Rathcoole Saggart News 21st March by Newsgroup

21st March 2022

COUNCILLORS VOTE TO BAN NEW DATA CENTRES UNTIL 2028 Recently, South Dublin Co Co Councillors have voted to ban any new data centres for the duration of the County Development Plan 2022-2028. The amendment to the draft plan was proposed by Cllr Madeleine Johansson and was voted through by 18 votes in favour, 13 against and 1 abstention. South Dublin has become a hub of data centre activity in the last few years with the most recent planning

application being approved in Feb ‘22. Companies with data centres based in the area include Amazon, Microsoft and other multinationals. Most of them are located in the Grange Castle and CityWest industrial areas, but there are also two located in the Cookstown, Tallaght. It is estimated that 10% of Ireland’s electricity use is currently consumed by data centres and this is expected to increase to 25-30% by 2030. EirGrid raised concerns in late 2021

and initially announced a moratorium on connecting data centres to the national grid. The move was then reversed following lobbying by the IDA and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Cllr Johansson commented on her motion: “There is real concern in the local area about the pressure on the electricity grid from data centres. It is also clear from EirGrid’s initial statement in late 2021

that the grid in Dublin is struggling to cope. “In addition to the large amount of energy used by data centres they also consume large amounts of water, again adding pressure on the capacity of water services where we are also seeing large housing developments. “There are more beneficial uses for land including more employment heavy industries or offices.

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“Another reason for banning any new data centres is the effect these centres have on the environment because of their large energy and water consumption. I am delighted that councillors have gone beyond nice words and empty promises and actually taken the radical action that is necessary to protect our planet.” TD Gino Kenny said “It’s great to see councillors take action to stop the development of more data centres. People Before Profit TD’s proposed a nationwide ban on data centres in 2021 which unfortunately was voted down.”

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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY HERITAGE TRAIL APP LAUNCHES IN TALLAGHT The addition of Tallaght to the South Dublin County Heritage Trail App was officially launched by the Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr. Peter Kavanagh at St. Maelruain’s Church recently. The idea for the app originated from the €300k Have Your Say Participatory Budgeting consultative process for the Clondalkin Electoral Area, where members of the public were asked to suggest funding ideas for their area and then vote on a shortlist of agreed projects. Tallaght is

the second village trail to be added to the app with 19 individual heritage points of interest in and around the village. The combination of image, text and audio for each point of interest makes the experience both immersive and engaging for the user, bringing the social and cultural history to life. The fully interactive and user-friendly app is available in Irish, English, French and German, and by using Android or Apple maps directs users to nearby places of interest. The app is free to download to mobile phones and tablets

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 Distributed by: Local Post Co. Contact Details: Website www.newsgroup.ie

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Speaking at the launch the Mayor of South Dublin, Cllr. Peter Kavanagh said, “The project team worked to deliver a comprehensive and diverse trail, placing social and cultural context to the Tallaght we see and live in today with the history and heritage of its past. The result is a wide-ranging and engaging experience through Tallaght to inform and educate the visitor on the wealth and breadth of the history of the local area.” “This app is just one of many investments South Dublin County Council is making to develop the visitor economy in the County,” said Ralph McGarry, of the County Promotion Unit at the Council’s Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development Directorate. “In Tallaght, the Council is progressing the concept of a County Heritage Centre

to act as a new cultural amenity for both the citizens of and visitors to South Dublin, whilst at the Castle Courtyard and Stables at Rathfarnham the Council is progressing the opportunity to develop a mixed-use hospitality, retail, lifestyle offering. In Lucan, the council is pursuing an

interest in the Old School House as potential tourist information hub following the drafting of a tourism development plan. And in Clondalkin, the Council recently launched an enhanced experience at the Round Tower Visitor Centre which includes a free downloadable multi-lingual

audio guide available in 5 languages – English, Irish, French, German and Spanish, interactive touchscreens, printed interpretative panels, a heated outdoor space and opportunities to take the perfect #towerselfie add further value for the visitor.”

Pictured: (L-R) Eamon Maher,TU Dublin, David Power, South Dublin County Council’s Libraries, Reverend William Deverell, St. Maelruain’s Church, Councillor Charlie O’Connor, Patricia O’Reilly, South Dublin County Council’s County Promotion Unit, Ralph McGarry, South Dublin County Council’s County Promotion Unit, Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Councillor Peter Kavanagh, Catherine Breen, South Dublin County Council’s County Promotion Unit, Terry Lambert, Hilltop Treks, Peter Byrne, South Dublin Chamber, Síle Coleman, South Dublin County Council’s Libraries and John Kearns, Partas Enterprise Centre.

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SDCC WOMEN’S CAUCUS LAUNCHES WITH FIRSTEVER NETWORKING EVENT The Deputy Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Laura Donaghy, and Cllr Emma Murphy, Chair of the South Dublin County Council (SDCC) Women’s Caucus, hosted a historic firstever networking event on International Women’s Day to celebrate the launch of the SDCC Women’s Caucus.

and build strong support for Women Councillors while pooling knowledge and sharing experience of Council work in a safe environment. Motions and Policy: Bring to the Council consensus motions that improve the lives of women and girls in South Dublin County.

The SDCC Women’s Caucus has been set up to increase women’s engagement and representation in local politics. The caucus is for women councillors, past and present, of all parties and parties of none, to discuss and campaign on issues predominantly affecting women.

Increasing Female Leadership Participation Countywide: Support and promote the visibility of women in leadership positions. Create outreach that showcases opportunities for women of all ages and diverse backgrounds in leadership and inspire participation in the next generation. Give women in South Dublin County a voice.

The recently formed SDCC Women’s Caucus has adopted an action plan that sets out four key priorities for the caucus in the years ahead. They are: Informal Networking: Get to know each other

Tackle Barriers for Women in Politics in SDCC: To improve supports for women councillors to make it easier for

women to take on and maintain their Council role. The SDCC women’s caucus plans to hold an annual general meeting in December each year and will promote its work through the South Dublin County Council website.

and campaign on issues predominantly affecting women. I am delighted that we can hold an event such as this on International Women’s

Day and to have Councillors past and present coming together in County Hall. Since 1995 we have had just 44 women elected or co-opted to South Dublin County Council and

the learnings from past elected representatives are going to be critical to the development of the caucus and it is wonderful to see some of them here this evening.”

