Tallaght News 15.04.19 by Newsgroup

15th April 2019

40% INCREASE IN FUNDING FOR Tallaght Stone Centre headstones crafted for all cemeteries GENERAL PRACTICE OVER THE NEXT Tel: (01) 462 6200 Fax: (01) 462 6209 FOUR YEARS email: info@tallaghtstonecentre.ie web: tallaghtstonecentre.ie

Local South Dublin Cllr, Emer Higgins has said the Government’s new agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) on a major package of GP contractual reforms will benefit Dublin patients and make general practice a more attractive career option for doctors. Higgins said: “This agreement is good news for the people of Dublin and the GPs working here. This agreement will encourage more doctors to go into General Practice and will provide new funding to develop practices and the

services they provide. “In return, GPs will agree to work on much-needed reforms including more costeffective prescribing of medicines, waiting list validation and use of new information and communications technology systems. “This agreement will lead to the structured care on a large scale of patients with chronic conditions in a primary care setting. “It is heartening this agreement will see GPs engaging strongly with the eHealth agenda which will ensure that patient are placed at the centre

of the healthcare delivery system and become empowered participants in the provision and pursuit of their health and wellbeing,” the Cllr said. Speaking at the launch An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar said: “The Minister for Health and I are also signalling our intention to extend the free GP care scheme for children which currently applies to children aged five and under, to all children aged 6-12. “Alongside the new staff nurses contract agreed with unions earlier this week and the reduction

in prescription charges and the widening of income limits for the GP Visit Card, I believe this represents a major step forward in the implementation of Sláintecare, increased resourcing of primary care, transferring chronic disease management from hospitals to the community, and widening the provision of free and subsidised healthcare.” Minister for Health Simon Harris said “This agreement shows that Government is delivering on the Sláintecare programme – the agreement of a revised GP contract will enable the delivery of integrated, community-based care that is provided at the right time, in the right place. “I appreciate that GPs have been under pressure in recent years to maintain services in the face of increasing demand and stretched resources. The funding stream that will flow in return for the changes we are announcing today will put general practice on a much more sustainable footing and help to make it an attractive and exciting career choice for doctors.”

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TALLAGHT SCHOOLS SELECTED FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY WORK Three Tallaght National Schools have been selected for special energy saving work and retrofitting as part of a €7m Government Pilot Project, according to local Minister Katherine Zappone. Minister Zappone said St Kevins Boys, St Kevins Girls and St Dominics National Schools are among 17 which have been picked across the country. Each will see

works carried out which should see energy use cut by a third. Minister Zappone added: “Work on our three national schools will start this summer. It will include new windows and doors, insulation as well as smart technology for power and heating. It is a tribute to children, parents and teachers that three of our local schools have been selected for

a ground-breaking pilot – which not only makes economic sense but will help protect the environment for a generation now growing up. The aim is to cut energy use and bills by a third. An ambitious goal but one which I am sure can be met. It is important once this work has been piloted that it is rolled out to other local schools across south and west Dublin. If Government is to get real about reaching our climate action goals then it must lead by example and ensure its own public buildings are up to scratch. Design teams have now been appointed and it is

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my hope that the bulk of the work, and certainly any building work, would be completed before classes resume in September.

EVA CATCHING UP ON THE LATEST TALLAGHT NEWS

We must take climate action seriously, and are seeing our young people taking the lead. Now they will be doing that lead from classrooms which are clean and green.”

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18 month old Eva Burke cathching up on the latest local news in the Tallaght News recently. Pic credit: Simon Burke

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FREE HUB CONTROLLER SMART THERMOSTATS

“Cllr Trevor Gilligan has called for a nationwide extension of The Free Hub Controller Smart Thermostats grants. Most

people are unaware that they can currently save €380 on a free smart hub heating controls grant from hub controls, based in Tallaght.

Currently there is an agreement with the SEAI to install 2000, of which over 50% have been completed. Upon completion the trial

LUCAN PUPILS HEAR FITNESS MESSAGE

will be worth €760K to 2000 customers.

There has been a huge uptake and I am calling for this scheme to be extended nationwide and to include another 5,000 free controls. These controls are a great way for customers to save money as well as energy. They are environmentallyfriendly and I envisage one in most homes in the near future. Anyone can

apply here : https://www. thehubcontroller.com/trial with currently a limited availability.” Stated Gilligan. “We’re 95% confident that the pilot will be extended, as we can demonstrate significant energy savings. Everyone is looking for practical ways to ways to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. Home heating accounts for

more than half the energy used in homes, so cutting down your heating bill is a great place to start. We’ve proven that we can save up to 26% on your bill, through a combination of measures. We use our technology to run your heating system more effectively and the only difference they’ll notice is the savings.” - Stated Graham Merriman, Sales Director for Hub Controls.

