Rathcoole & Saggart News 8th Feb 2021 by Newsgroup

8th February 2021

3,000 FIRST TIME BUYERS IN DUBLIN Tallaght Stone Centre headstones crafted for all cemeteries TO BENEFIT FROM NEW AFFORDABLE Tel: (01) 462 6200 Fax: (01) 462 6209 HOUSING SCHEME email: info@tallaghtstonecentre.ie web: tallaghtstonecentre.ie

The Minister for Housing has published his new plan for delivering affordable housing. Local T.D. Emer Higgins, who sits on the Housing Committee, has explained what this means to prospective first time buyers.

“Many young people and couples are paying upwards on €1,500 rent in places like Lucan for a two-bed apartment, when they would much prefer to be paying a €1,000 mortgage for a home they will actually own. However, many of them

can’t afford to do that because they either can’t get a mortgage as they can’t save for a deposit, or they can’t find a home locally that is in their price range.

The nub of the problem is: affordability and supply. And, that’s why I’m pleased that the ‘Housing For All’ plan aims to bridge the affordability gap and boost supply,” said Deputy Emer Higgins. “The Shared Equity Scheme, which was published in this new Bill, is an affordability measure that should

help 3,000 couples, individuals or families caught in that rental trap. It involves the State taking a stake of up to 30% in any new build home subject to regional price caps, and means a buyer takes out a 70% mortgage after that. From the buyer’s perspective there’s no charge on that 30% for the first 5 years and there’s no onus to pay off the 30% until the house is sold, so it’s an attractive proposition that makes buying your own home more affordable and

more achievable. It is based on the fact that there are planning permissions for over 40,000 units in Dublin alone but that the building of these homes isn’t happening fast enough,” explained Emer Higgins.

“This scheme is about incentivising building for existing planning permissions on a large scale to boost supply as quickly as possible. €75m, 2% of the overall Housing Budget, has been put aside to cover 3,000 homes.

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I think this is a really positive development and I hope that many young people, couples and families from Lucan, Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Newcastle, Saggart, Tallaght, Citywest and Palmerstown will benefit from this,” concluded Emer Higgins, local T.D.

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EXTEND FUEL ALLOWANCE TO THOSE ON PUP TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has called on the Government to support a Sinn Féin motion that would extend the fuel allowance to those on PUP support payments, saying that, with the restrictions set to continue for weeks to come, one shouldn’t be forced to choose between having a warm home or having something to eat. Teachta Crowe said: “COVID has seen household finances and budgets stretched to the limit as jobs and business have suffered due to the necessary restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of the virus. “Last week, over 475,000 people

in the State received the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. That’s 475,000 people who have lost their job and lost their income from being let go from work. “Many are struggling to afford basics like heating their homes. This is totally wrong and unacceptable. The Government must change this policy to support these workers who are now struggling through no fault of their own. “No one should be forced to choose between having a warm home or having something to eat but that is happening in homes right across the state. “Currently,

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people have to have been unemployed for at least 15 months before they can apply for financial support with their heating costs. This means that workers who lost their jobs over the course of the pandemic and who are still on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment are excluded from these vital financial supports.

“Sinn Féin have put down a Dáil motion that would change this so that PUP recipients would be eligible for the Fuel Allowance. “The Sinn Féin motion would also put in place a double payment of the Fuel Allowance for two weeks in February. Under current public health guidelines, we’re all being told to stay at home for much more of the day than usual. As a result, many workers and families are seeing their energy and heating bills sky rocket. People need support in covering these costs in these extraordinary times. “Lastly, the motion also calls on the Government to establish an

initial discretionary COVID fund of €5 million to help households with utility debt and arrears, something that St. Vincent de Paul have flagged as a cause for alarm as we emerge from the pandemic. Other countries have set up similar funds to help families who have

fallen behind on bills and we can do it here too. “This motion is about supporting struggling families.

The proposals are aimed at those most in need and are targeted in order to support households where jobs have been lost and workers who

are out of work because of the pandemic. “I hope that the Government will see some sense, and do the right thing by these workers and their families. We need to do much more to support workers and families across the state during these unprecedented times.”

INDEED CAREER COACH PROGRAMME

Bernard Dunne pictured at the launch of the new ‘Indeed Career Coach’ programme which aims to tackle the core issues high-performance amateur athletes encounter when transitioning to life after elite sport. Over the coming year, Indeed is committed to helping hundreds of Irish high-performance amateur athletes, current and retired, unleash their talent by providing them with the career tools and supports needed to plan for a professional career beyond sport. For more information on Indeed Career Coach please visit: www.indeedcareercoach.ie

Pic Credit INPHO/Morgan Treacy

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COUNCILLOR DEMANDS A LOCAL AREA PLAN FOR RATHCOOLE Local Councillor, Shirley O’Hara, has formally requested a Local Area Plan be developed for Rathcoole. Despite the Council Management stating that this was not necessary, Cllr. O’Hara pushed her motion to a vote which was supported by her fellow Councillors in the Clondalkin, Newcastle and Rathcoole area. There are currently multiple planning applications and approved planning permissions in Rathcoole ranging from Stoney Lane all the way up to Broadfield. Plans even include a controversial large-scale housing proposal by the Council itself. According to

Cllr. O’Hara no one is looking at these plans holistically, and instead Rathcoole is being developed in a piecemeal way, which is creating traffic chaos and putting pressure on the local schools.

“In my view, the way Rathcoole is being developed is not sustainable and it’s not good planning. None is looking at all the planning applications in Rathcoole holistically. A Local Area Plan is something residents have been asking for quite some time and I agree that it’s the best way to plan for the future of Rathcoole,” explained Cllr. O’Hara. “Newcastle has an Area Plan and so does

Fortunestown in Citywest, but Rathcoole, which is also a developing village, does not.

I know we’re getting ready to do the next Development Plan and I know that zoning for Rathcoole will be included in that, but I don’t think that’s good enough to have to rely on the County Development Plan to decide how this village grows. I think we need a vision for how Rathcoole should be developed; because right now it’s being developed in a piece-meal way, which is creating traffic chaos and putting pressure on the local schools,” said Cllr. Shirley O’Hara. In its response to

Cllr. O’Hara, South Dublin County Council stated that the County Development Plan is an appropriate policy context for Rathcoole, and pointed out that the current Development Plan does not include Rathcoole as an area that requires a Local Area Plan.

“There’s a lot of anger in Rathcoole about how their village has been developed and creating a Local Area Plan would at least give locals the opportunity to help shape a vision for the development of Rathcoole and provide better transparency around the strategy for building of homes in the area. That’s why I pushed my motion

to a vote, because I didn’t believe that the residents I represent would be happy w i t h t h e

Manager’s report.

The next step from my perspective will be to table a motion to ask that the next County Development Plan includes a Local Area Plan for Rathcoole,” concluded Cllr. O’Hara.

NCBI CALLS FOR VOLUNTEERS TO BECOME PART OF THE ‘CONNECTION NETWORK’ National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) is looking for volunteers across the country to join its Connection Network service. This service is a free, confidential and befriending service led by trained volunteers who make weekly phone calls to those service users who experience isolation. This service is in response to the reality that during Covid19, our service users said that isolation, loneliness and emotional support were areas that needed attention.

