Lucan News

Lucan News

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17TH. OCT. 2016 TEL: 01 451 3822 / 01 451 9000 email: info@newsgroup.ie web: www.newsgroup.ie

RE-ACTIVATION OF NATIONAL TREATMENT PURCHASE FUND

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But more resources will be required over the next number of years to end the scandal of waiting lists.

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West, John Curran TD has said the re-activation of the National Treatment Purchase Fund in Budget 2017 expenditure announcement is an important step in addressing the rocketing hospital waiting lists at our local hospitals, but has said that more resources will be required over the next number of years to end the scandal of waiting lists.

“Last week, the September 2016

hospital waiting lists showed that 78,696 patients are now waiting for in-patient / day case surgery – up 56 per cent in two and a half years.”

“That’s nearly eighty thousand Irish citizens, and eight thousand Irish families, who are waiting anxiously to receive a diagnostic or surgical procedure.”

“In my own constituency – Tallaght Hospital – Over 4,000 patients are on a waiting list for surgery while over

22,000 are on the outpatient waiting list.”

“Our hospital system just isn’t meeting the needs of the Irish people.

Non-acute patients are being left high and dry by a system that is creaking, and groaning, under the slightest increase in demand,” said Curran.

“The National Treatment Purchase Fund – abandoned foolishly by former Health Minister, James Reilly – was originally established by Fianna

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Fáil in Government and was successful in reducing waiting times for treatment.”

“During 2010 (the last full year of the Fund’s existence) some 33,000 public patients received treatment and the average waiting time for elective treatment in 2010 was just 2.6 months.”

“Minister Harris’ admission earlier this year that the abandonment of the NTPF was a mistake is welcome, and I hope he will continue to prioritise this fund,” added Curran.

“Earlier this year Fianna Fáil secured a commitment to reactivate the Fund in the Confidence and Supply agreement. The reactivation of the fund with a budget of €15 million is a good start, but Minister Harris must fight for continued investment in reducing waiting lists.”

“This reactivation is only the start of what is needed. We cannot have situations where Irish people are waiting for long periods of time, sometimes over 12 or 18 months, for simple procedures. It’s simply not acceptable in the 21st century,” concluded Curran.

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NEW MORTGAGE ARREARS RESOLUTION SERVICE OFFERS HOPE TO STRESSED HOMEOWNERS

Titles: Tallaght News, Clondalkin News, Lucan News and Rathcoole & Saggart News Printed by: Celtic Media Group.

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“This new service brings much needed hope and support to stressed borrowers who are at risk of losing their homes.

They will now have access to free expert financial and legal advice“, said Angela Black. “The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) which is funded and supported

by CIB has been at the forefront of debt advice in Ireland for over 20 years so is ideally placed to be the gateway to this service” She added: “All applications for aid and

advice will go through MABS. An additional 26 Dedicated Mortgage Arrears (DMA) Advisors will provide people with the free voucher for the professional service they need.

I would encourage anyone worried about their mortgage arrears to contact MABS who have offices nationwide, or call the MABS Helpline on 0761 07 2000 Monday – Friday 9am-8pm. The service is free, confidential and independent. A DMA Advisor will help find the best solution - this could include referral to a Personal Insolvency Practitioner (PIP) or a solicitor.”

New Scheme The voucher scheme has been operational since July this year and so far 1,340 borrowers have been helped. The vouchers have issued within 24 hours of request by the Personal Insolvency Practitioner.

This should ensure that anyone in difficulty can now get the help they

need without delay and allow more people find a permanent and sustainable solution over the coming months.

The Scheme provides five different fixed packages of professional financial or legal advice. These are the PIP Service, the Accountant Service, the Consultation Solicitor Service, the Duty Solicitor Service and the Personal Insolvency Court Review Service. MABS can refer a borrower to one or more of these services, depending on their needs.

Communications c a m p a i g n The Citizens Information Board will govern the new Mortgage Arrears Resolution Service (Abhaile) and will be responsible for driving a communications and promotion campaign, aimed primarily at securing engagement and solutions for those in long term arrears and who are not engaging

with their lender.

The Citizens Information Board has a strong track record of funding and supporting several important public services including the Citizens Information Service, the Citizens Information Phone Service, the National Advocacy Service for people with disabilities, the Personal

Microcredit Scheme and the Sign Language Interpreting Service.

Information on the new service is available at http://www. keepingyourhome. i e / m a r s / Contact the MABS helpline on 0761 07 2000 Monday to Friday 9am-8pm or find a local MABS office at www.mabs.ie

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Angela Black, Chief Executive of the Citizens Information Board (CIB) has welcomed the launch of Abhaile - the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Service, which was officially launched (by the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald T.D, and Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varadkar T.D.

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DUBLIN MID-WEST LOSING OUT ON PRIMARY CARE SERVICES - No primary Care Centre for population of over 100,000 -

Local Fianna Fáil TD, John Curran has described the lack of urgency in developing a Primary Care Centre in Dublin Mid-West, as shortsighted and contrary to the Government’s own commitment to deliver primary care services.

In information acquired by the Deputy through a Parliamentary

Question, there has been a radical decline in the rate of new centres being established since 2012.

Speaking on the issue Deputy Curran said, “The Programme for Government commits to a “decisive shift” towards primary care to deliver better care close to home for communities

has decreased steadily.

In 2012, 18 PCCs were opened, 9 in 2013, 7 in 2014, 5 in 2015 and 3 to date in 2016.

“Last month Fianna Fáil learned that just one of the 36 primary care centres, which were promised by the last government some four years ago to improve community health services has effectively been opened.

“There is one centre under construction in Balbriggan, Co Dublin, while plans to build centres in other areas around the country have made little or no progress.

“There are currently no Primary Care Services in my own constituency which has a population of over 100,00 people.

The only facility that was promised in Dublin

Mid-West remains at a stage that is nowhere near operational.

The facility in North Clondalkin which was previously guaranteed to be open by 2016 has now been stalled while the HSE awaits planning permission.

“This is unacceptable and I intend on further raising the development of the North Clondalkin facility with the

Minister as a matter of real urgency.

“This distinct lack of progress is an indictment of the Government’s failure to follow through on its promise to develop of sufficient primary care services.

We are continually promised its delivery, yet little urgency has been applied to provide the services.”

by joyriders in the area is unacceptable.

He said: “These lads must have reversed into that poor woman’s wall four or five times the amount of damage that was done. You don’t like to see that in the area.

“The council came out and cleaned up the path quick enough and a couple of locals said they would rebuild the wall but I don’t know when.”

People living locally

are becoming increasingly concerned about cars being driven dangerously throughout Rossfield.

One resident also revealed that joyriding has become more frequent of late in the estate and urged members of the community to remain vigilant if they see anything suspicious and report concerns to Gardai.

The wall, in Rossfield, Tallaght which was mowed down for the second time in a month

Residents in Rossfield have expressed their concern about the dangers of joyriding after a wall was mowed down for the second time in a month.

The most recent incident happened at the end of September – leaving the homeowner with a hefty bill just weeks after the wall had been repaired.

It is understood that the lady living in the house has been there for a number of years and has been forced to repair the wall on several occasions.

A local resident explained that the “carnage and damage” left behind

n a t i o n w i d e .

“Primary Care Centres play an integral role in ensuring that those who do not need to be in acute care are removed from a hospital setting, by providing a range of multidisciplinary services in the community.

