Lucan News 25.11.19 by Newsgroup

25th November 2019

€10 MILLION TO REMOVE ILLEGAL DUMPING Sinn Fein Councillor Mark Ward of the North Clondalkin/Lucan/ Palmerstown LEA and Dublin Mid-West byeelection candidate, has received figures from South Dublin County Council that state over €10 million has been spent in removing illegal dumping since bin charges have been introduced. Cllr Ward has called for bin services to be returned to Council control and in the meantime a bin waiver scheme introduced. Cllr Ward has also called for the re-introduction of a large junk collection

scheme. Cllr Ward said: “The figure of over €10 million to remove illegal dumping from our county whilst shocking is not surprising. You only have to walk around parts of our communities, and you will see the scourge of illegal dumping. Privatisation of waste management has failed” “Consumers do not get value for money and the local authority is left cleaning up the mess to the tune of €10 million. This is money that could be better spent improving our areas by investing in community

infrastructure such as playgrounds, parks and environmental projects” “I have called numerous times for waste management to be returned to council control. This would eliminate side by side competition that has seen bin companies charge almost the same amount in a cartel like operation. It would also reduce the amount of bin trucks on our streets. In our county it is not unusual to have 4 or 5 different operators collecting waste from

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This is not environmentally sustainable” “In the interim the bin waiver scheme that was previously promised needs to be introduced. I also have a pending motion calling for South Dublin to reintroduce a large junk collection on the run up to next Halloween. We seen at first hand the way our areas where left after Halloween and a junk collection prior to this season would eliminate a lot of the more hazardous material that are burnt of the bon-fires” “The sale of waste management to the private sector in 2011 was an executive decision by South Dublin County Council. This needs to be reversed immediately.”

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CROWE RAISES CLOSURE OF RESPITE CENTRE Seán Crowe T.D. has called on the government to stop the closure of Cuisle, the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) holiday centre in Co. Roscommon and raised the issue with the Taoiseach in the Dáil recently.

The Sinn Féin TD said Ireland needs more disability friendly and accessible respite centres and we shouldn’t be closing the only one that currently exists for citizens with an impairment. Deputy Seán Crowe TD said: “I was very concerned to hear the news that Cuisle is due to be closed. It is currently the only venue that can adequately cater for a wide range of citizens

who have an impairment or a disability “People with profound needs and their carers need venues where they can take a break and have a respite in an inclusive space where they are not defined by or restricted by their impairment. “The Minister responsible, Finian Mc Grath, has tried to justify the pending closure by suggesting that he wants people to use alternatives like hotels.

This option doesn’t meet the needs of many of our citizens who need significant supports and medical care that even the most progressive hotels do not even attempt to supply. “Regular hotels have improved accessibility,

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but they can’t cater for the range of needs that some citizens have. Cuisle is only venue that currently does that in this State. “Concerned constituents have contacted me about the closure of Cuisle. They have told me that they need an accessible centre like Cuisle because it caters for a huge range of their medical and physical needs.

They also told me that they enjoy trips to a centre like Cuisle where they feel included and where their impairment is not an issue. Unfortunately, all to often trips to regular hotels can cause many of them extra hardship and a huge amount of stress and worry. “Simple things like getting in and out of bed, using the bathroom, or having a room for a carer next door is not always possible. “The fact of the matter is that we need more holiday centres like Cuisle. We should be building more, not closing the only one we have. “I raised the issue with the Taoiseach in the Dáil and I am calling on him

to ensure the government urgently stops the closure of Cuisle and examines how we can ensure Ireland gets more of these disability inclusive friendly respite

centres. “Minister McGrath should employ the influence of his office to impress on the IWA and the HSE the importance of retaining Cuisle and setting in train

the steps necessary to secure the funding required for whatever capital works are necessary, and a commitment to maintain the centre into the future.”

SOCIAL INCLUSION FESTIVAL 2019 – ‘LE CHÉILE’

Pictured Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr. Vicki Casserly with photographer Brian James Brophy (“I AM” photography project) and Bernard Dunne at the launch.

Mayor Vicki Casserly officially launched South Dublin County Council’s 14th Social Inclusion Festival recently in Tallaght Stadium. The special guest was Bernard Dunne, World Champion Boxer, TV & Radio Broadcaster and Author. RAMS in rhythm choir provided the musical entertainment for the afternoon. There were over 120 people in attendance. The aim of this festival is to highlight the positive work carried out by South Dublin County Council and other agencies to reduce social exclusion and poverty, and to promote an understanding of social inclusion and diversity in the County. There are 90 free events organised for the festival. For more information see www.sdcc.ie.

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LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS RECEIVE €770,624 IN FUNDING Fine Gael candidate in the upcoming Dublin MidWest bye election, Cllr Emer Higgins, has said that 12 sports clubs in Dublin Mid-West are to receive €770,624 in Government funding through the Sports Capital Grant. Cllr Higgins said: “I am delighted that the funding announced recently is going to benefit 12 clubs in Dublin Mid-West. Between them they will receive €770,624. Active engagement in

sports not only helps keep young people healthy, but also builds confidence, independence and promotes team building. “This important Government funding will greatly benefit sports clubs across Dublin and the rest of the country over the coming year. The Sports Capital Programme was re-instated by Fine Gael in 2012, after it was cut by Fianna Fáil in the wake of the economic

crash. It is a real lifeline for teams, clubs and organisations here in our local area.” Cllr Higgins was speaking as the successful applications under the Sports Capital Projects (SCP) were announced by Minister of State with special responsibility for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross. Cllr Higgins continued: “The clubs and projects in Dublin

Mid-West to benefit are: “Slade Valley Golf Club; Lucan Athletic Track (SDCC); Pitch 13 Griffeen Valley Park (SDCC); Clondalkin Cricket Club; Coláiste Chillian; St ,Finian’s GAA; St Francis Football Club; Beech Park Golf Club; Commercials Hurling Club; Lucan Golf Club; Lucan Pitch and Putt Club; and Peamount United. “I know that the local clubs and organisations receiving

this funding today will make great use of it to the benefit of local communities. “It is so important to encourage people to play sport. Not only is it good for their physical health but it benefits their mental health too. Supporting sports teams, clubs and organisations is also tantamount to supporting community engagement, and helps to foster strong community spirit.

