Rathcoole Saggart News 21.01.21

25th January 2021

ONGOING MISUSE OF NITROUS OXIDE BULLETS NO LAUGHING MATTER Local Councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh has expressed his alarm at the continued misuse of nitrous oxide, more commonly referred to as ‘silver bullets’, within the community and the anti-social behaviour that is frequently associated. Ó Brádaigh, a new councillor for the local electoral area of L u c a n - Pa l m e r s t o w n and North Clondalkin is a long time activist with the party and believes there are some parallels between the recent pandemic and this particular

substance abuse by some of the youth in our communities.

Cllr Ó Bradaigh said; “The prevalence of these cannisters left strewn around our streets on a regular basis has become an all too common sight.

Whilst I understand many have spoken out on this already, including my own colleague Mark Ward TD, the increased misuse of nitrous oxide as an inhalant, appears to have reemerged to the same widespread scale as

we were witnessing at the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic early last year. “Whilst it was welcome news that the HSE had included information about the misuse of nitrous oxide on Drugs. ie, this does not go far enough to tackle the ongoing problem.

It would seem to me that the current upsurge once again in the misuse of these ‘silver bullets’ can be timed with the recent lockdown period. I appreciate that this may be coincidental,

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however I feel that there is strong enough evidence to warrant closer scrutiny.

“Nitrous oxide cannisters are produced for use in the catering industry and can be purchased with relative ease. They are considered a gateway drug and as such can result in a progression to experimenting with more serious drugs and substances. Risks associated with the inhalation of this gas are dangerous and can cause a drop in oxygen levels increasing heart rate.

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People with heart, blood pressure or mental health concerns may be at even greater risk. “Only recently, I contacted the council highlighting locations of discarded

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MAGICAL CHRISTMAS ENGAGEMENT FOR TALLAGHT COUPLE

By Cathy Lee THERE was a little bit now for our wedding, but of magic at Kia Ora Mini it’ll probably be two years Farm in Gorey when happy by the time we get the couple Lyndsay Daly and planning done,’ she said.

Clive McCowen got engaged Lyndsay explained that she under the tunnel of lights often comes to Wexford at the entrance to the to see her sisters and her farm just before Christmas. parents, Helen and Leo The Tallaght couple were Daly, who live in Gorey. bringing their seven-monthold son Jase to see Santa Staff at Kia Ora Farm were Claus while visiting their quick to congratulate the family over Christmas, who happy couple and wish them live in Gorey and Courtown.

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Lyndsay said that getting engaged in time for her son’s first Christmas was really special and that she has been having a great week with all the happy messages she’s received.

‘It was just a normal night out to see Santy, we had booked it a while ago and I wasn’t expecting anything.

My sisters, Leonie and Amy, were with us as well but with the lights and Christmas and everything going on, it was a good surprise. It worked out great now and it’s great heading into 2021.

‘Clive and I have been going out together for two years and we’ll get planning

a lifetime of happiness together. ‘We knew it was happening as the family had rang ahead to say that Clive was going to propose,’ said Evelyn O’Donohoe of Kia Ora. ‘When they came in the gates then you could just see they were delighted.

We all wish them the best of luck and we were delighted that they chose Kia Ora

Farm.’

She explained that this was not the first engagement to take place at Kia Ora, when some years ago Santa himself produced the ring for another happy couple. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, it was not possible for Santa to do so for Lyndsay and Clive but, thankfully, the pair were content enough with how it all went off.

ONGOING MISUSE OF NITROUS OXIDE BULLETS NO LAUGHING MATTER ..... CONT’D FROM PAGE 1

cannisters and requesting the cleansing of certain streets / areas on behalf of residents specifically in this regard. The congregation of groups in the course of misusing this product and the general littering, noise and anti-social behaviour that follows is extremely intimidating for local residents.

“I have written to local Garda representatives

for the area expressing my willingness to work as part of a joint effort in addressing some of the more challenging issues within our community.

out, the only notable engagement that our youth are having in recent times is with the Garda – and this is more often than not for the wrong reasons.

I was very pleased to receive a prompt and positive response. This followed my attendance at the local policing forum that organise from and on behalf of the community. As one attendee at the meeting pointed

If we are ever to get a handle on drug and substance abuse and meaningfully address increasing anti-social problems, then we need a collaborative effort and this importantly means listening to our young people too!”

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THE ARTISAN PIZZA CO. MAKE FINALIST IN THE NATIONAL ENTERPRISE AWARDS

Local Dublin Mid West TD Emer Higgins, has sent best wishes to local company The Artisan Pizza Co., who are representing South Dublin County in the National Enterprise Awards, the finalists for which were announced last week.

Deputy Higgins said; “The National Enterprise Awards Final will take place virtually on the 11th February and I send every best wish to The Artisan Pizza Co., announced recently as a finalist by the County Local Enterprise Office.

Since 2007, the Artisan Pizza Co. has manufactured and supplied superior quality artisan pizza bases fresh to the Irish market under the ‘Pizza da Piero’ brand.

Its bases are handmade and par-baked in Rathcoole ready for the retail and foodservice sectors. Currently supplying all major retail multiples in Ireland, the company plans to develop a wider product range and export to the UK. Higgins continued; “The National Enterprise Awards celebrate small businesses and recognise excellence in exporting, sustainability

and innovation. The finalists are competing for a €50,000 prize fund which goes to the overall winner, as well as eight regional awards.

“This year there will also be two new award categories that reflect the challenging business conditions that companies have faced because of the pandemic and Brexit.

The Pivot Award will be presented to a company which has successfully pivoted their business in the face of challenging conditions in the last 12 months. The Brexit Ready Award will be presented to a company who have excelled in their preparation for Brexit particularly where it would have created specific challenges for them as a business.”

Minister for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD, said; “Through the National Enterprise Awards, we celebrate the very best in small local companies who are leading in their field of business expertise.

Over the past 20 years, the awards have been the benchmark for excellence in micro-enterprise across

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the country.

Looking at the list of winners, finalists and participants through the years, it is easy to be inspired by our talented businesses and people who are the backbone of outstanding Irish entrepreneurs, many of whom are trading successfully across the globe. This year’s finalists are no different with some

exceptional companies shortlisted. The very best of luck to all finalists and no doubt they will continue to grow beyond this and become part of Ireland’s growing international business community.

entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses in County. Other great initiatives include Local Enterprise Week, the Student Enterprise Programme and National Women’s Enterprise Day.

Emer Higgins concluded “I applaud the County Local Enterprise Office for the invaluable work it continues to do in encouraging

“Established by the Fine Gael government in 2014, LEOs are a huge support to anyone looking to start a business or any small

business that is looking for support or advice to help them expand or adapt their business to meet today’s challenges.

They provide hugely important mentoring, training, expert advice and financial support to small businesses, and anyone who would like to avail of their services should check out www.LocalEnterprise.ie.”

ALTERNATIVE PROPOSAL FOR BAWNOGUE SOCIAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT DEFEATED Sinn Féin Clondalkin Councillor William Carey has accused the majority group on South Dublin County Council of ‘ignoring community concerns’ and ‘rejecting an improved social housing proposal from Sinn Féin for purely political reasons.’ Cllr Carey said: ‘South Dublin County Council approved the Managers proposal for 19 social housing units on the green between Lindisfarne and Melrose.