“The number and location of Primary Care Centres being opened each year since 2012

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SDCC €44K TO PROVIDE 500 FREE HIGH SECURITY CYLINDER LOCKS

“South Dublin County Council is to provide 500 High Security Cylinder Locks for free to residents under the Home Security Scheme 2016. €44K has been allocated. Each new lock costs €85 inc. VAT & installation. Locks will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Deadline is Friday October 21st

2016. The scheme is for the replacement of European Profile Locks only.”

“The scheme is open to residents (55+) and vulnerable residents living alone in privately owned accommodation.

Only certain doors / locks are suitable for the scheme. This scheme is not open to

people living in private rented accommodation or SDCC tenants.

One lock available per household.”

“The locks are: Antisnap, Anti-drill, Antipick & Anti-bump.

I would strongly urge residents to apply as a matter of urgency especially with Halloween and Christmas just around

the corner. Residents can return the attached form to The “Community Services Department, South Dublin County Council,

County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24YNN5” or email comdevof@ sdublincoco.ie.

For more information call 01 4149270.”

Local Councillor Charlie O’Connor has asked Council Management to confirm contacts they have had with the developers of the Amazon site (the former Jacob’s site) in respect of works being undertaken.

added to by further works which saw the development of what is being described as an emergency roadway out onto the Mayberry Road from the site and this has raised concerns in the local community.

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O’CONNOR CALLS FOR ON COUNCIL REGARDING KILNAMANAGH WORKS

He was responding to concerns expressed by residents of Kilnamanagh Estate who have tolerated serious traffic delays for a number of weeks arising from works on the Mayberry Road.

He said that frustrations

these were

According to Charlie O’Connor it is important that the Council would clarify the situation as he feels that it is vital, that in the long term, that the community would welcome the investment in employment on a site that has remained derelict for a number of years.

The World’s most pierced woman Elaine Davidson, performs at Ireland’s Freakiest Halloween Event- Bleedin’ Deadly as part of the Bram Stoker Festival which runs Oct 28th-31st 2016 in the Pillar Room of the Rotunda Hospital.

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REGIONAL UNITS TO TACKLE DOMESTIC ABUSE AND SEXUAL OFFENCES A WELCOME STEP

Fianna Fáil Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Justice, Lorraine Clifford-Lee has welcomed the Garda C o m m i s s i o n e r, Noreen O’Sullivan’s announcement that she plans to establish regional support units to focus on domestic abuse offences

and

sexual

crime.

Speaking following the announcement, Senator Clifford-Lee said, “I very much welcome the establishment of these specialist units to more effectively respond to and investigate crimes of domestic abuse and sexual

offences nationwide.

“Some 11,000 incidents of domestic violence are reported annually, yet only few result in arrest.

Leading organisation Women’s Aid have reported alarmingly high numbers of domestic violence related crimes over the past two years.

“The Government must bring forward the Domestic Violence Bill for debate in the Oireachtas without any further delay. This legislation is required to effectively address the rise in domestic violence in Ireland.

“Further progress must also be made in

removing the stigma towards reporting domestic abuse or sexual violence.

I hope that the establishment of these units will represent an important step in this direction and provide encouragement to women to come forward and report incidents.”

GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO TAKE HEED OF FINDINGS OF REPORT INTO ACTIVATION OF LONE PARENTS

Fianna Fáil Chair of the Oireachtas Social Protection Committee and TD for Dublin Mid-West, John Curran said that while he welcomes the publication of the report into lone parents, it will not have a material effect on lone parents unless the government take heed of its findings and recommendations.

“I very much welcome the publication of this long awaited report as it gives a very good insight into the needs of lone parent households, and the challenges they face on a daily basis.”

“Research indicates that while there are no silver bullets to lifting lone parents and their children out of poverty, a full suite of measures can prove an effective way of assisting lone parents into sustainable employment and increasing income levels.”

“Employment and financial supports, education and training, and support towards the cost of childcare all need to be put in place together to help lone parents get back into the workforce.”

“The retrograde changes to the One Parent Family Payment, introduced by

the previous Government, have had detrimental and negative consequences on families. I know from my work in Clondalkin and Lucan that parents who are parenting on their own are struggling. These changes were supposed to support employment activation, and to ultimately reduce poverty, but in fact, the opposite has happened – many families headed by lone-parents are financially worse off.”

“Both Ministers, Varadkar and Zappone, must take heed of the findings of this report. A lot of time, and money, was spent

producing and publishing this report, it must not be left to sit on a shelf and gather dust.”

“Both the social welfare and child welfare systems need to be more responsive to the needs of lone parent households.

This report, and the families it relates to, must not be ignored.”

“Lone parents, and their children, have suffered from the effects of punitive measures taken by the last Government. Ministers Varadkar and Zappone must make sure the mistakes of the past are learned from,” concluded Curran.

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OCTOBER HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS NATIONAL REUSE MONTH This national initiative involves the three Regional Waste Offices who are coordinating a nationwide series of events to run throughout the month.

The purpose of this new waste prevention initiative is to raise awareness about the economic and environmental benefits of reusing everyday items and materials that would otherwise go to waste. The campaign is designed to challenge our behaviours and reduce the amount of waste we create and throughout the month of October there will be local (and regional)

workshops and events to promote ways for families, businesses and communities to reuse.

South Dublin County Council has organised a number of events to which aim to provide some simple, practical everyday actions to help prevent waste through reuse, repairing, remaking and reimagining for example; ReUse workshops for schools and community groups,

a vintage display in County Hall, Tallaght, Ballyroan Library, Clondalkin Library and Lucan Library and ReUse pledge stands in the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre on 20th October.

Mayor O’Connell was delighted to be involved in the campaign stating that “I know from my role as a Board

Member with Recycle IT, the Clondalkin based Community Recycling facility, just how committed many people in this County are to conserving resources.

During ReUse month South Dublin County Council invites you to think about your waste habits. Do you really need to throw it out,

could it be repaired, refurbished or passed on? We should all stop and think before throwing away items we no longer use or want.

I encourage every citizen to take the Reuse Month pledge and share their ideas and experiences on repairing, remaking and reimagining items using the #reuse16. “

Katherine Zappone,Independent TD. Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Email: Katherine.Zappone@oireachtas.ie FB: Katherine Zappone Twitter:@KatherineZappone John Mc Entee Recycle IT; Sorcha O’Brien Environmental Awareness Officer SDCC, Mayor Guss O’ Connell; Gina Lee SDCC

For more information on ReUse Month please see www.emwr.ie

CALLS FOR FURTHER ACTION AT BUTLER PARK/MCGEE PARK

Local Councillor Charlie O’Connor has called on Council Management and the Garda Siochana to take immediate and effective action in respect of the ongoing problems at the playing pitches used by St Marks GAA Club and Marks Celtic Football Club.

At the meeting the club members highlighted the incidents of crime and anti social behavior which is now occurring on an ongoing basis.

Pitches have been damaged by burned out stolen vehicles and the situation is deteriorating.

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According to Charlie O’Connor, the 2 clubs which cater for hundreds of local young people are becoming

increasingly frustrated and are demanding effective action.

He confirmed that he has made immediate contact, following the meeting, with senior Council officials and the Gardai and stressed the need for action to support the clubs.

He added that the boundary of the pitches is particularly vulnerable and requires change which in an ideal situation would include the provision of a wall and fencing.

The matter is due to be raised again at the October meeting of the Tallaght Area Committee and Charlie O’Connor confirmed that there was all Party support for effective action.

