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8TH. JAN. 2017 TEL: 01 451 3822 / 01 451 9000 email: info@newsgroup.ie web: www.newsgroup.ie

TÁNAISTE MUST CLARIFY IMPLEMENTATION OF EU LAWS IN CIRCUIT COURT

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Mortgages Special Courts Bill must be published and enacted immediately

Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has said that urgent action is needed from the Minister for Justice and Tánaiste, Frances Fitzgerald TD to ensure that Circuit Courts are correctly implementing EU and Irish law with regard to home repossessions.

Deputy O’Brien’s comments follows the suggestion from the Master of the High Court, Edmund Honohan that County

Registrars ‘should not be dealing with repossession orders’ as they do not have the necessary legal training or the legal discretion to apply EU law.

“The Minister for Justice has a responsibility to ensure that when home repossession cases are being looked at by the courts, that those making the decision have the legal capacity to make such decisions.

“These decisions pose

huge distress for the families involved. The Registrar plays a very important role in the process by adjudicating on whether the mortgage contract was fairly applied.

Their determination can ultimately decide whether a home can be repossessed or not.

“The Chief Justice must ensure that she has confidence in all decisions being arrived at in the Circuit Courts with regard

to the administration of justice and the application of EU laws.

“The 2016 Programme for Government committed to establish a new court which would sensitively handle mortgage arrears and other personal insolvency cases.

“The Mortgages Special Courts Bill was scheduled to undergo pre-legislative scrutiny

by November 2016, yet it is now the beginning of 2017 and the bill hasn’t even been published, let alone reviewed by the Oireachtas Committee.

“Any further delays in publishing this Bill are unacceptable.

The establishment of a special court to deal with mortgage repossessions must be brought forward and enacted as a matter of urgency to assist those facing repossession of their home.

“This Government’s is failing to address the rising number of home repossessions in a fair and targeted way. Our party remains committed to finding a solution for distressed homeowners who are facing repossession.”

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POLITICAL WILL ABSENT FOR DISTRESSED MORTGAGE HOLDERS

Dublin South West Sinn Fein TD, Seán Crowe, has described the latest figures of those in mortgage distress as frightening.

Crowe said that the issue of those in distressed mortgages needs to solved, but the political will from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil was lacking.

Deputy Seán Crowe said: “€4.3 billion is the estimated cash value of owner occupied mortgages behind on repayments, but the emotional cost to the families and individuals trapped in this awful

dilemma cannot be easily measured. 420 distressed borrowers lost their homes in the three months to the end of September, according to the Central Bank figures.

“280 of the properties were voluntarily surrendered or abandoned, but 140 were repossessed on foot of a court order.

The Central Bank figures also show that during the last quarter 1,210 legal cases were taken against the family home.

“According to the last set of statistics

released, the number of mortgages in arrears over 90 days at the end of September 2016 was 56,000, or 8% of the total number of home loans. Many of these mortgages holders are now facing into a bleak and an even more uncertain future.

“Every day the repossessions courts across the State make final judgements against householders in mortgage difficulties, but Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael lack the urgency or the political will to introduce supports.

“Sinn Féin wants to

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end the current system which allows banks and vulture funds to deal with the arrears crisis on their own terms.

We are also demanding that safeguards are put in place to protect the family home.

“This crisis cannot

be wished away. It quite rightly featured prominently in the Programme for Government and now it is time for the Government to finally act, and to act decisively, in protecting the family home.”

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Tallaght-Based Company Announcesd As One Of The Successful Winners Of €1 Million THINKTECH Project Simon Coveney T.D., Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, at an awards ceremony at Google, announced Ta l l a g h t - b a s e d company, FoodCloud Hubs, as one of the four successful not-forprofit projects selected to take part in the first ever THINKTECH Accelerator.

Prize includes €170,000 cash plus €50,000 nonfinancial supports and inclusion on THINKTECH Accelerator from January to May 2017.

FoodCloud Hubs rescues surplus food from food businesses and distributes it to charities across Ireland, using a technology platform and three hubs in Galway, Cork and Dublin. To date, FoodCloud has successfully worked at local level to divert

food waste quickly and efficiently from a local shop to a local charity.

This project aims to replicate the success of the well-established FoodCloud local solution to tackle food waste across the entire food supply chain from growers in West Cork to food manufacturers in Donegal.

Co-Founder of FoodCloud Hubs, Aoibheann O'Brien, said: ‘’We are delighted to be announced as one of the THINKTECH winners. Over the past few years, FoodCloud has donated over 1 million meals to charities and we have established partnerships with over 300 charities. This project will allow us to expand, and to connect with food producers and wholesalers using technology. I would like to thank Social

Are looking to recruit a Site Manager / Foreman to start early in February 2017 for an 18 Month Contract for the construction of 2 Primary schools in Firhouse, Dublin 24 The Site Manager / Foreman will be responsible for supervising all trades, and co-coordinating activities for trade & labour whilst managing subcontractors to ensure all activities are carried out in accordance with specification and to Programme.

You are required to have a good working knowledge of Educational Building projects, and should be knowledgeable in Health & Safety and also capable of maintaining a constant drive to achieve production to meet Programme dates.

It is required that you have suitable experience as a Site Manager / Site Foreman working on large scale and ideally, educational projects, as you will be expected to monitor the overall progress of the project, liaise with clients and statutory bodies, and be responsible for ensuring delivery of the project on time and within budget.

If you wish to apply for this role, please email your CV to recruit@westernbuild.com or alternatively post it to Western Building Systems Ltd, 11 Mountjoy Road, Coalisland, Co. Tyrone BT71 5DQ by 2.00pm 20th January.

Innovation Fund Ireland, Google.org and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government for this great opportunity.’’

The THINKTECH project enables non-profit social innovations to grow their ideas for a better Ireland, by accessing supports similar to those provided by venture capital companies to commercial e n t e r p r i s e s .

THINKTECH will enable FoodCloud Hubs to replicate the technology currently used by retailers for use with the much larger amounts of food waste generated in warehouses, producing 16 times more meals for people who need them.

Speaking at the Awards ceremony, Minister

Simon Coveney, T.D., said: “I want to congratulate the four winners on the quality of their projects and the range of critical social issues they address which demonstrate how technology can be a force for good.

Housing, homelessness, poverty, education, and the wellbeing of older people are all priorities for this Government.

To be in a position to support and encourage innovative solutions to such fundamental social challenges is what good government is about.

The THINKTECH programme is an example of what government, corporate leadership and social innovation can achieve when they unite for society’s benefit. I look forward to seeing these projects accelerate positive change in our communities.”

THINKTECH was launched by Minister Simon Coveney,

T.D., in June, and the Government has granted funding of

€500,000 to match a €500,000 donation by Google.org.

Pictured at Google Headquarters were: Rod Bond, Sean Moynihan, both from The Alone Platform, Aoife Corcoran, Space Engagers, Marianne Checkley, iScoil, Philip Crowe, Space Engagers, Emma Walsh and Aoibheann O' Brien, both from Food Cloud Hub. (Picture Colm Mahady / Fennells)

O’CONNOR CALLS FOR PROGRESS ON DODDER VALLEY PARK PAVILION

Local Councillor Charlie O’Connor has again called on South Dublin County Council to make progress on the delivery of the long promised Pavilion at Dodder Valley Park in Old Bawn.

He tabled business in the matter for the January meeting of the Council and asked for an update.

The CEO told Charlie O’Connor that “The construction of the TASC pavilion at Limekiln

indicated there might be advantages in terms of quality, cost and delivery through the use of prefabricated construction systems allied to the GCCC Design-build contract.

The tenders for the Pavilion programme issued earlier in 2016 did not achieve results in either value for money , design innovation or the creation of a list of suitable contractors.

It was agreed to

retender the Pavilion programme using the more successful tender model of Designbuild allied to more traditional construction employed on the now completed Ballyowen equine centre. Tenders for a Single-operator framework for the first 3 pavilions centering on the Dodder Park pavilion as exemplar project will issue on January 10th 2017. The project will be scheduled for completion mid-

FINAL CALL FOR ENTRIES TO ACTIONAID STUDENT SPEECH WRITING COMPETITION Friday 20th January 2017 is the final date for entries to the ActionAid Student Speech Writing Competition.

ActionAid is encouraging students to enter the competition and to share their vision of a world without poverty or injustice. The competition is open to all secondary school students aged 14 to 17 and the first prize is a visit to Kenya to see ActionAid women’s rights programme in operation.

The top students will be invited to Dublin to deliver their speech in front of an esteemed panel of judges

and the winning two students will travel with their teachers to Kenya.

The choices of topics are: 1. Furthering Women’s Rights is Fundamental for Development.

2.

Resources Should be Better Distributed to Promote Equality between Men and Women.

3. Women’s Leadership is Crucial in Emergency Situations.

For more information on the competition visit https://actionaid. ie/speech-writing-competition/

summer. It is intended to commence work on 2 further pavilions after completion of Dodder Park using the successful contractor and rates included the Framework tender.”

According to Charlie O’Connor this matter needs to be progressed and he hoped that the issue would receive immediate attention from Council Management.

TWEET OF THE WEEK

by Lynda O’Donoghue Donnelly This week IDA Ireland produced its annual report which highlighted a 6% growth in employment and over €1.5 billion in research and development investments.

