Rathcoole & Saggart News 06.08.18 by Newsgroup

6th Aug 2018

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Government must do more to protect mortgage holders from vulture funds. The Social Democrats have called on the government to put in place workable solutions to stave off the wholesale sale of Permanent TSB’s nonperforming home loans to unregulated vulture funds. Carly Bailey, the party’s Dáil candidate for Dublin South-West who lost her own family home after her loan was sold to a vulture fund, said: “PTSB is a bailed-out

bank that is 75 per cent owned by the State. It is downright insulting to mortgage holders that the Taoiseach said he hadn’t heard about the bank’s sale of its Project Glas loan portfolio to Start Mortgages, a Lone Star affiliate, for around €1.3bn.

“This portfolio contains 10,700 home loans – 7,400 are owneroccupier mortgages, while 3,300 are buyto-let properties. What now happens to all the people and families affected by this sale? The chances are that

their homes will be sold from underneath them and we will have at least 20,000 more people facing into housing insecurity or homelessness at a time of acute housing shortages.”

Ms Bailey added: “This latest transaction reduces the bank’s overall non-performing loan ratio from around 25% to 16% - that’s still very far off ECB targets. This means that these are only the first wave of home loan owners who face having their mortgages sold to vulture funds.

“The government can’t stand by and allow a State-owned bank to effectively outsource repossessions of people’s homes. It needs to act to ensure that as many families can stay in their own homes as is possible. It can do this by: - Ensuring the creation of more ethical funds by State-backed and private investors. - Improving access to the mortgage to rent scheme to allow home loans to be bought by local authorities and regulated not-forprofit approved housing bodies, and rented back to their former owners. There great potential in this scheme, but the eligibility rules are too restrictive and local authorities need to be better resourced to buy home loans. - Obliging State-owned banks to seriously consider debt write downs for mortgage holders who are in genuine distress to allow them to put in place amended payment schemes. Why should loans be sold to vulture funds at such large discounts, when they aren’t offered to home owners on the same terms?”

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Published by: Newsgroup, Unit 3 Floor 2 St. Dominics Shopping Centre, St. Dominics Road, Tallaght, Dublin, D24 HK49. Titles: Tallaght News, Clondalkin News, Lucan News and Rathcoole & Saggart News Printed by: Meath Chronicle Distributed by: Local Post Co. Contact Details: Email: info@newsgroup.ie Website www.newsgroup.ie www.facebook.com/newsgroup.ie Twitter @NewsgroupIRL www.linkedIn.com/company/newsgroup Registered in Ireland: 497158 Tax and VAT Registration: IE 3354179CH Advertising: Anthony Russell Sales Director anthony@newsgroup.ie Design & Editorial: John Russell john@newsgroup.ie Administration: Sarah Brooks Office Manager admin@newsgroup.ie

Landlords are using a loophole in legislation designed to prevent rents being raised above 4% per annum to inflict even higher rent hikes on hard-pressed tenants.

Tenants in Bancroft Centre in Tallaght have been served with a rent increase of 6% by their landlord DAD Property Fund. To make matters worse, this is a Government backed firm that has received funding of €8m from the State via the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund. General Election candidate for Dublin South West Carly Bailey has called on the Housing Minister to introduce without any further delay, promised legislation which will penalise any landlord who tries to raise rents above 4% per annum. A proposed new Residential Tenancies Bill, which was meant to have been passed before the Dáil summer recess, will fine unscrupulous landlords up to €15,000 as well as threaten them with a prison

sentence if convicted of breaking the rules governing Rent Pressure Zones. Ms Bailey says “Housing is the number one issue coming up at the doors. There is barely a family who has not been personally affected by it. Fine Gael keep telling us that their housing plan is working and they are do everything they can to tackle the housing crisis and reduce homelessness. It is very clear in Dublin South West and around the country that this is simply not the case. With such weak legislation in place, they are actively contributing in making the situation even worse.” Ms Bailey added: “The people of Tallaght and Dublin South West are already struggling to find affordable rental accommodation and hard-pressed families and individuals should not be placed under any further avoidable burden.” Rent Pressure Zones were introduced by the Government in late 2016 to combat spiralling rent by placing a 4% cap of the amount by which rents can increase annually in

designated areas which include all parts of Dublin as well as Cork city, Galway city and several other towns including Bray, Greystones, Naas, Cobh, Carrigaline, Celbridge, Leixlip and Drogheda.

However, the 4% cap is not applicable to properties that are new to the rental market and which have not been let at any time in the previous two years as well as properties which have undergone a substantial change. Ms Bailey said it

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was clear there were gaps in the legislation which were being exploited by some landlords. But what is even worse, some of those landlords are being financed by the very State that is promising to tackle the problems of homelessness and an acute lack of housing. She advised any tenant who feels they are being charged too much rent or being asked to pay an increase in rent above what is allowed to seek advice from the Residential Tenancies Board.

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ALCOHOL ABUSE..... WHAT CAN YOU DO? Did you know that attending a hypnotherapist for structured hypnotherapy treatments to stop or reduce drinking alcohol, is becoming an increasingly popular and effective means to quit the habit. Alcohol is one of the three leading causes of diseases and injuries worldwide. It is a problem that many people struggle to overcome. Binge drinking and even social drinking can eventually lead to alcohol abuse and ultimately alcohol dependence. It can damage your relationships

and have a profound effect whether with your family or those you share your life with, work with and more worryingly it can damage your health and well-being, leading to many health problems in the future. The continuous indulgence of overdrinking will lead you on to the road of self-destruction and self-harm and in many cases there’s no way back, the damage is done to your brain and body and remember to those who love you too! How can Hypnosis Help?

