Tallaght News

Tallaght News

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3RD. OCT. 2016 TEL: 01 451 3822 / 01 451 9000 email: info@newsgroup.ie web: www.newsgroup.ie

GOVERNMENTS RESPONSE TO THE HOMELESS CRISIS IS NOT WORKING Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe has described a 39% increase in the numbers of children and families deemed homeless as unacceptable, extremely disturbing and another indication that the Governments response to the Homeless crisis is not working.

The statistics released by the Dublin Simon Community has the total homeless population in the region currently at 4,962 which includes

998 families and 2012 children.Dublin Simon’s figure clearly show that the homeless crisis is clearly getting worse while the Government remains unwilling or incapable of resolving the crisis.This latest report highlights the failure and lack of any urgency in the Government’s housing policy.

“There number of homeless families presenting in Dublin in the last 12 months suggests that the crisis is set to deepen in the

coming months. This rise has to be halted and realistic proposals agreed and acted on. “ Sinn Féin have proposed effective solutions to alleviate the homeless crisis, including the building of 100,000 new social and affordable homes, measures that ensure 20% of social and affordable housing on all new developments and the making an extra €30 million available for emergency housing.

“We clearly need all

politicians to get on board and to work to eliminate this crisis.

We need action to solve the problem, not meaningless gestures or empty rhetoric.

“While Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and many of the ‘Enda –pendents’ are fighting tooth and nail to ensure that Apple do not pay € 13 billion in taxes that they supposedly owe, very little action has been taken to resolve the ongoing homeless crisis and which has been allowed to get worse and worse, month after the month as the statistics show.

“Just imagine the extra resources and the new homes that could be built if Ireland accepted the EU’s ruling requiring Apple to pay its legitimate and fair share of tax.

“In the coming weeks the Governments budget proposals are due to be released.

Housing and homelessness and measures that will address the crisis need to be at the forefront of this years budget.

Unfortunately and unless urgent attention is taken every indicator suggests that the homeless and housing situation will only get worse.”

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MISSED OPPORTUNITY TO END THE FARCE OF DOMESTIC WATER CHARGES

Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on water Eoin Ó Broin has expressed his disappointment that the Sinn Féin motion calling for the immediate abolition of water charges was voted down this afternoon.

Deputy Ó Broin said: “The Dáil missed an opportunity today to put a permanent end to the debate on water charges by voting against a Sinn Féin motion calling for the charges to be abolished. Fine Gael and its partner in government Fianna Fail have instead chosen to continue with the charade of the socalled independent expert commission and the unnecessary Oireachtas committee.

“More time and taxpayers money will be wasted debating this issue when it’s

clear that voters want this charge abolished, not suspended. Minister Coveney’s desperate attempt to take the heat out of the debate hasn’t worked.

Contrary to the words in the Minister’s counter motion yesterday, there is no deliberative process in train on the future of water charges.

“The so called expert commission is a waste of taxpayers’ money, labouring under an extremely narrow terms of reference, which exclude any examination of the structure and ownership of water services.

Nor do the terms of reference allow for

the consideration of the important issues of water poverty and sustainability.

“The commission will now do its work and forward its pre-determined recommendations to the Government.

A special Oireachtas committee will be formed to consider those recommendations and early next year the Dáil will be asked to vote on the recommendation of the Committee.

“In my view, this is an incredible waste of time and money. We have been debating these issues since the introduction of water charges in 1994 and

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their abolition in 1997.

We took up the debate again debating with the publication of the Fianna Fáil Water Services Bill in 2003, the Water Services Act in 2008 and the Fianna Fáil/ Green Party Programme for

Government in 2008.

We don’t need another debate on the matter.

We need action.

It’s unfortunate that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have again failed to listen to the democratic voice of the people.”

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MEP welcomes EU vote Congratulations to the TidyTown Committees in South Dublin County on dangerous transfats South Dublin County Council would like to congratulate to all our dedicated TidyTown Groups throughout the County on achieving great results in the SuperValu National TidyTowns competition announced at the Helix in Dublin on Monday 26th September. ,

Cllr. Guss O’ Connell The Mayor of South Dublin County Council said “Our TidyTown Committees should be commended on steadily increasing their scores on an annual basis. The competition has been encouraging community

involvement for many years, by inspiring a huge amount of community effort in our County. The effort of our volunteers in South Dublin helps to cement community relations and increase civic pride whilst improving our environment. The Community groups and the Council staff collaborate to provide a living environment which is beneficial to all” This year, South Dublin County Council are proud to have worked in partnership with Lucan, Clondalkin, Newcastle, Griffeen, Woodstown Village, Templeogue, Palmerstown and North Clondalkin Committees who work tirelessly to improve their environments, and take pride in their communities.

Patrick O’ Sullivan from Clondalkin TidyTowns Committee who attended the ceremony added “On behalf of Clondalkin Tidy Towns I wish to thank everyone who helped out, volunteered and supported our cause in creating a cleaner, greener and more caring Clondalkin.

In five short years Clondalkin Tidy Towns has achieved a great deal. These

achievements would not have been possible without the help and support of a number of local businesses and organisations. The financial support and local expertise from South Dublin County Council has enabled us to get where we are today. We look forward to their continued support in 2017. By pursuing ‘our’ issues, thanks must also go to our local Public Representatives who have embraced the concept of improving our environment.

The Clondalkin Tidy Towns Committee has worked tirelessly over the last 12 months and are delighted that its hard work has been recognised by this year’s result.

Lastly, image may not be everything but it cannot be ignored”.

South Dublin County Council are committed to working in partnership with all our existing committees, and are delighted to announce that we have two new committees Brittas and Ballyboden District Tidy Towns are preparing to enter Tidy Towns 2017.

If you would like to find out more information on TidyTowns, please contact Niamh Carton, in Community Services, Tel: 01 4149270

Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has welcomed the positive vote today on a report she coauthored which calls for strict limits on the amount of dangerous fats known as transfats which can be found in food.

The Dublin MEP said: “Transfats are fats which a mostly used in industrially produced cheap food and which have been found to be the biggest risk for heart disease.

These fats are found in a variety of popular food products such as biscuits, cakes, popcorn and fried food which are eaten by consumers who are unaware of the risks.

“This report which was passed by an overwhelming majority of the European Parliament’s Food Safety committee calls on the European Commission to stop dragging its feet and finally come forward with a serious proposal to reduce the amounts of transfats in our diets.

“Four EU countries have already taken the necessary action to place maximum limits of these fats in foods.

Unfortunately, Ireland is not one of these countries leading from the front.

“Transfats are very common in the cheapest most

processed foods, putting the health of lower-income consumers at the highest risk. The Irish government’s failure to act on this issue shows once again its absolute disregard for the lowest-income families in Ireland and the ever-widening health in equalities in our society.

“10,000 people die

every year in Ireland from heart-related diseases making it Ireland’s number one killer. Limiting transfats in food is low-hanging fruit which has been shown to be very successful in other countries.

There is no excuse not to act and I call on my fellow Irish MEPs to support this vote when it is voted by the full Parliament.”

TWEET OF THE WEEK ***by Lynda O’Donoghue Donnelly Recently released statistics from Pieta House illustrate the importance of the service across the country.

In the first nine months of the year the Irish centres treated almost 4,000 people for suicidal ideation or self-harm.

