding to the increased competition in what is becoming a perfect market for vendors.” The Irish Independent REA Average House Price Survey concentrates on the actual sale price of Ireland’s typical

stock home, the three-bed semi, giving an accurate picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide.

The price of a threebedroomed semi-detached house across the country rose by almost €4,500 over the past three months to €243,603 – representing an annual increase of 3.6%. The biggest rises in Q1 came in commuter counties as buyers move out further from the city in preparation for long-term hybrid working situations. Dublin city experienced its biggest quarterly rise in over three years as the price of a three-bedroomed semi-detached house rose by 1.5% to €438,500 during the past 12 weeks. This represents an annual increase of 2.7% and means that the average Dublin three bed semi has now recovered to its December 2017 price level after a period of decreases, mainly in 2019. North County Dublin prices rose by €6,500 on average to €318,166 – up 2.1% on the Q4 figure, while South County prices increased by a more modest 0.5% to €420,926. “We are seeing double the number of enquiries compared to this time last

year, with multiple bidders on all properties and asking prices being exceeded,” said Anthony McGee. Three bed semis in commuter counties rose 2.3% by almost €6,000 in the past three months to an average of €258,889 – with the average

home selling in four weeks – down from a high of 11 a year ago. As the flight to rural locations continues, prices in the rest of the country’s towns rose by over 2% in Q1 to €168,828.

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INFANT HEALTH CHECKS NEED TO BE PRIORITISED Addressing the backlog of public health visits and routine health screenings for babies in their first year needs to be prioritised, a Fine Gael TD has said. Deputy Emer Higgins has called on the HSE to put in place an urgent catch up programme to ensure babies

receive the developmental check-ups they need within their first year. “Babies born during lockdown entered into a very different world than the children that came before them. The public health measures were of course necessary, but they have impacted on the

rollout of health check-ups that would have happened on a routine basis before the pandemic. “We know that over half of babies born just before or during the pandemic did not receive a very important developmental check-up before they turned one. These health checks are

so important for assessing physical health, motor skills, sensory development and picking up any initial developmental issues. “They also give huge reassurance to parents who just want to know that all is well with their child,” said Deputy Higgins. “But

if these check-ups aren’t carried out it can be difficult for parents to find out something as simple as how much their baby weighs or how much they have grown since their last appointment. “The HSE needs to put in place an urgent catch up programme to ensure babies receive

the developmental checkups they need within their first year. All medical professionals including our public health nurses and speech and language therapists, need to be back in these jobs, doing this vital community work and not redeployed elsewhere,” concluded Deputy Higgins.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL COMMUNITY GRANTS South Dublin County Council’s Community Grants Programme has opened for online applications. The programme provides financial assistance to community groups and sports clubs across the County who are responding to locally identified needs by providing a range of activities and services across their communities. While a broad range of funding is provided annually through community grants including support for community development, sports development and community events, the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of community, voluntary and sporting activities is also recognised. To address these challenges and to be

as adaptive and responsive as possible to current community needs, the 2021 Community Grants Programme provides additional grant supports including a Community Centre Re-opening Fund, Operational Supports for Sports Clubs Fund and a Covid Resilience Fund. Further details, including the Community Grants explanatory booklet and details of how to access the online application forms, are available on the Council’s website. Groups and clubs wishing to make an application in need of additional support or information can contact the Community Development team by telephone at 01-4149156 or by email at - communitygrants@ sdublincoco.ie.

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1034 HOME KILCARBERY DEVELOPMENT IN CLONDALKIN

Maplewood Residential and Grandbrind Limited are to commence construction on a 1,034-home development at Kilcarbery in Clondalkin, the first public-private housing project of its kind to get underway in the country. Up to 200 construction jobs will be created through this innovative project, with the phased return of residential construction which started on the 12th April.

(LIHAF), with the state providing upgrades to nearby roads, and water and waste infrastructure to facilitate the project. The development will be built on a 72-acre publicly owned site, with 30% of homes being used for public housing. Phase 1, comprising of 301 units, is to start immediately and is due for completion in September 2022.

The construction of Kilcarbery Grange is the first development to emerge from the major urban housing initiative of the Government’s Rebuilding Ireland plan. The project is a joint partnership between the state and the house builders to activate publicly owned land and develop sustainable, urban neighbourhoods with a mix of social, affordable and private housing.

