Tallaght News 26.10.20 by Newsgroup

26th October 2020

125% INCREASE IN CALLS TO HELPLINE AS A RESULT OF COVID-19 Aoibhneas, the Dublin based domestic abuse support service for women and children, recently launched the organisation’s 2019 annual report. The report details the support offered to women and children affected by domestic abuse throughout 2019 and demonstrates the extent of the epidemic in Ireland, as just one of 39 services nationwide. A total of 1,226 women and children were supported in 2019,

through access to refuge, drop-in and outreach service. In supporting those women and children, Aoibhneas provided 16,225 interventions to women and 2,144 interventions (i.e. play and art therapy, support groups, holistic services, homework club and literacy classes) to children within refuge setting. In addition, the helpline answered and worked through 8,181 calls. In 2019, Aoibhneas

provided support to 739 children across refuge and outreach, a 17% increase on the 2018 figure and which highlights the need for continued specialist support for children in a household where domestic abuse is taking place. Of that number, 38% of the children were between the ages of 6-12 and 34% were under 5 years of age.

to the diverse and often unconsidered nature of domestic abuse that occurs. 84% of women who presented disclosed some form of emotional abuse and 70% disclosed a form of physical abuse. Instances of financial abuse has risen 13% to 57% since 2018 and can entail being denied access to household finances for food, rent and household utilities.

The wide-reaching nature of Aoibhneas’ work in 2019 also points

Digital abuse, a newer but growing mechanism through which control can be exerted, with cases disclosing including confiscating and searching through devices, was up 6% to 21% in 2019. 20% of women that presented, disclosed instances of sexual abuse. 49% of women Aoibhneas supported identified their perpetrator as a current spouse, partner, or boyfriend. 12% of women disclosed an exspouse as their abuser, and 26% of women said an ex-partner or boyfriend abused them. These figures suggest that intimate

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125% INCREASE IN CALLS TO HELPLINE AS A RESULT OF COVID-19 ...... CONT’D FROM PAGE 1

partner relationships represent the majority of cases whereby domestic abuse gets perpetuated. However, 9% of clients disclosed that their abuser was a male family member, while 4% identified a female family member as the abuser; this represents an increasing trend of adult child to parent violence. In recent years this has been a feature of the housing crisis whereby more adult children are remaining in or are returning to the family home. In addition to providing continuity of care for women and children throughout the year, 2019

also saw the launch of the organisations new brand and profile, the development of a volunteer programme and further improvement on the organisation’s governance structures. It was evident from early on that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic would have a devastating impact on women and children. Aoibhneas adapted quickly and made continuity of care to women and children a priority, along with the protection of staff and clients. When Government restrictions meant that the organisation could

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not operate the refuge at full capacity, Aoibhneas innovated and found additional accommodation to ensure the availability of a safe space for women and children. Thanks to the Young Women’s Christian Association (“YWCA”), and the support of TUSLA, the organisation was quickly able to make arrangements for additional accommodation units at the YWCA’s Baggott Street premises.

With the growing demand for services during the lockdown, this additional space meant that Aoibhneas could support the increased numbers of women and children looking for help. During the 3-month period of occupation, Aoibhneas, through YWCA’s Baggot Street premises, accommodated 16 families, including 15 children. During the same period, a further 30 families, including 36 children, were accommodated through

Aoibhneas Refuge centre in Coolock. A further 20 families received crisis support through Airbnb, HAP, and Private Rental accommodation. Aoibhneas has seen a sharp rise in calls to its helpline and in the period from March to the end of August, Aoibhneas saw a 125% increase in calls to its Helpline.

Melanie Farrell, Chairperson of Aoibhneas commented: “2019 seems like a distant memory, and the world we are living in today has changed utterly. Undoubtedly, you will have seen the many news reports that documented the substantial increase in domestic abuse perpetrated against women during the lockdown. As restrictions increase once again from today, we know that home, which should be a place of safety, is anything but, for many and we remain available to those that need our help. At Aoibhneas, I am proud to say that we

adapted quickly and did our best to provide continuity of care to women and children over the last seven months. When Government restrictions meant that we could not operate the refuge at full capacity, we innovated and found additional accommodation to ensure continuity of care. I have been blown away by the team’s dedication and professionalism in handling the crisis and their commitment to safeguarding women and children at all times. However, the pandemic only served to highlight both the importance and significant under-resourcing of the sector. ”

Emma Reidy, CEO of Aoibhneas commented: “As we enter into level 5 restrictions, I am reminded of the considerable demand we experienced for our service during the initial lockdown and how Aoibhneas has over the seven months adapted to

meet the crisis needs of women and children. Our helpline over a 6-month period saw an average 125% increase in callers seeking help and support. While encouraged to see increased callers access our helpline, when restrictions lifted, we saw an influx in crisis presentations with women citing being no longer able to remain in their home with their children safely. We saw the impact isolation and disconnection from community supports had on families in particular the loss of routine that came on foot of school and creche closures. Children represent the invisible casualties in an abusive home, where their access to support depends on a parents access to their own supports, including a willingness and ability for that parent to see their situation in the first instance as unsafe or even dangerous. ”

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ONE MORE MILE SANTA SWIM

Pictured One More Mile founder Stephen Martin The One More Mile Santa swim will be held in Bray on the 19th of December. This year will be the 4th Santa Swim and the group will again be raising funds for charity partners Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland. They will be jumping into the water for a dip at 10AM. The group will be setting up directly across from the Bray Town Council Car Park. They will have goodies and treats for everyone who joins on the day and presents for kiddies that join in with their parents. To get involved contact the One More Mile on social media twitter.com/_one_more_mile_ or instagram. com/_one_more_mile_

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT CORKAGH PARK MARKS WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

To mark World Mental Health Day members of Darkness Into Light Corkagh Park committee (adhering to current Covid-19 socialdistancing guidelines) planted a beautiful cherry blossom tree in Rathcoole Community Centre. This ‘Tree of Hope’ is one of more than 100 that were planted in locations around the country by Darkness into Light committees. The cherry blossom tree flowers in May, which is the month that Darkness into Light traditionally takes place. The Tree of Hope planted by Tricia Kellet , Emer Higgins TD and Treasa Kelly is located just outside Rathcoole Community Centre. In a year that’s been full of challenges, unknowns, and worries this Tree of Hope symbolises a brighter future. Having had to cancel the event this year , the committee are very much hoping that the inaugural

Corkagh Park Darkness Into Light will go ahead next year.