More than 25,000 people have been helped

by Pieta House since the service started up in Lucan in 2006. The stats also show the age and gender profile of those using the service.

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Find out how Feng Shui can help fix your finances

Find out how Feng Shui can help fix your finances and how you can use smell to change your mind for the better at the Mind, Body, Spirit and Wellness Festival in Dublin’s RDS from October 29-31.

by over 150 complementary and healing practitioners.ile on their face having enjoyed eye-opening new experiences and meaningful engagement with people and ideas that can benefit them.”

Ireland’s longest established Mind, Body, Spirit and Wellness Festival celebrates its 21st birthday this year with 75 lifeenhancing talks from top Irish and international experts in the fields of positive psychology and self-help, plus exhibits

Leading US Feng Shui expert Amanda Collins, whose clients include Bloomingdales and Dreamworks film studios, will reveal how you can set up your home to find financial freedom.

“At the festival people will learn how to make changes at

home and at work that will lift their vibrancy and create an energy flow of abundance and wealth,” says Amanda, who has spent many years studying with China’s top Feng Shui masters.

The Mind, Body, Spirit and Yoga Festival, October 29-31 at the RDS, Dublin.

Tickets €15, Children free.

For more information or to book online see: www. mindbodyspirit.ie

O’Connor welcomes Council plans for Belgard Walkway

Local Councillor Charlie O’Connor has welcomed plans

by South Dublin County Council to deal effectively with the poor image of the Belgard Square Walkway. He said that he has received many representations over a period from local residents using the Walkway, who are concerned about the poor image of the area which attracts significant pedestrian traffic on a daily basis.

The matter was raised at the September meeting of the Tallaght Area Committee when Council Management reported that “due to ongoing maintenance issues at this location, it is proposed to completely refurbish the paving, remove the existing shrubbery and install a public lighting scheme along this walkway between Belgard Road and

Belgard Square East.

The design will reflect the materials used at The Zip between The Square and Tallaght IT. In addition, the canopy will be removed, since it has the potential to become increasingly hazardous and is currently a health and safety issue with many complaints being received from members of the public”.

In welcoming the report at the meeting, Charlie O’Connor also asked the manager if he would appeal to the Office of Public Works to improve the appearance of the boundary of the Garda Station and he also hoped that McDonalds would also show an interest in the proposals for the improved image of the area.

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TIPS TO HANDLE INFORMATION OVERLOAD

In an age dominated by smart phones, we are constantly jumping from one app to the next. Our lifestyle is fast becoming one that is driven by a need to feel constantly connected. If we are not constantly scanning social media channels or feeling like we are ‘tuned in’ it can seem as though we are missing out on something. By overloading ourselves with multiple pieces of information, we can start to feel overwhelmed and our capacity to process everything that is put in front of us can become less effective.

It is important to take a moment out for our brains to sift through and decipher the information we are exposed to. Our brains need time to relax so it is important to take a moment out and give them a break.

has some top tips on how to keep on track of your juggling act, while remaining calm and focussed:

Neil Shah, Management

3) Practice Progressive muscle relaxation -

Stress Society

1) Wake up and breathe – it might sound fluffy, but deep breathing works wonders on relaxing your mind and helps create a moment of calm.

2) Take a 5 minute holiday - a simple visualisation technique to imagine you at your favourite holiday destination utilising all of your senses. Maybe you are lying on a beach, feel the sand under your toes and the sun on your face, hear the waves crashing on the shore and the leaves gently rustling in the breeze, see the bright blue sky and smell the pineapples as you taste that Pina Colada in your mouth.

tense and release all the muscles in your body in sequence and feel the relaxation growing each time you release the tension.

4) Do something you love everyday – whether it is taking the dog out, cuddling a loved one, reading, gardening or having a bubble bath, aim to do one thing you love each day for at least 15 minutes.

5) Spend time alone – it is so important to have some space and be alone with your thoughts.

Enjoy the silence!

6) Listen to music – this is a great way to detach and forget about what is happening. Put some music on and ’just forget the world’.

7) Switch off an hour before going to sleep – research shows that using technology before bed is very disturbing to the brain and it

affects the quality of sleep. Switch off an hour before bed and let your brain slowly relax.

8) End the day with a 1 minute meditation aim to spend 1 minute in complete silence and clear the mind. Rather than trying to eliminate any thoughts, let them pass through and let your mind wonder to wherever it needs to go.

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limited scope to act.

“Irish legislation is currently weak when it comes to protecting adults who have been seriously victimised on social media or online, including being depicted in intimate private photographs and videos.

“I’m very pleased to read the Law Reform Commission’s new report ‘Harmful Communications and Digital Safety’.

It recommends the enactment of two new criminal offences: one which forbids the posting online of intimate images without consent, the other which will prevent

secretly filming or photographing private areas of a person.

“The report also recommends that a statutory Digital Safety Commissioner should be appointed, to promote digital safety, including an important educational role to promote positive digital citizenship among children and young people, in conjunction with the Ombudsman for Children and other education d e p a r t m e n t s .

CRIMINALISE REVENGE PORN

Fine Gael Senator, Catherine Noone has welcomed new proposals from the Law Reform Commission, which would see the posting of naked images online, and the taking of intimate photos without consent, made criminal offences in Ireland.

“This is an issue I have raised on several occasions.

Having spoken to many in the legal profession about this, it’s clear that the investigation of revenge porn is currently very poorly provided for under Irish law. This is wrong and leaves Gardaí with

“I would now urge the Minister for Justice to introduce legislation in this area as a matter of urgency.”

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NCBI’S EARLY LEARNING CENTRE SHORTLISTED FOR FUNDING The National Council for the Blind of Ireland’s Early Learning Centre has been shortlisted to receive funding of over €2000 from Provident’s Good Neighbour Community Programme.

The NCBI Early Learning Centre in Clondalkin offers specialised pre-school education to children with vision impairments up to six years of age. The activities and curriculum are designed to encourage independence and to prepare children for primary education. NCBI’s staff work with parents to put together an individual educational programme plan to facilitate each child’s individual needs, focusing on daily living, learning and play.

According to Aisling Long, whose daughter Georgia attends the Early Learning Centre, finding out your child has sight loss comes as a huge shock. “Georgia was diagnosed with microphthalmia, more commonly known as ‘small eye syndrome’ when she was a week old. It’s a genetic condition, which means that the back of her eyes never developed in the womb. It came as a huge shock.

We just couldn’t believe it and we were very upset. We felt lost and alone and we didn’t know where to go. When Georgia was 6-weeks-old we rang NCBI. We didn’t know if they could do anything for such a small baby but they gave us such hope.

NCBI have been caring and understanding and we felt like we weren’t alone. Meeting other parents and children at the Early Learning Centre has been fantastic – that support is invaluable.”

NCBI’s Early Learning Centre is one of six organisations to be shortlisted in Ireland, and Clondalkin residents are invited to vote to decide on the winner until 23rd October.

Early Learning Centre Manager Margaret Bousquet outlines the difference this funding will make to the children and families who attend. “The Early Learning Centre will benefit hugely from this funding if it receives the most votes. Funding would mean the continuation and development of activities and facilities in the centre. We develop a programme for each child we work with and many have additional needs, as well as sight loss, so

our work is often one-to-one. Additional funding will help us upgrade our facilities, which include a multi–sensory room, a computer and story time area and a garden with a sensory area.