Speaking ahead of the construction, Alex Brett, Director at Maplewood Residential said: “Maplewood and Grandbrind successfully tendered for this project back in 2018 and have been working on the planning and design of Kilcarbery Grange in Dublin 22 for the past three years. The closing of construction has created huge difficulties for the housing supply in Ireland, so we look forward to turning the sod on this new project as soon as it is safe to do so. “Maplewood and Grandbrind Limited have been building houses in Dublin for over 35 years.

Kilcarbery Grange is partly funded by the Department of Housing through the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund

The firms are currently active on several other developments around Dublin, Meath, Wicklow and Kildare, which will also be reopening. Maplewood has just successfully completed Phase Two of DodderBrook in Dublin 24 which consisted of 134 houses and where there is currently full

planning for a further 85 houses in Phase 3. “With more than 1,000 homes, Kilcarbery Grange will make a huge contribution to housing in Dublin by building a large sustainable and connected community. This new estate is very much designed with

families and communities in mind, and we are excited to begin construction from next week and welcoming people to their new homes as soon as possible.” Located next to the 120-hectare Corkagh Park, Kilcarbery Grange will be built around a new village

centre with community retail and crèche facilities. The development is designed by award-winning architect BKD and marketed by DNG New Homes and includes a mix of three and four-bedroom houses; one, two, and three-bedroom apartments; and threebedroom duplexes.

NATIONAL BANANA DAY 21ST TD LAUNCHES OIREACHTAS APRIL 2021 REPORT ON VITAMIN D TD for Dublin South West and Chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee Seán Crowe has recently launched a report by the Committee advocating that people incorporate Vitamin D supplements into their diet as Irish people are at a high risk of deficiency and that solving this could have long lasting health benefits and stave off a wide range of illnesses and diseases.

To mark National Banana Day on 21st April – during which Fyffes is supporting the national drive to encourage healthy eating, especially amongst young and growing children – popular television cook, Donal Skehan is on a mission to find Ireland’s best banana dessert creation. Pictured helping him to launch the initiative are siblings Ellie (9) and Ryan (7) Connor.

Speaking after the launch of the Report at Leinster House, Teachta Crowe said: “The Oireachtas Health Committee report that I have launched today not only advocates that Irish people take Vitamin D supplements more regularly, but calls on the Government to reconsider the VAT that is applied to them so that we can make them as affordable and available as possible. “Due to our climate, Irish people do not get enough Vitamin D. It can also be difficult to eat a diet rich in Vitamin D and so we see Irish people across all age groups displaying Vitamin D deficiency. “The report found Vitamin D deficiency is highest among Irish BAME communities at 94%, Nursing Home residents at 80%, those over 80years of age at 64%. The group with

highest prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, such as those with obesity or older adults, are the same group with highest risk from Covid-19. “Vitamin D is well-known for its importance in supporting human health. Not only does it support bone health and prevent osteoporosis through its promotion of calcium absorption, it is also known for assisting muscle strength. An inadequate level of vitamin D has been associated with a number of diseases including metabolic disorders, autoimmune conditions, psychiatric, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, and cancers. “There is also believed to be a link between Vitamin D deficiency and a higher chance of contracting Covid-19. We have heard anecdotal reports of shortages of the vitamin in our chemists as people have been taking far more of the vitamin than they did previously. “We should not forget about Vitamin D once Covid-19 passes however. The long term health benefits of supplementing our Vitamin D are clear and we need to have a national information campaign to inform the public of this important and simple way to improve and preserve their health.”

