Tallaght News 28th June by Newsgroup

28th June 2021

IMMEDIATE RESOURCES NEEDED Tallaght Stone Centre headstones crafted for all cemeteries SO JIGSAW CAN ACCEPT NEW Tel: (01) 462 6200 Fax: (01) 462 6209 REFERRALS email: info@tallaghtstonecentre.ie web: tallaghtstonecentre.ie

A local TD has expressed his concern that Jigsaw locally in Dublin South West has suspended accepting new referrals. This is in light of several staff leaving the service for various reasons at the same time. Mark Ward T.D. has spoken with Jigsaw and has contacted the Minister for Mental Health calling for immediate resources to be put in place so the new referrals can be accepted. Teachta Ward commented “I met with Jigsaw recently who informed me of the

decision to temporarily suspend accepting new referrals. “I have since had contact from a number of services in the Clondalkin area who are really concerned about this development.“Peoples mental health has been adversely affected during the pandemic, but children have had their own issues to manage.

TD continued “To hear that Jigsaw cannot take new referral in my area is very worrying. “During the meeting I had with them it was disclosed that the reason for doing this is that Jigsaw’s service in Dublin South West, is currently experiencing an exceptional operational challenge due a number of staff transitions.

“Loss of schooling, sports , peer supports and even their ability to socialise with friends have impacted on their mental health. The local Dublin Mid West

“This is another body blow to the people of Clondalkin who seen the permanent service located in Moorfield relocated to Tallaght despite a very

vigorous campaign to keep it in the area. “I have contacted the Minister and asked for immediate resources to be put in place so the new referrals can be accepted. Jigsaw offer a listening ear and give expert advice and support to young people aged 12 – 25 years-old. They give families, teachers, and those who support young people’s mental health ways to cope and skills to be there for young people. Using a collective power to change attitudes they make sure that youth mental health is a national and local priority. They provide free, expert information resources and support online, and in communities across Ireland. Receiving the right information and support when it’s most needed can make a real difference to someone’s quality of life. It can improve their mental and physical wellbeing, and give them what they need to manage their mental health.

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€1.4M SECURED TO COMPLETE HAZELHATCH GREENWAY The allocation of €1.4M to complete the Hazelhatch is very welcome news according to Dublin MidWest’s local Fine Gael TD. Deputy Emer Higgins said: “I have been campaigning for the completion of this last piece of the greenway at a national level for some time and I’m delighted that funding has finally been given. “€1.4M has been allocated to extend the Grand Canal Greenway from the 12th Lock to Hazelhatch Bridge, to be completed by 2022 which I know will be really welcome by everyone in the local community and should help increase tourism into

the area. “Once completed, this final 4km section will allow people to walk and cycle from Inchicore to Sallins through Clondalkin and Hazelhatch and enjoy this fabulous amenity for both locals and tourists,” said Deputy Higgins. “I’m delighted that the wheels are now in motion for this final stage of the project and I will be continuing to work with Cllr. Shirley O Hara to ensure we get better links from Newcastle to the greenway.” Cllr. Shirley O’Hara has also welcomed the announcement and the

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opportunity that the greenway will provide for safe and enjoyable travel. “In the local community,

we really feel that it is so important to have this link and to allow people to walk and cycle to work

or school safely in the beautiful surroundings,” said Cllr. Shirley O’Hara, “Especially in the warmer

weather, there’s nowhere like it. “It’s great news for our area,” concluded Cllr. Shirley O’Hara.

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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL SHOWS ITS PRIDE Cllr Ed O’Brien, Mayor of South Dublin County, has raised the Pride flag over Tallaght Stadium to mark Dublin Pride 2021. During Dublin Pride 2021, South Dublin County Council civic buildings and Tallaght Stadium are flying the new,

inclusive Pride flag which is the original six stripe design with the addition of colours to represent Trans, Bi, Poly, Ace, Progress, Pan, and Intersex communities. The Council is flying this new inclusive Pride flag as a symbol of the Council’s commitment to the equality

and inclusion of all the people of our wonderfully diverse and vibrant County. We do this to show our support, and respect, to LGBTQ+ members of our staff, County, and wider society. South Dublin County Council has demonstrated a strong and

SHACKLETON MILLS A TOURISM DESTINATION The old Shackleton Mills in Lucan are currently in a state of disrepair but the site could provide a great tourism and heritage centre for the Lucan area. As part of the South Dublin County Development Plan 2022-2028 a Specific Local Objective has been agreed “To investigate the potential of collaborating with Fingal County Council for the re-use of Shackleton’s Mill as a tourism destination given its location in proximity to Lucan Village”. The Mills, which were in operation between 1776 until 1998, was the first workplace to lock out workers during the great lockout in 1913. It was also known as the Anna Liffey Mill and it was bought in 2002 by Fingal County Council for the purpose of providing a heritage and tourism centre. Unfortunately, nothing has yet happened with the site. A feasibility study was

carried out in 2018 on the possible uses of the site, however at that time Fingal County Council decided that it would be too expensive to develop it. People Before Profit Councillor Madeleine Johansson, who brought this motion for the Development Plan commented: “I’m delighted to see the Specific Local Objective being inserted in the Development Plan to further investigate the potential of Shackleton Mills as a tourism destination. I think it would be a shame to continue to see the deterioration of the buildings which are in public ownership. Many local people in Lucan have connections to the Mills with family members having worked there. “It would be the perfect location for a heritage centre in Lucan, and I hope that with its inclusion in the Development Plan it might become reality.”

ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and the LGBTQ+ community through a variety of actions.

In addition to flying the Pride flag: The Transgender Pride flag is flown on 31st March for International Transgender Day of Visibility. Council policies, plans and staff forms are equality proofed on an ongoing basis. And the South Dublin County Council

Pic credit: Ben Ryan

LGBTQ+ Staff Network was founded in October 2017 and anyone who identifies on the LGBTQ+ spectrum who is directly employed by the Council, or who is a retired or former employee is welcome to join. Membership is free of charge. Mayor O’Brien said, “I’m delighted to be joined by my fellow councillors and members of the LGBTQI community to raise the Pride flag here

at Tallaght Stadium. It’s the first occasion on which the Pride Flag has been flown in Tallaght outside of the South Dublin County Council’s offices. So it is a really proud day for the LGBTQI community and for South Dublin County Council. I’m delighted to be bookending my year as Mayor by acknowledging the part that the LGBTQI community play in South Dublin. “

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DUBLIN MAN RUSHES STRAIGHT TO A&E AFTER SPECSAVERS OPTOMETRIST IDENTIFIES DANGEROUS SYMPTOMS

Clondalkin man John O’Halloran explains that Specsavers Liffey Valley optometrist, Patrick Dennehy, instantly recognised signs that he had suffered a stroke and advised him to attend A&E immediately. A routine appointment led to an incredible and shocking diagnosis for Clondalkin’s John O’Halloran after his optometrist, Patrick Dennehy, conducted a visual examination and revealed that the 75-year-olhad suffered a stroke. John immediately contacted his wife who collected him from the store and drove straight to Tallaght Hospital after Patrick advised him to attend the emergency department as a matter of urgency. John said: “I don’t know

what would have happened if I didn’t go up straight away to A&E. Patrick gave me a letter to give to the doctors and what he wrote in the letter after seeing me was the exact diagnosis that the doctors in Tallaght [Hospital] made themselves. I was really impressed with the speed at which he made the diagnosis. I am so appreciative of the service.”