Hypnosis works on your subconscious mind reducing the desire to drink and guiding the drinker to a more controlled state of mind where alcohol is no longer a focus of their daily life. Hypnotherapy redirects and retrains the drinkers’ brain to a higher self-awareness where self-care is paramount and enjoyable. Giving back control of life. T.McGrath Fran Malone Irish Hypnotherapy Tallaght Tel : 01-4664223 Mobile : 086 0737443

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OVER 75’S CONTINUE TO ENDURE 24-HOUR ED WAIT IN TALLAGHT HOSPITAL

Over 75’s continue to endure 24-hour ED wait in Tallaght Hospital Total for first three months of 2018

greater than ALL of 2017 Figures released to Fianna Fáil, show that people in their mid to late 70’s

continue to endure over 24 hour waits in Tallaght Hospital despite the Government continuing

to promise improvements in our Emergency Departments. Commenting on the figures,

Cllr. Breeda Bonner was unanimously selected to run again for the Labour Party in next year’s local elections at a selection convention on Monday 30 July.

one of the first drivers of the Tidy Towns organisation in Clondalkin and has promoted the roll out of Tidy Towns in other parts of Clondalkin such as North Clondalkin, Woodford/ Monksfield and Green Park. She helped in the delivery of Bru Chronain, the Interpretive Centre at the Round Tower and has cast her vote at South Dublin County Council in favour

of the provision of new housing in the Clonburris and Kilcarberry areas. She is strongly of the view that the next generation of Clondalkin people should be able to live nearby rather than having long commutes to Dublin. Last year she served as Deputy Mayor. Ta suim ag Breeda sa Ghaeilge agus labhraionn si i. A native of Clondalkin, Breeda has deep roots in

her community and has been involved in a huge range of local organisations from the GAA across to the Horticultural Society as well as having been a primary school principal for many years. Having taken early retirement, she now has more time to devote to her work as a councillor.

BONNER SELECTED BY LABOUR FOR CLONDALKIN/ RATHCOOLE

In proposing her the Labour branch secretary in Clondalkin, Lorraine O’Connor spoke of Breeda’s great experience and contribution to her community. Breeda was

As a councillor, Breeda intends to continue to make Clondalkin and the new developing villages of Rathcoole, Newcastle and Saggart good places in which to live whether that be in the provision of good housing, decent transport facilities or beautiful tidy districts. At the same selection convention the experienced Joanna Tuffy was selected to run in Lucan while David Eaton, a new young and determined candidate, was selected to run in the new Palmerstown/ Fonthill ward.

Deputy Curran said, “Almost 1,000 over 75’s had to wait over 24 hours in Tallaght Emergency Department in the first three months of 2018.

“These figures are shocking and disgraceful. Incredibly, the total nationally across all Emergency Departments is 7,164 for January to May 2018. “The HSE target is that all attendees aged 75 years and over attending Emergency Department’s would be discharged or admitted within 24 hours of registration. This is a target that already sets the bar very low and the worsening so far in 2018 is just appalling. “Surely to force 7,164 over 75’s to wait so long in an Emergency Department is a

form of elder abuse. It can only be seen as a breach of basic human rights and dignity. “On top of this it must surely be compounding the health issues that brought them to an Emergency Department in the first place. My understanding is that any wait longer than six hours can have an adverse impact, so it is likely that one wait of 24 hours plus could well produce another one for the same patient in due course. “We need to break this vicious cycle and the recommendations of the bed capacity review and the Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons must be acted on as a matter of urgency,” concluded Deputy Curran.

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CALL FOR MORE LOCALISED INFORMATION SESSIONS ON BUSCONNECTS

John Curran T.D. has raised concern that local resident’s in the area will miss out on the upcoming Public Consultation Process for the NTA’s complete overhaul of the Dublin Bus Network – BusConnects. Deputy Curran was speaking after receiving the dates and locations for the NTA’s upcoming Local Information Sessions across Dublin. “The

date

and

location

for Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown, Rathcoole, Saggart, and Newcastle residents to get informed at a BusConnects Local Information Session is Friday 17th August 2018 from 2pm – 8pm is at Liffey Valley, Shopping Centre. “While this might appear to be a central meeting point for this area, it is however not that beneficial to the vast majority of Lucan and Clondalkin residents.

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“Furthermore, I am also concerned about residents in further outlying and remote areas such as Rathcoole, Saggart and Newcastle, residents in these areas would be better served by a more localised location for a future Local Information Session. “It is my understanding that further Local Information Sessions will be taking place in September and accordingly I am requesting that when scheduling the locations for these Local Information Sessions that

they are held closer to Lucan and Clondalkin Villages. “To this end, I have contacted the NTA’s BusConnects Section requesting that more localised locations in our villages are considered for future Local Information Sessions. “There is great interest and concern about the changes proposed to the Dublin Bus Network. Local residents need to be informed as best as possible about these changes and encouraged to have their say as much as possible”, concluded Deputy Curran.

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RATHCOOLE’S GARDEN FETE ANOTHER HUGE SUCCESS

The sun was shining again this year for the Garden Fete in aid of the Four Districts Day Care Centre. Cllr. Emer Higgins who attended the event said, “It was great to see so many people out supporting the fundraiser and enjoying the sunshine. This year’s event was bigger than ever with a choo-choo train, a chill out kids zone, bouncy castles, a carousel, BBQ and popup stalls. Local musicians, the RAMs in Rhythm and the Kangoo jumpers entertained the crowds. Huge congrats to Neville, Christy and their team who put together a

fantastic family day out in aid of a great cause.” “I’m part of the organising committee for two other community events that are being organised for the area. On Sat 1st September we’ll host our first ever TeenFest and on Saturday 15th September our popular annual 4 Districts Fun Day will take place in the Rathcoole Community Centre. These events are free events to support local families and teenagers and I really hope the community comes out to enjoy them,” concluded Cllr. Emer Higgins.