These facilities help us to focus on daily living skills, like feeding, using the bathroom or getting dressed and the multi-sensory area is a huge benefit to children who have multiple disabilities.”

Provident’s Good Neighbour Programme recognises the projects or organisations which make a real difference to their local communities. It invested more than £1 million into communities across the UK and Ireland during 2015.

Chris White, CEO at The National Council for the Blind of Ireland said: “Being shortlisted in Provident’s Good Neighbour Programme is fantastic news and we feel really honoured to have been nominated by the people of Clondalkin. We believe our work makes a real difference in our local community by encouraging independence and preparing children who are vision impaired for primary education. We would love to do even better work in the area with the help of this funding, which will be used in the progression of our services and facilities.”

Andy Parkinson, Provident Home Credit Director, commented: “Our Good Neighbour Programme is all about recognising projects and organisations, no matter how small, which bring about positive changes in their communities. The National Council for the Blind of Irelands Early Learning Centre is a perfect example of precisely that, and we have been thrilled to see so many nominations from local residents.

Provident agents have always worked closely within the communities in which we operate, and we see first-hand the importance of community spirit. We’re encouraging the people of Clondalkin to vote for their local organisations to receive funding to continue their great work.”

People can cast their votes at www. providentgoodneighbour.co.uk/vote-for-your-community until 23rd October

EARLY CHILDHOOD IRELAND REPORT REVEALS EXTENT OF CHILDCARE CRISIS Commenting on Early Childhood Ireland’s launch of its report “Doing the Sums: The Real Cost of Providing Childcare”, Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Childcare Kathleen Funchion said the report substantiated all previous calls from the sector for the need for substantial investment into Childcare and into the sector’s infrastructure.

She said: “I want to congratulate Early Childhood Ireland on this excellent report which couldn’t be more timely in the lead up to Budget 2017.

The report, which is the first ever comprehensive national review of the cost of running childcare services of varying sizes, both rural and urban, community based and private, concluded that the direction of childcare is towards the ‘free preschool’ years (ECCE) dominating the sector at the expense of early years care for the under 3s. This is incredibly worrisome.

The implications of a decrease in non-ECCE services for children is huge, particularly for women. The reality is, a lack of childcare services for the under 3s is an immediate barrier for women returning to the workforce.

“The figures are laid out for all to see in black and white. Our childcare system is in crisis.

Government cannot shy away from the evidence shared today. As indicated, Childcare is high cost for parents and low cost in wages for workers in Ireland. It’s completely unsustainable.

“A radical new approach is needed. The first step should be a commitment by Government to invest substatially into Childcare infrastructure in Budget 2017.”

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Child’s Play as Sherpa Kids expands with 5 new schools in Dublin

USI support INMO protest as 93% of Student Nurses say they have thought about emigrating The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is supporting The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) in their protest outside the Dáil calling for the restoration of incremental credit for nurses and midwives who graduated between 2011 and 2015 on Tuesday the 27th September at 11:30am.

According to survey results released by the Union of Students in Ireland, who surveyed more than 600 student nurses across the country, 93% of student nurses have thought about emigrating when they qualify as a nurse. Of those who said they’ve thought about emigrating when they qualify, 36% say it’s because of the burnout, 44% said it’s because of the working hours; and 60% said it’s because of a lack

Sherpa Kids is celebrating the launch of five new services in schools in Dublin this school term.

They bring to 14 the number of Sherpa Kids services across Ireland and shows the surge in popularity and demand in this relatively new and unique childcare provision that works in partnership with schools.

Sherpa Kids offers an on-site, flexible affordable and high quality, before and after-school childcare service, in partnership with schools who themselves understand the logistical challenges and expense that working parents have to organise wrap-around care for their school-going children.

The service is also available on a full day basis during most school closures and holidays to cater for this gap in childcare.

The new Sherpa Kids services in Dublin are; two in Lucan (Esker Educate Together & Griffin Valley Educate Together), one in Rathfarnham (Good Shepherd N.S), one in Coolock (Scoil Chaitriona Cailini) and another in Donabate (Scoil Phádraic Cailíní).

The new services now mean

that Sherpa Kids is providing care for 800 children this school term, compared to 130 children in 2015 which reflects the huge demand for a childcare service such as this.

Orlaith Veale, of Good Shepherd National School in Churchtown is among the principals who are delighted to welcome Sherpa Kids to their school.

“The Sherpa Kids team offer a fantastic, professional service to our parents and pupils. Its ‘One Stop Drop and Collection Service’ gives parents’ peace of mind that their children are being cared for in a setting they are familiar with and are experiencing fun, stimulating, before and after school activities with their school friends.”

John Miles, CEO of Sherpa Kids said; “We opened our first Sherpa Kids in 2014 as we saw a real and serious gap in childcare and the barrier this placed on working parents. Our priority is ensuring we deliver the highest standard of care and service that helps children to develop their potential through educational and fun programmes that support the school and parents.

“We’re excited and very

proud to be able to provide a childcare solution that benefits and supports children, schools and allows parents the flexibility and affordable solution that allows them to maintain employment and earn a living.”

Sherpa Kids provides a wide range of activities devised to weekly themes which include arts, crafts, music, drama, sports, baking, technology, and games – ensuring children are engaged and challenged while having fun and making new friends.

For parents who require an early start, Sherpa Kids open the school doors early to allow them to drop their children directly to school where breakfast and fun activities kick start the children’s day. The after school service then allows parents to collect their children directly from the school later in the evening at a time that suits them. Children will also get a tasty snack and have their homework supervised as part of the service.

For more information in relation to the Sherpa Kids schools, visit www.sherpakids.ie or call 087 7718664.

of financial support.

80% feel voiceless as a nurse or midwife.

“USI is supporting the INMO in their protest, calling for the restoration of incremental credit for nurses and midwives who graduated between 2011 and 2015.” USI President, Annie Hoey, said.

“There is already a national shortage of nurses in Ireland. If action isn’t taken by the government to restore the incremental credit, we risk exporting vital medical skills.”

At the end of 2015, the HSE and the Department of Health agreed that restored monetary recognition for the 36 week Nursing/Midwifery Internship from 2011 onwards. However, the Department of Public Expenditure

South Dublin Community Endeavour Awards 2016

and Reform (DEPER) subsequently amended part of the agreement, and only sanctioned recognition for 2016 graduates onwards.

This means that 2011-2015 nursing and midwifery graduates are left in a position where they will be earning less than their colleagues pre 2011 who were automatically awarded the credit. This is a loss of over €1,400 for 2011-2013 graduates and over €1,000 for 2014-2015 graduates.

According to the USI research, 95% of student nurses said working as a nurse or midwife is extremely stressful. 57% of nurses said that placement had a negative impact on their physical health, while 52% said it had a negative impact on their mental health.

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SEARCH FOR BEST YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS GATHERS PACE WITH €50,000 INVESTMENT FUND South Dublin County’s search for Best Young Entrepreneurs gathers pace with €50,000 investment fund Local Enterprise Office South Dublin encourages young entrepreneurs in the region to “grasp opportunity” Previous IBYE winners met up with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’ Connor T.D. and talked about the role IBYE has played in their business success stories.