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There are 2 female singers and 1 male singer and to top off there will be a flavour of brass section at some points. Various band members have played with headline acts like Bon Jovi, Damian Rice, Take That, The Coronas, Kid Rock & Razorlight, every genre of music covered from Pop,

Rock, Motown to Dance Music. Doors open at 7.00 for Reserved Seating in the Clifton Suite. Dinner service starts at 7.30pm serving a delicious Four Course Christmas Dinner. Fallen Empire Band take the stage approx. 9.30pm – 9.45pm followed later by a Professional DJ to continue the night with dancing ONLY €49.00 per person. Friday 6th & 13th and Saturday 14th of December. Stay overnight for only €40.00 per person sharing with Full Irish Breakfast included. Call 01 4123708/03 to book or email events@greenislehotel.com

Emer Higgins with Minister for Sport Brendan Griffin

“Investment in sport is also a really worthwhile policy objective for Government from a health point of view. Society reaps the rewards through improved health of the population.

This is more important than ever with the rise in obesity. “I look forward to continued success for all of our local clubs and sporting organisations,” said Cllr Higgins.

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DELAYS IN SOCIAL CRC FIRHOUSE DAY CENTRE OPENS AN ACCESSIBLE GARDEN PROJECT HOUSING DELIVERY Eoin Ó Broin T.D. has criticised a “deeply dishonest” briefing provided to media which indicates that the government is looking to strip housing delivery powers from local councils. Commenting on the story Deputy Ó Broin said: “Minister Eoghan Murphy and his Department are desperate to deflect from their housing policy failures by laying the blame on county councils. “A dishonest briefing by an ‘unnamed government source’ on half thought out plans by the government to strip local councils of even more powers is beneath any Minister for Housing. “The Minister has form on this with the introduction of his apartment planning guidelines and his fast track planning regulations. “Neither of these changes have resulted in the speedy delivery of good quality, affordable accommodation. “The

delays in social housing delivery is caused by central government policy and procedures. “For example, the four step approvals process for the procurement of social housing needs to be reformed and currently causes greater delays than planning issues. “Councils need more funding to deliver social and affordable planning projects not less. “Removing the council’s power to debate and vote on significant planning and housing decisions is a retrograde step. “Councillors represent their local communities and they are answerable to them. “Using the O’Devaney Gardens debacle to strip councils of some of the only significant powers they have left would harm local democracy and would give unelected council officials license to run roughshod over local communities.”

On the 15th of November, award-winning CRC Firhouse Day Centre officially opened a wheelchair-accessible Garden on a small patch of ground beside the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the community of Firhouse. Over a year in planning and construction, and working with South Dublin County Council, the project grew from an idea that came about on a sunny day last summer.

Sitting outside, a group from the centre realised that a small garden that both they and the wider Firhouse community could benefit from would be a worthwhile addition to the area. After looking at an overgrown and neglected plot of local land, the group got together and drafted a plan to develop the small plot. However, they knew that they would need some help to get the project moving, and so local Councillor Brian Lawlor was brought on board. With his experience and contacts within South Dublin County Council he

soon put the would-be gardeners in touch with Parks Department designer and project manager Oliver Hoey and his team.

South Dublin County Council were very supportive of the Accessible Garden initiative, and with low maintenance and full wheelchair accessibility among the main requirements, specially shaped raised planters were developed to enable wheelchair-users to tend to the garden during the year. Following discussions

with the group from CRC Firhouse, plants were chosen that were tactile and scented so that those with a visual impairment could enjoy the garden too. The garden is also intended to be enjoyed equally by the whole Firhouse Community and now the group are looking forward to experiencing the garden next summer when the flowers are blooming. During the official opening event, which was attended by a number of local community members and

representatives including Sean Crowe TD, Councillors Alan Edge, Deirdre O’Donovan and Charlie O’Connor, local businessman John Regan and Catherine Stuart and Alison McCallion representing CRC’s management, Firhouse CRC Centre Manager Breda Gavagan thanked the friendly and obliging staff of South Dublin County Council for their work, and in recognition of his help in getting the project started, Councillor Brian Lawlor was asked to perform the ribbon cutting ceremony.

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€200,000 FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN RATHCOOLE

Some €320,000 has been allocated for improvements to 3 towns and villages around Dublin, including €200,000 for Rathcoole.