Beatrice Bowers, NCBI Community Resource Worker said: “This service offers an opportunity to increase the social network of our service users, reduce loneliness, share worries or concerns and increase a sense of community among people with sight loss and NCBI. It also allows them to re-engage with NCBI services if they wish. We have seen an increase in the general wellbeing of those who have already availed of this service this is why we are hoping to expand our network of volunteers.” All volunteers will be fully trained and supported by the NCBI services team. It couldn’t be easier to get involved and calls will be made via the BlueFace App. This app enables calls to be made free of charge and an account will be set up for you when you begin volunteering. Volunteers will not be asked to give their personal phone numbers to the service users they call. Antoinette Burke, Connection Network Volunteer said “Volunteering with NCBI has been an enriching experience as I have been afforded the opportunity to have very positive and engaging interactions with clients of the service. It has certainly given me a greater insight and understanding of the challenges they experience which is something that makes me stop and think. It is a vital service that goes a long way to combat isolation and loneliness for the client. If you are able to build up a good rapport with the client, you can certainly make a difference which is ultimately the feel good factor of being a volunteer. If you are interested in volunteering for the NCBI Connection Network, please contact Olivia. Harrington@ncbi.ie

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WOMAN DIAGNOSED WITH RARE BRAIN DISEASE ‘GETS BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM HER FURRY FRIEND’

Dogs Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, has launched their ‘99k for Canines’ Facebook challenge calling on dog lovers to walk 99 kilometres with or without their furry friends over the month of February.

by the care her adopted dog has shown her, to take part in the challenge to raise much needed funds for the charity. Róisín’s family adopted Freya, who had been abandoned on the M50 as a puppy, along with her littermates in 2018.

In a case of “who rescued who?”, one participant, Róisín Tracey who is recovering from brain surgery, has been inspired

Freya was then adopted from a rescue organisation but subsequently returned, which turned out to be a stroke of luck for Róisín.

PLANS FOR TALLAGHT VILLAGE UNDER VILLAGE ENHANCEMENT SCHEME Recently local Tallaght Councillor Charlie O’Connor enquired on confirmation on plans for Tallaght Village “To ask the Chief Executive to confirm plans for Tallaght Village under the Village Enhancement Scheme and will he make a statement.” South Dublin County Council replied with the following “Approximately €500,000 has been spent to date on paving repairs throughout the village (2015) and improvement works at Old Greenhills Road and Old Bawn Road/Main Street (2017). There are no proposals for the inclusion of any further works in Tallaght Village at this time. We are currently undergoing detailed design of Castletymon Shopping Centre under our District Centre Enhancement Programme and it is planned that we will be going to tender on this scheme later on in the year.”

Approximately eighteen months ago, at the age of 22, Róisín was diagnosed with a rare brain disease which sadly left her in considerable pain, bed bound and unable to work. Through it all, Freya has been glued to Róisín’s side and seems to know when she’s in pain or about to have a seizure and would alert other family members if she fell or collapsed. Róisín explained: “Freya usually sleeps with my parents but after I had brain surgery, she slept in my bed. We may have rescued her, but I feel she has done more for me than the other way around. When I saw the ‘99k for Canines’ challenge on my Facebook feed, I thought of how much Freya has helped me and how much I want to be able to help other dogs in need, just like she was, so we signed up immediately. Freya is my inspiration for getting out to walk and the challenge suits me because there will

be days, I can walk further than others and days where I can’t walk at all.”

Ciara Byrne, Head of Communications at Dogs Trust Ireland said: “We were blown away when we heard Róisín’s story. The fact she’s taking part

in our ‘99k for Canines’ challenge after everything she’s been through is such an inspiration to us and to everybody else taking part and we wish her and Freya the very best of luck. It’s such a wonderful way for Róisín to give back.

She’s helping other rescue dogs, just like Freya, by fundraising for Dogs Trust via this challenge.” For more information about Dogs Trust Ireland’s ‘99k for Canines’ Facebook challenge, please visit www. DogsTrust.ie/99kForCanines

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IMPEDING REDUNDANCIES IN THE ARCADIA GROUP HIGHLIGHT FAILURE TO PROTECT WORKERS TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe TD has said that the news that 490 retail workers employed by the Arcadia Group are to be made redundant and only receive mandatory redundancy is just another in a long line of demonstrations that Ireland is failing over and over to protect workers. Teachta Crowe said: “The

news that 490 workers from Topman and Topshop, and many other stores, are to be made permanently redundant is an incredible blow to these workers, their families, and their communities. Indeed, it is a massive blow to the retail sector in Ireland. “Since early December, when liquidators were appointed to the Arcadia

Group, which owns the Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins, Burton, Miss Selfridge, Evans and Wallis brands, there was a significant worry amongst the workers and their trade union that these redundancies were coming.

maximise the value of stock. At that time, Sinn Féin stated that if the jobs couldn’t be saved, then the monies secured from the sale of this stock needed to be ring-fenced for a decent redundancy package for workers.

“Arcadia stores had traded throughout Christmas, under the provisional liquidators, in order to

“Given the unfortunate situation that has arisen, it is important that the government inform the liquidators that they expect the workers’ collective agreement to be honoured and a fair redundancy package paid. “We have failed to protect the Clerys and Debenhams workers. The Debenhams workers are still protesting their treatment while an indifferent Fine GaelFianna Fáil government look on. “The government must not only step in on behalf of the retail workers

at the Arcadia Group, but they must also progress legislation to boost workers’ redundancy rights in the context of a liquidation.

“How many more hundreds or thousands or workers must lose out before we take action to protect them?”

COMMITMENT TO TREE PRUNING IN PALMERSTOWN MANOR David Gardiner, Workers’ Party representative in Palmerstown-Fonthill, has reacted to a commitment from South Dublin County Council to carry out tree maintenance in Palmerstown Manor. Gardiner said: “Following a Workers’ Party petition which gained 300 signatures, South Dublin County Council have committed to carrying out much-needed tree pruning in Palmerstown Manor by the end of the year.”

“The Workers’ Party successfully campaigned for the inclusion of the estate on the Tree Maintenance Programme 2020-22, and we’re glad to have finally been given a definitive time frame of 2021 for when these works will take place.” “I’m particularly glad for the many residents who have come to us over the past year or so saying that they’ve been asking the council for this for many years but to no avail. Ordinary working people fund our local authorities and so we should be entitled to a good quality public service in return.”

LOTTO MILLIONAIRE IN THE BELFRY!

A recent Wednesday’s Lotto jackpot draw was certainly a night of capital gains as two separate players in Dublin scooped two huge prizes in the bumper €7.5 million draw. The biggest winner of the night was a lucky Lotto player in Citywest in Dublin 24 who became the latest National Lottery millionaire after winning the Lotto Plus 1 top prize of €1 million. The winning Quick Pick ticket was sold on the day of the draw at The Belfry Spar store in City West in

the south west of Dublin.

Manager of the winning store, Warren Brennan has urged the residents of Citywest to check their Lotto tickets and said that due to the location of the store, it is more likely that the winner will be from the area, “The staff in the store are absolutely buzzing, knowing that

somebody who came into the store yesterday is now a millionaire, it’s truly incredible! The store is situated in the heart of a large residential area here in Citywest so the likelihood is that one of the local residents is a brand new millionaire. Whoever they are, we wish them every bit of luck with their million euro win,” he said.

Warren Brennan, store manager at The Belfry Spar store in Citywest and co-worker Sinead O’Leary

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COOKSTOWN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IMPROVEMENTS

Local Cllr. Charlie O’Connor recently enquired regarding the efforts on updating Cookstown Industrial Estate recently “To ask the Chief Executive to present an update on efforts to improve the image of Cookstown Industrial Estate noting the widespread view that everything possible continues to be done to attract employment to the estate.”