Cllr Emma Murphy, Chair of the South Dublin County Council Women’s Caucus, said, “A year to the day since the motion was passed to establish the caucus, it is wonderful to launch the caucus formally and to meet in person for the first time. The caucus is going to be invaluable to the development and support of women who are engaging with or who wish to engage in the political spectrum in South Dublin. The caucus is for women councillors, past and present, of all parties and parties of none, to discuss

Picture credit: Ben Ryan

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DECISION ON TALLAGHT HERITAGE CENTRE WELCOMED Local Councillor Charlie O’Connor has welcomed the decision by the Council for the €3 million Tallaght Heritage Centre. Charlie O’Connor continued to raise the matter regularly at Tallaght Area Committee meetings. At the February meeting, he asked the CEO “to confirm the schedule now being followed in respect of proposals for the Tallaght Heritage/ Visitor Centre and may we have a general statement in the matter?” and was told that “a brief to engage consultants to develop the proposition for the Heritage Centre issued in January and closed on February 21. Submissions are presently being evaluated and assessed with a view to appointing a consultant to take the project to the next stage.” The Council confirmed to Charlie O’Connor that the Tallaght Heritage/ Visitor Centre would be located adjacent to the Civic Theatre and will form

part of a wider “Cultural Quarter” in the centre of Tallaght. According to Charlie O’Connor he always focused on the need for a Tallaght Heritage/Visitor Centre and left it to others to campaign for a County Museum which presumably they will continue to do. He added that the proposal agreed by the Tallaght Councillors is not a museum – it is part of the Council’s broader Tourism strategy to provide heritage interpretive centres in Clondalkin, Tallaght and the Dublin mountains which collectively tell the story of West Dublin from early to modern times. He congratulated Council Management on their work in that regard. Finally Charlie O’Connor assures the people of Tallaght that he will continue to work with County Management and colleagues to ensure the delivery of this important project.

LUMPER SCHOOLS PROJECT LAUNCH 2022

The 2022 Lumper Schools Project was recently launched by the Director of the National Museum of Ireland Lynn Scarff in Collins Barracks.

The Lumper Schools Project is running for a number of years and is an all Island programme with great success for participating schools. The program has many benefits, remembrance of all those victims who died during the year’s of An Gorta Mor. The exiles of 1845 and the many generations after who have helped to shape the world we live in today. Spare a thought when planting the Lumper, for all those in famine, hunger and poverty today, almost a billion in a world of plenty. The biodiversity lesson of the fragile world we live in, nature, people, planet and sea. When planting the Lumper, traditionally around Saint Patrick’s Day. The Lumper is a living history teacher that spans and links generations of people, through time, space and history. The

Lumper gives lessons in the importance of self sufficiency, sustainability, exercise, working in harmony with nature, and is one of the most nutritious food we can eat today. Before young people’s eyes and minds over a short few months the miracle of nature, the potato performs the abundance

and bountiful harvest from seed potatoes to grow into so many that is part of the diet of billions of people globally. Michael Blanch of CCIFV commented “CCIFV wish to thank The National Museum of Ireland, The Glens of Antrim Potatoes, Dunnes Stores and Scoilnet,

without whose support the 2022 Lumper School’s Project could not happen. We wish all participating schools happy planting and a bountiful harvest.” Visit www.scoilnet.ie Lumper Schools Project for details on how to get your Free Lumper Pack and Booklet.

Pictured L-R: Cadhla Blanch, Aobha Blanch (Scoil Santain) Caroline Byrne, Lynn Scaff Musuem Director, Michael Blanch, CCIFV, Michael McKillop, The Glens of Antrim, Abaigh Polóc, Sibéal Ní Nuallain, Ciara Ni Bhlanch-Duinn (Colaiste de hIde). Photographs by Billy Byrne

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€35 MILLION SPENT ON LONG TERM LEASING BY SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL TD for Dublin Mid-West Mark Ward has said South Dublin County Council’s (SDCC) implementation of Government policy of providing 25-year leases instead of traditional social housing, is short sighted and not cost effective. In response to a parliamentary question, Teachta Ward received it stated that over the lifetime of the lease it will cost on average €442,000 per house. So far SDCC have leased at least 80 of these homes with an estimated cost of €35 million Teachta Ward said: “SDCC are implementing Government

policy of providing 25-year leases instead of traditional social housing.

“Figures I received today tell me that SDCC are spending on average €442,000 per house over the lifetime of the lease. “After the lease the house returns to the landlord or investment firm. “So effectively SDCC are paying a mortgage on a house and after 25 years they have nothing to show for it. “Also, after 25 years SDCC are still obliged to secure another tenancy for their tenant. This scheme in addition too not being

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cost effective is very short sighted. “My understanding is that so far SDCC have leased at least 80 homes on this scheme which will cost €35 million.

That’s €35 million without having an asset at the end of it. “The Council are also responsible for the maintenance and tenant management of the property, which adds additional costs. “This is the ideology that has created the housing crisis that we find ourselves in today. “This Government have learned nothing from the past. They continue to rely on the private market to provide solutions to public housing. “This strategy of investment firms buying up homes and then leasing them back to the Council is also another barrier stopping first time buyers obtaining a home for their family. “It’s absurd and wrong that a lot of the homes that SDCC advertised were originally Council houses

to begin with. “Effectively SDCC are paying over the

odds to lease a home that they once owned and sold

at a discount. This is just bonkers.

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CEOL AGUS CRAIC AS STEWARTS CARE ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS RETURN

St. Patrick’s day came to Palmerstown as staff, service users, friends and family gathered for the Stewarts Care St. Patrick’s Day parade and

celebrations for the first time in two years, since the onset of the Pandemic. Deputy Emer Higgins, TD for Dublin Mid-West has praised Stewarts Care for a

wonderful celebration that brought the community back together after two years apart.

Deputy Higgins said, “St Patrick’s Day is always a massive community celebration that brings everyone together and after the hardship of the last two years it was great to see the community enjoying being together again at the Stewarts St. Patrick’s parade. “The covid-19 restrictions have been particularly hard on the most vulnerable in our society, but Stewarts continued to support and care for their service users and it’s always an honour to see first hand the level of care they provide and the happiness they give to service users,” added Deputy Higgins. “Stewarts really empowers and supports those with different abilities and additional needs to lead an enriched life and that mission statement

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RE-LAUNCH OF WILD THINGS AT SCHOOL BY ÉANNA NÍ LAMHNA On the 3rd March 2022, World Wildlife Day and World Book Day, Ireland’s foremost wildlife expert Éanna Ní Lamhna presented copies of her book Wild Things at School to the principals of two schools in Tallaght. Out of print for a number of years, this wonderful teaching aid has been reprinted as part of the Stepping Stone Forests schools program with the support of AWS InCommunities and Google and in association with Dodder Action. Stepping Stone forests are small urban woodlands of native Irish trees and shrubs that are planted on areas of grassland in public spaces and in school grounds. Volunteers from Dodder Action, Tallaght Litter Mugs, Woodstown Village Wildlife and EY, and pupils of Rockbrook Park school, and forest sponsor Henkel, helped the children of both schools to plant almost