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Tallaght Based Company Shortlisted For THINKTECH €1 Million Project To Develop Ideas For A Better Ireland Idea to create a one stop shop for the food industry and charity sector in Ireland

EXPERT ANALYSIS TO FIND OUT WHERE YOUR SKIN IS AT RIGHT NOW! Analysis of the skin is the foremost step in skin treatment. With FACE MAPPING® our expert skin therapists are armed with the ultimate skin analysis, providing insight into your skin’s past and present, and allowing the subsequent prescription of a targeted home care regime for a healthy skin future.

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Our skin therapists use Face Mapping® to divide the facial landscape into fourteen zones. Each zone is thoroughly scrutinised inch by inch using both a magnifying glass and her sense of touch. While visual clues can help identify problems, deeper congestion can only be determined by touch. Not only does this groundbreaking method of analysis provide a much more accurate diagnosis of skin concerns, it can actually help to detect them before they even surface.

Findings are noted on a prescription sheet which serves as a customised visual guide for you, outlining on an illustration where conditions including congestion, breakouts, dehydration, and/or hyperpigmentation are present.

Armed with this information your therapist will advise you on what products you need to use and how to use them, making your regimen both more results-oriented and cost-efficient. Your skin therapist will also keep a copy of the FACE MAPPING® prescription sheet so that together with yourself they can chart your progress.

Anne Quinn, Director at The Midas

Touch Skin & Laser Clinic explains that skin analysis can reveal more than you might realise, “Did you know that your health is written all over your face? Chinese Diagnosis, one of the philosophies behind FACE MAPPING®, is based on the belief that the skin provides an outside view into the body’s internal health. It’s widely known that if you are not well, your skin suffers. As Dermalogica skin care professionals we now can provide an even deeper view, delving into the ‘why’ behind your skin concerns.”

Each zone has certain indicators for example frequent breakouts in Zones 1 and 3 might mean that you need to improve your elimination by drinking more water and eating more “whole” foods. Congestion in Zone 2 can indicate over consumption of alcohol, rich foods, and possibly a food allergy. These are just some examples of what you might find when FACE MAPPING®.

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FoodCloud, a Tallaght based project that connects businesses that have a surplus of food to charities in their communities, has been shortlisted for THINKTECH, a €1 million project to grow ideas for a better Ireland. In total, 11 finalists will compete for access to an award fund of up to €750,000 in grants as well as support and mentoring to further develop their social innovations.

The finalists will take part in a development programme devised by Social Innovation Fund Ireland and supported

by Google.org & the Department of Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government, with the overall award recipients announced in December at an Awards ceremony at Google’s EMEA HQ in Dublin.

FoodCloud aims to create a one stop shop for the food and charity sector in Ireland for food redistribution thus vastly improving the efficiency of matching those who have too much food with those who have little.

Currently FoodCloud’s website allows business’ to upload details of their surplus food and the time period in which the food can be collected.

A text message is then sent automatically to a charity in the community who then collects it directly from the business.

The Company aims to combine their more sophisticated retail level platform with the Bia Food Initiative

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THINKTECH was recently launched by Minister for Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government,

Simon Coveney, TD. which has granted matched funding of €500,000 to a €500,000 donation by Google. org. The initiative is a collaboration between

Social Innovation Fund Ireland and Google. org, the philanthropic arm of Google which invests in teams with bold ideas that create lasting global impact.

Aoibheann O’Brien and Iseult Ward, co-founders of foodcloud, a company taking an innovative approach to minimising food waste by supermarkets and other retailers. Aoibheann is pictured with a donation basket from Tesco in Ringsend, while Iseult displays the company’s phone app.

(Photograph: DAVE MEEHAN)

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LAHART SEEKS MEETING WITH HEALTH MINISTER OVER TALLAGHT HOSPITAL PROJECTS Funding hasn’t been secured for two key hospital projects Local Fianna Fáil TD John Lahart, has written to the Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD, to seek a meeting to discuss how two critical Tallaght Hospital projects that are in the pipeline can be progressed to completion.

Deputy Lahart said: “When I met the Chief Executive of Tallaght Hospital, David Slevin, in May, he highlighted in particular two new developments which were at various stages of design; a new

six bedded Intensive Care Unit expansion and a new Renal Dialysis project. Mr. Slevin outlined to me that both of these projects are critical to support the Hospital’s clinical services strategy and to meet the growing requirements of the community. He also emphasised that these projects are not solely focused on increased capacity but also on enhancing the model of care, with a particular emphasis on home and selfcare, in the case of the

new Renal development”

am calling on the Minister to publish any research his department has that convinced him that this scheme was a good idea.

“Before the Minister pressed ahead with the launch of this scheme the overwhelming majority of expert opinion told him that this scheme wouldn’t work and that

it would in fact make the housing situation worse.

“I understand that funding hasn’t been secured to complete either project at this stage. South Dublin County Council recently granted permission for the Renal project. I am very anxious to ensure that these two critical projects are advanced to completion. In addition to seeking a meeting with Minister Harris I have asked a number of parliamentary questions about the matter” concluded Lahart.

GOVERNMENT MUST RETHINK ILL-CONCEIVED FIRST TIME BUYER SCHEME

Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin has called on Minister Coveney to rethink his help to buy scheme for first time buyers.

Deputy Ó Broin said: “Following speculation that the scheme is already leading to a surge in prices for newly built homes I

“Minister Coveney must now provide more detail on how he intends to monitor the impact of the scheme and if evidence emerges that developers are increasing prices due to the scheme he must give a commitment to scrap it.”

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ROSS’S FAILURE TO ENGAGE IN TRANSPORT ISSUES OBVIOUS IN BUDGET – CURRAN “Unfortunately Budget 2017 does not provide any capital investment to advance key strategic public transport projects, including metro north and the DART expansion programme, Metro West or the Lucan Luas” - Curran Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West John Curran says he is disappointed with the low level of investment in transport in Budget 2017, claiming that it reflects Transport Minister Shane Ross’s failure to properly engage with the issues facing the sector.

Deputy Curran also pointed out that Ross has failed to reflect the strategic importance of transport infrastructure in supporting communities and

the economy.

Deputy Curran said, “Minister Ross has left a lot to be desired with his measly transport allocation in Budget 2017. The low level of funding allocated to current expenditure and capital investment is disappointing. It reflects that developing our transport network is simply not a priority for the Government.

“Many urban areas are experiencing serious traffic congestion.

This is particularly prevalent in Dublin.

Unfortunately Budget 2017 does not provide any capital investment to advance key strategic public transport projects, including metro north and the DART expansion programme, Metro West or the Lucan Luas.

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It seems Minister Ross is satisfied to simply continue reviewing these projects for yet another year as gridlock takes hold in the capital.

“We must invest in our transport infrastructure if we want our cities to remain desirable locations to live and work in. It is also vital that we have an adequate transport network in place to continue attracting tourists to visit Ireland.

Despite this Minister Ross has secured no additional funding to advance key public transport projects to design or planning stages. This is deeply disappointing but not surprising given his utter failure to engage with the issues facing the sector and his semidetached approach to being a Minister.

“The failure to secure more investment for

THE X7S RUGBY BLITZES

the roads network is incredible, especially when you consider the state of disrepair that many routes are in right across the country. Underinvestment in roads over the last four years has been extremely damaging, with maintenance spending on average 47% below that required to keep road surfaces in a steady state condition.