SDCC TO COMMENCE TWO ADAMSTOWN PARKS IN 2019 Plans for the provision of two new public parks in Adamstown, Lucan, one to be called Airlie Park and the other Tandy’s Lane Park are set to commence construction this Autumn and Winter 2019, according to Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West John Curran. Deputy Curran was commenting after receiving news from SDCC that the two large new parks in Adamstown are both at an advanced design stage and both will commence towards the end of 2019.

Scoil Mhuire N.S. in Lucan recently hosted a visit from Irish fitness expert Tom Dalton at which some 120 pupils heard the message that physical fitness and healthy eating go hand-in-hand and should begin at an early age. Topics covered during the visit included demonstrations of exercises young people should do, advice on healthy eating, and tips on how to use leisure time to stay physical fit. Supported by Fyffes, schools and sports clubs interested in receiving a similar visit can find details online at www.fyffesfitsquad.ie.

“Airlie Park is the larger park at approximately 10.95 hectares and will contain an all-weather playing/flood-lit pitch for GAA and Soccer, a cricket ground, tennis courts and basketball courts, a teenage space, 3 play areas including a natural play area, an exercise area 56 space car parking and cycling parking, including changing rooms, storage facilities and

café. Tandy’s Lane Park is at an advanced stage of planning at the moment and is due to commence this Autumn. Tandy’s Lane is a smaller neighbourhood park for passive recreation, wildlife, pathways, cycle ways and some car parking.

Overall these two new parks will be a wonderful addition to Adamstown and the wider Lucan area as a place of recreation and community involvement in sports and the provision of much needed facilities for local clubs and sports groups. Not to mention fantastic facilities for walking, running and coming together in the Adamstown Community. I will continue to follow up on the development of these local parks with the hope that delivery of these projects is in a timely manner,” concluded Deputy Curran

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TALLAGHT LOSES A LOCAL HERO, PADDY DRAC

Paddy Drac Finlay has sadly passed away. Paddy was a very well known Tallaght character with a great love and involvement in the local community. As recent as November

2018, the Tallaght favourite was honoured as a local hero with Dublin City Council. Paddy a well-known and well-loved fixture in the community, was

Cllr. Charlie O’Connor PC Living in Tallaght ...Working for Tallaght

WEEKLY ADVICE CLINICS Aherne’s, Old Bawn Road SATURDAY 11AM Trustus, Tallaght Village, SATURDAY AT NOON Firhouse Community Centre SATURDAY 2 PM Dominic’s Community Centre MONDAY AT NOON Fettercairn Community Centre TUESDAY 7PM

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THE FIANNA FAIL TEAM IN DUBLIN SOUTH WEST Cllr Charlie O’Connor, Declan Burke, Teresa Costello, John Lahart TD, Cllr Paul Foley and Cllr Emma Murphy

affectionately known as Paddy Drac. He delighted audiences for over 50 years with his masterful appearances as Dracula. A permanent fixture in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade since 1968 and appearances in the local Tallaght parade throughout the years, Paddy also used his ghoulish impersonation to entertain children and adults to raise money for children with special needs. May He Rest In Peace.

Top image; Brian Lenihan Senior pictured with Paddy Drac in 1990, image appeared in the South West Express incorporating the Tallaght News and South City Express. Pic credit: Stephen O’Reilly Bottom image: Tallaght’s Paddy Drac Honoured in the Local Heroes Project with Dublin City Council in November 2018. Pic credit: Leon Farrell

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PLANNING AUTHORITY’S DECISION ON WESTON AERODROME IS A RELIEF TO LUCAN RESIDENTS

Local Election candidate in Lucan, Caitríona McClean has said the findings of An Bord Pleanála in relation to the proposed Weston Aerodrome will be a relief to worried residents. She said, “It became apparent throughout the public consultation process held by South Dublin County Council in relation to the project plans, that local residents were fearful of the potential impact on their area. Particularly regarding any additional commercial passenger or cargo flights in and out of the airport and which would lead to more disturbance and more potential risk. “Those living in Weston Park, Kew Park, Cooldrinagh and close to Celbridge already deal with noise levels and the prospect of extending the runway would inevitably worsen that. “As detailed in my own submission to An Bord Pleanála,

planning permission should certainly have been required to develop an extension of the existing runway. Furthermore, the EU regulations cited by Weston as a purpose for exemption are not relevant as the volume of traffic is well below the limit that applies. “I received a letter from the Board this week outlining the decision and confirming that those arguments stood. The local community in the immediate vicinity of the runway will be relieved to learn of this decision reached by the planning authority. “We must be conscious that an appeal to the decision reached by An Bord Pleanála is possible and so it’s important that as residents we continue to be aware of any attempts to extend the use of the airport. I fully intend on continuing my work on the matter.”

FIRHOUSE CENTRAL REMEDIAL CLINIC

Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe meeting with Firhouse Central Remedial Clinic to discuss disability issues and the challenges facing their members accessing services and supports.