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7 BENEFITS OF GOING BACK TO SCHOOL AS AN ADULT

Whether you’re 55 or 25, going back to education as an adult is a different experience than going straight from Secondary School, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be more difficult — it might actually be easier for you. Because of your age, you have a base of education, experience, and knowledge that will equip you to go back to school with an advantage. Here are 7 reasons why: You have work experience: Chances are that you’ve had at least one job, if not several careers, so

far in your life. In your class discussions, you’ll be asked to talk about how that week’s lesson relates to a situation you’ve experienced on the job. You’ll have an advantage because of your work experience.

There are more programs available now: With today’s multiple job fields, colleges and universities offer more programs now than ever before. There are usually multiple certification options within your job field, whether you’re earning a diploma or degree

in fields such as education, business, or technology. You’ll use your time wisely: As an adult, you probably don’t have a lot of extra time. Because of this, you won’t want to waste your time by procrastinating your assignments or college work. The time you do have for studying will most likely be used efficiently.

You’re serious about graduating & qualifying: Most students that attend college as an adult have an end goal in mind. This goal is usually graduation, since a certification can further

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your career and potentially give you a salary increase. This will inspire you to finish strong.

The education will pertain to your career: Whether you want to go back to school to switch careers or you want to excel in your current career, the education you’ll be receiving will most

likely compliment your job field. This will allow you to engage in the classes and help you succeed at work from day one of classes. You’ll grow your professional network: Attending school with other working adults will give you the opportunity to learn from them and grow your network. You might be

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Adult courses are more flexible; Although earning a qualification as an adult is challenging, the lecturers and teachers know you have other responsibilities besides school.

LOCAL SCHOOLS TO RECEIVE FUNDING FOR ROLLOUT OF LEAVING CERTIFICATE PE & COMPUTER SCIENCE

Frances Fitzgerald T.D. has announced Computer Science will be introduced as a Leaving Cert subject in Adamstown Community College, Colaiste Bride in Clondalkin and Colaiste Phadraig in Lucan in the coming school year. Leaving Cert students in Colaiste Bride will be give option of studying Physical Education in September. Commenting on this announcement Deputy Fitzgerald said:

“ I am delighted that young people living locally will be some of the first secondary school pupils in the country to study these new subjects and I have no doubt they will be a popular choice amongst students. “The Computer Science syllabus for the Leaving Cert will aim to give students a strong foundation in programming

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inspired by their stories, but you will also meet people that can connect you with a new company or position.

languages, digital design and computational thinking. The addition of Computer Science to the Leaving Cert programme is part of our ambition to make Ireland a STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) leader among our European colleagues. “I am very pleased that Physical Education is being introduced, I hope it will encourage young people to become more physically active and engage in sports. The topics introduced in this new subject will also aim promote teamwork and strategic thinking through a mix of written examination, performance and project work. “The Department of Education aims to rollout these new subjects nationally in 2020, I am encouraging all Post Primary School in the Dublin Mid-West area to consider introducing these new subjects in the coming years.“

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SOUTH DUBLIN’S WOMEN IN BUSINESS TAKE TIME OUT FOR NEWS BBQ & WORKSHOP

South Dublin’s Women in Business Take Time Out for NEWS BBQ & Workshop Councillor Emer Higgins

has congratulated the Local Enterprise Office on holding a summer BBQ and style advice workshop for

business women. The event was run through the South Dublin Local Enterprise Office’s women in business

Frances Fitzgerald T.D., has welcomed the Government’s first ever Action Plan for Online Safety which was published recently.

engagement. To oversee all this, a new National Advisory Council on Online Safety will be chaired by Minister for State with responsibility for Digital Development Seán Kyne which will bring all the relevant Departments, stakeholders and organisations together.

sphere. We are at a point where it is estimated that 50% of our 6 to 8 year old have access to a computer connected to the internet, so it is more important than ever for parents to be armed with the best advice and information.

ONLINE SAFETY PLANS HIGHLIGHTED

“The internet has broadened the opportunities and access we have to the world. Within a generation, we have moved from the creation of the internet to the daily use and reliance on online information. Seven out of ten of us use the internet every day; be it for news, entertainment, online shopping and staying in touch with friends and family. “For the first time, Government has developed an Action Plan for Online Safety. This plan covers six Government Departments with five broad goals around individual supports, educational programmes at Primary and PostPrimary level, legislative changes and stakeholder

“A key part of this is the creation on a single portal, www.gov.ie/BeSafeOnline, that Irish internet users can access for resources and information on how they can stay safe online. It also points users towards mental health supports, should they be required.” Fitzgerald highlighted the wealth of information the new online portal holds for parents, saying: “Parents often feel at sea when it comes to regulating internet use and helping their children stay protected in the online

The new online service provides advice and resources for Parents, Guardians and Teachers on how to help young people be safe and to be alert of issues around bullying, inappropriate contacts or material and grooming. “Sometimes reports of negative online experiences, from bullying to scams, can sometimes worry us but the benefits of the internet clearly outweigh the potential risks. However, it is important to inform yourself about how to stay safe online and protect your personal information,” concluded Fitzgerald.

initiative, NEWS, in Kingswood House Hotel. The guest speaker was Laura Jordan, Director of Style Savvy. “It was great to see so many local business women taking time out to come together to enjoy a fabulous summer BBQ in gorgeous weather. It proved the perfect networking opportunity.

Guest speaker Laura Jordan told her own story of utilising the Local Enterprise Office supports to build her successful enterprise and shared with us some of her

top tips for looking stylish in the office.