The astonishing diagnosis was made at a routine appointment, making it all the more incredible for the Clondalkin native who never imagined he had a serious medical issue when he visited his local Specsavers in Liffey Valley, just minutes from his house. John explained: “I had woken up one morning and the sight in my eye

was a bit blurred, I had an appointment for my biannual check-up just after that, so I went along to Specsavers in Liffey Valley. [Patrick] told me straight away that the issue was not my eyesight, then he told me I had suffered a stroke. Despite my age, I have a very healthy lifestyle, so it was the last thing I expected to hear, but it shows you how important eye-tests are, not just for your eyes but for other things as well!” Patrick, who also works at the Specsavers Maynooth store, conducted a short examination which confirmed his fears that John had a medical emergency and needed urgent treatment.

with my hands. There was an issue with both eyes. Straight away you know you aren’t doing an eye-test because something is going on that is more important right now and requires urgent care. I spoke with an ophthalmologist at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital and told him my concerns, he confirmed that John had likely suffered a stroke and should go straight to A&E. It certainly isn’t something you expect to be telling someone at an eyeappointment but [John’s] reaction was quite calm; he was shocked more than

anything.” John, who will celebrate his 76th birthday in a few weeks, travelled straight from Specsavers Liffey Valley to Tallaght Hospital and was admitted immediately. He spent a number of days in hospital while he was treated for a mild stroke. He is continuing his recovery at home and has made huge strides since being released from hospital in February.

John said: “I am more or less back to normal. My vision is still a little impaired but everything else is fine. It was only a mild stroke, so I was very lucky in that sense. I would

be highly complementary of Patrick, and I have told everyone what he did! I was very surprised he could tell so quickly what was wrong, but I am very thankful for it.” Conor Dewey, Retail Director at Specsavers Liffey Valley & Maynooth, said: “We are so pleased that we could help John and that he has made such a good recovery. We would urge people to attend all necessary and routine eyetests and hearing tests and assure them that COVID protocols are in place to ensure the continued safety of staff and customers.”

Patrick said: “I knew there was something wrong, so I did a general check

Pictured: Specsavers Optometrist Patrick Dennehy with John O’Halloran

153 COVID -19 SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS APPLIED FOR IN SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL AREA

€285

TDs for Dublin Mid-West Eoin Ó Broin and Mark Ward have said that more must be done to encourage small businesses in the constituency to apply for the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) before it closes in July. Data reveals that 153 grants have been applied for in South Dublin County Council area to date, with just €612,000 in funding approved. Teachta Ó Broin said: “The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID provides grants of €4,000 to businesses working from non-rateable premises and €1,000 to businesses with a turnover between €20,000 and €49,999. While it was a small scheme, it was much needed and appreciated by small businesses. “However, data provided to Sinn Féin by the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment has revealed that only 153 grants applications have been made to date to South Dublin County Council, worth €612,000. Deputy Ward said: “While

this may seem like a decent amount of the funding, the Department has stated that not all applications will be approved, so in all likelihood the number of applications which turn into approved grants in the area will be less than 153, unless the Government and Local Authorities step in now. “With such a low level of applications it is clear that the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, the Government, and Local Authorities, need to seek out and encourage applications from small businesses for the SBASC scheme. “Given the closing date for the scheme is 21 July, the Government must work to ensure as many small businesses as possible know about the scheme and submit grant applications. “If there are any small businesses in Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown or the Four Districts who are looking for additional details about the SBASC scheme, please do not hesitate to get in touch.”

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CALL FOR IMPROVED PUBLIC CALL FOR ADDITIONAL GARDAI TO TACKLE DRUG DEALING TRANSPORT LINKS Labour’s Chris O’Dwyer is calling on the Government to improve public transport in the Clondalkin-Rathcoole area to support workers and local communities. O’Dwyer, who relies on public transport for work said: “Since becoming a Local Area Representative for the Labour Party I have been actively calling for better transport links for the entire ClondalkinRathcoole area. During the Covid 19 restrictions when the public transport capacity was reduced to 25% I called for greater frequency of buses and trams as buses were arriving

at some stops in Clondalkin already full and trams arrived at Red Cow already full. This had a significant impact on workers trying to get to work, this became a further issue when schools reopened as workers and students were practically in competition with one another for seats. Things have gotten better with the increase to 50% capacity. “The provision of public transport on Sunday’s is also a cause of frustration for workers who do not work Monday to Friday. I spoke to a number of healthcare workers who like myself are required to work on

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Sunday’s and whose shifts often commence at 7.45AM. There is no buses running at that time from any part of Clondalkin-Rathcoole to allow them to get work for that time. Its the same story with the LUAS. “Sunday might be the day of rest for some workers but for those working in retail, healthcare, social care and hospitality its just another day. Yet there are no suitable public transport options for those workers who are often faced with no other option but to use taxis. “What we need to see is a complete departure from the idea that no one works on a Sunday, we need buses and trams running from before 7AM and continue on regular intervals throughout the day and evening. This is to support workers commuting to work and those who are using public transport for social purposes.

PROBLEM

Cllr William Carey has called upon the Minister for Justice to provide additional resources to combat open drug dealing in Corkagh Park in Clondalkin. Cllr Carey was speaking ahead of a recent area committee meeting where he put a motion down to discuss the problem which has escalated since the beginning of the year. According to the local Clondalkin Councillor, open drug dealing has taken hold in South Dublin County Council’s premier recreational centre of Corkagh park. Drug dealers are acting with apparent impunity and with no fear of the consequences. Gardai are known to have made several arrests, but it appears to have had no affect whatsoever on the trade. Cllr Carey said “This is the worst and most brazen level of dealing I have witnessed

since the early 1980’s when open dealing ravaged inner city Dublin”. According to Cllr Carey, a recent operation by An Garda Siochana drove the dealers off the Grand canal greenway but that they have now moved into the heart of the community in Corkagh park and are presenting such a problem that the gardai appear to be struggling to address this now. We need more Gardai on the streets and we need them now said Cllr Carey. If we don’t address this immediately we will be faced with an even bigger problem as young impressionable teenagers see these dealers operate with apparent impunity. Cllr Carey finished by saying he had written to the minister for justice about the problem and has urged her to provide the necessary resources to tackle this current scourge.

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Irish Zoos are now open and with Palmerstown Camera Club’s competition against Hibiscus South Africa in mind the club is featuring ‘Weary Lioness’, Image is from a lion kill in South Africa and taken by Tony McIntyre. The colour photo shows how weary and hurt one of the lionesses is and how the other two lionesses are looking straight into her eyes in sympathy. The photograph Pisa Base was taken by Bibiana Savin who is in the novice Category. Adults can attend a couple of meetings for free to see how you can benefit. The club also intends on starting training sessions for novices. Contact secpcc@mail.com for the zoom link and for further information or visit www.palmerstowncameraclub.com. See you on Wednesday nights!