CHAOS AS 6K+ DUBLIN HOMES WITHOUT ELECTRICITY “As many as 6K+ homes were without electricity recently as an outage hit Clondalkin. This has now happened on a number of occasions. Traffic lights were out, local supermarkets and garages were closed” stated Cllr Gilligan. Following on representation from Cllr Trevor Gilligan, ESB Networks have replied “In February there were two cable faults – the initial fault led to a second fault. When a cable fault occurs customers can experience a number of related outages while our Network Technicians are ‘fault hunting’. The cable has to be switched in and out until the exact location of the fault is discovered and then repair works can be carried out.” “There was also an outage on the 11th of March which impacted a large number of customers. A medium voltage overhead line connection failed and unfortunately resulted in the loss of electricity supply to approximately 5,000

customers. This would be unusual except that on this instance one of our protection devices did not work as it should have. Due to the traffic problems around the village it took a while for Technicians to get all the sectionalising of the cable completed in order to restore power supply to as many customers as

possible before they could start working on the actual repair.” “There is a plan over the coming months to review continuity of supply across the area, if this identifies any specific issues in Clondalkin these will be addressed” stated a spokesperson for the ESB.

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EMPLOYMENT SCHEMES MUST BE PRIORITY IN AREAS OF DISADVANTAGE DESPITE EMPLOYMENT FIGURES

John Curran T.D. has backed his Party’s publication of proposals to secure Community Employment Schemes into the future. The document has been submitted to the

Interdepartmental Group, which is examining the future of these schemes. Deputy Curran commented, “I have always been a strong advocator and supporter of Community Employment

Schemes. I recognise the valuable contributions that these schemes make across Dublin as well as the huge benefits that the participants themselves report.

“As Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Drugs Policy, the positive impact of participating in a CE scheme cannot be overstated, in particular for participants on drug rehabilitation programmes – from the confidence boost of learning new skills to the sense of belonging and community it brings. “There are thousands of people who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to work in the labour market. It is in these instances where CE schemes have made a real difference.

For a second time Orla Wallace is leading Team Barretstown in the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon to celebrate the life of her son Ben. Sign up today and help raise funds for children with serious illness Call Donna on (045) 864115 or fundraising@barretstown.org

In my own constituency I know of community centres, sports clubs, childcare facilities, resource centres and Meals on Wheels services staffed by CE participants doing vital work in the villages of Dublin Mid-West. “I

acknowledge the fact that the need for activation schemes has diminished over the past number of years, however, I believe it is important to protect the social inclusion element of CE schemes”. Fianna Fáil is calling on the Inter-departmental group to consider: Keeping the

Departmental responsibility for CE schemes within the DEASP; Ring-fencing funding and increasing the materials budget; Adapting CE schemes in line with changes in economic performance; Greater flexibility and a common-sense approach; and Addressing the pension issue for Supervisors and

Assistant Supervisors. “The preservation of Community Employment Schemes is a key priority for Fianna Fáil. We believe that spending on CE schemes represents good value for money, and despite the higher employment figures, these schemes are still needed”, concluded Deputy Curran.

COUNCIL SLAMMED OVER HELLFIRE PROJECT SPEND

South Dublin County Council has been criticised over spending on the Dublin Mountains Visitor Centre at the Hellfire Club. People Before Profit Cllr Madeleine Johansson made the comments following the revelation that more then €600,000 have been spent already on the project, over €500,000 of which out of council funds. The council spent €477,640.52 on consultancy fees, € 78,097.28 on legal fees, € 18,178.93 on print and advertising fees and € 33,306.75 on planning fees bringing the total cost so far to €607,223.48. The project is currently in the planning stage with An Board Pleanala with further information requested by the board in relation to bird surveys. Cllr Madeleine Johansson commented: “The proposed visitor centre has been opposed by residents

and campaigners who are concerned about the impact of the development on the environment and wildlife in this area of cultural and natural heritage. The amount of money spent on this project could have been spent on much needed works and facilities in the area such as an upgraded car park, toilets and traffic management solutions. “There are serious concerns about the commercialisation of the Dublin mountains for the benefit of tourists but to the detriment of the environment and Dubliners. The current plan should be scrapped and the council management should engage with locals and campaigners to come up with alternative plan which would both save the council money and save our environment.”

