23rd November 2020
MAKE YOUR EUROS COUNT AND BUY IRISH
Local Councillor for Firhouse/ Bohernabreena Brian Lawlor, has urged people to buy Irish when making their online purchases for Christmas and made the call ahead of the release of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Cllr. Lawlor said: “This has been a record year for online retail.
Irish consumers have more than doubled their online purchases, compared with this time last year. Dubliners, in particular, have embraced online spending and increased their e-commerce activity by over 250%.
“Lockdowns have had a huge impact on our spending behaviour, and with more and more Irish companies now
selling online, there is better opportunity than ever before to shop Irish, online. “Data from Revolut shows that, during our first lockdown, for the first time ever, online sales exceeded physical sales in Dublin. That trend reduced after the easing of the first set of restrictions, but online spending has been growing again since
the re-introduction of restrictions. Back in February, 30% of Irish sales were online. That figure increased to 50% by April, meaning that for every Euro spent in our local economy, a Euro was spent online. Meanwhile, physical spend in retail reduced by 16% nationally and almost 14% in Dublin. “New online directories, like the ‘Shop Ireland’ group on Facebook, and the list of 400 Irish companies complied by The Irish Times, provide lots of local inspiration for people looking for the perfect Christmas gift. The advice to
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02
MOYNIHAN CONDEMNS MINDLESS VANDALISM AT HERMITAGE PLAYGROUND Councillor Shane Moynihan (Fianna Fáil - PalmerstownFonthill) has condemned the vandalism committed at the
playground in Hermitage Park, Lucan recently. On a Sunday evening, a fire was started in the play tunnel at the playground which caused significant damage and also disfigured a large part of the site. Cllr Moynihan said “It is heartbreaking to see such mindless and hurtful vandalism caused at a playground. The playground at Hermitage Park is frequented by so many families in the surrounding estates, including my own son. To think that someone could deliberately try to deprive
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our children of a really popular activity beggars belief.”
“Playgrounds all over Lucan, Clondalkin and Palmerstown have been a lifeline for families especially during Level 5 restrictions. Our children have been unable to go on playdates, go trick or treating or to each other’s birthday parties.
Playgrounds are their outlet and they are relying on us to make sure we keep them safe for them.” “I encourage anyone who saw suspicious activity in Hermitage Park on Sunday evening to inform Gardaí.
I have been in correspondence with South Dublin County Council to ensure that the playground
is safe and what extra security measures can be taken.” A team from Dublin Fire Brigade attended the
scene. Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour in the area should contact the Gardaí.
MAKE YOUR EUROS COUNT AND BUY IRISH ........ CONT’D FROM PAGE 1
consumers is to order ahead because of the huge volume of parcels being distributed via courier companies. It has been such a tough year for businesses, and now is the opportunity for us to help them by buying Irish when we buy online. “The changing spending patterns underline how important it is for Irish businesses to get online, and for Irish consumers to spend their Euros with Irish suppliers. Stripe released statistics showing a significant spike in the number of Irish businesses creating digital shops in May. Their data shows that 350% more grocery shops and food
stores are online now when compared with before the pandemic. It also shows that the availability of healthcare items online has doubled since March. “I advise any small and medium businesses who have not yet developed an online shop to consider this as part of their business plan. The recently expanded Trading Online Voucher Scheme is a great support for businesses considering taking the first step towards developing an online presence. Now it’s up to us as consumers to support them this Christmas”, the local representative concluded.
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PHARMACY HUB - KEEPING THE ‘COMMUNITY’ SPIRIT ALIVE
Pharmacy Hub Mace killinarden Tel: 01-4629073 Our Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 8.30am- 6.30pm Saturday’s 9.00am-5.30pm Opening Sunday’s in December 11.00am - 3.00pm Email: pharmacyhubkillinarden@ gmail.com
The staff at Pharmacy Hub like all Pharmacy colleagues nationwide have been navigating the Challenges of Covid -19 since the start of the pandemic with steely endurance. After the initial stages of Lockdown where they operated via a hatch to ensure safety of staff and customers alike they have re-opened the door and are welcoming in customers in accordance with Covid safety for all.
Whilst the team out front are committed to personable customer service. Pharmacy hub encourages self - care and are currently partaking in a slainte care pilot for migraine managementin conjunction with Tallaght hospital. The team would like to thank all their customers for their continued support
especially through recent times and are looking forward to expanding the existing Pharmacy next year. The Pharmacy team has worked alongside local charities raising monies for Pieta house, Saoirse Women’s Refuge and Irish cancer society.
The Pharmacy Hub Prides itself working in the heart of the community and providing an accessible healthcare service for all. Offering a professional Pharmacy service which now extends to web consultation via their new Pharmacy website- www.Pharmacyhub.ie. Michelle,Ciara or Sara will assist with any of your healthcare enquiries. Pharmacy services extend to free blood pressure,free blister packaging, Free delivery service, vaccinations,emergency contraception.
‘Healthcare in the Community’
GIFTS IN STORE FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Pharmacy Hub team, from left Ciara, Rita, Michelle, Shiara, Roxanna.
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GOOD NEWS FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS Eight schools across the country received good news on the school building front last week and half of those were schools in our local area, according to local T.D. Emer Higgins. “Schools in our area have been starved of investment and one of the promises I made to students, parents and teachers was that I would be an advocate for them in Government. I’ve been lobbying the Minister on the need to deliver new buildings for five second-level schools and
primary schools including St. Thomas, Scoil Aine and Lucan Boy’s school. This week we got good news for four of those five second level schools – St. Joseph’s College and Lucan Community College in Lucan, Holy Family Community School in Rathcoole and the Gaelscoil complex in Clondalkin,” explained Deputy Emer Higgins.
of Education has, at long last, formally issued approval to commence the prequalification process to select a shortlist of contractors. I am really pleased that our area accounted for half of the schools nationally to get this update, it shows how important it is to have a strong voice in Government who can fight for resources in our community.
“These are four of the eight schools nationwide that received the good news that the Department
This is only one the process, but important step; be keeping the
step in it’s an and I’ll pressure
on the Minister and her Department to see these projects through as quickly as possible because we are waiting long enough for these investments,” continued Emer Higgins T.D. “One of my promises when I got elected was that I would be an advocate for students, parents and teachers; because schools in our area, in particular Lucan and Rathcoole, so desperately need investment. I’ll continue to advocate for all of the schools who need new buildings and
Deputy Emer Higgins and Tanaiste Leo Vardakar in St Joseph’s Community College earlier this year (Pre-Covid19)
the delivery of these four new second-level school buildings as well as Griffeen
Community College who are also waiting on their new build,” concluded Higgins.