The figures also show that there was an increase in job creation and that new companies are choosing Ireland as a destination for industry.

Using the hashtag ‘Invest In Ireland’ the IDA tweeted this summary which highlights jobs, investment and growth in 2016.

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GOVERNMENT & MINISTER ZAPPONE MUST RATIFY UN CONVENTION TO PROTECT CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children & Youth Affairs, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire demanded Minister Zappone to call on her cabinet colleagues to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities as a matter of urgency. This Convention has yet to be ratified by the Government despite being signed nearly 10 years ago.

Deputy O'Laoghaire said; “For quite some time now the debate of Ireland’s inability to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities has been highlighted. On March 30th, 2007, Ireland signed but did not ratify

the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD).

“Since then, the CRPD has been ratified by 156 countries. That’s coming on ten year from the signing of the Convention and still no ratification. Countries like Togo, Uganda, and Vietnam are ahead of us on this.

“The government has stated time and time again how this is a priority of theirs. I do however fear that there may not be enough pressure from other Ministers on the issue, and this has allowed for inaction to trundle along.

"Gaps in how statutory bodies deal

with children with disabilities have been raised in the public domain in recent weeks, particularly on the This Week programme, where it was stated that the HSE believe TÚSLA were failing on Child Protection measures for children with disabilities. This applied particularly to Children in the care of the state.

“This was governed by a Framework governing the relationship between Túsla and the HSE regarding Children with Disabilities in care,which the Minister has accepted that it wasn't up to scratch. I welcome that, and it is positive and that a new protocol has been

agreed between Túsla and the HSE, which I welcome.

“It is my belief that the ratification of the Protocol must be continually raised, and that it would hammer home this Government’s commitment to protect those, and in this particular case children, from potentially falling victim to systemic discrimination in the future.

"Minister Zappone has said today she was ‘absolutely committed to ensuring the ratification of the UNCRPD’ by this Government", which is welcome - it needs to be done urgently.

COVENEY SHOULD BUTT OUT OF WATER COMMITTEE WORK Sinn Féin TD and party spokesperson on water Eoin Ó Bróin TD has called on Minister Coveney to “butt out of water committee work”. His comments come as the Minister weighs in on the contentious issue of charging for “excess use” of water.

Deputy Ó Broin said: “The cross party committee was set up by the government to make recommendations based on the report of the so-called Expert Commission on Water.

The committee has only met once and should be allowed to make its recommendations without being influenced by the opinion of Minister Coveney. Fine Gael has five members on the committee.

They can make their case on what constitutes “excess use” when it comes up for debate during the committee.

“Sinn Féin’s position on this is clear. Domestic water charges must be abolished in full.

The excess use charge argument is a red herring.

The facts are, according to the Expert Commission Report that: “Domestic

consumption is relatively low in Ireland with average consumption of 123 litres per capita (compared, for example, to 140 litres per capita in the UK).

This metered data also indicated that 7% of households are using six times more water than the average household, although Irish Water indicated this level of consumption is likely to decline as customer-

side leaks are fixed.”

“We need to move on from the water charges debate. The debate could have been ended months ago if the government allowed a vote to be tabled for the abolition of the charges. Instead they choose to kick the can down the road.

“Sinn Féin is on record as saying the establishment of the expert commission and Oireachtas Committee

was a farce. The government only went down this route to appease Fianna Fáil and to find a way of reinstating Enda Kenny as Taoiseach.

Minister Coveney’s latest interference in the work of the Committee further demonstrates how the result of the water charge debate is a forgone conclusion in the minds of Fine Gael.“

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FAMINE MEMORIAL DAY BILL INTRODUCED

Famine Memorial on Custom House Quay Sinn Féin spokesperson on Heritage, Peadar Tóibín TD, has introduced the Famine Memorial Bill in the Dáil which would provide for a fixed date each year in which the Famine Memorial Day will be held. Currently the Famine Memorial Day occurs on a date which varies between May to September each year, and which is determined only months in advance.

Deputy Tóibín said: “The Irish famine poses an uncomfortable stain on the legacy of British imperialism.

While the potato blight was a natural aberration Ireland's people, who were utterly subjugated, whose land and resources were mercilessly exploited, suffered far more than any other people who suffered famines in Europe at the time.

“The lasting consequence of the Great Hunger was the massive depopulation of this country where over one million people died and a million people were forced to emigrate - these are very conservative estimates. The legacy with

regards emigration is still here as well. The sad fact is, because of the start of mass emigration during the Famine, we still have emigration as a defining characteristic of the Irish population and we still see its effects in rural areas today.

“The response to the famine

by England was, at best, indifferent and, at worst, utterly inhumane. Public works were established so that the impoverished and weakened men would labour at building useless roads, follies and other pointless projects for pitiful sums of money. Irish ports did not close during the Famine for exports and it is a matter of historical fact that millions of pounds worth of Irish food, including grain and even butter, were sent for export while hundreds of thousands were literally left starving to death. I am not deliberately being emotive on this issue these are matters of fact.

“While myths abound with regards to the Great Hunger and how it could happen under Britain's watch,

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some have speculated that it was an attempt at depopulation or a manner to quell dissent by the obliteration of the poorest cottier class. No doubt the Famine painfully impressed upon the generation of O'Donovan Rossa that selfdetermination was a matter of life and death.

“We need a fixed memorial day to remember the Great Irish Famine, to remember the human cost and consequences of neglect, to remember the effects when an economic imperative is prioritised and to recognise the dark shadows of colonial ‘might’.

Most of all, a fixed day of remembrance would to honour those victims and survivors of the Great Famine and allow us to remember what our ancestors lived through.

“It is an Irish tragedy, but with global significance.

There is a plague on the Dublin Mansion House honouring the Native American Choctaw tribe who contributed so generously to the Famine victims. It reads: "Their humanity calls us to remember the millions of human beings throughout our world today who die of hunger and hunger-related illness in a world of plenty."

There are 800 million such people around the world today. Let us fix this day of national commemoration so that we can remember those who suffer today, as those in this country did once.”

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ALMOST 40 DUBLIN SCHOOLS LEFT WITHOUT EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS Thousands of students deprived access to essential psychological services

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South West and Spokesperson for Dublin, John Lahart says he is deeply alarmed by new figures which reveal that 39 schools across Dublin do not have a National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) psychologist assigned to them.

The stats are contained in response to Parliamentary Question submitted by the party.

“While there are many genuine and

important concerns about service and staff provision within the NEPS service, these latest figures make for extremely worrying reading, and are much worse than had been envisioned.

"In fact, Dublin is one of the worst affected counties in the country.

The NEPS service is essential to ensuring the early diagnosis of behavioural or psychological issues in children and young adults and devising

a plan for them. Any delay in diagnosis impacts on the number of Resource Teaching Hours and Learning Supports that they are allocated,” commented the Deputy.

“The fact that so many schools across the Capital are without a NEPS psychologist is completely unacceptable. Earlier this year, we prioritised the recruitment of 100 new psychologists as part of our Confidence and Supply Agreement

to facilitate a minority Government.

These posts need to be rolled out as a matter of urgency.

“The schools that do not have an assigned educational psychologist are at a disadvantage because assessments for special educational needs or behavioural difficulties are severely delayed.

“I am calling on the Education Minister Richard Bruton to urgently address this matter and ensure

that the 100 additional psychologists, which were agreed as part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement, are recruited and allocated without delay.

“These figures are alarming and show that further work is needed with the provision of psychological services for pupils throughout Dublin. Fianna Fáil will be looking for further progress in this area in the months ahead.

There can be no stalling on this.”

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FALL IN NUMBER OF GARDA DETECTIVES A CAUSE FOR CONCERN Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Justice and Equality, Jim O’Callaghan TD has expressed his concern regarding the fall in the number of Garda detectives operating within divisions nationwide.

Deputy O’Callaghan was commenting on new information obtained by him through a Parliamentary Question which indicates that the number of detectives assigned to An Garda Síochána continues to decrease despite a high level of undetected and unreported crime in some areas.

“In October just passed, there were just 804 detectives in the force, an 11% drop since May 2015 when there were almost 100 more detectives on the streets.

“The decreases throughout divisions appear to have accelerated in 2016, with 70 detective positions being lost since last May,” explained the Deputy.

“The capital has taken a dramatic hit with a 15% drop in eighteen months while its western division including areas such as Tallaght and Clondalkin is down by 20%. It is simply inexcusable given the outbreak of violent gangland crime in our capital city, we do not have a greater number of detectives working across divisions to protect our communities.

“While all Gardaí play a crucial role in the detection and prevention of crime, communities affected by serious and often organised crime require the support of specialist detectives.”

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TALLAGHT STUDENTS TRAIN FOR JOBS OF THE FUTURE UNDER NEW SCHEME ‘Primary and Secondary Schools to receive grants for computers’

Tallaght students in primary and secondary schools will be enjoying new computers, flat screens and other high tech equipment under a new Government initiative, according to Dublin South West TD and Independent Minister, Katherine Zappone.

Under a new ‘Digital

Strategy’ schools will be receiving between €4,000 and €27,000 depending on the numbers of children on their roll book.