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RECYCLE IT WELCOMES DORMANT DODDER VALLEY PARK CLEAN UP ACCOUNTS FUNDING Recycle IT, a community electrical recycling organisation based in Dublin was allocated approximately €40,000 to help fund a new electrical recycling collection vehicle. This funding was allocated through the Dormant Accounts Fund managed by Department of Rural and Community Development and administrated by Pobal. As a social enterprise, part funded through the Community Services Programme (CSP) Recycle IT supports the delivery of environmental services in areas of disadvantage. Recycle IT engage with many communities including communities lacking services due to economic, geographical or social challenges or where demand for services is not being addressed easily by existing services. Una Lavelle General Manager of Recycle IT has welcomed the news calling it ‘a testament to the work of Recycle IT over the last number of years. Una has singled out Pobal and the Dormant Account Fund for their support since inception of electrical recycling services in 2002. John McEntee Development Manager at Recycle IT is delighted

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that this funding has been allocated to ensure electrical and electronic recycling collections continue in Dublin and surrounding areas while also reinforcing our ability to deliver training and employment opportunities. Over the last two year Recycle IT have safely recycled over 900 tonnes of electrical items from homes and over 235 tonnes from school, charities and community organisations in Dublin and surrounding areas. The Dormant Account Fund allows Recycle IT continue to offer an accessible and ecofriendly recycling service for old and once loved electrical and electronic items. Residents groups, charities, school and college will have ongoing access to a free, safe and prescheduled collection service using a new vehicle which will delivers greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions for the benefit of society and the organisation. This Dormant Accounts funding helps supports the vision of the voluntary board of directors and staff team to deliver recycling service, widen the area of coverage and commit to the organisations mission of providing a professional community based electronic waste management service while creating sustainable employment opportunities based at our recycling facility in Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Recycle IT, is a social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling services through drop off and collection. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland and South Dublin County Council. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal and Dormant Accounts and authorised by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow. For more information on Recycle IT please call 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit website www.recycleit.ie

Seán Crowe T.D. ‘getting stuck in’ and taking part in Dodder Valley Park clean up initiative on 31st of March. Some of the litter collected by volunteers at the Dodder Valley Park clean up initiative

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EASTER CELEBRATIONS AT LULLYMORE HERITAGE AND DISCOVERY PARK

What Easter celebration would be complete without an Easter egg hunt? Hop on over to the Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park for some fun family time during the Easter Holidays.

The most Egg-citing Hunt of them all! Join the Easter Bunny for an “eggstra” special event where you have to find all the clues hidden throughout the Park, solve Easter Bunny’s puzzle and collect your mini egg. There will also be prizes of “very special” eggs hourly each afternoon - to be in with a chance to win all you need to do is solve the the Egg Hunt! To burn off

lots of energy, there’s the “funky forest” indoor play centre with giant slide and ball pools. There’s also a crazy golf course, large quality outdoor playground with new updated play features and the regular train trips through the award winning Peatland Biodiversity Trail. To relax take a ramble through the Park’s woodland/peatland trails, gardens and numerous historic exhibitions – all have been recently updated with life-like models, holograms and touchscreen multimedia. There’s also a pet farm containing Fallabella horses, alpacas, donkeys,

rabbits, goats, calves, sheep and Bali ducks, pot bellied pigs and more goats! Funky Café is the place for some tasty treats. So why not discover Lullymore this Easter week for some refreshingly healthy family fun! Egg Hunt runs for 7 days from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm – Saturday 20th April – Friday 26th April 2019. Easter Egg Hunt is available throughout the day. Easter Bunny and fun Easter games start daily in the afternoon. Usual family admissions apply – no extra cost for event. PLEASE NOTE: The Park will be open to the public throughout the Easter School Holidays but the Egg Hunt and Easter Event will take place only on the above dates.

For more info visit: https://www. lullymoreheritagepark.com/lullymoreeaster/

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AS FORT LUCAN REOPENED ON THE 13TH OF APRIL, NEWSGROUP HAS TWO FAMILY PASSES TO GIVE AWAY!

TO ENTER SIMPLY EMAIL YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER AND ADDRESS TO INFO@NEWSGROUP.IE BY TUESDAY 23RD OF APRIL 2019.

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GREAT IRISH BAKE OFF FOR TEMPLE STREET

Tesco Liffey Valley colleagues Linda Barry and Noeleen Walker, who hosted a Great Irish Bake to raise much needed for Temple Street Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital recently. Photo credit: Iain White - Fennell Photography

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NATIONAL TREE WEEK 2019 WHAT IS DYSLEXIA? In the first of our 2-part series on Dyslexia, we look at what it is and the signs to look out for. Dyslexia is a term many of us have heard and we associate it with people who struggle with reading and writing or confuse b and d. However, few people know much about this neurological condition which affects 10-15% of the population. Dyslexia, sometimes termed word blindness, has been documented for over 100 years. The first recorded case of dyslexia appeared in the British Medical Journal in 1896. W. Pringle Morgan described the case of 14-yearold, Percy F, who could not read and wrote his name as ‘Precy’ but could multiply 749 by 887 quickly and correctly. There have been many famous dyslexics such as Tom Cruise, Albert Einstein, Walt Disney and Mohammed Ali to name a few. Dyslexics tend to be very creative and often entrepreneurial. Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which mainly affects the development of literacy and language related skills. It is likely to be present at birth and to be lifelong in its effects. It is characterised by difficulties with phonological processing, rapid naming, working memory, processing speed and the automatic development of skills that may not match up to an individual’s other cognitive abilities. In a modern world, where reading, writing and maths are given high status and employment opportunities depend on mastery of these skills, parents can become worried when their child is not achieving in line with their peer group. What should parents look out for? • Delayed speech • Difficulties in converting speech sounds (phonemes) into written text (graphemes), resulting in their reading and writing being below that expected for their IQ. • Difficulty in recalling times tables or sequences such as days of the week and months of the year. • Poor organisational skills • Slow reading speed • Poor sight words • Reversal of words when reading or spelling (on/no, was/saw)