Tallaght Councillor Charlie O’Connor recently requested an update on the plan to deal with litter and graffiti in the community. The query said “That this Council calls on the Chief Executive to publish an updated plan to deal with the Litter/Graffiti issue which is of great concern to communities throughout our County; does he have a view on the recent statements of IBAL in the matter; will he state the amount of fines for Litter/Graffiti abuses collected since January and will he make a statement?”
current plan was presented to the Area Committees at their meetings held in September 2020. The 2020 IBAL report noted that the Tallaght area has come a long way in recent years, ranking 7 of the 10 areas surveyed as either at A or B Grades. The report particularly noted the “improvement at Tallaght Library / Alexandra House and Environs compared to last year at this time around it was deserving of the top litter grade”.
244 FINES AND NOTICES ISSUED FOR LITTERING
The reply received said “The South Dublin County Council Litter Management Plan 2020-2022 adopted by the Members proposes to address the negative impact of litter on our county, improve the quality of life and sense of wellbeing of our residents and enhance our commercial and tourism potential. This is achieved through 1. Communication, Education and Awareness, 2. Enforcement of Legislation and Regulation and 3. Management and maintenance of our Public Realm. A comprehensive Implementation Action Plan is developed for each year of the lifetime of the Litter Management Plan. Monitoring and evaluation of the Annual Plans is reported to the Area Committees. The first report on the
In relation to the Tallaght By-Pass it found that “A very good impression was created travelling along this busy route”. The report also noted the presence of three localised litter blackspots, which it is intended to address through the use of increased monitoring, inspections and through the regular removal of litter in those areas”. The reply concluded with “Up to the end of September, The Litter Warden Service has responded to 2,846 reports, received through customer care, fix your street and members’ reps, of littering & illegal dumping, including 159 reports related to Graffiti. Each of these reports was investigated and appropriate action taken. During this period 244 Fines and Notices were issued”.
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SCHOOL GARDENING PROJECT LAUNCHED A gardening project has been launched aimed at primary school children, which recognises the rise in popularity of growing
fruit and vegetables that has occurred amongst the younger generation as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown. Incredible
Edibles, a healthy eating and growing project for primary school children was launched by Agri Aware recently, which
aims to educate the next generation on how to sow, grow and cook Irish fruit and vegetables in their very own school garden.
Schools across Ireland can sign up now to receive free grow packs including compost, seeds to grow their own school garden, along with curriculumlinked interactive educational resources for the project which will run from January to June 2021. The project aims to cover all aspects of learning where your food comes from and the importance of the food pyramid for a healthy, balanced diet. Incredible Edibles, which is now in its 13th year, has never been more relevant to today’s school children, many of whom have gained an interest in gardening and the outdoors due to the Covid-19 lockdown and restrictions. As 2021
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has been deemed The International Year of Fruits and Vegetables 2021, by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, it is also key that Ireland’s school children recognise the importance of consuming seven plus portions of fruit and vegetables a day from a young age. Despite school closures in March 2020, over 1,000 schools and 25,000 students successfully took part in last year’s project. Teachers showed great commitment to the project by sending their students videos of their school vegetable and herb plants progress, as well as students cooking and eating their 7-a-day from home. Speaking at the launch, Agri Aware chairperson, Alan Jagoe said: “Incredible Edibles focuses on gardening for mental and physical wellbeing, the importance of reducing
food waste and supporting local, Irish food producers, all while being fully linked to the curriculum and not forgetting children have lots of fun exploring the ‘outdoor classroom’!” “We encourage teachers across Ireland to sign up their class to the 2021 project as it empowers students and guides them towards a healthier lifestyle. In these challenging times we live in, it has never been more important for Irish children to understand where their food comes from and learning first-hand how to grow their own food,” said Mr Jagoe.
Register your class today for the Incredible Edibles 2021 programme by visiting www.incredibleedibles.ie. This project runs from January to June, but packs are limited so make sure to sign up early to secure a free growing pack for your school!
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The Copper Kettle Reopens Under New Management On Rathcoole Main Street The Rathcoole cafe reopened its doors to the public under new management on September 15th, the week the Government announced a move to Level 3 Covid restrictions!! New owners, award winning Chef Keith Kenny and business partner Brian O’Gorman might be mad, you’d say! But both knew exactly what they
The Secret Garden
were getting into, and so, designed and restructured the building to allow for these eventualities. It currently has no indoor seating, with a quaint seating area in the rear garden, and a takeaway hatch to the front, for use in the event of complete closure to public traffic. As proprietor of the award winning restaurant, “19 @ Lucan Golf Club”, Keith
Kenny, is no stranger to the area. The current pandemic influenced their decision to open as a takeaway service only. There is a generous space to the rear which they renovated to create a private garden picnic area which they call “The Secret Garden”. This hosts five individual gazebo coverings, allowing for safe social-distance dining. The menu has something for everyone, with traditional breakfast offerings and some tasty signature dishes, including Burritos, Baked Wraps, BLT’s and The Copper Triple Club Sandwich. Daily specials offer variety to tickle the taste buds. On Sundays you can avail of the generous roast dinners of Turkey & Ham and Roast Beef, so you can give the cook the day off! Barista Coffee from “Warbler & Wren” is proving really popular with coffee lovers. Variety is the spice of life, and with spice in mind,
Pictured Brian and Keith The Copper Kettle starts it themed nights this weekend with “Menu Mexicana”. The coming weekends will see Tapas, a Toy Show special, Asian Fusion and Italian. Advance booking for these takeaway menus will be necessary and food will be served between 5pm and 8pm Friday and Saturday
evenings. Home catering is also a speciality, so keep it in mind for that special occasion when we can all socialise again! You can even book your Christmas Turkey & Ham, to be collected on Christmas Eve, fully cooked and carved for you, and including delicious homemade gravy and stuffing. Enquire in
shop for details. Open from 9.30am Wednesday to Sunday, you can phone your order in to (01) 401 3267. Follow The Copper Kettle on Facebook and Instagram @ rathcoolecopperkettle
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Give the gift of lasting memories this Christmas with the ‘Go Anywhere Gift Card’ The ‘Go Anywhere Gift Card’ from Irelandhotels.com is the ideal Christmas gift that offers flexibility and enables recipients to create lasting memories at over 350 participating hotels and guesthouses around Ireland.