They were also joined by representatives of Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs).

Their message to aspiring young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 in South Dublin is to grasp the opportunity and get their applications into www.ibye.ie by the 14th

October deadline.

Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) is an initiative of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland. It is run by Local Enterprise Office South Dublin, which has an investment fund of up to €50,000 to award to young entrepreneurs across three categories locally Best Business Idea, Best Start-Up Business and Best Established Business.

Meeting Minister Mitchell O’Connor were four previous IBYE award winners with dynamic businesses from the worlds of technology, food, waste management and retail: James Keogh from Rathwood Home & Garden World Ltd.; Isolde Johnson from The Cool Bean Company; Niall Mimnagh from Mimergy; and Rhona Togher from Restored Hearing Ltd. They

have all won IBYE awards over the last two years to include investment funding, business bootcamp places and one-to-one mentoring sessions. As well as the financial elements of IBYE, they stressed the importance of learning from each other at the IBYE bootcamps, and the invaluable advice and assistance at the one-toone mentoring sessions.

Minister Mitchell O’Connor said: “It is so refreshing to hear the success stories from these inspiring and ambitious young entrepreneurs. I fully support Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur initiative, the aim of which, is to support a culture of entrepreneurship among young people at both national and local levels.

I want to promote entrepreneurship as a career choice, and to

encourage young people to set up new businesses which will ultimately create and sustain more jobs right across the country. It is great to hear the success stories from the previous winners and witness the spirit and desire to achieve success.

I have no doubt that their message will encourage more young people to enter the competition to find Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur for the third year in a row. This competition offers funding investment and mentoring to young businesses and I would encourage young people with a business or business idea to apply by checking out www.ibye.ie before 14th October.”

In 2015, two local businesses won investment funding through the Local Enterprise Office. They were: Christopher Conlan of Pewter Games Studios

who won the Best New Idea category and South Dublin’s Overall Best Young Entrepreneur, while Eugene Murphy of Muscrai Suction Excavation Ireland Ltd took home the award for Best Start-Up business.

Colm Ward, Head of the Local Enterprise Office South Dublin said: “We want more young entrepreneurs in the region to grasp the opportunity and enter IBYE before the October 14th deadline. The €50,000 county investment fund on offer through the

Local Enterprise Office is a major part of the competition, with up to six local businesses winning significant investment prizes. In addition, up to 450 young entrepreneurs from around the country will also win places at regional Business Bootcamps, with access to expert guidance and mentoring for their business ideas and new ventures.”

Further information and details about the IBYE competition are available through www.ibye.ie

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The Community Endeavour Awards

The Community Endeavour Awards aim to acknowledge, promote and recognise the work of community and voluntary organisations within the administrative area of South Dublin County.

There is an immense richness and variety of voluntary organisations working in South Dublin and this initiative in some small way tries to recognise the efforts of those who carry out this valuable work.

Applications are invited from community organisations whose activities have made a significant difference in their community and have had a beneficial effect on the residents. Community organisations are also invited to nominate businesses and local volunteers who contribute and enhance community activity in this County.

Awards will be made under the following headings: Civic Pride and Community Endeavour Community Facility of the Year Sport and Recreation Social Inclusion Award Active Age Award Gradam na Gaeilge Community/School Garden or allotment Community Sustainability Initiative Corporate Endeavour Volunteer of the Year The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 14th October at 5 pm For complete details of the Endeavour Awards and to apply either online or by downloading the form visit www.sdcc.ie Hard copies of form are also available by request from the Community Services Section, South Dublin County Council, Telephone Number 01 4149270 or by email at comdevof@ sdublincoco.ie.

Photographed from left to right Paul McAlerney Senior Community Officer, Billy Coman Director of Housing Social and Community Development ,Mayor Guss O Connell and Daniel McLoughlin, Chief Executive

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DISMAY AT MINISTER’S INACTION TO DELIVER SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICE

People in Lucan and Adamstown have yet again been denied a local Social Welfare Office that will service the local communities’ welfare needs and must continue to travel to use Clondalkin’s Intreo Centre, according to Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West John Curran.

Commenting on this issue Deputy Curran said: “Minister Varadkar has confirmed to me in a recent Parliamentary Question that he has no intention of locating an Intreo Centre in the Lucan and

Adamstown area. This is a very disappointing development for the people of Lucan and Adamstown who must frequently travel to the Clondalkin Centre to sign on and avail of other welfare services.

As part of the plan for the roll-out of Intreo Centres, the Lucan/ Adamstown area was originally designated by the Department for the provision of Intreo services in Dublin MidWest, which I welcomed and supported in 2011.

It is very disappointing to learn

that the Department of Social Protection has no intention to follow this planned roll out because they were unable to find suitable premises.”

The Office of Public Works has been exploring options in both Lucan and Adamstown for an Intreo Centre over the past three years, but apparently has failed to identify a suitably sized office for the provision of an Intreo service.“I believe the ‘lack of suitably sized offices’ in the Lucan/

Adamstown area to be a farcical excuse from Government for the failure to provide the people of Lucan and Adamstown such a basic service. People with young babies, carers, the elderly and people with disabilities should not be expected to travel this distance and so frequently for their welfare services The Department now believes that the scale of the operation in Clondalkin is capable of serving the population catchment of the Lucan-Adamstown

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL SUPPORTS ESKER ALL FEMALE BOXCUP 2016 EVENT THROUGH THE COMMUNITY TOURISM DIASPORA SCHEME

Over 400 competitors, officials and spectators from Holland, Sweden, Canada, Poland, Scotland and the UK are expected to descend on South Dublin County on the 7th October for the Esker All Female BoxCup 2016. The three day Boxing event takes place in the CBS Sportshall, Roselawn, Lucan, Co. Dublin.

Now in its fourth year, The Esker All Female BoxCup has grown to become Europe’s biggest female only boxing tournament.

For further information on the Esker Female BoxCup 2016 go to www. eskerboxingclub.com or visit www.sdcsp.ie

area. The Department has no plans for an Intreo Centre in Lucan-Adamstown at the present time; however the fact that the Clondalkin Office can service the catchment area is not the point for the many

people in Lucan and Adamstown who find it so difficult to get to Clondalkin on a weekly and monthly basis,” said John Curran.

It is a matter of urgency that a local Social Welfare Office

is provided to service the people of Lucan and Adamstown, this is laziness by Government to not find suitable premises and therefore abandon a vital service for the people of Lucan and Adamstown”, concluded John Curran.

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USI annouce their national demo expected to draw 5,000 students across Ireland

The national demonstration, which is expected to draw over 5,000 students from across Ireland, will take place on the 19th October. USI are urging students from across the country to contact their local students’ unions if they want to join the demonstration.

At the demonstration, USI will call on the Irish government and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills to make a historic longterm decision and invest in the publiclyfunded third level education model as outlined in the Cassells report. USI said that an income-contingent loan scheme is not a viable solution to third level funding as a burden of €20,000+ debt upon graduation will deter people from

applying

to

college.

The union emphasised that the financial strain of college spans across all communities and groups including parents, children, staff and teachers - not just students.