Cllr. Emer Higgins said: “I am delighted to confirm Rathcoole has been

allocated €200,000, for the refurbishment and upgrade of the Rathcoole Courthouse and Public Library. This funding is extremely welcome news for Dublin, especially residents of Rathcoole.” “These excellent initiatives

will ensure our smaller towns and villages are more attractive and sustainable places in which to live and work. The funding, allocated under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, is a key

WINNING ARTWORK BY LUCAN STUDENT GOES ON EXHIBITION

Bobby Colgan, from The Studios Lucan (Art Club) is pictured with his artwork entitled ‘Stormy Night’ at Belfast’s Ulster Museum for the opening ceremony of an exhibition of 126 winning paintings from this year’s 65th Texaco Children’s Art competition in which his work featured.

part of the Action Plan for Rural Development and the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 Programme for Rural Regeneration”. “The benefit of previous funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is now being felt countrywide and I am delighted today that even more areas in Dublin will benefit from the funding. “Almost €68 million has now been approved for more than 830 projects across the country under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme since it was introduced in the second half of 2016, with more than 600 of these approved since the Action Plan for Rural Development was launched in January 2017.”

of the towns and villages which have been successful this year are receiving funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for the first time. “I want to thank the Local Authorities for engaging with local communities in these instances to help them to identify good projects which have merited support. “The Government’s

commitment to supporting rural Ireland is further underscored through the €1 billion Project Ireland 2040 Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which complements the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and provides an opportunity to deliver more integrated and ambitious projects which will further support the revitalisation of our rural towns and villages.”

Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring said: “Interest in the Town and Village Renewal Scheme this year was very high and the scheme was heavily oversubscribed. It was not possible to fund all of the applications received, but I am pleased that many

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TALLAGHT MEMBERS SUCCESS AT IPF NATIONAL SHIELD Tallaght Photographic Society recently entered the IPF National Shield with two panels of images. The Irish Photographic Federation (IPF) National Shield is an annual inter club competition which is open to all IPF affiliated clubs. The local Tallaght society submitted one colour panel and one black & white panel which were reviewed by a group of judges. Members of the Tallaght group finished second in the colour division and second place overall. To add to the great results,

three members of the club personally excelled for their images; Karl Begin received an honorable mention, John Coffey won a silver medal and Brenda Sheridan was presented with a gold medal. Tallaght Photographic Society will host their exhibition in County Library Tallaght from the 4th of February 2020 and will remain on display for two weeks. For more information see www.facebook. com/tallaghtphotographicsociety

LUCAN STUDENT RECOGNISED AT EXCELLENCE AWARDS Harrison Jio, a student from Lucan won the Prize for Excellence and Overall Winner for his outstanding performance at the 2019 Leinster School of Music and Drama (LSMD) Excellence Awards which recently took place at Griffith College Dublin. Harrison was nominated for his success in the Grade 8 Piano exam, performing The Man I Love, by George Gershwin at the awards ceremony and was one of 14,000 LSMD students in 2019. On the day, Harrison was presented with €300 and a trophy for his performance and is taught by Lucan based teacher Suzette Das. Two of Harrison’s brothers were also nominated for the Excellence awards of 2019 with Nevan Jio having won the Excellence Award the previous year. Launched in 2004 to mark the school’s centenary year, the LSMD Excellence Awards is open to the 14,000 students

throughout Ireland who took the school’s exams in 2019. The top 550 students who participated in the LSMD exams were chosen to compete in the Excellence Awards and finalists were chosen from the group to perform at the awards concert. Commenting on the awards, Karen Casey, Head of Faculty of The Leinster School of Music & Drama at Griffith College, said; “This year’s Excellence Awards at Griffith College showcased the very best in talent across the areas of music and speech & drama. “We are delighted to see these students and teachers recognised for their outstanding commitment to these disciplines and would like to wish them the very best of luck for the future in their chosen fields,” she concluded. For more information see www. griffith.ie/lsmd

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SOUTH DUBLIN ON ICE TALLAGHT The spectacular ice rink at Tallaght Stadium returns for the third year running and is open now until 26 January 2020. Once again South Dublin On Ice will be the centrepiece of this wonderful seasonal family activity which each year attracts thousands of skaters young and old to Tallaght. South Dublin On Ice @ Tallaght Stadium is a truly family affair as the ice rink is suitable for all ages; there

is no minimum age limits for kids, however skaters under five years of age would need to be assisted by a family member. And to help the little ones get on the ice, skate aids, kids double blade skates, and polar bear ice chairs are available on a first come first served basis. All sessions on the ice rink last 45 minutes and skaters are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to start. The ice rink hosts a number of events to cater for a wide

range of skaters including a Sensory Night and Accessible For All customer nights and also caters for birthday parties with group rates available and super cool birthday invites and envelopes to hand out to party goers. “Why not visit our website at southdublinonice.com where you can book tickets and find directions to the venue”, said Sean Mulligan, from Profile Music Group Ltd, operator of South Dublin On Ice. “You’ll find a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions section to answer many of your queries. The rink is located at Tallaght Stadium, where there is free parking onsite, however you can also take public transport to the venue with multiple bus routes passing nearby and the Tallaght stop on the Luas Redline is only a few minutes walk from the

stadium. “But there’s more. To help to get you to South Dublin On Ice @Tallaght Stadium we have introduced a 76 seater Double Decker bus for the 2019/2020 season which will pick you up and drop you back to your door for an additional fee. This will take a lot of the hassle out of group bookings for schools and clubs where the Skate & Bus Return is all organised and managed by the rink!” said Sean. South Dublin On Ice @ Tallaght Stadium is being supported by South Dublin County Council’s tourism brand Dublin’s Outdoors. The ice rink is used by ice hockey players, figure skaters, and the general public. In the two years since the rink first came to town, thousands of people have visited the venue, adding to the winter season atmosphere in Tallaght.

LIGHT UP A LIFE

This is the 27th year of this annual remembrance ceremony, on Sunday 1st December and is generously sponsored by Aviva for the third year in a row. Andrea Corr is the guest of honour and will meet patients before performing for the crowd and switching the lights on the Christmas tree, the high point of the event.

€5.5 million in donations annually, celebrates its 140th anniversary this year and has a special place in the heart of Dubliners. Andrea Corr is an ambassador of Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services. This free event brings people together to commemorate their loved ones and marks the start of Christmas for many families.