The ‘Go Anywhere Gift Card’ opens up so many options for a break away in Ireland, and allows recipients to travel when and where they want, meaning memorable experiences are just a few clicks away.
In a year like no other, why not give loved ones, clients or colleagues the gift of choice, while at the same time thoughtfully supporting Irish tourism?
The ‘Go Anywhere’ concept is simple; log on to www. Irelandhotels.com and select the value gift card you wish to purchase, from €50 to €1,000. The gift card can be delivered instantly by email, or by post For your chance to win, answer the question and email your answer, in a signature gift box. address and phone number to info@newsgroup.ie by Tuesday the 1st of December 2020. Best of luck! Irelandhotels.com is giving two lucky readers the chance to each win a €250 ‘Go Anywhere Gift Card’ this Christmas.
In over how many hotels and guesthouses can the ‘Go Anywhere Gift Card’ be used? A) 150
B) 250
C) 350
TS & CS: THE PRIZE IS NON TRANSFERABLE AND WILL ONLY BE AWARDED TO THE WINNER. NO CASH ALTERNATIVE WILL BE AWARDED IN LIEU OF STATED PRIZE.
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08
PARKS AND GREENS SHOULD BE INCLUSIVE SPACES, NOT DESTROYED BY SCRAMBLERS AND QUADS TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that he wants to see an end to scramblers and quads being driven on our roads and in our parks and in a way that destroys pitches and green spaces without any level of training, supervision or respect for one’s neighbours. Speaking last week on a Sinn Féin motion calling on the Government to empower Gardaí to protect our public spaces from the misuse of scramblers and quads, Teachta Crowe said: “The misuse of scrambler and quad bikes presents a great danger to people in many of our communities when they are used by children or adults without any level of training, supervision or respect for one’s neighbours. “I have talked to the Garda about how I have witnessed incidents where scramblers have been used on main roads and in green spaces. There is any amount of video evidence of such
activity. Other speakers have talked about how these vehicles are being used by drug dealers. I know that is true because I witness it every day. Again, it is certain communities that are being impacted by this activity. There is clear evidence that the bikes are being used to transport drugs and I would like to see the Garda being much more proactive in tackling it.
“I would urge parents to consider just where and how these bikes would be used in their areas before going out and buying them as Christmas presents.
“I have seen at first hand the damage that has been done to our green spaces and playing pitches by quad and scrambler bikes. It is soul-destroying for people to take their children to play a game only to find that the pitch is destroyed. “We do not want to take away anyone’s fun. These vehicles are used legitimately across the State for a variety of purposes, including on farms and in forestry.
The petition now signed by 300 people, organised by the Workers’ Party, calls on South Dublin County Council to add the estate to their Tree Maintenance List 2020-22. David Gardiner, Workers’ Party representative in PalmerstownFonthill, said: “Numerous residents came to us looking for something to be done on the issue of overgrown trees in the estate. Some are so overgrown that you need to duck under branches to stay on the path.” “They’re also overhanging gardens and blocking light, which many residents believe is being used as cover for people to jump over walls into their gardens. We’ve had a number of burglaries and attempted burglaries on one particular area road.” “Some time ago we secured a place on the Draft Tree Maintenance List, but we wanted to ensure beyond doubt that this problem would be seen to.
However, they are not toys and they are not suitable for use in public places where pedestrians are present.
Between online and door-to-door petitions, we’ve collected 300 signatures. I want to thank the women from the estate that helped with this, as well as everyone who brought the issue to us and took the time to sign the petition.” “300
“There are clearly problems with their use and I want to see the Garda authorities being more proactive, with additional powers given
to seize and detain these vehicles. I am told that the people driving them cannot be stopped primarily for health and safety reasons but I see them going around without helmets, easily identifiable and with no regard for their own safety or that of anyone else. “Walking through a park, you may find one of
these vehicles being driven right alongside you on the walkway.
Our parks should be inclusive spaces, not places where people are excluded because of the reckless and dangerous activities of a small group. That is the reality of what is happening in many of
our communities. Only a small minority of people are causing problems and it needs to stop. “I want to see an end to these vehicles being driven on our roads and in our parks and in a way that destroys pitches and green spaces and primarily I want it stopped because it puts everyone in real danger.”
300 SIGN TREE PRUNING PETITION IN PALMERSTOWN MANOR signatures in an estate of roughly 270 houses is on average over 1 signature per house, it’s very clear that residents want this to be dealt with sooner rather than later. We wait eagerly to hear a response from SDCC and will keep residents updated.”
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09
WORKERS’ PARTY CRITICISES GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING INCREASE IN RENT
The average price of rent is higher than it was this time last year, according to the Daft.ie Rental
Price Report for the third quarter of 2020. The increase has seen criticism aimed at the government.
David Gardiner, Workers’ Party representative in Palmerstown-Fonthill and Dublin Mid-West, said: “The fact that rent is still on the rise nationally shows that, despite the government spin, not enough is being done to fight the housing crisis.
September, is open to all sports clubs irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal or gender, the only requirement being that applicant clubs be properly constituted and hold a valid Games & Sports Number (GS Number) issued by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. Dates for the announcement of winners and presentation of awards will be announced early next year. Full details of the scheme and its operation can be viewed on a dedicated website www. TexacoSupportforSport. com
They would like to give the impression that they’re getting houses built and that things are getting better, but the figures clearly show that’s not the case.” Continuing, he stated: “Of the 54 markets covered in the report, rents have gone up in 30 of them.
TEXACO SUPPORT FOR SUPPORT A reminder has been issued to registered sports clubs Co. Dublin that the 31st December closing date for receipt of completed applications under the Texaco Support for Sport club funding initiative is now nearing. Under the scheme, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited – the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand – has set aside a fund of €130,000 to be divided on a 26 county-by-county basis with each successful club – including, it is hoped, one from Co. Dublin – receiving an equal amount of €5,000 in each case. The scheme, first announced in
Between June and September of this year, rent rose by 1.5%. It has also risen by 1.2% compared to this time last year. Rents in my own area of west Dublin have gone up too. It would be one thing to have this level of an increase if we weren’t still in a housing crisis, which has been made worse by the loss of earnings many
have faced as a result of COVID-19.” “The Workers’ Party calls for better
legislation of the private rental market immediately, while also recognising that
the solution to the housing crisis is public housing on public land.” He concluded.