Mayor of South Dublin County Council Cllr. Mark Ward with the Children from St. Bernadette’s National School, Clondalkin and Cllr. Madeleine Johansson

COLLINSTOWN PARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE CREATES ENERGY BUZZ WITH EFFICIENCY EVENING

– Microsoft, SEAI and SSE Airtricity partnership proves popular as over 100 members of community come together for school’s event –

200 bright sparks from Collinstown Park Community College in Clondalkin have taken part in an energy efficiency programme which was celebrated on the 4th April. The Mayor of South Dublin County Council Mark Ward, along with parents, teachers and community members attended the Energy Efficiency Evening organised by SSE Airtricity, Microsoft with support from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). In the weeks building up to the event, students from first year and transition year designed and produced energy efficiency projects, attended SEAI workshops and took part in a ‘Generation Green 5-Day Energy Challenge’. The projects, which were on display at the event, showcased how the enthusiastic energy learners used the tips from the workshop and challenge to make their lives more energy efficient. Speaking at the event, “Generation Green Leader’ and transition year student Victory Luke said: “As a team leader, I felt that, as well as sharing information with other students, I learned a lot myself. We all worked well as a team, organised the event efficiently, developed

our communication skills, gained confidence from our participation, and contributed to our school community understanding the urgency of addressing climate change. I want to thank SEAI, SSE Airtricity and Microsoft for their engagement with our school and for helping the whole school community understand that there is no Planet B and that we must all do our best to make a positive impact when it comes to making Ireland more sustainable.” The Energy Efficiency Evening followed a range of energy improving works carried out in Collinstown Park Community College.Microsoft, who have a strong relationship with the school through their community engagement programme, recently funded a deep retrofit of the school’s energy infrastructure. The project, which was carried out by SSE Airtricity and granted funding by the SEAI, involved installing 30 solar panels on the roof and upgrading all lighting throughout the campus to high efficiency LED lights. The retrofit resulted in 110,000 kWH of energy savings per year and will cut the school’s annual electricity bill by more than 50%.

This is not an exhaustive list but good signs to watch out for. Next time we will look what a parent can do and suitable approaches to support these students. If you have any concerns about your child’s progress in school, contact Kip McGrath to arrange a FREE educational assessment.

Photo Caption: Empowered pupils of Collinstown Park Community College celebrate an energy efficiency evening as they fight climate change with South Dublin County Council Mayor Cllr. Mark Ward and representatives from SSE Airtricity and Microsoft. Photo Credit: Joe Keogh

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STUDENTS FROM TALLAGHT UNITED IN HEAD AND HEART

Students from Priory Outreach, Tallaght were among over 300 young people gathered recently for the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Young SVP East Region Youth Day 2019. ‘United in Head and Heart ‘was the theme of the day in which participants created displays of their work, gave presentations and networked with other young volunteers. During the school year, students

involved in the Young SVP programme carry out a range of actions to give back to their communities, including projects and actions on: food poverty, climate justice, homelessness, loneliness and isolation, kindness, equality and mental health.

SVP National Youth Development Coordinator, Becca Gallagher said “the aim of the Young SVP

programme is to provide opportunities for young people to engage in social action in their own communities encouraging personal and social development”. Speaking of their experience of taking part in the Young SVP programme the young people said that it was an experience they would never forget and that they had learned more about issues in their community,

how to listen to others, contribute their ideas, how to be organised and how to

help others. The United in Head and Heart event was a celebration of the hard work

and dedication of Young SVP volunteers in Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare.

STUDENTS TAKE PART IN LINGUISTICS OLYMPIAD

GRIFFITH COLLEGE AND IAPI LAUNCH CREATIVE BURSARY FOR DEIS SCHOOLS Griffith College has partnered with the Institute of Advertising Practitioners Ireland (IAPI) to launch a €10,000 Creative Bursary for DEIS schools across Ireland.

(L-R back row): Rathcoole students Liza Matvitska, Luca Crone, TJ Corcoran, and Caoimhe Healy (L-R) pictured with Jacques Murphy, Sean Radcliffe and Henry Li from Gonzaga College at the ADAPT Centre’s All Ireland Linguistics Olympiad final where they competed for the title of ‘Ireland’s top young problem solver’ recently.