1,000 native Irish trees and shrubs. Éanna presented copies of Wild Things at School to Principal Martin Morris (Sacred Heart JNS) and Principal Gerry Diver (Sacred Heart SNS) as part of the Stepping Stone Forests schools program. Éanna Ní Lamhna said “Stepping Stone Forests provide an important opportunity for children to become familiar with woodlands on a regular basis, while learning academic and practical skills. It is great to see Wild Things at School forming part of this educational project.” The two Stepping Stone Forests planted were the fourth and fifth in a schools program that began at Old Bawn Community School on February 11th with a further two planted in St Mary’s SNS and Coláiste Bríde, both in Clondalkin. These planting efforts bring the total of

trees planted to date in Stepping Stone Forests in schools to more than 2,500. Caragh Coote of Dodder Action said “We are delighted to be a part of this wonderful initiative. It is a joy to see the children so excited and involved in the creation of these forests of the future. The children planting these Stepping Stone Forests are leaving a lasting natural legacy for the generations of children that will attend these schools in the decades to come.” School Stepping Stone Forests are planted in a horseshoe shape that creates an outdoor learning space, a forest classroom. The founder of Stepping Stone Forests, John Kiberd said “The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the value of our outdoor spaces. These protected woodland classrooms are perfect for

Pics: John Stanton children to learn about nature. It is just fantastic that the children of Sacred Heart primary schools will be learning about Ireland’s natural world from Éanna Ní Lamhna’s wonderful wildlife book in their very own Stepping Stone Forest classroom.”

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SURPRISING STORIES LAUNCH AT ROUND TOWER VISITOR CENTRE

South Dublin County Council, along with Fáilte Ireland, is delighted to announce the launch of the visitor interpretation enhancements recently completed at the Round Tower Visitor Centre, Brú Chrónáin, Clondalkin. The project, which was co-funded by the Council and the National Tourism Development Agency through its Surprising Stories scheme, places a strong focus on telling new stories about monastic life and the Round Towers of Ireland using a range of media including a free downloadable multilingual audio guide, interactive touchscreens, and printed interpretative panels. The free audio guide takes visitors on a tour through time exploring 1,000 years of history broken down into 8 distinct exhibit rooms as well as bringing the monastic garden to life. The guide is available

in 5 languages – English, Irish, French, German and Spanish. There is also a children’s version available in both English and Irish along with three interactive touchscreen points with games and quizzes making the visit a much more immersive experience for all ages. The project provided an excellent opportunity to animate the monastic garden using bedding panels to provide visitors with information on what was typically grown, and why it was important to monastic life. Dotted throughout the garden are signs to prompt visitors to take the perfect #towerselfie and share their own Round Tower story. Further value has been added to the visitor experience with the addition of a heated outdoor area which has been developed to offer a multipurpose space for visitors. Speaking at the launch at The Round

Tower Visitor Centre, Fiona Fitzgerald from Fáilte Ireland’s Dublin team said: “Attractions are key to stimulating demand, creating and sustaining jobs, and delivering an economic return both locally and nationally.

Pre -Covid, 68% of all overseas tourists visited attractions of historic or cultural interest therefore improved foreign language provision across attractions is a key selling point as we look to 2022. By bringing over 1,000 years of history to life, the Dublin Surprising Stories scheme will ensure Dublin’s historic and cultural attractions remain on the must-visit list for domestic and international visitors.” Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Peter Kavanagh said: “We are grateful for the support of Fáilte Ireland’s Surprising Stories funding as it has helped us to bring an improved

Pictured Cllr Peter Kavanagh Mayor of South Dublin and Fiona Fitzgerald of Fáilte Ireland at launch of enhanced visitor experience at the Round Tower Visitor Centre. offering to Clondalkin’s Round Tower Visitor Centre - Brú Chrónáin for both domestic and international visitors. We have been able to add local voices and stories to the exhibit, increase our language offerings, and create more interactions with our visitors. The development of the free

downloadable audio guide allows our visitors to enjoy the exhibit at their own pace. This work means we are ready and excited for what’s to come in 2022. We have a motto in Clondalkin, Ár nDúchas Slán – to preserve our heritage, and this addition to Brú Chrónáin will help

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DENTAL TREATMENT SCHEME CHAOS WORSENS TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has criticised the Government and the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly for allowing the Dental Treatment Services Scheme, which is available to those on a medical card, to fall into the utter chaos that has driven hundreds of dentists out of the scheme and left thousands of people without coverage for urgent dental procedures. In Dublin South West, 12 dentists have left in the past four years, representing a

quarter of dentists in the scheme locally. Teachta Crowe said: “Figures provided to me by the HSE paint a stark picture of the chaos within the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS). This is the scheme whereby people on a medical card are treated by dentists operating within the scheme. At present, the scheme is only able to cover emergency cases due to the colossal number of dentists who have left the

REZONING OF GREENOGUE LANDS LABELLED “IRRESPONSIBLE” A local councillor has labelled the rezoning of lands at Greenogue Industrial Estate as “irresponsible”. People Before Profit Councillor Madeleine Johansson made the comments following the South Dublin County Development Plan 2022-2028 meeting. The lands are located north of the Greenogue Industrial estate in Newcastle, Co Dublin and comprises of 50.98 hectares which were previously zoned for Rural use. At the Development Plan meetings councillors voted to rezone the lands for Enterprise and Employment which would allow an expansion of the Greenogue Industrial estate. The lands comprise of parcels of land that have been identified as Flood Zones by the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. South Dublin County Council planners recommended that the lands should not be rezoned. Cllr Madeleine Johansson commented: “I think it’s incredibly irresponsible to rezone these lands for industrial development when they have been identified as Flood Zones. We know that one of the impacts of Climate Change is the increased frequency and severity of flooding events. We have a responsibility to protect and mitigate against disastrous flooding events, and one of the ways we can do that is to limit development in areas that are at risk of flooding. “In 2011 the Camac river burst its banks and many homes and businesses were destroyed by the flooding. These types of events are likely to increase as Climate Change continues and escalates. The promises of jobs in the short term should not be used as an excuse to cause harm to our communities and the environment in the long term.”

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scheme. “It is a disgrace that the problems plaguing the scheme have been allowed to get so bad. Over 20% of dentists within the scheme have left within the past 4 years and under the scheme 32% less patients were treated in 2021 than in 2018.

costly and difficult to treat cases that become emergencies because of the Government’s inability to work with dentists and come up with agreeable reforms to the scheme. “Here in Dublin South West, we have lost 12 dentists over the past 4 years.

“The urgent and necessary dental treatments that medical card holders are clearly not getting from the scheme could provide immeasurable benefits to the oral health and quality of life of recipients. Inevitably, the longer they are left waiting, the worse their oral health become

That’s fully one quarter of the dentists who were working in the DTSS locally. We didn’t have enough to begin with and are way below what the figure should be now. “I am calling on Minister Stephen Donnelly to recognise the seriousness of the situation and bring forward realistic proposals that will resolve this problem and get

“It is also going to be more

dentists back into the DTSS. We cannot have thousands of people suffering in pain

and having a lower quality of life because of Government stalling and inaction.”