EY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2020
Pictured EY Partner Aidan Meagher and Nicola Mitchell, Life Scientific, International and overall EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2020. Pic Credit: Naoise Culhane Photography
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TALLAGHT’S DRIVING TEST BACKLOG NOW REPRESENTS 10% OF TOTAL WAITING LIST
TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that it is unacceptable that the number of people waiting for driving tests in the local Tallaght centre has been allowed to spiral out of all proportion, saying that “it is unbelievable that there are now 9,323 people who are being left waiting for a driving test in Tallaght alone”. Out of the 52 driving test centres in the State, Tallaght now represents 10% of the total backlog as of November 4th. An additional 2,300 people have been added to the Tallaght waiting list since July. Teachta Crowe said: “Once again, we have received figures from the Road Safety Authority that put Tallaght way ahead of any other driving test centre in the state in terms of how many
people are waiting for a test. “There were 9,323 people stuck waiting for a test last week. “Out of the 52 driving test centres across the country, Tallaght now represents 10% of the total backlog as of November 4th. An additional 2,300 people have been added to the waiting list since July. “Finglas is again in second place with 6,665 people waiting, showing the huge difference between worst and second worst. “It is entirely unacceptable that the people of south west and north west Dublin are being left to wait for months and months on a waiting list that only grows and grows. The current driving test system is broken and people living in Tallaght and its hinterland are suffering from the fallout. “We are
being ignored and this is having serious implications for people’s ability to find or keep a job or even to bring their children to school or childcare. “Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan needs to wake up and show that he is more willing to solve the problems facing tens of thousands of Irish citizens. “Some of these delays are down to his predecessor Shane Ross but, so far, he has only allowed the problem to get worse and grow further out of hand. “In addition, the driver theory test has been suspended until early December, causing further setbacks for those needing to learn to drive. “One thing that is obviously clear is a need for additional driving instructors and testers. Likewise, longer opening hours and weekend tests
would go some of the way to address the lengthening backlog. “The Minister needs to urgently consult with
instructors, testers and their unions to find a way forward to accelerate the number of tests that can be carried out safely over
the coming months. “The Minister must be engaged and proactive because right now he is out of touch and asleep at the wheel.”
AGORA COLLECTIVE OPEN CALL FOR PHOTOGRAPHY MAGAZINE AGORA Collective, a group of new photographic talent who graduated from Griffith College in June 2020, are having an open call for creatives across the country to Capture the Year of 2020 with their project ‘New Perspectives’. AGORA want to give photography professionals, amateurs and enthusiasts, a platform to show their experience of 2020, and use these images to create a printed magazine that will be sold across the country. Discussing the open call, AGORA stated: “The year of 2020 has shifted our views, and forced us to create, build and grow. AGORA Collective wants to help portray these new perspectives by calling all photographers who have produced work in 2020 to submit their projects to the Open Call “New Perspectives”. There are no limitations to this open call, it is completely open. AGORA Collective just wants to highlight your views of what has been an engaging, challenging but most
of all meaningful year moving forward”. The open call has started and will be open until the 14th of December 2020, with the magazine following in early 2021. To find out more or to enter some of your images, please log onto www.agora-collective. com. AGORA is an open space for artistic, social and political discourse to emerge, a Dublinbased art collective founded by Giórgia Graf, Freja Blomstrand and Sebastian F. Mahon with the aim to develop a platform for emerging creatives to engage with and contribute to the visual arts in Ireland and abroad. Each artist is asked to create a body of work in response to a set theme, representing their unique vision. Taken from the ancient Greek meaning ‘gathering place’, AGORA seeks to provide a space for creatives to produce work which may otherwise go unseen. They want to promote and participate with visual culture in all its forms.
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LOCKDOWN AND RESTRICTIONS INCREASES ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS The Pure Mile, an environmental initiative which aims to create a greater awareness of the countryside of the Wicklow/Dublin Uplands, saw an increase in people getting outside and improving and enhancing their local areas. The Pure Mile is an environmental, community, heritage initiative, established by the Pure Project, which encourages communities and groups living in rural areas of Wicklow, South Dublin and Dun-Laoghaire, to adopt a mile of road, or miles of road, in their local area, or in the Wicklow/ Dublin Uplands and organise litter picks, clean-ups, anti-dumping campaigns, research information about their local wildflowers, plants, trees, animals, and the built, cultural, and social heritage of an area. Due to Covid-19 restrictions the annual Pure Mile Gala Evening, which would usually attract hundreds of Pure Mile Volunteers, was cancelled this year. However, Pure consider it important to celebrate the hard work and achievements of the Pure Mile Volunteers in Cleaning Up The Wicklow/ Dublin Uplands. 2020 was the eleventh year of the Pure Mile, with the largest number of groups and volunteers involved in the project since it was established in 2009. In the first year the Pure Mile had 6 miles of road, and over the years the project has grown extensively to over 100 communities, groups, scouts, beavers, primary schools, secondary
Cruagh Road Pure Mile
schools, walking groups, cycling groups, running groups, businesses and organisations, who collectively improved and enhanced over 650 miles of road, mountains, woodlands, valleys, forestries, upland amenities, car parks, and beaches, with the removal of tonnes of illegal dumping and litter from the Wicklow/ Dublin Uplands. Over 300 litter picks and clean-ups were organised in 2020 and additional projects included, natural heritage, built heritage, community, biodiversity, and education. The groups ranged from all over South Dublin, Wicklow and Dun-Laoghaire and each one will receive a Pure Mile Certificate, and all will be included in the popular Pure Mile Calendar, which will also be launched this month.
Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan T.D. commented on the success of Pure Mile 2020, “Now more than ever we need to protect our environment, illegal dumping has no place in our society, I welcome the success that Pure has had in reducing illegal dumping in the South Dublin and Wicklow uplands. The Pure Mile is an environmental initiative which aims to foster an appreciation and awareness of the country landscapes and scenic road networks in the uplands. More than that, it is a chance for communities to come together to make a measurable difference by improving the environment
we share and live in. Preserving areas of interest for everyone to enjoy and appreciate, including the many visitors that are attracted to this region. I am proud to say that since its inception back in 2006 the Government has been providing funding to Pure.”