‘Mental Health for All – Greater Investment – Greater Access’ was the theme of World Mental Health Day 2020. According to Pieta, since the beginning of March, its crisis helpline has answered over 10,000 calls directly relating to suicide, self-harm, and suicide bereavement. To address the increased demand for its services, Pieta has launched a free video service for those unable to visit a Pieta Centre when in suicidal distress, engaging in self-harm, or bereaved by suicide. If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, please call Pieta’s 24-hour Freephone Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247; or text HELP to 51444 (std msg rates apply). For more information see www.pieta. ie. You’re not alone, there is always hope.

Pictured Tricia Kellett and Emer Higgins TD

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SOUTH DUBLIN LIBRARIES AWARDED OVER €50,000 IN GOVERNMENT FUNDING

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, have announced that South Dublin Libraries are to receive €51,480 in funding through the 2020 Dormant Accounts Fund. The funding awarded to South Dublin Libraries will be used across seven programmes or initiatives, including the Red Line Book Festival, music camps for young people in North Clondalkin and the ‘Voices of Balgaddy’ writing project. Older people,

families with low literacy skills and disadvantaged and marginalised groups nationwide are to benefit from the overall funding package of €713,500 that will be channelled through the country’s libraries.

Some €650,000 will be provided from the 2020 Dormant Accounts Action Plan and €63,500 will be provided from Libraries funding, which is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The money granted through the Dormant Accounts Fund has a specific focus and is aimed at groups such as the elderly, the Traveller

Community, those with disabilities and people living in Direct Provision.

Speaking on the funding awarded to South Dublin Libraries, Cllr Ed O’Brien, Mayor of South Dublin County, said: “I very much welcome this funding from the government for South Dublin Libraries and the inspiring programmes they have planned. I look forward to launching the History All Around Us exhibition in Ballyroan Library, hearing

the stories that come out of the Voices of Balgaddy project and seeing how each programme progresses in the near future.”

Announcing the funding for programmes around the country, Minister Humphreys said, “This funding will have real positive benefits for so many people. I am delighted that this funding has been allocated to libraries across the country. The last few months have been very difficult and any

funding which helps our libraries to reach out and engage with communities is most welcome.” Also welcoming the funding, Minister O’Brien said, “I am delighted to approve these projects under the 2020 Dormant Accounts Action Plan.

The projects are diverse in nature and target a multiplicity of groups including Travellers, New Irish, residents of Direct Provision Centres,

the elderly who have experienced isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, autism, deaf and blind communities, and people with learning differences such as dyslexia. This funding is building on the excellent projects which were delivered last year and will increase the public library capacity to continue that great work of fostering community well-being and building community cohesion.”

CONCERN ABOUT LONG DELAYS FOR SDCC HAP APPLICATIONS

A local councillor has expressed concern about long delays to HAP applications in South Dublin County Council. People Before Profit councillor Madeleine Johansson made the comments after the October Council meeting on Monday. A tenant has to source their property before applying for Housing Assistance Payment and the delays mean that those waiting are struggling to pay their rents. A reply to a question submitted by Cllr Johansson shows that tenants have been waiting up to an average of 91 days (March 2020) with the lowest average waiting time in 2020 being 40 days (June). Currently people are waiting 8-10 weeks to have their applications processed. An emergency motion to allocate additional resources to clear the backlog was ruled out of order at the meeting. Cllr Johansson commented: “I’m deeply concerned about the long delays to HAP applications at the moment. Tenants are often unaware that there

is a delay and because of the extremely high rents they are unable to pay their landlords. I’ve had two women contact me recently who are in this situation and are fearful of losing their newly found homes. The purpose of HAP is to allow people on low incomes to access private rented accommodation, however this becomes extremely difficult when the application process is too long.” “I submitted an emergency motion to this months council meeting to ask the Council to allocate additional resources to deal with this, however I’m very disappointed that the motion was ruled out of order. I was told that it was not regarded as an emergency, however for those tenants fearful of losing their homes it’s absolutely an emergency. I’m calling on the Council to immediately clear the backlog of HAP applications to relieve the stress of those anxiously waiting for approval.”

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SEAN WALSH PARK AWARDED GREEN FLAG AWARD

SDCC are delighted to have won a green flag for Sean Walsh Park for the third time. The Green Flag Award is an international quality benchmark that recognises and rewards the provision of high-quality parks and green spaces. The Mayor of South Dublin County Council Cllr Ed O’Brien raised the flag on Wednesday the 14th of October and said “This award is a huge honour for everyone in SDCC and park users. Sean Walsh Park plays an integral part in achieving South Dublin County Council’s aim of creating an attractive place to live, work and do business. Town parks improve our physical and psychological health, strengthen our communities, and make our towns and neighbourhoods better places to live and work. I believe the green flag demonstrates how much care and effort the Park’s staff put into maintaining the park and how much the local community use and appreciate the park. I would like to take this opportunity to thank park staff, community volunteers and residents’ groups for all their hard work”

FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM NEED TO DO MORE TO PREVENT CHILDREN’S PERSONAL INFORMATION APPEARING ONLINE Business Accounts on Instagram or Facebook should be unavailable to children, a Fine Gael TD has said. Deputy Emer Higgins, Fine Gael’s Spokesperson on Social Media and FinTech, who represents Dublin Mid West, said it’s essential that more screening is done at the point of sign up.

rather we must censor the content available to them. “The answer to this? Don’t show this option to children, make it more difficult to create a business profile, validate businesses and create a slightly different Instagram platform for children, similar to youtube for kids.

Deputy Higgins said “Social Media companies make it too easy for children to create unverified business accounts. This simply should not happen considering children are the most vulnerable internet users”.