Minister Zappone says the move will allow schools in Tallaght and surrounding communities to respond to the needs of a high-tech generation

and provide training for the jobs of the future.

“This funding is being made available to schools under a €30m investment across the country to ensure they are equipped to offer high tech skills.

The grant is worth approximately €4,000 for a 100 pupil school

and approximately €11,000 for a 500 pupil school at primary level. At post-primary grants of €15,000 are available for a 500 student school, and over €27,000 for a 1,000 student school.

Some examples of equipment local schools can purchase with this funding are:

cloud based applications used to support the teaching and learning process.

· Teaching computers/ shared student computers. These may include desktop PCs, laptops, tablets or hybrid devices.

Training our young people is key if we are to keep these jobs into the future and this is an opportunity to ensure our schools have high spec equipment to train children and teenagers.

Together with the Institute of Technology as well as other post leaving certificate qualifications we have a strong educational infrastructure at every level to ensure young people in Tallaght will continue to fill the jobs of the future.”

· Projectors including short throw or ultrashort throw, long throw, interactive, or interactive flat screens (IFS). · Cloud based tools and applications to support learning. · Learning platforms – these are generally

Tallaght is a hub of high tech, cutting edge and advanced industry with many companies attracted to our communities by the availability of high skilled workers.

HOSPITAL CAR PARKING GUIDELINES NEEDED TO REDUCE COSTS FOR PATIENTS WITH LONG TERM ILLNESSES Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone, called for hospital car parking guidelines to reduce costs for patients with long term illnesses.

"It is appalling that many relatives of patients with long term illnesses are being forced to fork out exorbitant costs for hospital car parking.

“I was dismayed to hear of a case of the wife of a cancer patient who had to pay €1,200 on hospital car parking in Beaumount Hospital over the course of her husband’s six month stay.

"It is unfair that patients and their families should have to bear such high costs. A 3 hour stay in Tallaght Hospital will cost €7.50, this is almost twice what shoppers will pay in the Square Shopping Centre, a mere stones’ throw from the hospital.

"According to a recent report by The Irish Cancer society - Dublin Hospitals are the most expensive with a four hour stay costing €8.86 on average. Meanwhile, only seven of the 27 cancer treatment hospitals offer weekly discounted car parking rates.

“Paying such high rates on a regular basis adds financial pressure to families and patients who are already under significant physical and psychological stress. Although a discounted rate of car parking is offered to relatives of long term patients in some hospitals, in my view this is not enough.

“I am calling on the Minister for Health Simon Harris to distribute car parking guidelines, similar to what the NHS has done in the UK, in order to reduce and streamline the cost of parking for long term illness patients and their families.”

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PRIMARY CARE PLANS DON’T MATCH GOVERNMENT’S SUPPOSED COMMITMENT TO SECTOR

- €30 million increase hardly a 'decisive shift' while no progress to advance Primary Health Care Centres in Dublin Mid-West continues Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West John Curran has said that he is extremely disappointed at the allocation for primary health care services in the 2017 HSE Service Plan.

“Despite regular pronouncements by various Ministers about the crucial role of primary health care, and the need to increase the capacity of primary care providers such as GPs, Pharmacists and Community Nurses, there is nothing in the Service Plan to make me believe that the HSE has a plan to use primary care to alleviate blockages in the acute health system,” said Curran.

“Minister Harris has only secured an additional €30 million to the primary care budget, bringing it to €808 million for the year."

“While this is an increase of 4%, it is hardly in keeping with the 'decisive shift of the Health Service to Primary Care' which is the first health priority in the Programme for Government,” added Curran.

“The 4% increase is masking the fact that just €12 extra is being made to expand existing services or develop new ones in 2017. Dublin MidWest continues to lack primary care service provision. The

John Curran TD Government continues to show a lack of urgency to provide the 3 promised Primary Health Care Centres in the area. I am at a loss to understand why little or no progress has been made on these specific cases in Dublin Mid-West. The locations are in Rowlagh North Clondalkin, Clondalkin Village and Lucan" said the Dublin Mid-West TD. “While I welcome the

announcement of an additional 50,000 GP Cards, I am unsure how they can make such a claim when a new contract with GPs has yet to be negotiated and agreed to by the various representative organisations.”

“The general public are getting fed up of commitments that may or may not come to fruition. It’s time the HSE, and the Minister responsible, get his ducks in a row before he makes public commitments.”

“More detail is needed, and expected in the primary care operation plan which is due to be published in early 2017,” concluded Curran.

FURTHER ACQUISITION OF LAND A WELCOME EXPANSION TO NATIONAL PARK - Wicklow Mountains National Park to expand by 1,983 hectares –

Reservoir in the Glenasmole Valley Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South West, John Lahart has welcomed the acquisition of a further 4,900 acres of the Dublin Mountains at Glenasmole Valley, in south County Dublin and says it is set to become a local and national treasure. This will bring the total size of the National Park to 22,000 hectares.

Speaking following the announcement Deputy Lahart said, “Having met with locals, I shared their concerns

regarding the future use of the area which straddles the Dublin/ Wicklow Mountains and is classified as moorland and mountain land.

“As former chairperson of South Dublin County Council’s Tourism Strategy Group, I am acutely aware of how vital this land is as an amenity; to local people and visitors alike, due to its vast expanse and unspoiled habitat.

"As part of a longstanding strategy

to obtain key environmental assets, I am pleased that the Department has seized the opportunity to expand the Wicklow Mountains National Park into some of the picturesque lands in my constituency, known as the Featherbeds," he added.

“This is hugely beneficial for the preservation of our natural heritage and will now become an area of conservation and amenity. The area

also has huge tourist potential and the capacity to attract significant tourist numbers.

“As our local national park expands it will become the largest of its kind in Ireland, Such an initiative has the potential to create thousands of jobs in the wider locality and region. I hope that the purchase of the land by the state will secure its future as an unspoiled natural amenity for generations to come.”

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Miriam O’Shea Slimming World Bohernabreena St. Annes’s GAA Club Bohernabreena, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Tuesday Mornings 9:30am & 11:30am.

Tuesday Evenings: 3:30pm, 5:30pm & 7:30pm.

Mobile: 087 9703016 Caroline Mulhall Slimming World Kilnamanagh Kilnamanagh Community Centre Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Monday Evenings: 5:30pm & 7:30pm Wednesday Evenings: 5:30pm & 7:30pm Mobile: 086 3057043 Sandra Maxwell Slimming World St. Mark’s GAA Club McGee Park, Cookstown Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Tuesday Evenings: 5:30pm & 7:30pm Wednesday mornings: 9:30am.

Mobile: 085 1484669

Pauline Slimming World Plaza Hotel Plaza Hotel, 1st Floor, Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: NEW Monday Mornings 9:30am Thursday Mornings: 9:30am & 11:30am Thursday Evenings: 5:30pm & 7:30pm.

Mobile: 085 7704751 Sandra Maxwell Slimming World Maldron Hotel Tallaght Maldron Hotel, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Friday Mornings: 9:30am Mobile: 085 1484669 Pamela Slimming World Old Bawn The Maldron Hotel, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

Times: Monday Evenings: 3:30pm, 5:30pm & 7:30pm Tuesday Mornings: 9:30am Mobile: 086 1231774 Noeleen Herbage Slimming Word Templeogue St. Marys Rugby Club Templeville Road, Templeogue, Dublin 6W. Times: Wednesdays 9:30am, 11:30am, 3:30pm, 5:30pm & 7:30pm.

Thursday Mornings: 9:30am Mobile: 085 749 9296

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Cherie Slimming World Lucan Chinese Gospel Church, Esker House, Esker Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin.

Times: Thursdays 9:30am, 11:30am, 5:30pm & 7:30pm.

Friday mornings 9:30am Mobile: 085 1008666 Karen Brady Slimming World Green Isle Hotel Naas Road, Newlands Cross, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.

Times: Wednesday Evenings: 3:30pm, 5:30pm & 7:30pm.

Mobile: 086 4104823 Karen Brady Slimming World Neilstown St. Peter Apostle Senior School, Neilstown, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.

Times: Thursday Evenings: 5:30pm & 7:30pm Mobile: 086 4104823 Karen Brady Slimming World Neilstown Neilstown Boxing Club Clondalkin, Dublin 22 Times: Thursday Mornings 9:30am Mobile: 086 4104823 Claudia Slimming World Finnstown Castle Hotel Newcastle Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin.

Times: Wednesday Evenings: 7:30pm Mobile: 085 248 3482

Ann-Marie Mulhere Slimming World Clarion Liffey Valley Clarion Hotel Liffey Valley Fonthill, Lucan, Co. Dublin Times: Thursday Evenings 5:30pm & 7:30pm (From 12th January) Mobile: 083 825 3210

NEW GROUP'S Vicki Slimming World Tallaght Plaza Hotel Plaza Hotel Belgard Road Tallaght Dublin 24 Times: Wednesday Evenings 5:30pm & 7:30pm Mobile: 087 919 2440 Christine Murphy Slimming World Tallaght Plaza Hotel Plaza Hotel Belgard Road Tallaght Dublin 24 Times: Saturday Mornings: 10am Mobile: 086 088 5142

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SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND!!

Tallaght's latest Slimming World group offers help and support on a Saturday morning

CHRISTINE Murphy had had enough.