Groups from all over South Dublin, Wicklow and DunLaoghaire organised litter picks and clean-ups of numerous South Dublin Upland areas, including, Piperstown, Cunard, Castle Kelly, Glenasmole, Kilakee, Military Road, Cruagh Road, Ballybetagh and Glencullen, removing considerable amounts of unsightly litter and illegally dumped waste from this beautiful, scenic, upland landscape. The South Dublin Uplands is a unique landscape and environment, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Much of the area is of both Irish and European significance and protected under the European Habitats Directive as a Special Area of Conservation, and now part of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. South Dublin County Council Mayor, Cllr Ed Byrne, also commented, “The Pure Project has demonstrated the power of the community in addressing illegal dumping in the Dublin Wicklow Mountains. The proof of its success is the continued reduction of illegal dumping in the area, which is a credit to all the hard work put in by the Pure Mile Volunteers carrying out the community clean ups and raising awareness.
Atha Cliath Cleanup The Uplands Team Pure Miles
Cunard Glenasmole Pure Mile South Dublin County Council is delighted to be a part of the project and looks forward to its continued success.” The Pure Mile is the perfect opportunity for communities and groups who want to make a positive contribution to their locality and environment, and assists people in improving and enhancing the place they live in, or recreate in. Special interest groups such as, walking groups, cycling groups, scout groups, businesses, and organisations, adopt a mile, or miles of road, in the Wicklow/Dublin Uplands and help Pure to Clean Up The Uplands. Pure provides all groups with Pure Mile signage, Pure Mile bags, gloves, litter pickers and Pure Mile high-vis vests, and they also remove all of the rubbish collected by the groups. The Atha Cliath Cleanup the Uplands Team Pure Miles and the Glencree Walking Group Pure Miles were recipients of The CleanUp The Uplands Award. In the past, the group organised massive cleanups that resulted in the removal of 3.5 tonnes,
and that’s 3,500kg of illegal dumping from the Wicklow/Dublin Uplands, staring in Kilakee Car Park in South Dublin, travelling on the Military Road down to Glencree, on to Sally Gap and including the Wicklow Mountains National Park areas of Piperstown, Cunard, Glenasmole, Another Group from the South Dublin Uplands who were also awarded, Best The CleanUp The Uplands Award, were a new group to The Pure Mile, The Cunard Glenasmole Pure Miles. The groups also concentrated their efforts in cleanups of areas located in the South Dublin Uplands of, Piperstown, Cunard, Glenasmole, Castle Kelly, and other South Dublin Upland areas. A special award was announced to a young man in the south Dublin uplands who assisted with cleanups, Christopher Collins, received a Certificate of Recognition Award for the Pure Mile Youth Ambassador 2020. Ian Davis, Pure Project Manager commented, “The Pure Mile has grown every year with over 2,500
volunteers involved in the project. We had some major clean-ups this year which resulted in the removal of over 3,000 bags of rubbish and illegal dumping from the Wicklow/Dublin Uplands. Due to Covid-19 we saw an increase in people getting involved in the Pure Mile and more people were walking their local roads, rediscovering their local areas, becoming more aware of their natural environment and landscape, the flora and fauna, and appreciating their built heritage. People decided to organise litter picks of their local roads, removing litter and rubbish from the verges, hedges, and drains, and they have made a huge difference to the areas they live in or recreate in. It’s amazing the amount of time, effort, and enthusiasm that groups invest in the Pure Mile, and it’s an absolute pleasure meeting them, and getting to know them.” For more information see www.pureproject.ie/whatwe-do/the-pure-mile or email info@pureproject.ie
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FOSTER PARENTS SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO THE ONE-PARENT FAMILY PAYMENT Local TD for Dublin Mid-West Eoin Ó Broin raised the issue of single foster parents and their ineligibility for the one-parent family payment or transitional jobseeker’s allowance with the Minister for Social Protection in the Dáil recently.
continue to foster children, however, Kirsty is a single parent. She is in the only category of single parent not eligible under the existing legislation for either the one-parent family payment or transitional jobseeker’s allowance.
officials to review the issue and that she is happy to work with me to try and
Teachta Ó Broin said: “Recently I raised the case of Kirsty from Lucan in the Dáil with the Minister for Social Protection. “Kirsty has been a foster parent for more than 13 years. She is a long-term foster parent and has also fostered children for shorter periods, emergency stays and midlength stays. “In doing that, she has made an enormous contribution to the lives of many children.
“Kirsty is eligible for a jobseeker’s payment and, therefore, the officials in the Department of Social Protection, who are just doing their jobs as per the legislation, want her to apply for employment, engage with Seetec and do a range of things not compatible with a single parent to do under that payment. “I welcome that the Minister during the debate acknowledged the anomaly in the legislation and committed to asking her
Community Gardaí play a crucial role in tackling isolation, keeping people connected and cracking down on anti-social behaviour during Lockdown. Community Policing is more than just a partnership based, community-orientated approach to law enforcement, it’s about engaging with people and becoming part of the heart of a community. The Community Garda will build up a strong and supportive personal relationship with residents, local business owners, schools, clubs and various groups in our neighbourhoods. They are available to assist local residents work together to prevent crime by supporting Neighbourhood Watch initiatives.
“Kirsty now finds herself out of work, Tusla wants her to
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find solution to this. “It is my hope that common sense will prevail and
foster parents like Kirsty will be allowed to do what they do very well, without
being in conflict with one or other section of our social welfare, or care, system.”
COMMUNITY POLICING HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT
Deputy Emer Higgins, who sits on the South Dublin Joint Policing Committee, outlined that community policing is all about collaboration with residents and policing by consent. She commended the work of local Gardaí
and said that ,” during lockdown, Community Gardaí became a lifeline for many people, in particular those living alone and cocooning. Now, with Level 5 restrictions, they’ve stepped up again to support our communities during this time of need.
Community Gardaí focus on crime prevention, problem-solving and law enforcement, with a view to building trust and enhancing the quality of life of the entire community and are vital when it comes to cracking down on anti-social behaviour. “Through my work on the Joint Policing Committee, I proactively advocated for extra Community Gardaí . With an increasing population and changing demographics and the challenges that the Covid pandemic presents, we need these resources on the ground now more than ever. “Community Gardaí become part of
the neighbourhood, helping to get a better sense of resident’s needs and help residents to develop greater trust in the police. As part of the Community Policing Model, An Garda Síochána work in partnership with local communities, to prevent and deter crime through initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch, Community Alert, Text Alert and the Garda Schools Programme, as well as through more formal structures such as Joint Policing Committees,” concluded Deputy Higgins. Emer Higgins has welcomed the recent decision of An Garda Síochána to assign 4 Community Gardaí roles to Rathcoole Garda Station and 3 Community Gardaí positions to Clondalkin Garda Station. “Community Policing has never been more important and I really hope our communities see the benefits of having more Garda visibility and engaging with our community.