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2021 GUM LITTER TASKFORCE CAMPAIGN

Picture cedit: Ben Ryan The campaign looks to build on the success of previous years as the percentage of gum as a proportion of litter has dropped by 64% since the campaign began. Mayor Ed O’Brien has officially launched the Gum Litter Taskforce’s gum litter education campaign for south Dublin, urging all people to ‘Bin their gum when they’re done’ The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) is an environmental initiative that was set up to develop and implement an awareness campaign to reduce gum litter in the most sustainable way. Supported and funded by the chewing gum industry, the GLT initiative has made very real and significant improvements in relation to gum litter awareness and disposal behaviour over the last 14 years since its inception in 2007. The 2019 campaign maintained an all-time high of 93% of people stating that they regard chewing gum as litter, up from 74% when the campaign first began in 2007, pointing to the attitudinal impact which the campaign has had.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr. Ed O’Brien said “We can never underestimate the pride

Paul Kelly, Chairman of the GLT added; “It is great to see the GLT campaign return and continue its success in changing the public’s behaviour towards gum litter. Since 2007, we have seen a significant decline in the amount of gum litter present throughout the streets, villages and towns of Ireland. Alongside the Green Schools, Tidy Towns and Neat Streets programmes, this campaign aims to play a significant role in the overall reduction of litter and contribute to the betterment of the environment. The relaunch of the GLT campaign in its revised format this year, along with our advertising campaign and Bin It! school education programme, can only be successful through continued support from our schools and local communities.” Nicola Forde, Corporate Affairs Manager, Mars Wrigley Ireland said; “Mars Wrigley are pleased to support the return of this positive and vibrant awareness campaign in 2021. It is important that we maintain momentum on our journey to achieving a cleaner, greener Ireland through initiatives like the GLT and build on the success that the campaign has achieved since it commenced in 2007. COVID-19 has brought more people outdoors to gather, socialise and enjoy the beauty of their local area. As a result, both younger and older generations are becoming more aware of the importance of maintaining the surrounding natural environment. Through the GLT campaign, Mars Wrigley is proud to support the hard work of local authorities, community groups and schools in spreading awareness of the importance of correct litter disposal. It is through education that we can drive change and every little positive effort adds up to make a big longterm difference to the environs of our local towns and communities.”

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The campaign is looking to build on the positive momentum of previous years’ campaigns and is making a strong return for 2021 after being postponed last year due to COVID-19. This year’s campaign will be different in that the national and local authority launch events will be done virtually, and the campaign will have a stronger social media presence in order to reach a wider and younger audience. Research commissioned by the Gum Litter Taskforce and conducted by Kantar Millward Brown during the 2019 campaign highlighted the campaign’s continued positive effect on people’s behaviour towards gum disposal. In 2019, the results showed that 88% of people said that they always dispose of their gum correctly, which was up from 54% when the campaign first began. This shift in public behaviour has been evident throughout the 13 years that the campaign has been running, as the proportion of gum as a percentage of litter has decreased by 64%.

that people have in their local towns and villages. As ever, I am confident that the people throughout south Dublin will do their town and local community proud by getting behind the Gum Litter Taskforce campaign in an effort to invoke positive change within their local communities.”

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CALL ON SOUTH DUBLIN TO TURN AROUND VACANT COUNCIL HOMES Chris O’Dwyer, the Local Area Representative for the Labour Party in ClondalkinRathcoole is calling on

South Dublin County Council to turn around vacant Council houses. O’Dwyer, who has previously worked

with homeless families are calling on SDCC to pick up the pace at which they turn around a property and to

avoid leaving a property vacant for too long.

O’Dwyer said: “Recently I was out in Bawnogue speaking with residents about local issues and one common theme that arose in these chats was residents anger with the Council regarding vacant Council homes in the area. “One resident reported to me that one such property has been vacant for 4 months now and is becoming a vocal point for anti-social behaviour and criminality. The resident said that he and other residents are having to keep an eye on the property in order to make sure it doesn’t look like it is vacant. He informed that they take it turns to cut the grass in the front of the house however, the property is still a target. “The resident informed me that people are gaining access to the rear of the property via the back garden. He has also

expressed concern over the increase of rodent activity in the area due to food waste in the back garden. “I have contacted South Dublin County Council, provided them with the details and have asked them to carry out the necessary interventions to get the house occupied, the waste removed and the

property secured. With over 2000 children homeless in the State it is inexcusable for Local Authorities to be dragging their feet and its essential that vacant properties get turned around in a timely manner. A time limit needs to be imposed on these works and fines issued to local authorities when these deadlines are not met.

CLEAN-UP IN PALMERSTOWN MANOR HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED FOR BINS IN ESTATE

The Workers’ Party organised a litter cleanup with residents in Palmerstown Manor today to highlight the need for bins in the estate. David Gardiner, Workers’ Party representative in Palmerstown-Fonthill, said: “We’ve repeatedly called on the council to install bins in the estate to deal with the litter issue. It’s only gotten worse in recent months and it is long overdue that South Dublin County Council take action.” “Some local residents will regularly go out and pick-up litter themselves, but this alone won’t solve the problem unfortunately. We need infrastructure and that can’t be provided by individuals, it can only be provided by the council.” “For the taxes we pay, we are entitled to a good-quality public service in return. It should not be a huge ask of a competent local council that they play a role in tackling the litter problem.”

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COMMUNITY MONUMENTS FUND ‘EUROPA EXPERIENCE’ VISITOR TO CONSERVE LOCAL LUCAN CENTRE IN DUBLIN HISTORICAL SITE The allocation of €16,000 to St Finian’s Church, Glebe, Lucan, will be used to preserve and maintain the historic structure, a Dublin Mid-West TD has said.

Local Fine Gael TD, Deputy Emer Higgins has welcomed the funding which has been allocated under the Community Monuments Fund. “St. Finian’s church also known as Esker Church, dates from the 11th Century and is one of the most historic sites in the local area but sadly it’s suffered from neglect and anti-social behaviour,” said Deputy Higgins. “The monument has been adopted by the society for old Lucan and this funding will go a long way to restoring the site and

protecting it for generations to come. “The money will be used to remove graffiti from the church wall and return it to its original state, to restore the Fr MacCarten memorial using the original pieces which are scattered around the site, install new gravel and provide interpretive signage so the monument and its history can be enjoyed by all. “There is so much history in our local area and I really welcome any work that will preserve the pieces of history dotted around the community,” said Deputy Higgins. “I’m looking forward to visiting Esker Church once the restoration work has been done, to learn a bit more about this local historical site,” concluded Deputy Higgins.

SUMMER STARS READING ADVENTURE

South Dublin Libraries’ annual Summer Stars Reading Adventure was launched recently at the new North Clondalkin Library

The European Parliament will open a “Europa Experience” visitor centre in Chatham Street in the centre of Dublin in 2024. Through this new facility, Parliament will reinforce its efforts to bring Europe closer to citizens in Ireland in an attractive and engaging way. The Europa Experience will include a 360 degree cinema, interactive media stations, an educational role-play game (where participants can take the role of MEPs in crafting European laws), as well as other exhibits. It will enable visitors to better understand how the EU works, its achievements and challenges, and to discover more about the functioning of the European democracy.