It was August 2014 and the mother of four including then-threeyear-old triplets - was unhappy in her size 20 clothes.

And so began her Slimming World adventure, one which has seen her just open up her own group to pass on the help and support she has found invaluable on her journey - which is still ongoing - back to a slim and healthy size 12.

Christine's brandnew group opened on Saturday, January 7th at 10am in Tallaght's Plaza Hotel - and as the first of its kind to open on a Saturday in tallaght - it's sure to be a runaway success!

As somebody who has fought with weight issues throughout her life, Christine feels that Slimming World offers a chance to embrace a healthy and satisfied lifestyle, shunning fad or yo-yo dieting which inevitably leads to disappointment.

Christine explains: "My approach to eating was always 'all or nothing'. For as long as I can remember my weight has always bothered me, and I'd hide away not wanting to go anywhere. I'd stay home in my pjs, rather than go on a night out because nothing would fit me anyway.

"I call myself 'queen of the yo-yo diets' going from my biggest, a size 20, down to a size 12.

"In August 2014 my sister had been asking me for a while to join Slimming World. I didn't know too much about it but I went along anyway. To my utter disbelief I weighed 15st10, my heaviest ever! I hadn't even been that heavy when I was pregnant with the triplets. That's when I just knew something had to change. My boys were three years old and very active and I couldn't even run after them.

"So I took the plunge.

My consultant was so welcoming, explaining

the plan in detail and describing how to optimise food. I just couldn't believe that you eat all that food and still lose weight. I love cooking and trying out new recipes so I knew that this was the way for me. All I had to do was make some clever swaps and I could still eat and enjoy all the family favourites.

off would be stay with your group and be true to yourself. My days of yo-yo dieting are behind me because food optimising and Slimming World is my new way of life.

Christine's group is in the Plaza Hotel, Belgard Road, Tallaght

Dublin 24 Times: Saturday Mornings: 10am Mobile: 086 088 5142 Pictured below: Christine before jointing Slimming World Right: Christine dropped from a size 20 to a size 12

"On my first weigh-in I had lost 9lbs! I couldn't believe it. I had never eaten so much food and lost weight before: spaghetti bolognese, burger and chips, tikka-masala, steak and potatoes...nothing was off-limits.

"Before I knew it I'd lost two-and-a-half stone. Like everyone I still have my ups and downs, but it's not a race, it's a lifestyle change.

"I am so passionate about helping others now to lose weight that I decided to take the plunge and open up my own Slimming World group. My top tip to anyone starting

THE CHANGES IN ME.... "2st and 7lb lighter, I can roller skate without fear"

Hiya I am Vicki,

For A number of years, I was struggling with my weight & food, where I loved food, it didn’t quite love me, So in August of 2014, after trying all different types of diets, I joined Slimming World, after much encouragement from my sister, who happened to be a member and is doing amazingly well, as I was convinced nothing would work for me as I was at a point, I would lose weight for a while and then it would all go back on with interest added, but she told me all about the group that she attends, and its lovely consultant and how she was there to help and encourage you, Although I was skeptical about it all I still went along, I listen to the new members

talk about free foods, and how I could eat these in abundance and at any time of the day too, healthy B’s Healthy A’s and Syns (as in treats & sweets and not sins as in the biblical sense) So I was convinced there and then that I could do this, so I filled in a membership form and handed over my fee, I then left armed with my new members pack ready to take on the world, well the food world that is, So I returned for my 1st weigh in all anxious and full of doubt, when I stepped on the scales and I had lost 3 and half pounds to say I was shocked was an understatement as the only other time I lost 3 and half pound, was from my purse to pay for a pizza.

I was delight with life, to be able to eat fabulous free foods & make meals at any time of the day and lose weight was the best feeling ever, filling up on fruit and veg, and still having my favorite meals at dinner time, was & is amazing, to be able to still eat chips, pasta & bread and lose weight, win win all round, As I now know that food actually does love me just as much as I love food, the choices from all day breakfast with bacon medallions, chili con carni with lots of fresh veg, spicy speedy tomato soup on a cold winters evening or the chicken mushroom pasta dish with its pasta based tomato sauce for a speedy dinner after a long day at the office, what’s not to love… and you still get to enjoy a

chocolate treat while watching the TV on a Saturday night.

So here I am in 2016, 2st and 7lb lighter, I can roller skate without fear, I work out regularly and I do pole fitness classes once a week something I would never have even considered before, let alone be doing…

Slimming World Family THANK YOU. And I now start another new Journey with Slimming World as a Slimming World Consultant, Every Wednesday evening @ 5.30pm & 7.30pm in The Plaza Hotel, Tallaght.

All welcome, hope to see you there, Vicki 087 970 4407

Vicki is starting another new Journey with Slimming World as a Slimming World Consultant

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Call 01 4081873 for a FREE consultation or visit www.totallaserhealth.com for more information

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EXCITING NEWS FROM ST. DAMIAN’S SCHOOL, PERRYSTOWN

The European Commission’s Lifelong Learning Programme has chosen St. Damian’s school to take part in its Erasmus plus Schools Partnership programme. Over the next two years they will be working alongside schools from 5 different countries – Italy, Turkey, Romania, Poland and Greece on a project titled “European Folktales:Hidden Treasures” This is an EU funded project which allows the students in St. Damian’s to work alongside the children in the European Partner schools through the use of ICT based on the theme of “European Folktales: Hidden Treasures.” Over the course of the two year project the children will share Irish culture

and history and learn about the culture and history of the other countries.

Last November St. Damian’s hosted a project meeting and had visiting teachers from project partner schools. The teachers visited the classrooms to meet the children and see the work they have been doing so far based on the theme “Folktales.”

They hosted an assembly where children presented folktales to their visitors. There was a performance by 4th class of “Rent Day” from the folk tale collection of WB Yeats and 5th class had projector show on another folktale “The Well at the End of the World”. Guss O’Connell the Lord Mayor of South County Dublin

paid a visit to meet the children and their visitors. The students gave demonstration matches of Hurling and Gaelic for the visitors, they also set up a European Marketplace with fantastic displays to share pictures, information, food, art and even traditional costumes with the staff and students in St. Damian’s.

St Damian’s is a 13 teacher school in Dublin 12 with 246 pupils. Students mainly come from Crumlin, Drimnagh, Walkinstown and Perrystown. More information is available on their blog, www. scoildamian.scoilnet. ie/blog You can also find further information on the Erasmusplus School’s Partnership Programme on www. leargas.ie.

Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone, has said that improved education about internet safety needs to be introduced to schools nationwide.

Senator Noone was commenting following the recent publication of Cyber Safe Ireland’s 2016 annual report which focused on the education of young people in cyber-safety.

“I recently read Cyber Safe Ireland’s annual report which, for many reasons, gave considerable cause for concern. The report focused on children between the ages of 11 and 13 in Wicklow and Dublin, revealing some alarming statistics regarding their internet use.

“While 19% of the 2,321 children surveyed for the report said they spent in excess of 4 hours online a day, 28% said they were in contact with a stranger online occasionally, or some even every day.

“This is further unsettling as countless minors have unsupervised access to the internet due to the increased use of smart phones among Ireland’s children today. Many parents do not know what their children are doing online, or who they are in contact with.

“The report also found that 84% of teachers surveyed for the report do not cover online safety as part of the curriculum, while

64% said that they do not feel they have sufficient resources to effectively deliver educational messages on internet safety.

“These results are worrying and therefore, I am urging the government to invest in increased and improved cyber-safety education in schools nationwide to protect against the steadily growing dangers of the internet as an increased number of young children gain access to the internet than ever before.

“I also encourage parents to familiarise themselves in issues relating to cybersafety, and to be aware of what their children are getting up to online.”

INCREASED CYBER-SAFETY EDUCATION NEEDS TO BE INTRODUCED IN SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE

DEVELOPING COUNTRIES STAND TO LOSE THE MOST FROM BREXIT Dublin MEP, Brian Hayes, has said that countries in the developing world stand to be the biggest casualty when the UK leaves the European Union.

“When the United Kingdom eventually leaves the EU, funding to the European Development Fund will be reduced by 15%. THE EDF is the European Union’s main instrument for providing aid to developing countries. It is worth over €30 billion and supports the poorest countries in the world in areas such as health, education, humanitarian assistance and gender equality. It is a vital

source of funding to these countries.

“The new political reality we find ourselves in as a result of Brexit means that there will be a significant hole in future development funds.

“Brexit will have a major impact in every sector. That is very clear.

However, EU Leaders must recognise the impact it will have on the countries furthest from the UK. We cannot forget about our responsibility to the citizens of these countries.

Failure to do so could potentially have a seriously detrimental effect on what has been achieved through decades of developmental funding.”

Pictured are Teachers from St. Damian's NS, Perrystown, with Guss O’Connell the Lord Mayor of South County Dublin, at the meeting for their new European Erasmus Project, "European Folktales, Hidden Treasures"

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The Legal Column

In this edition, Romaine Scally, Principal in the Firm of Romaine Scally and Co, Solicitors, deals with how to make a complaint about an item or product which was not fit for purpose. As always, please send your queries to Romaine Scally & Co, Solicitors, Main Street, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24. Telephone 4599506, Email – legal@scally.ie.