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DUBLIN’S ONLY SENSORY JUNIOR CLUB FOR CHILDREN WITH PHYSICAL BARBER ROOM DISABILITIES

The Gent’s Den Barbershop in Inchicore has recently opened Dublin’s only sensory barber room. Maggie Radecka, co-owner of the barbers has been a barber for 27 years and the last 15 years has been working in Ireland and has a great passion for helping those with sensory needs.

Maggie commented “Over those years I cut hair for many children and unfortunately came across so many of them that were so afraid of getting a haircut done that some of them were getting sick on the chair. I always wanted to make the experience of getting a haircut easy and enjoyable for kids like that but never got a chance working for someone else. In the shops I was working over the years some children were forced, held against their will just to get the haircut done.Poor little souls were crying,getting sweaty, sick and traumatised. Children like that don’t even want to look in the barbers window when passing by the shop as they remember what they’ve experienced and every next haircut brings more fear,stress and pain.This is not right”. The Inchicore barber added “On top of all that we also have little clients with autism and it is so important to understand that those children experience everything differently and before we proceed with any sort of service we should let them show us

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and teach us how they would like us to deal with them.Things like that take time and sometimes few visits without a haircut but eventually it pays off once you see a smiley face after the cut us done,no tears beside those from the mothers who get emotional and relieved that they didn’t have to go through the battle again”.

The Inchicore business have built a Sensory Barber Room which is also Autism Friendly with Sensory toys and stars light projector and calming lava lamps, a place where kids can come and play even without getting a haircut (free of charge) and a place where they can play with their barber and get to know them to build a relationship. Maggie concluded “We have only been open a few short weeks and since we opened the room we had a fantastic response. It is an emotional journey for parents. One of our favourites, a 6 year old boy who grew his hair for almost two years because he was so afraid to get a haircut, he visited the room three times to play and then let us cut his long locks and now he is a proud owner of an awesome short haircut, but most importantly he leaves the shop with a smile on his face”. For more information see https://youtu. be/RN8mQOC0c1I

Pic: Ben Ryan South Dublin County Sports Partnership teamed up with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership and IWA Sport to launch our new Multi- Sport Club for children with physical disabilities and their siblings. There was a massive turnout with 29 children with disabilities attending

and participating in multiple fun games throughout the hour. South Dublin County Council’s Councillor David McManus and An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Lettie McCarthy from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council were in attendance. The club will run every week on Sunday mornings in Our Lady’s School, Terenure

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BRENDAN BURKE TO GIVE TALK IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED TO ADDRESS THE HUGE STAFF SHORTAGE IN PSYCHOLOGY IN CAMHS ON PHOTOGRAPHING PETS At Palmerstown Camera Club they hold a weekly meeting online at present, every Wed from 8 pm to 10 pm. People interested in joining the club or even attending one or two meetings FREE of charge to see how their photography could benefit from being a member can do so by contacting secpcc@mail.com. Next week the club will have photographer Brendan Burke from Dublin, and his talk will be around photographing your pets. He is an award-winning photographer specializing in owner and dog portraits. And as Brendan says this is to “capture that special bond between you and your pet forever”. You can look at Brendan’s website here www. shootmydog.ie. A few weeks back the club held their judging night for their monthly competition and this month’s theme was Architecture. There was a fascinating and wide range of images on view for that evening. See the mono novice winning image from Terry Healy with his image titled “Walkway”.

Mark Ward TD has called for an immediate plan to address the huge staff shortage in Psychology in CAMHS. Figures released to the Psychological Society of Ireland (P.S.I.) show that there is a deficit of 98 Psychologists in CAMHS based on recommendations in Sharing the Vision in 2006.

Teachta Ward said: “This is not news; representatives of psychologists have been warning successive Governments for years of the short comings in public Psychologists. We are currently at a deficit of

98 Psychologists in CAMHS based on recommendations in Sharing the Vision in 2006. “Figures released to the Psychological Society of Ireland (P.S.I.) show that we now know that we only have 92 psychologists out of the 190 recommended for CAMHS. A deficit of 98 psychologists in CAMHS is a crisis that requires urgent and immediate action from the Government and the HSE. “As outlined in Sinn Féin’s alternative budget we have been calling for enough funding or places to professionally train

psychologists. “Government and HSE reports consistently acknowledge they have significant shortfalls of psychologists, but I am yet to see a plan to address this. “A review into CAMHS is welcome but we need action now to address these shortcomings. “Since 2006 there has been a population growth. There has also been an increase in the need for CAMHS services. We need action immediately “In meetings that I have had with representatives of Psychologists they have highlighted that the biggest issue with recruitment is

the HSE’s national panel system of recruitment. “There is also a big problem with services provided by location rather than need. Post Code treatment is not the way to run our national health service. “Only in the last month I asked the Minister to agree to a meeting with the Psychology Society of Ireland after they publicly requested one. “This call has fallen on deaf ears and the Minister for Health and Minster for Mental Health need to engage with the representatives of Psychologists.

LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE SOUTH DUBLIN EXPORTS NETWORK MEET FOR FIRST FORUM

The recently formed Local Enterprise Office (LEO) South Dublin Exporters Network met at an in-person event held in County Hall, Tallaght on 23rd February to build their business relationships and share best practices as they bid to build upon their export sales activities and achievements. Twenty micro-businesses from a variety of sectors including tech and communications, manufacturing, food and drink and fashion and footwear met in Tallaght to establish the LEO South Dublin Exporters Network. Achievements and

challenges were shared openly by these new exporting businesses in this peer-to-peer forum that was facilitated by LEO South Dublin. While many businesses identified opportunities to work together to develop export market opportunities it also served to inform LEO’s training and support planning for future Export Development programmes. The benefits of the in-person networking event were strongly in evidence and members reported that a follow up is eagerly awaited. Pic: Ben Ryan

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LOCAL YOUTH GROUPS TO SHARE IN €100,000 AWARD Applegreen has awarded 16 community groups across Ireland a shared sum of over €100,000 via the Blossom Fund from the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF). The funding will go towards encouraging children aged 6-18, who come from disadvantaged circumstances, to remain in education.

The 16 projects that have been awarded funding, seek to address inequalities that discourage or prevent young people from completing education. Two of which are locally based Citywise Education and Saplings Rathfarnham. Projects include supporting children with complex needs, providing work experience to students in areas of STEM, offering support and counselling, and facilitating escapes in the countryside. Each project is designed to equip young people with the tools and resilience needed to stay in education. Lucy Masterson, CEO of the Irish Youth Foundation, commented: “The young people we support have been disproportionately affected by the last two years. We’re now starting to see the worrying effects of that in higher levels of disengagement in and early school leaving. Through our close work with youth projects across the country we know that the transitions from primary to secondary, and from junior to senior cycle are crucial times in a young person’s life. Ensuring that

they are supported during those transitions can be life changing – for instance, early school leavers are three times as likely to be unemployed.