The demonstration is supported by members of the Coalition for Publicly Funded Higher Education including SIPTU, IMPACT, TUI, IFUT and National Youth Council of Ireland who will be joining the march starting at the Garden of Remembrance at 1pm on the 19th October.

“We are calling on parents, teachers, family members, education staff and students to join in our march on the 19th October, and to echo the concerns we have

on the future of third level education.”

Annie Hoey, USI President, said.

“The status quo isn’t working. Third level education is unaffordable and our universities are slipping down on the QS World University Rankings.

The loan scheme option put forward in the Cassells report is unsustainable. It will increase emigration, saddle young people with a mortgagemodelled debt and widen the gap between the rich and the poor.

“America’s student loan debt ($1tn+) is greater in value than the combined economies of Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia.

In other words, American students owe the combined value of all transactions in those countries in a

year. Home-ownership in under-40s in New Zealand has drastically fallen since the introduction of student loans, from 57% to 25%.”

Charging no tuitionrelated fees, Germany

has 41 universities that are considered by the Times Higher Education to be among the best in the world. In France, where they have registration fees of under €200, there

are 27. 70% of the 2015 college graduates in the UK are not expected to ever repay their college loans, according to The Institute of Fiscal Studies.USI is urging

anyone interested in supporting the demonstration in support of a publiclyfunded education on the 19th October to visit www.usi. ie/educationis/.

Pictured at the USI announcement of their national demo expected to draw 5,000 students across Ireland were president of USI Annie Hoey (centre) with Joanna Siewierska from Irish Second Level Students Union, Ian Power from the National Youth Council and Aidan Kenny from Teachers’ Union of Ireland. (Picture Conor McCabe Photography)

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TALLAGHT’S KIARA SPURRED ON TO GAIN TOP MARKS IN NATIONAL EXAMS

A loving nudge from her fiancé led to Tallaght resident Kiara Berry securing one of the top marks in the country in the Diploma for Accounting Technicians programme this year.

Accounting Technicians Ireland’s qualification is recognised as the fastest pathway to a professional accounting career.

“My fiancé encouraged me to do the ATI course as he knew other graduates whose careers progressed because of it,” said resident Kiara who studied at Griffith College.

“I loved the course from the beginning.

I had great lecturers and found a new passion for accounting.

“I gained more than a qualification, I gained a confidence and self-belief that I never had before.

The diploma is recognised as the fastest pathway to a professional career in an industry

that reported a 66% increase in demand for accounting technicians last year.

The Dublin girl chose accountancy after medical issues forced her to change her career direction.

“I had always worked in the service industry until I suddenly had to change career due to medical issues,” she said.

“I got a part-time accounts administration role and really liked it, which motivated me to do a course to enhance my prospects in this new field.

“I’m eager to start training to become a certified chartered accountant and will sit exams this September. I only wish I had done it sooner.”

The Accounting Technicians Ireland qualification is a passport to a rewarding career in accountancy or business.

With flexible courses nationwide, you can obtain this professional qualification in as

little as two years.

ATI’s qualifications, offered full or parttime in over 70 colleges throughout the island, are open to school and college leavers, mature students and the countless number of people who have been working in industry or small practice firms for years but have no formal training.

The accounting qualification provides access to employment opportunities for a broad range of accounting and finance roles and will enable students to further progress to senior financial management posts.

Accounting Technicians are qualified accounting professionals that work at all levels of finance throughout the private and public sector, industry and commerce and in accountancy practices.

Accounting Technicians can perform a wide range of finance roles, from accounts staff to financial controller

and beyond.

For instance, they can do financial accounting and budgeting, costing and credit control, payroll administration and tax returns.

More experienced Accounting Technicians may often perform senior managerial tasks and audits.

The two-year Diploma for Accounting Technicians programme is also the first step

to a full qualification in accountancy.

“This is a pan-sectoral qualification which meets the needs of industry, practice and the public sector, and graduates enjoy exemptions from the full range of professional accountancy bodies including Chartered Accountants Ireland, ACCA, CPA, CIMA, IIPA as well as Higher

Education third level accounting programmes,” said Gillian Doherty, ATI’s Chief Operations Officer.

“There has been a 66% increase in demand for qualified accounting technicians in the last year alone, with a recent analysis of the labour market by the National Skills Bulletin confirming a continuing high

demand for accounting technician skills.

“Many businesses finance the programme for potential Accounting Technicians – recognising the benefits of having a qualified technician run the financial side of the business while the owner develops the entrepreneurial end.”

Visit www. numbersindna.ie for more details.

Carole McCaughey and Lorraine Lawlor, Accounting Technicians Ireland with Emilym Weber at the launch of this year’s Diploma for Accounting Technicians programme.

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SURGE IN STARBUCKS OUTLETS RAISES INCONSISTENCY IN LOCAL AUTHORITY PLANNING Fianna Fáil TD in Dublin Mid-West, John Curran has said that planning authorities must adopt a more consistent approach to enforcing planning laws and regulations.

Since 2005, 50 outlets of the international coffee chain have opened in the greater Dublin area .Recent reports suggest that some of these outlets have fallen short of local authority planning laws and enforcement.

Deputy Curran has said, “Ordinary, independent and local restaurants and cafes must go through the rigours of the appropriate planning process to establish their business.

It is concerning to learn that the chain in question appear to have shown contempt for the due process.

“As we scrapple to regenerate areas of our city, communities across Dublin must be confident that our

planning authority are taking all developments seriously.

Planning departments need to apply a more consistent approach to enforcing planning laws and with no exceptions.

All prospective businesses must be treated equally under planning regulation, regardless if you are a large multinational or neighbourhood corner shop.

“Regrettably, failing to obtain planning permission is not uncommon when it comes to development, but the critical issue is that in many cases regulations are not enforced unless a formal complaint is received,” he added.

“In general, planning permission must be sought when changing the use of a building from a shop or retail to a restaurant or café.

The chain argues that in many of the cases taken out against them

SDCS Partnership & I. T. Tallaght Sports Science Seminars South Dublin County Sport Partnership and the Institute of Technology Tallaght have joined up to offer a series of free sports science seminars that will be of interest to sports coaches and others in the field of physical activity.

The seminars will take place in I.T.T. on the second Monday of each month, running from October 2016 to June 2017. They will offer the opportunity to enhance learning on a wide range of topics including: Nutrition for Performance; Performance Analysis; Concussion Awareness & Management; High Intensity Training; Supplements in Sport; Activity for Older Adults; Cancer/ cardiac disease and exercise.

The first seminar will take place on Monday,10th October at 7pm in I.T.T. and will look at nutrition

for performance/ fuelling the athlete.

The speaker will be Marcus Shortall, nutritionist with the Connacht Rugby senior and academy squads. From Laois, Marcus has a Master’s Degree in Sport and Exercise Nutrition from Loughborough University and is a part-time lecturer on the Sport & Health Science course at I.T.T. The seminars are free but spaces are limited and must be booked in advance.

To book a place please email info@sdcsp.ie or text 086 0441071 giving your name, organisation and position.

For more information on the seminars and other SDCSP events please visit www. sdcsp.ie or for up to date information simply like the Facebook page www. facebook.com/sdcsp or follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/ SDCSP1

that its outlets did not change the use of the buildings in question.

“Planning officials must determine if a business is permissible under planning and development regulations.