“There needs to be a two-pronged approach to this. Education and more Verification. But we need to ensure that education is coming from reliable and relatable sources to make a real impact upon children. We need to take a collaborative approach between government, social media companies and NGO’s like Webwise to outline the dangers in providing personal details online.

“Teenagers often prefer to open business accounts to increase their viewers, engagement and reach. When setting up a business account, it is not clear what data will be presented to the outside world and frankly, children don’t care that their information may be shared inappropriately. However, I don’t think banning under 16s from social media is the answer,

“If 93% of children between 8 and 12 own a smart device, according to a recent Cybersafe Ireland survey, we need to ensure that social media companies

have stricter safeguarding procedures in place”, said Deputy Higgins. “I think its correct for the Data Protection Commissioner to be looking into this. The safety of our children online has to be taken seriously and there’s a reason that European GDPR rules are rightfully stricter when dealing with children’s data. “Its not good enough for Facebook to say ‘we’ve always been clear that when people choose to set up a business account on Instagram, their contact information would be publicly shared’, We need to know what Facebook are going to do to ensure that vulnerable children are not sharing their personal information on their platform.” “Perhaps a fine of up to 4% of Facebook’s annual turnover which would be around €3 billion would highlight the issue as one of major concern,” concluded Deputy Higgins.

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THE SELF CENTER CLINIC OPENS IN TALLAGHT

The Self Center has recently opened a new clinic at 5 Main Road, Tallaght. The Self Center Clinic offers affordable Counselling and Psychotherapy services to Adults, Adolescents and Children. The Self Center Clinic operates it’s services on an appointment only basis and they welcome G.P and Self-referrals. The clinic’s directors Martin Boyle and Marina Quinn have a combined wealth of experience in areas of Mental Health and Health Care. Martin and Marina

have already established a busy clinical practice on Dublin’s Northside ( beside The Mater Hospital) where they work closely with numerous G.P’s in the local community. It is their aim to establish a similar clinic on Dublin’s Southside and build professional relationships with G.P’s and individuals in the community of Tallaght and the surrounding areas. All Therapists that work at The Self Center Clinic adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards without

exception. In addition to their academic degree core training, all therapists are Garda Vetted and have completed the HSE Children’s First Training. Therapists at The Self Center work with people of all ages, and from all walks of life. Individuals come to The Self Center Clinic witha variety of problems which they feel are negatively impacting on their quality of life and future prospects. The clinic’s fee structure offers highly professional services at an affordable price.

Psychotherapeutic services. The Self Center has devised and implemented protocols and procedures in response to the current Covid-19 pandemic to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of their Therapists and clients. The Self Center Clinic is able to facilitate face to

face sessions, and they have introduced rigorous cleaning routines to ensure the clinic environment is of the highest standards of cleanliness and infection control. All of the 5 bright and spacious clinic rooms at The Self Center Clinic allow for adherence to social

distancing guidelines as well as adequate ventilation to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. If you require any further information about The Self Center Clinic and it’s services you can visit their website at theselfcenter.ie or phone the clinic office on 01 5985831.

There is a €20 charge for an initial consultation/ intake appointment that lasts approximately 30mins. Following on from the consultation appointment Counselling and Psychotherapy sessions are charged at €40 per session and each session is 50mins in duration. In these unprecedented times we all find ourselves in, The Self Center Clinic recognises the increase in need for affordable Counselling and

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TALLAGHT’S SUCCESS IN THE ALL-ISLAND BANK OF IRELAND BEGIN TOGETHER AWARDS 2020

Tallaght is the winner of the Rising Star award in this year’s Bank of Ireland Begin Together Awards, taking home the trophy and a cash prize of €20,000. In addition, Grafton Quarter was a runner up in the City Award receiving a prize of €5,000. Inchicore and Kilmainham’s joint entry was a runner

up in the Local Business and Community Response Initiative category, also receiving a prize of €5,000. The Bank of Ireland Begin Together Awards – previously known as the National Enterprise Town Awards - bring business and community groups together to support local recovery and rebuilding. The initiative was fast-

tracked to provide funding to winning towns in early October and directly assist their Covid-19 recovery.

Joann Hosey, Bank of Ireland Provincial Director for Dublin, said, “The enterprising spirit and ‘can-do’ attitude of our communities has always been strong but this is no ordinary year. COVID-19

poses a huge challenge to our physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Communities across the island of Ireland have impressed us with their sense of partnership,

passion and ambition. The Bank of Ireland Begin Together Awards are positive proof that communities and businesses can and will overcome this challenge and I’m proud that we at

Bank of Ireland can support them. ” To find out more about all of this year’s Begin Together Awards prize winners visit https://businessbanking. bankofireland.com

NEW OWNERS OPEN EAST END TAKEAWAY IN LUCAN East End Takeaway in Lucan Village is now under new management. The chipper was taken over by Victor and Ina Ginga and they continue to

build up a fantastic reputation. The family has completely transformed the establishment and it is now a welcoming environment for customers. Ingredients are 100% fresh, the food is tasty and it will not disappoint. The takeaway serves everything from burgers, kebabs, fresh chips, fish and southern fried chicken, Check out their Super 5 Deal. The chipper is open 7 days. For more information or to order online see www.eastendtakeaway.ie

Pictured receiving their trophy after Tallaght’s success in the all-island Bank of Ireland Begin Together Awards 2020 are Michelle Mannion – Manager BOI Tallaght, Laura Henry – County Manager South Dublin, Ed O’Brien – Mayor of South Dublin, John Kearns – Chief Executive Partas, Thomas Rooney – Head of Enterprise at South Dublin Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Tara DeBuitlear – Committee Volunteer, Tallaght Community Council and Geoff Lynam – BOI Manager South Dublin.