That’s why the support provided by the Applegreen Blossom Fund is so important. It will ensure 16 incredible projects will be better able to meet this need and change the lives of young people across the country. We’re grateful to Applegreen for making this the focus of the fund this year.” Saplings School in Rathfarnham, Dublin, a co-educational school that provides specialist education for pupils with autism and complex needs. Commenting on the funding, Michael Wood, Principal at the Saplings Rathfarnham school, explained: “Our pupils here in Saplings have very complex needs and the funding provided by the IYF Applegreen Blossom Fund will be vital in helping us to meet those needs.” Seamus Stapleton, Applegreen Commercial Director, says the Applegreen Charitable Fund is helping the Irish Youth Foundation to support community groups around Ireland. “The last two years have taught us how important education is for our young people,” he said. “Being able to support the Irish Youth Foundation in reversing education dropout trends is part of our commitment to give back to our local communities. More work is needed

ACTIONTALKS SPEECH WRITING COMPETITION Elle Walsh Giguere, a student at Our Lady’s School Terenure, has recently been chosen as a Leinster Final winner in ActionTalks, which is a national speech writing competition run by ActionAid and open to all students aged 14 to 17. Elle won a €50 One4All voucher and will now proceed to the national final of the ActionTalks Competition, which is taking place in Dublin on 28th March. ActionAid provides long term support and focuses on the human rights of women and children in developing countries, so they can overcome the obstacles holding them back. The approach is to empower women to take control over their own lives. Irish Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs, funds an ActionAid Women’s Rights programme in Kenya, Nepal and Ethiopia. ActionAid uses this funding to work with marginalised communities in an effort to prevent gender-based violence and help women gain an independent income. The ActionTalks competition aims to engage young people with global issues, gender equality and sustainable development, and challenges them to use their voice to create positive change. This year the prize is a €500 One4All voucher for the national winner and a €100 voucher for their teacher. CEO of ActionAid Ireland Karole Balfe said: “We were blown away by the quality of delivery in the Leinster Final, as well as the research, critical thinking and time that went into writing the speeches. It was a very difficult decision to choose the winner as all finalists submitted very high-quality videos, but Elle won out for their outstanding delivery and well written speech on unpaid care work. It is wonderful to see so many young people engaging with international development and learning about the work that Irish tax payers fund through Irish Aid.” You can read more about the ActionAid Women’s Rights programme here https://actionaid.ie/womens-rightsprogramme/

Pictured at the launch was Yvonne Nolan, Parents Association, Lucy Masterson, CEO of Irish Youth Foundation, Greg O’Shea, Rosemary Begley, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Applegreen, Mark Brennan, Treasurer of the Parents Association, Michael Woods, Saplings Rathfarnham Principal, Denzel Jacobs, Occupational Therapist, and Seamus Stapleton, Commercial Director, Applegreen. Pic Credit: Julien Behal photography to ensure every child is afforded the same opportunities to develop and grow in spaces that have their education and best interests at heart.” The Blossom Fund is part of the Applegreen charitable fund which provides monetary support to four Irish charities and worthwhile initiatives. Every time an Applegreen customer makes a shop and

fuel or a shop-only purchase in Applegreen in Ireland, the company donates 1 cent to the Applegreen Charitable Fund on the customer’s behalf. Applegreen currently supports Irish Youth Foundation, Pieta House, Food Cloud and Enable Ireland as part of the fund.

AN COSÁN COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROVIDER SHORTLISTED FOR AONTAS STAR AWARD An Cosán, Ireland’s largest provider of community education, has been shortlisted in the AONTAS STAR Awards.

The STAR Awards (Showcasing Teamwork, Awarding Recognition) is an awards initiative organised by AONTAS, the national adult learning organisation, to recognise and celebrate the work undertaken by adult learning initiatives throughout the island of Ireland. An Cosán, which is based in Jobstown but reaches adult learners nationwide through its online courses, is one of three organisations to be shortlisted in the Third Level Access and Engagement category of the awards. An Cosán was shortlisted in recognition of its wraparound learner supports, including free childcare, IT support, one-to-one mentoring and counselling as well as its range of financial supports

that aim to support adult learners wishing to return to education. By working with the Institute of Technology Carlow, corporate partners and a network of over 200 community partner organisations around Ireland, An Cosán facilitates students to access technology, create peerlearning communities and gain funding opportunities. The STAR Awards recognise the very best in adult learning in Ireland with this year’s awards focussed in particular on celebrating and acknowledging the incredible work that adult learning providers have done in adapting during COVID-19 to ensure that the needs of adult learners continue to be met. The annual awards are judged by an independent judging panel comprising of adult learning experts, tutors and adult learners. As part of the judging process, the judging panel

interviewed three An Cosán staff members and An Cosán graduate Tanya Johnston, who spoke at An Cosán’s online International Women’s Day celebration last year.

An Cosán CEO Heydi Foster says she and her staff were delighted to hear their wraparound supports initiative had been shortlisted in the STAR Awards. “Our holistic ethos and our unique education model are central to facilitating students’ success and it is wonderful to have our unique supports recognised in this way,” she says. “Our aim is to support those left furthest behind first and our students report increased self-confidence as a primary outcome achieved through participation in the programme. Our service is learner-centred, with each learner having their own personal learning plan. “We strive to see our learners

reach their full potential to ensure they have a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities.” Winners will be announced during AONTAS’s Adult Learners’ Festival, which starts on 7th March. The festival is a nationwide celebration of adult learning, offering organisations and groups the chance to have a positive impact in their community or workplace, to promote the value of lifelong learning, and to reinforce existing partnerships in the community and establish new ones. An Cosán offers a wide range of courses, including Access and Further Education face-to-face classes in Jobstown and degree-level programmes delivered blended or online. Find out more at www. ancosan.ie, email courses@ ancosan.ie or tel: 01 462 8488.