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LESSONS MUST BE LEARNED FROM REPORT INTO SUICIDE DEATHS Mark Ward TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health has urged the government to be proactive and not reactive after a report revealed the high rate of suicides among young women in the Ballyfermot, Clondalkin, Palmerstown and Tallaght area last year.
Commenting on an article in The Irish Times in recent days, Teachta Ward said “The report of a cluster of suicides among young women in Ballyfermot, Clondalkin and Tallaght last year is very worrying. The fact that the HSE investigation has linked these deaths to the housing crisis, domestic violence, social media and recreational drug use is a clear message to government to act. “Ballyfermot, Clondalkin and Tallaght are traditionally disadvantaged areas with high levels of poverty. “As someone who
talks to people everyday who are affected by the housing crisis, I am not surprised to see this as one of the leading issues in the tragic deaths of these young women. “Government policies over many years have had a detrimental impact on people’s wellbeing. Not having a secure and safe place to call home is one of the basic needs that we have as human beings.
connecting these deaths to the housing crisis, domestic violence, social media and recreational drug use. “The
National
Office
of
Suicide Prevention have compiled a comprehensive report into the spate of suicides and it is important that lessons are learned from it. “The government
needs to have a proactive response to this report and put in place supports, services and policies that will stop clusters of suicides occurring again. “I want
to extend my heartfelt condolences to all the families of these young women, and to anyone who has lost someone to suicide.”
€750 BILLION RECOVERY FUND TO BE GENDER AND CARE PROOFED
“The HSE ordered a rapid assessment and community response to suicide and suspected suicide in Dublin South. “The female suicide rate is three times the national average since 2015, but it was the deaths of eight women in their 20s and early 30s over a 10week period that prompted the report.
Frances Fitzgerald MEP recently welcomed the European Parliament’s vote to approve its position on the EU’s €750 billion COVID Recovery Fund. Ms. Fitzgerald in particular welcomed MEPs demands that funding must be subject to a gender impact assessment and should focus on care infrastructure investment. “MEPs voted to progress one the largest ever EU funding programmes, a programme which will be absolutely crucial in repairing the economic devastation unleashed by COVID-19,” said Ms. Fitzgerald.
“While the report did not go into the individual reasons for these deaths, when you take the overall context, there is a clear pattern
The fund was approved by a joint sitting of the Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) Committee and the Budgets (BUDG) Committee. It was adopted with 73 votes in favour,
11 against and 15 abstentions. The European Parliament will now enter into negotiations with the European Council to conclude a final agreement on the Recovery Fund before the end of this year. “Crucially, the Parliament’s report recognises that the pandemic has impacted men and women differently and it ensures that funding must be consistent with the EU gender equality strategy and shall be based on gender impact assessments. “This is a major step forward towards adequate gender-responsive budgeting at EU level and represents important progress for gender equity. “Furthermore, the report aims to devote recovery funding towards care infrastructure, not just in the
healthcare sector, but also in the context of childcare, care of persons with disabilities and care of older persons. As we know, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to invest in our care facilities and support care workers. “It was essential that my amendments on gender equality and care were taken on board to advance these positions. “Additionally, Parliament has stated that at least 40% of the Recovery Fund must be devoted to climate and biodiversity spending while 20% must be devoted to digitalisation. “This fund will not only help businesses and citizens recover from COVID, but it will help our society to adapt to the new green and digital agenda,” Ms. Fitzgerald concluded.
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Where focus goes, energy flows By Bronagh Lyons
In life we have a tendency to focus on who doesn’t “show up”, who “isn’t there” rather than focusing on those who do show up and who are there. We are so fixated on acceptance and being liked by everyone we forget those who actually do have our backs and who stand by their words. If you throw a party and 200 people don’t show up but 50 people do, are you going to be upset and disappointed? Or are you going to be even more grateful for those 50 people and have an even better time with them knowing that they are there? Ask yourself that honestly. I often see it by “social media popular” people who get so used to positive comments they start ignoring them, they don’t respond or acknowledge them, HOWEVER, throw a negative comment into the mix and that is where you see their energy goes and their responses light up. There is both a lot of positivity and negativity in the world, where are you focusing your attention? I challenge you, next time someone is negative or doesn’t “show up” for you, watch how you react.
O’CONNOR SEEKS INFORMATION ON HOUSING LISTS Cllr. Charlie O’Connor, has raised the whole issue of the Council’s Housing list at the November meeting of the Council, which was held in Tallaght Stadium. He was provided with the following information: At the end of October, 2020 there were 7,156 applicants on the Council’s social housing list with housing need. The council confirmed “This figure includes applicants with allocations pending and the Elected Members should also note that our housing allocations team is currently carrying out a Housing Needs Assessment review of all applications on the housing list pre-dating April 2019. Councillor O’Connor also asked for an update on new social homes and was told as follows “Increasing the supply of social housing is a key commitment through the build, acquisition and
leasing programmes. South Dublin will commence by year end, construction on 4 new social housing developments across the County that will deliver 52 new homes. They comprise 12 new homes at St. Catherine’s, Tallaght; 16 new homes at Homeville, Old Knocklyon Road; 22 new homes in the first phase of a new development at Riversdale/ Mayfield in Clondalkin and the redevelopment of an existing building Greenfort Gardens, Clondalkin, providing 2 new homes. In addition, 3 further sites delivering 64 new homes are due to commence during 2021 in Templeogue Village, St Marks Avenue, Clondalkin and Old Bawn in Tallaght. Other sites identified for older persons and sites at Balgaddy and Nangor Road are being progressed” Charlie O’Connor, who is the Chairman of the Council’s Housing Strategic Policy
Committee, confirms that he will continue to give the whole issue his particularly
attention and focus on the need for affordable and social housing.
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. E. Mc.Q
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.