It was a lovely occasion and I’d like to congratulate Amanda, Sandra and Lorna and the team on another successful event,” said Cllr. Emer Higgins who attended. “Outside of the Council, I work in business myself as a leader in a multinational corporation. I’ve always been a big advocate of women in business. I think events like this and networks like NEWS go a long way towards leveling the playing field for

women. The gender pay gap in Ireland is said to still be at 14%, so there’s a long way to go in terms of creating a truly inclusive business culture nationally. The Programme for Government sets out a clear commitment to reduce the gender pay gap and Cabinet has just recently approved the General Scheme of the Gender Pay Gap Information Bill, I think this is really welcome progress,” concluded Cllr. Emer Higgins who is standing for General Election for Fine Gael.

Pictured: Cllr. Emer Higgins with Laura Morgan of Style Savvy.

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RATHCOOLE COMPANY PRESENTED WITH THREE ISO CERTIFICATES

Senator Neale Richmond joined Cllr. Emer Higgins in her home turf in Rathcoole to present three ISO certificates to Capital Switchgear, a local company based in Greenogue.

Capital Switchgear employ 34 people in Rathcoole where they design and manufacture industrial and commercial low voltage switchgear, motor control centres and power factor correction equipment. The company is now formally certified to ISO 9001:1015 Quality, ISO14001:2015

Environmental, OHSAS 18001( ISO 45001:2015) Health & Safety. “Capital Switchgear is a super company expanding rapidly, providing many local opportunities whilst addressing the looming economic challenges Brexit presents. I was delighted to join with Cllr Emer Higgins to present Capital Switchgear with these important awards that will be vital to their continuing success,” said Senator Neale Richmond, Senate Spokesperson on European

Seantor Neale Richmond, Cllr. Emer Higgins, Grainne Behan and Michael Skingley of Capital Switchgear

Affairs for Fine Gael.

“It’s fantastic to see local entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive; that’s exactly what Capital Switchgear is doing. They have grown 30% year on year since they set up in Greenogue, tripling their footprint in just six years. The company specialise in equipment for data centres, many of whom are located in South Dublin, and in low voltage switchgear. They supply some of the biggest names in the market from right here in Rathcoole. Capital Switchgear has one eye on growing the company and creating local jobs, and the other on ensuring that everything they do is to the highest quality, environmental and health and safety standard. Getting ISO accreditation is no mean feat, any business who has undergone the process knows that, so to get three accreditations at all once is extremely impressive. I was delighted to visit the company with Senator Neale Richmond

to see first-hand what they do and congratulate staff and management on their achievement,” said Cllr. Emer Higgins, local Fine Gael General Election candidate. “In 2012 we began working from a kitchen table and have grown to employ 35 people in Greenogue Industrial estate. The achievement of 3 worldwide recognised ISO standards is a recognition of our achievements and lay the basis for a continued growth phase in the company. To achieve that growth we are continually looking for new staff to join us mainly in project management, electrical assembly and general operatives. If you are looking to join a progressive company with above average working conditions please contact us at info@capitalswitchgear. com<mailto:info@ capitalswitchgear.com>,” said Michael Skinley, Managing Director of Capital Switchgear.

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DRONES HAVE A USE TO CURB ILLEGAL STOCKPILING

Local Councillor receives commitment from SDCC to deploy Drones in time to detect illegal stockpiling for bonfires this Halloween.

Cllr. Charlie O’Connor has said that plans must be devised in advance to deal with the annual challenges presented by the forthcoming Halloween bonfire season. The Local Councillor received confirmation in July from the Chief Executive of South Dublin County that unmanned aerial vehicles [Drones] will be deployed to detect the illegal stockpiling of bonfire material. Cllr O’Connor said, “Every year there are a high number of reports of the gathering of materials for illegal bonfires to be held. As anyone living in the area can tell you, this poses a very dangerous threat to the safety of anyone nearby, their home, and car;

not to mention the environment. “There are many communities across Tallaght and South Dublin that year in year out demand for action to be planned well ahead of early-mid October when the stockpiling gets underway. “It would be far more effective if plans were devised between the Gardaí, SDCC and other agencies such as Dublin Fire Brigade and emergency services over the summer months. “I will be further raising this with the Council at next month’s local policing forum meeting and hope to also discuss the need to organise events to combat the bonfire threat. “We all have a responsibility to encourage any young person to steer clear of stockpiling for any bonfire and to remind them that it is in fact a criminal offence,” he concluded.

COMMUNITY CLEAN UP FUNDING

Local communities clean up with environment funding “€40,250 being made available to 40 projects”

Community environmental projects have cleaned up by securing €40,250 in funding from the Government and South Dublin County Council, according to Independent Minister Katherine Zappone. The projects being supported include improvements to school gardens, better green areas and awareness campaigns.

Minister Zappone says communities in South and West Dublin have been hugely successful in securing the funding and now it must be turned into positive action for the benefit of all. Minister Zappone added:

volunteers that 40 projects in the South Dublin County Council area have received funding – with half the money coming from Central Government and the rest coming from the local authority.

“Whether protecting and supporting the local bee population, cleaning up green areas and better school gardens the successful projects will make our communities better places to live.

The projects involved may be small in scale but their impact will be very important. Each will create awareness that if we are serious about tackling the big environmental challenges of our time that the first steps must be taken at home and in the community.

It is a tribute to local

THE ENHANCING DIGITAL AND FACILITIES IN PUBLIC LIBRARIES LAUNCH

In Rathfarnham, Tallaght, Citywest as well as Lucan and Clondalkin we are very fortunate to have plenty local streams, major rivers as well as countryside and mountains on our doorstep. In addition the council has provided big green areas. We must never take these for granted and we must at all times protect and preserve them. The range of projects shows that there is an awareness about the need to act and protect nature. It is my hope that this funding will be made available immediately so that our communities will benefit as soon as possible.

Pictured at County Library,Tallaght at the Launch of The Enhancing Digital and Facilities in Public Libraries were Cllr Charlie O Connor and Michael Ring T.D, Minister for Rural and Community Affairs

I remain in contact with my fellow Independent Minister Denis Naughten who is responsible for Ireland’s response to climate change and will encourage him to continue support for communities in South Dublin County Council into the future.”