‘REGEN’ zone areas, such as Cookstown and to upgrade these areas to create further opportunities for regeneration and employment’’. This will be achieved through investment in the delivery of new infrastructure and the regeneration of the area creating a mixed use environment home to more intensive forms of economic activity, innovation and public services”.

The reply from South Dublin County Council entailed the following; “Cookstown is a designated neighbourhood in the Tallaght Local Area Plan (LAP), which provides a new urban structure and a series of specific policies and objectives to support the area in realising it’s full potential as an economic driver in the region. Within the LAP, ‘‘it is a policy of the Council to promote and support the consolidation or relocation of existing employment uses in Regeneration

The reply continued “This is already happening, with the private sector advancing the development of privately owned sites in the Cookstown area via the planning process, whilst SDCC has taken a lead role in helping to regenerate and improve the image of the Cookstown area. To date, a total of €14.58m of URDF funding is being invested in the Cookstown and central Tallaght area as SDCC is developing a significant public realm project, an

NEW DOG RUN COMING TO COLLINSTOWN PARK A new dog run will be constructed in Collinstown Park in North Clondalkin in 2021. Dog runs allow dog owners to walk their dogs off the lead in designated areas in public parks. The dog run is part of the

Public Realm Improvement Works Programme 2021 to be approved by councillors at the February County Council meeting. Local Councillor Madeleine Johansson said: “I’m delighted to say that the

John Glynn & Company Solicitors are now offering Zoom and Team consultations. Zoom consultations allow you to speak with a solicitor from the comfort of your own home. For those who are not comfortable with Zoom, you are still welcome to visit the office in person and use Teams. Teams allows you to sit in your own private room and have a consultation with a solicitor who is in another room.

For further details and to make an appointment, please call 01 - 45 15 099

council will be providing a dog run in Collinstown Park. This is a great addition to the park, which has already seen a new play space and a teen space currently under construction. I raised the possibility of a dog run in the park with the council when I was contacted by a resident last year. During the Covid-19 pandemic many local residents have enjoyed taking their dog for a walk in the park. When the dog run is built residents can walk their dogs off the lead without endangering people, wildlife or other dogs in the park.”

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innovation centre, a transport mobility hub and the Airton road extension, whilst the Belgard Road North link road is almost fully constructed, which will enhance access and permeability to the area. With a further c.€15m URDF funding recently secured for development in the

area, coupled with the fact that SDCC will commence construction of the affordable apartment scheme (133 apartments) at a cost of c.€30m in the Cookstown neighbourhood, it is very clear to see that the image of the Cookstown area is being actively improved and the objectives of the Tallaght LAP are being met”.

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DUBLIN BASED CHARITIES EACH RECEIVE €500 DONATION A total of 24 Dublin-based charities have become the latest beneficiaries of Aldi’s Community Grants programme, with each charity receiving a €500 grant from the Aldi store teams in Dublin. €500 grants were presented locally to Pieta House Lucan, Kingswood Community & Leisure Centre Ltd, DSPCA and LauraLynn. Aldi’s Community Grants programme helps fund local charities

and organisations that contribute vital work and services in their local communities. Each local charity supported is chosen by Aldi employees, enabling them to help the local good causes they are passionate about. The programme has contributed to 750 local projects to date, donating over €375,000 since 2016. Commenting, John Curtin, Group Buying Director, Aldi

Pictured L-R Aldi Frascati Store Charity Champion Maria Ivens presents a €500 donation to Naoise Clarke and Suzanne McGovern of DSPCA.

Ireland said: “We are very proud to have been able to contribute to supporting local charities across the country through the Aldi Community Grants programme and we’re pleased to see the impact of our donation in the local communities in

Dublin. The Community Grants programme is one example of how Aldi is committed to investing and partnering with local communities and charities across Ireland and we look forward to continuing this engagement into 2021.”

Pictured L-R Sinead Ronanwells of Pieta House Lucan receives a €500 donation from Aldi Fonthill Store Charity Champion Natalia Zaworska.

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INVESTMENT BY FÁILTE IRELAND WILL PROVIDE WELCOME BOOST

A new nationwide €55 million investment by Fáilte Ireland will provide a welcome boost for tourism businesses in Dublin, a Fine Gael Senator Seery Kearney has said. Senator Seery Kearney said the funding for the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme was secured in Budget 2021 and Fáilte Ireland is responsible for developing and administering the scheme.

providers registered with Fáilte Ireland and Cruise Hire companies who meet the eligibility criteria. “The Government will continue to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and ensure that appropriate supports are in place. We are now developing tourism for survival through the pandemic and recovery in the medium and long term.”

Senator Seery Kearney said: “The scheme will support those tourism businesses that were not eligible for the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) payment or previous Fáilte Ireland continuity grant schemes. “I am confident this will have a positive impact on the industry in Dublin and will be key to helping it survive and thrive in the year ahead.

The National Tourism Development Authority also announced its heavyweight domestic marketing plans, investment commitments in outdoor dining and urban animation and its strategic priorities for the year ahead. The event entitled ‘Survive to Thrive’, provided industry with details of Fáilte Ireland’s plans that will help support resilience and survival in the short term and the recovery of the sector in the long-term.

“The first phase of the Scheme opens for applications on the 11th February 2021 to businesses including outdoor activity providers, visitor attractions not eligible for CRSS, caravan and camping

Senator Seery Kearney said: “Amongst its key projects for 2021, Fáilte Ireland has also committed to the enhancement of

urban areas through the 31 Destination Town projects across the country and two new funding schemes. “The Outdoor Dining Grant Scheme will improve the quality of outdoor dining

spaces and offer reassurance around safety and comfort, and the Urban Animation Grant Scheme will animate our cities and towns with innovative lighting and art installations. “Fáilte

Ireland has also committed to preparing for the return of tourism by working with industry to build improved websites and online booking capability through a new digital transformation

programme and continuing to keep Ireland front of mind for overseas buyers through a range of virtual sales events, including Meitheal, one of Ireland’s largest travel trade shows.”

COUNCILLOR CAUTIONS AGAINST LOSING SIGHT OF LOCAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGETS

Local Councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh has welcomed a recent reply to a question he posed about the change over to more efficient LED public street lighting for older lighting in Palmerstown. The Councillor in Dublin Mid-West was speaking specifically with regards to the public street lighting programme roll-out to new LED technology across the county when he said: “As a former taxi driver that spent many years driving night shifts, often for long isolated periods between jobs, you begin to notice the least likely things, such as the sheer number of public street lights that line our roads like endless parallel bars. I sometimes wondered about the incredible cost in powering and maintaining the vast numbers involved. “In advance of the January Area Committee Meeting (ACM) for local councillors, I submitted an official

question to the Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council. I asked specifically for a report on the roll-out plans to continue with the programme of works to transition to the newer energy efficient LED lights in Palmerstown.

“In response, I was informed that they have completed 3,075 upgrades across the Lucan/Palmerstown/North Clondalkin area to date as part of the council’s first phase of the LED Upgrade Programme from a target of approximately 10,000. “A second phase is currently commencing and this will comprise of a further upgrade of 8,500 light fittings in the county over a four to five period. A programme for 2021 of 1500 upgrades is being collated at present and will cover locations in all the electoral areas. “Whilst I clearly welcome the ongoing delivery, I recognise the challenges

that Covid19 has presented for all types of services and the impact to the roll-out of planned programmes such as this, however we cannot lose sight of our commitments with respect to climate change but also our responsibilities to making the best use of money spent and this starts within our homes and communities. The LED light transition programme began almost six years ago and if anything we ought to be increasing the rate at which the programme rollout is being delivered. “Meeting our commitments is not only in the interest of the taxpaying public but importantly forms part of our commitments on climate action plans. LED light bulbs use up to 85% less electricity and emit minimum heat waste, converting this energy to light instead, so the benefits for our community and wider society are there for all to see.”