Located in the heart of Dublin, the new Europe Experience will be highly visible, able to welcome walk-in visitors as well as pre-booked groups. It will be a new-build (on the site of what was previously known as Chatham House), constructed in line with the latest environmental performance standards to meet the LEED Gold standard (fewer than 50 buildings in Ireland currently meet this standard or higher). The

new construction can also specifically reflect the need for a building focussed on welcoming citizens and be optimised for PRM access.

It is estimated that the new Europa Experience could welcome 50,000100,000 visitors annually. Most facilities will be open seven days per week and free to visit on a walk-in basis (although the role play game will require prebooking). The new building will also offer space for conferences and events for up to 150 people. The construction will include offices for the Parliament’s Liaison Office in Ireland, which will continue its work in the fields of media relations, stakeholder outreach, education, citizen’s enquiries and other communication activities as before. Speaking after the announcement, Frances

Fitzgerald, MEP for Dublin and Vice-Chairwoman of the EPP Group, said “I am delighted to welcome today’s announcement of this development in the heart of Dublin which will bring Irish citizens closer to the European Union and their Parliament.” “This new visitor centre will provide a state of the art resource to be used by all citizens, students, other educational groups, civil society organisations, NGO’s and public representatives in communicating the work and values of the European Union.” “I am pleased that I along with other Irish colleagues supported this project which will significantly increase the presence of the EU in Dublin and Ireland.” “I look forward to continuing my work with EPLO Dublin in hosting public webinars/ seminars and events for the benefit of all citizens and constituents.”

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KINGSPAN DONATES €500,000 TO TU DUBLIN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE Kingspan, a global leader in advanced insulation and building envelope solutions, has announced a five-year partnership with Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) to support the development of the University’s innovative Design and Construct Centre.

The Centre, located at Broombridge close to the University’s Grangegorman Campus, aims to enhance the competitiveness of Irish construction, engineering and architectural companies in the global marketplace. It will offer a collaborative learning experience and capacitybuilding for students from apprenticeship to PhD level, and a testbed for developing innovative and

transformative solutions for industry. Work on the development of the cuttingedge facility, including the Kingspan Lab, begins in Q3 of 2021 and will facilitate educational, research and engagement activities. It will have a particular focus on collaborative and multidisciplinary innovation in building performance, digital construction, and smart buildings. Both TU Dublin students and industry staff will avail of skills development and research and development opportunities in the Centre.

Optimistic about the collaboration, Kingspan’s Group Head of Innovation, Mike Stenson, said: “TU Dublin’s objectives for their new Design and Construction Innovation

Centre in Broombridge, Dublin aligns well with what we do at our IKON Innovation Centre. This alignment is in areas such as showing what is possible in modern building design through a combination of technology, sensors and advanced materials and new products. Being able to partner with the University gives Kingspan the unrivalled opportunity to work with TU Dublin students collaboratively during the course of their studies. This learning period is the ideal timeframe for Kingspan and the students to build a shared understanding, knowledge and curiosity in innovation, digitalisation and sustainability for a better future built environment.

The partnership and the Kingspan Lab also enable the opportunity to collaborate in extensive research in each of these areas, offering students exciting, future-focused and comprehensive learning opportunities that will benefit TU Dublin, Kingspan and the wider construction sector.”

TU Dublin is Ireland’s largest education and skills development provider in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector, with over 7,500 undergraduate and postgraduate students, 1,000 trade apprentices and 120 doctoral students in the University. The €22 million Design and Construct Centre is the University’s response to current critical skills shortages in the sector, but it also addresses the potential for developing innovative and sustainable solutions to construction challenges globally. With the support of industry partners, it will be the first such Centre

of Excellence in Europe for multidisciplinary and collaborative education, research in collaboration with industry.

Welcoming the announcement, President of TU Dublin, Professor David FitzPatrick, said, “Kingspan’s generous support will contribute to exciting multidisciplinary and collaborative engagement between academics in TU Dublin and industry experts. This is an opportunity to develop new areas of

growth for the design and construction sector, as well as integrated educational opportunities for students from apprentices to PhD in digital, industrialised and autonomous construction, integrated energy systems, whole life building performance, integrated supply chain management, smart cities, and more. The Centre will optimise these cross-sectoral synergies and deliver future-focused educational offerings to support the development of a more sustainable and smarter built environment.”

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GRIFFEEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE PERMANENT HOME PLANNING APPLICATION The Labour Party’s Local Area Representative in Dublin Mid-West, Chris O’Dwyer, has welcomed the announcement that a planning application for Griffeen Community College has been submitted to SDCC as part of the Clonburris SDZ. O’Dwyer said “In the

first few months of the year I wrote to Minister Norma Foley in order to get the details of this development but the Department only confirmed that the development of a second level facility was agreed in principle. However, now that the plans have been

submitted to SDCC it is cause for celebration for the Griffeen Community College school community. “For too long there has been too much anxiety, worry and apprehension around the future of the school. In 2020 the possibility of students

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM COMPETITION WINNERS An Taisce Green Schools recently announced the winners of our Design Your Ideal Outdoor Classroom Competition. To celebrate the launch of their resource, Outdoor Learning in the School Setting, they asked schools to design their ideal outdoor space for learning with the winning school awarded the installation of a Choill Bheag on their grounds. The past year has taught us the importance of fresh air and the outdoors in all aspects of our lives and many schools around Ireland have taken classes outside or created outdoor classrooms to make outdoor learning as easy as possible. The Outdoor Learning resource has all of the information you might need to consider taking your class outside to learn. Local Clondalkin school Scoil Mhuire National School was chosen as a runner up. Scoil Mhuire’s collaborative approach really shone through in their final design; they created a video showing their process including virtual and interactive designs. They especially liked their garden kitchen and consideration like a storage area. For more information see https:// greenschoolsireland.org/outdoor-classroom-competition-winners.

JOB ADVERTISEMENT Household - Relief

Peamount Healthcare are currently recruiting for Household Staff on a Relief Basis Purpose of the post: The successful candidate will be expected to meet the following desirable criteria: Have a good general standard of education. • • Good communication skills both written and verbal. • Ability to work as part of a team and assist other members of staff. • An interest and commitment to providing a clean, safe environment • for patients in a health care environment. • Previous cleaning experience. How to Apply: Interested Applicant should submit their Cover Letter and CV to recruitment@ peamount.ie Informal enquiries can be directed to Eimar Coburn, Household Services Manager ecoburn@peamount.ie

having to go to Kingswood Community College, located 7km away from the area. Parents, Students and School Staff can now look forward to having their own permanent buildings. “Griffeen Community College has a wonderful school community with a very inclusive atmosphere. I hope that their new building will reflect that, that every possible measure will be taken to provide an accessible, safe and welcoming school environment and I look forward to being able to see the finished project. “The public consultation process will open soon and I expect that there will be no objections to this much needed school building.