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AWS BRINGING HALLOWEEN TO THE COMMUNITY

Sensory fun with friends have joined forces with AWS to bring Halloween home for children with additional complex needs. Due to covid restrictions the Halloween family experience that was planned had to be

cancelled and the second alternative of a Trick or Treat drive thru this month has now been cancelled due to renewed restrictions. Their friends in AWS have worked with them to come up with a new alternative

Thomas Carroll Aws Volunteer and Jamie Birchall Sensory Fun with Friends Volunteer

to bring Halloween home for their family members. AWS have posted a Trick or Treat box to Sensory Fun with Friends members that have registered with this event. Sensory Fun with Friends would like to thank Tom Carroll and his AWS team for all their efforts in putting together this special Halloween surprise for our families. Sensory Fun with Friends are delighted to contribute to the Trick or treat box, thanks to National lottery

grant funding. Sensory Fun with Friends will host a virtual Pumpkin Decorating workshop through Facebook Live members page on Tuesday 27th October from 3pm – 5pm. They invite everyone to join in the fun and share all your amazing creations on their facebook page ‘Sensory Fun Friends’. Stay well and safe. Wishing everyone a Happy Halloween. All enquiries, see @sensoryfunfriends on facebook.

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€400K FOR CORKAGH PLAYGROUND SET FOR NOVEMBER “Corkagh Park is about to get a new €400K playground to open by the end of year. The playground is currently under construction, construction will continue during Level 5, weather permitting. There is no exact opening date for the new Corkagh park as yet but the aim is for the end of November,” stated local Clondalkin Councillor Trevor Gilligan.

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“This is a welcome development during these unprecedented times. The Corkagh park playground has a special place in our hearts, this upgrade is long overdue and I commend SDCC for their creativity and ideas. During COVID restrictions. Parks, playgrounds and allotments are open in line with guidance and social distancing.” “The playground will be

fully buggy and wheelchair accessible. This has been a huge issue since I have been elected in 2004 and before. It is probably the only playground with stones and you can’t drag a buggy over the stones. There will be no more stones anywhere.T here are new tarmac paths around the outside and through the centre and the safety surfacing is woodchip. This will be unrecognisable from what was there previously. I would like to thank the team at SDCC for their dedication to this development. The plans include: Forts, Slides, Huts, Tunnels, Wobble Belt, Balance, Nets, Spinner, Spring, Trampolines, and more. Most importantly for the adults, not one, but two Ziplines!!” concluded Cllr Trevor Gilligan.

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GETTING BACK TO LEARNING AFTER LOCKDOWN Learning during lockdown was challenging for many students and their families. Getting back into school has been another challenge. Our Kumon study programmes are designed to allow your child to study maths and English at their own pace. Each child is assessed at the beginning and a study plan is devised to suit. This plan

is adjusted throughout the child’s journey to ensure they are comfortable in the level they are studying while also being challenged enough to learn and develop their potential.

When a student joins Kumon a pack of work is delivered to their home. They complete this work daily and record their times and

scores on a tracking sheet. On class days the students complete their work in our Zoom classroom. During class we can closely monitor their progress and answer any questions. Combining the information from class and their tracking sheets from their daily work allows us to accurately choose the next batch of work for them. Students studying

English in our Zoom classes are encouraged to read aloud to the instructor in breakout rooms with small groups of children. We also have a Kumon recommended reading list which students can use to help them find books appropriate to their current

level of English. Through studying the Kumon Maths and English Programmes, children can reach an advanced level of study, often far beyond their school curriculum. Crucially, they develop the ability to learn for themselves. The Kumon Firhouse Study Centre is accepting new

students. Both assessments and classes are currently being held on Zoom so your child can work safely from home. For more information, contact Audrey Kelly on 0857725333 or email firhouse@kumoncentre.ie or check out the website www.kumon.ie/firhouse

CUT THE FEES FOR COVID-19

Workers’ Party Youth has called for a reduction in third-level fees, citing the added financial pressure facing working class families brought on by COVID-19.

Eoghan Gardiner, Secretary of Workers’ Party Youth, said: “Leaving aside for the moment the fact that third level fees for education are totally unacceptable and discriminates against working class people having access to a university education. As a result of COVID-19, students are likely to face a number of challenges in the 2020/21 academic year. Blended learning, a mix of in-person and online education, will leave students at a considerable disadvantage in many regards. Essentially, students aren’t getting value for their money.” “To name but a few issues that students may face, they will not be able to utilise college facilities to their full advantage, they will not have the same

level of interaction with staff, they may be forced to pay for accommodation that they wouldn’t otherwise if the course was fully online, and they will have to pay for computers, electricity, gas, and internet that would be otherwise provided. Ruralbased students could suffer in particular with regards to internet access.” These issues, in a normal academic year, would not be as prominent as they would all be covered by fees paid to colleges annually. However, despite this lack of coverage, students are still expected to pay for these services. “Workers’ Party Youth are petitioning the Minister for Higher Education in the south, Simon Harris, as well as Northern Irish Minister for Education Peter Weil, to step in and ensure that students are not overcharged for services and facilities that they are not receiving.”

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INJUNCTION AGAINST DEBENHAMS WORKERS ONLY STRENGTHENS THEIR ARGUMENT Local TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that the injunction granted against the Debenhams workers’ pickets only strengthened the argument that the Duffy Cahill report’s recommendations be enacted and the Debenhams workers paid their proper redundancy. Teachta Crowe said that the

decision today highlights the scale of the fight that the Debenhams workers have undertaken and the huge barriers thrown up by a Government that has ignored the demands of workers for decades. Speaking after the injunction was announced in the High Court, Teachta

Crowe said: “The treatment of Debenhams workers in recent months has been appalling.

They have been treated in an unfair and indefensible way, but they have shown determination in their campaign for fair conditions and they are entitled to fair treatment. “The

injunction is not the end of the Debenhams protests, far from it. I have stood with Debenhams workers throughout the six months as they have fought for their rights and I will continue to do so. No worker should be criminalised for seeking fair and equitable treatment. “I

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GREEN FLAG AWARD FOR CORKAGH PARK SDCC are delighted to have won a green flag for Corkagh Park for the fourth consecutive year. The Green Flag Award is an international quality benchmark that recognises and rewards the provision of high-quality parks and green spaces. The Mayor of South Dublin County Council Cllr Ed O’Brien raised the flag recently.The green flag demonstrates how much care and effort the staff put into maintaining the park and how much the local community uses and appreciates the park.