If the planning authority establishes that the development is unauthorised they must open a planning enforcement case.

However, while a case is made, the premises can continue trading until such time as a decision is reached.

“In this regard, An Bord Pleanála needs to be adequately equipped to make speedy decisions when all of the information and facts are to hand.

“We need to make sure that backroom administrative delays that have arisen due to a lack of resources are not impacting on enforcing our planning laws or reaching a ruling on an illegal premise,”

HEART AND STROKE CHARITY LAUNCHES ‘HEALTHY MEALS WITHOUT THE DRAMA’

New Irish Heart Foundation survey shows 1 in 4 parents resort to bribery to feed picky eaters In a new online poll conducted by the Irish Heart Foundation, 80% of parents admitted it was hard to get their children to eat at mealtimes, with nearly a quarter of parents having to bribe their children to eat their dinner.

The latest survey findings have inspired the Irish Heart Foundation’s lifeline to parents drama-free recipes endorsed by some of the pickiest child eaters in Ireland. Frustrated parents of Ireland freely shared their daily food-dramas with the national heart and stroke charity here: “Every evening is a drama. It’s either - I don’t like that – or - I’m not hungry - or she just refuses to eat unless it’s plain pasta.”

“They have cry tantrums and run upstairs from simple things like a vegetable or roast chicken.”

Irish Heart Foundation Dietitian, Janis Morrissey, said: “We’re aiming to take the drama out of family meals by providing recipes that have been tried and tested out on children and approved by parents. Getting children to eat healthily isn’t always easy.

Not only can it be hard to find the time to cook something they will eat, but it can also be hard to cope with mealtime dramas.

“At the heart of our ‘no-drama recipes’, is of course our very real concern about the direct impact of poor nutrition on children’s health. We know that risk factors for heart attack and stroke can begin even in early childhood, resulting from poor diet and lack of physical activity. For example, in the last number of years, prevalence of one such risk factor, overweight and obesity, has increased in Irish children. The earlier we can build healthier habits in our children, the greater their chance of carrying these healthy habits into adulthood and preventing their own risk of heart attack or stroke.”

Supporting the Heart Month campaign, HSE national lead for Healthy Eating and Active Living Programme, Sarah O’Brien, said: “The HSE fully supports Heath Month and is endeavouring with the Irish Heart Foundation and similar organisations to prevent the long-term health damage caused by sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition - in particular

the consumption of foods that are high in fat and sugar.

‘Developing healthy eating and activity habits as a family is key to ensuring that babies and children get the best start in life, as well as lowering their risk of developing heartrelated diseases as adults.

‘We would encourage the HSE’s staff and their families, as well as our patients and clients, to view the Irish Heart Foundation’s Heart Month resources, which are most practical and informative.”

The Irish Heart Foundation has produced a 24-page magazine filled with ‘taste-tested’ hearthealthy recipes, ‘approved as tasty’ by children and ‘approved as healthy’ by parents.

There is also advice to help parents deal with the drama around mealtimes from Senior Clinical Psychologist, Dr Aoife Brinkley, of the W82GO programme at Temple Street, Children’s University Hospital in Dublin, who offers tips to help reduce tension around family mealtimes to ensure your children eat heart-healthy meals.

Actavo opens new 8-acre flagship depot

Actavo, a leading international engineering solutions company with a global workforce of over 5,500, launched a new 8-acre flagship depot on Killeen Road, Dublin 12.

Officially opened by Republic of Ireland Football Manager, Martin O’Neill, and Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Guss O’Connell, Actavo’s new depot will serve as the Irish headquarters of Actavo’s Hire & Sales and Events operations.

Actavo | Hire & Sales supplies specialist products and services to the construction industry and has worked on key national projects including Dublin’s M50 motorway and Galway’s Gort to Tuam Motorway.

Actavo | Events offers premier services to events such as Electric Picnic, Glastonbury, the State visits to Ireland of President Obama and Queen Elizabeth II, Aviva Stadium and the London Olympics.

Addressing the opening of

the depot, Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Guss O’Connell, said “It is immensely encouraging to see an Irish business like Actavo taking over such a large site and investing significantly in its development, which has improved the facilities and commercial offering in the locality. This has injected enterprise, productivity and a real buzz into the area.”

The Mayor pointed to the fact that Actavo was already a firmly established business in the area, with its HQ located on Willow Road, in close proximity to the new depot. He added that the new business had the makings of “a vibrant trading hub, which offers the prospect of attracting additional investment and job creation to the area”.

Also speaking at the opening, Chairman and CEO of Actavo, Sean Corkery, said “This depot will be instrumental in supporting the construction and events industries nationally.

Our expansion is a key

indicator of growth in both of these sectors and demonstrates our confidence in their continued development.”

He added: “Our offering of specialised building equipment and services is the backbone of Ireland’s construction industry. Our events business supports the thriving entertainment and sporting industries that attract hundreds of thousands of people to matches, cultural events,

music festivals and other large-scale gatherings year after year.”

Corkery concluded: “This has been an exciting year to date for Actavo, with the opening of our new depot in Santry in June, our expansion internationally into the US in March, and significant contract wins from major blue chip clients.

Actavo is a highperforming team, and it is a pleasure to have Martin

O’Neill - himself a leader renowned for captaining and managing highperforming teams at both club and international level - here today to mark this important day in our history.”

Among those attending the launch of Actavo’s new depot were 200 staff, customers, neighbouring businesses and stars of the future from local football club Cherry Orchard FC’s under-8s squad.

Ireland Manager Martin O’Neill with Mayor Guss O’Connell and Charlie O’Connor.

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O’Connor calls for action on Tymon Park Playground Local Councillor Charlie O’Connor has called on South Dublin county Council to confirm the schedule now being followed in respect of the long promised Play Ground at Tymon Park, Tallaght.

He raised the matter once again at the

September meeting of the Tallaght Area Committee and stressed “the concern of the local community in respect of delays in the provision of this much need facility.”

Council Management told Charlie O’Connor that “having reviewed the

tenders received for this project a recommendation has now been make to appoint a contractor to undertake the work. It is anticipated that this work will commence as soon as possible in 2016 and when there is agreement with

the contractor on the timeframe for the project”.

According to Charlie O’Connor it is high time that this project was delivered and he hoped that the Council could be trusted regarding their latest commitment.

The Legal Column

Romaine Scally is the principal in the firm of ROMAINE SCALLY AND COMPANY SOLICITORS Main Street Tallaght, Dublin 24.

TEL 01 4599 506 FAX 01 4599 510 email: legal@scally.ie

In this edition of the paper, Romaine Scally, Principal in the Firm of Romaine Scally and Co, Solicitors, discusses the issue of Private Rented Tenancies.

This article will be continued in the next edition. As always please send your queries to Romaine Scally, Solicitors, Main Street, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24.

Telephone 4599506, Email – legal@scally.ie.

The Private Rented Tenancies Board (PRTB) was set up under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2004.

Its name was changed to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) on 7th April 2016 when approved Housing Bodies were brought under its remit by the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act, 2015.

The RTB’s main functions are: i) Maintaining a register of private residential tenancies and tenancies of approved Housing Bodies; ii) Providing a dispute resolution service for tenants and landlords (including approved Housing Bodies); iii) Carrying out research into the private rented sector.