GRIFFITH COLLEGE LAUNCHES 2021 CREATIVE SHOW

On Friday the 25th of June Griffith College launched it’s annual Creative Show. The show celebrates the work of the College’s creative graduates, including fashion, interiors, photography, computing, design communications, film and TV. The event launched online on a dedicated website creative.griffith.ie. In addition, each creative course will have its own dedicated spotlight day: Fashion – Monday, June 28th, Interiors – Tuesday, June 29th, Photography – Wednesday, June 30th and Film & TV – Thursday, July 1st. Speaking on behalf of the creative faculties’ Programme Directors team ahead of this year’s Creative Show, Deirdre Doherty, head of Griffith’s Design faculty, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the work of our creative graduates. Griffith College has a strong tradition of outstanding graduates in the creative arts. While this year’s students have had to face significant challenges, the quality of their work is a testament to their creativity, dedication and resilience”. To find out more, visit creative.griffith.ie

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SOD TURNED ON IRELAND’S FIRST PUBLICLY OWNED NOTFOR-PROFIT ENERGY COMPANY

Ground has been broken on South Dublin County Council’s (SDCC) Tallaght District Heating Network at TU Dublin in Tallaght. Trading as Heatworks, Ireland’s first publicly owned, not-for-profit energy company, will provide low carbon heat to local community buildings. Heatworks will begin supplying heat in early 2022, with initial customers being SDCC and the Tallaght campus of the Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin). The council buildings heated by this project in the short term will include SDCC’s County Hall and Tallaght

County Library followed by 135 new Affordable Apartments and the SDCC Innovation Building. When Phase 1 is completed it is estimated that the project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the South Dublin County area by nearly 1,500 tonnes per year. The system will initially heat 47,000 m2 of public sector buildings, 3,000m2 of commercial space, and 135 affordable rental apartments. The Tallaght District Heating Network is partly funded by the European Union’s Inter-Reg NWE programme (Heatnet), a multi-million euro fund promoting carbon

MORE COMPASSIONATE APPROACH NEEDED FOR MATERNITY HOSPITAL VISITS Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe recently called for a new and more compassionate approach from the HSE to tackle the difficulties being faced by partners wishing to attend Maternity Hospital Visits. Teachta Crowe was speaking after HSE Chief Executive Paul Reid who said a number of hospitals were experiencing challenges in the physical layout of wards with many partners being refused access to visits. This has resulted in situations where the most difficult or even the happiest news relating to a pregnancy being given to women on their own. Speaking after chairing a meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee where Mr Reid made his comments, Teachta Crowe said “Everyone accepts that the health and wellbeing of the mother and babies has to be at the heart of any decisions regarding maternity visits and some hospitals, because of their physical layout, find this extremely challenging during a pandemic. “Partners should be facilitated wherever possible, particularly at an anomaly scan or any other visit that involves a conversation around an emotional significance.

In other words, no one should have to receive terrible or negative news on their own. “I am calling for the hospitals where there is a difficulty regarding physical layout to look again at their wards with a view to possibly rearranging their bed layout in an attempt to address some of their shortcomings regarding partners attending labour and antenatal wards. “The use of suitable and appropriate PPE might also be an option for hospitals. “We know from this meeting that the HSE have asked the maternity hospitals in view of the improved Covid-19 situation to review their approach “While hospitals may say that the current restrictive practices are necessary on operational grounds, many pregnant women and their partners find them harsh and a negative impact on their pregnancy. “We should always have the needs of expectant mothers, both physical and emotional, at the front of our minds when we are putting these kinds of restrictive measures in place. I am calling on hospitals to have a new and more compassionate approach so that pregnant women may be attended at their appointments.”

reduction through districtheating in Europe’s northwest, by a further €4.5 million from the Project Ireland 2040 Climate Action Fund and through direct funding from SDCC.

network. The collaboration between SDCC, AWS engineering teams, Fortum eNext, and the City of Dublin Energy Management Agency (CODEMA) has resulted in a low-carbon

solution optimising the potential of recyclable heat combined with additional heat-pump technology – the first example of its kind in Ireland. By 2024, the heat will also be supplied

to nearby developments recently approved with planning permission, including affordable housing units, residential properties and student accommodation.

The network will use excess heat from a customisation to Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) recently completed data centre to provide low carbon heat to public sector, residential and commercial customers. AWS will provide recycled heat free of charge to the scheme as part of its broader sustainability activities, and its continued assistance to Ireland in meeting its EU 2030 national heating and carbon-reduction targets. The district-heating company has contracted Fortum, a large Finnish energy supply company with extensive district-heating experience throughout Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, to carry out the design, installation, and operation of the Tallaght

Pictured The Interreg HeatNet delivery team of Joe Hayden (Codema), John O’Shea (Codema), Thomas Fallon (Enerpower), County Architect Eddie Conroy, Paul Campbell (TU Dublin), Teresa Walsh (SDCC Director of Service) and Donna Gartland (Codema) on site at TU Dublin campus in Tallaght. Pic credit: Ben Ryan

OUR WORLD WAS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN For all children, it has been a year with swimming pools closed and without swimming lessons. With summer weather on the way, it is more important than ever that we encourage all children to think and talk about water safety. Water Safety Ireland has launched a water safety resource to over 4,000 Early Learning and Care Centres nationwide. Educators will use the resources to give children the knowledge needed to stay safe from drowning. The ‘Hold Hands’ programme, launched by Ministers Heather Humphreys and Roderic O’Gorman has been built around one very simple insight. That a young child should always hold an adult’s hand near water.

Both Ministers were joined by Amanda Cambridge, whose young son Avery Greene, tragically drowned on a family holiday in 2019. “Our world was turned upside down on the 12th of August 2019, while on holidays in Spain. Our blonde, blue eyed boy, Avery, lost his life in a swimming pool accident. He was 3 years old. That’s why I’m an advocate for early learning water safety in pre-schools, creches and all Early Learning Centres. I believe Water Safety Ireland’s ‘Hold Hands’ programme has the potential to be both lifesaving and life changing.” Amanda Cambridge. The ‘Hold

Hands’ resources have been designed by WSI to highlight potential water safety dangers at home, on farms, on the beach, at rivers, lakes and on holiday. Storyboards grab children’s imagination and include a cleverly designed pointer, shaped like a hand, so whenever a child engages in water safety learning, they are physically holding a hand to reinforce the behavioural change the lessons are trying to instil.

“It is never too early to start learning how to be safe around water”, commented Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development. “It complements Water Safety Ireland’s education resources for primary schools and is part of a wider effort to foster a healthy respect for water safety as children grow. This ‘whole of life’ approach to water safety has the potential to change the attitudes and behaviours of children around water and save so many lives in the process.” “Children are born learning. That’s what is so exciting about this initiative”, commented Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, “By instilling simple water safety lessons in our youngest children at this formative stage, we’re building an awareness that will stay with them for life.” Speaking about the launch,

Water Safety Ireland Chairman Martin O’Sullivan commented “National Water Safety Awareness Week took place recently This year, we asked everyone to give water safety the focus we all continue to give COVID. In the last year we have proven how much we can come together as a country for the good of all. We average ten drownings in Ireland every month but imagine how many drownings could be prevented if we can make water safety part of our everyday conversation with children, friends and family. I extend my thanks to the volunteers at Water Safety Ireland, to both Government Departments, to Early Childhood Ireland and to Seas Suas for their assistance with various aspects of the initiative.”