Pictured: Cllr Ed O’Brien Mayor of South Dublin raises the Green Flag Award at Corkagh Park, Clondalkin with David Fennell (SDCC Parks Dept), Cllr Francis Timmons, Cllr Peter Kavanagh, Cllr Eoin O’Broin and SDCC Park Maintenance staff.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar to immediately enact the recommendations of the Duffy Cahill report that was commissioned following the Clerys closure that resulted in exactly what we are seeing again with the Debenhams workers. “This Government has ignored the needs and demands of workers for

decades. How many more Clerys or Debenhams disputes do we need to see before they do the right thing and stop siding with vulture funds and those who would use tactical liquidations and redundancies to squeeze every last penny out of a company before throwing workers out on the street.”

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RESUMPTION OF WARM HOME SCHEME WELCOMED

Tallaght TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has welcomed the new guidance given to SEAI Warmer Homes and Warmth & Wellbeing contractors that they will allow them to get back to people’s homes and finish works that may have been outstanding for over six months. Teachta Crowe said: “For the past number of weeks, I

have been pressing Minister Eamon Ryan to allow the home improvement works by the SEAI’s Warmth and Wellbeing scheme to recommence. Some people have been waiting since March for works on their homes to be finished. “I am glad that the Minister and his Department have applied some common sense and put a framework

in place so that contractors and those relying on measures to heat their homes can now finally take place. These essential home improvements clearly need to be carried out and applicants many who have underlying health issues should have some added hope that there will be no further unforeseen delays. Hopefully homes left for months with half finished

jobs like unsealed windows or without adequate heating as has been reported to me by some unfortunate constituents will now get done.

“This may necessitate some people moving from their homes for a number of days, but many of the applicants who contacted me were

willing to go through this as long as it meant these works would finally be completed. “I understand the risk of transmission of COVID necessitated a heightened caution of working in people’s homes, but that is not an excuse for leaving homes covered in scaffolding or with wind and rain seeping in through

unsealed windows.

“These are vital works for those suffering from conditions like asthma and COPD. We are coming into the Winter now and all homes must be sealed and finished before weather conditions pose a very real risk to people’s health and wellbeing.”

O’CONNOR CALLS FOR SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT SUPERVISORS Local Councillor, Charlie O’Connor, has called on Government to honor the commitments to Community Employment Supervisors, who are campaigning for fair treatment. Councillor Charlie O’Connor raised the matter at the October meeting of the Council with the following motion, “That this South Dublin County Council, recognising the contribution of CE Supervisors for their years of dedication to our communities and noting the findings of the Labour Court ruling, calls on the Government to engage, consult and honor the commitment of a fair gratuity scheme and resolve the pension

entitlements for all the Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors who have put in the years of service and deserve their due recognition and will the Chief Executive bring this motion to the attention of Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Social Protection and Community and Rural Development.” He said that the motion was passed with the support of all Councillors. He added that he had received many calls in the matter and emphasised the importance of CE Schemes in our local communities. He undertook to continue to support the CE Supervisors campaign.

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MOTORISTS OVER 70 CAN RENEW LICENCE BY POST Minister Darragh O’Brien TD has welcomed confirmation that motorists over the age of 70 can now renew their driving licences by post. At present only those aged 70 and over who renew their licence on a yearly basis are invited to renew it by post. As a temporary measure, given the situation with COVID-19, the RSA, through its licensing service the NDLS, will expand the postal renewal option, to those over 70 who renew their licence every three years. Those 70 years of age and over will be contacted directly by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) and invited to renew their licence or permit by post. Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “In these difficult times it’s important that we take practical steps to protect those most vulnerable to the disease and that includes older people. Taking away the need for them to present at

an NDLS centre to renew their licence is one such measure. “As well as this, those 70 and over do not need to provide a medical report when applying for their licence unless they have a specific medical condition. This is a temporary exemption which takes some pressure of the health system and is in place until the end of the year. “You do not need to contact the NDLS directly about your application as they will be sending out application packs to those whose licence is up for renewal. There is no fee required as customers 70 years of age and over are exempt from paying the cost of a driving licence or permit renewal.“For anyone unsure about their renewal date, given the periods of extension since the pandemic began, they can check the expiry date calculator tool has been developed on ndls.ie,” he concluded.

PUP RESTORATION WELCOME, BUT WORKERS NEED CERTAINTY

TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has welcomed the restoration of €350 PUP rate, but said that workers need certainty and reassurances that the Government will not reinstate the cut and leave workers vulnerable to whimsical shifts in Government policy. Teachta Crowe said: “The

reversal

the

Government’s decision to cut the €350 rate of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is to be welcomed of course, but these cruel cuts should never have been implemented in the first place. “As a result of the latest lockdown, 100,000 workers could be out of work just as they were getting back on their feet. “The cycle of lockdown to partial

reopening to lockdown again means that, now more than ever, workers and families need certainty around their financial supports and their accommodation situation.

A moratorium on evictions and a rent freeze would also be welcome and needs to be part of an overall package to support workers and families during these unprecedented times. “The restoration of the higher

rate to €350 is further proof that the cut introduced by the government was a mistake. While we battle against the COVID virus, supports and certainty are vital for greater stability in our citizens’ lives. “The income and safety of workers and families should not rise and fall depending on the mood swing or latest whim of Government or its Ministers.”

Keep Calm on Kennelsfort Road Campaign The Workers’ Party has erected a number of signs along the Kennelsfort Road in Palmerstown in an effort to have the ban on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) enforced. David Gardiner, Workers’ Party representative for PalmerstownFonthill, said: “This residential road is used illegally, often by huge multinational companies, as a shortcut to access Cherry Orchard Industrial Estate. This has been to the detriment of residents for many years.” “While we would like to remind the companies that their drivers cannot use this road, the responsibility to enforce it ultimately falls to the Gardaí, who we are calling on to uphold the ban.” “The Workers’ Party is happy to engage with Gardaí, truck drivers and the companies to solve this issue to the benefit of residents.”