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CELEBRATE CREATIVITY WITH ONE OF THE GREAT WAYS TO KEEP BEALTAINE FESTIVAL THIS US BUSY DURING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN IS PHOTOGRAPHY MAY Bealtaine Festival has just announced a stellar lineup of events taking place online this May 2021, and they want you to get involved. Bealtaine is an Age & Opportunity initiative and is a celebration of the arts and creativity as we age. The Bealtaine Festival team want you to sign up to and take part in the incredible events they’ve organised, from performances, creative workshops, discussions, music and more. There will be a discussion chaired by Rory O’Neill with the participants in the LGBTQIA+ Bealtaine documentary film commission, along with activist and academic Ailbhe Smyth; Paula Meehan, author of As If By Magic and this year’s Bealtaine Book Club poet, will be in conversation with Mia Gallagher; new videos will be released weekly as part of the As If Trying Not To

Own The Earth series with Instant Dissidence, a new dance and food activism piece co-commissioned with Dublin Dance Festival; there will be traditional music and readings with Niall Williams and Christy McNamara based on Niall’s book This Is Happiness; a performance of On A House Like A Fire by Michelle Read and Brian Keegan dealing with remembering, personhood and love, and a new work by visual artist and vocalist Ceara Conway, How Are You?, will explore the power of scent, its effects on mood, memory and wellbeing and the connection of scent to music. This sensory work will be shared with family carers around Ireland over April and May.

give people a boost as we head into the summer. This year’s Bealtaine reminds us that we can be creative and celebrate the arts in our own homes. Let’s mark this particular month of May with all the hope for the future that it represents in this challenging year.”

Karen Horgan, CEO of Age & Opportunity, said: “This year has been difficult for everyone, and we hope this exciting variety of activities and events will

The Artistic Director of the festival, Dr Tara Byrne added: “Since we never got to celebrate our 25th birthday in 2020, we want to make this Bealtaine more special than ever as we move into the year more resilient and stronger than ever, we bring with us new insights about our capacities for solidarity, camaraderie and community. Though we still cherish our independence, we also realise our critical interdependence with each other and nature, and choose to use this as our theme for 2021.”

The festival will kick off with Bealtaine’s annual Dawn Chorus event. This year the Dawn Chorus will be a taster of a very special collaboration between the Bealtaine Flagship Choir (Ceol le Chéile) and two special guest choirs. This final virtual performance will be premiered for the Dusk Chorus at the end of May. Choirs around Ireland are invited to record their own Dawn or Dusk Chorus.

There will be a weekly discussion series on fundamental topics including the cultures of ageing, the politics of care and intersectional identities. A number of weekly workshops will also take place for singing, writing and visual arts. People are encouraged to sign up and participate in the discussions and workshops with all details available on the Bealtaine Festival website. Make sure you keep an eye on the Bealtaine website and Facebook page for information, updates and the full list of events: https://bealtaine.ie/ and https://www.facebook. com/Bealtainefestival/

How do we kill time during the pandemic? One of the great ways to keep us busy during the Covid-19 lockdown is photography. There is so much to photograph in our gardens and within our legal travel surroundings. One of the advantages that Palmerstown Camera Club has got, because of the lockdown, is great presentations from professional photographers. They attend weekly club meetings, from all over Ireland and Britain, by Zoom. In normal times they would be too far away to attend meetings. They can look at their great images on the web and see what they can aspire to. When they are doing their presentations they will tell the group and show the group how they produce such wonderful images. They will answer questions as well. This is a great way to improve your photography.

advanced, to attend one or two meetings free of charge, to see how you can benefit. Contact secpcc@mail.com. for the zoom link and for further information. See you on Wednesday nights.

Palmerstown Camera Club invites any adults interested in photography, beginners to

Picture by Gerald Phelan, Palmerstown Camera Club’

€3 MILLION FOR HOUSING ADAPTATION GRANTS

South Dublin County Council has received an allocation for 2021 of €2,925,531 from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability in the County. This allocation includes a contribution of €585,106 from the Council’s own resources. The means tested grants can be applied for by homeowners requiring

adaptation of their home to meet their specific needs. South Dublin County Council continues to process grant applications during COVID-19 restrictions and will prioritise applications for those currently in hospital/care facilities to allow them to return to their home as swiftly as possible. Further details on the application process are available on the Council’s website www.sdcc.ie.