Successful applicants will be presented with a bursary between €2,000-€5,000. The aim of the initiative is to encourage second-level students to consider careers in media, advertising and communications by allowing them to participate in more creative subjects and projects at an earlier stage. The bursary will be used to improve and upgrade equipment within the school, subsequently improving the student experience and nurturing creative flair. National institution Griffith College has partnered up with a host of IAPI’s member agencies to allow for the successful schools to engage in experiential opportunities such as on-site visits, workshops and additional training. These agencies include, Core, Group M, Guns or Knives, Verve, Chemistry, Dynamo, Mindshare, Epsilon and Bonfire. This partnership will provide students with an insider’s view into what it’s like to work with a creative agency. Participating schools are asked to submit a proposal to rebrand their school. This rebrand will include a new logo design along with a submission video by students and staff. The deadline for submissions is Friday 3rd May and shortlisted entries will

be reviewed by a panel in mid-May. Deputy Head of Journalism and Media at Griffith College, Dr. Robbie Smyth, said “We are delighted to be partnering with IAPI in this bursary scheme. It will provide schools with a unique opportunity to explore their identity and create a new brand. This bursary is not just a monetary prize but offers the winning schools access to some of the cutting edge advertisers of today and opens up an new world of creativity to the next generation of creative talent.” CEO of IAPI Charley Stoney said, “Through this creative bursary, Griffith College is providing IAPI with a unique opportunity to connect with the future generation of advertising creative talent. By reaching out at such a young age it will help creative thinkers see that the advertising and communications industry is a viable and exciting career option for them.”

For more information on the scheme please visit the Griffith College website at www.griffith.ie For more information: Roisin Roberts – Marketing - roisin.roberts@griffith.ie or Call 01 415 0431

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CALLS FOR EXTRA FUNDING FOR RE-BUILDING IRELAND HOME LOAN

Robert Dowds, the Labour local election candidate for Clondalkin, has called on the government to provide extra funding for the rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme. It is essential that

as many people as possible can benefit from this scheme. The existing situation where many couples, and indeed single people, are

paying rents far in excess of mortgages is intolerable. At the same time so many of those people cannot get mortgages because, with the rental pressure, they have no chance of getting a

EUROSPAR LUCAN WINS AWARD

deposit together in order to obtain a mortgage.

At the same time, Fine Gael, as the government party, is not being helped by the action of many of their local councillors. In South Dublin, for example, the Fine Gael councillors

opposed the Clonburris Strategic Development Zone housing which is to provide over 8,400 homes with infrastructure provided as well. While these councillors didn’t succeed in blocking the plan, they have contributed to delaying

€3M ILLEGAL DUMPING FUND OFFERS OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES

A new €3m fund to combat illegal dumping offers opportunities for community groups in the South Dublin County Council area, according to local Independent Minister Katherine Zappone. The national funding is being made available to groups and councils to undertake education, prevention and clean ups. Minister Zappone says it offers an opportunity to protect parks, green areas and local rivers which are a huge resource to people of all ages, in particular during the summer months.

Ciaran Collins, EUROSPAR Lucan with Leo Crawford, Group Chief Executive, BWG Group and Malachy Hanberry, Managing Director, EUROSPAR. EUROSPAR Lucan was presented with Top of the Tree Awards, which is special recognition for outstanding retail practice across EUROSPAR’s six pillar Retail Strategy of Value, Freshness, Rewards, Choice, Service and Experience that has been unanimously endorsed by their retailers.

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it by an appeal to An Bord Pleanála. This approach is not acceptable in the middle of a severe housing crisis with many young people not knowing where to turn and delaying having families which is not in the country’s long-term interest.

Minister Zappone added: “The decision to double the ‘Anti-Dumping Initiative’ funding to €3m this year underlines the vital role community groups and local people play in combating the scourge of illegal dumping. With our fantastic parks, green areas as well as woodlands and rivers South and West Dublin is particularly vulnerable to those who seek to dodge waste charges or make a quick buck by avoiding our laws on

litter and rubbish. Not only do they create eyesores but they also create dangers in particular for young children who go out exploring during the longer hours of day light and while on Easter and Summer Holidays. I encourage all communities in Templeogue, Tallaght and Citywest as well as the surrounding areas to examine the scheme and see if they can draw down funding for either prevention or clean up work. In addition to community efforts the fund can to promote innovation, surveillance using drones, special collections for awkward items like mattresses, spreading awareness among young people and recognizing the work of volunteers can all pay a role. Applications close on the 30th of April 2019. Interested applicants can find more information here www.dccae. gov.ie/en-ie/environment/topics/waste/ enforcement/anti-dumping-initiative

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THE FRIENDS OF ST LUKE’S CANCER CARE SUPPORTING ST LUKE’S RADIATION ONCOLOGY NETWORK Since it opened in May 1954, St Luke’s Hospital in Rathgar, Dublin 6, has been caring for cancer patients from all over Ireland. St Luke’s is dedicated to being a world class leader in cancer treatment, patient care,

research and education. The St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network operates from three locations - St. Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar, Dublin and St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Units, which opened in March 2011

in St James’s and Beaumont Hospitals.