“This is something that must be looked at again as the failure to keep a minimum level of maintenance investment is merely placing large scale capital costs on the shoulders of future generations. I have continued to raise this issue with Minister Ross and I intend to continue. It could be 20 years before Lucan sees a Luas and that is simply not good enough,” concluded Deputy Curran.

The X7s Rugby Blitzes kicked off around the provinces this week, and two of the players taking part, Niamh Lawlor and Angel Ashe-Kilroy from Firhouse Community College, Dublin, were joined by Ashleigh Baxter, Amee-Leigh Murphy-Crowe and Stacey Flood from the Ireland Women’s Sevens squad in Tallaght Stadium, which will be the venue for the Girls X7s Final on the 10th November.

Teams from each blitz will qualify for the Provincial Finals, which will take place on the following dates: Leinster – 20th October, Connacht – 25th October, Ulster – 25th October, Munster – 26th October.

Local Provincial Branches are on hand to offer support to teachers who would like to introduce their players to the game of X7s.

This game is played on a half pitch with 7 players on each team. Players learn the basics of rugby including; catch/pass, tackle, ruck contact area, line-out and scrum set up.

For more information visit irishrugby.ie/GiveItATry Pictured (L-R) Ashleigh Baxter, Angel Ashe-Kilroy (Firhouse Community College), Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Niamh Lawlor (Firhouse Community College) and Stacey Flood. (Picture Morgan Treacy)

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS AT THE HELL FIRE CLUB, MONTPELIER HILL

South Dublin County Council, in partnership with Coillte and archaeologists with Abarta Heritage, is undertaking an exciting archaeological excavation on Montpelier Hill, South Dublin County.

Unknown to many who visit Montpelier Hill to enjoy the spectacular views over Dublin and experience the ruins of the imposing Hell Fire Club building, two prehistoric passage tombs also mark the summit of the hill. Very little information exists for these tombs so this archaeological research project aims to help uncover the prehistoric story of the largest of the monuments, located directly beside the well-known ruins of the Hellfire Club hunting lodge.

This project is funded

by South Dublin County Council under the County Heritage Plan.

Excavations are being led by archaeologist Neil Jackman of Abarta Heritage, with an experienced team of archaeologists and with additional volunteers from University College Dublin. The project is supported by Coillte who own and manage the Hell Fire Club Woodland site and

by University College Dublin, the Discovery Programme, the National Monuments

Service and National Museum of Ireland.

The Story of the Hellfire Club Montpelier Hill, near Tallaght in South Dublin County, is a popular place for locals and visitors to enjoy spectacular views over Dublin. It is synonymous today with the ruins of an eighteenth century building known locally as The Hell Fire Club.

It was built as a hunting lodge for the famous politician William Connolly (the ‘Speaker Connolly’) in around 1725. To build the lodge, his workmen utilised stone from the nearby passage tombs as building material.

The destruction of the tombs marks the beginning of the association of the building with the supernatural.

Local legend has it, that the devil was so enraged by the desecration that he blew off the original wooden roof of the new building in a big storm!

As one of the richest and most powerful men in Britain or Ireland at that time, William Connolly was not to be deterred by a mere phantom and had the roof reconstructed in stone, giving the lodge its unique appearance.

How It Came to be Known as the Hell Fire Club William Connolly did

archaeological excavation on Montpelier Hill

not live long enough to enjoy his new lodge, as he died just a few years after its construction.

The building is thought to have been idle until 1735, when it is said that his widow, Katherine, leased the building to Richard Parsons, the Earl of Rosse. Parsons was one of the leading figures in what was known at the time as ‘Dublin’s Hellfire Club’, ‘The Blasters’ or the ‘Young Bucks of Dublin’. This was a group of aristocrats, described at the time by the famous Jonathan Swift as “a brace of Monsters, Blasphemers and Bacchanalians”.

The Earl of Rosse in particular was infamous for obscenity, blasphemy and for his habit of receiving guests in the nude. The main meeting place for the Hellfire Club appears to have been The Eagle Tavern on Cork Street. Though no direct historical records explicitly state that they met on Montpelier Hill, it was certainly a plausible meeting place given that it was leased to their leader the Earl of Rosse and that it was far enough outside the city for their debauches to go unnoticed.

What This Archaeological Project Hopes to Find This is the third phase of a Council-

funded project to help uncover the stories of Montpelier Hill. Phase 1 was largely research based and involved the undertaking of a geophysical survey with Earthsound Geophysics to discover the archaeological potential of the site.

This information was augmented in Phase 2 by targeted test excavations to establish the nature of the archaeology.

The current phase of the project, Phase 3, involves the archaeological excavation of a portion

of the large tomb.

It is believed that this was once a large passage tomb, (similar in some respects to Newgrange). Before it was largely destroyed, we believe it would have once been a large circular mound, with a stone lined passageway that led to a burial chamber. This type of tomb generally dates to the Neolithic period, around 5,000 years ago. We believe it is part of an extended cemetery of tombs that top a number of the mountains of South Dublin County, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown,

and County Wicklow.

With our excavation of a portion of the tomb, we hope to discover that the eighteenth century workmen and any subsequent disturbances at the site did not destroy the lower levels of the tomb structure. Some original features of the tomb’s construction may still therefore remain intact and, if fragments of bone or charcoal are found, it is hoped that we can obtain a radiocarbon date that will tell us precisely how old the tomb is, so we can compare it with other

similar tombs in Ireland.

Where You Can Find More Information The excavation will be carried out throughout October (Monday– Fridays). You are most welcome to join us on site to see how we’re progressing and to hear about any discoveries that we may find.

You can also keep up with the excavation on www.abartaheritage. ie where we’ll be keeping site diaries and video blogs to show the progress of the excavation.

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FAILURE TO TACKLE SOARING MOTOR INSURANCE PREMIUMS IN BUDGET 2017

Fianna Fáil TD and Spokesperson on Dublin John Lahart has said that the Budget has failed to address the crisis in motor insurance prices which have shot up by almost 70% in the past three years.

Deputy Lahart, explained, “Families nationwide have been hit with extortionate

premium costs over the past number of years.

This is a trend which is simply unsustainable and these customers need a break.

“The passing of our motion on spiralling motor insurance premiums earlier this year was the first step in a process, which, if fully implemented by this Government

would help clamp down on soaring motor insurance premiums. Our motion called for the introduction of practical measures designed to ensure consumers get a fair deal reduce these inflated premiums.

“The onus had been on the Government to give effect to the measures detailed in

our Dáil motion and ensure that motorists were relieved of these relentless increases in motor insurance costs. Regrettably, this Budget has not moved forward that agenda in any meaningful way, but we will continue to push for progress in the weeks and months ahead,” Deputy Lahart concluded.

The Legal Column

Romaine Scally is the principal in the firm of ROMAINE SCALLY AND COMPANY SOLICITORS Main Street Tallaght, Dublin 24.

TEL 01 4599 506 FAX 01 4599 510 email: legal@scally.ie contact the RTB and invoke the dispute resolution process before the date that the new rent comes into effect or within 28 days of getting the notice, whichever is the later. There is no time limit if the notice is not valid. The tenant must continue to pay the rent until the case has been determined by the RTB. We hope that the above has been helpful.

In this edition of the paper, Romaine Scally, Principal in the Firm of Romaine Scally and Co, Solicitors, discusses the issue of Private Rented Tenancies. This is the second article of a two part series.