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GREATER EFFORTS REQUIRED TO DELIVER BASIC HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN GROWING WEST LUCAN

Councillor for LucanPalmerstown-North Clondalkin, Derren Ó Brádaigh, has called for greater focus to address the imbalance of basic

healthcare providers to locate in tandem with housing delivery in West Lucan. The Councillor brought this concern before management and

colleagues on the final day of the latest phase in the formation of the County Development Plan 20222028. Cllr Ó Brádaigh said: “Myself and my colleague

Cllr William Carey, tabled a motion calling for more concentrated efforts to deliver upon the very basic of healthcare facilities needed within the rapidly emerging communities of Lucan West. These include large developments such as Shackleton, Hallwell, Paddocks and Adamstown. We have over 3,000 families in a half a dozen new developments without a local GP, dental practice, physiotherapist, or specialist treatment facility of any description. In fact, there isn’t even a single pharmacy in the immediate vicinity. “Whilst I fully recognise that the County Development plan and the SDZ planning scheme provide criteria and set out certain policy objectives in their language to provision for larger

delivery, such as a future primary care centre, we are nevertheless void of any actual basic services in the ‘here and now’. For this reason, I felt compelled to submit a motion and rebutted the charge that the motion was somehow superfluous. I was delighted that it passed with the support of an overwhelming majority of councillors from across all parties and none, and it is my view now that this will help hone efforts and instil some urgency where previously missing. “As councillors, we are increasingly working to develop and promote the need for ideological change and a more sustainable way of living. We have policies that support and guide us toward compact growth, 10 minute town concept living and reducing our own

individual carbon footprint. In order to do this, people require basic services near to them! “I would also argue that in the absence of these essential services locating into newer growing communities, this is having an adverse effect by placing undue pressure on already overstrained existing services in places like Lucan Village itself, and is having the potential indirect consequence of inhibiting the ability to deliver upon other future projects and improvement works. Whilst it may not be within the absolute gift of the Council, there is a responsibility to ensure that every measure is examined to bring about the arrival of the physical service and facilities, into planned new and sustainable communities”.

LUCAN WOMAN RECEIVES SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

Pictured at the Institute of Directors (IoD) in Ireland Certificate and Diploma in Company Direction presentation on Thursday, 3rd March at Thomas Prior Hall, Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin: Noelle Condon (left), from Lucan, who is Chief Financial Officer, NAMA, receiving her special recognition award from Eileen Gleeson, Programme Director for the IoD’s Chartered Director Programme in Ireland. Photo Credit: Noel Hills

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YOUTHREACH CLONDALKIN OFFERS ALTERNATIVE PATH TO SUCCESS Clondalkin centre and students impress Minister for Further & Higher Education, Simon Harris and EU Commissioner Nicolas Schmit

or university are not the only pathways for students leaving school and there are so many options that can lead you to the career you want.

Dublin Mid-West TD, Deputy Emer Higgins has praised the work of Youthreach Clondalkin, following a recent visit with Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science, Simon Harris and EU Commissioner, Nicolas Schmit. Deputy Higgins said: “I was delighted to join Minister Harris, Commissioner Schmit and Cllr. Shirley O’Hara on a recent visit to Youthreach Clondalkin to showcase the brilliant work going on in the Clondalkin centre.

“He’s absolutely right of course. I think Youthreach is a prime example of that in action and it’s very clear from meeting the students in Clondalkin that they are being supported to pursue all kinds of training, work experience and qualifications and I’ve no doubt they all have very bright futures ahead of them,” added Deputy Higgins. “The traditional school environment is not for everyone and Youthreach Clondalkin offers early school leavers the opportunity for personal development and learning in an environment that supports them in

“Minister Harris is very passionate about pushing the message that college

a way that traditional school possibly couldn’t.” Deputy Higgins continued: “I was so impressed by the range of work being showcased by the students, from communications and mathematics to graphic design, IT, customer service and culinary arts, Youthreach Clondalkin is a hive of activity and I know that Minister Harris and Commissioner Schmit were extremely impressed. “Youthreach is co-funded by the Government and the European Social Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative and it’s brilliant to see the programme working well and making a difference in young people’s lives and education. “I particularly enjoyed hearing from past students who shared their experience of Youthreach and how it helped them get

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to where they are today. “I’m very glad that as a society we are becoming more open to the many

pathways to success in life and Youthreach Clondalkin is a prime example of an alternative pathway that

clearly works and effectively supports students to reach their goals,” concluded Deputy Higgins.

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DEANSRATH STUDENTS STEP UP TO THE MARK FOR UKRAINE

Students at Deansrath Community College in Clondalkin took part in a successful fundraising football tournament recently. Inspired by events in Ukraine and the public response to the recent Late Late show national appeal, the students were eager to take action to support the campaign and the wider plight of refugees. Fifth year student Callum (17), stated, “we wanted to do something that would not just raise money but help people to understand that everyone can make a difference through their actions and words. Sport can play a big part in this. Mr. Corbett has run fundraisers before for Women’s Aid

and Pieta House so we went to him and asked could we do something to help”. Teacher Matt Corbett remarked, “in fairness, the idea came from the students themselves. They were asking about what we could do as a school and a community and looking for practical ways to help. Organising the tournament gave students the chance to raise money, talk to people in their locality and express themselves doing what they love”. The students will continue their fundraising in the coming weeks and expect to raise over 500 euro for the Irish Red Cross and other organisations supporting those in desperate need.

TESCO MINOR A CAMOGIE ALL IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP DUBLIN V GALWAY

Dublin Minor A captain Abby Ryan (Crumlin) and Galway Captain Ciara Hickey with Referee Ray Kelly for the coin toss.Tesco Ireland Minor A Camogie All Ireland Championship, Dublin v Galway at Abbotstown. Full Time Score Dublin 1.05 v Galway 1.17 Photo Credit : iLivephotos.com

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MOTORING LIFE

WITH

NEW CITROËN C4 TAKES A FRESH APPROACH By Breda Corrigan

If the amazing all-new Citroën C4 is a sign of things to come from the iconic French manufacturer, then rival manufacturers better sit up and take note. The new C4 possesses an elegant, yet distinctive style, blissful comfort, SUV ruggedness, and multiple drivetrain options. While the previous generations of the Citroën C4 were very clearly classified as hatchbacks, the new C4 could be described as a hatchback and an SUV all in one. Designing a family car that stands out from the crowd is something that Citroën has been good at in the past, and the new C4 follows that tradition to the letter. Broad Family Appeal. Citroën is hoping that the new C4 will appeal to family car drivers who might be considering a medium-sized SUV. As a result, it combines the brands slender LED daytime-running lights with chunky wheel arches and side cladding, while a sloping rear roofline completes the coupé-like SUV look. Additionally, the rear spoiler enhances the vitality of the body shape. Citroën claims that the new C4 is highly aerodynamic, which should help it achieve good fuel consumption figures, as well as

contribute to low wind noise levels when travelling on motorways. The New C4 offers a choice of 31 colour combinations consisting of 7 exterior colours options and 5 exterior colour packs. There are also 6 different interior choices and a host of alloy wheel options available to ensure optimal customisation. Outstanding Comfort.