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‘LITTLE OPTIMIST’ POCKET FULL OF JOY BY TALLAGHT ILLUSTRATOR Ashwin Chacko is a seriously playful connector, bringing people together through positive stories using illustration and design. Ashwin’s aim is to bring joy and encouragement in everything. Based in Belgard in Tallaght, the artist is launching a book ‘Little Optimist,’ Pocket full of Joy - it contains 30 days of creative meditation with positive thoughts, ideas and stories for each day. You can see some of Ashwin’s art on instagram.com/ whackochacko. Ashwin writes “Little Optimist. Cabin fever, isolation from our support systems, a feeling of entrapment, depression are prevalent emotions in our current climate. Over the last year our reality has completely changed. With the onset of lockdowns there has been a rise in the struggle for a healthy mental attitude. How do we stay optimistic, when we are faced with such opposition? Many have come across my work and my social feed and asked “how do you keep positive?” “How do you continue to be optimistic?” My answer is creative meditation. I don’t know about you but I always struggled with the idea of meditation. Growing up in India you hear a lot about

meditation. What they teach you to do is to empty your mind to get rid of your negative thoughts. Ah that sounds easy but it’s hard to do, I can’t sit in silence when my children are screaming. How can I empty my mind when there is a hundred thoughts and worries clogging my mental space? This was never helpful for me. All it did was make me think about all the things I was trying not to think about. So if I spend all my energy trying not to worry, I would end up spending all that time thinking about not worrying so invariably end up thinking about that worry. You see when you empty yourself of one thing, you open yourself up for something else to come and fill that space. My ability to meditate drastically changed when I switched to a Jewish worldview of it. They believe meditation is a consistent thought on a subject, much like the cow who regurgitates the cud to chew on it. Let me explain, a cow has four stomachs. It first takes in as much grass as it can, filling one or more of its stomachs. This grass has not been chewed but swallowed whole and thus is not digestible. Once the cow has consumed enough grass, it regurgitates the semi consumed grass known as the cud. It will now continuously

chew this cud. The cud needs to be turned into smaller digestible bite size chunks. A somewhat graphic illustration, but it makes for a good visual metaphor of what we must do with our thoughts. We take in a positive idea, quote or story and break it down into smaller bite sized chunks and consider from different angles. This realisation shifted everything, rather than spending all my time trying to empty myself of negative thoughts. I focused on a positive thought or quote or phrase. And I spent not only those few minutes of quiet

reflection but I had the thought circulating in my head all day. Whenever I paused for a break from work or play I would bring back that quote and examine it from all angles. So you might be thinking, where do I begin? To help you through this process I’ve written ‘Little Optimist,’ a pocket full of joy. It contains 30 days of creative meditation. Each day has an idea to meditate on, with a positive story, encouragement or quote to consider throughout the day.

MENTAL HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES NEED SUPPORT NOW Mark Ward TD has called for the €20 million announced by an Taoiseach to fund mental health and community groups to be made available immediately. Teachta Ward has called on clarity on when this fund will be released and who will benefit from it. Teachta Ward said: “We have been here before with this Government with big announcements about mental health supports. Big announcements with very little substance.“In February, an Taoiseach announced that €10 million in funding will be made available to meet the increased demand for mental health supports. An additional allocation of €10 million was also announced for the Covid Stability Fund for organisations in the community and voluntary sector, to enable continuity of critical service delivery to vulnerable groups. “Over the last number of months, I have met with

front line mental health and community services who are working over their capacity to meet the emerging needs within our communities. This is not sustainable, and they need support. “Based on previous announcements I have no confidence that the money announced by an Taoiseach will reach the groups that really need it. “This fund was announced by an Taoiseach in February but Minister Mary Butler on the 24th March stated she was still scoping out various options with her Department. “I submitted a parliamentary question on the 24th of February asking what exactly the €20 million fund will be spent on. I have not received an answer to date.

“Only this week it was reported that the Samaritans have listened for almost 73,000 hours since lockdown. Aware recorded a 36% rise in calls in 2020. Alone reports an increase in a wide range of mental

health impacts among older people. Spun Out, receive 5,000 texts a month from people aged 16 to 34, with issues including anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts; “Bodywhys, the

national group supporting people with eating disorders reports a 150% increase in people accessing its online support . Almost 6,000 people nationwide are waiting over a year to

see a psychologist – most of them are children. “These waiting lists were bad before the pandemic, now they’re pushing an already-stretched services to breaking point. “We

have gone from a mental health crisis to a mental health emergency under tis Government and services need to know when this fund will be released and who will benefit from it