The proposal was a reduction from the original proposal for 29 homes. ‘Sinn Féin conducted an extensive door to door consultation with the local community and tabled an alternative proposal which would have seen an increase in the number of new social homes in the Bawnogue area while preserving an important green space for residents in Lindisfarne and Melrose.

‘The Sinn Féin alternative was tabled by way of amendment at last night’s Council meeting. It involved reducing the number of homes on the Lindisfarne green to 16 while increasing the number of social homes on a second social housing scheme across from Lindisfarne by up to 29 units.

‘Our proposal also sought to use some of the units on the Lindisfarne green site to allow local pensioners downsize, freeing up a number of larger family homes within the Bawnogue area for families on the waiting list. ‘The net result of Sinn Féin’s alternative would have been up to 44 new social homes on two sites developed in a way that would have had greater community support and a lower loss of amenity. ‘Unfortunately Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, Labour voted down the Sinn Féin proposal.

The Sinn Féin amendment tabled by myself and Cllr Derren Ó Bradaigh was defeated 25 to 14 with the Green Party, People Before Profit, Socialist Party and one independent supporting our proposal. The Managers proposal for 19

homes on the site then passed without opposition.‘It is hard to understand why Councillors would have ignored the concerns of the local community. It is even harder to fathom why they would have voted down an alternative proposal that would have addressed those concerns while actually increasing the total number of new social homes in Bawnogue. I can only conclude that they did this for purely political reasons. ‘Sinn Féin will continue to work with the local community to ensure that future developments meet the needs of both the existing and future residents of Bawnogue.’

NATIONALISE PRIVATE HOSPITALS

The Workers’ Party supports the call from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) to nationalise all private hospitals to fight against COVID-19. David Gardiner, Workers’ Party representative in PalmerstownFonthill, said: “The healthcare system is clearly overloaded and struggling to cope. The government plans only to nationalise a third of the private hospital capacity, that won’t be enough.”

“The government has made a hames of their response to this pandemic, ignoring NPHET advice and frontline workers on many occasions. They owe it to people to finally do what’s right to prevent more unnecessary illness and death.”

Gardiner concluded: “Public health was in a sorry state before the pandemic, and now ordinary working people, particularly those of us on the frontline, are feeling the consequences of government inaction. The Workers’ Party echo the call of INMO to nationalise private hospitals to combat COVID-19.”

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MOTION CALLING FOR INCREASE IN SOCIAL HOUSING INCOME LIMITS PASSED

A motion calling on the Housing Minister to increase the income limit for access to social housing was passed at the January county council meeting.

The motion, which was proposed by People Before Profit Councillor Madeleine Johansson, was passed unanimously following an amendment. The original

motion called for the income limit to be completely removed to allow everyone to apply for public housing, and so provide more of a social mix in public housing.

An amendment to change the motion to call for an increase in the limit, rather than removing it, was proposed by Sinn Fein.

A letter will now be issued to the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien informing him of the motion.

Cllr Madeleine Johansson commented: “I’m delighted that the motion was passed to call on a change to income limits for social housing.

The current limits have not been changed since 2011 and are not reflective of the extraordinarily high costs of private rent in Dublin.

“Most other European countries have no income limits for access to public (council) housing.

This means that anyone who wants to is entitled to apply for public housing creating sustainable mixed income communities with no stigma attached to public housing.

“I was recently contacted by a family who had been on the housing list for 12 years but were removed

from the list due to their income being over the limit.

The family can’t afford to pay private rents in Dublin and has no prospect of qualifying for a mortgage.

It’s outrageous that working people who are doing their best to provide for their family are not entitled to secure housing.”

People Before Profit TD for Dublin Mid West Gino Kenny added: “The government needs to urgently change

its housing policy. We need a large scale public housing construction programme that caters for everyone who is in need of housing.

The creation of cost rental or affordable rental schemes is not a solution to the current crisis and further complicates the access to secure housing for working people.

Instead we need a single tier public housing programme accessible to all.”

2021 TEXACO CHILDREN’S ART COMPETITION LAUNCHES The search to find the young artists who will excel in this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition has begun.

Last year three Chapelizod students were amongst 36 young artists from Dublin to have won prizes in the event which is now in its 67th year and widely acknowledged as

the longest running arts sponsorship in Ireland. The closing date for entries is Wednesday, 24th March.

Judging will take place in April with winners to be announced in May. Details are available through Texaco service stations and online at www.texacochildrensart. com

YOUNG FRIENDS OF THE CAMAC AUTUMN ART COMPETITION Recently a presentation was made to one of the winners of the Young Friends of the Camac Autumn Art Competition. The theme of the competition was “My Favourite Season”. The winner was Millie Brazil from Our Lady Queen of the Apostles School Clonburris in Clondalkin.

Pictured L/R: Lily Frost Chair FOTC, Paula Kenny Teacher, Millie Brazil, Fiona Roebuck School Principal and Brian Ronan Treasurer Friends of the Camac. Pic Tommy Keogh

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NEW WETLANDS FOR DODDER VALLEY PARK

Two new wetlands are due to be constructed in the Dodder Valley Park. They are part of the Council’s Action on Climate Change plan and will provide a new eco-system that will attract new wildlife to the area and allow flora and fauna to flourish. Chair of South Dublin County Council’s Environmental Committee, Cllr. Brian Lawlor, who is pictured at one of the two locations, has warmly welcomed the initiative.

“I am thrilled that my proposal for wetlands in the Dodder Valley was approved by the Council. This initiative will help protect and enhance our natural environment by creating a brand new eco-system right here in the Dodder Valley. These new wetlands

will become home to several different species of plants and animals, which could include everything from newts and frogs, to bats and even the critically endangered European eel. With the sad destruction of the wetlands in Tallaght last year, these new wetlands are a really welcome development for our local natural environment,” said Cllr. Brian Lawlor.

“There has been huge investment into the Park recently and it’s great to see so many people out and about walking the new pathways. A walk by the weir is a great way to clear your head, especially for those who are working from home these days,” concluded Cllr. Brian Lawlor.

CAB SHOULD BE PUMPED BACK INTO THE COMMUNITIES

Mark Ward TD has called in money seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau to be put back into the communities that have been most affected by crime. During a debate on promised legislation yesterday Deputy Ward asked the Taoiseach directly if he would support such a move.

in which the criminals have been active. It must therefore be returned to these communities. “Sinn Féin has always advocated that any money seized by CAB be ring-fenced and put back into communities to tackle disadvantage and to fund prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services in the fight against drugs.

The Taoiseach responded that resources for communities should be co-ordinated through the Exchequer, not necessarily coming from CAB. Deputy Ward said the money seized by CAB must be put back into the communities in which the criminals and drug dealers were operating in.

“I represent Dublin Mid West and grew up in North Clondalkin. Parts of my constituency have been ripped apart from drug use over the years. “I have seen whole families wiped out.

We now have in some cases 3 generations of addicts from the one family. This is not a failure by these families but more a symptom of years of systemic underinvestment in certain areas.

Speaking recently Deputy Ward said: “The vast majority of the money seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau has been extracted from the communities

“It does not happen by accident that most of the money seized by CAB originates in areas that

are highly disadvantaged.

The fact that the Taoiseach said that this money then reverts to the exchequer and not put directly into community services is wrong and has not worked. “Its like disadvantaged communities are being subjected to double tax. “At a time when we are witnessing significant increases in drug dealing and abuse, we are also seeing funding cut for vital drug and mental health projects.