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Newsgroup Education & Training Feature

2021 Young Environmentalist Awards ECO-UNESCO is calling on young environmentalists to make a positive impact on the environment and register for the Young Environmentalist Awards 2021. Hosted by ECOUNESCO, the Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) is an all-Ireland awards programme that recognises and rewards young people for their efforts to improve the environment and raise climate change awareness. Young people aged 10 to 18 will have the opportunity to win awards across ten categories for their environmental projects. The YEA programme is a fun and exciting way to empower young people to become better citizens, to build awareness of environmental issues in their community

and promote local actions and lifestyle changes to the environment.

Elaine Nevin, Director of ECO-UNESCO said “We are delighted to launch the 22nd year of the Young Environmentalist Awards. This programme offers a space for the creation of positive solutions to our environmental problems and encourages our future generation of leaders to take positive environmental action. We are so excited to welcome new projects this year and see how some of the continuing projects have developed.” Some of last year’s winners include young activists from Mount Carmel School in Dublin with their project, ‘Bee Be Gone If We Don’t

Act Now’, ‘Me-Bags’ from Crumlin Youthreach who created sustainable wellness products and the overall winner of the YEAs, The Young Reducers from Davis College in Mallow, who banned single-use plastics in their school and created an awareness video with ‘The Young Offenders’ Star Demi Oviawe calling for environmental action to be taken. The ECO-DENS which are the YEA semi-finals will take place in April where students will have the opportunity to showcase their projects to a panel of judges. The Young Environmentalist Awards will take place in May. For more information or to register, please go to www. YEA.ie

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LOCAL ENTERPRISE WEEK 2021 SOUTH DUBLIN OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED THIS WEEK! Mayor Ed O’Brien and founders of Artisan Pizza Cliona Swan and Gianpiero De Vallier together with South Dublin Director of Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development Frank Nevin, Head of Enterprise Tom Rooney and Senior Enterprise Development Officer Justin Mulhern launch the Local Enterprise Office South Dublin line up of events for ‘Local Enterprise Week 2021’

Local Enterprise Week is the most extensive ever in 2021. All events will be virtual, open and free to all to attend. Participants can choose what events or workshops they would like to attend and participate from the comfort of their own home. “The impact of COVID 19 has and continues to challenge many of our local businesses into 2021 but it is important that businesses take this time for to prepare themselves for their re-opening later in the year, to innovate and explore new business ideas and to consider the opportunities for e-commerce including the expansion into new International markets’, commented Tom Rooney, The 2021 Programme opens on Monday 1st March kicking off with the national launch of the Green for Micro Initiative. This initiative was set up to help companies incorporate sustainable practices into the day-today running of their business. Building the New is a presentation which focuses on the new businesses starting because of COVID and others innovating because of COVID. Future of Work explores how businesses are dealing with competition, technology, leadership and management skills and the distributed workforce into the

future. Almost 700 businesses successfully secured a Trading Online Voucher in South Dublin during 2020 to develop their online capability. Building on that the week’s programme includes a number of events to develop your e-commerce capability. A keynote presentation is from the motivational speaker David Meade on how to ‘Engage for Success online’. Workshops on Creating a Trading Online Digital Strategy, Enabling your B2B Online opportunities and Data Protection & GDPR essentials for Successful e-commerce will also take place. If you have not yet developed your online presence, then there is still time to sign up for the Trading Online Voucher Seminar 2021. This allows businesses to apply for the voucher scheme afterwards. Other presentations and panels to watch out for include Health Checking your Business for its forward journey which will focus on Working Capital and Cashflow. Cyber Security - Defending your business workshop highlights the broad range of threats that contribute to Cyber risk and the technical aspects of developing a Cyber Security plan; Reboot your Strategy for 2021 with the Lean Business Model Canvas and Toolkit for Wellness workshop is a blended approach of theory,

Picture – L to R: Foreground Mayor Cllr Ed O’Brien, L to R Cliona Swan & Gianpiero De Vallier, Artisan Pizza, Frank Nevin, SDCC and Justin Mulhern and Tom Rooney LEO South Dublin

practical and exercisedriven training for supporting mental health and wellbeing in a professional environment A special Networking Event for Women in Business (NEWS) together with talks and interviews with local successful entrepreneurs are also taking place over the course of the week. The announcement came from South Dublin Local Enterprise

Office (LEO), as part of the release of a jampacked schedule of events between 1st and 5th March, for Local Enterprise Week 2021. The purpose of Local Enterprise Week is to highlight the range of services and supports available to existing and potential entrepreneurs and micro and small enterprises. Our mission is to promote entrepreneurship, foster business startups and develop and

support existing micro and small businesses to drive job creation and to provide accessible high-quality supports for businesses in South Dublin. “We focus on supporting businesses prepare and reset for the reopening of the economy while also providing an exceptional opportunity to support new businesses who are considering starting a business to

engage with us. Our wide-ranging program of events is designed to help you meet these challenges and explore opportunities for our existing businesses clients. The focus for the Local Enterprise Office is also to connect with the many aspiring entrepreneurs who have an innovative idea and see this as the opportune time for them to start their own business” commented Mr. Tom Rooney of LEO South Dublin.

d all w.localenterprise.ie/southdublin an ww at ble ila ava is e, mm gra pro l The ful city with the exception of some pa ca d ite lim un g vin ha st mo h wit events are free vising ers. LEO South Dublin is strongly ad mb nu d ite lim for be y ma ich wh ps worksho vance to avoid disappointment. businesses to book their place in ad

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REGISTER NOW FOR FREE GROW-KITS FROM THE BIG GROW 2021 Schools may be closed, but innocent and GIY are calling on teachers to sign up for free food growing classroom kits to welcome them back when the doors are open again. The Big Grow now in it’s tenth year, a campaign started by innocent and GIY to get kids growing their own veg at school, helping thousands of schools to get free growing resources. Schools all over the country are again invited to apply to The Big Grow for a food growing kit which comes with five packs of different seeds and enough compost, growing cups, instructions, and fun lesson plans for the entire class. Although schools are closed at the moment, they’ll be sent once everyone’s back in class just in time to start the growing season. The growing cups are easy for kids to take home and do the activities from the comfort of their kitchen too. The Big Grow has so far helped 1.5 million kids to start growing their own veg, and this year over 200,000 more children in Ireland the UK will be getting stuck in to learn something new. Speaking of the 10 year anniversary and the launch of the 2021 initiative, founder of GIY Michael Kelly said: “We are so proud to have reached a 10year milestone of helping children to grow food at school with innocent through The Big Grow. When we began this initiative a decade ago it was a novel concept and some might have thought it wouldn’t catch on.

But the feedback we get from the schools, teachers and most importantly the children who take part every year re-affirms that this initiative works, be that in urban, rural or city centre schools.”