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g n i k o o c e Hom and baking Himalayan Chicken Curry By Chef Bal Krishna Shrestha Himalayan chicken curry is an extremely popular dish that can be found in Nepalese restaurants in Ireland. - Preparation time 20 minutes - Cooking time 25 minutes - Serve 4 person To make himalayan chicken curry, first prepare the himalayan curry sauce. This can be used with lamb, prawns, fish or vegetables. Method:

Ingredients:

Heat oil in a sauce pan, fry chopped onion with ginger, garlic paste until slightly transparent in colour. Add ground spices: curry, coriander, turmeric, ground chilli and cumin. Fry in slow heat for a few minutes, stir it well. Add chopped tomato and salt. Cook until soft and smooth. Add green chilli, natural yogurt, fresh coriander, ground coconut, almond & pinch of green food colouring.

- 50ml oil - 2 whole chopped onion - 15g garlic paste - 15g ginger paste - 50g chopped tomato - 1tbs curry powder - 1tsp ground cumin - 1tsp ground coriander - ½ tsp ground chilli - Salt to taste - 300g Natural yogurt - 25g Green chilli - ½ bunch chopped fresh coriander - 50g ground almond - 50g ground coconut - A pinch of green food colouring (optional) - 1tsp kasturi methi (dry fenugreek leaves) - 50ml rapseed oil - 1tsp ginger paste - 1tsp garlic paste - ½ tsp ground chili - 1tbsp garam masala - Salt to taste - 600g chicken fillet cubes - 50g Butter - 100ml cream

Mix well and bring it to a quick boil. Remove from heat to cool and blend it well until smooth. Marinate the chicken cubes with ginger, garlic, chilli, salt and garam masala. Leave to the side. Heat a clean pan with rapseed oil and add the pieces of marinated chicken cubes and slowly shallow fry it to make nice brown. Pour the prepared sauce back to the pan with chicken. Slowly cook for about 5 minutes by stirring well to prevent burning at the bottom of pan. Add cream and butter to finish the Himalayan Curry. Check the consistency of the sauce. Cook for longer if sauce is too runny or add some cream if sauce is too thick. Lastly, add kasturi methi and fresh coriander. Mix it to combine well.

Our Himalayan Chicken Curry is ready to serve with steam Basmati rice or roti!

The Homemade Giant Cookie Method :

Ingredients : - 200g butter at room temperature - 250g light brown sugar - 2 eggs yolks - 275g plain flour - 150g chocolate chips - 1 tsp baking powder - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract - 100g of other cookie fillings such as nuts, pieces- of fudge or toffee, marshmallows etc

1. Heat oven 180c / 160c fan, put butter and sugar into a large mixing bowl, beat until combined, stir in egg yolks and vanilla, add flour, baking powder, chocolate chips and any other filling you want, mix until a crumbly dough forms. 2. Lightly butter a 25cm ovenproof frying pan, spoon in and flatten the cookie mixture. For a gooey cookie bake for 20 minutes, leave to rest for 5 minutes, scoop straight from the pan and serve with ice cream. 3. For a firmer cookie you can cut, bake for 30 minutes then leave to cool completely before cutting into wedges.

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OSTEOPOROSIS, Do you have it? By Susan Boland Nutritional Therapist NT Dip IHS NTOI Strength & Conditioning Coach BWL Who first discovered Osteoporosis ? A step toward such recognition was made in the 1830s by the French pathologist Jean Georges Chretien Frederic Martin Lobstein. He noticed that some patients’ bones were riddled with larger than normal holes, and he coined the term osteoporosis (porous bone) to describe such deteriorated human bone. What you can do NATUTALLY to improve it A 3 prong approach with OSTEOPOROSIS CLINIC IRELAND (1) We address the medicine you are taking, the affects (short term and long term EXPLAINED) (2) We explain your DXA scan, what does it mean? EXPLAINED in a positive way

Ireland, we prescribe supplements according to your BLOOD TEST RESULTS/ DXA SCAN RESULT So have you had your DXA scan? Did you have had a NEGATIVE result ? Were you offered any support?……… DON’T DESPAIR……WHAT TO DO We offer a PROGRAM that will guide you to help improve your bones and joints and all you have to do is: 1) Follow our program on a regular basis 2) You will be guided on a regular basis every 4-6 weeks to include regular MOTIVATION & UPDATE PROGRAMS 3) Regular REVIEWS of your DIET & EXERCISE PROGRESSION

(3) We supply an exercise program supervised by our Physiotherapy team that specializes in MUSCLOSKELETAL issues that is important to improve your BONE DENSITY and for FRACTURE PREVENTION (4) Wolff’s law, developed by the German anatomist and surgeon Julius Wolff (1836–1902) in the 19th century, states that bone in a healthy person or animal will adapt to the loads under which it is placed. If loading on a particular bone increases, the bone will remodel itself over time to become stronger to resist that sort of loading. So you need to address condition with the right tools, HOW? • We set out an individual plan with the latest research so you can improve the strength of your bones and joints • Diet is so important here because YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT therefore some LIFESTYLE CHANGES are needed • Walking is not enough but good as a starting point, then you need to PROGRESS to strengthen your muscles to protect your BONES As we AGE, we lose MUSCLE tone naturally. This can affect our EXERCISE program, this can be ADDRESSED through DIET &SUPPLEMENTATION. 1) DIET does depend on your INDIVIDUAL SYMPTOMS 2) SUPPLEMENTATION is very complexed and can be confusing. There are some many companies out there with POOR QUALITY & LOW LEVELS of requirements & nutrients to assist repair & growth of your bones. At Osteoporosis Clinic

Susan Boland DipIHS NTOI Strength & Conditioning Coach BWL Contact: 086-8580500 Address: 51 Elm Mount Park, Beaumont, Dublin D09 NW81 E-Mail: info@osteoporosisclinicireland.com Website: www.osteoporosisclinicireland.com

TUH & DIGITAL GAIT LABS LTD (DGL) INTRODUCE “GAITKEEPER” TECHNOLOGY

How we walk (termed “gait”) is an indicator of our overall function, it provides clinician’s with important information on a patients physical, cognitive and psychological wellness. Developing accessible technology which easily and accurately measures subtle changes in gait performance will enhance the detection of declining health and the timely delivery of care to older people. This ensures clinical interventions occur ahead of significant health decline, when those interventions are more costly, take longer to deliver, and most importantly have worse outcomes for recovery.