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CALL FOR CLEAR GOVERNMENT PLAN TO ALLOW BASKETBALL’S RESUMPTION Basketball Ireland has received clarification from Sport Ireland CEO John Treacy on his recent comments. We understand that John was asked to speculate when indoor sport would return and he urged a cautious and patient approach, stating that indoor sport would be the last to fully return. He has stressed to Basketball Ireland that these comments were made from a personal perspective and it is not Sport Ireland or government policy, which is continuously evolving. Basketball Ireland accepts John’s personal view, we recognise that we are dealing with a pandemic and that indoor activity increases risk. However, we must make a plan to resume, rather than shutting the sport down and Basketball Ireland is continuing to work towards a season start date of January 9th. Basketball Ireland is now urgently calling for the government to provide a clear exit plan from level 5 for our sport, once restrictions are eased in December to allow our sport to restart. We note that plans for a return to basketball are far more advanced in Europe, for example Spain, where Covid-19 rates are far higher than in Ireland. For too long basketball and indoor sport has been left in the margins when it comes to guidelines handed out by the government, with proper consideration only given to
outdoor sports. We are urging consultation with not alone Basketball Ireland, but other indoor sports too. There is a huge cohort of people who are invested physically and emotionally in indoor sport and they need to be listened to and fully considered. Sport is hugely important for physical and mental health, livelihoods are also at stake at all levels of our game, our National League is semi-professional, with clubs having contract commitments to players, coaches and technical staff. Basketball Ireland will commit further resources to allow our National League to begin again, such as increased testing and nominate central venues where games will be played, to reduce travel. Basketball Ireland CEO, Bernard O’Byrne, said: “Our sport has had a handbrake applied since March. We’ve led from the front when it came to dealing with Covid-19, calling a halt to our league back in spring. Basketball Ireland and our clubs have since invested a lot of time, money and effort to put necessary safety measures in place, which has resulted in no cases emerging through basketball activity anywhere in the country. We now need the government to provide a clear pathway for us to resume. We have been ignored and watched on while other elite level sports have continued. We now
Pictured Mark Reynolds of DBS Eanna and Stephen James of Griffith College Templeogue at the 2020 Men’s National Cup. Pic credit Brendan Moran/Sportsfile want the government to agree a schedule to discuss a structured and careful return for basketball’s return, so we, and our for our sport. Our National League and clubs, can plan accordingly, without being international squads need to return to left in limbo. We shall continue to work in training and playing, jobs are on the line. tandem with Sport Ireland to get our sport Our international squads risk being left underway as soon as possible.” behind by their international peers with European Championships due next summer. Basketball Ireland chairman, Paul McDevitt, added: “We are committed to a safe return Ireland is due to host the FIBA European of our sport and will do whatever it takes Championship for Small Countries next to get our players onto the court again. We summer in Limerick and we want to give are available at any time to the government our players the best chance of success.”
LUCAN STUDENT LANDS U.S. SCHOLARSHIP Abdel Laadjel attends Kishoge community College in Lucan and runs for Donore harriers coached by Gerry Naughton and Ciaran. He started running less than 3 years ago and has recently landed a scholarship in Providence College in Rhode Island in America. The Lucan student won the mile schools track, ran for Ireland in cross country and also won the schools cross country in March inter level. He was due to lead Ireland in Scotland at the end of March but this was cancelled due to covid. He signed for Providence college on 12th November and he will attend the division 1 college that has won multiple national titles and produced world class athletes for example the famous John
Treacy. Ray Treacy, brother of John, has coached in Providence for the last 35 years and still continues to coach. Abdel will be coached under the guidance of Ray for the next 4 years. Ray has worked with world class athletes. Abdel will commence his four years at Providence in August 2021 with what they call a full ride scholarship. Abdel commented on his recent news “I’m grateful that I can take this opportunity and sign for a college that’s known for the Irish doing well in and attending. I couldn’t have done this without my coach, family and friends. I can’t wait to bring my academics and athletics to the next level and hopefully in the future I can rack up medals for Ireland in major events. Alhamudillah”
€85 MILLION SPORTS PACKAGE Would your local club like to be featured in this newspaper and online at www.newsgroup.ie? Send your pictures, match reports or match information to info@newsgroup.ie
Minister Darragh O’Brien TD has welcomed the €85 million funding package for the Irish sport sector. Minister O’Brien said the funding would reach all levels of the sport sector with thousands of clubs across Ireland set to benefit including Fingal based Cricket Ireland which has been allocated almost €1.5 million. Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “Like all sectors of society sporting bodies have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions which have been imposed on gatherings and on peoples’ movement. “Their income has been hit through a
loss of membership fees, events and the other day to day fundraisers which clubs ordinarily hold. In many instances they have had additional costs arising from the implementation of social distancing and Covid-19 protocols. “This funding seeks to address the shortfall and will give a semblance of certainty to planning for 2021. I am particularly happy to see that dedicated funding has been set aside for disability and older adult sport. “I know this funding will be greatly welcomed by the sporting bodies and their supporters alike,” he concluded.
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g n i k o o c e Hom and baking
Authentic Nepalese Chhuela By Chef Balkrishna Shrestha
Authentic Nepalese Chhuela made with buffalo meat ginger, garlic, genugreek, lemon, mustard oil & spring coriander. The name ‘Chhuela’ comes from the Newari language; the combination of ‘Chhue’ which means cooked on fire or charcoal and ‘la’ which means meat. This dish is prepared most in the Kathmandu Valley region. In recent days, due to increased communication and mobility, other parts of the country and the Nepalese community other parts of the world have been adapting the preparation of this dish. This salad can be prepared with chicken, pork, lamb, mutton and mushroom. This festive salad is usually eaten with beaten rice/flakes rice as a snacks. Chicken Chhuela or Kathmandu Chicken salad Serve: 8 people - Preparation time:15min & Cooking - Assemble time: 25min INGREDIENTS: 1.2kg diced Chicken fillet or leg meat 80g Slice of red onion 20g garlic slice/julienne 20g ginger slice/julienne 20g chopped coriander 6p green chillies chopped 2 plum tomatoes 15ml lemon juice 5g fenugreek seeds 80ml mustard/rapeseed oil 10g ground roasted cumin 5g ground red chilli
METHODS: Place diced chicken in a big bowl and Marinade with turmeric and oil. Thread the chicken pieces into 5/6 metal skewers. Be careful not to overload the chicken on skewers. Next, carefully thread the tomatoes and green chillies onto more metal skewers. Place the chicken skewers on top of fire or charcoal fire and slowly turn them around. Keep cooking chicken on fire until fully cook. Remove chicken skewers from heat. Leave the chicken to cool for 5 mins. In the meantime, cook tomato and chilli for a few minutes on fire, remove from fire and blend in with a mortar and pestle to make smooth paste. Remove the chicken from skewers and place in a clean salad bowl. Add the blended tomato and chilli. Next, add ginger, garlic, red onion, coriander, ground chilli, black salt, table salt, roasted Ground cumin, lemon juice & little bit of oil. Mix well using clean hands or wearing gloves until the spices have blended through the chicken. Heat oil in a frying pan and add fenugreek seeds. Cook until it turns dark in colour (it should release a fragrant smell and become crispy). Take the pan off the heat and add ground turmeric into the pan. Quickly and carefully pour the heated oil on top of the chicken. After a minute, mix well like before. Transfer to clean bowl, sprinkle some ginger, and fresh chopped coriander. Now our Chicken Chhuela or Kathmandu chicken salad is ready!