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SUPPORTS NEEDED TO TACKLE HIGH RATES OF DIGITAL EXCLUSION AMONG OLDER PEOPLE

Dublin South West TD, Seán Crowe, has described recent figures from Eurostat that show 50 per cent of people in Ireland aged between 65 and 74 have never been online, compared with a 16 per cent in Britain, as another example of how older people in Ireland are being left behind.

The Sinn Féin TD said he fully supports Age Action Ireland’s calls for urgent support to tackle high rates of digital exclusion among older people, who are in danger of being left behind in an increasingly online Ireland. Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“We are thankfully all living longer and should be living more full and inclusive lives, but unfortunately that is not the case. Figures released from Eurostat show that 50 per cent of people in Ireland aged between 65 and 74 have never been online compared with 16 per cent in Britain.

“Surely it is unacceptable that an entire generation of older people are being left behind, cut off from all of the opportunities and benefits of being able to use a tool like the internet. “Far fewer older people in Ireland are online compared with Britain and we also fall behind many of our other EU neighbours. As service providers, like banks, are increasingly pushing customers to do their business online, this is making life increasingly difficult for senior citizens to get information and to access services. “Everyone knows there are enormous social benefits for older people who are online and new research suggests it can actually reduce depression among

older people by as much as 30 per cent. “For many older people the internet and internet based apps are a vital link to friends and families, a way to explore new hobbies and interests, and to a new world of opportunities and possibilities. “The Government’s training programmes have helped tens of thousands people get online, but the stark gap in internet use by older people in Ireland when compared to our EU neighbours shows how much we need to improve.” Crowe continued:

“Age Action has identified a number of barriers preventing older people getting online including ageism, a lack of confidence, the absence of

broadband locally, and cost. “In June a new Telephone Support Allowance of €2.50 a week was introduced for those who qualify for the means-tested Fuel Allowance and live alone. This welcome but doesn’t really address the issue. “A broadband-only deal could cost as much as €50 a month, which is a lot for someone on the State Pension. Older people, particularly those living alone, should not be priced off the internet. “The promised new funding is very welcome but it’s far smaller than the old Telephone Allowance used to be and it is restricted to a small number of people. I am calling on the Government to increase it substantially in the next budget.”

CROWE CALLS ON LLOYDS PHARMACY TO RESPECT LABOUR COURT DECISION

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, has called on Lloyds Pharmacy to respect the findings of the Labour Court and implement its decision regarding union recognition for 190 workers employed at the company.

Deputy Seán Crowe said: “The current dispute between Mandate trade union and Lloyds Pharmacy is about pay and work conditions, sick pay, zero hour contracts and union recognition. “The Irish Labour Court recently said that Lloyds should recognise Mandate as the trade union who represents over 190 workers at the company. “Lloyds Pharmacy for whatever reasons refuses to do so. “The company currently holds contracts with the Health Service Executive (HSE) - a public state body – all the while refusing to acknowledge the Irish Labour Court another public state body. “All too often this is the case with a small minority of Irish company’s.

“Many of these same companies will actively seek out and receive state contracts while refusing to engage with the state’s industrial relations mechanism. They will also use to maximum any legislation that curtails the rights of workers to industrial action “This cherry-picking of rights and responsibilities cannot be allowed to continue. “Sinn Féin stands with Mandate and its members in Lloyds Pharmacy in their fight for decent pay, improved conditions of employment and trade union recognition. “Industrial disputes like those at Lloyds Pharmacy shows that we need to prioritise legislation to allow trade unions to represent their members in formal procedures and underpinned by access to the full plethora of legal rights and entitlements. “In the meantime I am publicly calling on Lloyds Pharmacy management to engage with and recognise the Mandate Trade Union, a decision recommended by the Labour Court.”

Seán Crowe TD joins picket at Lloyds Pharmacy in Knocklyon Shopping Centre

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LULLYMORE FAIRY QUEST 2018 SPORTS PLAN WELCOMED

Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, just outside Rathangan, is the place to go for some serious family fun this August. The Park ,as seen on the recent RTE Nationwide programme, is continually growing and adding more education and fun to the award winning 60 acre site. Last weekend, the Park opened the new boardwalk extension on their Peatland Biodiversity area which extends the boardwalk to nearly 2 kilometres. One of the highlights in recent years has been the annual Fairy Quest which runs every day throughout August and raises funds for St Brigids Hospice and Down Syndrome Ireland. The Fairy Quest is

Senan, Rory and Niamh on the Road Train

all about searching for clues around the Park to try to solve a tricky puzzle. This year the quest involves a mischievous squirrel called “Seanie” and an adorable Labradoodle named “Lola” - to find out more you’ll need to visit Lullymore for a guaranteed fun filled family day out!

No booking required for families / normal family admissions apply e.g. €30.00 for a family of 4 / all proceeds from donations at the Fairy Wishing Pond go to St Brigids Hospice and Down Syndrome Ireland / Open 7 days a week 10am – 6pm. For more information please call 045 870238 or email info@lullymoreheritagepark.com – website: www.lullymoreheritagepark.com

Frances Fitzgerald T.D. has welcomed the Government’s National Sports Policy 20182027 stating that it has the ability to tangibly affect the sporting ambitions and health of her constituents.

The National Sports Policy 2018 -2027, launched by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister of State for Sport Brendan Griffin TD. has fifty seven action points. Speaking about this recent announcement, Fitzgerald said: “Under this plan, State

investment in sport will double from its current level of €111m to €220m by 2027. This funding will cover three broad aims; increasing participation in sport and physical activity, more excellence from our high performance athletes and improving the capacity of National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) to deliver sport and physical activity programmes.