Until now, equipment to measure gait has been expensive, requiring a high level of training, and a lot of space. For this reason, accessibility to gait analysis in clinical settings has been limited. GaitKeeper, a new AI digital solution developed by DGL and clinically validated by TUH (Tallaght University Hospital) will change the way we can measure gait, by providing a digital application which measures changes in a person’s walking. GaitKeeper requires minimal space and can be used by anyone. The clinical study of GaitKeeper in TUH, brought novel artificial and computer vision research carried out in the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics in Dublin City University, out of the lab and into the hands of clinician’s in a teaching hospital. In a research partnership funded by Enterprise Ireland, the technology which has been in development for the last two years is the first technology of its type in the world. The technology uses novel Artificial Intelligence computer vision algorithms to quantify important

features of a person’s walk. “We do this using a single video recorded on a mobile phone, making it very portable, and very easy to use in a variety of hands” explained Dr. Aidan Boran, Founder and CEO Digital Gait Labs Ltd. The portability of the technology means it can be used in a variety of healthcare settings such as a hospital ward, nursing home, GP clinic or in a person’s home.

The study in TUH confirmed that the data provided by GaitKeeper is accurate and reliable, indicating that this tool is suitable to be used in the clinical setting. Commenting on the trial results, Gillian Harte, Chartered Physiotherapist at TUH, reported that “For us clinicians, it’s really important to be able to measure the way our patients walk, and unfortunately at the moment that’s not the case. GaitKeeper provides a solution to that problem”. The clinical application of the technology has been directed by Professor Sean Kennelly, Consultant Geriatrician at TUH. He commented ‘This technology is a gamechanger for clinicians as to how we can monitor and gauge how well and fast our patients can walk. This is a key indicator of a person’s wellness and the technology will be easy to use in any care setting. “This technology effectively offers us a digital biomarker of a patient’s wellness.” The next stage of this collaboration between TUH and DGL will involve using the technology in a variety of settings to measure and maximise its clinical utility. These further studies and integrations will take place in the second half of 2021 Professor Des O’Neill, Consultant Geriatrician at TUH, commented “We badly need a simple way to

do gait analysis. Thankfully, most of us are living not only longer, but also fitter and more healthy. But inevitably, among that group, we begin to see problems around walking, and very often these problems may be intricately linked with how the brain is working in other areas such as memory or swallowing. This is probably one of the most important projects we have undertaken here in the Department of Geriatric Medicine in TUH.” “Enterprise Ireland’s Commercialisation Fund helps Irish innovators translate their ideas and research into commercially viable products. We are delighted to have supported the development of GaitKeeper. Driven by powerful Artificial Intelligence algorithms, the GaitKeeper technology is an effective tool for monitoring of changes in human movement associated with a wide range of serious neurological, physical and emotion conditions.” – Kevin Burke, ICT Director, Research & Commercialisation, Enterprise Ireland. “Research and Innovation lies at the heart of Tallaght University Hospital’s drive to deliver improved patient care and enhance the health and wellbeing of our population. The Hospital is delighted to study, analyse and implement this technology on campus and support the next stage of its development which contributes to our goal of becoming a national centre for health research and innovation for technology” commented Lucy Nugent, Chief Executive of TUH. Digital Gait Labs Ltd will spin out from Dublin City University and focus on delivering easy to use, AI based, digital gait solutions for use, initially in the age related and the rehabilitation clinical areas.

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MOTORING LIFE WITH Revised Renault Megane – A Firm Family Favourite By Breda Corrigan

The original Renault Megane has been on sale in Ireland since 1995 and has proven itself to be a family-car favourite ever since. The current car is in its fourth generation, and it was launched in 2016 to replace its predecessor, which had a relatively long eight-year production run. The fourth-generation Renault Megane has now been facelifted to keep it fresh in the face of strong competition in the family car market, and with it comes new on-board technology and extra standard equipment, along with some modifications to the exterior styling. The current model is sold in hatchback, estate (Sport Tourer) and saloon (Grand Coupé) guises in order to cater for all forms of family life. Three Trim Levels; With its harmonious lines, chiselled features and refined finishing touches, the attractive and dynamic Renault Megane hatchback makes a bold statement, unveiling its even more sophisticated silhouette and its hightech interior. The revised Renault Megane is available in three trim levels – Play, Iconic and R.S. Line – all of which come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard.

Engine availability consists of a 1.3-litre petrol unit (TCe 140) and a 1.5-litre diesel (dCi 115), with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) set to join the range later this year. As we have come to expect from Renault of late, an impressive array of standard equipment is available across all trim levels. At the front of the Megane is Renault’s trademark diamond logo, flanked by a pair of headlamps framed by distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights. When viewed from the side the car’s bulging wheel arches and a neat kick in the window line

ahead of the C-pillar provide added visual drama, while eye-catching LED tail-lamps at the rear of the car run almost the entire width of the bootlid. High Quality & Strong Safety; The high quality cabin of the revised Megane features soft-touch materials and easy to read dials – such as the rotary dials now used for the dual-zone climate control system. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ connectivity is now standard across the range, bringing the revised Megane up-todate in terms of infotainment. The well shaped boot in the new Megane has a cargo capacity of 434-litres, but this can be extended to 1,237-litres by dropping the rear seat backs when the need arises. The fourth-generation of the Renault Megane has a strong safety record having been awarded a full five starts by Euro NCAP, and this revised model is no different. All trim levels get 6 airbags, parking sensors and cruise control with a speed limiter, while the standard Visio System in my R.S. Line review car includes lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and automatic high/ low beam for the full LED headlamps. Test Car;

My test car was a Renault Megane R.S. Line dCi 115 finished in striking Flame Red metallic paint. The diesel engine in the Megane is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder unit producing 113bhp and 260Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint time of 11.1-seconds, while claimed fuel consumption as low as 3.9l/100km on a combined driving cycle is genuinely impressive. When developing the revised Megane, Renault’s engineers focused primarily on comfort and refinement, and this becomes evident as soon as the car

is driven. Not only does the Megane ride well, but noise levels are generally low too, allowing occupants to feel relaxed and comfortable from the outset. The Megane soaks up bumps and road imperfections with great ease, and the overall feeling is one of calmness and composure. The stylish exterior of the Megane R.S. Line attracts admirers with its sensual lines, F1 inspired blade in the front valance, a rear bumper enhanced with dual chrome exhaust pipes, and 17” custom alloy wheels (upgraded to 18” California diamond-cut on my review car). On the inside, carbon effect inlays, an R.S. double diamond leather steering wheel, aluminium sports pedals and the option of tactile Alcantara seats with builtin headrests add an element of sportiness and desirability. The family hatchback market in Ireland is fiercely competitive, with the Renault Megane hatchback facing talented rivals such as the Opel Astra, Ford Focus, VW Golf, SEAT Leon, Mazda3, Kia

Ceed, Hyundai i30 and the Honda Civic – to name but a few. With this in mind, Renault has provided the revised Megane with the necessary ingredients to fight their rivals head-on and it is now a serious contender for class honours. Pricing & Warranty; The revised Renault Megane hatchback is priced from just €24,740 (ex-delivery), with the highly-specified R.S.Line priced from €29,140 (ex-delivery). All new Renault passenger cars are covered by a warranty package for up to 5 years from date of first registration with unlimited mileage during the first 24 months, then limited to a total of 200,00 km or 5 years, whichever comes first. There has never been a better time than now to buy a new Renault of your choice, with amazing cash-back offers and finance deals available (terms & conditions apply).