CPC.IE- ALL-STAR TRANSPORT TRAINING COMPANY OF THE YEAR 2021 FROM AIBF CPC.IE is Ireland’s Leading Transport Training Company. For the past 30 years they have delivered a quality of training unmatched by any other company or individual in the country. Specialising only in CPC, with 30 Training Centres Nationwide and over 22,000 successful students trained every year, CPC.IE are Ireland’s biggest and best CPC Training Provider. The company has recently achieved Transport Training Company of The Year 2021. The All Star Transport Training Company

of the Year accreditation is a provided by the All Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF) and the accreditation is in recognition of the Company’s outstanding contribution to quality and standards in the transport training sector. The certificate also recognises CPC.ie’s conduct in the areas of trust commitment, performance and customer centricity and the company will be included in the AIBF Register of Irish Business Excellence.

For more information see www.cpc.ie.

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VISION TO BECOME ONE OF IRELAND’S MOST CYCLE-FRIENDLY COUNTIES

South Dublin County Council has voted to approve the ambitious Cycle South Dublin programme of work at the Council’s monthly meeting on Monday, 12 April. The approved programme seeks to progress works on 260km of new and improved cycle lanes across the County.

South Dublin County’s population is set to grow to nearly 330,000 people by 2030. This would be an increase of nearly 50,000 people living in the County from 2016. Since 2016, traffic congestion in South Dublin County has grown by 11% on main roads and this will become ever more challenging as the County’s population continues to grow. South Dublin County Council’s mission is for cycling to become a credible alternative to a private vehicle. However, to do this we believe we must deliver a well-designed, safe and well-connected walking and cycling network for people of all ages and abilities. Our objectives are to; Provide a comprehensive and connected cycle network across South Dublin; Increase participation and make cycling a more achievable mode of transport for all adults and children; and Improve the cycling identity of the

County. To this end, South Dublin County Council has prepared an ambitious programme of work, called Cycle South Dublin. This programme reflects the increasing importance of making cycling a realistic and integral part of how people move around the County. There is currently 207km of cycle lanes across South Dublin County. In recent years, the Council has progressed eight active travel projects totalling approximately 21km of new and improved cycle lanes.

The Council approved ‘Cycle South Dublin’ programme includes 63 projects that would deliver approximately 260km of space for cycling and walking. This is an increase of nearly 50km from the programme that was publicly consulted on in late 2020. The projects are broken into four Council led phases and include; improvements to the Existing network; and then new schemes to be progressed in the following timescales NOW (within 2 years), SOON (within 5 years) and LATER (within 8 eight years). There would also be a fifth and separate phase of works to be delivered by the NTA via Bus Connects. South Dublin County Council has been working closely with the National Transport

PALMERSTOWN NEEDS AN OVERPASS Palmerstown needs an overpass to deal with its traffic problem and future developments, according to Workers’ Party representative David Gardiner. He said: “As anybody living here can tell you, traffic is a major problem in the area. This is only going to get worse as work begins on 250 apartments, as well as a 53-bedroom boutique hotel, in Palmerstown Village.” “These projects were both approved without the proper infrastructure to go along with them, meaning landlords and developers will make their money while the community is left to suffer the consequences.” “Given the already-existing traffic problem in the area, coupled with the developments planned for the near future, we need an overpass going over the bypass, connecting the village with the rest of Palmerstown via the Kennelsfort Road.” “It’s time that we see some serious investment in Palmerstown’s infrastructure that will benefit ordinary working people and our community, not just the developers looking to make money out of our area.”

Authority (NTA) and the Department of Transport and the NTA has advised that they are prepared to fund the majority of projects included over the next five years This has been demonstrated in their commitment to increase the Council’s active travel fund from €8.9m in 2020 to €20.7m for 2021. Welcoming the approval of Cycle South Dublin, Cllr Ed O’Brien, Mayor of South Dublin County, said, “The Council has agreed an ambitious new programme of works with the vision of

making South Dublin County one of Ireland’s most cyclefriendly counties. Traffic congestion in South Dublin has grown by 11% on our main roads since 2016. This results not only in lost time but also has negative environmental, economic and health impacts. Private vehicles will always have an important role to play in how people move around our County, but we quickly need to offer people highquality public transport alternatives and cycling and walking are critical to this. This programme will see some 260km of new

and improved cycle lanes progressed over the coming years for people of all ages and abilities.