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12 MONTH TAX DEFERMENT COULD TYPICALLY SAVE THE SELF-EMPLOYED €15,000-€20,000

The Budget announcement to extend the debt warehousing provisions to allow self-employed taxpayers to defer payment for a period of a year, with no interest applying, will have come as a huge relief to business owners. It could mean a cash flow saving to a typical self-employed person of anywhere between €15,000 to €20,000 this year, according to Big Red Cloud. The accountancy software experts say they believe that this money could mean the difference between survival and personal insolvency for a huge cohort. While welcoming the move, the Irish company, whose customers include approximately 75,000 SMEs throughout Ireland, pointed out that although this is money in the pocket of businesses now – it will have to come out at some stage in the next year or two, to settle the outstanding tax liability. They advise that

any businesses that avails of this needs to be mindful that there will be a double payment due eventually, which they will have to service. Marc O Dwyer CEO of Big Red Cloud commented, “With the self-employed tax payment date fast approaching, these workers and businesses will be hugely relieved that they can delay their final 2019 tax payment and their 2020 preliminary tax for a year without interest or penalties. And even if they’re still struggling at that point, they can continue to defer it and pay just 3% interest thereafter, which is far lower than the interest that would ordinarily be charged. This is seriously useful and should mean the difference between many small businesses, such as taxi drivers and many others working in the hospitality industry, staying afloat or going out of business.

However, we would be concerned that it took years to successfully move the self-employed to the current preliminary tax system where they pay their tax in the same year. The deferment could lead to

a tsunami of tax debt that many may struggle to cope with while keeping their current taxes up to date. Even if these businesses get back to normal turnover volumes sometime next year, it’s unlikely that new

business will be sufficiently booming to enable them to pay a double tax liability. The real hope is that there will be little or no tax due for 2020 as it was so poor, which would only leave the balance of 2019 and

preliminary for 2021 to pay. While the Revenue have shown great flexibility and will do their best, the Minister’s assumption that all liabilities will ultimately be collected may be optimistic”.

SURVEY RESULTS ON THE WOODFORD ROUNDABOUT Local Clondalkin Councillor said “I carried out a survey on my social media and out of 496 people that responded a staggering 98% said they do not accept that South Dublin County Council (SDCC) have said they cannot return the Woodford Roundabout back to its previous layout due to health and safety with less than 2% agreeing with SDCC. The survey question was – Do you accept that SDCC have said they cannot return the Woodford Roundabout back to its previous layout due to Health and Safety?” Cllr

Timmons continued “I am not happy with the roundabout the way it is and have to say I don’t accept that it cannot be returned to the way it was. It is now an accident waiting to happen in my opinion. I have been an opponent of the works on the roundabout since I learned how drastic they are, I have not spoken to many people that feel this is of benefit to the people of Woodford and the wider area. Nearly everyone feels traffic will be worse and that it is dangerous.”

SDCC drawing

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LUCAN SALON RECEIVES HYGIENE PROMISE ASSURANCE AWARD 2020 has been a stressful time for most of our country’s small & medium sized businesses with a massive 85% of them closed to some degree throughout the initial COVID-19 restrictions and 34% shut completely during this time. The latter included businesses working within the Hair and Beauty Industry. This industry is a sizeable one with 9,286 salons operating nationally, employing in the region of 26k and making a significant

contribution €2,79bn to GDP. This is similar to the Irish Motor industry that contributed €1 billion from car sales to the Exchequer in the first half of 2019. Who would have thought?

Living and working with COVID - what does this mean for our hairdressers, barber shops, beauty salons and nail bars across the county? On Monday 29th June, the industry re-opened and with that came a ‘new norm’. In preparation for re-opening our Government issued a ‘Return to Work

Safely Protocol’ containing COVID-19 Specific National Protocol for Employers & Workers’. This wasn’t industry specific and so each industry was left to interpret and set their own guidelines for re-opening. HABIC Ireland (the Hair and Beauty Industry Federation of Ireland) worked closely with other industry bodies to establish a set of guidelines for both hairdressers and Barbers and a second set for beauticians.

Skillnet, providers of training and development programmes for the Hair and Beauty Industry, and a team of Environmental Health Professionals at Glantar to develop the ‘Hygiene Promise Salon Assurance Program’. This program was established to work with business owners as they re-aligned their way of doing business, managing their teams and servicing their clients along side COVID-19.

Following this, teamed up with

We caught up with Virginija, Owner of V-Styles at Be Unique Beauty Salon & Academy, Lower Main Street, Lucan Village who was one of the first salons in the country to receive the Hygiene Assurance Promise Award. Virginija, like so many business owners was propelled into a frenzy of safety protocols and a whole new way of doing business. Virginija realised that she needed all the help that she could get, and she applied for the fully funded ‘Hygiene Promise Assurance Award’.

HABIC Image

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. M.M 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. Special mention to United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favours witness received. M.R MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be

granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received. Special mention to United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favours witness received. M.R MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received. Special mention to United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favours witness received. Mary Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Oh, Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity. (Mention your request here) There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (say three times).Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands. (say three times). Amen. M.M

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.

Virginia explained, ‘’At our salon we have always taken pride in the safety of our clients and staff. This award has enabled us to reassure our clients, staff and visitors that we are maintaining our highest quality of hygiene standards, particularly in these uncertain times. The reassurance that is offers our clients is something that money just can’t buy.” So what does the ‘Hygiene Promise Salon Assurance’ mean for the consumer? At a glance, when a customer sees the Award displayed on the Salon window or framed on a wall indoors, they will feel safe and re-assured that the salon implements the necessary hygiene protocols to ensure their safety and comfort. As we now live as a nation under Level 3 Restrictions and the constant threat of additional restrictions, it is all the more important that each and every one of us play our part to stay safe and keep each other safe. For now, we must all be patient, diligent and understanding of the immense pressure that

COVID-19 is placing on small local businesses. Our advice - whether you are looking to get your nails done, or your roots - plan in advance, make repeat bookings as

you go, observe all hygiene procedures in place, be patient with each other and continue to smile and chat - albeit from behind your masks.