This will have a detrimental impact on these communities. “I am calling on the Minister for Finance to use the money seized by CAB to reverse the cuts and increase funding to community and drug projects throughout the state. “I believe that all money seized by CAB should be pumped back into the communities in which the criminals were most active.”

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€1.485 MILLION GRANTED TO 594 SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY BUSINESSES

Local TD Emer Higgins, has confirmed that €1,485,000 was granted to 594 South Dublin County businesses in 2020 through the Trading Online Voucher Scheme. Deputy Higgins said; “The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is designed to help support small and micro-business to develop their online presence.

As part of this there is a grant

available of up to €2,500 to help them develop or enhance their ability to trade online. “In addition, as part of the scheme, small and micro businesses can avail of peer to peer advice and support through the Local Enterprise Offices.

“I am pleased to say that €1.485 million was granted to 594 South Dublin County businesses in

2020 through the Trading Online Voucher Scheme. It is great to see local businesses developing and expanding their online offering, particularly during this challenging pandemic as it has offered a new route to market for many businesses affected by closures.

“It is for this reason that funding for the Scheme was increased from

WHITECHURCH STREAM FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME South Dublin County Council are pleased to announce that planning approval has been granted under Section 177AE of the Planning and Development Act 2000 for the Whitechurch Stream Flood Alleviation Scheme.

The scheme when fully developed will not only provide fluvial flooding protection for up to 50 local residential and business properties in a 1 in 100 year flood event, but will enhance the

riverside experience for pedestrians and create a high quality, safe and functional environment. As Project Timelines are developed, further notifications will be provided and information will be made available on www.whitechurchfas.ie Full details of the An Bord Pleanala decision and the Inspectors Report can be found at http://www.pleanala.ie/ casenum/307746.htm

€2.3m to €39.8m in 2020 to respond to the challenges presented by COVID-19. The Government also introduced new flexibilities to the Scheme including reducing the requirement for co-funding and allowing businesses to apply for a second voucher where they have successfully utilised their first one.

“I encourage any businesses in South Dublin that have not yet

applied for this Scheme to do so. In order to be eligible, an applicant business must have a limited online trading presence; 10 or less employees; turnover of less than €2 million; and must be trading for at least 6 months.

Businesses should contact Local Enterprise Office on 01 4149000 or at info@leo.sdublincoco.ie for more information on how to apply.

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CONCERN ABOUT THE HIGH SALARIES OF THE MANAGEMENT OF PIETA HOUSE

Mark Ward TD, has questioned the high salaries of the management of Pieta House. The salaries of the top six earners combined are in excess of €500,000 per annum; with the CEO being paid a salary of €120,000 plus benefits. It has also

been revealed that Pieta House will pay €420,000 in redundancies this year and had been running at loss pre-Covid.

Teachta Ward said: “Pieta provides lifesaving treatment and it plugs

LOCAL BUSINESS LPD COMES TO THE RESCUE

Pictured is Paul and Ashton with the brand new scooter.

Ashton Owens, a 14 year old teenager from Tallaght was left very upset when his scooter was snatched. The scooter was a Christmas present and it was taken from him just after Christmas. Ashton’s Mum put out an appeal on social media and local business owner Paul Dargan responded.

Paul who owns LPD Cars and Commerical Vehicles on the Old Bawn Road in Tallaght replied to the appeal and offered to give Ashton a brand new scooter.

the gap in services for suicide prevention that successive governments have failed to do. “I have, like many others, taken part in fundraisers for Pieta over the years as I have known many people who were helped by the organisation. The very first Pieta House was in my own area of Dublin Mid-West, borne out of a high rate of suicide in our area. “I am shocked to find out that the CEO of Pieta earns €120,000 per annum, rising to almost €150,000 after benefits. “When people are generously fundraising and donating to Pieta, I do

not think that they realise that the top six earners in Pieta earn approximately €500,000 between them.

“When you put that into context with some front-line therapists only receiving a salary of €25,000 per year; excessive salaries are wrong. “I highlighted last year concerns I had with the governance of Pieta House when questions were raised about its finances. These questions were raised pre-Covid when there was no impact on their fundraising ability.

“Pieta’s 2019 accounts show a deficit of €700,000 “The

massive fundraiser on the Late Late Show helped the organisation. This was in addition to €2.5 million in government support. “Pieta also availed of the wage subsidy scheme “To hear recently that Pieta will be paying over €400,000 in redundancies this year is worrying.

When people fundraise for Pieta they do so to support service delivery and not to pay the wages of top earners. Pieta is a charity and not a moneymaking machine for the top earners. “Previously, I questioned the then Minister for Health Simon

Harris about whether the taxpayer is getting value for money from a new €114,608 per month deal with Pieta House to provide 300 hours of counselling sessions per quarter.

“I also received information from some self-employed therapists who had contacted me and other members of my party that counsellors only charge Pieta €24 per hour, yet the State is funding Pieta to the tune of €1,146 per hour. “Questions remain unanswered and Pieta and the government need to provide transparency.”

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Newsgroup Education & Training Feature

APPLICATIONS FOR 2021 ARE NOW OPEN AT BALLYFERMOT COLLEGE

A new year. A new you.

It’s that time of year, to take stock and think about the changes you want to make in your life. I don’t mean going on a diet, taking up running, giving up smoking or cutting back on screen time.

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There are thousands of BCFE graduates working in any number of fields. Our social care and tourism graduates are frontline workers and nurses. Our

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A PLC course is also a good option if you’re not sure if university is the right choice for you or what career path to take. It allows you to dip your toe in a certain field that you’re interested in, without having to commit to a three or four-year degree.

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DUBLIN MICROMOBILITY START-UP PLANS TO CREATE 30 NEW JOBS Zipp Mobility (www. zippmobility.com), the Dublin-based micromobility start-up, recently announced that it plans to create at least 30 additional jobs in the coming year as it is set to launch e-scooter services across Ireland once new e-scooter legislation is passed into law.

over 85,000 km, using the company’s e-scooters. Zipp Mobility, which was founded in 2019 by Charlie Gleeson, is headquartered at NovaUCD, the Centre for New Ventures and Entrepreneurs at University College Dublin (UCD), with UK offices in Buckinghamshire and Somerset.

The announcement follows on from a successful year for the company in which it secured €1.1 million in seed funding, including €250,000 from Enterprise Ireland, launched e-scooter operations in three (3) UK locations (Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Taunton) and grew to a staff of 20 in Ireland and in the UK.

Charlie Gleeson, CEO and Founder, Zipp Mobility said, “This last year has been a very successful one for the company and we are currently operating in more UK locations than some of the bigger industry players which is a great achievement for a young Irish start-up such as Zipp.

We look forward to an even more exciting year ahead and we already have four additional launches linedup for the coming months, including the first public shared e-scooter scheme on the island of Ireland.”

The company is currently operating a fleet of 450 e-scooters in the UK which it expects to increase to 600 units in the coming months.

In the last two months Zipp Mobility customers have completed over 30,000 journeys and travelled

“With new e-scooter legislation set to be passed

in Ireland early this year our plan for 2021 includes completing a Series A funding round and launching our service across the country creating at least 30 new jobs in the process.”

He added, “E-scooters offer a cleaner, low carbon alternative to cars and provide customers with a green alternative to getting around.