Now that Christmas is over many of us have received gifts or purchased items for ourselves some of which may not be fit for purpose, the question arises as to how we should complain and what is the best way to make sure that our complaint is dealt with.

In Ireland, we are not great when it comes to complaining. When it comes to effective complaining, it is essential that we know our rights. Indeed it is also important to know the rights that you don’t have. All too often, we hear about consumers complaining about retailers who refuse to sell them a product for the much lower price it was incorrectly marked at on the shelf. This is a common complaint but the reality is that retailers are NOT OBLIGED to do that. Until money changes hands, there is NO CONTRACT in place. So, if a consumer spots a pricing error before actually buying the product then, the retailer is perfectly entitled to demand that the consumer pays the higher price.

In addition, consumers do not have the automatic right to a refund or a replacement if a product turns out to be faulty or flawed in some way. A provider can instead offer to repair it. If it breaks down again, they can offer to repair it again. They can’t keep repairing it forever but, they are entitled to attempt to repair the item two or three times before they have to consider either a refund or a replacement.

If you pay a deposit for something and then change your mind, you must not automatically assume that the provider of the Goods or Services will give you your money back. They might, but this will be down to the individual Retailer’s policy.

They do not legally have to give you your money back.

If you get a replacement product under Warranty, the Warranty clock is not reset to zero. So, if your laptop breaks down after 10 months and you get a new one, do not be surprised if the manufacturer tells you that the new laptop has a Warranty of only two months being the 10 months since the original purchase plus the additional two.

If you are going to make a complaint, it

is always worth looking up your consumer rights under the law. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission website www.consumerhelp.ie has extensive information on this in the section entitled ‘Your Rights’ you can also call the low call helpline at 1890-43 24 32 if you have a question about your rights. A word of warning however, do not under any circumstances call the helpline number from your mobile number. It will cost you an absolute fortune if you are on the line for any length of time. If you need to make contact with the organisation using a mobile phone call them at 01-4025555.

It will save you money.

It is also important to remember that if you buy a product in a shop, you have no rights under Consumer Law if the product is not faulty or if you simply change your mind. There is no point whatsoever in creating a scene in a shop if they won’t entertain your pleas for a refund or a swap of something you thought was fantastic at the time but have decided to now return. In addition, a shop does not have to entertain you if a problem develops as a direct result of something unfortunate you have done to the item you purchased.

So, if you drop your phone in the sink don’t expect to be given a replacement.

Similarly, if the fault is pointed out to you at the time of purchase and you go ahead with the purchase, you have no right to a refund.

When preparing to complain about anything, it is always a good idea to read the terms and conditions first. Knowledge is power. The terms and conditions can be set out in a manner which is tedious but, it is important to be aware of your rights and to read the terms and conditions. You are most likely to succeed in complaining if you set yourself clear goals before you start. You should always have an idea of what it is you want before you start the process. Work out whether you want a refund or will be happy with a repair.

Decide if you want compensation or will be happy with an apology. It is important not to make it up as you go along. It is always important to be flexible and polite. Being aggressive rarely results in winning an argument. People react better to a polite complaint. Apart from that you probably do not want to be the person who shouts at the poor unfortunate staff member working in a shop on a minimum wage or similarly in a call centre. It is also important to make sure that you act quickly if you want to make a complaint.

If you buy something that is clearly not fit for purpose or is not as advertised and you don’t return it for months, your case will be significantly weakened. Similarly, if you complain about the steak you ordered after you have eaten most of it the Waiter will be perfectly entitled to question your argument. Remember also that when it comes to certain things, there is a Statute of Limitations on a complaint. If, for example, you are making a complaint about a package holiday that went wrong, you have to do it within 28 days of returning home. Always go to the effort of finding out to whom you should direct your complaint. If possible, you should first make contact with the person you

dealt with in the first place or a company’s Customer Care Department. If things are going badly and you are on the phone to a Customer Care Agent, ask to speak to a manager or a supervisor. It is true that almost inevitably, you will be told that there is no one available but you should at least ask. Request the name of the person you were speaking to and ask whether the call is being recorded. Above all stay calm. If your phone calls are falling on deaf ears you have no choice but to put your complaint in writing. Try to make it as concise and polite as possible. To be fair, it has never been easier to make a complaint in a very public way using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or whatever social media platform you are fond of using yourself. Remember again however to be polite. These sites are populated with enough trouble makers already. You don’t want to be just another one. When it comes to sharing personal details on such sites, limit the amount of information you put in the public domain.

Good record keeping is essential when it comes to complaining. Keep notes of what happened and when it happened. Write a quick timeline of your grievances or at least the serious ones. If, for example, you are complaining about the milk you bought being sour, such a timeline is probably not necessary but for serious issues record the sequence of events and include dates and times of phone calls or other conversations. Write down to whom you spoke and what was said.

It is important not to allow yourself to be fobbed off by a shop assistant who says that you are to blame for whatever has gone wrong. Some young worker in a phone shop is not qualified to tell you that your iPhone has suffered water damage because you dropped it in a sink even if that is true. They have to send the part off to be properly assessed before that decision is made.

If you are going around in circles trying to get a problem resolved, you will have to make a formal complaint in writing.

Make sure that the letter is sent to the right person or department. Ask for the name and address of the most senior person you can contact who deals with written complaints. You might also be able to uncover this information using Google. When you are sending a letter of complaint if at all possible have it typed and send supporting documentation but copies only. You may need to keep the originals for a later date. Set out the history of your case and who you spoke to, explain what the problem is and what you would like to see done. Include a reasonable time frame for a problem to be resolved and make it clear what will happen if the problem is not resolved.

You can go to the Small Claims Court, send a letter to Pricewatch or indeed make contact with the local media. Send the letter by registered post. It will cost a little more but it ensures a proper paper trail.

Some services are covered by an Ombudsman or Regulator. Find out if yours is. There is a Financial Services Ombudsman, A Pensions Ombudsman, a Taxi Regulator and Comreg for starters.

But remember, they can rarely be your starting point and you will have to exhaust the complaints procedure for that sector or deal with the company you purchased your product from before the Regulators will entertain you.

Some organisations sound like they have more clout than they actually have. The Consumers Organisation of Ireland, for example, is great when it comes to advice but do not expect it to fight your corner as they do not have the resources. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission similarly do not take on individual cases. Ring for advice by all means but there is little point in using the Commission as a bargaining chip when dealing with bad traders.

The Small Claims Procedure on the other hand does have clout. It is a cheap, fast and relatively simple way to resolve some types of disputes without having to use a Solicitor. The application fee is €25 which is non-refundable and the service is provided in your local District Court Office.

You can use the Small Claims procedure if your claim is for €2000 or less, but only certain claims will be entertained. It does not handle debts, Personal Injuries or breaches of leasing agreements. Nor does it does it deal with most claims about rental properties as these can be dealt with separately under the PRTB. Following on is a sample letter which might get you started with your complaint and works as a check list to include all the significant and relevant informationDear Sir/Madam, On (insert date of purchase) I bought (description of the product, including model or serial number or any other identifying details). I attach a copy of my receipt for your information. I am writing to you because (outline the problem). The product is faulty and is no longer working and/or the product does not do what it is supposed to do and/or the product is not as described.

On (insert date) I rang and spoke to (insert name of person you spoke to) but (insert outcome here, for example I have heard nothing further since). According to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commissions website, www. consumerhelp.ie goods purchased from a shop or Retailer should be:(a) Of acceptable quality. (b) As described. (c) Fit for purpose. (d) Corresponding to sample Under Consumer law my contract is with the seller of the goods as such I am writing to you to seek (state what you want the supplier to do e.g. offer repair, replacement or a refund).

I would appreciate your response within 10 working days. If you wish to discuss this further, I am contactable by telephone/ email at (insert day time number/email/ address (optional)).

Yours sincerely, ___________________ I hope this has been helpful but that not too many of our readers need to avail of this advice following Christmas purchases or presents.

May we also take this opportunity to wish all our readers a very happy New Year!

In contentious business a Solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

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TALLAGHT AND BLUEBELL WOMEN CELEBRATE AFTER COMPLETING IRISH CANCER SOCIETY ‘WE CAN QUIT’ PROGRAMME A group of women from both the Tallaght and Bluebell areas came together to celebrate recently after completing a free programme called ‘We Can Quit’ which aims to help women join forces to quit smoking together.

A total of 18 women from the two areas successfully attended and completed the two courses, one in the Fettercairn Resource Centre and one in the Bluebell Community Centre. We Can Quit is an initiative of the Irish Cancer Society, in partnership with HSE Health Promotion and Improvement, South Dublin County Council, Fettercairn Community Health Project, South Dublin County Partnership, Dublin South City Partnership, Canal Communities, Dolphin CDA, Fatima Groups United, St

Teresa’s Gardens and local pharmacies.

The women joined the free 12-week programme in September and began their quitting journey together. They attended weekly group sessions and one to one support meetings as well as receiving 12 weeks of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to the value of €450 free of charge.

The programme was open to female smokers over the age of 18 years and living in the Tallaght / Bluebells areas.