In striving for this excellence, the holistic needs of its patients and their families are its greatest concern. Why raise funds for St Luke’s? Funds raised will go towards the treatment of children and teenagers St Luke’s Radiology Oncology Hospital is Ireland’s only provider of paediatric radiation and oncology treatments for children and adolescents. Patients and their families travel from every county in Ireland, spending five days a week for a period of six weeks receiving treatment. Between 40 – 50 children and young adolescents are treated in St Luke’s each year for Brain Tumours, Carcinomas, Neuroblastomas and Wilms’ Tumours. Children from one up to 18 years of age are treated as outpatients in the Rathgar Hospital

in Dublin and travel to St Luke’s daily from other children’s hospitals in Dublin. Each patient needs to remain completely still during treatment which lasts from between 5 and 20 minutes, and this can be difficult for the young patients. Play Therapists accompany some children from their hospital. They play simulation games to prepare them for the radiation treatment and the game of statues is often used to encourage children to stay still during treatment. In a number of special cases very young children have to go under general anaesthetic every day they have their treatment, and it can take up to three hours to fully recover from the anaesthetic before the child and their family member(s) can leave the hospital. Again, this can be distressing for the children and their families; however the children tend to bounce back pretty well afterwards.

Side effects of treatment can include fatigue, nausea and growth complications. Children and adolescents were sharing the same waiting space with adult patients.

The area had little privacy for the patient or family. The young patients could made feel uncomfortable and self-conscious unintentionally by adults who often ask questions about their cancer or/ and treatment. This was even more difficult for young patients who may have had an amputation or disfigurement as part of their treatment. The teenage patients tend to avoid the waiting areas and wait to be called for treatment via text message so they don’t have to speak to anyone. This was all adding extra stress to patients, both young and old, as they were already feeling vulnerable and could be experiencing side effects from treatment

like fatigue and nausea. The Friends of St Luke’s raised funds to pay for the refurbishment of two separate spaces which have dramatically improved patient and family experiences at St Luke’s Rathgar. St Luke’s Hospital provides radiotherapy treatment to children coming from across the country. The Children’s area has all the latest toys suitable for the younger patients with a recovery area and facilities for tea/coffee making. The Adolescent’s Room has all the latest technology and is a real “chill out” space for teenagers. To sign up to raise funds for St Luke’s in the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon on Sunday 2nd June contact Mrs Ger Watt 01 406 5314 or email info@ friendsofstlukes.ie Connect with us Facebook, Twitter or Instagram - @ friendsofstlukes

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CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH TARGETS BEING MISSED

Seán Crowe T.D. has described the recent Health Service Executive (HSE) figures regarding Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) as deeply worrying. The Sinn Féin TD said it is clear that they are

not meeting their existing targets and with the leaked HSE plans of a recruitment and overtime ban, this will only add to the crisis in the service. Deputy Seán Crowe said: “The latest available data

from the HSE indicates that the service is missing its target with 2,453 child and adolescents now waiting on a CAMHS appointment. 1,469 have been waiting over 3 months for an appointment and 313 have been waiting over 12 months. This fails to meet the HSE target that no young person should wait more than 3 months for a CAMHS appointment. “The HSE are at breaking point and their leaked plans of a recruitment and overtime ban will only add to the crisis in the service.

“The HSE performance profile for July 2018 which was published in September shows that over 27% of children admitted to mental inpatients unit were admitted to totally inappropriate adult mental health units each month. “The Minister for Health, Simon Harris, must urgently outline what actions he is planning to

DEREREUX’S IMAGE WINS AWARD AT PSA

end this deeply worrying situation. “In a reply to a Parliamentary Question received in December 2018 by my Sinn Féin colleague, Louise O Reilly TD, the HSE said that in the CHO7 area which covers Dublin South West, 125 children and adolescents were on waiting lists for a CAMHS appointment. 83 of them have been waiting over 3 months, 35 have been waiting up to 6 months, and 7 have been waiting up to 9 months. “No one, especially a young person in a mental health crisis, should have to wait months for an appointment. A cry for help from whatever quarter should be heard and seen as quickly as possible. “These newly released figures are deeply worrying and combined with the double whammy of a recruitment embargo with an overtime ban, means that waiting lists will continue to stretch and grow out of control.”

Palmerstown Camera Club member Phillip Devereux entered his image in the PSA (Photographic Society of America) recently. His image received an award. A considerable number of clubs throughout the world enter competitions in the PSA the competitors are up against the best in the world and to receive an award is a great achievement for the photographer. Congratulations to Philip! For more information Palmerstown Camera Club see www.palmerstowncameraclub.com. The club meets every Wednesday evening between 8pm and 10pm in the Parish hall Kennellsfort Road Palmerstown, opposite the Palmerstown House.