We estimate that our customers, who travelled the equivalent of twice around the circumference of the Earth in the last two months, replaced approximately 9,000 car journeys and removed around 7 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere, which are very encouraging statistics.” He concluded, “Our overall vision for Zipp is ‘mobility done right’ and our aim for the year ahead is to lead the Irish e-scooter-sharing market and expand our operations internationally.”

Since the onset of the

Pictured at Seapoint Avenue, Monkstown is Charlie Gleeson, CEO and Founder, Zipp Mobility (Nick Bradshaw, Fotonic). PIc Credit: Photograph Nick Bradshaw/fotonic pandemic, all of Zipp’s for its e-scooters. Zipp’s operations to be up to 10 e-scooters have been commitment to “mobility times more energy-efficient equipped with anti-viral done right” includes the than their competitors. handlebar wraps that kill company running all of Zipp is also committed to 99.98% of coronaviruses to its operations in-house green operations through its help eliminate COVID-19 with no outsourcing. The ‘end-of-life’ plan, recycling transmission risk. Zipp has company also only uses and re-using all parts when also implemented a strict electric vehicles to manage the e-scooters fall beyond daily disinfection regime its fleet and have optimised repair.

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DUBLIN LEARNERS FEATURE IN NEW BOOKLET CELEBRATING LEARNER VOICE

A new booklet celebrating the impact of learners sharing their experiences through the National FET Learner Forum was launched recently by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation. The booklet, entitled I’m a FET Learner, features the personal stories of 10 Further Education and Training (FET) learners. From Imani Tutu who attended the first ever National FET Learner Forum event in 2016 to Niamh Becton who took part in a virtual National FET Learner Forum in Spring 2020, each individual story shares the impact that taking part in the Forum has had on the learners.

Officially launching the booklet via video link Minister for Department

of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, said: “This booklet offers a real picture of the impact that adult education makes on people across this country.

Many of the featured people faced challenges.

By finding the courage to take that first step, these individuals, and countless more, have opened up a world of opportunities. FET is for everyone and it is my absolute priority to support everyone irrespective of their age, background or educational experience to have access to FET.” As one of the largest learner voice projects in Europe, the National FET Learner Forum has helped to deepen learner voice

engagement in FET. The project has become a model learner voice initiative for groups across Europe.

Each year over 1,000 FET learners from across Ireland take part. Learners share their experiences of accessing FET courses, and more importantly, offer suggestions on how to improve this process moving forward.

Participating in the Forum has helped learners to build their self-confidence, increase their advocacy skills, and build a broader FET learner identity.

Two learners from the Dublin area shared their experiences in the booklet: Una Buckley, whose adult learning journey with AONTAS began in 2007 when she completed a night course

Venue: Green Isle Hotel P/Time Sat. 30th January

F/Time Wed. 24th February

on adult and community education, welcomed and guided attendees through the virtual booklet launch agenda. Una has been involved in learner voice work with AONTAS for many years including attending the first National FET Learner Forum event in 2016, speaking at the Lifelong Learning Summit in 2019 and travelling to Brussels with AONTAS for a conference as part of European Vocational Skills Week in 2016. Speaking about the value of learner voice she said: “It’s important that different voices are included.

Everybody has to be included; every voice from every background, whether it’s easy to listen to or not. A lot of changes have happened by putting the learner at the centre.”

Niamh Becton is a learner completing an Advanced Social Studies and Advocacy course with Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board. In the booklet and at the event, Speaking about her experience she said: “If you’re in any way inclined to go back to education, just do it. It’s very different set up from school and it’s very different from 30 years ago. It’s very much learner led and the support network that tutors give you is unbelievable.”

The launch event was led entirely by the learners who took part in this booklet. Hosting the event, introducing speakers, interviewing the CEO of SOLAS, Andrew Brownlee, and facilitating the stakeholder panel, learners were at the heart of all the activities that supported the day’s events. Speaking at the launch, Niamh O’Reilly, CEO of AONTAS said: “The National FET Learner Forum has evolved since 2016, as a one-day national event where learners could share their voice and reflect on ways to improve the Further Education and Training (FET) sector to the largest mixed methods learner voice project in Europe in 2020.”

“This booklet demonstrates, whilst learner informed

policy is vitally important, in AONTAS our approach to learner voice is more than just about gaining feedback.

Through facilitated discussions and deep engagement, we strive for a transformative learner voice experience which builds learners’ confidence, and capacity to shape their education journey.”

Also speaking at the launch was Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS said: “SOLAS is delighted to support this exciting new publication which highlights the voice of learners across FET. Since SOLAS and the ETBs were formed in 2013, we have worked closely with AONTAS in ensuring that

the learner voice influences strategy and the nature of provision across FET. “The learner voice has played a central role in shaping the next ambitious FET strategy, ‘Transforming Learning’. Its central ethos is that FET should be for everyone and be available in every community across Ireland. Its learners reflect the diverse and vibrant society in Ireland, and we have to use their incredible experience to inspire others to join in a FET journey which can take you as far as you want to go.”

I’m a FET Learner is available on www.aontas. com/assets/resources/ Learner-Work

HOME SCHOOLING DURING LOCKDOWN 3

Ondine Ni Chathain from Scoil Chronain in Rathcoole Co Dublin lining up for school....in her home along with her fellow students to start her home schooling day.

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BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS URGED TO TAKE PART IN STUDENT ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME

Young entrepreneurs in Dublin should apply for this year’s Student Enterprise Programme which is good experience for getting started in the world of business, a Fine Gael Senator Mary Seery Kearney has said.

Senator Mary Seery Kearney said, “I am pleased that the Local Enterprise Office’s Student Enterprise Programme will take place this year and I would encourage all budding Second Level entrepreneurs in Dublin to take part in the competition.

“Students will compete across three categories, Junior, Intermediate and Senior and judging takes place virtually via electronic submissions.

Each student enterprise is challenged with creating, setting up and running their own business, which must show sales of their service or product. “The programme will also include

two additional categories that students can enter.

These are the “Most Creative Business Idea” video competition for the Senior category and the “My Entrepreneurial Journey” category for the Junior and Intermediate categories.

“Students from 1st year to 6th year can get set up and run their own business in the Local Enterprise Office led competition, finding out what it’s really like to be an entrepreneur.

“The Final usually takes place in Croke Park, but as with the 2020 Final earlier this year, the event will take place again online on Friday 14th May 2021.

“The Student Enterprise Programme also has new range of online resources for 2020 / 2021 at www.

StudentEnterprise.ie, which will feature regular blogs and houses a full range of Student Enterprise resources that students and teachers in Dublin can avail of, Senator Mary Seery

Kearney said.

The enterprise education initiative, funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland and delivered by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities throughout the country, saw over 25,000 students from almost 500

secondary schools across the country take part in 2019 / 2020.

Launching this year’s Student Enterprise Programme Damien English, T.D., Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, said; “The Student Enterprise Programme has been one

of the most successful initiatives in helping students foster a passion for entrepreneurship. Many of the students that have taken part have gone on to set up their own fully fledged businesses, some before they have even left school. “Ireland has always had a proud tradition of

entrepreneurship and hopefully these students will bring that passion with them as they figure out how they want to make an impact in the world. While not everyone can take home the top prize, what the students learn in taking part will be invaluable to them in the years to come.”