Last year more than 28,000 lights were sponsored on the tree, one of Dublin’s largest. These can be sponsored on www.lightupalife.ie, by phone (1850 66 06 06) or in person in Harold’s Cross or Blackrock Hospices. The Hospice, which needs over

The MC Ian Dempsey will, for the ninth year, kick off the entertainment from 3.45pm with the St Mary’s Pro Cathedral Choir, St Jude’s Folk Group, The LineUp Choir, the CIE Male Voice Choir and soloist Geraldine McNamara.

Andrea Corr pictured with Harry Sheill and Nurse Brid Ryan.

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TRUCK RAMS CLONDALKIN’S DEANSRATH FAMILY CENTRE

Building Unsound And Hundreds Of Family Services Looking for Alternative Accomodation. Following an audacious truck ramming incident at 7.30am on Monday the Clondalkin Deansrath Family Centre has closed after the building was declared structurally unsound by the HSE. Staff at the centre

have been trying to find accomodation for essential family services such as early years service (pre school including hot meals), family support, play therapy, loss and bereavement counselling and safe space for separated families. The Deansrath centre has catered for support services hundreds of families in the Clondalkin area. That is

all now in jeopardy as the centre is closed.

“The attack on Deansrath has come as a terrible shock to all the staff and families who use the centre daily, we have never experiences any incident like this in the 20 odd years we have been here in Clondalkin” said Siobhan Feehan CEO of Deansrath Family Centre.

FRIENDS OF THE CAMAC WIN NATIONAL AWARD Clondalkin Group Friends of the Camac win National Award which was presented by Minister Michael Ring recently at the All Ireland Winners & Regional Winners of the Water & Communities Award at the Supervalu Tidy Towns regional Awards Evening in Blackrock, Co Louth. Congratulations to all the volunteers for their great work on the Camac in Clondalkin. The next monthly clean up day is Saturday 7th December meeting in Clondalkin Leisure Centre Car Park on Old Nangor Road at 10.00am for approx 2 hours. New volunteers are always welcome, gear and equipment is supplied.

Pictured Kevin Keogh, Tommy Keogh, Minister Michael Ring, Maria O’Connor and Brian Nolan.

“Luckily nobody was hurt as at 7.30 in the morning when the truck rammed the centre children would have been coming here looking for their breakfast”, she added. “We were already looking at fundraising for a new centre as we are full at capacity in Deansrath but we will certainly be needing a new one now” said Feehan. The HSE engineeing department declared the building unsafe on Monday and Gardai are investigating the attack.

CALL FOR MEDICAL CARDS FOR TERMINALLY ILL

Dublin South West TD, Seán Crowe, has called on the Health Minister to scrap his review into issuing discretionary medical cards to terminally ill citizens and introduce the scheme immediately. The TD said that the small number of those who are terminally don’t have the time to wait for a lengthy review and called on Minister Harris to issue the cards as a matter of urgency. Deputy Seán Crowe said: “Budget 2020 stated that the HSE would review arrangements for the discretionary medical cards to all those with a terminal illness and look to extending medical cards to them. There is cross party support for this and it needs to happen now. “I raised this in the Dáil with Minister Harris recently and he replied that the review would be finished by

Christmas. Unfortunately, these terminally ill citizens and their families don’t have the time to wait for the outcome of his review. Many of them are being stretched to the limit both mentally and physically. Worrying about paying medical bills should not be dominating and overshadowing the last days of their life on this earth. “They have received the most devastating news and the least the State can do is to give them a medical card throughout their illness. “We are talking about a small but an important number of our citizens. “I am calling on Minister Simon Harris to the right thing for them by scrapping his review and agree to issue medical cards to everyone who has a terminal illness.”

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ILLEGAL USE OF SCRAMBLERS NEEDS TO BE TACKLED John Curran T.D. has called on the cross-agency group, set up to tackle the illegal use of scrambler and quad bikes, to prioritise new legislation that will provide Gardaí with the necessary powers to seize Quad and Scrambler bikes, based on intelligence led

investigations carried out by An Garda Síochána. Deputy Curran received new information recently from Justice Minister, Charlie Flanagan on the matter. “Communities plagued by anti-social Scrambler and Quad Bikes have been

abandoned by Fine Gael. In the Minister’s reply to me he has stated that the Garda Commissioner has written to him advising him of potential new legislative changes which the Gardaí believe could assist in improving policing in this area. “The Minister; having

received this response from the Garda Commissioner in June of this year; has done nothing to progress the legislative changes advised by the Garda Commissioner and required to combat this dangerous anti-social behaviour. The Minister has simply sat on this new

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information from the Garda Commissioner for almost 5 months with no action on the matter. “Local Gardaí policing our area are unable to engage in high speed chases in the housing estates or large green spaces where these bikes are being used, due to the greater concerns for public safety. Gardaí are therefore not in the position to seize a vehicle from a person who is blatantly and illegally misusing it. “It needs to be

made an absolute priority that these changes to legislation are introduced so that we can support our Gardaí to seize a Quad or Scrambler from an individual’s home.

The cross-agency taskforce is currently considering the formal views from the Garda Commissioner on this matter and I am urging them to urgently prioritise legislative change to combat this issue,” concluded Deputy Curran.

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Another big effort recently cleaning Whitestown stream in Tallaght, joined by volunteers from Dodder Action, Crumlin Clean Up and Sean Crowe TD. Over 30 bags collected with several bigger items dragged from the stream.