Space

Offering best-in-class height (1,525mm) and ground clearance (156mm), the C4 also offers best in class driver eye height (1,220mm) for improved visibility and ease of access. Thanks to its long wheelbase (2,670mm) the C4 also offers best in class rear knee room (198mm) to ensure comfort for all occupants. As with all Citroën vehicles, the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme features suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, Advanced Comfort seats and for the first time, Citroën Smart Pad Support, which includes a retractable media support and tablet holder on the dashboard enabling the passenger to make the most of the time while travelling. Four USB connections are also available as standard to support charging for additional devices. The modern and roomy cabin

in the new C4 inspires confidence at first glance. The clean, contemporary dashboard, softly shaped door panels and soft, supple materials provide a welcoming ambience for all occupants, while the C4’s standard boot capacity of 380-litres can be expanded to 1,250-litres by folding the rear seatbacks for the transportation of bulky items. Power & Grade Options. The new C4 is paired with a wide variety of engine and power options. Petrol variants consist of a PureTech 100 S&S with a 6-speed manual gearbox, a PureTech 130 S&S with a choice of 6-speed manual or EAT8 (8-speed Electronic Automatic Transmission) and a PureTech 155 S&S EAT8. Diesel engines available are a BlueHDi 110 S&S 6-speed manual and BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8. The Ë-C4 (fullyelectric) possesses a 50KWh lithium-ion battery pack and 100kw electric motor to offer 260 Nm torque and 0-100km/h in 9.7secs with sport mode engaged. There are four grades available in the new C4; Feel, Feel Pack, Flair and Flair Pack. The entry-level Feel grade comes with an impressive level of specification as standard including stylish 18” alloy wheels, automatic LED Headlights,

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rear parking sensors and camera, Lane keep assist and automatic air conditioning. The Feel Pack adds Citroën Connect Nav, Citroën ConnectedCam, Citroën Smart Pad support and Head up display. Flair gains diamond-cut alloys, Speed Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Detection, front parking sensors, Adaptive Cruise Control and Keyless Entry & Start, while the range-topping Flair Pack benefits from the addition of the EAT8 transmission, Citroën HiFi System, leather interior, heated seats and Highway Driver Assist. Unique to the Ë-C4, standard equipment includes a mode 3 charging cable for on street charging, while the My Citroën app allows for pre-condition of cabin temperature and remote charging options. The Ë--C4 Flair Pack trim also gains a heated steering wheel over the petrol and diesel versions. Test Car. My test car was a Citroën C4 Flair PureTech 130 S&S EAT8, and looked striking in its Obsidian Black metallic paintwork with contrasting chrome detailing around

the window line and front grille. The PureTech 130 engine (with 131bhp and 230Nm of torque) is a terrific engine, and despite its modest 1.2-litre capacity, it is punchy enough to propel the car from 0-100km/h in just 9.4-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 208km/h (where permitted). With the 6-speed manual transmission fitted, the 0-100km/h time drops to just 8.9-seconds, while the top speed remains unchanged. The engine is smooth and quiet at low speeds, and revs strongly when you want to drive quickly. A WLTP combined fuel consumption figure as low as 5.6l/100km (50.3mpg) is achievable on a combined driving cycle, while an annual road tax disc will cost just €200. The EAT8 transmission is smooth in its operation, and the centre console-mounted gear selector is super-easy to get used to. Citroën has honed the suspension in the

new C4 for comfort rather than sporty handling, and this means that the car feels dynamic in corners, and has neat and accurate handling on a multitude of road surfaces. Overall body control is outstanding, so the car always feels planted and stable at speed, and this is a commendable feat of engineering excellence from Citroën. Verdict & Pricing. It is difficult not to admire Citroën for trying something different by creating this interesting hatchback/SUV crossover that stands out in a crowd for all the right reasons. The new C4 is distinctive inside and out, comes very well equipped, and it is bestowed with the best ride quality available at its price point in the Irish car market. Pricing for the all-new Citroën C4 starts at just €24,740 with my test car specification priced at €31,690.

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TALLAGHT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SECURES FUNDS TO DEVELOP A CUTTING EDGE NEW SMARTPHONE APP

Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) and its Interdisciplinary Chronic Pancreatitis Service are delighted to announce plans to develop an innovative mobile phone app, termed the SmartCP app. This will empower patients with chronic pancreatitis to take control of their condition, and will improve communication with the hospital team. The SmartCP app will provide patients with more direct and timely access to the team, and allow the provision of clear, appropriate, accessible and accurate information.

multiple specialists. The new SmartCP app will enable patients with chronic pancreatitis to report red flags like worsening malabsorptive symptoms and signs of new diabetes so that doctors can intervene earlier to achieve better outcomes. Those who suffer from this particular condition have a higher-than-normal risk of developing pancreatic cancer, and therefore the detection of redflag pancreatic cancer symptoms would allow for crucial early diagnosis and treatment.

The announcement follows a successful application for funding to the Department of Public Enterprise & Reform Innovation Fund. Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic, incurable condition in which the pancreas is inflamed. This leads to constant, unmanageable stomach pain, difficultto manage gut symptoms, severe ‘brittle’ diabetes and poor wellbeing for the patient. Patients with chronic pancreatitis lose weight and become malnourished; many develop vitamin deficiencies and osteoporosis. Patients’ needs are complex and difficult to manage. These patients need treatment from

The project will be coordinated by Professor Kevin Conlon Consultant Surgeon at TUH and Professor of Surgery at Trinity College Dublin and Dr. Sinead Duggan, a Senior Research Fellow in Trinity College Dublin. Professor Kevin Conlon, says “Our hospital is very well placed to take a lead on the development of this technology, we run the only dedicated chronic pancreatitis service nationally, providing care for over 300 patients. This new digital tool will improve patient access to specialist care, no matter where they live in the country. I and the team are delighted to receive this funding and the

benefits the development of this app will bring to our patients. Our Clinical Nurse Specialist, Ms Marie Egan is central to the running of our service and will be integral to the roll out of this new technology. We are grateful to the Innovation Department of TUH for their support.”

TUH research has shown that Ireland has among the highest numbers in Europe of those suffering from chronic pancreatitis. This app will enable TUH to care for patients in their homes and communities, aligning with TUH’s vision of being a hospital without walls. Dr. Sinead Duggan says: “The overall aim for these patients is to keep them healthier for longer and keep them out of hospital. This app will empower patients with chronic pancreatitis thereby improving their quality of life and wellbeing. Whilst we have built a research programme over the last decade, traditionally chronic pancreatitis has been very much a neglected condition. We envisage that the SmartCP app will represent the lynchpin that enhances the quality of our service and facilitates a shift

Pictured from left to right following the announcement of the successful application for funding are from left to right Dr. Barry Feeney, Head of Department of Computing at TU Dublin Tallaght Campus ; Professor Kevin Conlon, Consultant Surgeon at TUH & Professor of Surgery at Trinity College Dublin; Dr. Sinead Duggan, Senior Research Fellow in Trinity College Dublin; Marie Egan, Clinical Nurse Specialist at TUH; Dr. Natalie Cole, Head of Innovation at TUH and Dr. Hannah O’Keefe, Innovation Registrar at TUH from illness to wellness, and ultimately towards an integrated care programme for chronic pancreatitis.” TUH Head of Innovation Dr. Natalie Cole, Head of Innovation commented “The funding for this project is very exciting. This innovation has the potential to change how we provide care to our patients and also to the service we can provide as a hospital. It

will

improve

patient

engagement as patients will have more direct and timely access to their team and provide clear, accurate and accessible information.” Barry Feeney, Head of the Department of Computing at The Technological University of Dublin in Tallaght says “We are delighted to have worked with the Hospital and Trinity College Dublin research group regarding the development of this tailored patient app. There

are no previous studies world-wide on a patientspecific, interactive smartphone app for chronic pancreatitis. Working with TUH and Trinity we have the potential to change the delivery of healthcare by integrating mobile technology into existing services. The app and its use will also provide important data to help the Hospital plan services into the future.”