“At a national level, we should be ambitious for our

country in international competitions and I am glad to see that this plan increases funding to support our competing athletes. In the near future, there will be an immediately acceleration of Women in Sport Programme with a double annual funding provision to €2m and €1.5m will support Team Ireland’s preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics whilst our annual high performance investment will treble to €30m over the next decade.”

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INCONSISTENCIES IN QUALIFYING CRITERIA FOR SOCIAL HOUSING ARE QUESTIONED

John Lahart T.D. has called on the Housing Minister to address an inconsistency with the qualifying criteria for social housing and the Rebuilding Ireland mortgage scheme.

At present the Working Family Payment is deemed to be income for the purposes of assessing eligibility for social housing. However, families in receipt of this payment are not able to apply for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme as it is not available to those in receipt of social welfare payments. Deputy Lahart, “This situation is utterly absurd. Many families on lower incomes are unable to qualify for social housing as the assessment takes into account the Working Family Payment. However these families are still unable to make an application to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme as it does not cater for those in receipt of

social welfare payments. “This means that many families are stuck in limbo as they are just outside the qualifying criteria for social housing yet they still cannot apply to the Rebuilding

Ireland Home Loan Scheme. It is an absolutely ridiculous situation considering the Government established the Rebuilding Ireland scheme to help people who do not qualify for social housing.

“I’m calling on Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy to address this anomaly. The current situation isn’t fair on families who fall between the two schemes,” concluded Deputy Lahart.

Palmerstown Camera Club Exhibition

Caption: Palmerstown Camera club is proud to announce that they are exhibiting some of their member’s images in the Lucan Library the exhibition opened on the 1st of August and continues till the 31st of August. Image Credit: Nina Butler

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In this edition of the paper, Romaine Scally, Principal in the Firm of Romaine Scally and Co, Solicitors, deals with various legal matters. As always please send your queries to Romaine Scally, Solicitors, Main Street, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24. Telephone 4599506, Email – legal@scally.ie Question - I am buying a house in a rural area which is serviced by a septic tank. Isn’t there some requirement that these are registered now? Answer – Under the Waste Water Treatment Systems (Registration) Regulations 2012, owners of houses drained by a septic tank are obliged to register it with their local authority. A person who sells a property connected to a domestic waste water treatment system including, but not limited to, a septic tank, will be obliged on the closing of the sale to furnish a valid Certificate of Registration in respect of the treatment system to the purchaser. A purchaser is obliged to notify the Water Services Authority of the change of ownership after the sale is completed and failure to do so is an offence. Under Section 70C of the Regulations there is an obligation to ensure that the treatment plant does not constitute and is not likely to constitute a risk to human health or the environment and in particular, does not create a risk to water, air, soil, plants and animals. There is also a duty not to create a nuisance through noise and odours. For that reason, when you are buying a house which is serviced by a septic tank, it is imperative that you have same specifically surveyed by a qualified surveyor. It could be the case that the existing septic tank does not meet current requirements and in that case, you would need to be advised on the cost of putting in a new septic tank and percolation area. You would also need to be advised as to whether or not the site is large enough to comply with the present Regulations. The survey must be carried out in advance of signing contracts to know what problems, if any, you are facing into and indeed at what cost to put them right if relevant. These can be expensive to rectify and indeed in some cases cannot be rectified if the site is not large enough to comply with current regulations for the percolation area as it needs to be a certain distance from the house, roadway and boundary. If for whatever reason, the septic tank is outside your boundary then you will need to inform your solicitor as soon as possible so that he or she can make sure that all the necessary legal formalities are in place to ensure that you have access to the septic tank for maintenance and repair. We wish you the best of luck.

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LISA WALSH HELPS TO RAISE MORE THAN €50,000 FOR THE HOPE FOUNDATION

Dublin woman and daughter to visit India offering free eye tests and glasses. Lisa Walsh will lead a team visiting Kolkata this October after spearheading a campaign which has raised more than €50,000 for the Hope Foundation, which supports the development of underprivileged sections of society in India. Lisa said: “Last year was

my first year involved with the charity and we raised €11,000 – my target in 2018 was to raise €35,000 which is enough to run the clinic in Kolkata for a whole year.

Thanks to the kindness and dedication of Specsavers staff right across the country we have surpassed that already.” Working with the Hope Foundation at

the eye clinic in Kolkata has been “life-changing” for Lisa who will be joined by her daughter, Ella, on the trip. Lisa said: “My daughter is in transition year and I thought it would be a good way for her to see things from a different perspective. It changes how you think about things – I know it sounds cliché, but it really does!” “These guys

Lisa Walsh and daughter Ella with students from Alexandra College at the Hope Foundation Charity Golf tournament

have nothing, and we are so used to correcting people’s vision here that we almost take it for granted – we really are making a difference in people’s lives and I think that is so important to understand.” On July 19th Lisa hosted a Charity Golf event which raised an additional €8,000 for the foundation – money which will go towards new equipment for the clinic in Kolkata. 24 teams took part in the tournament including a team sponsored by Clondalkin’s Brian Ormond. Lisa said: “We were so delighted when Brian said he wanted to support the event and he was so good about it, he couldn’t play himself but some of his family took part.” As well as the Specsavers team Lisa will be joined by Brand Ambassador Darren Kennedy in Kolkata this October as the Dublin woman continues to help raise awareness for the Hope Foundation nationally.

NEW LAW TO BAN PLASTIC MICROBEADS WELCOMED

Following the United Kingdom and France’s lead, Ireland is set to introduce legislation of its own that will ban the sale, manufacture, and import and export of plastic microbeads. Cllr. Emer Higgins, has welcomed the move.