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ROB STRONG CELEBRATES EPA REPORT HIGHLIGHTS GOVERNMENT INACTION ON WASTE WATER TREATMENT 55 YEARS ON THE ROAD On Friday the 6th of December, Rob Strong will perform at Rua Red in Tallaght. He may be 72 years old this year but Rob Strong, as his name suggests, is still going strong! The Derry native with the sensational blues/soul voice, is celebrating an amazing 55 years on the road this year! Rob first started out as a bass player with the Polka Dots and then progressed to front The Plattermen, one of the biggest showbands in the 1960s, managed by Jim Aiken. Rob played with the band for six years and he and the overdrive brass section of the band laid down some of the funkiest sounds ever heard in Ireland. In the early 1970s nobody in Ireland personified the raw energy of rock and blues music like Rob Strong, one of the most unique voices of the era. He even once turned down the offer of joining the world-famous Deep Purple! In 1974, as the disco music began to replace the showbands, Rob formed The Rob Strong Band, who later became The Rockets in the late 70s. In 1986 Rob Strong’s iconic album “Hollywood Nights”

was recorded LIVE in The Coconut Grove. The LP achieved the amazing distinction of being the longest album sleeve in the world - a three-metre long gatefold containing signatures of 6,000 adoring fans. It is available on Spotify today. To say that the musical talent runs in the Strong family is a huge understatement! Rob’s father, Robert, was an accomplished accordion player while his son, Andrew Strong, hit the big time at the tender age of 17, when he wowed audiences all over the world with his rendition of ‘Mustang Sally’ in the smash hit 1991 movie The Commitments. Rob was vocal coach for Andrew and the singers in the band and occasionally plays bass guitar with Andrew’s band today. Nowadays his daughter Niamh sometimes guests with Rob but is making waves in the industry in her own right and has just started touring theatres with her Eva Cassidy Show, to rave reviews.

Eoin Ó Broin TD has commented on the findings of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report on Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2018. The report findings show that raw sewage from 36 towns and villages is still being released into rivers and seas across the State. Deputy Ó Broin said: “The EPA report on Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2018 published this morning finds that waste water treatment is completely inadequate in many areas.

environment and to people’s health. “The EU Commission has already commenced infringement proceedings against this State for urban waste water treatment infringements. “Priority must be given to investment in the Arklow, Cobh and Kilmore Quay. “I have requested a topical issue debate on this matter today and I hope to raise it with the Minister responsible Eoghan Murphy.”

“The report highlights how in 21 large towns and cities waste water treatment did not meet mandatory EU standards, these cities include Dublin and Cork. “The report also indicates that 36 towns and villages are releasing raw sewage into the environment. “Worryingly 50% of the raw sewage comes from only three areas, Arklow, Cobh and Kilmore Quay, Wexford. “This State’s historic failure to invest in wastewater treatment is damaging to the

Check out Rob performing at - https:// w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=jHG9UOmkIV0. For tickets see www.ruared.ie.

Margaret Hackett Slimming World Firhouse Firhouse Community & Leisure Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Monday Evenings: 5:30pm & 7:30pm. Mobile: 087 6161439 Christine Murphy Slimming World Tallaght Plaza Hotel Plaza Hotel Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24. Times: Saturday Mornings: 7:30am, 9.00 am & 11.00am Mobile: 086 088 5142 Miriam O’Shea Slimming World St. Annes’s GAA Club Bohernabreena, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Tuesday Mornings 9:30am & 11:30am. Tuesday Evenings: 3:30pm, 5:30pm & 7:30pm. Mobile: 087 9703016. Pamela Slimming World Old Bawn The Maldron Hotel, Tallaght, Dublin 24. Times: Monday Evenings: 3:30pm, 5:30pm & 7:30pm Tuesday Mornings: 9:30am Mobile: 086 1231774

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

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TALLAGHT AUCTIONEER ELECTED CHAIR OF REA

A Tallaght auctioneer has been appointed Chairman of national estate agency group Real Estate Alliance (REA). Anthony McGee, M.D. of REA McGee was elected to the position during the Alliance’s AGM recently. The AGM heard that the State needs to urgently incentivise small investors to stem the tide of private landlords leaving the rental market.

REA members are reporting that small private landlords

are exiting the market due to a combination of excessive taxation and the legislation involved in renting a house, which they find it difficult to deal with. The association’s AGM heard that Rent Pressure Zones are not working with rents continuing to rise and available stock spiralling downwards. “There are very new small private investors coming into the market, and society needs this

sector to provide rental accommodation,” said Mr McGee. “When you add up taxation and stealth taxes, agency fees, management fees and insurance there is no incentive for private landlords to remain in the market. “What we are seeing are brow-beaten landlords who are exiting the market when they reach a point of equity parity in a property.

“With the regulations are heavily biased in favour of

institutional investors and there may be a feeling that with rents at an all-time high, that small investors are making money, but when they do the numbers and look at the taxation they are paying, many are deciding that it is not worth their while staying involved. “It is doubtful whether the Rent Pressure Zones are actually working because we are seeing rents climbing far in excess of 4% per annum due to a severe shortage of rental properties.

due to the difficulties in raising the deposit for a property.

“As tenants struggle to pay the rent, wages are forced up and this is eroding the competitiveness of the economy – with many workers n ow leaving Ireland for other countries as they are finding it too expensive to live here. “We need

to take a new look at the rental problem – incentivise landlords and bring in measures to get people out of rental properties and into mortgages. “Banks should be able to take into account that someone who has been paying €2,000 a month for the past ten years should qualify for a mortgage.”

“We are seeing instances where adjoining properties are renting for vastly different sums, and in our experience, some landlords are now finding it difficult to pay their mortgages. “It is economically unfair that investors whose property becomes vacant cannot charge more than a 4% increase on the previous rent – even if it was set to an historically low level. “The market is not functioning normally because tenants are renting places for a lot longer than they originally planned for

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CHILD WAITING LIST IS SHOCKING People Before Profit byelection candidate for Dublin Mid-West Kellie Sweeney has said that the revelations of child patient waiting list are “shocking and an indictment of the governments performance on health”. Ms Sweeney who is a qualified nurse said that Simon Harris and his government are letting down children and denying them their futures. She said that the government must now properly invest in the health service and fill vacant posts, recruit nurses, end the two-tier health system and treat people for their

medical need and not the size of their wallets.