Rachel Burke, Community Cancer Prevention Officer at the Irish Cancer Society said: “On behalf of the Irish Cancer Society, I want to congratulate all of the fantastic, determined women who have completed this We Can Quit programme. It is an achievement which

they can be very proud of and it will have a positive impact on their health, their lives and their families’ lives.

“Giving up smoking is hard. But We Can Quit offers women support and encouragement to get through it. Through the programme, women can access a friendly and supportive network of like-minded women who really understand what they are going through and often continue meeting up with their groups long after the course has finished.”

“This is our 2nd time running the programme in Tallaght and our 1st time running it in Bluebell. We have many women across the area who have managed to successfully quit smoking as a result of the initiative and we look forward to welcoming more women to our next

course in January.”

To find out more about We Can Quit or to register your interest for the next course, visit the Irish Cancer Society’s website www. cancer.ie/we-can-quit or contact Rachel Burke rburke@irishcancer.ie or call 01 2316669.

Pictured with representatives from the Irish Cancer Society, HSE and local community organisations, participants in the Tallaght and Bluebell ‘We Can Quit’ programmes celebrate at their graduation ceremony in Fettercairn Resource Centre recently. ‘We Can Quit’ is an initiative of the Irish Cancer Society and aims to help women join forces to quit smoking together.

Inset: Phyllis McHugh is pictured with her grandchildren Abbie and Darragh.

HOUSE PRICE INFLATION SET TO ACCELERATE TO 8% OR MORE IN 2017

FIRST FORTNIGHT FESTIVAL

Asking prices in Dublin North up 8% year on year but by modest 1.5% in Dublin South

House price inflation is set to accelerate in 2017 to 8% driven by the economic recovery and an ever tightening housing market according to the latest house price survey from MyHome.ie<http:// myhome.ie> in association with Davy.

However the report warns that the combined impact of the Help-to-Buy scheme and looser lending rules means that double-digit house price inflation is a distinct possibility in 2017.

The warning comes despite a subdued end to 2016 which saw the prices of newly listed properties on the MyHome website fall 2.2% on the quarter, in line with normal seasonal patterns. However prices nationally are up 5.5% year on year.

In Dublin the mix adjusted asking prices for a newly listed property remained unchanged at €328K, but this is still up 4.9% year on year. The figure nationally was €227K. The median asking price across all property types rose by 8% year on year in Dublin North to €270K, by 2.7% to €225K in Dublin West, by 1.5% to €330K in Dublin South, while it remained unchanged at €250K in Dublin South City.

The price of the most popular house type, the 3 bed semi, fell by 1.72% in Dublin in Q4 to €285K. While the price of a 4 bed semi remained unchanged at €425K, this is still an annual increase of 6.5%.

The author of the report, Conall MacCoille, Chief Economist at Davy, said robust jobs growth and the lack of supply, especially in Dublin, were already likely to deliver substantial house price gains this year. But he said public policy on two fronts will help to further stimulate house price inflation in 2017.

“The Help-to-Buy scheme – providing a tax rebate worth 5% of the purchase price of newly-built homes to first-time buyers – will add fuel to the fire. In the short term, the measure is likely to push up house prices, helping builders’ profit margins. However there is likely to be little material impact on housing supply as land prices quickly rise” “Secondly the Central Bank of Ireland has relaxed its lending rules so that there are no restrictions on the availability of 90% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgages to first time buyers. While the immediate impact of the change is likely to be small, limited to Dublin and commuter belt counties which account for the bulk of transactions above the €220K threshold, the main impact may be on expectations.

As the housing market tightens, first time buyers desperate to secure homes will be encouraged to take out the maximum 90% LTV loans” According to MacCoille the price moves in Q4 were in line with expectations. “In previous years activity was artificially

inflated by expiring tax reliefs or fears of a credit crunch ahead of the introduction of new Central Bank lending rules. This year no such distortion exists.”

The Managing Director of MyHome. ie<http://myhome.ie> Angela Keegan said the number of properties listed for sale fell to a fresh low in Q4.

“In Q4 2016 there were just 20,875 properties listed for sale on the MyHome website – down 7.7% on last year. This means that just 1% of the Irish housing stock is currently listed for sale. The lack of liquidity is particularly acute in Dublin where there are just 3,619 properties listed for sale. This is down 20% on last year and means just 0.7% of Dublin’s housing stock of 535,000 properties is currently listed for sale.”

“In this context buyers are becoming more desperate to secure properties. In Q4 the average time to sale agreed fell to a new low of four months across Ireland and to just three months in Dublin. The figures now suggest that the average house is sold just once every 50 years, whereas in the UK it’s half that” Keegan said.

The median asking price of newly listed properties excluding Dublin is up 10% year on year at €185K. The full report is available on request or at www.myhome. ie/reports<http://www.myhome.ie/ reports>

Pictured opening the First Fortnight mental health arts festival were Irish band Otherkin along with First Fortnight co-founder David Keegan (second from right). Otherkin will perform at the Button Factory, Dublin on January 14 as part of First Fortnight. Artwork, Cubist Jelly, by Dublin artist Emma Sheridan features on First Fortnight's promotional material. The First Fortnight festival aims to challenge mental health stigma through arts events, including music, film, theatre and spoken word and runs until January 20 in venues across Ireland. See www.firstfortnight.ie. (Picture Conor McCabe Photography)

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A PROUD FESTIVE SEASON FOR OUR VILLAGES

‘A proud festive season for our villages’ is how local Councillor Emer Higgins has described the Christmas celebrations in Clondalkin, Newcastle and Rathcoole.

“The Christmas spirit was very much alive in the villages of Clondalkin, Newcastle and Rathcoole. It saw Aras Chronain host their

twelfth Beithilin Beo live crib. It was the first time I experienced the magic of this absolutely fantastic event and I'd like to congratulate Brian and all his team of volunteers and supporters who brought the spirit of Christmas to life throughout the festive season. The Christmas spirit also saw both Newcastle and Rathcoole welcome

THE STROKE SUPPORT GROUP is for people who have had a stroke, their family and carers.

It provides information about Stroke.

There are different speakers and topics every month.There is also time for tea & coffee and a chat with others.

VENUE: County Library Tallaght Dublin 24.

The Library is located across from the Square Shopping Centre and at the terminus of the Luas Red Line. The group is on in the conference room on the ground floor which is accessible by a ramp or lift.

THE GROUP IS ON THE THIRD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH: 17TH JANUARY 2017 Ronan Collins (Stroke Consultant) 21ST FEBRUARY 2017 Derek Cummins (Stroke survivor) 21ST MARCH 2017 Memory and driving after stroke 18TH APRIL 2017 Setting goals after a stroke Time: 11am – 12.30pm WHO SHOULD ATTEND? The group is FREE and meets once a month. Unfortunately NO transport can be provided. If you require further information please contact: Miriam Mullaney Physiotherapist HSE at 087 6596901 or Nicola Cogan/ Suzanne Greene, Stroke Nurses Tallaght Hospital at 01-4143219.

Santa Claus to turn on their lights and host their own Christmas Fairs. I was delighted to officially open Newcastle’s first ever St Finian’s GAA Club Christmas Fair," said Cllr. Emer Higgins

"I was delighted to help out again this year at the annual Rathcoole Senior Citizens Party for older people from the four districts of Rathcoole, Newcastle, Saggart and Brittas. It was their most successful event yet, bigger than ever before! The

event catered a full three course Christmas dinner to over 200 older residents. Volunteers from right across the villages and the Rathcoole Community Centre staff gave up their Saturday night to help serve the dinner guests under the leadership of the Centre Manager Tricia O’Halloran and the Rathcoole Community Council.

I’d like to say a huge well done to the chefs and organisers and to the RAMS from Newcastle who provided the

entertainment. It was great that An Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald could be with us again this year at what was a fantastic celebration for our local communities," continued local Councillor, Emer Higgins.

“Well done to everyone involved in lighting up our villages and spreading the Christmas cheer. It's been a really proud season for Clondalkin, Newcastle and Rathcoole,” concluded Councillor Emer Higgins.

Pictured Anne O'Riordan, Cllr. Emer Higgins, An Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald & Neville Graver at the Senior Citizens Christmas Party in Rathcoole

Produced by Claire Tighe and co-written by Claire with Karl Harpur, Helix pantomimes are renowned for their blow your socks off vocals, crafty comic timing and raucous family fun, and Aladdin promises to deliver the very best of family entertainment this festive season.

Musical director David Hayes of Voice of Ireland fame provides the music with a troupe of stunning dancers choreographed by Claire Tighe.

Theatreworx, the theatrical company run by Ireland's panto family the Tighe clan, has established a

MAGICAL ALADDIN AT THE HELIX SET FOR RECORD RUN

The wonderful Aladdin is set for a magical box office record run at Dublin's The Helix Theatre until Sunday, January 22.

Renowned for staging the city's best traditional pantomimes, The Helix, who extended the show by popular demand last year, are set to have their best panto year yet with some shows already sold out and demand for tickets at an all-time high.

Starring singing sensation Tom Moran and packed full of stunning special effects including a real flying carpet, the panto, set in the magical city of Agrabah, is destined to amaze, amuse, and truly enchant audiences.