As always please send your queries to Romaine Scally, Solicitors, Main Street, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24. Telephone 4599506, Email – legal@scally.ie.

Q. I intend to increase the rent on my rental property which I have not done now for three years. What must I include in my notice to the tenant?

A. The notice of new rent must comply with the provisions of Section 26 of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015.

The notice must: i) state the amount of the new rent and the date from which it is to have effect; ii) include a statement that any dispute about the setting of the rent must be referred to the RTB before the date the new rent takes effect or within 28 days from the date that the tenant gets the notice, which is the later; iii) include a statement by the landlord that, in their opinion, the new rent is not greater than the market rent, having regard to the other terms of the tenancy and to letting values of dwellings of a similar size, type and character, and situated in a comparable area; iv) specify the rent amount being asked for three dwellings of a similar size, type and character, and in a comparable area which has been advertised for rent in the four week period immediately before the notice; v) be signed by the landlord or their authorised agent and include the date on which it was signed.

If there is any dispute about the amount of rent being proposed, either side can refer the dispute to the RTB. If you are claiming that the proposed rent is higher than the market rate then, you should provide rental rates for similar properties in the same area.

If the landlord has given a valid written notice for the rent increase, the tenant must

Q. I have a property which I have let to the same family for over four years now. I need to sell the property as I have got into difficulty with the mortgage on my own family home. Can I do this?

A. I assume firstly that your tenancy has been registered with the RTB. This is important in the event that there is to be any dispute regarding the termination of the tenancy. Assuming the registration to be in order then, there are certain reasons why a valid tenancy can be terminated and one of those reasons is if the landlord intends to sell the property. There are certain stipulations which must be met and one of those is that the property should be sold within three months of the termination of the tenancy. You will need to give notice to your tenant which, without knowing all the facts, is probably now 112 days (16 weeks). Your notice however must state the reasons for the termination and must include a statutory declaration signed and sworn by you stating that it is your intention to sell the property.

This requirement has been in place since 9th May 2016. A statutory declaration is a sworn document and is, as such, a serious document, and there are severe penalties in the event that it subsequently transpires that the notice is being given simply to terminate one tenancy and enter into another.

Therefore, before you start the process, you need to be very sure that you do indeed intend to sell the property and to follow it through once the tenant leaves. Tenants have certain rights in the event that it subsequently transpires that the property was not sold and these include a penalty imposed by the RTB on the landlord. To answer your question therefore, it is perfectly possible to sell a rented property provided that you serve the correct termination notice and give the correct reasoning, statutory declaration, and notice period. We wish you the best of luck.

Q.

I have a property which I let but

my daughter has now been accepted into a nearby college and she requires the house for her own accommodation.

I have no problem with my tenants who have always been very good but I do need the house now for my daughter.

Can I serve notice on the tenant?

A. This reason also comes within one of the exceptions to the rule that tenancies cannot be terminated provided that the tenant is compliant in all respects. The requirements are relatively stringent in terms of the information to be provided to the tenant with the termination notice. You must put the notice in writing to the tenant and in that notice, you must provide details of the family member who it is proposed to move into the house, their relationship to you and, for how long they will occupy the dwelling. The notice must also include a statutory declaration stating these facts. Again, a statutory declaration is a sworn document and must be completed honestly and accurately.

In short therefore, you are entitled to take back the house for your daughter, but it is very important that you follow the necessary requirements of the RTB when serving the notice. You must give the correct notice period, which will depend on the length of the tenancy.

You should check this very carefully as any defects in the termination notice, to include any incorrect notice period, will invalidated the entire notice and you will have to start all over again. The notice must include the reasoning why you need the property back, details of your daughter and the length of time for which she will require the property. It is also required to set out to the tenant that, if the property becomes available again for letting within a certain period, you must ask the tenant for their contact details in order to give them first refusal on a new tenancy. This only applies on the assumption that your tenant has at all times been fully compliant. Please check carefully for the notice periods required in your termination notice which will depend on the length of the tenancy. As you have not provided us with this information, we cannot give you the appropriate notice period but same will be available on the RTB website. We wish you to best of luck.

Q.

Is the RTB fee tax-deductible?

A.

Yes, the RTB registration fee is

an allowable expense to offset against your rental income. Please also note that landlords must comply with the RTB registration in order to claim for interest paid on monies borrowed for the purchase, improvement, or repair of your rented property. Many landlords are unaware of this but it is very important to ensure that Landlords are entitled to claim their mortgage interest relief.

Q. Is there not registering

a penalty for with the RTB?

A. It is a legal requirement that landlords must register tenancies with the RTB. Landlords failing to register a tenancy may be issued with a notice to register from the RTB. If a landlord fails to comply, they may be convicted and fined up to €4,000.00. There is also a daily fine of €500 for a continuing offence. Given that the registration fee is relatively modest compared to the fines, it is very important that all landlords take the opportunity to register tenancies within one month of letting their property.

Q. I intend to let a room in my house to a student.

Do I have to register with the RTB? A. No, if a landlord is also resident in the property then, the tenancy is exempt from registration with the RTB. This is one of the exceptions to the rule and the letting of a room in your house does not come under the legislation. This is a private arrangement between you and your tenant.

Q. I employ a Management Company to manage a tenancy on my behalf.

Do I have to register with the RTB? A. Yes. The Tenancy Agreement between the landlord and the tenant must be registered with the RTB. Landlords sometimes think it is their management company’s responsibility to register them with the RTB but, in fact, it is the Landlord’s responsibility to make sure they are registered. If however you lease the property to the management company who in turn rent out the property to individual tenants then, you are obliged to register your Tenancy Agreement with the management company and the management company is also obliged to register their tenancy agreement with the individual tenants.

In contentious business a Solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

19

Your FREE Local Newspaper FYFFES SETS CREATIVE CHALLENGE

Banana importer Fyffes has linked with Dunnes Stores, SuperValu and other leading food retailers to give children in Dublin and beyond a chance to show their creativity.

Described as yet another initiative to promote healthy eating, the ‘Bring Freddy On An Adventure’ challenge gives entrants a chance to win a weekly family adventure trip in Ireland or a family holiday in Spain’s PortAventura resort.

To get involved use #FreddyFyffes or visit www. freddyfyffes.ie Pictured is Fyffes marketing manager Emma Hunt-Duffy at the launch the company’s new consumer competition entitled ‘Bring Freddy On An Adventure’.

BUDGET 2017 CONFIRMS FINE GAEL’S COMMITMENT TO FIGHTING CRIME

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South-West, and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice and Equality Colm Brophy, said that the announcement of 800 additional Gardaí for next year in Budget 2017 confirms Fine Gael’s commitment to supporting An Garda Síochána in the fight against crime.

“The announcement in Budget 2017 by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe of 800 extra Gardaí for 2017 is very welcome and confirms Fine Gael’s support for An Garda Síochána in

the fight against crime.

“During our last term in Government we reopened the Garda training college in Templemore after Fianna Fáil closed it down. We remain committed to the ongoing growth and development of our police force and today’s Budget is evidence of this.

“We intend to recruit 3,200 Gardaí over the next four years to bring the strength of the force up to 15,000.

That is in addition to the 1,200 that will have been recruited

by the end of this year, since the reopening of Templemore.

number of desk bound trained police officers for frontline duties.

“The Budget supports this ambition, with the allocation of an additional €28 million for An Garda Síochána, as part of a total package of measures of €68 million. This brings total funding for the Justice and Equality area to over €2.5 billion.