DEVELOPMENT PLAN CHANGES DELIVER A WIN FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO LIVE IN ONE-OFF RURAL HOUSING A motion voted through by Councillors represents a real win for those who want to live in one-off rural housing, according to Fine Gael Councillor Shirley O’Hara. Cllr. Cllr. O’Hara successfully passed a motion to amend the Council’s strict rural planning regulations to make it easier for people from rural areas like Rathcoole, Newcastle, Saggart and Brittas to obtain planning permission to build a home on a family plot. Cllr. O’Hara thanked her Fine Gael colleagues, Sinn Féin and Independent Councillors who supported her motion but said she was shocked that party’s like Fianna Fáil were abandoning rural residents by objecting to her proposal. Cllr O’Hara explained, “I got support for my motion that makes it easier for planning approvals for people in rural South Dublin who are from the area and are looking

to build on a family plot and stay in the locality. There is a similar rule in place in Kildare County Council to allow this, so there is precedence for this. “I think it’s a real win for people from Brittas and the hinterlands Rathcoole, Newcastle and Saggart who want to build their own home in the place they grew up in. “Nationally, Fine Gael in Government has committed to revitalising rural communities and has acknowledged the role that one-off housing plays in doing that, and I look forward to working with Minister Peter Burke to ensure that the new Rural Housing Planning Guidelines provide constituency throughout rural Ireland. Cllr. O’Hara said that one-off housing plays a small but important role in accommodating our growing population

in rural areas in South Dublin. She stated that shockingly only 5 one-off rural houses were granted planning permission by South Dublin County Council since the current Development Plan came into force in 2016. Cllr. O’Hara said the drafting of the new County Development Plan represents a real opportunity to change this. She said she felt rural Dublin was totally let down by politicians from Fianna Fáil, Labour and the Green Party who voted against her proposal. Despite their opposition, Cllr. O’Hara garnered enough to support to loosen restrictions for people who want to build a home on a rural family plot or on a rural site near where they grew up. “Around 85% of all one-off housing planning permissions are granted each year nationally but that is far from the case in South Dublin County Council. In the last 5 years only 5 people got planning

permission for a one-off rural home. That simply doesn’t add up and I really hope that changing the rules of application will help people who want to apply or re-apply for planning,” said Cllr. O’Hara. “One off housing is a small aspect of the current national housing supply but there will always be demand for this development with a design and planning framework in place which is sustainable, well managed and well regulated. “We’re not fully over the line on this yet as this change needs to go to public consultation and will likely have to be re-voted on this summer. But, once the Development Plan is finalised, if we can make sure this change is in it, I think we’ll deliver real hope for young couples and families who want to raise their family where they themselves were reared,” concluded Cllr. Shirley O’Hara.

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ART OF W/RIGHTS A LITERARY CARNIVAL OF ARTS AND RIGHTS

Smashing Times and partners are delighted to present a programme of indoor and outdoor arts

events at Pearse Museum and St Enda’s park, located in Rathfarnham. Following on from the

success of presenting 38 performances of 3 original site-specific outdoor shows at Rathfarnham Park as part of The Art of W/ Rights at Dublin Arts and Human Rights Festival 2021, Smashing Times are delighted to present The Art of W/Rights in the grounds of Pearse Museum and St Enda’s Park on the 9, 10 April and the 15, 16, 17 and 18 April (Easter Week) 2022. Engaging with the unique historical setting of Pearse Museum and St Enda’s Park, Smashing Times present stories of people from Irish history, with links to the area of Rathfarnham, who spoke out for the rights of others. Enjoy a magical walk-inthe-park performance as we regale you with storytelling, poetry and song. Watch a film screening and book display and engage in creative conversations inspired by figures of the past associated with Pearse Museum, St Enda’s

Park and Rathfarnham who influenced the shaping of Irish society. Join with us as we create a ‘gathering space’ to celebrate stories and creative conversations on visions of a better world, reflecting on of equality, compassion and rights in changing times and asking what kind of Ireland we want to live in today. Enjoy a guided promenade performance as you meet and greet with characters associated with Pearse Museum, St Enda’s Park and Rathfarnham down the years. A Walk on the Wild Side is a walkabout performance featuring monologues, poetry and

song inspired by the life stories of Anne Devlin, Robert Emmet, Sarah Curran, John Philpot Curran, William Butler Yeats, and three women from the Pearse family, Margaret (Brady) Pearse, mother to sisters Margaret Pearse and Mary Brigid Pearse. Listen to our stories while taking time to reflect on nature and the varied wildlife and river itself to be found in St Enda’s Park.

Join for the magic of an indoor, pop-up movie night at The Halla Mór, Pearse Museum, St Enda’s Park, for three nights only over Easter weekend, Friday 15 April, Saturday 16 April,

Sunday 17 April, nightly at 7pm. An Halla Mór is transformed into a walk-in movie theatre where you can enjoy high definition screenings of short films on stories of women in Irish history and their relevance today. This event feature film screening of short films followed by a post-show talk with guest speakers speaking on equality, diversity and LGBTQI+ rights. Booking Required. Tickets: €12/10 available here on https://smashingtimes.ie/ whats-on/. Walks in the Park and Cinema Screenings Meeting Point: Outside the entrance to Pearse Museum Reception.

BARRETSTOWN DUBLIN MOUNTAINS CHALLENGE

Irish Rugby star Tadhg Beirne is calling on walkers and hikers across Ireland to ‘Walk this Way’ and sign-up for the Barretstown Dublin Mountains Challenge on May 29th and help raise vital funds for Barretstown - the children’s charity that offers free, specially designed camps and programmes for children and their families living with serious illness. The annual Barretstown Dublin Mountains Challenge is a 30-kilometre sponsored hike along the beautiful Dublin Mountains Way. Pictured training for the Dublin Mountains Challenge with Tadhg Beirne are Barretstown campers, Luke (13) and Michael (15) Collins. Pic Credit INPHO/Morgan Treacy

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

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