SOUTH DUBLIN STUDENTS ELECTED AS REGIONAL REPS OF THE ISSU

Sixth year student David Wright from Lucan Community College and fifth year student Thomas Eve from The King’s Hospital School have been elected as the South Dublin Regional Officers of the Irish SecondLevel Students’ Union, the national representative body for second-level student councils in the Republic of Ireland. The pair, along with 42 other post-primary students from across the country, began their term on January 1st, and they look forward to the year ahead.

David is passionate about education issues and gender equality in schools, saying “I cannot wait to work with all students on tackling issues such as

equality in schools. I have undertaken a lot of work on this in my own school and I am hoping to bring this to all of South Dublin”. He also added that “there is so much going on with education which makes it the right time to face all of these issues and tackle them all in one go.” Thomas is enthusiastic about advocating for the student voice in schools, saying “Young people are becoming much more involved in Irish society. They no longer just want to sit on the sidelines, but want to have their voices heard by those in power.” Thomas is also passionate about climate justice and has been working on the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and adds that “Issues such as Climate

Action, Gender Equality and Quality Education are very close to many students’ hearts.” He is looking forward to working with David and the thousands of other students in Dublin South in the year ahead.

The Regional Officers plan to work alongside local TDs and County Councillors during their term, and also to represent over 17,000 secondlevel students from South Dublin on a national level. The ISSU has played a central role in many of the decisions made around schools and exams during COVID and both David and Thomas plan to make sure student voices are heard at the local level for the year ahead.

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€500 CASH PRIZE AND MOBILE FARM VISIT UP FOR GRABS

A €500 cash prize and an Agri Aware Mobile Farm Visit are up for grabs for primary school classes that bring the Dig In! farming and food education resource to life in their learning. Agri Aware, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

launched its revitalised Dig In! Learning About Life on the Countryside resource aimed at primary school students in November 2020.

The agri-food educational body has now launched a competition to encourage teachers to bring the resource to life and

reconnect their students with how the food that ends up on their dinner plates is produced from farm to fork.

Teachers are being asked to complete one suggested activity from three of the following six Dig In! topics: The Irish Farmer,

Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Cereals and Grasses and Poultry.

Teachers can submit evidence that their class completed the activities by visiting agriaware.ie/digin and fill in the competition submission form on the page. They will be in with a chance of winning first prize of €500 and an Agri Aware Mobile Farm visit to their school and second prize of an Agri Aware Mobile Farm visit to their school.

The competition is open to all primary school levels and entries close on Friday, April 30th, 2021.

Agri Aware is also reminding teachers and parents that Dig In! can be downloaded in digital format and makes for an exciting and educational curriculum linked resource that can be used during the current home-schooling period. Dig In! is divided into four modules according to levels of ability for Junior and Senior Infants; 1st&2nd

OVER 130 DUBLIN SOLICITORS UPSKILL AT ONLINE LAW SOCIETY CONFERENCE

Solicitor Joe O’Malley, Hayes Solicitors, is President of the DSBA and said the conference was an opportunity for Dublin solicitors to reflect on very important high risk areas that directly impact all solicitors’ practices. “Every year the Practice and Regulation Symposium provides Dublin solicitors with essential information to help them efficiently run their practices and to stay complaint with regulatory requirements,” explained Mr O’Malley.

“The Practice and Regulation Symposium 2020 is the fifth in a series of online events run by the Law Society this year. Despite current restrictions, the conference was an opportunity to meet colleagues in a virtual setting and discuss the challenges and

Speaking about the launch of the Dig In! competition Agri Aware Chairman and dairy and tillage farmer, Alan Jagoe from Co Cork said, “We are delighted to launch this competition to encourage teachers to use Dig In! as an innovative learning resource for their students.

“The overall winner will receive €500 and a visit from our Mobile Farm when Covid-19

restrictions are lifted.

The Mobile Farm is a unique outdoor classroom experience which educates young and old about the different farm animals on Irish farms and their role in producing quality food, while explaining that Irish farmers use the highest animal welfare standards.

Mr Jagoe also encouraged teachers and parents to use Dig In! as a remote and home-school learning resource. “All four Dig In! modules come in a digital format which can be easily accessed and downloaded from AgriAware.ie. Dig In! brings to life all aspects of modern farming in a child friendly, innovative and educational way and is sure to be useful to parents and teachers during this period of home-schooling.”

To access a digital version of the resource teachers and parents can visit www. agriaware.ie/digin.html.

GOAL CREATES ONLINE EDUCATION RESOURCE TO ENABLE GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

Pictured Alan and Laura Jagoe

Solicitors from Dublin attended the Practice and Regulation Symposium 2020 which took place online for the first time in the event’s history. Organised by the Law Society Finuas Skillnet in collaboration with Dublin Solicitors’ Bar Association (DSBA), the annual conference provides an opportunity for solicitors to stay up-to-date in areas relevant to them such as cyber security, regulation and anti-money laundering (AML).

class; 3rd&4th class and 5th&6th class. Each module contains 20 readyto-go lesson plans and corresponding activities.

Furthermore, each lesson plan is linked to strands of the English, Maths, Art, Drama, Science, Geography and SPHE curriculum.

Children will gain a real insight into all aspects of Irish farming, from learning how animals are reared and crops are grown, to understanding the role hedgerows play to promote biodiversity on Irish farms.

opportunities the last year has brought,” he said. “The conference highlighted the importance of cyber security and the stark reality of falling victim to a cyber fraud attack,” said Mr O’Malley. “Solicitors should always stay vigilant and prepare against cybercrime. Fortunately, there are a number of measures solicitors can take to limit the risks and help protect themselves against cyber-attacks, including implementing risk management policies and training staff,” he said. “Legal experts in AML and regulation also addressed the conference and provided a whistlestop tour through solicitor AML, discussed AML supports for solicitors and recent developments in the EU.” “While we continue to navigate Covid-19 and the country reopening, we should remember that solicitors are essential services and remain open for business.

Dublin solicitors are equipped with upto-date practice knowledge and are still available to provide legal services to clients, while adhering to social distancing measures,” said Mr O’Malley. “If you need expert legal advice, talk to your local solicitor.”

Irish humanitarian aid agency GOAL is launching its ‘Global Citizen’s Journey’, an education resource supporting young people in Dublin to learn about their role in making positive change for a sustainable future in their local and global communities.

The resource was collaboratively created by young people not only from Ireland, but from across Africa as well.

The young people came together through GOAL’s Global Youth Programme.

During the launch these young creators from across the planet will present the education resource. GOAL is calling on educators across Dublin to attend the launch to access resources they can share with their students. It is also inviting young people between the age of 18-25 to join to learn more about GOAL’s Youth programme.

Irish facilitator Niamh Flynn says “This resource aims to create a community

that is there to support all its members. It is everybody’s responsibility as a global citizen to take the initiative in being part of something bigger than yourself.”

GOAL Global Citizenship Manager Nina Sachau says, “At the heart of GOAL’s Public Engagement, GOAL’s Global Youth programme brings young people together from all over the world to deepen their understanding of Global Citizenship. We believe that deeper and longer-term engagement is the best possible way to support a generation of young people who are passionate about a fairer and more sustainable future.”

During 2020 the participants of the GOAL Global Youth programme created this resource to invite their peers across the planet to develop the critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills that will support them in

their journey as global citizens. Nina Sachau says “The Covid-19 pandemic has reminded us of the interconnectedness of the world and the importance of community, collaboration and solidarity. With GOAL’s Youth programmes, we are facilitating a new generation of global citizens from Ireland and across GOAL programme countries in Asia, Africa and Latin-America to connect with each other, explore common issues and their own roles in creating change, regardless of where in the world they live.”