The hugely popular and wickedly funny Eoin Cannon plays

panto villain Jafaah, with the lovely Danielle Williamson, winner of Irish musical societies (AIMS) best female vocalist award, brightening the stage as Princess Jasmine.

Veteran funny man Aidan Mannion is on target for his 500th panto performance at The Helix playing the gormless Janowah.

Magically materialising in puffs of smoke, Adam Lynch takes on the role of the Genie, while one of Irish musical theatre's most talented stars Liam Butler, is fluttering his giant eyelashes once again as Dame Lola.

Better known as the non-stop giggle generator, Colin Hughes playing Wishee, is in charge of audience sing-a-longs and creating general mayhem.

reputation with the critics for producing the country’s best professional pantomime.

All that talent is combined in Aladdin at The Helix to create a truly magical piece of heart-warming, laugh out loud family entertainment.

Pictured are Aladdin (Tom Moran) with Dame Lola (Liam Butler) and Wishee (Colin Hughes)

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SPORTS GRANTS WHICH WILL ENABLE OVER 30,000 OLDER PEOPLE TO GET ENGAGED IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ANNOUNCED

A total of 1,064 groups across Ireland are celebrating the awarding of grants to fund physical activity for older people (over 50). The Go for Life Grant Scheme from Age & Opportunity and Sport Ireland today announced grants totalling almost €300,000.

These

grants are aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of older people across the country by providing them with opportunities to engage in physical activity and sport. Grant recipients include Active Retirement Groups, ICA guilds, Local Sports Partnerships,

Sports Clubs, Family Resources Centres and many others who provide older people with opportunities to get active.

SUCCESSFUL SOUTH DUBLIN GROUPS INCLUDED: Firhouse Day Activity Centre (CRC), Kingswood Active Age Club Men ARA, Rathcoole ARA, Clondalkin ARA, Deafhear.ie (Dublin South), Killinarden Community Council Walking group, Ronanstown Womens Group, Quarryvale Family Resource Centre, Ronanstown Community Development Project CDP, St. Mark's Silver Surfers ARA, An Cosan CDP, Knocklyon ICA, Kilnamanagh ICA, Tallaght ICA. Pictured is Patrick O'Donovan TD, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport. (Picture: Diarmuid Greene)

FAILURE TO INCREASE HOME HELP HOURS WILL AGGRAVATE EXISTING CRISES IN HEALTH SYSTEM "I WAS SHOCKED TO LEARN THAT IN MY OWN AREA OF DUBLIN MIDWEST HOME HELP HOURS HAVE DECREASED BY 87,000 HOURS IN 2015 SINCE 2011" - CURRAN Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West John Curran has said that the announcement in the HSE’s Service Plan for 2017 that no additional home help hours are to be provided will put severe pressure on families, and will continue the chronic overcrowding in our hospitals.

“The HSE Service Plan has ignored the crying need for additional home help hours across the country, and will ensure that thousands of older people will be left without the support they need,” said John Curran.

"The plan also ignores the Programme for Government commitment to increase the number of home help hours.

Indeed, the 2016

Fine Gael manifesto pledged an additional 2.2 million home help hours over the next five years, so really we should have been seeing in the region of 400,000 being announced for 2017 if they were keeping to their own commitments."

“The upshot of this decision is that further pressure will be put on the already stretched nursing home system as older people will not have the supports they need to stay in their homes.”

"I was shocked to learn that in my own area of Dublin Mid-West, home help hours have continued to decrease.

New information provided to me through a parliamentary question to the Minister for Health shows that

locally in the Dublin West HSE region home help hours are continuing to decrease since 2011. The Number of home help hours provided in 2011 in the HSE Dublin West Region was 259,881 compared to 173,223 in 2015, a drop of 87,000 hours.

And the 2016 numbers look as though they are projected to be at a historic low point.

“Health professionals all say that outcomes are better for older people if they are able to remain their own homes, supported by home helps, and their families,” added Curran.

“In addition to adding pressure to the nursing home system, a lack of home help hours will ensure that older people with chronic

conditions will remain in the hospital system long after they are deemed able to go home.”

"The funding for the Fair Deal scheme has not been increased either, although the plan still estimates that more people will get it. Presumably this is to be achieved by the projected one month reduction in the average length of stay i.e. people dying sooner."

"The HSE has failed to think strategically with their Service Plan for 2017. I am disappointed

by Minister Harris’ failure to direct the HSE to invest more in this important area of Social Care despite a vastly increased overall budget,” concluded Curran.

MINISTER BRUTON ANNOUNCES ICT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS FOR PRIMARY AND POST-PRIMARY SCHOOLS The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton T.D., today announced he is investing €30m in ICT infrastructure grants for primary and post-primary schools.

The investment marks the start of the implementation of the government’s €210 Million Digital Strategy for Schools.

Announcing the Digital Strategy ICT Infrastructure Grant for 2016/2017, the Minister said he is pleased to confirm that the grant is worth approximately €4,000 for a 100 pupil school and approximately €11,000 for a 500 pupil school at primary level. At post-primary level, the Minister said that the grant is worth circa €15,000 for a 500 student school, and over €27,000 for a 1,000 student school.

The funding will support the development and implementation of an eLearning Plan for each school to embed ICT in teaching and learning.

Some examples of the infrastructure that schools can purchase with this funding are: Teaching computers/shared student computers. These may include desktop PCs, laptops, tablets or hybrid devices.

Projectors including short throw or ultra-short throw, long throw, interactive, or interactive flat

screens (IFS).

Cloud based tools and applications to support learning.

Learning platforms – these are generally cloud based applications used to support the teaching and learning process.

Minister Bruton said: “No matter what career a young person contemplates, there is one thing for sure, digital technology is revolutionising it. We can already see the agents of change – cloud, mobile, social and the internet of things.”

“For the generation of children recently born, creative thinking and problem-solving skills will be absolutely key to how they develop in reach and achieve their potential.

In particular, their ability to think critically and develop solutions in the digital world will be vital for their prospects in life.”

“Our Digital Strategy for Schools sets out a clear vision that is focussed on realising the potential of digital technologies to transform the learning experiences of students.

While we are introducing coding and computer science into the curriculum, we must also invest in the ICT infrastructure of our schools.

That is why we are making €30m in ICT grants available to schools in the coming weeks. In the next five years we will invest €210m in our schools.”

t: 01 414 6726

e: angelhairdressing@gmail.com www.angelhairdressing.ie

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Entertainment Guide

With

by Lynda O’Donoghue Donnelly email: lynda@newsgroup.ie

Covering ● Tallaght ● Clondalkin ● Lucan ● Rathcoole ● Saggart ● Newcastle TOP FIVE FILMS – CHANGE With January well and truly under way the word on everyone’s lip is ‘change’.

Many people associate the starts of the New Year with a transformation, resolutions to be better, brighter and healthier so this week we are looking at movies that highlight change.

Whether it is a change in attitude, appearance, lifestyle or simple a change of mind the characters in our Top Five Films go through a whole lot.

So, if you want a break from those January blues grab one of these little gems and relax for a while…

1.

Shrek – The transformation of Shrek and Fiona is clear for everyone to see in the smash hit children’s movie but is the change that they crave everything it is cracked up to be? The green ogre gets more than he bargained for when he sets off to save the princess and win back his swamp.

2. Ms Congeniality – Sandra Bullock at her hilarious best as an FBI agent who is abrasive, ungracious and outspoken.

She must undergo a major transformation as she goes undercover at a beauty pageant. Cue the hilarity and the inevitable soul searching and friend making.

3. The Family Man – When he is transported from his normal life as a rich investment broker to a poor dad-of-two working for his in-laws Nicholas Cage’s character Jack must reevaluate his life-goals. At first Jack is horrified and misses his money, fast cars and fleeting relationships but he comes to love the life he has missed out on. Worth a watch.

4. Deadpool – Not only does the main character undergo a major physical transformation in this movie but he also changes

his attitude and becomes hell-bent on revenge. Ryan Reynolds stars as the antisuperhero who is incredibly unlikable but very funny.

This movie has lots of change, a very clever script and excellent performances – but is not suitable for younger viewers.

5. Pay It Forward – A sensitive school boy tasked with changing the world for a social studies assignment invents a charitable pyramid scheme.

His idea is to “pay forward” favours threefold. This chain of kindness changes the lives of people who have never even met the youngster.

A fantastic performance from Haley Joel Osment and a brilliant film that will get the whole family thinking.

So, there you have it, five very different but very interesting movies about change that can inspire, encourage or simply entertain this January.

“As the world feels like it’s becoming a harsher place (maybe there’s just more damn noise?), we seek out the comfort of the familiar and familial…Arms.”

The band has described Arms as the “most difficult record” they have ever made and agonised over releasing it into the world.

The album is produced by the band and was recorded

by Tommy McLoughlin, David Geraghty, Glenn Keating and Ross Dowling at Attica Audio, The Numbers Station and The

BallOfSound.

Keating has also been playing live with the band this year taking command of the keys, whilst Rory Doyle (Hozier) is the band’s live drummer.

TALLAGHT ACTOR & WRITER RETURNS TO CIVIC TEATRE WITH 'DUBLIN OLDSCHOOL' Award-winning show Dublin Oldschool will take to the Civic Theatre stage next month in what will be a homecoming show for writer and actor Emmet Kirwan.