Negative Self Belief By Bronagh Lyons Before the age of seven, each of us try to find our identity in the world. We observe how other people behave, the words they say, the actions they take. We see how others react to the words and actions we take. We begin to learn what is accepted and what isn’t. “I do X, and Y happens”. Overtime we form negative beliefs about ourselves. We all have these negative inner-beliefs. Examples of negative self-identities are: unlovable, not-enough, ugly, weak, poor, boring, stupid, etc. As a young child I had decided that I was “wrong”. I had an older brother who would make fun of me and laugh at me. Nothing outside the ordinary but as a sensitive child it left a big impact. And so, I realised that I was wrong, how I thought and how I acted was wrong. This manifested in many fears, such as fear of failure. It also manifested in many positive ways, for example I became an over-achiever. I tell you all this to show how this realisation as a child can have a huge knock-on affect throughout our life. So I ask you, what is the identity you created for yourself as a child? I encourage you to dig into this, and then see how this belief has impacted your life. Learn more about yourself. Learn more about your motivations. The more we know about ourselves the more we can embrace our present and our future. Being aware is key to living a better and more fulfilled life.

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BUSINESS TO ARTS AWARDS CALLS FOR DUBLIN ENTRIES

Business to Arts launched the call for Dublin nominations for the annual Business to Arts Awards to join previous local winners Lynders Mobile Home Park and Fingal County Council Arts Office, recipients of the Best Small Sponsorship Award in 2016. The Awards champion businesses, artists and arts organisations across the country that work together in areas such as sponsorship, commissioning and CSR programmes, which involve creativity in the community and in the workplace. At the awards launch, Business to Arts encouraged businesses across Ireland to support the arts, strengthen their existing relationships with the cultural community and create meaningful

partnerships at a time of critical need for the arts sector. Research conducted by Business to Arts in 2019 among corporate sponsors and arts organisations in Ireland revealed that: Over €8.5 million was spent on arts, festival and music sponsorships between May 2018/2019. Of the arts sponsors surveyed in 2019, 41% reported that they would increase their spend in 2020.

Ceremony, which will take place in April 2021 and will be broadcast online from the GPO. Supporters of the Awards include Accenture, Arthur Cox, daa, Irish Life, The Arts Council / An Comhairle Ealion, The Irish Times, TileStyle and An Post. There are 9 categories in total that focus on sponsorship, commissioning and CSR initiatives including creativity in the community and in the workplace.

Winners of the Business to Arts Awards provide leading examples that help inform others about the ways to support the arts sector in local communities during the pandemic. 2021 will mark the 29th edition

A new award recognising philanthropic giving has been announced in partnership with the Arts Council. Previous award winners include BNP Paribas & IMMA, Butler Gallery & Cartoon Saloon, Grant Thornton & National Concert Hall, McGarrell Reilly Group, Fishamble; The New Play Company and Waterford

of the Business to Arts Awards and will include a COVID-19-adapted

Walls. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 16th December at 5pm. Go to www.businesstoarts. ie/awards for information on the application process and to complete the online application form. At the launch Andrew Hetherington, Chief Executive of Business to Arts said: “As we re-open society, it is critical that we

increase our advocacy with the private sector to support the arts community in towns and cities throughout Ireland. Our Awards are our flagship programme to achieve this. The winners will demonstrate how businesses are supporting the arts during the pandemic and the many ways other businesses can do this. We welcome the supporters of the Business

Home cooking and baking

Apple Cookies Ingredients : 350g Plain Flour 100g Caster Sugar 100g Soft Butter 2 Eggs 2 Chopped Apples 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder 1/2 tsp Cinnamon 1/4 tsp Vanilla

WIN A COPY OF A CHIMNEY ADVENTURE

John Carpenter has recently released children’s book ‘A Chimney Adventure’ – How Grandad, Poppy and Indy Saved The Chimneys. The children’s book was written and illustrated by the talented author. John (73), lived and reared his family in Springfield in Tallaght from the early 1970’s. The book is currently available on John’s Etsy shop www.etsy.com/market/ poolbeg_chimneys.

To win a copy of the book, send your answer to the below question, name and address to info@newsgroup.ie by Wednesday 4th of November 2020.

Name the dog that saved the chimneys?

to Arts Awards this year. Their commitment reflects the belief in our mission to champion collaboration with Ireland’s arts community and encourage other business leaders to support the arts. We look forward to recognising the shortlisted and winning relationships in April in a COVID-19 appropriate Awards Ceremony.”

Method : Pre heat oven to 180c Using a hand mixer beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla until pale and fluffy, add the butter and keep mixing until incorporated. Add the flour, cinnamon and baking powder, mix until you get a thick smooth cookie dough, add the chopped apples and stir to incorporate into the dough. Place spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20 minutes. To finish dust with powdered sugar.

Overnight Oats with Dark Chocolate, Raspberries & Honey By Karl Henry

Porridge and oats are an integral part of my morning routine. They are affordable, full of goodness and fill me with energy for the day ahead. I love to steep mine overnight for maximum flavour too! Foods full of goodness and energy are more important than ever before in these challenging times as is supporting local. I have been buying Flahavans for years. You’ll need: 100g jumbo porridge oats 250ml low fat skimmed milk 2 tbsp honey 2 tsp cocoa nibs 100g raspberries Method: Place the oats in 1 litre glass kilner jar. Add the milk, enough to just cover the oats. Cover with lid and leave in the fridge overnight. The next morning, remove the oats from the fridge and pour into 2 glasses layering with the raspberries and topping with cocoa nibs and a drizzle of honey.

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LEINSTER CAMOGIE MINOR A CHAMPIONSHIP KILKENNY V DUBLIN

Round 1 of the Leinster Camogie Minor A Championship took place recently in Kilkenny. The final score at full time was Kilkenny 6.13 V Dublin 0.11 at Thomastown GAA, Kilkenny.