Brand manager for innocent drinks Ireland, Rochana Shrestha added: ‘We’re big fans of fruit and veg here at innocent and we’re really proud of The Big Grow seeing as it helps kids to grow their own. Over the last ten years, we’ve made it our mission to reach over half the primary school kids in Ireland with this healthy-eating project, so it’s great that more schools are taking part again this year. Getting kids excited about veg is what it’s all about.’ Each school taking part in The Big Grow will be encouraged to share their growing experiences online in order to be in with a chance of being crowned The Big Grow Champs 2021 and be awarded a school garden revamp. The winners of the 2020 Big Grow were St. Patrick’s Boys and Girls Primary School in Lombard Street in Galway City. The school owns a small concrete yard and used the space to create an incredible ‘Vertical Garden’ using every inch of space and even placing pallets on walls to grow peas, lettuce, spinach, potatoes and lots more. Jarlath Conboy, Principal of St. Pat’s spoke about the impact of the programme on his school: “The Big Grow has sparked an interest in food growing among our pupils that helped make our school garden the

Pic Credit: Patrick Browne success that it is. Last year, that enthusiasm was brought home as many of our children started growing food at home for the first time as well. Although we are a city-centre school and many of our pupils do not have a garden at home we turned concrete patches, balconies and windowsills into colourful growing spaces. The class essentially brought the countryside into the city in the work that they did. Most importantly, this competition has sown the seeds of a

positive attitude towards healthy eating at a young age. As schools across Ireland continue to adapt to Covid restrictions, The Big Grow offers the excitement of watching seeds turn into healthy food and a welcome chance to take their learning outdoors.” Teachers can sign up for a free food growing kit at www.innocentbiggrow.com. Registration is still open while stocks last, and kits will be sent once schools doors are open again based on government guidelines.

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“€1000 GRANT FOR TRANSPORT QUALIFICATION” If you are receiving the PUP or you are unemployed you are now entitled to a Social Welfare grant of €1000 to attend the CPC.IE “Internationally Acclaimed” Transport Management CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence ). Therefore you only have to pay €95 to become a qualified Transport Manager for life and pursue a career in the busy Transport & Logistics and Logistics industry. This course also allows you to set up your own transport business and to deliver 4 modules of the Driver CPC. CPC.IE are commencing our next full and part-time Transport Management CPC

in February and April to prepare students for the next exams on the 31st March and the 30th June 2021. We recently received this very kind feedback from one of our last pupils: “Hi Tony - just a quick email to say thanks to you and team once again. If it wasn’t for your expert guidance and infectious enthusiasm, I am sure I would not have persevered so that today I received my international RPTOL. Regards. Anton Romaniuk (Keogh Tours)” As CPC.IE courses are educational and compulsory for essential services workers we are continuing to run our CPC courses in the Green Isle Hotel, Clondalkin

and other hotels throughout the country. All covid-19 protocols are adhered to including minimum of 2m distancing between students, hand sanitizers and room cleansing etc Here is another example of feedback from one of our last successful students who achieved an amazing 97% in the exam. “Hi Tony - Kevin McSweeney here from your Transport Management CPC course. Thanks very much for the help and for the course; it was fantastic I really enjoyed it. The delivery of the course was exceptional and I think my results reflect this. Talk soon and thanks again. Best regards. Kevin”

THE KING’S HOSPITAL SCHOOL PARTICIPATES IN EU’S BRIDGE THE POND INITIATIVE The European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin was delighted to join with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Washington DC in bringing the Bridge the Pond initiative to Ireland. This initiative sees secondary school students in the European Union debate and discuss key topical issues with high school students from the United States. Bridge the Pond linked students from the King’s Hospital School in Dublin with students from Blacksburg High School in Virginia. They met for the first time in an online event on 27 January with MEP Maria Walsh and the Mayor of Blacksburg Virginia, Leslie Hager-Smith in attendance. Over the coming weeks, the students will discuss their selected topics such as: climate activism and sustainability, digital citizenship and social media, and studying abroad before presenting their findings at a closing event scheduled for 3 March. By providing the opportunity for students to connect and discover their respective cultures and the issues faced by their societies, the

project aims to promote dialogue among young people on both sides of the Atlantic thus contributing to the foundations upon which EU-US relations are built. The first edition of Bridge the Pond linked up high school students from Verona, Wisconsin and Espoo, Finland. Viki Malcolm, Senior Schools Ambassador at The King’s Hospital School said: “As a European Parliament Ambassador School, we are delighted to be involved in the Bridge the Pond project. By taking part in this programme, students will gain a greater understanding of the European Union and the democratic process. Furthermore, they will be supported and encouraged by the project mentors and, crucially, by their peers to become active citizens who understand that collaboration and cooperation is the way to make their voices heard and effect change.” Maria Walsh MEP, said: ““I was delighted to take part in this initiative, and commend the EP Liaison Office in both Dublin and Washington for their

work. It’s important that we have younger voices at the decision making table. They make the conversation richer and more inclusive. Ultimately, the fundamentals of making positive change in society is when we ensure all voices are listened to, compromise is made and negotiations had. That’s what makes the difference to our citizens and we are understanding of each other’s view points”.

For further course details please visit our website www.CPC.ie, email: info@cpc.ie or ring 1890-374837; 087-6363003

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STUDENTS WANT CHOICE & CLEAR COMMUNICATION The Irish-Second Level Students’ Union publishes their Report on the State Examinations 2021 and the Reopening of Schools. The ISSU undertook a detailed consultation process including a survey which had over 20,000 responses, and a private webinar with over 250 representatives

of ISSU member schools in attendance. The purpose of this report is to ensure student voice is being included in any decisions made surrounding the 2021 State Examinations and the Reopening of Schools. The consultation process was carried out through the ISSU’s 480 member schools,

and due to the important nature of future decisions on these topics, students from all schools were also invited to input to the survey. The ISSU reiterates the need for increased communication from the Department of Education

& Skills regarding safety protocols and the rationale behind their decisions, with 73% of respondents feeling either very unsafe or unsafe with regard to the prospect of schools reopening. The ISSU notes that poor communications is also leading to students lacking any real trust in the

€2.46 MILLION AWARDED TO SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Dublin Higher Education Institutions have been awarded €2.46 million for initiatives aimed at supporting students with disabilities Deputy Higgins has said. Deputy Emer Higgins who sits on the Disability Matters Committee said, “I am pleased that my colleague Simon Harris TD, has allocated a total of €5.4m in funding nationally for a broad range of initiatives. “These projects are aimed at improving access to higher education for people with a disability, to improving college campuses and to assist staff with training and development. “Projects such as Physical Access Improvements in TCD, Universal Design & Inclusive Teaching practices at DCU, Technology-enhanced learning at UCD and a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Pilot Programme at the Technological University Dublin have been included. “The initiatives will support the overall strategic development of disability services in higher education institutions. “The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) aims to support students with a range of conditions and disabilities including sensory and physical disabilities, specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, autism, mental health conditions and significant ongoing illness. “The scope and reach of the FSD

has changed significantly over the past twenty years. In 1999, it supported 300 students. By 2018/2019, the fund supported 13,000 students. “We have been determined to support the Higher and Further Education through the challenges of Covid-19, and to ensure that educational opportunities remain and are made more accessible to everyone, particularly the most vulnerable in our society,” Deputy Higgns said. Announcing the funding, Minister Harris said, “College can be an overwhelming experience but for people with disabilities, it can be extremely daunting. “These projects will make a transformational difference to people’s lives. For people with autism, there are autismfriendly rooms being established in nine colleges for when things get overwhelming. We are funding projects to make our colleges more accessible “We will also fund tactile wayfinding maps, loop systems for deaf and hardof-hearing students. Education is for everyone and people with disabilities need to be supported by their third level institutions. “Importantly, we will use some of the funding for training staff and hiring new ones to help students with additional needs.”

Department’s decisions, with 75% of respondents saying that their trust in the Department is either “very poor” or “poor”.