It is free for all participants and open to anyone aged between 18-25 or educators of any age. No prior knowledge of the issues is required. All that is needed is an interest in helping to create a more sustainable future for all.

Register here: https:// w w w. g o a l g l o b a l . o r g / youth/. Applications for the 2021 Global Citizens Journey will open in March.

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DUBLIN STUDENTS WIN AWARDS AT 57TH BT YOUNG SCIENTIST & TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION Dublin students were recognised and commended at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2021 Awards Ceremony. A total of 41 awards were presented to Dublin students for their impressive projects entered in this year’s virtual exhibition.

The winner of the 57th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) has been announced as Gregory Tarr, aged 17, a 6th year student from Bandon Grammar School Co. Cork.

Gregory has taken home the top prize of €7,500 and the BTYSTE perpetual trophy for his project titled “Detecting state-ofthe-art deepfakes.” The announcement was made at the first ever virtual BTYSTE awards ceremony streamed live from the Mansion House. Gregory presented his project in the senior age group of the Technology category.

Chair of the Technology judging panel, Mr Leonard Hobbs from Trinity College Dublin, said that “The winner this year demonstrated an expertise in computer science which was well beyond his years.

The level of coding he deployed in developing

the extremely complex program which detects fake videos, was guided by his deep understanding of this leading-edge technology”.

He went on to say that “the judges have been continually impressed

by Gregory’s projects at the BT Young Scientist & Technology competition over the past few years and they were delighted that he had progressed to winning the top award this year.”

Gregory will also represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, which is scheduled to go ahead in Salamanca, Spain, in September 2021.

Speaking at the live awards ceremony Minister for Education Norma Foley TD said, “Congratulations to all the students who took part in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition this year, a particular word of congratulations to the award winner of the BTYSTE 2021, Gregory Tarr on his impressive project.

I am inspired by all of the students’ ambitions to tackle from a scientific and technological view the national and international issues facing us in today’s

society, including the global pandemic, climate change, mental health and socioeconomic challenges. It is encouraging to witness the level of creativity and innovation of the students as demonstrated through their meticulously researched and ingenious projects. Each student is a credit to themselves, their families, schools, communities, and every one of them should be proud of their accomplishments.”

“I would like to extend my thanks to everyone involved in ensuring the first ever virtual BTYSTE was an incredible success; the organisers, the judges, the dedicated teachers; and of course, the parents, guardians and families whose support is absolutely key to this unique and important event.”

Speaking at the award ceremony Shay Walsh, Managing Director, BT Ireland said, “Congratulations to all of our participants, and particularly to all our winners. For more than five decades the exhibition has shown the ingenuity of Ireland’s youth and this year’s virtual exhibition is no exception. When I reflect on last year’s award

Pictured Participating students Chiara Lisa Carra and Elysia O’Leary from Nord Anglia Dublin International School with their project ‘Smart Protective Sporting Gear’ ceremony, when I spoke of those who put such a of this morning visitors from in front of an audience of remarkable event together 77 countries have viewed over 1,800 people, little this year in a virtual setting. the online exhibition.” did I know what creativity, Together, by participating critical thinking and and supporting, you have BT Ireland have announced technical innovation we provided a ray of hope and that the public will have would need to use to be able optimism in these dark free access to the BTYSTE 2021 portal content until to deliver this exhibition days. during a pandemic. You’ve spotlighted the the end of January providing that exists in extended access to all of Students this year really talent went beyond limits to communities across the the content to audiences in present their projects to island of Ireland and at a Ireland and internationally. our judges online and they time when we must stay Make sure to check out all are a credit to their schools, at home, you have helped the content here: https:// communities, and families. showcase that talent to portal.btyoungscientist.

I would like to thank all people across the world – as com/

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 Carrot and Coconut Hulwa (Pudding) This very simple Nepalese sweet dish is so easy to make at home.

1 kg fresh sweet carrots 250ml cream 150g caster sugar 2 tbsp butter 2 crushed green cardamom 1 tbsp ground coconut 1 tbsp chopped cashew nut

1. Carefully peel, wash and grate the carrots with handheld grater.

2. Fry the crushed cashew nut in a wide pan with butter.

by Chef Bal Krishna Shrestha

Ingredients

Method:

3. Remove the cashew nuts from the pan, leave aside.

4. Add cardamom into the same pan and quick fry for a few seconds then gradually add grated carrot to the same pan. Fry carrot to cook for 5 minutes until it turns soft.

5. Pour cream into the carrot and bring it to the boil, stir from time to time while boiling to prevent it from burning on base.

6. Cook it on medium heat to evaporate the liquid from the carrot.

7. Add caster sugar, Mix it well and cook for a few minutes.

8. Add ground coconut and cashew nuts into the carrot and cook it for 5 minutes

Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients :

450g plain flour 250ml milk 110g granulated sugar 2 tbs ground cinnamon 120g softened unsalted butter 55g soft brown sugar 1/2 tsp salt 2 1/4 tsp yeast 1 egg For the glaze; 100g icing sugar 1 tbs water 1 tsp vanilla extract Method : 1. Heat the milk and half of the butter until butter has melted and it’s lukewarm. Put them in a bowl from your stand mixer or any bowl if using a hand mixer sprinkle in the yeast, add the flour, egg, salt and half of the granulated sugar. Fit the dough hook and mix for 5 minutes, if the dough is looking wet you can add more flour a tablespoon at a time you want the dough to form a ball and come away from the sides. After the 5 minutes cover the bowl with a damp tea towel and allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes.

9. Now carrot hulwa is ready to eat, it can be served warm or cold with mix nuts.

Homemade Spice Bag

A well loved Dublin take-away option and now you can make it at home!

Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts sliced into strips 2 slices of bread - grated into breadcrumbs 3 medium potatoes 1 onion sliced 1 egg whisked 100g flour 1/2 tsp cumin 1 tsp chinese 5 spice 1 tsp chilli powder 1/2 tsp garlic salt / granules Olive oil Method:

1. Heat oven to 190 degrees centigrade. Place a small amount of oil on a baking tray and place in the oven to heat.

2. While you wait, mix the remaining granulated sugar, soft brown sugar and cinnamon together. Grease a 9 inch dish and set it aside.

2. Peel and slice the potatoes in chip sized wedges. Par-boil the potatoes for 5-7 minutes, then drain, make sure the chips are dry before placing on the baking tray with the heated oil. Cook in the oven for 30 minutes.

3. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 9x14 inches and spread with the remaining softened butter sprinkle over the cinnamon and sugar mix, roll the dough starting from the 14 inch side, cut into 14 slices, put the slices into the buttered dish cover and allow to rise for 20 minutes.

3. In three separate bowls place your flour, egg and breadcrumbs. Add the 1/2 tsp of cumin to the breadcrumbs bowl. Place the chicken in the flour, then in the egg and then in the breadcrumbs and repeat with each chicken strip. Place the chicken on a baking tray and cook in the oven for 25 minutes.

4. Pre heat oven to 180 c and bake the rolls for 15 - 20 minutes until they are golden and cooked through, allow the rolls to cool.

4. When the chicken and chips are cooked, place in a large bowl with the remaining spices (chinese 5 spice, chilli powder and garlic) with the sliced onions and mix all together.