She said: “The revelations today that the figures for child hospital waiting lists are totally shocking and an indictment on this governments performance in the area of health. Seeing as the figures have doubled since the last count we can see that the government do not have the ability to resolve the crisis in our health service. “The IMO said in July, following OECD figures, that Ireland has the lowest number of consultants in

the EU. Nurses are leaving these shores due to poor pay, extortionate cost of living and the stressful nature of the health system which has been neglected by Fine Gael and Fianna Fail governments.

We need a massive recruitment drive for nurses with decent pay and conditions to stop the drain of our young nurses abroad. “We have a serious recruitment issue in this country in keeping healthcare workers due to the crisis is housing. Young nurses and doctors are finding it impossible to find

affordable accommodation.

“There is also a serious issue of homeless children presenting to homeless services who have not yet reached developmental millstones. For example, some children living in hotels and emergency accommodation are unable to properly chew or swallow because from the ages of two and three they are having to eat puréed food because their families cannot access cooking facilities. “The government have miss managed the health system for too long and now are too slow and

NEW RESTRICTIONS ON ADVERTISING OF ALCOHOL TD for Dublin Mid-West, John Curran has recently welcomed new advertising rules introduced, under the Public Health Alcohol Act of 2018, which will prevent drinks companies from promoting their products near schools, playgrounds or on public transport. The rules will also prohibit alcohol advertising in cinemas for films under the age 18 classification. The measures also ban children’s clothing

that promotes alcohol through slogans or imagery. Deputy Curran said: “We see the introduction of new advertising rules which will prevent companies from targeting children from promoting their products near schools which is a very positive step. “It is a positive step forward to tackling Ireland’s serious underage drinking problems. We need to continue to reduce children’s exposure to alcohol and drugs in this country.” Alcohol advertising in or on public service

vehicles, at public transport stops or stations, and within 200 metres of a school, creche, or local authority playground will now be prohibited. Cinemas will also be prohibited from advertising alcohol except around films with an 18-age classification. “These measures will change the way in which children view alcohol and these new restrictions are an extremely positive move,” concluded Deputy Curran.

incapable of making the radical measures to fix the deep problems in the system. What needs to be done is

the ending of the two-tier health system by removing the private sector- an idea which has been backed up by a Department of Health review on Sláintecare.”

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

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Kip’s Tips on Understanding Comprehension in an Exam Situation. What is Comprehension:

Comprehension is understanding what you have read and is the key to becoming a successful reader. It is also a key part of the primary & secondary curriculum. That is why it is so important that students perfect their technique in order to gain the maximum marks in an English comprehension exam. At Kip McGrath we are used to helping students who are struggling to cope with comprehension techniques. Here are our top tips to remember on the day of the test 1. P.E.E – make your Point, give Evidence for your point and then Explain how this evidence supports your point. 2. Read the passage carefully and thoroughly. 3. Then read the questions and highlight any keywords that might help you find where the evidence might come from in the passage. 4. Read the passage again and highlight the keywords, phrases, headings etc that relate to the questions. 5. Look at what marks are allocated to each question. Do not spend 10 minutes answering a question worth 2 marks and 2 minutes answering a question worth 10 marks! 6. Make a note of how long you can afford to spend on each question and try to stick to it. 7. Remember if you are quoting from the passage to use quotation marks. 8. Reread the question after you have written an answer and double-check you have covered all the points asked for.

EDUCATE TOGETHER WILL NOT APPLY FOR PREDESIGNATED IRISH MEDIUM SCHOOLS

Educate Together have stated “It is with deep regret that having received an invitation recently from the Department of Education and Skills to apply for four new national schools opening in 2020, Educate Together has made the decision that it will apply for the patronage of the new primary schools in Carrigaline and in Sallynoggin/Killiney/DLR/Cherrywood but will not apply for patronage of schools to serve Donabate and Newcastle/Rathcoole/Saggart. This is as a result of the new schools in these two areas being “predesignated” as Gaelscoileanna. Despite the Department’s claim that ‘parental preferences are central to the patronage process’, both of these schools have been predesignated

as Irish medium schools. This predesignation provides less choice for parents in these areas as they will now no longer have the option to choose the language of instruction for their school. In effect, parental choice in this matter has been curtailed in Donabate and Newcastle/Rathcoole/ Saggart. Educate Together acknowledges the support of parents in Donabate and Newcastle/Rathcoole/Saggart to establish new Educate Together schools in their areas as the existing Educate Together schools are very oversubscribed. However, after serious consideration of how this predesignation of Irish medium disenfranchises parents in expressing their choice, coupled with a lack

of resources to deliver quality Irish medium education, it has decided to not apply for patronage of the schools in these areas. Educate Together has written to the Minister on this issue and hopes to meet with him and his officials in the near future to discuss practical solutions that satisfy the largest number of parents possible and avoids the risk of disenfranchising the lawful preference of a significant number of families. For the avoidance of doubt, this statement does not preclude Educate Together from seeking the patronage of Irish medium schools in the future or working with existing partners to deliver the Educate Together model and curriculum through Irish.