After extensive analysis of the survey results paired with data from the consultation, the ISSU will be advocating for a choice for Leaving Certificate students between calculated grades or sitting in-person exams in June, with over 81% of respondents rating this option favourably. The ISSU wishes to acknowledge the massive input from 6th year and LCA2 students in particular to the survey and consultation, as well as their communications with the union over the last number of weeks. The ISSU will also be advocating for clarity with regard to the Junior Certificate exams, with 71% of Junior Cycle students who responded to the survey communicating their dissatisfaction with the support they have received from the Department of Education. Junior Cycle students are also not in

favour of exams proceeding as currently planned, with calculated grades or an option of calculated grades and in-person exams gathering a majority of support.

Speaking on the launch of the survey and consultation report, ISSU President Reuban Murray stated “Students want clarity, and for the Department to learn from the mistakes and delays of last year. We need to plan now for what might be happening regarding exams and the reopening of schools in the coming weeks and months. We’re asking for compassion for the thousands of students who - up until now- have been asked to carry on as normal, in what are completely abnormal times. It is clear that we need to try something different, and we’re ready and willing to contribute to this with our recommendations in this report”. The Report on the State Examinations 2021 can be found at issu.ie/ news2/2021-survey-results

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SURVEY BY IRISH EDUCATION APP EXIT ENTRY GAUGES THE MOOD OF IRISH TEEN An online survey of over 1,000 secondary school students by Irish mobile education app, Exit Entry has highlighted the challenges faced by Irish

teens during 2020. The vast majority (88%) stated that their education had been adversely affected in 2020, due to having missed out on a conventional school year. At

an age when friendships are all-important, over half of those surveyed (55%) found not seeing their friends to be the most challenging aspect of Covid-19, ahead

of home-schooling, the disrupted school year or anxiety about contracting the virus. This is the age when you stay connected almost exclusively by social media (76%) with the more traditional methods of simply texting or calling barely registering. While a lifeline for some, only 5% of students have used Zoom to connect with friends. Indicative of their view of 2020 was that when asked to sum up the year in an emoji, the top five included - the face-mask emoji, the crying emoji, the sick emoji, the confused emoji and the poo emoji! For social media, TikTok currently reigns supreme as the social media app of choice with 58% choosing it as their favourite, with Snapchat as second choice with 20%. Newspapers, TV and Radio are now more relevant for a huge 85% of teenagers surveyed! Between spending more time at home and keeping even an informal tally (81%) of daily infection rates, teens are more in tune with the more traditional media sources for current affairs. Schoolwork: In a near 50/50 split, 52% of students claimed their schools were good at communicating with them during lockdown while 48% thought their school communicated poorly. 77% confirmed they did their home-schooling assignments while 23% admitted they didn’t do the assignments issued. Mental Health: 59% of students felt they were supported with their mental health with 41% saying that they could have been supported better. Family was the biggest source of support with 49% of the vote, followed by friends as a close second. In a worrying discovery, 73% of students confirmed they have never been to their school guidance counsellor, however 74% said they would use an app like Exit Entry to help them discover opportunities. Activities: When asked on sources of comfort during isolation, 25% of teens sought comfort in sport and fitness, 21% indulged in

Netflix, 9% found escapism on social media, 8% enjoyed their pets more, 7% turned to food while 2% of respondents delved into online gaming. Exit Entry, the Irish mobile app which connects students with courses, opportunities and employers, understands that the younger generation will lead us all to a more connected world. Exit Entry, conducted the survey with over 1,000 secondary school students to champion young voices and get a general feeling on the current student landscape and mood in Irish secondary schools. Lewize Crothers said, “We were blown away by the huge response to our student survey. It is so important to ask students how they feel and what their thoughts are. We must never assume we know. These students are our future, we must value and support them!” Exit Entry and eir have launched a nationwide competition for secondary school students in Ireland running until St Patrick’s Day 17th March. Five students will have the chance to get their hands on a Huawei Smart Phone by entering the competition through the Exit Entry Secondary school app. To enter the competition students must simply download the Exit Entry App on a smartphone and upload any photo in

the my profile section that reminds them of what any of these words mean to them - ADAPTABILITY , COLLABORATION, RESILIENCE, ENTHUSIASM AND SELF- DISCIPLINE (or if students are feeling brave they can upload a short video!) Eir is one of the many employers featured on the Exit Entry app and who are using it to connect with students and graduates. Speaking about the collaboration with eir, Lewize Crothers said, “We are asking students to tell us through images or video what these words mean to them during this time of their life. How they have coped and built resilience during these challenging times. How they have adapted to a new world, what has motivated them and what routines have kept them going. We want their voices to be heard.” Students can download the Exit Entry App now on the App Store or the Google Play Store. The Exit Entry app is a free tool, as the team believes that every student deserves equal access to career information and opportunities. No barriers, just equal opportunities for all. To find out more about the Exit entry & eir competition and how to enter to win one of 5 Huawei Smart Phones, visit : https:// w w w. i n s t a g r a m . c o m / exitentryjobs/.

TO ADVERTISE IN OUR EDUCATION FEATURE, CONTACT SIOBHAN TODAY! Phone: 01 451 9000 or Email: siobhan@newsgroup.ie www.newsgroup.ie

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g n i k o o c e Hom and baking Taro Spinach Sesame Balls

Meat & Potato Pie

by Chef Bal Krishna Shrestha

Serves: 4 people. Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients: - 400g plain flour - Good pinch of salt - 200g butter, chilled, cubed - 3-5 tbsp cold water - egg, beaten with a dash of milk, to glaze - 1 tbsp olive oil - 1 large onion, finely chopped

Ingredients: - 150g taro - 75g fresh spinach - 50g potato - 50g ghee/butter - ½tsp whole cumin - 25g chopped onion - 0.3 tsp ground turmeric - Seasoning to taste - 100g Sesame seeds roasted - 3pc whole egg make a batter - 500ml vegetable oil fry

- 1 clove of garlic, crushed - 750g good quality minced beef steak - 2 tbsp plain flour - 400ml beef stock - 2 tbsp tomato puree - 1 tbsp Brown sauce -1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce - 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed - 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley - Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method: Preheat the oven to 200C/180Cfan/Gas6.

Method: Add potato and taro into a pot with salted water. Bring it to boil until they are very soft, remove from a pot & leave aside to cool. Peel & crush the potato & taro, transfer to a bowl. Chop fresh spinach & add to the bowl. Heat the ghee/butter in a wide frying pan, add cumin seed & cook until it turns dark brown. Then add turmeric & onion. Saute onion for a few minutes until brown. Add potato, taro & spinach into the pan, mix it well to combine. Season it well & transfer to a wide bowl to cool. Take small portions and shape them into small mini balls, dip in egg mixture then gently roll over sesame seeds. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan at medium/ high heat. Fry the sesame crumbled balls for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the pan and first place on a napkin to absorb the excess oil. Serve immediately as a snack with any spicy chutney or relish.

First make the pastry. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter cubes and, using your fingertips, rub the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the water gradually, stirring it in with a palette knife. When the dough starts to come together, knead it until it forms a ball. Wrap in cling film and allow to rest for 20 minutes in the fridge. Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and cook gently over a medium heat for 4-6 minutes until beginning to soften. Add the garlic and beef mince, increase the heat and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned all over. Stir in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes before adding the stock, tomato puree, brown sauce, Worcestershire sauce and potatoes and simmer gently for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Season well, stir in the parsley and leave to cool. Lightly flour a work surface, divide the pastry in two and roll out one half and use to line a roasting tin or pie dish (35cm x 25cm). Spoon the cooled meat on top of the pastry. Roll out the remaining pastry and place on top, pressing the edges together to seal (you may have a little extra pastry, so trim to fit – you can use the leftovers to decorate if you wish). Crimp the edges with a fork and brush the top with a little egg to glaze. Place on the heated baking tray and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden.