LAUNCH OF THE ELECTRIC IRELAND GAA MINOR CHAMPIONSHIPS Former Minor Dublin manager and footballer, Jason Sherlock, pictured at the launch of the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Championships. Electric Ireland is celebrating the seventh year of its landmark #GAAThisIsMajor campaign, with the return of the Player of the Week initiative and the Minor Star awards. The awards will

announce the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Hurling and Football Teams of The Year as well as a special 2020 award to recognise the outstanding off the pitch contribution of one young Minor in the country who has gone above and beyond for their community during Covid-19.

Katie McDonald Dublin in action against Miriam Brennan Kilkenny Pic Credit: Martina McGilloway iLivePhotos.com

Claire Gannon Dublin in action against Mikaela Ryan Kilkenny Pic Credit: Martina McGilloway iLivePhotos.com

Credit INPHO/ Dan Sheridan

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

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MOTORING LIFE

WITH

New Peugeot e-208 – A Devine State of Silence By Breda In my opinion, the allnew Peugeot e-208 is one of the most distinctive, and most attractive small electric vehicles (EV) on the market. The new e-208 feels like a surprisingly wide car inside, and there is also an ample amount of headroom for occupants. Up front, there are some neat storage solutions, including a handy storage area behind a glossy black fold down door. A 311-litre boot can be extended to an impressive 1,106-litres when the rear seat backs are folded flat, while the car’s charging cables come in a neat Peugeot-branded carry bag. The e-208 features Peugeot’s intuitive i-Cockpit design, which places the steering wheel below the digital display instead of in front of it, thereby meaning that the driver’s eyes don’t have far to travel between the road and the display. The flat top and bottom steering wheel feels sporty, and is easy to get a comfortable grip of, while a light steering set-up makes getting in and out of tight parking spaces a doddle. This was made even easier with the standard front & rear parking sensors, and rear-view camera on my test car.

Corrigan battery enables the e-208 to sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.1-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 150km/h (where permitted). Based on strict new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) realworld driving range test procedures, the e-208 achieved a range of 340km’s on a full charge – potentially enough range for a week-long commute for some drivers. The e-208’s regenerative braking system (B mode) is essentially an eco mode which recoups some of the energy otherwise lost to braking, while enabling the car to slow right down by coming off the accelerator pedal. This energy is then fed back into the battery for an extended range, and is a system that works extremely well in practice. To access the full driving capacity in electric mode several charging solutions are available at home, or at public stations. The new Peugeot e-208 offers programmable deferred charging from the Connected Navigation screen, or from the MyPeugeot® app on your phone. This system also lets you start or stop charging at any time and consult the charge status. The e-208 charges using Impressive Power & Easy a classic domestic plug Charging Options; with the standard cable supplied with the vehicle, Producing 136bhp and or on a reinforced Green 260Nm of torque, the 50kWh Up™ Legrand® plug for a

reduced charging time. However, you can charge the e-208 more quickly and safely with a 11kW Wallbox, with the complete charge taking just 5 hours. The car can be easily recharged on public stations too, with the thermal regulation of the battery allowing for an 80% charge in just 30 minutes from a 100kW charger. The e-208 weighs approximately 500kg more than a standard 208 with an internal combustion engine (ICE), so Peugeot has fitted bigger brakes and stiffer suspension to cope with the extra weight gained in the electrification process. With the e-208 batteries located snugly under the rear seats, the result is that the car feels very solid and

secure on the road, while rear leg, head and knee room is identical to its ICE siblings. Trim Levels & Warranty; With the new e-208 you get a choice of four well specified trim levels – Active, Allure, GT Line, and the flagship GT. The e-208 offers three driving modes – ‘eco’ with autonomy optimised by adjusting certain settings, ‘normal’ with optimised comfort for daily use, and ‘sport’ for the priority of performance with maximum power and torque, with the modes easily changeable by way of a switch located adjacent to the transmission lever on the centre console. The new e-CMP electrified modular platform, which underpins the new Peugeot 208, was developed to incorporate a high-voltage battery with a large capacity of 50kWH, while preserving cabin space, and boot volume too. The battery is guaranteed for 8-years/160,000km (for 70% of its charge capacity), while all other components of the car are covered by Peugeot’s comprehensive 5-year/100,000km warranty for ultimate peace of mind motoring. Test Car; My test car was a Peugeot

e-208 GT and was finished in head-turning Vertigo Blue metallic paint with a contrasting black roof and rear spoiler, gloss black wheel arch extensions, gloss black rear cluster connecting strip, gloss black B-pillar and dark tinted rear windows for maximum visual impact. Also standard on the rangetopping GT model are 17” diamond cut two tone alloy wheels, rear bumper with gloss black finish, Nera Black door mirror shells, 7-inch Capacitive colour touchscreen, ambient lighting, heated seats, Mistral full-grain perforated leather steering wheel, ‘Piano’ access keys, LED daytime running lights, full LED 3D signature rear lights, full LED headlights with Smartbeam Assist, automatic lights & wipers, keyless entry & start, electric parking brake, Visio Park 180-degree (rear view camera), front & rear parking sensors, electric windows front & rear, SOS emergency & assistance function, alarm, active blind spot monitoring, ISOFIX child seat anchorage points, driver attention warning alert, speed limit recognition and recommendation, and multiple airbags, along with many more comfort, convenience, safety and infotainment features.

On the road, the e-208 performed every task asked of it without fault, while the high quality – and refreshingly different – cabin of the car is a very pleasant place to be. The e-208’s road-holding ability is terrific, while its minimal body-roll through bends is to be admired. Verdict & Pricing; The new Peugeot e-208 is a pleasurable and smooth car to drive, with terrific acceleration from the immediate application of engine torque, while the silent engine provides a air of tranquility. Reduced maintenance and low energy costs ensure that the new e-208 is a budgetfriendly car to live with, while a VRT rebate and an SEAI Grant makes the new e-208 a financially sound proposition too. For buyers who want to charge the e-208 at their home there is an additional grant of €600 for home charging installation by the ESB. With pricing for the new e-208 starting at just €27,335 (after VRT rebate & SEAI grant) and annual road tax of just €170, Peugeot’s seductive and emissionfree electric supermini has what it takes to stand out from the ever-expanding EV crowd.

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