5. To make the glaze put the icing sugar in a bowl add the water and vanilla extract mix together you want a dropping consistency, if it’s too runny add more icing sugar if too thick add more water.

5. Serve with homemade curry sauce and it’s a great healthy takeaway substitute.

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MOTORING LIFE

WITH

Volvo XC40 PHEV – Unplug & Play

By Breda Corrigan

Volvo Cars brought a new safety standard to the small premium SUV segment with the launch of the new Volvo XC40 in 2018. Being the first car to be built on Volvo’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, the Volvo XC40 is one of the safest cars in its segment thanks to its inheritance of safety and support technologies from the brand’s S90/V90 and XC60 models.

‘Cognitive Reduction;

Load’

Modern city life presents complex challenges for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. This is why the new Volvo XC40 was designed to reduce driver distraction and the socalled ‘cognitive load’ on the driver. With safety and driver assistance systems actively identifying and mitigating potential conflicts, the driving becomes more relaxed and enjoyable. The Volvo XC40 successfully blends comfort and cruising refinement, allowing the occupants to enjoy the trendy, minimalist cabin and the wonderful infotainment system.

Youthful Character; Based on looks alone, the Volvo XC40 is noticeably more youthful than its larger siblings – the XC60 and XC90. Ian Kettle – the designer of the XC40 said that the inspiration for the car’s styling came from small robots that he saw in science-fiction movies. This resulted in the application of simple, clean, resolved lines - and an appearance that manages to look

chunky and cute at the same time. It’s helped by a further evolution of Volvo’s ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlight motif at the front end. There’s more scope for personalisation than on the XC60 and XC90 too, thanks to contrasting roof colours on some versions (black or white, depending on the trim level).

Petrol or PHEV; The Volvo XC40 was initially available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, but the option of a diesel unit has been eliminated in favour of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, referred to as a ‘Recharge PlugIn Hybrid’. Trim options consist of Momentum (petrol only), R-Design & R-Design Pro (petrol or PHEV) and Inscription & Inscription Pro (petrol or PHEV), with front-wheeldrive standard across the range.

Manual or automatic transmissions are available in the petrol-powered models, with the Recharge model coming with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

Standard equipment across the entire range includes alloy wheels, LED headlights with ‘Thor Hammer’ LED daytime driving lights, a 12.3-inch Active TFT Crystal drivers information display, Rear Park Assist, cruise control with speed limiter, Hill Start Assist, Hill Decent Control, tyre pressure monitoring system, heated front seats, auto dimming interior and exterior mirrors, alarm system, multiple airbags, roadsign information system, Driver Alert Control with

Lane Keeping Aid and many other safety, security and comfort features.

Test Car; My test car was a new Volvo XC40 Recharge PHEV Inscription Pro finished in Pebble Grey metallic paint with contrasting Arianne Leather Blonde & Charcoal seating. The luxuriouslyappointed Inscription Pro specification is based on the Momentum specification but also includes key features, such as a poweradjustable drivers seat with memory function (also includes memory for exterior mirrors), silver front & rear skid plates, power-operated tailgate, heated front seats, heated windscreen & headlight cleaning system, heated washer nozzles, active bending headlights, front LED fog lights with cornering function, front & rear park assist with a rear camera, and chrome window trim for a truly distinctive look.

The 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine works in conjunction with an electric motor (which is powered by a 10.7kWh Lithium-Ion battery) to produce 262PS (258bhp) and a hefty 425Nm of torque.

As a result, a 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in just 7.3-seconds, while an electric-only range of up to 45kms is available from a full battery. Charging the battery from empty to 100% in the XC40 Recharge can be performed in around 6 hours from a standard three-pin plug, while connecting a Type 2 cable to a wall box will perform the same task in around 2.5 hours. Volvo

claim fuel consumption as low as 2.1-l/100km on a combined driving cycle (when used within appropriate battery charging recommendations), while an emission figure of 47g/ km leads to annual road tax of just €170.

Verdict; During my time with the new XC40 Recharge PHEV, I found it to be very surefooted on a variety of road surfaces, while overall driving dynamics were

excellent. The car handles extremely well, steers precisely and feels great from behind the multifunction steering wheel.

Strong performance from the hybrid powertrain, along with impressive levels of refinement and composure ensure that every journey in the XC40 Recharge is pleasurable.

With demand for premium SUV’s at an all-time high across the world, it looks like Volvo’s timing in launching the wonderful XC40 Recharge PHEV is absolutely perfect - much

like the XC40 itself.

Pricing; Pricing for the new Volvo XC40 Recharge PHEV range starts at €47,772 (inclusive of a €5,000 SEAI grant for private customers), while the XC40 in petrol engine guise is priced from €38,297.

With the new XC40 having won the coveted European Car of the Year award for 2018, and the Irish Car of the Year award for 2019, it is testament to just how good the Volvo XC40 is.

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MERCEDES-BENZ 2021 NEW MODEL ARRIVALS Looking ahead to 2021, Mercedes-Benz will continue to exert pressure on the market with no fewer than 23 new model introductions scheduled – with arrivals spread across eight months beginning January through to December. Of these, six will be conventionally powered vehicles with an overarching feature being the arrival of an additional five new fully electric models and a further 12 new PHEV plug-in electric hybrids.

In terms of sequencing, first to arrive in January will be the much-anticipated new S-Class, followed later in the month by a Maybach GLS, first foray by the German carmaker into the luxury crossover segment. In June, revised versions of the 4-door CLS Coupé and AMG GT 4-door Coupé, along with a new S580 Maybach, are scheduled. Following later in the year is a new SL two-door sports model and a new C-Class in Saloon, Estate and All-Terrain model variants.

From the Mercedes EQ stable, five fully electric models are expected, first of which, in January, will be the EQV. Based on the stylish V-Class, demand for the EQV is expected to come from luxury hotels and private hire specialists for deluxe airport

transfers, small group tours and travel to race meetings and sporting events. Arriving in April will be the EQA, first electric version of the GLA compact SUV followed in August by the S-Class inspired EQS luxury saloon. Towards year-end, a new AMG EQS 53and new E-Class inspired EQE executive saloon are expected.

Proof that hybrids will be a major focus of Mercedes-Benz attention next year will be the introduction of an impressive 12-strong line-up of hybrid vehicles – models that their Sales Manager in Ireland, Ciaran Allen says “are likely to appeal to the increasing body of eco-conscious motorists seeking vehicles that deliver the best of all worlds”.

Expected in Q1 are an A 250e, B 250e, GLA 250e and CLA 250e in Coupé and Shooting Brake versions. A similarly configured GLC hybrid range in Coupé and SUV form – a GLC 300e and GLC 300de – will be available in petrol and diesel.

Also arriving will be a GLE 350de and GLE Coupé 350de, all with 4Matic transmission. Scheduled for later in the year are C-Class and S-Class petrol powered hybrids – they being a C 300e and S 580e.

Arriving January, the new S-Class – first of twenty-three new model introductions scheduled to be introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 2021, many of which will include hybrid and fully electric models.

All-Electric Opel Combo-e Van Delivers Uncompromising E-Mobility Opel has revealed the first photos of the all-new, 100% electric, Opel Combo-e light commercial vehicle.

Joining its Combo petrol and diesel engine siblings, voted International Van of the Year 2019 and Irish Van of the Year 2020, the zero-emission compact van makes no compromises on functionality, comfort or safety. Boasting a range of up to 275km from a single charge, the new Combo-e offers up to 4.4m3 cargo space and 800kg payload and is available in two

lengths. It arrives in Ireland in late 2021. Prices and final equipment will be announced closer to launch.