I am particularly happy that this scheme will provide safe routes to a large number of schools in the County affording our school goers the opportunity to cycle to and from school and form the habit of cycling as they grow up.” Speaking on the approval of Cycle South Dublin, Mick Mulhern, Director of Land Use, Planning and Transportation at South Dublin County Council said,

“We are delighted that the Council has agreed the Cycle South Dublin programme. As part of the public consultation, it was clear there is significant local support for this scale of work across the County. The Councillors have now given us a clear steer that they want us to progress with our mission of providing people with a well-connected, and safe cycle network that offers people a credible alternative to using the car. We will now be turning our attention to progressing the design and delivery of these projects.”

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DATA PROTECTION FOR MARKETERS - A PRACTICAL GUIDE BY STEVEN ROBERTS

Orpen Press is delighted to announce the forthcoming publication of Data Protection for Marketers: A Practical Guide, a short, jargon-free guide to navigating the world of GDPR and data protection law for marketers. In the world of marketing, using personal data is a vital tool for reaching the right people effectively. However, the use of personal data is strictly regulated. Since the introduction of GDPR, marketing professionals must have a thorough understanding of data protection. The penalties for non-compliance are considerable, with fines of up to €20 million or 4 per cent of turnover. The potential for brand and reputational damage is significant.

Data Protection for Marketers: A Practical Guide offers advice and guidance for marketers. It is written for marketers by a marketing and data protection practitioner with extensive experience in both sectors. The book avoids legal and compliance jargon. It presents data privacy principles in a simple and transparent manner, focusing on the practical steps that marketers can adopt, along with useful case study examples. Areas covered includes; The seven core principles of data protection

l The legal bases for processing personal data l

Consumers’

data

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. P.W

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. A.R

If you would like a Novena published please send a postal order or cheque (Minimum of €10 per prayer) made out to Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice, along with your Novena to: NEWSGROUP, Unit 3 Floor 2 St Dominics Shopping Centre, St Dominics Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24. If you require any further information please call 01 45 19 000 or email: info@newsgroup.ie.

protection rights l Auditing

your data

The responsibilities of data controllers and processors

Data Protection for Marketers is essential reading for sales and marketing professionals, data protection practitioners, and any business, from multinational to SME, that wants to understand how GDPR impacts on its marketing strategy. Data Protection for Marketers will be published on 20 April, and will be available from all good

bookshops and from www. orpenpress.com for €18.

Steven Roberts, FCIM CDPO, is head of marketing at Griffith College. He has more than 20 years’ marketing experience in Ireland and overseas. A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Steven is a columnist for Marketing magazine. A certified data protection officer, he is vice-chair of the data protection and information security working group of the Association of Compliance Officers in Ireland and is a founder member of Griffith College’s data protection committee.

PALMERSTOWN CAMERA CLUB MARCH WINNERS HIGHLIGHTED The March theme for the Palmerstown Camera Club competition was ‘perspective’, challenging members to look at and think about photography in a different way. ‘Rosie’ won the Advanced Colour category and also won photograph of the month and was taken by Noleen Kavanagh. ‘Shadows’ taken by John Dunne and won the Intermediate Mono, John recently moved up from novice. And lastly ‘Tower’ an image of the Howth Lighthouse, taken by Liam Kelly, who is a new member of the club in the Novice section.

you to attend a friendly presentation where you will see how the Prentons take and process their photographs. You can learn a lot and ask questions. It is suitable for all adults from beginners to advanced. You can attend our Zoom meeting from your own computer. Free admission for one or two meetings to see

On 21st April the Club will have presentations from Robert and Sharon Prenton who are based in North Wales. They have their own home studio and are surrounded by one of the most photogenic landscapes in Britain. They are best known for combining their studio work with the waterfalls, lakes, castles, mountains and beaches that are a short drive from their home. They are both multi award winning national and international photographers whose images are exhibited all over the world. If you are an adult, who is interested in photography, then this is a great opportunity for

Rosie by Noleen Kavanagh

how you can benefit. Palmerstown Camera Club holds its monthly club competition online and the next one is on Wednesday the 28th April 2021 by Zoom at 8.00pm. An independent outside judge gives each image an evaluation and highlights its good points and tells us how it could be improved. They have three categories - Mono, Colour

and Open (Mono or Colour) for each of the Novice, Intermediate and Advanced groups. The judge also picks the Image of the month. They learn a lot from the monthly competitions so members are encouraged to enter. More information see www. palmerstowncameraclub. com.