Homemade Vegetable Soup Ingredients you need: -

1 large leek 1 large onion 2 medium potatoes 3 carrots Handful of frozen peas

1 vegetable stock pot / stock cube 1 knob of butter 1 tablespoon of oil 2 teaspoons of parsley (fresh / dried) Salt & Pepper to taste 2 tablespoons of cream Water

Method: In a large saucepan place the oil and butter with the chopped onion, carrots and leek, cook till the vegetables are softened. Then add the chopped potatoes and peas and cook for three minutes. After three minutes, add the parsley, salt, pepper and the stock pot/ stock cube. Cover the pot contents with water and bring to the boil. Once the pot is boiling, turn down to a medium heat for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Use a hand blender to blitz until smooth. Add the cream to the pot and stir through.

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MOTORING LIFE

New Mazda2 – It Moves You

WITH

By Breda Corrigan

Mazda is known for cars that engage the driver. Although this might seem at odds with the necessity these days to make mobility more sustainable, Mazda has in fact worked to develop cleaner and more efficient vehicles since the beginning. In doing so, it has never been keen about compromising on the joy of driving – an attitude that has forced Mazda to be imaginative over the decades. Therefore, beyond its receptiveness to unusual engine concepts, the company has also looked at countless other ways of improving vehicle efficiency. Mild Hybrid Technology; With this philosophy in mind, the new Mazda2 is now available with mild hybrid technology as standard. Engine availability in the Mazda2 is limited to a mildhybrid 1.5-litre ‘Skyactiv-G’ petrol unit in two states of tune – 75PS and 90PS, with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The new Mazda2 is both agile

and stylish. Its KODO - Soul of Motion design language has created a car with a playful, yet elegant spirit. The new Mazda2 goes beyond a sophisticated exterior design, offering reduced CO2 emissions and enhanced safety features. The new Mazda2 is a car that moves you even before you drive it – in cities, and beyond. Choice of 3 Trim Grades; There are three trim grades to choose from in the new Mazda2 – GS, GS Sport and GT, all wrapped up in a 5-door hatchback body-style. Standard specification across the entire Mazda2 range is impressive, with even the entry-level GS model coming with power-folding heated door mirrors, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter, LED headlights with automatic height control, airconditioning, roof spoiler, leather steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth™ controls, auto door locks, tyre pressure monitoring

system, 15” alloy wheels, radio/CD, alarm, front & rear electric windows, and Mazda’s i-Stop system. The new Mazda2 possesses a solid stance, muscular lines with sharp creases, a rearleaning cabin and an overall look that says ‘forward momentum’. The car’s attractive exterior shelters an innovatively ergonomic body, which feels connected to the road – whether you are on a motorway or a city street. Every detail of the Mazda2 works in unison to allow the car and driver to ‘Drive Together’. Test Car; My test car was a rangetopping GT model, which looked amazing in Soul Red Crystal metallic paint. Soul Red Crystal paint has a unique mix of translucence and depth of colour. To realise this mix, Mazda’s engineering team devised a novel coating structure. A semi-transparent paint layer was coated on a reflecting layer comprised of regularly arrayed aluminum flakes. A clear layer that emphasises

translucence was coated on top of the paint layer. To reproduce the colour intensity of Soul Red Crystal paint faithfully and keep the colour perfectly universal on the whole of the body surface, the thickness of the coating on every part was meticulously controlled. Fitted with the 1.5-litre petrol engine with 90bhp and 148Nm of torque, the GT can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 9.7 seconds, while returning fuel consumption as low as 5.3l/100km when driven on an extra-urban driving cycle (WLTP). Thanks to low CO2 emissions, annual road tax is just €190. Key GT features include a digital (DAB) radio, automatic air-con, LED daytime running lights, 7” TFT colour touchscreen with Multimedia Commander, Android Auto & Apple

CarPlay connectivity, rear parking sensors, rear privacy glass, smart keyless entry, 16” bright alloy wheels, rain sensing wipers, navigation system, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, humidity sensor and a shark-fin antenna. The new Mazda2 is unquestionably one of the best handling cars of its size. It is fun to drive, forgiving, comfortable and agile, while well weighted steering, a slick manual gearbox, sensible pedal weighting and plenty of grip ensure that every journey is enjoyable. The Mazda2’s driving position is a real strong point too, with a well-shaped seat with plenty of adjustment and a huge amount of steering wheel reach/rake movement on offer. Upmarket Interior; The

Mazda2’s

spacious,

well-designed interior has an upmarket feel to it that gives the impression that it is a car from the class above. Taking pride of place in the cabin are classy details like eyeball air-vents, a large speedometer and a large touchscreen display. An intuitive infotainment touchscreen is located on top of the dash for ease of access on the move. Boot space – with the rear seats in place – is 280-litres, but this can be expanded to 950-litres when the rear seat backs are folded flat. Pricing & Warranty; Prices for the new Mazda 2 start at just €19,505 and represents superb value for money. All new Mazda cars come with a 3-year /100,000km warranty and a 3-year European roadside assistance package for complete peace-of-mind motoring.

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Opel Crossland has arrived in Opel Dealerships across Ireland

The dashing new Opel Crossland has arrived in Opel Dealerships across Ireland. Crisp and compact on the outside, spacious and versatile on the inside, the new Crossland is the first in the range to adopt the Opel brand’s unmistakeable new Vizor front face signature. A replacement to the popular predecessor Crossland X, which has won legions of fans Europe-wide, the newly restyled Opel Crossland gains extra comfort and technology equipment and features an improved chassis. It retails in Ireland from €22,395, plus dealer delivery related charges. James Brooks, Managing Director at Leeson Motors, Irish Importer of Opel, said: “The new Crossland of course retains all the key ingredients the Crossland X predecessor model had, that made it such a success for Irish buyers. Comfortable, practical, spacious, keenly priced and powered by efficient engines, our new Crossland model now brings to market the stand-out, new Opel front style signature and a smart new rear finish. Many more comfort and safety features have been added, to offer a really attractive package for drivers looking for the perfect compact family crossover with SUV looks.” He continued: “The arrival of the allnew Crossland heralds the start of a complete rejuvenation of the Opel model line-up in 2021. We look forward to 2021 with confidence, on the foot of a strong January performance, with the excellent new Crossland now in our stable, and in anticipation of all-new Mokka, an electrified Zafira-e Life, our first all-electric light commercial vehicle, the new Vivaro-e, just crowned International Van of the Year 2021, and many more new model unveilings to follow this year.” Available in seven different body colours and in SC, SRI and a range-topping Elite trim, the new Crossland is powered by a choice of a 1.2 83bhp stop start petrol