Michael Lohscheller, Opel CEO, said: “The all-electric Opel Combo-e will enable compact van users to work in urban areas while transporting the highest payload and towing the heaviest weight in the class.

The Combo-e continues the expansion of our zeroemission light commercial vehicle offer that began late last year with the Vivaro-e,

just crowned International Van of the Year 2021. By the end of 2021 we will also launch the Movano-e, thus electrifying our entire LCV portfolio.”

The newest addition to Opel’s all-electric LCV portfolio is available in two lengths. The 4.40m long Combo-e, which has a wheelbase of 2,785mm and can carry objects up to 3,090mm long, offers payloads of up to 800kg and cargo volumes of 3.3 to 3.8m3. It has a towing

capacity of 750kg, classleading in its segment.

The 4.75m extra-long XLvariant has a wheelbase of 2,975mm and a cargo volume of up to 4.4m3 that can accommodate objects up to 3,440mm in length.

Six tie rings on the floor (with the option of four more at mid-height) help keep everything in its place. Based on the extralong XL-variant, the crew van version comfortably seats up to four passengers as well as the driver, while cargo or equipment is safely stowed away behind the partition wall. Thanks to a flap in the wall, the transportation of long items is still possible.

The new Combo-e covers up to 275km on a single charge of its 50kWh lithium-ion battery (WLTP2). Depending on the model variant, the Combo-e accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in only 11.2 seconds, while the electronically controlled maximum speed is 130 km/h; the perfect balance for urban and motorway driving. A sophisticated regenerative braking system with two user-selectable

settings further increases efficiency.

Customers can “refill” the battery to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes at public charging stations.

The battery with 216 cells and 18 modules is packaged under the floor, so that it does not compromise usage of the cargo area or passenger compartment. In this location, the battery lowers the centre of gravity as well, which benefits cornering and wind stability even when fully loaded, while also contributing to increased driving pleasure.

Assistance systems available as standard or optional, depending on trim, include driver drowsiness alert, lane keep assist, trailer stability control, traffic sign recognition, forward collision alert with pedestrian protection and automatic emergency braking. Surround Rear Vision helps to prevent accidents with cyclists and pedestrians when making a turn, whilst the Flank Guard alert prevents annoying and costly dents or scratches.

Unique

in

the

market

segment is the sensor-based load indicator that allows the driver to check, at the touch of a button, that the vehicle is not over-loaded.

Professionals who need extra ground clearance and traction in mud, sand or snow can upgrade the Combo-e with the worksite pack and the IntelliGrip electronic traction control system.

The Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment systems, available as standard or optional depending on trim, come with a large 8.0-inch touchscreen. Both systems feature phone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new Combo-e will arrive at dealerships this autumn, joining the Vivaro-e as the newest member of Opel’s all-electric LCV family. The next new model, the new Movano-e, will also arrive in 2021.

This means that the brand’s entire light commercial vehicle portfolio will be electric by the end of this year. Opel will offer an electrified version of every passenger car and LCV model by 2024.

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22

COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAMME OFFERS LIGHT

How many times have you checked your social media today? How much of what you read online did you believe without questioning it? As we prepare to embark on a life- saving global vaccination programme to rid ourselves of Covid-19, we need to learn what sources of information we can trust.

Just last year, blatantly false information circulating on social media caused thousands of parents worldwide to deny their children the MMR vaccine and, when this caused a resurge in communities, people suffered from a completely avoidable and often serious illness. With social media now playing an even bigger role in people’s daily lives it has never been easier to spread misinformation, cause confusion and undermine

trust. That is why we need to prepare ourselves for the scaremongering campaigns that will likely flood our news feeds during the Covid-19 vaccine rollout.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already flagged what it describes as an “infodemic”, an overabundance of information coming at us from all angles, with very little time to determine what is the truth and what is misinformation.

They say that “without the appropriate trust and correct information, campaigns to promote effective vaccines will not meet their targets, and the virus will continue to thrive.

Misinformation costs lives”.

As I write this our health service is at a critical point, our hospitals are filling up and more and more

people are getting sick with Covid-19. But, there is light at the end of the tunnel and the vaccination programme offers that light. It has already begun being administered in our hospitals, in our nursing homes and in our residential care homes to protect our health care workers on our frontline and to protect some of our most vulnerable.

It is so important that people have trust in the vaccine and the vaccine roll out programme. We need to access our news from trusted news sources like this newspaper. We need to studiously check the facts on the vaccine by using the websites of the HSE, the WHO and other trusted institutions. We shouldn’t share posts or WhatsApp messages without first checking if it’s accurate and based on sound scientific research.

By casually

sharing that social media post, or the rumour heard on the bus yesterday, we are putting lives at risk. It’s that simple.

So, what do we know so far about the Covid-19 vaccination programme that we are about to embark upon? What are our scientists, our healthcare professionals and our pharmaceutical regulators telling us?

Firstly, the vaccines that are being administered here in Ireland do not entail injecting us with the Covid-19 virus. The vaccine does not give you Covid-19.

Instead it contains only a snippet of the virus, one particular protein, a smart messenger in essence. It teaches our immune system to recognise that Covid-19 protein if it encounters it again, and to react by immediately shutting down infection. Secondly, the

vaccines do not alter or interact with your DNA in any way. Human cells can naturally break down and get rid of that messenger protein soon after they have finished using the instructions.

Thirdly, the vaccine development has not been rushed, no corners have been cut. The process of testing and approving these vaccines will be as robust as it was for any vaccine in the past. The timeline for developing Covid-19 vaccines was shortened considerably because of the massive global investment made in researching the vaccine, and the pooling of the greatest scientific minds on the planet, all working towards a common goal.

In addition, because of the massive numbers of people already infected with Covid-19, it was possible to carry out large clinical

NOVENAS FOR LAURA LYNN HOW YOU CAN PREVENT THE SPREAD OF MISINFORMATION? 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. I.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. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received. K.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.

G.L

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.

S.B

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

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

trials in a short timeframe.

For example the two vaccines that have come on stream in Ireland, from Pfizer and Moderna, have been tested across 75,000 people. The AstraZeneca vaccine, developed in Oxford University, has not been approved for use here yet because the European Medicines Agency are still completing a thorough assessment of it. This vaccine does not need to be stored in the same ultracold fridges, meaning that if and when it is approved, our GPs and our pharmacists will be able to administer it in the community; just like they do for the annual flu vaccines.

These vaccines are the result of an unprecedented global collaboration to address the global challenge of our lifetime. This is all of humanity working together for the right reasons and in all our interests, perhaps something we need to do a little more of.

I will be taking a vaccine when it’s my turn to. Having read the advice given by the HSE and WHO, I know that I’m doing the right thing for me and my family. We need to trust and believe in science and in healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to making scientific advancements and saving lives. Each of us can play our part by championing truth over misinformation.

Graphic - World Health Organisation

Emer Higgins is a TD for Dublin Mid West

FBD MAKE A DIFFERENCE PROGRAMME Pictured is international swimmer, Brendan Hyland who was recently announced as one of the recipients of the FBD Make A Difference programme, in conjunction the Olympic Federation of Ireland.

This fund will assist Olympic hopefuls in their preparation for the Olympic Games.

Picture Credit ©INPHO/ Tommy Dickson

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