It also provides policy advice to the Government to the private rented sector.

The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 – 2015 deal with the regulation of the main stream

private rented housing sector and the approved Housing Body sector. They set out the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants in these sectors.

They do not apply to certain types of rented property.

The RTB maintains a national register of Tenancies. All private rented tenancies must be registered and there are penalties for landlords who do not register. Since 7th April 2016, approved Housing Bodies are required to register new and existing tenancies. It should also be noted that the RTB can share information with local authorities which enforce the regulations relating to standards and rent books. It can also share information with the Department of Social Protection and the Revenue Commissioners.

The RTB provides a confidential dispute resolution service.

You can initiate the dispute resolution process if you are a tenant, a landlord, or

are otherwise directly affected by a problem (for example, if you are a neighbour). A landlord who has not registered the tenancy with the RTB cannot initiate the dispute resolution service but the tenant can use it.

The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 – 2015 do not apply to the following types of rented property: i) business lettings; ii) holiday lettings; iii) formerly rent controlled dwellings or long occupation Lease tenancies.

Separate legislation applies to these iv) a room that you rent in the landlord’s home; v) dwellings in which the spouse, parent, or child of the landlord lives. This applies to informal family arrangements where there is no tenancy agreement in writing.

However the Act does cover formal agreements between family members, for example where a Lease has been signed; vi) Local Authority housing; vii) employment related letting. These are sometimes called “TIED” houses in that they are tied to the job and you must leave the dwelling when the job ends and; viii) Section 50 student accommodation.

The basic rate to register a Tenancy for landlords is €90 per tenancy, where the RTB receive the

completed application within one month of the start of the tenancy. If you are later than this then, the late fee of €180.00 per tenancy applies.

The online fee for dispute resolution by adjudication is €15 or, if you wish to have it resolved on paper, the fee is €25. There is no fee if you apply to have your dispute resolved by mediation.

The online fee for appeal to the Tenancy Tribunal is €85 or €100 if you apply on paper.

You can register a tenancy online and submit a dispute online.

The Residential Tenancies Board can be contacted at P.O. Box 47, Clonakilty, Co. Cork or online at www.rtb.ie Q. Do I need a BER certificate when letting my house?

A. From 1st January 2009, a BER certificate (Building Energy Rating) is compulsory for all homes being rented.

There are a small number of exempt building categories.

It is however a deductible cost against your rental income and many landlords are not aware of this.

Q. Can you explain the new rules on rent restrictions for rental properties in the private sector?

A.The amount of rent payable for a property is agreed between the landlord and the tenant at the start

of a tenancy. Private landlords must follow certain procedures if they want to raise the rent. The rules are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and these have recently been amended by the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015. The following changes came into effect on 4th December 2015 for private tenancies: i) The length of time between rent reviews was extended from 12 months to 24 months; ii) If your landlord is reviewing the rent, they must now give you at least 90 days written notification (increased from 28 days); iii) Since the 9th May 2016, a notice of new rent must contain certain information.

For example, the landlord must state their opinion that the new rent is not greater than the market rent. They must also provide three examples of rent amounts for similar dwellings being advertised in the area. Under Section 19 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, landlords cannot charge more than the open market rate of rent. This is defined as “the rent which a willing tenant not already in occupation would give and a willing landlord would take for this dwelling.”

A rent review can result in an increase or reduction of the rent. You have the

right to review the rent once every 2 years (increased from 1 year with effect from 4th December 2015). Unless the accommodation has changed substantially, it cannot be reviewed more than this. In addition, your rent cannot be increased until 24 months after the start of the tenancy. If the rent was reviewed at any time in the last 24 months, it cannot be reviewed again until 24 months after the date of the last review.

All landlords must give their tenants proper notice of the amount of the proposed new rent and the date from which it is to take effect. The notice must be in writing and must contain the information prescribed by the legislation.

Emails, text messages, and spoken messages are not valid forms of notice. The tenant must get at least 90 days’ notice (increased from 28 days with effect from 4th December 2015).

The landlord must also notify the RTB of the revised rent so that it can update the registration details of the tenancy.

Q. I have just let my first rental property and will be applying online to register the tenancy with the RTB. Is this an annual requirement?

A. The registration of a Tenancy lasts the length of the Tenancy Agreement but is subject to a maximum

duration of four years. If a tenancy has been in existence for four years, it must be re-registered with the RTB. Thus, the registration may not be an annual requirement but does require to be reviewed after four years.

However, when the tenancy is terminated, any new tenancy created in respect of the dwelling must be registered with the RTB. You might see the information provided above in relation to the timeframe for registration of tenancies. We wish you the best of luck with your letting.

Q. I rent a house to four students. I have registered with the RTB however, one of the students is leaving shortly. Do I have to re-register with the RTB? A. If your tenancy agreement was for multiple tenants and at least one of those original tenants still resides in the dwelling then, you just need to update the tenancy details with the RTB with the name(s) and other details of the new tenant(s).

There is no charge with the RTB for updating your tenancy details but, in the event that there is ever an issue which needs to be resolved through the dispute resolution system, it is very important that the RTB are updated with the names of the current tenants.

There is no cost to you for doing this.

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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Entertainment Guide

With

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

Covering ● Tallaght ● Clondalkin ● Lucan ● Rathcoole ● Saggart ● Newcastle

Book lovers are in for a treat as the Red Line Book Festival returns to South Dublin from October 12th to October 16th at venues across the county.

There is a wealth of literary talent lined up for this year with spectacular guests, authors and speakers visiting local venues including the Civic Theatre, Rua Red and the County Library in Tallaght.

Roz Purcell, Anne Enright, Joseph O’Connor, Myles Dungan Dermot Bolger, Ferdia MacAnna, Alex Barclay, Lisa Lambe and Matthew Gilsenan

are all confirmed for the festival.

More than 40 events will take place with TEDxTallaght, featuring innovative thinkers, already sold out at the Civic Theatre.

In addition to this the Civic will host Roz Purcell on October 15th for a special event where she will demonstrate some of her recipes and discuss the concepts behind her hugely successful cookery book, Natural Born Feeder.

There will also be a mixture of competitions, readings, workshops and

discussions featured at the eclectic festival which aims to give a “special insight” into the 2016 literary scene.

Some of the local highlights will include The Great Lucan Bake Off, The Gruffalo screening, workshops on poetry, photography and getting published as well as live radio recordings.

The Red Line Book Festival also offers a full programme for schools which will see poetry, rhymes and storytelling take centre stage.

Events will also take place at St. Enda’s Museum, Rathfarnham Castle, Timbertrove Café, The Chocolate Warehouse, Clondalkin Civic Offices, Lucan Library and IT Tallaght.

The festival is hosted

by South Dublin Libraries and Arts and events for five-day festival are booking now. Visit www. redlinebookfestival.ie for more information.

Mayor of South Dublin, Guss O’Connell, embodies playwright Anton Chekov to launch the Red Line Book Festival 2016 with actress Donna Anita Nikolaisen. Two of Chekov’s plays “The Bear” and “The Proposal”, featuring Donna, will be performed in Rathfarnham Castle on Wednesday the 12th of October.

TOP FIVE FILMS – DOCUMENTARIES Often documentaries do not get the commercial recognition they deserve due to the serious nature and sometimes traumatic material upon which they are based, however, over the last 25 years there have a been a number of must-see films in the genre.