“Funding is also included in the Budget allocation to support the continuation of key operations by An Garda Síochána in response to gangland and rural crime.

“There will also be accelerated recruitment of civilian staff into An Garda Síochána, which will help to address capacity shortfalls and free up a large

“The Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald is also committed to a five-year reform and investment strategy for An Garda Síochána, under which a phased increase in resource levels will go handin-hand with the implementation of a far

reaching programme of organisational reform.

“Budget 2017 is another stepping stone in Fine Gael’s plan to use a strong economy to help make people’s lives better. Thanks to the careful economic management of recent years we now have the resources to target investments in key public services that will make a real difference to people’s lives.

Investment in An Garda Síochána is a crucial part of this, helping to reduce crime and protect families and homes throughout the country.”

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“IF IT IS WORTH DOING, IT IS WORTH DOING RIGHT” Johnnie Fox’s “Juniors” Dance Hall Academy, The Aisling Keogh School, Scoil Rince Móna Ní Rodaigh and The Eileen Martin School dancers working with

Johnnie Fox’s Pub have succeeded in putting on the first ever all children performance in Ireland.

Nathan Hynes, Emma Crosbie, Anna Kearney,

Robyn Caffrey, Mary Muldowney and Ciaran Keogh all took to the famous Fox’s stage for the four Sunday afternoons of August and they blew the roof off.

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The choreographer of Johnnie Fox’s stated “the purpose of the show is to show, as in it is to show the public that Irish dance performance qualities and choreographic understandings for Irish dancing shows can be learned, embodied and performed by young dancers alike”, said Joey Comerford.

Joey has attained the very rare accolade of holding a Masters in Dance Performance and Choreography. Very few have this claim but Joe is a true believer in “if it is worth doing it is worth doing right” and as such he has pursued his dance career with gusto, resulting in shows across

the globe under many dance troupes and show banners, from Beijing to New York, from Egypt to London, he is one seasoned dancer and choreographer.

With this strength of pedigree under his belt and his long standing relationship with the owners and management of the famous Johnnie Fox’s, Joey was able to convince them of the worth of putting on these free shows for the public on four days that would have the pub packed anyway, for it was not about bringing customers in, both parties wanted that to be clear from the outset, it was about performance awareness.

The result was obvious

every Sunday, the audience cheered, hooted, applauded and generally made it very known of their satisfaction.

The dancers continue to train with their relative dance schools and periodically as individuals they perform at the nightly Hooley night in the pub, to hone their stage presence and skills.

Tony McMahon (director) said that he was happy the pub could continue to nurture young people into the culture and to further their performance skills and he would ensure the pub continued in this supportive role and as such the pub will be holding Saturday afternoon shows late in the winter or early spring.

NOVENAS NOVENAS NOVENAS

MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one.

Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Please watch over me and all my family. Please help Renay and let her make friends with all the family. Y.F.

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. H.B. 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. P.M.D. As our regular readers will know we have asked for your generosity in supporting very worthy charities over the last few years including NCBI Solas Centre in Clondalkin, Tir na nOg (Cheeverstown House) and Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice .

These charities have all been involved in providing vital services to children with special needs and their families.

We would like to thank all readers who have supported our chosen charities to date and while we will still be supporting Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice going forward, we are delighted to support The Irish Pilgrimage Trust.

We are appealing to you our loyal newspaper readers to show your generosity in helping us to support an equally worthy charity, The Irish Pilgrimage Trust.

The Irish Pilgrimage Trust is a registered charity in Ireland (Charity Number: 5992), and for over 40 years the Trust has been travelling on pilgrimage/ holiday to Lourdes with young people

with special needs, from all over Ireland.

The Trust has over 1100 people travelling at Easter time and it is divided into small groups of approx 10 young people and 12 volunteer carers who stay in one of the many Hotels in Lourdes.

In June we bring a group of 110 people to Hosanna House in Lourdes for what is a unique experience both Carer and Guest.

We have two facilities in Kilcuan, Co. Galway and Cois Cuain, Co. Wexford each offering different opportunities.

Both facilities provide Friendship weeks during the Summer.

Application forms are available from our Office at 091 796622.

For more information on the Irish Pilgrimage Trust please contact us at 091 796622 or Email info@ irishpilgrimagetrust. com or visit our web page on http://www. irishpilgrimagetrust.com for more information..

If you would like a Novena published please send a postal order or cheque made payable to The Irish Pilgrimage Trust and send it, along with your Novena to: Newsgroup, Unit 3, Floor 2, St. Dominic’s Shopping Centre, St Dominic’s Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 I f you require any further information call us on 087 6535443.

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Fitness with Newsgroup Covering ● Tallaght ● Clondalkin ● Lucan ● Rathcoole ● Saggart ● Newcastle

SHARON’S FAR FROM BLUE AFTER WINNING SAPPHIRE AWARD

Slimming World Consultant Sharon has proved she’s weight-loss royalty after winning a Sapphire Award for her work in helping people in the area to slim down and improve their health.

Sharon, who runs the Jobstown Slimming World group at Jobstown Community Centre every Tuesday, was thrilled to receive the award for inspiring dozens of people in the local community to slim down.

The accolade sees Sharon, who lost 2st with Slimming World herself, become a Sapphire Consultant.

Sapphires stand for truth, sincerity and constancy and the award has been newly created for 2014 to celebrate Slimming World’s 45th anniversary. It is given to all Consultants in the UK and Ireland who welcome 45 new members to their group over a two week period.

Slimming World was founded

in 1969 by Margaret MilesBramwell, OBE FRSA, after she became frustrated at the restrictive diets and lack of non-judgmental support available for people who wanted to lose weight.

Today, 45 years later, the organisation is still based on the same foundations.

Slimming World members follow the club’s Food Optimising eating plan, which encourages slimmers to make small, easy changes to the way they shop, cook and eat so they make healthier choices and lose weight without ever going hungry or feeling deprived. Slimmers also attend a weekly group to weigh in and receive support in a warm, friendly environment where they share their recipes, celebrate success and ideas for coping with challenges.

Sharon says: “More than two-thirds of the adult population are overweight and that includes Tallaght too. In fact, adults are

so severely overweight that they’re putting their health at risk and sadly their children are struggling with their weight too.

“Lots of people want to lose weight but they often don’t know how. When members come to my group they tell me that they’ve tried losing weight before and it hasn’t worked so they feel like failures. I reassure them that it isn’t them who failed but the programme they followed, usually because the diet was too strict or because they didn’t get the right support. This leaves people thinking that they can’t do it – that they’ll never succeed with any diet – but members in our Jobstown group have lost 2032st/ lbs since April 2015.”

She adds: “I’m so proud to have achieved this award.

This year Slimming World’s celebrating 45 years of helping people to lose weight and keep it off, although obviously I haven’t

been a Consultant for all of that time – I opened my first group in April 2015!

It’s this experience as well as latest research and behaviour change expertise and the wonderful training that all Consultants receive through the SW Academy which makes the organisation so enormously successful. I’m confident that Slimming World really is the best and healthiest way to lose weight and keep it off, and all of my members – including these 45 new members – will be healthier and happier thanks to Slimming World.”

Below: Sharon before her weight loss of 2 stone.