“Microbeads pose an enormous threat to fish who mistake the beads for food. They then become part of food chain and disrupt our natural ecosystem. These small plastic beads and are commonly found in exfoliating scrubs, soaps and shower gels but they’re highly damaging to our oceans which they enter through the drain system and extremely difficult to get rid of due to how small they are,” explained Cllr.

Emer Higgins. Higgins continued “The ban will have a significantly positive impact on our world’s oceans, and highlights Ireland as a leading country in the movement to improve the conditions of our environment. This is a huge step in the right direction and shows that we prioritize the health and safety of our citizens.” An EU-wide directive to ban plastic microbeads has yet to be approved, but Denis Naughten, the Minister for Communications, Energy, and Natural Resources, recently announced that Ireland would be making its own legislation because Ireland “could not wait for an EU directive to prohibit microbeads.”

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NOVENAS NOVENAS NOVENAS NOVENAS MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. In greateful thanks to the Sacred Heart and Our Holy Mother for many favours and blessings received. M.B MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Anonymous 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.G.L PRAYER FOR HEALING Heavenly Father, I call on

you right now in a very special way. It is through your power that I was created. Every breath I take, every morning that I wake, and every moment of every hour, I live under your power. Father, I ask you now to touch me with that same power. For if you created me from nothing you can certainly recreate me. Fill me with the healing power of your spirit. Cast out anything that should not be in me. Mend what is broken. Root out any damaged cells. Open any blocked arteries or veins and rebuild any damaged areas. Remove all inflammation and cleanse any infection. Let the warmth of your healing pass through my body to make new any unhealthy areas so that my body will function the way you created it to function. And Father, restore me to full health in mind and body so that I may serve you the rest of my life. I ask this through Christ Our Lord Amen. I.B thanksgiving 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. I.B As our regular readers will know we have asked for your generosity in supporting very worthy charities over the years. Going forward, we are delighted to support Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice.

LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice provides palliative care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families, from the point of diagnosis to end of life, and throughout bereavement.Our holistic approach ensures we support the whole family through a unique care plan that may include: symptom management; planned short hospice stays (respite); unplanned hospice stays (emergency care); end of life care; music & play therapy; psychological & bereavement support; Social Work and Chaplaincy. All care is provided free to families. Care can be availed of in the hospice, at hospital, in the community, or in the family home, depending on the child and family’s preference. It costs €5.2million to keep LauraLynn’s Children’s Hospice open, €3.5million of which must be generated each year through fundraised income. Since opening in 2011, LauraLynn has cared for more than 325 children and their families and provided more than 265,000 hours of short stay care provided to children in LauraLynn Hospice. For further information please visit lauralynn.ie. If you would like a Novena published please send a postal order or cheque 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 4519000 or email info@ newsgroup.ie.

END JUNK FOOD ADVERTS DURING UNDER 16’S CINEMA SCREENINGS

CINEMAS should stop advertising junk food during screenings for under 16s, Dublin Fine Gael Senator Catherine Noone has said.

Senator Noone said: “As we continue to fight against childhood obesity, it is counterproductive to allow advertising of unhealthy foods, specifically aimed at children and teenagers. “There is no doubt about the relationship between advertising high fat, sugar and salt products and consumption. Children going to see a film in cinemas with their parents are then subjected to adverts designed for children, promoting sweets and fastfood, while adverts promoting healthy

alternatives do not appear. “Junk food producers now have the ability to target Irish children in the cinemas, in their living rooms on TV and in their bedrooms through the internet. Until we address this issue we cannot turn the tide on childhood obesity, which every day creates more lifelong problems for young people,” she said. Senator Noone added, “At some point in the future, as a society we will come to view this type of high fat, sugar and salt advertising to that of cigarette companies. The health effects can be just as costly, with long term adverse health effects.”

RE-OPENING OF SUPERVALU SUPERMARKET IN FORTUNESTOWN Local Councillor, Charlie O’Connor, has welcomed news regarding the proposed re-opening of the Supervalu Supermarket in Fortunestown Shopping Centre and said that residents in Springfield and the wider area are looking forward to the formal announcement of the plans in that regard. “The closure of the Supervalu Supermarket following a fire caused much upset and distress in my local community and I do know that there was much sympathy for owner Alan Jordan and his staff. Indeed, Alan drew much praise for his efforts at the time in ensuring that the Post Office re-opened as

quickly as possible.” Charlie O’Connor added that “I know from my regular contact with local management that there are plans to erect hoarding on the site within the next week and a formal announcement is expected to confirm that the Supervalu Supermarket will re-open again in November.” He also added that “As an elected representative, living in Springfield, I am aware of the gratitude of my community for the efforts of the staff of the nearby Centra Supermarket in Alderwood/ Maplewood, who have done a tremendous job, sometimes under difficult

circumstances, to cater for the local community. Much praise has been expressed to Manager, Sarah Leonard and her hard working, friendly team for their endeavors in that regard. We now look forward to further developments in the matter and I know that my community will continue to follow the progress in a positive way.”

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UPDATE FROM TALLAGHT DRUG & ALCOHOL TASK FORCE (TDATF)! We hope this news finds you well and enjoying the great summer weather. We have had a busy summer, our work of late has included: - Applying for new funding opportunities - Responding to emerging needs & trends, including an increase in crack use across communities - Supporting families affected by substance misuse, some of which are caring for grandchildren - Looking at ways we can support out frontline community drug services

We are also continuing our support for and promotion of the Crimestoppers campaign. Our posters are still displayed across our communities of Tallaght and Whitechurch. We are still promoting use of the line on our Facebook page, Website and various media sources including Tallaght News! We are currently waiting on most recent call figures from An Garda Síochana and will update you all on these as soon as we have them. We hope that Crimestoppers has made as big of a difference as last year, where the largest number of calls to the line came from our area of Tallaght and Whitechurch.