FORÓIGE LEADERSHIP FOR LIFE PROGRAMME GRADUATION Twenty Tallaght teens have graduated from Foróige’s Leadership for Life Programme accredited by the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG). They were awarded with a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action in NUIG recently. 150 young people graduated from the North and South of Ireland on Saturday having completed the Foróige Leadership for Life Programme. Seán Campbell, CEO of Foróige said “The Leadership for Life Programme is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for 15-18 year olds to acquire accredited leadership skills. They gain aptitudes in critical thinking, problem solving, empathy,

resilience, self-reflection and teamwork in a safe and supportive environment. The young leaders also take on a community action project so that they can master and use their new found leadership skills for the betterment of society. “Foróige is extremely proud of the Leadership for Life Programme because we see, every year, the difference it makes to young people and to communities right across the country. I congratulate all of the graduates who have worked so hard and put their all into becoming leaders of courage, conviction and compassion,” Mr. Campbell finished. To learn more visit www.foroige.ie/leadership

9. DO NOT just copy large chunks out of the text. 10. Remember P.Q.R.S – Passage, Questions, Re-read and Search for evidence.

If you still feel your child needs more support with their reading or comprehension, Kip McGrath Professional Tutoring can help. Call us on 01 490 8780 to discuss how we can help. Sarah Davies BSc, MSc, PGCE Secondary, MSc Educational Leadership, PGDip Speech & Language Difficulties

Pictured: Back Row (L-R); Ciaran Ennis, Ryan Dunne, Scott Boylan, Conor Burke, Kyle O’Connor, Lennon Dillon, Lee Murphy, Dane Flanagan. Middle Row (L-R); Jessica Lainia Moldovan, Zahran Haji, Ross Mulligan, Padraic Kelly, Miradi Ombala, Saoirse Kearns. And Front Row (L-R); Katelyn O’Neill, Rebekah Hayden, Katie Haide, Gemma Fennell, Julieanne Andrade, Katie Ireland.

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ŠKODA OCTAVIA ‘SOLEIL’ Brings The Sunshine By Breda Corrigan ŠKODA has announced their latest addition to the Octavia range – the ‘Soleil’. The name ‘Soleil’ means sun, and is derived from the ŠKODA brands association with the internationally celebrated Cirque du Soleil circus. The ŠKODA Octavia has been a consistent best seller with 18,000 vehicles delivered to customers in the last five years and holds the position of the fourth best-selling car in Ireland over the same period. Available as a hatchback or as a Combi estate, ŠKODA are confident the new Soleil model will deliver a strong finish to the end of the year as the brand enters the top-five best-selling brands in Ireland for the first time. Usual Strengths Retained; The Octavia Soleil retains all the strengths of the standard Octavia with 590 litres of boot capacity (up to 1,580 litres with the rear seat backs folded) and unrivalled interior cabin spaciousness. Low fuel consumption is assured with a turbo charged line up of TSI petrol engines including the 1.0 TSI 115bhp; and the frugal 1.6 TDI 115bhp available with both manual and DSG (automatic) transmissions. The ŠKODA brand for some time has been leading the way in terms of infotainment and connectivity, with fewer buttons due to large colour touch-screen systems. The Soleil benefits from this technology with an 8” Bolero unit, with SmartLink™ featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for the ultimate connectivity to the latest mobile devices. Instantly Recognisable; The Soleil builds on the Octavia’s

already generous specification levels with LED headlights with AFS and headlight washers, half leather interior, heated seats, darkened rear SunSet glass and ŠKODA Care Connect all featuring as a package for the first time in the Octavia. From the exterior the Soleil is instantly recognisable from the Soleil plaque located on the front fenders, and the 16” Velorum alloy wheels that are unique to the Octavia Soleil. Test Car; My test car was an Octavia Soleil 1.6TDI DSG finished in striking Candy White paintwork, with contrasting rear privacy glass for maximum impact. The Octavia Soleil possesses a distinctive and confident look that stands out from the crowd, while exemplary safety features helped the ŠKODA Octavia to achieve a maximum 5-star NCAP safety rating for ultimate driving confidence. Thanks to an impressive wheelbase of 2,686mm, occupants of the Octavia will never feel cramped in terms of leg, head or shoulder room, with the rear seats capable of accomodating up to 3 full-size adults with ease. On The Road; Behind the wheel of the Octavia is where keen drivers will really appreciate just how good the car is. Overall refinement and handling characteristics are excellent, while body roll is kept to a minimum through corners, thereby making the Octavia as comfortable to drive on a twisty back road, as it is on a motorway. Capable of a top speed of 203km/h (where permitted), the 1.6-litre turbo diesel

engine can exploit its 115bhp to allow the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in 10.4-seconds. Under strict new WLTP testing proceedures, fuel consumption as low as 4.8l/100km can be achieved on a combined driving cycle, while a low emissions figure of 107g/km translates into annual road tax of just €190. Impressive fuel economy has always been one of the Octavia diesel’s strengths, but when combined with excellent driving dynamics, classleading cabin and boot space, and

generous equipment levels, it is easy to see how the Octavia has been such a huge sales success for the ŠKODA brand in Ireland. Pricing & Verdict; With the ŠKODA Octavia Soleil priced from just €24,700, it really does represent outstanding value for money motoring, and with the Octavia having been recently voted one of the ‘least depreciating cars in Ireland’, it is a car that can be bought with the head, and the heart.