Right: Sharon after her weight loss

If you’d like to sparkle and shine like Sapphire Consultant Sharon and her Slimming World members visit the Jobstown group, which meets every Tuesday at 5.30 and 7.30 at Jobstown. And Citywest Hotel on a Wednesday at 5.30 and 7.30. Or to find out more visit www. slimmingworld.com or call Sharon on 0851402870.

EAT YOURSELF HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER!

Sharon Coleman 36, suffers with arthritis and fibromyalgia.

This combined with her excess weight was making her daily life a struggle. The mother of three decided enough was enough and she took the brave step in January 2016 to join Slimming World. This wasn’t Sharon’s first time to join Slimming World.

“I had joined in the past but I think this time I was just so determined to make it work for me. I’d gotten rid of a lot of negativity in my life and now it was time to tackle my weight,” Sharon told us. “My life changed that morning when I met my lovely consultant. I sat there and listened to her explain Slimming World’s Food Optimising to me. I knew there and then that this was my time,”

said Sharon. At the end of Image Therapy she was weighed in and Sharon was horrified at what the scales showed her.

Sharon’s consultant said “Don’t worry you’ll never see that number again,” and she was right. Sharon’s very first week she lost 4 and half pounds! As the weeks went on the pounds just dropped off. Sharon couldn’t believe how easy it was. She was cooking meals the whole family could enjoy, and now instead of ringing for a takeaway, the whole family could tuck into a homemade Jalfrezi curry or Singapore noodles (Sharon’s favourites). Sharon originally set an end target of losing 3 stone. “To be honest, at the start I didn’t even know if that was achievable but I broke it

down into 7 pound blocks and very quickly I was choosing a new lower target weight,”

Sharon says beaming with pride.

Slimming World has changed her life forever. She has gone on to lose an amazing 4 and half stone to date. This has helped to greatly reduce her joint pain and she has more energy all thanks to Slimming World. Sharon is now so passionate about helping others to lose weight that she is opening her own Slimming World group in Knockmore Junior School on November 1st at 7:30pm. Her goal is to inspire others to feel the way Slimming World has made her feel… beautiful in herself again.

Contact Sharon on 0857103660

Above: Sharon before her weight loss of 3 stone.

Right: Sharon after her weight loss

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Miriam O’Shea Slimming World Bohernabreena 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.

Caroline Mulhall Slimming World Kilnamanagh Kilnamanagh Community Centre Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Monday Evenings: 5:30pm & 7:30pm Wednesday Evenings: 5:30pm & 7:30pm Mobile: 086 3057043 Caroline Mulhall Slimming World Plaza Hotel Plaza Hotel, Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Tuesday Evenings 5:30pm & 7:30pm Mobile: 086 3057043 Sandra Maxwell Slimming World St. Mark’s GAA Club McGee Park, Cookstown Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Tuesday Evenings: 5:30pm & 7:30pm Wednesday mornings: 9:30am.

Mobile: 085 1484669 Sharon Daly Slimming World Citywest Citywest Hotel, Saggart, Co. Dublin Times: Wednesday Evenings: 5:30pm & 7:30pm.

Mobile: 085 1402870 Pauline Slimming World Plaza Hotel Plaza Hotel, 1st Floor, Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Thursday Mornings: 9:30am & 11:30am Thursday Evenings: 5:30pm & 7:30pm.

Mobile: 085 7704751 Sharon Daly Slimming World Jobstown Jobstown Community Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Tuesday 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 Mobile: 085 1484669 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 Noeleen Herbage Slimming Word Templeogue St. Marys Rugby Club Templeville Road, Templeogue, Dublin 6W. Times: Wednesdays 9:30am, 11:30am, 3:30pm, 5:30pm & 7:30pm.

Thursday Mornings: 9:30am Mobile: 085 749 9296 Cherie Slimming World Lucan Chinese Gospel Church, Esker House, Esker Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin.

Times: Thursdays 9:30am, 11:30am, 5:30pm & 7:30pm.

Friday mornings 9:30am 085 1008666

NEW GROUP OPENING TUESDAY 1ST NOVEMBER Sharon Coleman Slimming World Kilinarden Knockmore Junior School Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Tuesday Evenings 7:30pm Mobile: 085 710 3660

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“CLONDALKIN TIDY TOWNS HAS ACHIEVED A GREAT DEAL”

Clondalkin Village was virtually litter free on Sunday morning with one exception.

The carpark on Tower Road which is within view of the historic Round Tower and St. Johns Church is like this most weekends.

Shop owners have a legal responsibility to keep the outside of their premises litter free. There is also an onus on us as citizens to ensure we do not litter our community and environment. It appears that the bins were being used but they were overflowing to the extent birds were picking last night’s take away food out of them.

This is not acceptable and it is deeply disappointing to see this on a glorious morning after Dublins success in the All-Ireland Final and our own success in the National Tidy Towns competition earlier in the week where the adjudicator said they were in general pleased with the standard of litter control.

We scored 271 points in this year’s Supervalu National Tidy Towns competition, up from 260 last year.

Clondalkin Tidy Towns Secretary commented “On behalf of Clondalkin Tidy Towns I wish to thank everyone who helped

out, volunteered and supported our cause in creating a cleaner, greener and more caring Clondalkin. In five short years Clondalkin Tidy Towns has achieved a great deal. These achievements would not have been possible without the help and support of a number of local businesses and organisations. The financial support and local expertise from South Dublin County Council has enabled us to get where we are today.We look forward to their continued support in 2017. By pursuing ‘our’ issues, thanks must also go to our local Public

Representatives who have embraced the concept of improving our environment.”

The Clondalkin Tidy Towns Committee has worked tirelessly over the last 12 months and are delighted that its hard work has been recognised by this year’s result.

Summer Competition Awards Night The ‘Clondalkin Village Summer Competition’ awards night will be held this Friday 7th October at 8pm in Round Towers GAA Club where we will be announcing the winners of our ‘Best Front Garden’, ‘Best

Shop Front’, ‘Best Estate Entrance’ and ‘Best Biodiversity Area’ competitions. We would be delighted if you would join us on the night to also celebrate our success in this years national competition.

Want to help?

Our work towards the 2017 Tidy Towns competition has already commenced and we continue Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm (ceasing for the Winter shortly) and every also Saturday morning at 10am, meeting in our usual spot of Tuthills carpark.

New volunteers always very welcome.

Clondalkin is cleaner than ever - “but some areas still hurting us”

Motoring with Newsgroup Covering ● Tallaght ● Clondalkin ● Lucan ● Rathcoole ● Saggart ● Newcastle

NATIONAL AUTOPARTS LOOKS FORWARD AFTER 30 YEARS

A mainstay of the motor industry in Ireland marks an important milestone this year as National Autoparts celebrates 30 years serving the trade. The leading supplier of automotive parts and refinish products can look back on three decades of success from its site in Inchicore in the heart of the Capital, where it employs over 20 staff.

National was set up by Louis O’Hanlon, father of current directors John, Conor and Mark, when the opportunity arose to buy out multinational parts supplier GN back in 1986.

“Ireland was in the teeth of a recession, the car business was on its knees and Dad had young mouths to feed,” recalls John, now Managing Director. “The word ‘mad’ comes to mind!”

While rocky times ensued, National Autoparts grew to establish itself as one of the longest standing names in the sector with a loyal customer base of motor factors that includes

several from its very first day in business.

The site of National Autoparts hasn’t changed, but the business today is a very different one to back in the early days.