- Allocating our Education Bursary Fund which is reserved for people in recovery from For this, we sincerely thank you for your assistance. Please know substance misuse that your call and feedback is - Continuing to promote the making a difference harms associated with alcohol Crimestoppers is supported by our colleagues in An Garda Síochana, misuse

TALLAGHT DRUG & ALCOHOL TASK FORCE ARE RECRUITING NEW COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES

Are you frustrated by drugs or drug related crime in your area? DO YOU THINK YOU COULD REPRESENT THE VOICE AND NEEDS OF YOUR COMMUNITY? DO YOU HAVE A VIEW ON DRUG / ALCOHOL MISUSE AND RELATED ISSUES? For information on drugs, their effects & services available go to: www.drugs.ie A more localised directory is also available on our website. For more information on any aspects of the work of TDATF, please feel free to contact us: Grace Hill, Task Force Co-ordinator: ph. 464 9303 or email: grace.hill@sdcpartnership.ie Fiona Murphy, Alcohol Development Worker: ph. 464 9300 or email fiona.murphy@sdcpartnership.ie Gráinne O’ Kane, Rehabilitation Co-ordinator: ph. 464 9307 or email grainne.okane@sdcpartnership.ie 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/ or find us on Facebook!

Tallaght; they too believe it has been a positive campaign. The information received sometimes is common knowledge but at times the information is unique and has had positive outcomes. We are asking people once again to use the Crimestoppers line to report any incidents of drug dealing and / or drug related

crime, including intimidation. Ph. 1800 25 00 25 If you have any information, however small, on drug dealing or related crime, please make the call! - It’s completely safe and confidential. Together we can help make our communities safer and a happier place to live in.

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MOTORING LIFE WITH NEW HONDA CIVIC GETS DIESEL TECHNOLOGY. By Breda Corrigan The Civic is a core model for Honda in Europe and has been at the heart of the Japanese brand’s strong sales and manufacturing heritage for well over four decades. For many European customers, the Civic is synonymous with the Honda brand and the development team at Honda targeted a dynamic rejuvenation of the Civic family car to place it in a league of its own. Now in its 10th generation, the new Honda Civic has been completely re-designed and re-engineered in order to fulfill Honda’s quest for technical excellence and to keep Honda’s innovative spirit alive and well. As a result, Honda has created a car with a unique personality and sporty soul, which is truly exciting to drive, refined, comfortable and sophisticated. Honda have produced the sportiest Civic ever and it sets new benchmarks for the compact family car class in terms of dynamic performance, fuel efficiency, spaciousness, safety and interior quality. The new Civic is longer, lower and wider than the ninth-generation car it replaces and has a more advanced suspension, too – a combination Honda hopes will help the Civic outgun rivals such as the Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus, Toyota Auris and VW Golf. Now with a wonderful new diesel engine under the bonnet, Honda have added exceptional economy to the Civic’s long list of positive attributes. With a competitive starting price of just €25,550 in new diesel engine guise, the new Civic Diesel is available in four different trim levels – Smart, Smart Plus, Premium & Premium Plus. Honda’s all-new Civic Diesel exhibits best-ever driving dynamics, refinement and sophistication, while its sporty and distinctive exterior design is sure to set pulses racing. My test car was a Civic 1.6-litre, i-DTEC (Diesel), Smart Plus model finished in

stunning Brilliant Sporty Blue metallic paint and was mated to a slick 6-speed manual gearbox. Fuel economy from Honda’s wonderful diesel engine is terrific, with consumption as low as 3.5l/100km possible on an extra-urban driving cycle. Thanks to a low emission figure of 93g/ km, annual road tax is just €180. With 120bhp and 320Nm of torque under the bonnet, the new Civic Diesel can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 10.1-seconds on its way to a top speed (where permitted) of 201km/h. The new Civic is adorned with tightly tuned aerodynamics, which stick you to the road and, with cutting-edge technology such as Agile Handling Assist, the car immediately responds to your every touch. Completely re-designed and re-engineered, the new Civic i-DTEC (Diesel) range epitomises Honda’s innovative spirit and quest for technical excellence. The result is a car created with a unique personality and sporty soul, ensuring it is exciting to drive, refined, comfortable and sophisticated. Standard specification across the new Civic range is very impressive and includes such items as Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Intelligent Speed Limiter with Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition System, Bluetooth, Parking Sensors (Front & Rear), 5” Audio Monitor, Multi-Function Steering Wheel, Automatic Climate Control, 16” Alloys and an 8-Speaker Sound System with USB Port. The Smart Plus model I drove also included Honda Connect with Garmin Navigation, Rear Camera, Dual Climate Control, 17” Alloys, Privacy Glass, Front Fog Lights, Electric Lumbar Support on Drivers Seat, Alarm, Leather Steering Wheel and Gear Knob, Alloy Pedals, Auto Wipers, Power Folding Mirrors and Body-Coloured Door Mirrors

with Integrated Indicator. Boot capacity in the new Civic is a healthy 478-litres with the rear seats in place and rises to 1,267-litres with the rear seats folded. Access to the boot is more than adequate for most bulky items and instead of a rigid boot cover (that can be difficult to store when you fold the seats), there’s a roller blind that brilliantly goes side to side. Rolled up, it’s little more than the size of a compact umbrella and the unit can be removed completely if necessary. Class-leading interior space and improved usability are key ergonomic features of the new Civic and excellent head and legroom will be much appreciated by all occupants.

Next-generation ‘Honda Connect’ delivers enhanced, more intuitive connected infotainment, while standard ‘Honda SENSING’ across the range makes the new Civic one of the safest cars in its class. While the original Honda Civic (launched in 1972) was little more than a small supermini, it has grown to become a compact family hatch that can genuinely challenge the class leaders for practicality, economy and performance. Having spent a week with the new Civic Diesel, I can genuinely say that Honda has created a car that is built around one vital component – the driver.

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