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g n i k o o c e Hom and baking Grilled Asparagus, Quail eggs with Turmeric cream

ASIAN BEEF BOWL Ingredients

By Chef Bal Krishna Shrestha

Sauce : - 1tbsp hoisin sauce - 2 tbsp oyster sauce - 1 tbsp mirin or chinese - cooking wine - 2 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce - 2 tsp sugar - 1/2 tsp sesame oil - 1/4 tsp pepper

Ingredients: -

1bunch - green asparagus 1tbsp - rapeseed oil 8pc - quail eggs 1tbsp - lime juice 100ml - double cream ½tsp - ground turmeric Seasoning to taste 1 handful of finely shredded parsnip, carrot & spring onion - 200ml - vegetable oil for fry.

Stir fry :

Method for Asparagus: 1. Rinse the green asparagus with cold running water, cut the bottom woody hard part from asparagus spears. 2. Boil the spears in salted boiling water for 1 or 2 minutes then transfer to iced water to keep green colour. 3. Remove from water and dry them well. Then move to a small tray & marinate with salt pepper, lime juice and oil. 4. Heat a frying until very hot then place marinated asparagus on a very hot pan. 5. Grill nicely until a smoky grilled mark on asparagus. Method for Quail eggs: 1. Add water with salt in a small saucepan and boil until fast rolling boil. 2. Drop the quail eggs gently using a small spoon. 3. Cook the eggs for 4 minutes, drain off the water & gently peel the eggs with running cold water. 4. Cut the eggs into half & transfer to a clean bowl. Method for turmeric cream: 1. Heat a small pan then pour cream & lime juice, bring to the boil until reduced. 2. Add turmeric, salt & pepper then mix it well.

Method for crispy vegetable strings: 1. Heat oil on medium to high heat in a saucepan. Add the finely shredded parsnips, carrot & spring onion and fry until crispy. 2. Gently remove the vegetables from oil with kitchen skimmer & transfer to paper towel to soak the excess oil. To assembly asparagus and quail egg: 1. Dress the grilled asparagus & quail egg on a plate and pour the turmeric, lime, and cream sauce. 2. Finally add the crispy vegetable strings. Now our grilled asparagus & quail eggs with turmeric, lime, cream is ready .

ople

- 4 pe Serve

ime t n o i arat Prep minutes 25

- 1 tbsp oil - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1lb lean beef mince - 4 spring onions, chopped - Sesame seeds (optional)

Method : Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Heat oil in a large pan over a high heat add the onion and garlic cook until the onion starts to brown, add the beef and break it up as it cooks. Once the beef has cooked add the sauce and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce has evaporated. Stir in nearly all of the spring onions, serve over rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option and garnish with the remaining spring onions and some sesame seeds.

Homemade Fruit Scones Ingredients: -

225g Self raising flour 25g caster sugar 25g cold butter 150ml milk Pinch salt Optional glacé cherries or sultanas

Method: Pre- heat the oven to 220 degrees. Prepare baking tray with baking parchment and dust with flour. In a big bowl put the flour, sugar and butter and rub the mixture together until it appears like breadcrumbs. Add the milk gradually and work into a dough. Add cherries or sultanas to the mix. Dust your surface with flour. Roll mixture out and cut with a scone cutter. Place on the baking tray. Bake for 10 minutes and place on a wire tray. Serve with butter, jam and cream.