The talented Tallaght man grew up in the area and will bring his show to the local theatre after playing dates in London later this month.

Kirwan, who wrote and stars in the play, has received rave reviews for his originality and vision in bringing the innovative show to the stage.

The two-man play also stars the very funny Ian Lloyd Anderson and both performers sparkle as a pair of brothers getting reacquainted with one another.

Wannabe DJ Jason is taking

a trip through the streets of Dublin accompanied by his sharp rhymes, stash of drugs and musical notions when he bumps into his brother, Daniel.

The two have not seen each other in many years but as they reconnect homeless addict Daniel and his DJ brother realise they have more in common than they expected.

However, their chemically enhanced trip could be about to come to an end and what is left once the music is gone?

Presented by Project Arts Centre and directed by Phillip McMahon the show has already received plaudits from many quarters including five-star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Sharp dialogue, impressive

A scene from Pay It Forward

BELL X1 AT THE OLYMPIA Due to popular demand, Irish band Bell X1 have added a second show to their Olympia dates this January.

The three-piece Dublin outfit will use the Olympia gigs on January 20th and January 21st as a warm-up

to their hugely anticipated US Tour in February.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of the band’s seventh studio albums, Arms, which was released late last year.

Recorded in Dublin and Donegal, the album is the follow up to their third

Number 1 album, Chop Chop, which was released in 2013 and was their fourth consecutive album to be nominated for a Choice Music Prize.

Lucan singer Paul Noonan fronts the band and is excited about taking the new album on tour. He said:

Tickets for Bell X1’s shows at the Olympia on January 20th and January 21st are available now priced €33 inclusive of booking fee from Ticketmaster outlets and www.ticketmaster.ie.

Writer and actor Emmet Kirwan with Ian Lloyd Anderson

raps and deadly rhymes meet with assured performances and complete commitment to make Dublin Oldschool a mustsee show.

Having toured extensively in 2016 the show is back on the road this month with dates in Bray and London before returning to Dublin and Belfast in February.

Dublin Oldschool contains strong language and sexual references as well as references to drug taking and is recommended for people over 14-years-old.

Tickets for Dublin Oldschool at the Civic Theatre in Tallaght on February 7th and February 8th are available now priced from €16.

To book tickets or make enquires please contact the Box Office on 014627477.

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MINISTER ANNOUNCES DETAILS FOR LOCAL ENTERPRISE SHOWCASE AWARDS New awards from Local Enterprise Office South Dublin help “showcase” local craft and design talent

Local Enterprise Office South Dublin is introducing a new award competition to recognise excellence and innovation amongst craft makers and designers taking part in Showcase – Ireland’s International Creative Expo, which is being held in Dublin’s RDS later this month.

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms. Mary Mitchell O’ Connor T.D., announced details for the inaugural “Local Enterprise Showcase Awards” and that the winners will be revealed at Showcase, which attracts more than 5,000 buyers from around the world every year. The fourday event runs from January 22nd to 25th is organised by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and promoted internationally by

Enterprise Ireland.

The number of LEOsupported companies at Showcase has jumped from 97 in 2016 to 112 in 2017.

The LEO South Dublin supported business is Gary Byrne’s ‘Custom Wood Designs’, of Blessington Road, Saggart, Dublin 24.

Minister Mitchell O’Connor welcomed the introduction of the awards to mark emerging craft and design talent. The awards carry a first prize of a week’s product display in the Kilkenny Shop on Nassau Street, Dublin, and an opportunity to pitch their product to Kilkenny Shop buyers.

Minister Mitchell O’Connor, said: “Ireland has a wealth of design talent and I am very encouraged that the number of emerging craft and

design companies being supported by the Local Enterprise Offices at Showcase has increased this year. The LEOs have been a huge support for start-ups and small businesses in the blossoming design and craft sector. Supporting this creative sector will enable further job creation right across the country and I am delighted that these awards will recognise our incredible talent.”

“There is a strong appetite internationally for the work of Irish designers and makers, and the Local Enterprise Showcase is a great opportunity for craft makers to grow and develop. Our design and craft sector is contributing to jobs, exports, and tourism and Showcase plays a crucial role in helping put Irish companies on the international

design map.”

Colm Ward, Head of the Local Enterprise Office South Dublin said: “The new Local Enterprise Showcase is an ideal marketplace where buyers from around the world can meet local craftspeople and designers in person, helping small businesses get their big break. Our support for companies to be at Showcase is part of year-round supports offered from LEOs in local authorities to designers and craftspeople.

These supports also include financial assistance, mentoring, business advice clinics and training programmes.”

Minister Mitchell O’Connor met five LEOsupported businesses taking part in Local Enterprise Showcase at the announcement of the awards at

LAUNCH OF NETWORK OF ENTERPRISING WOMEN IN SOUTH DUBLIN "I was delighted to be part of the inaugural event to launch NEWS, the Network of Enterprising Women in South Dublin. This is the first official countywide women in business network and is open to all business women and female entrepreneurs across South County Dublin. The event was hosted by the South Dublin Local Enterprise Office and addressed by leading business women from our County including the Sherri Brennan, President of the South Dublin Chamber,” said Cllr. Emer Higgins, a member of the Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee who attended the event.

“The group intends hosting workshops and events right throughout 2017 and offers great opportunity for local business women. As both a County Councillor and a woman in business I have been involved in networks like this in the past I can personally vouch for the huge opportunity they offer women who want to grow their network and develop their skills. If you would like to get involved contact the South Dublin Local Enterprise Office where Colm and Amanda are doing a terrific job driving this positive initiative,” concluded Cllr.

Emer Higgins.

the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in Dublin.

In attendance was Kieran Comerford on behalf of the LEOs, the Chief Executive of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, Karen Hennessy and Gerry Murphy of Showcase Ireland Events Ltd. The exhibitors present were: Fragrance designer Joanne

Browne, of Jo Browne Natural Solid Perfume from Carlow, photographer Stewart Duffy, of Stewart Duffy Photography in Fingal, Co. Dublin, soap-maker Lucinda Layton, of Rose & Alice Handcrafted Soaps and Gifts from Co. Laois, Eoin Shanley, of Copper Fish Studio in Wicklow and Magdalena Dubaj, of Rainbow Stained Glass in Mayo.

The Local Enterprise Showcase is located along the Balcony Area of the RDS Main Hall at Showcase , which is open to trade buyers from Sunday, January 22nd to Wednesday, January 25th 2017.

Further information on enterprise supports available to the design and craft sector is available through www. localenterprise.ie.

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms. Mary Mitchell O' Connor T.D.,(pictured here in the centre with Kieran Comerford of the Local Enterprise Offices on the right and Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland on the left) has announced details of the "Local Enterprise Showcase Awards" for Local Enterprise Office (LEO) supported craft and design businesses taking part in Showcase at the RDS in January. Also pictured are Local Enterprise Showcase exhibitors (l to r) Stewart Duffy of Stewart Duffy Photography in Fingal, County Dublin, Lucinda Layton of Rose & Alice Handcrafted Soaps and Gifts in Laois, Eoin Shanley of Copper Fish Studio in Wicklow, Joanne Browne of Jo Browne Natural Solid Perfume in Carlow, Gerry Murphy, Showcase Ireland Events Ltd and Magdalena Dubaj of Rainbow Stained Glass in Mayo. (Photograph: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland)

NOVENAS NOVENAS NOVENAS NOVENAS NOVENAS NOVENAS

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. P.D. 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. M.P.D.

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. Also thanks to The Sacred Heart and St. Jude.

A.J.L. As our regular readers will know we have asked for your generosity in supporting very worthy charities over the last few years including NCBI Solas Centre in Clondalkin, Tir na nOg (Cheeverstown House) and Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice .

These charities have all been involved in providing vital services to children with special needs and their families.

We would like to thank all readers who have supported our chosen charities to date and while we will still be supporting Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice going forward, we are delighted to support The Irish Pilgrimage Trust.

volunteer carers who stay in one of the many Hotels in Lourdes.

We are appealing to you our loyal newspaper readers to show your generosity in helping us to support an equally worthy charity, The Irish Pilgrimage Trust.

We have two facilities in Kilcuan, Co. Galway and Cois Cuain, Co. Wexford each offering different opportunities.

Both facilities provide Friendship weeks during the Summer.

The Irish Pilgrimage Trust is a registered charity in Ireland (Charity Number: 5992), and for over 40 years the Trust has been travelling on pilgrimage/ holiday to Lourdes with young people with special needs, from all over Ireland.

The Trust has over 1100 people travelling at Easter time and it is divided into small groups of approx 10 young people and 12

In June we bring a group of 110 people to Hosanna House in Lourdes for what is a unique experience both Carer and Guest.

Application forms are available from our Office at 091 796622.

For more information on the Irish Pilgrimage Trust please contact us at 091 796622 or Email info@ irishpilgrimagetrust.com or visit our web page on http://www. irishpilgrimagetrust.com for more information..

If you would like a Novena published please send a postal

order or cheque made payable to The Irish Pilgrimage Trust and send it, along with your Novena to: Newsgroup, Unit 3, Floor 2, St. Dominic’s Shopping Centre, St Dominic’s Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 If you require any further information call us on 087 6535443.

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