Fact Box; 1) Limited Edition Model 2) Outstanding Spaciousness 3) Petrol & Diesel Engines 4) Manual or Automatic (DSG) 5) Priced From €24,700 (ex-works) Pilsen SKODA M50 Business Park, Ballymount, Dublin 12 Phone: 01 46 02 111 www.pilsenskoda.ie email: hello@pilsen.ie

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PEUGEOT SCORES TREBLE AT IRISH CAR AND VAN OF THE YEAR 2020 AWARDS The PEUGEOT Rifter, 508 and Partner van won their respective categories at the Continental Tyres Irish Car and Van of the Year 2020 awards, held at the Westin Hotel, Dublin and attended by motoring journalists and leading figures of the Irish Motor Industry. The hattrick of awards included Continental Tyres Irish MPV of the Year 2020 for the new PEUGEOT Rifter, Continental Tyres Irish Large Car of the Year 2020 for the new PEUGEOT 508 and Continental Tyres Irish Van of the Year for the new PEUGEOT Partner van, alongside sister vans, the Opel Combo and Citroen Berlingo. The PEUGEOT Rifter retails from €24,625 plus delivery. Equipped with the unique PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® interior, it features desirable SUV looks, ample storage for active families and high levels of safety and comfort equipment. Available in two lengths, with 5 or 7 seats, three of which take full size

baby seats in row two, the Rifter comes in three trims to include Active, Allure and GT Line versions. Three diesel engines are on offer: a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 100bhp 5-Speed; a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 130bhp 6-Speed S&S; a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 130bhp automatic 8-Speed S&S.

The radical new 508 fastback and SW range boasts the latest-generation PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® and a standout, sharp, sleek design. It delivers exemplary road-handling, countless technology features and a quantum leap in quality, high performance petrol and diesel engines include a 1.6 THP petrol 180bhp automatic 8-speed S&S; a 1.6 THP petrol 225bhp automatic 8-speed S&S (GT only); a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 130bhp 6-speed manual S&S, 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 130bhp automatic 8-Speed S&S; a 2.0 BlueHDi diesel 160bhp automatic 8-Speed S&S; a top of the range 2.0 BlueHDi diesel 180bhp automatic 8-Speed S&S.

Retailing from €31,570, plus delivery related charges, it comes in Active, Allure, GT Line and GT trim. Plug-in hybrid powertrains will be introduced in early 2020. The new Partner van, crowned International Van of the Year 2019 even ahead of its launch in Ireland, sports a new exterior styling and is the first light commercial vehicle in the range to receive the acclaimed PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® interior. Retailing from €16,935 plus delivery, the Partner is available with a wider than ever choice of six trims, each loaded with equipment, to ensure business needs are met: Access, Active, Active Plus, Professional, Professional Plus and Grip trim. Four diesel engines are available: a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 75bhp 5-speed; a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 100bhp 5-Speed; a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 130bhp 6-Speed S&S; a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel 130bhp automatic 8-Speed S&S. Available in two lengths, payloads range

from 650KG to 1,000KG and up to two Europallets can be accommodated.

Des Cannon, Managing Director at Gowan Distributors Ltd, PEUGEOT Importer in Ireland said: “The PEUGEOT brand sales performance has gone from strength to strength thanks to strong consumer demand for our multi award winning SUV range.

Our latest model offerings of Rifter, 508 and Partner, introduced in early 2019, have each strengthened our penetration in their respective segments, to further grow our brand market share to record heights. It is hugely gratifying to end 2019 on this high and we look forward to 2020 with renewed confidence. I wish to thank the motoring jury

members, the Irish Car of the Year committee and Continental Tyres as sponsor for their support.” The new 508 and Rifter ranges come with a fiveyear extended warranty as standard and both models, together with the Partner van are available to test drive at local PEUGEOT Dealers during the PEUGEOT Drivetime event, this November.

Pictured from left to right: Cathal Doyle and Anthony Conlon, Irish Car and Van of the Year committee; Des Cannon, Managing Director at Gowan Distributors, Peugeot Importer in Ireland; Pat Ryan, IM Group, Citroen Importer; Rodney Sheridan, Opel Ireland; Tom Dennigan, Contintental Tyres Ireland

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BLUE SKIES INITIATIVE ATTEND NATIONAL SHOWCASE The country’s twelve Area Based Childhood (ABC) prevention and early intervention programmes, including Blue Skies Initiative, attended a national showcase in October on what has been

achieved to date and to plan for the future. The Clondalkin based Blue Skies Initiative presented an information stand on its work led by coordinator, Sarah Thornberry. The event enabled all of the

initiatives who comprise the ABC Programme to exhibit their work, which is focused on delivering prevention and early intervention programmes to support young families. Blue Skies Initiative, Sarah Thornberry

said it was of great value to present the work delivered by Blue Skies Initiative and also to learn about the eleven other initiatives. “Since 2015 Blue Skies Initiative has delivered evidence-based prevention and early intervention programmes to parents, children and schools, early years’ services”. “It has been valuable to learn what other initiatives have achieved, within their communities, and what has worked best. It is also very important that as colleagues we agree a shared view on how to take this work into the future for the benefit of as many families as possible. ” Prevention means developing strengths, supports and

strategies to prevent a problem from arising. Early Intervention means anticipating, identifying and addressing problems as they arise or escalate.

Each of the ABC’s provide high-quality, evidence– based supports, working with statutory and community organisations to achieve better outcomes for children and their families. These include parenting, literacy, health and education programmes. Looking to the future it was discussed that the ABC Programme should have a strong focus on Child Poverty – working together with the DCYA, Tusla and the UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre at NUI Galway. The 12 local

initiatives which comprise the ABC Programme are based in Dublin and throughout Ireland. The initiatives are all members of the Prevention and Early Intervention Network (PEIN) which is currently developing a Framework on how Outcomes will be measured in future programmes. The ABC Programme is funded by the Department of Children & Youth Affairs (DCYA) and aligned with Tusla through the Prevention, Partnership & Family Support (PPFS) Programme. For more information see https://blueskiesinitiative. ie/

NOVENAS FOR LAURA LYNN

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

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

MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received. H.B

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

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

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