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MOTORING LIFE

WITH

New E-Class PHEV – Dynamism Meets Efficiency By Breda Corrigan This is the latest incarnation of the luxurious and desirable Mercedes-Benz E-Class executive plug-in hybrid. Treated to a fairly comprehensive midlife facelift last year, the new E-Class benefits from enhanced technology and fresh styling for an ultra-modern executive look. The E-Class hybrid is available in petrol (badged E 300 e EQ Power) or diesel (badged E 300 de EQ Power) guises, both of which have a pureelectric driving range of more than 48km’s, while both saloon and estate bodystyles are available with either power plant. Additionally, the new E-Class hybrid saloon is available with the option of 4Matic allwheel-drive for exceptional road-holding ability in adverse conditions. Designed to Impress; The improved dynamics of the new E-Class are now revealed in the elevated model range. The entry-level model comes with the sporty Avantgarde Line exterior. Its new front is adorned with additional chrome, which plays a role in the cars sleek appearance, while the grille of the Avantgarde Line has been restyled with two chrome louvres and vertical high-gloss black struts. Chrome and high-gloss black trim elements in the front bumper highlight the sporty and sophisticated appearance. The similar Exclusive Line lives up to its name. The innovative 3-bar grille, the upright star on the bonnet and the large chrome elements in the front bumper now emphasise this positioning. The AMG Line is now equipped with new front and rear bumpers in the style of the AMG Performance models to provide a sportier profile. The Avantgarde and AMG Line models feature a bonnet with striking power domes for added visual drama, while the E-Class features all-LED headlamps as

standard. Additioanlly, MULTIBEAM LED headlamps (including ULTRA RANGE high beam) are available as an option. Energising Comfort; The new E-Class is now fitted with an entirely new steering wheel as part of the model update, while the instrument cluster and the media display are controlled by swiping along with the Touch Control buttons. Its sporty aura continues on the interior with the sporty seats which offer strong lateral support without conceding comfort. Furthermore, the ENERGIZING comfort control systems in the new E-Class uses musical and lighting moods, plus several massage modes, for a wide range of feel-good programmes. Petrol or Diesel Hybrid Options; The E 300 e petrol plug-in hybrid consists of a 208bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged fourcylinder petrol unit working in conjunction with a 13.5kWh lithium-ion battery and a 120bhp electric motor for a combined output of 316bhp. With 440Nm of torque from the electric motor alone, the car is surprisingly urgent to accelerate, with just 5.7-seconds needed to complete a 0-100km/h sprint. The E 300 de diesel plug-in hybrid produces 306bhp and a hefty 700Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 5.9-seconds. Outstanding fuel efficiency is guaranteed no matter what fuel source is chosen, with claimed fuel consumption as low as 1.4l/100km possible from the diesel engine when used in conjunction with a fully charged battery. This figure rises slightly to just 1.8l/100km for the petrol hybrid model. A super-smooth 9-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission comes as standard across the new E-Class range and adds a real sense of occasion to

every journey. When it comes to charging the new E-Class hybrid, both petrol and diesel cars take the same one hour and 30 minutes to change from a wallbox thanks to a 7.2kW on-board charger, or five hours from a domestic three-pin plug. However, as a result of the location of the car’s battery, boot space is reduced from 540 litres in standard petrol and diesel models to 370 litres in the hybrid. This represents a similar boot capacity to a standard family hatchback, which is sure to be big enough for the majority of E-Class buyers. Dynamic & Composed Handling; It is business as usual when it comes to ride and handling in the new E-Class, with the car remaining refined, comfortable , dynamic and composed on a variety of road surfaces, while wind noise is very well suppressed at motorway speeds for ultimate occupant serenity. Seat comfort, cabin quality and overall interior ergonomics are faultless in the new E-Class, with excellent leg, head and knee room on offer for all five occupants. The Mercedes-Benz MBUX infotainment system is on par with the best systems in the class, featuring lovely, sharp graphics, quick responses to your inputs and plenty of tech – including features specific to the PHEV here, such as charging points in

the sat-nav and other energy displays. The touchpad input and touchscreen mean it is easy to navigate, thanks also to the logical menu layout. Safety technology is excellent too, with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), pedestrian detection, blind spot assist and traffic sign assist, so the latest E-Class inherits its predecessor’s full fivestar Euro NCAP safety rating. Innovative Safety; The innovations on the E-Class do not stop there. The new E-Class has the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems providing helpful support to drivers. This results in an especially high level of active safety where the E-Class can react if the driver doesn’t. The handsoff recognition now works on a capacitive basis. This enhances user-friendliness when driving in semi-automated mode. Pricing; Overall, the new E-Class hybrid range is refined, comfortable, spacious, powerful and economical, with quality and technology that is second to none. Pricing for the new Mercedes-Benz E 300 e hybrid starts at €61,830 (ex-works) and is on sale now in Mercedes-Benz dealerships nationwide.

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