No Spread Cookies INGREDIENTS : 226g Butter 200g Granulated Sugar 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract 1 Egg 2 tsp Baking Powder 360g Plain Flour
METHOD : Pre heat oven to 170c. In the bowl of your mixer cream the butter and sugar until smooth, at least 3 minutes. Beat in the extract and egg. In a separate bowl combine the flour and baking powder add a little at a time to the butter mixture, the dough will be stiff, if it becomes too stiff for your mixer turn out onto a flour countertop and bring it together by hand. Divide the dough into 3 chunks, roll out onto a floured surface about 1/4 inch thick and cut into desired shapes. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 6-8 minutes. Let cool on the sheet until they are firm enough to transfer onto a cooling rack. The cookies can be left plain, dipped in melted chocolate or iced with icing sugar mixed with boiling water, decorate whatever way suits you.
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MOTORING LIFE
WITH
All-New KIA XCeed PHEV – Expand Your Horizons By Breda Corrigan
The all-new Kia XCeed is a new urban Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) from Kia Motors which combines compact SUV practicality with the sporty packaging, and engaging handling of a hatchback. A sporty alternative to traditional SUVs, the new CUV nevertheless offers comparable levels of space for occupants and luggage. The Kia XCeed engages drivers with its sporty handling and a comfortable, assured ride, while providing a more commanding view of the road ahead than a conventional hatchback. The XCeed’s suite of advanced safety, connectivity and infotainment features make it one of the most high-tech cars in the CUV class. A PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle) has now joined the XCeed range, and offers exceptional fuel efficiency from its petrol engine, along with the benefit of being able to drive up to 54km on electric power alone. Powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine (GDI) in combination with a 360V, 8.8kWh Lithium-Ion Polymer battery, the new Kia XCeed PHEV really does offer the best of both worlds. Emotional & Dynamic; The new Kia XCeed is more emotional and dynamic in format and appearance than its taller rivals, while offering something different to the other models in the Ceed range. The only body panels carried over from its five-door hatchback sibling are the front doors. The front and rear of the car also represent a departure from the ‘face’ of the conventional Ceed model family, differentiating the Kia XCeed from its stablemates. The headlamps are newly-designed, with the Ceed’s ‘ice cube’ LED light signature sitting within a more angular shape, topped by a slim turn signal that flows back over the wheel arches. At the rear, new tail-lights emit a slim, highly-technical LED light
signature which, when viewed from certain angles, appears to spear forward into the shoulders of the car. The heavily-creased lines running horizontally across the tailgate and rear bumper give the car a wider, more stable posture. The car’s elevated ride height and body also present the same robust image that attracts buyers to the other SUVs in Kia’s product portfolio. Impressive Specification;
Standard
The new Kia XCeed PHEV is extremely well equipped, with standard features such as Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance (car, pedestrian and cyclist), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, reverse parking sensors, dual-zone automatic temperature control, ABS, EBD, Hill Start Assist, leather steering wheel & gear knob, split-folding rear seats, centre armrest, Bluetooth with voice recognition, 8” touchscreen with rear view camera, 4.2” LCD supervision cluster, Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay™ compatibility, central door locking, cruise control, 18” alloy wheels, roof rails, rear privacy glass, LED front & rear lamps, drive mode selector, high gloss centre facia, cloth and artificial leather trim, two-tone interior, RDS radio, wireless phone charger, and a Smart Key system with push button start. Review Car; My review car was a new Kia XCeed PHEV in stylish Cosmos Blue metallic paint, which looked very stylish with its chrome coated front grille, satin finish belt line, and LED side repeater lamps on the door mirrors. Externally, and from every angle, you can tell this is a crossover with a difference. A daring lower front grille and subtle satin chrome skid plate add extra excitement to the mix,
while the car’s bold shape, and playful persona, clearly indicate that the new Kia XCeed is designed for drivers who live for the next thrill ahead. Additionally, the XCeed’s rakish tailgate and sleek design hides an extremely practical and well packaged interior. Thanks to a wheelbase of 2,650mm, all occupants are treated to ample head, leg and elbow room, while a 291-litre boot (135-litres less than the XCeed petrol or diesel models due to the placement of the LithiumIon Polymer battery) ensures that passengers and their luggage can travel in comfort, and style. There are lots of storage area throughout the cabin too, while supportive seats and an ergonomically-efficient
dashboard completes the high quality look, and feel, of the interior. The fastest you will be able to charge the Kia XCeed hybrid’s battery is 3.3kW – a speed you’ll see from a home wallbox or public charging point. A full top-up will take around two and a quarter hours at that speed, and while using a regular threepin socket will take longer, you can still be assured of the car being fully charged overnight. As with other Kia plug-in hybrid and electric cars, charging can be programmed to take advantage of cheaper overnight electricity tariffs. On The Road; On the road, my review car admirably demonstrated
how well its 265Nm of torque translates into terrific pulling power – even in high gears, providing the car with competent cruising ability, along with excellent refinement on the move too. Capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in 11.0-seconds, the XCeed PHEV can reach a top speed of 188km/h, while returning a fuel consumption figure as low as 1.3l/100km on a combined driving cycle. Overall ride comfort is great, while the car retains its composure through bends, and when driving over speed ramps or uneven surfaces. The raised ride height of the new XCeed, along with its rugged off-road appearance and striking good looks, will certainly appeal to families looking for a crossover with
style and substance in equal measure. Low running costs promise to be a huge benefit too, with an annual road tax disc costing just €170. Pricing; The new Kia XCeed was created to exceed expectations in the highly competitive CUV market, and the addition of the PHEV powertrain adds a new dimension of desirability to the package. Priced at just €28,450 (inclusive of current PHEV incentives) it offers outstanding value for money too. Kia’s comprehensive 7-Year/150,000km warranty comes as standard across the entire Kia passenger car range, while an 7-Year/150,000km battery warranty is also standard.
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