Deliveries is one example, as the company had its own fleet of vans at the outset. Trying to catch such-and-such train in Heuston to get a part to the other end of the country the next day was an everyday chore. Today logistics are outsourced, with customers offered same-day delivery within Dublin on orders before 10.30 and nextday delivery nationwide on orders by 6pm.

Cars, too, were less reliable in the mid80s and in need of more maintenance and parts. “Back then a full container of exhausts would arrive on the site every week.

These were the days when a Nissan Micra needed a new box each year!” says John.

Stretching from ABS sensors to paint strainers, the company now manages some

30,000 different parts, all OE-certified and from quality brands such as BG Automotive, Comline, KYG, Mintex and PPG. “It has become a more complicated business, but its purpose hadn’t changed: to supply the right part, in the right place at the right time, every time,” explains John.

Expertise in identifying the right part remains a cornerstone of good customer service in the business, and the low turnover of staff which National Autoparts enjoys has meant this knowledge has continued to develop within the organisation.

Technology is playing a role, with customers sending in videos or images to assist in identifying the correct part.

Coinciding with the 30th anniversary is an investment in IT which the company sees as being a key driver of the business in the coming years. New MAM software allows National’s customers to check stock and prices within their own

invoicing system in realtime, or alternatively, from a web portal which all customers are now set up to use.

The company is also running a series of nighttime events across the country designed to ensure its customers are up to speed with developments in the parts sector. Expert representatives from National’s supplier network explain and discuss technical advances and issues ‘up close and personal’ with both National customers and, in turn, their own local customers.

“I.T. is a key component of our strategy for future growth and we have acted to move ahead of the competition, says John O’Hanlon.

“At the same time technical expertise is our key differentiator, and this programme of customer evenings is about accentuating this advantage.”

“Playing on these two strengths, I think we can look to the next 30 years with lots of confidence!”

Directors John, Conor and Mark O’Hanlon, with father and founder Louis.

27

Your FREE Local Newspaper

Entertainment Guide

With

by Lynda O’Donoghue Donnelly email: lynda@newsgroup.ie

Covering ● Tallaght ● Clondalkin ● Lucan ● Rathcoole ● Saggart ● Newcastle

TOP FIVE FILMS – Halloween Chilling, thrilling and sometimes comically Halloween movies really do have something for everyone and are a great excuse to get a group of friends together.

Whether you will be celebrating October 31st with the things that go bump in the night or taking part in some family-filled fun a good Halloween movie is always a welcome treat.

If it is frights you are after then we have what you are looking for with blood, guts and gore nestled alongside family-friendly fare.

Here are the selections for our Top Five Films – Halloween…

1. Pathology – A group of medical students come up with a twisted game to see which of them can commit the perfect murder. However, these things never run smoothly and tense relationships, affairs and secrets prove the undoing of the group.

2. The Cabin in the Woods – Five college kids decide to take a trip to a remote cabin

for the weekend but little do they know their every move is being watched and documented by an unknown facility. There is gore, intrigue and some of the best plot twists you will see. From the brilliant mind of Joss Whedon, this is a great Halloween movie.

3. Goosebumps – Based on the life of famous children’s horror book author R.L Stine this movie stars Jack Black as the main character. It is revealed that the bestselling writer is not imagining the monsters within the pages and they are actually really, trapped in the manuscripts that he has written. When a neighbour accidentally lets some of the monsters escape it is a race against time to get them back into the books.

4. Hocus Pocus – An absolute gem of a Halloween movie, October 31st would not be complete without a viewing of Hocus Pocus.

Witch sisters Winnie, Sarah and Mary Sanderson were executed 300 years ago for

practicing dark magic but a spell brings them back on Halloween night. Teenager Max must protect his little sister and defeat the sisters before the night is out.

5. Ghostbusters – The original or the recent remake, both have their merits. The story of four university researchers who are fired when they cannot produce any evidence.

Refusing to be knocked back they brand themselves The Ghostbusters and keep the city safe from the things that go bump in the night – for a price. They become the last resort when ghosts are roaming free and when the city is under attack who ya gonna call? The 2016 female-led remake comes out in November.

So there you have it, whether you want to be scared, amused or a combination of both we have a top pick right here for you.

Halloween is the perfect night to share popcorn and treats with family or friends while watching a movie that will make you want to leave all the lights on!

A scene from The Cabin In the Woods

RUN FOR THE HILLS - TOM McCAUGHREN It has been a long wait for readers but after almost 15 years awardwinning author Tom McCaughren has delivered another instalment in the much-loved Run with the Wind series.

Run for the Hills was released on October 3rd and once again revisits the Glensinna foxes and their quest for survival in a time of hunters, traps and fur farms.

The foxes know the legend of Sionnach, the Great White Fox, but none of them have ever seen a white fox but that changes when Vickey meets three different colour foxes one evening.

The three – coloured white, black and blue – have escaped from a fur farm where they were captured for their valuable coloured fur.

Snowflake, Nightshade and Bluebell join the Glensinna

foxes, Vickey, Old Sage Brush and Black Tip, but the arrival of the exotic foxes brings danger to the group.

As the trapper gets closer to Glensinna and the foxes idyllic home the group realises that it must leave if they are all to survive.

The decide the make the dangerous journey through towns and across the countryside to the fabled safety of the Hills of the Long Low Cloud.

Run for the Hills is another enthralling story which will delight fans of the series which was released more than 30 years ago.

Dubliner McCaughren has immersed readers in the world of wildlife for many years, catching the hearts and minds of people across the country.

Run for the Hills, part of the Run with the Wind series, is set to become another children’s classic, printed

by The O’Brien Press.

Aimed at children aged 10 years and older this book can bring the story of the Glensinna foxes to a new generation.

by The O’Brien Press and is available now from all good

book stores priced €8.99. It is also available as an ebook.

Other books in the series include Run to Earth, Run Swift, Run Free and Run for Cover, and the original, Run with the Wind.

McCaughren has won many accolades for his work including the Young Person’s Books of the Decade, the Medal for Young People’s Books and the Oscar Wilde Society’s Literary Recognition award.

Run for the Hills is published

DECLAN O’ROURKE SHOWS AND ALBUM Dublin singer/songwriter Declan O’Rourke is on his travels again touring across the country in November and December.

He has just completed an eight-night tour of the USA playing sold out shows in New York and also visiting North Carolina, Philadelphia and Virginia throughout September.

With his instantly recognisable vocal and haunting melodies O’Rourke has been one of Ireland’s hottest exports for many years and he continues to wow with his live performances.

He has played shows all over the world and the Ballyfermot man has a talent for lyrics and tugging on the heartstrings with his music.

Well-known for his smash hit Galileo (Someone Like You) O’Rourke has seen many people cover the classic song – but none with the same verve that he himself possesses.

His debut album Since Kyabram was released in 2004 and reached number 5 in the charts and he is set to release his brand new album, In Full Colour, which features the single Children of ’16 on Friday, October 28th.

The talented artist has played shows with many chart-topping acts including New Zealand singer Bic Runga, and multi-platinum artists Snow Patrol whom he supported throughout Europe, including their sold-out show at

London’s Wembley Arena.

O’Rourke will play shows at the Civic Theatre in Tallaght and the Mill Theatre in Dundrum in the coming months – taking to the stage in the Mill Theatre on November 5th and playing at the Civic Theatre on December 5th.

The new album, In Full Colour, as well as his previous albums, are available now from his website which also has further details of the upcoming Irish tour.

Visit www.declanorourke. com for more information.

28

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