(134g CO2 WLTP) 5-speed manual, a 1.2 130bhp turbo stop start petrol (138g CO2 WLTP) 6-speed automatic, a 1.5 110bhp turbo stop start diesel (120g CO2 WLTP) and a 1.5 120bhp turbo stop start diesel (131g CO2 WLTP). The new Crossland features the all-new Opel Vizor front face, which extends in one single sweep across the front of the vehicle, integrating both the grille and headlights, punctuated proudly in the centre with the Opel brand’s legendary lightning-flash emblem. A hallmark signature of all new Opel models to come, the front Vizor face is married to an equally strong rear visual identity featuring a new, high gloss black tailgate panel housing the Opel logo and book-ended with stylish rear lights. With prices starting from €22,395 plus dealer delivery related charges, standard equipment from level one SC includes hill start assist, cruise control with speed limiter, lane departure warning, enhanced traffic sign recognition, 6 airbags, leather steering wheel, manual air conditioning, rain sensing windscreen, automatic lights, 7” touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, DAB radio, USB connectivity and 12-volt socket. The sporty SRI trim, from €23,895 plus delivery, is packed with features over the SC trim, to include park assist front and rear, rear view camera, AGR driver’s seat, 8-way driver seat adjustment with driver seat cushion extension and lumbar support, ambient white LED cabin lighting, driver’s armrest, half-leather effect upholstery trim, a painted two-tone roof, tinted rear privacy windows, silver skid plates, 16” alloy wheels and LED front fog lamps. The range topping Elite trim, from €25,395 plus delivery, is the ultimate in luxury. Standard equipment over the SRI trim, includes leather upholstery, AGR driver’s seat and passenger seat, 8-way passenger

seat adjustment with seat cushion extension and lumbar support, heated front seats, heated leather steering wheel, electronic dual zone climate control, an upgraded central console with lidded storage, sliding split folding rear seats with armrest, a 3.52

colour driver instrument display, a rear 12volt socket and 16” alloy wheel upgrade. The new Crossland has now arrived at Opel dealerships. Discover it virtually on Opel. ie or contact your local Opel dealer for further information.

JANUARY 211 SEES NEW CAR REGISTRATIONS DOWN 17.8% The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) recently released the official 211 new vehicle registration figures for January. New cars registrations for January are down 17.8% (25,191) when compared to January 2020 (30,650). Light Commercial vehicles (LCV) are down 10.9% (5,033) compared to January last year (5,647). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations also showing a decrease of 4.5% (340) in comparison to January 2020 (356). Used car imports seen a 3.1% (6,824) increase in January when compared with January 2020 (6,622). Despite a decline in market share, Diesel continues to remain the most popular engine type in 2021 (35.85%), followed by petrol (34.70%), while

hybrid (19.12%) gained a significant increase, along with growth of plug-in hybrid (4.23%) and electric (3.89%) market share. New electric car registrations increased with 980 registered in January 2021, compared to 891 January 2020.

Commenting on the new vehicle registrations figures Tom Cullen SIMI Deputy Director General said: “New car registrations are down 17% on January 2020, the fifth consecutive January that new car sales have fallen, although this year’s registrations must be seen in the context of the pandemic and associated restrictions. Strong preorders coming into the New Year and the ability of the Industry to provide both on-line shopping and a click and deliver service,

has mitigated somewhat against the full impact of the pandemic in January. On a positive note, despite the fall in new cars sales both Electric Vehicles and PHEVS are ahead of last January, and with more models and supply coming on stream as the year progresses, it is anticipated that this growth will continue. It is vital for society and business that the current restrictions succeed in driving down the incidence of COVID and with the delivery of COVID vaccines, we hope that business can return to more normal levels once the health situation allows. In the meantime, to protect long term employment and local businesses, it is essential that the current Government business and employee supports remain in place.”

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€700,000 FIGHTING FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES Mark Ward TD has called the government’s failure to meet its statutory obligations in providing Assessment of Needs to children a systemic abuse. Teachta Ward challenged

the Tánaiste in the Dáil last week on the €700,000 of taxpayers’ money spent to defend the state against families whose children have not had Assessment of Needs provided to them.

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

Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received. P.R 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. K.H 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. K.H O Holy Saint Anthony, gentleman of Saints your love for charity for his creation made you worthy to protect Miraculous powers. Please grant my petitions. P.R. O God you granted powers to your Servant and priest Josemaria choosing him as your Faithful servant, Patron saint of those looking for employment. Grant that through his mercy we may attain what you promise. Amen. P.R.

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

There are currently over 5000 children on waiting lists for Assessment of Needs. Teachta Ward said: “In response to a parliamentary question I raised, I am livid to see that the state has spent €700,000 to defend the state against families whose children have not received an Assessment of Needs. “The Disability Act 2005 outlines the statutory timelines under which Assessment of Needs must be completed. In effect,

the assessment must be completed within six months of the application date with a further month to issue the report and service statement where appropriate. “There have been 115 applications by parents to the Circuit Court for enforcement orders under 2005 Disability Act. “The State Claims Agency has reported to the HSE that it has received 30 claims in relation to this Assessment of Needs matter. “To date, there have been

no payments made to these families. “While no payments have been made to families, the state has paid solicitors and counsel over €700,000 to defend the state against these families - €700,000 to defend the indefensible. “That is €700,000 that could have been spent on Assessment of Needs, €700,000 that could have been spent to decrease the time that over 5000 children are waiting on these assessments. “I

take no comfort from the Tánaiste agreeing with me during a debate today that the money should be spent on the treatment of children. “Talk is cheap but legal cost are not. These families need immediate action so their children can achieve their developmental needs. “I put it to the Tánaiste that this failure is systemic abuse of children as the state is failing in its duty to help them reach their developmental milestones.”

“STRIKING A BALANCE WILL BE KEY” TO PROPOSED REMOTE WORKING LEGISLATION Reacting to the Government’s ‘Making Remote Work - National Remote Work Strategy’, published recently, the Chief Executive of the Institute of Directors (IoD) in Ireland, Maura Quinn, has said that “striking a balance between the requirements and practicalities of both employers and employees” will be key to the detail and eventual success of the proposed legislation on remote working. IoD Ireland

CLONDALKIN ST PATRICKS DAY FESTIVAL

Cllr Francis Timmons recently confirmed that the Clondalkin St. Patrick’s Day Festival will not take place in March. The Clondalkin Councillor said ‘’Unfortunately due to the continued outbreak of Covid-19 and the risk to public health the 2021 Clondalkin Patricks Day Parade has to be postponed until further notice, we know a lot of people will be disappointed by this decision but we must put public health first, sadly this is the second year without a parade but we hope to be back in 2022!’’ Cllr Timmons concluded ‘’To make up for no parade, we are creating a virtual parade full of songs, magic tricks, jokes, dance, music etc send your video on whatsapp to 0872869315. We would stress that no cursing, political, racist or inappropriate videos any of these will not be included”.

has published significant findings on remote working in several surveys over the past year and, last September, called on the Government to assist further the digital transformation of Irish business. IoD Ireland represents 3,000 members, comprising CEOs/Managing Directors and company directors from all sectors of the economy, Private, Public and Not-for-Profit. Commenting on the proposed legislation, Maura Quinn, Chief Executive of the Institute of Directors said: “The ways and means of working within organisations have undergone a quiet revolution over the past eleven months. Remote

working and the increased use of digital technology have reconfigured the way we work, where we work, and how we work. In turn, it is impacting business models and people’s worklife balance. Equally, our recent research revealed that the primary concern of business leaders with regard to remote working is the isolation of staff, and the threat of teams working in silos or a lack of cohesion between teams. In terms of this proposed new legislation on remote working, striking a balance will be key to satisfying the requirements and practicalities of both employers and employees. That will be no easy task.”

Maura Quinn also noted that the digital transformation of Irish business is integral to the new remote working landscape. “As Irish businesses rise to meet the immense challenges of COVID-19 and Brexit, further supports by Government will be necessary to ensure this new legislation does not impede but strengthens the growth of the economy. Further supports aimed at advancing the digital transformation of Irish businesses will be key, as well as ensuring that a proper broadband infrastructure is in place across the country. Poor connectivity will limit this new legislation before it even starts.”

INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH CCIFV

Tallaght based group Commemoration of Irish Famine Victims (CCIFV) celebrated Independence Day recently, marking the original Independence Day on 21st January 1919. Image taken pre- covid19.

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