Whether it is a global issue, a question of humanity or an insightful narrative about how we fuel our bodies documentaries are an important part of film-making.

Not only do they inform but they also educate and empower – documentaries can bring about change.

So even if you have never watched a documentary before we believe that you will thoroughly enjoy our selections this week in our Top Five Films – Documentaries…

1. Blackfish – This 2013 film focuses on Tilikum, an orca kept in captivity by SeaWorld who has been involved in the death of three people. The killer whale is the largest kept in captivity and was responsible for dragging experienced trainer Dawn Brancheau into the water after a Dine With Shamu show in SeaWorld. The trainer was rubbing him when he grabbed her by the arm and pulled her under the water.

Blackfish looks at the mental and physical strain on these orcas who are captured in the wild and forced to live and perform in small tanks.

2. Bowling for Columbine – Even in 2002 America’s gun culture was at the centre of a heated debate. Michael Moore’s documentary looks at the mass shooting in Columbine High School where students Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris massacred 12 people. He examines the reasons why the two teenagers were able to get hold of four weapons despite their arrest record and drug use. In the 15 years since the documentary has been released mass shootings in America have claimed the lives of more than 500 people.

3. Amy – Based on the life of singer Amy Winehouse and featuring archived footage and personal interviews the film was released after Amy’s death in 2011 aged just 27. The troubled artist was lauded as one of the most talented British musicians of the 21st century. Amy features raw, personal footage which offers an insight into her world.

4. Man On Wire – At just 24-years-old Philippe Petit did the almost impossible – a

daring, highly illegal stunt.

Man On Wire tells the story behind the Frenchman’s headline making walk on a wire between the Twin Towers in 1974. Himself and his team evaded security to string a rope from one building to the other before carrying out the feat.

Unbelievable stuff.

5. Making A Murderer – Although technically more of a series than a film this Netflix original has taken the world by storm. Murder, corruption, questionable policing methods and allegations of a major cover-up have the world talking about Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey.

This insightful and eye-opening documentary follows the story of an American man convicted of murder – a short time after he was falsely accused of murdering another person.

There is no part of this series that will not make you question how the justice system in America works. Compelling viewing.

So if you are bored of scripted reality TV and want some really real life drama, action and awe then all life is here – grab one of our picks for this week and prepare to be amazed at what real life looks like.

TALLAGHT SINGER TO LAUNCH DEBUT ALBUM

After the successful launch of his debut single earlier this year talented singer-songwriter Keith O’Connell releases his new album – Genetic Lottery – this week.

Living in Kilnamanagh, but originally from Aylesbury, Keith has been performing for more than 20 years and has gigged in many Tallaght venues.

His influences include Billy Joel, U2, Stereophonics and Oasis but his love of all kinds of music come through his work.

Keith finished recording his album during the Summer but decided to focus on releasing his single, at the End Of The Day, on iTunes.

The single was released in May and performed well on iTunes where it is still available to purchase for 99c and where Genetic Lottery is available to order now.

The Tallaght man is excited to release Genetic Lottery and recently played to a packed out Molloys to mark the launch.

He played 10 songs from the album and the special gig was well received with copies of the CD available on the night.

Keith said: “I also have a brand new website, just launched –

www.keithoconnellmusic.com – where there is an [online] store, where people can buy the album on cd for €10 (by Paypal or credit card) and have the option of getting it delivered to them.”

Keith explained that Genetic Lottery is an eclectic mix of songs with pop, jazz and rock tunes offering “something for everyone”.

Going forward Keith will be focusing on playing music to bigger crowds and promoting his album across the whole of Ireland.

For more information, or to buy a copy of Genetic Lottery, visit www. keithoconnellmusic.com.

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PREPARE NOW FOR WINTER MOTORING CONDITIONS – MICHELIN ADVISES

Now is the time to prepare your car for the Winter conditions that lie ahead, tyre manufacturer Michelin advises.

Against the backdrop of survey results conducted by them showing that sixty per cent of motorists drive with tyres that are underinflated, it is noted that, with normal tyres, low

temperatures can harden the tread, reducing grip on slippery surfaces.

In winter, when temperatures can drop below 7˚C, the advice is that motorists would fit tyres designed specifically for winter conditions with compounds that remain flexible to improve grip and braking.

In this respect, the

launch recently of their Michelin CrossClimate has put the French tyre maker ahead of the curve.

Made to perform equally well on sunbaked roads in Summer and on snow-covered roads in Winter, the new CrossClimate tyre is billed as the first Summer tyre to be independently certified for Winter use.

Available in 30 different sizes for 14 to 18-inch wheels, the CrossClimate tyre is the fruit of three technologies an innovative compound that grips the road in all conditions; an energyefficient, under-tread layer with low heat build-up properties; and a unique ‘V’pattern tread with varying ‘vee’ angles and self-locking, variable-

width sipes that act like claws in snow to enhance traction.

A study conducted

by Michelin during the course of its development revealed that 65 percent of European motorists use summer tyres all

year round. In Germany - where regulations require winter tyres - the figure was 20 percent while in France, where no regulations apply, the figure was 76 percent.

Out

of

every

10

European motorists, four considered it a constraint to change tyres in summer and winter, while three percent of drivers in Germany and seven percent in France use winter tyres all year round.

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. R.P. 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 a big ‘Thank You’ to St. Gerard, St. Martin, St. Therese, St. Padre Pio and the Holy Spirit P.W 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 thanks to the Angels and Our Lady of Mount Carmel G.L. UNFAILING PRAYER TO ST JUDE St Jude is the Patron Saint of Impossible Cases Glorius Apostle, Saint Jude, I salute you through the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Through

his heart I praise and thank God for all the graces he has bestowed upon you. I implore you, through his love, to look upon me with comapssion. Do not despise my poor prayer, Do not let my trust be confounded!

God has granted to you the privelege of aiding mankind in the most desperate cases. Oh , come to my aid that I may praise the mercies of God! All my life I will be your grateful client until I can thank you in heaven. Amen (Mention your request) Saint Jude, pray for us, and for all who invoke your aid.

Your request may be granted by the 8th day. God willing.

Publication of thanks to St Jude must be promised. Say this Novena nine times in a row for nine days in a row. M.H. 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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:// w w w. i r i s h p i l g r i m a g e t r u s t . 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.

Fitting a Michelin CrossClimate tyre - the first Summer tyre to be independently certified for Winter use.

NAAS ROAD DEALER KEEPS THE SUNNY SIDE UP

Mercedes-Benz main dealer Brendan Grace of MSL, Naas Road keeps the sunny side up as he welcomes the new drop-top C-Class Cabriolet on to the Irish market.

Now in dealer showrooms priced from €54,580, the two-door, open-top cabriolet comes with a comfort package that extends the summer motoring season into autumn and beyond.

Features include an electric draught stop system and neck-level heating for driver and front passenger both of which work to extend the open-top season by ensuring that occupants enjoy maximum open air comfort, even at low temperatures.

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BREATHNACH’S BARGAINS DOMINIC’S SHOPPING CENTRE TALLAGHT DUBLIN 24 Terms & Conditions Apply. All special offers subject to availability. See instore for details