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NEW MOVANO AND MOVANO-E TAKE OPEL TO TOP OF LARGE VAN CLASS Opel has released the first information and images of the all-new Movano range. Boasting class-leading payloads, cargo capacity and gross vehicle weights, a wide range of body versions, lengths and heights is on offer. The new generation Movano will be available not only with powerful and durable diesel engines, but also with a zero-emissions battery-electric drive, delivering up to 224km (WLTP) range from a single charge. The new Movano and Movano-e will both arrive at Opel dealerships later this year. “The new Opel Movano-e completes our range of electric light commercial vehicles. Our customers from trade and commerce can therefore drive and transport emissions-free. We are convinced that the new generation Movano will win additional market share for the brand”, says Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. Importantly for professionals and fleet managers alike, the emission-free Movano-e demands no compromises and thus represents a real alternative to conventionally powered vehicles. The electric propulsion system of Opel’s new e-LCV delivers 90kW (122hp) and 260Nm of

torque, with the maximum speed electronically controlled at 110 km/h. Depending on the model variant, customers can choose between 37kWh and 70kWh lithium-ion batteries for ranges (depending on driving style and the prevailing conditions) of up to 117 or 224km respectively in the WLTP combined cycle.

excellent load-carrying capability and total cost of ownership as well as a wide range of bodies and cargo capacities. Panel van customers can choose from four lengths (L1-4) and three heights (H1-3), with maximum load capacity ranging from 8.0 to 17 cubic metres. The doors of the H3 variant are 2.03m tall, a best in class.

The batteries are packaged under the loading space so that they do not compromise usage, which also benefits the cornering and wind stability even when fully loaded. A sophisticated regenerative braking system, which recovers the energy produced under braking or deceleration, further increases efficiency.

Together with the rear doors that open to 180 degrees (optionally extendable to 270 degrees), they make the Movano especially easy to load. The range of gross vehicle weights (GVW) is among the widest in this class, extending from 2.8 to 4.0 tons, while payloads reach a maximum of 2.1 tons. With sill heights as low as 494mm, a width of 1422mm between the wheel arches and 1870mm between the panels, the load zone for Opel’s new large van represents the benchmark for its rivals.

In addition to electric propulsion, the diesel powertrains of the new Movano match the best on the market for high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions. The power output of the 2.2 litre engines, which all comply with the strict Euro 6d emissions standard, range from 88kW (120hp) to 121kW (165hp). Driving the front wheels, all the engines are paired with six-speed manual transmissions. The

new

Movano

offers

The standard cab features a single row of three seats, while the second row of the optional crew cab offers seating for an additional four passengers. The new Movano is additionally available as a chassis cab, a chassis crew cab and a floor cab with a single row of three seats. Opel’s new

LCV is the ideal basis for a broad line-up of specialist conversions as well, such as tippers, drop-sides and campers. State-of-the-art driver assistance systems provide protection not only for drivers, crew and passengers, but also

other road users. The new Movano’s extensive equipment, available as standard depending on the trim level, includes Automatic Safety Brake, Blind Spot Warning, Hill Descent Control and Lane Departure Warning. The new Movano joins the

Combo and the Vivaro as the newest member of Opel’s light commercial vehicle family. The German brand’s entire LCV portfolio will offer a battery-electric model variant by the end of this year. Opel will offer an electrified version of all passenger car and LCV models by 2024.

ŠKODA’s new electric vehicle the ENYAQ iV ŠKODA Ireland are delighted to announce that their first fully electric vehicle the ŠKODA iV has arrived in Irish showrooms. Priced from €37,465 inclusive of grants and rebates, the entry ENYAQ 60 has a WLTP range of up to 412 km. The ENYAQ 80 has enhanced equipment levels with a WLTP range of up to 535 km and is priced from €44,712. The ENYAQ iV is offered exclusively with a service and maintenance package including replacement tyres. ŠKODA have placed particular focus on the charging experience. 80% of ENYAQ iV charging is expected to occur at home. Customers can complement their ENYAQ iV with a ŠKODA iV Charger wall box unit installed by ŠKODA’s professional and safe registered electrical contractors. The ŠKODA iV Charger can charge an ENYAQ 60 from 0% to 100% in just 6 hours and 15 minutes (eight times faster than a regular plug socket). Inevitably the ŠKODA ENYAQ iV will need to be charged when away from home. For this ŠKODA have launched PowerPass. PowerPass is a clever solution for accessing the public charging network. A mobile app and card enables customers to locate and access more than 1,667 charging points

across Ireland, including the ESB network. It also provides some of the most competitive rates for IONITY DC fast charging. PowerPass knows if charge points are available or occupied and provides access to charging points in Northern Ireland, GB and the EU. Commenting on the launch of the ENYAQ iV, Ciara Breen, ŠKODA Ireland said, “We are thrilled with the successful launch of our first fully electric vehicle here in Ireland. The ŠKODA brand has tremendous momentum in Ireland recording annual market share of 9% for the first time ever with a third place ranking in the market looking very achievable in 2022. We are confident the new ENYAQ will fuel further success for the brand. Availability will improve next year with 1,200 ENYAQ iV secured for Ireland. Demand is still expected to be high and to avoid disappointment we would encourage interested customers to consider their electric future today and contact their local ŠKODA dealer” ŠKODA have also indicated that a SportLine version and an all-wheel drive 80x version, will be launched in 2022 with prices and specifications to be confirmed at a later date.

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TIME TO RECLAIM OUR PARKS

Summer is here and people are out and about. Public parks have seen a massive increase in use since the lockdowns and thanks to our Councils and public, the parks are looking great and increasingly providing additional amenities, but anti-social activity is causing distress in communities. Councillor Hayes said, “Over the past two months there is a noticeable increase in anti-social, dangerous and illegal activity in our parks. In Waterstown Park, the drinking water fountain

has been vandalised for the fifth time, the water pump feature in the small children’s sandpit had to be removed, Lifesaving Ringbuoys have been stolen and young trees snapped.” Councillor Hayes has called on Council management and Gardai to work together and implement an immediate plan to curb the anti-social activity. Councillor Hayes said, “I have written to Gardai and Council management as well as tabling a motion for the June 29th meeting of the Lucan/Palmerstown/

North Clondalkin Committee to address the persistent nature of these activities that are negatively impacting on legitimate park users. “Parks in Griffeen, Hermitage, Ballyowen and Waterstown have all seen a rise in anti-social activity, the intimidation of park users by groups of people fighting, drinking alcohol, throwing stones, driving sulkies and generally causing a menace. It is essential that an immediate summer plan is visible to the public to reassure them that action is being taken to keep our park amenities and legitimate users safe from unwanted behaviour. We are told that there is action being taken, but people need to see it and a corresponding reduction in anti-social activity to believe that anything is being done.” Councillor Hayes is calling on members of the public to notify Gardai when they see illegal activity in our parks, he says “We should be calling our local station or dialling 999 when we see illegal activity taking place. If you come across the after effects and it needs council attention, you should call your local council or log it on www.fixyourstreet.ie”

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. H.B

MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received. L.C.N

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