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MOTORING LIFE WITH Wow the Tesla Model S By Breda Corrigan

Believe it or not, it has been seven years since Tesla first launched the original ‘Model S’ - its first mass-market all-electric car. Since then, advancement in battery technology has come a long way and, with it, a refreshed ‘Model S’ in 2017. Sensational Power, Sensational Technology; The Tesla ‘Model S’ 100D can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, on its way to a limited top speed of 250 km/h. Superior handling is the result of an extremely low centre of gravity, with the battery pack along the floor pan, centred between the axles. Thanks to this design, the ‘Model S’ is one of the safest production vehicles in the world with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating and the lowest probability of roll over of any car on the market. Without an internal combustion engine, the ‘Model S’ allows for 30 cubic foot of cargo space and offers a spacious cabin fitting five adults. The ‘Model S’ is extremely energy-efficient for its size, with a low drag coefficient at .24Cd, as well as superior battery technology. The ‘Model S’ experience starts as you approach the car, as the elegantly designed chrome door handles come out to meet you. The car senses which key you hold, meaning your seat, mirrors and steering wheel positions can be in the perfect position when you enter the car – even if you share it with others. The ‘Model S’ intelligently senses the key fob in the car and seamlessly starts the vehicle when the brake pedal is pushed. Charge With Ease; For everyday travel, simply plug the ‘Model S’ in at night at home, and wake up to a full charge. For longer journeys, the range of the ‘Model S’ and the Supercharger network combine to make long distance travel easy for drivers. Superchargers are connectors that charge your Tesla vehicle in minutes instead of hours. Stations are strategically placed to minimise stops during long distance travel and are conveniently located near restaurants, shopping centres, and WiFi hot spots. Each station contains multiple 120kW DC Superchargers to help you get back on the road quickly. In addition to

this, the Tesla Destination Charger Network has convenient charging at selected hotels, restaurants and shopping centres. Tesla partners with hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and resorts to make charging when you arrive at your destination as simple as charging at home. Pull up and plug into a Tesla wall connector to charge the ‘Model S’ while you shop, dine, or even during an overnight stay. There are currently over 1,000 public charge points throughout Ireland, with the vast majority being AC 3-phase (22kW), and ~ 70 Chademo DC Fast Chargers. Technology as Standard; Over-the-air software updates add functionality, enhance performance and improve the driving experience of Tesla vehicles. Similarly, to how you receive updates to your smartphone, Tesla owners receive software updates to their car remotely without visiting a service centre. Additionally, access to Tesla’s mobile app, allows owners to monitor charging, put the climate control on or vent the sunroof. All new Tesla vehicles are fitted as standard with extensive hardware to enable the latest safety and convenience features. Eight surround cameras provide 360 degrees of visibility around the car at up to 250 metres of range. Twelve ultrasonic sensors complement this vision, allowing for the detection of both hard and soft objects. A forward facing radar provides additional data about the world and is able to see through heavy rain, fog, dust and even the car ahead. This hardware allows Tesla to provide both active and passive safety features as standard including forward collision warning, AEB, speed and lane assist. Convenience features can be added through Tesla’s Enhanced Autopilot package, which provides the latest in Level 2 driver assistance with Traffic Aware Cruise Control, Autosteer, Auto Lane Change and Summon.

Two Variants Available; Two versions of the Tesla ‘Model S’ are available in Ireland – the ‘100D’ and the, high-performance ‘P100D’. Both versions are four-wheel-drive and you can choose from two power outputs, with the range-topping ‘P100D’ model featuring a ‘Ludicrous Plus’ mode that will allow it to blast from 0-100 km/h in just 2.7sec. Tesla’s industry-leading driving range is a result of the cars huge batteries, which need 30 hours to charge from flat via a domestic three-pin socket. However, get a proper charging socket installed at home, or use one of the many roadsidecharging points, and that time drops dramatically. And if you use one of Tesla’s Superchargers, located everywhere from shopping centres to service stations, you can get an 80% recharge in just 30 minutes. The ‘100D’ has an official range of 632 km (NEDC) and the ‘P100D’s range is quoted as 613km. Test Car; My test car was a Tesla ‘Model S 100D’, finished in Deep Blue metallic paint which, combined with contrasting chrome

embellishments, endowed the car with breath-taking good looks. With a beautiful cream interior, the inside of the test car mirrored the stunning looks of the exterior. Plush leather seats provide an appealing and comfortable way to travel. On standard air suspension, the ride is impressive. It’s equally adept on motorways, too, making it a fine longdistance cruiser. When on a motorway, you can make use of Tesla’s Enhanced Autopilot system (an optional extra, but fitted to my test car). This not only maintains a pre-set speed and keeps the ‘Model S’ a safe distance from the car in front, but takes care of the steering as well - even changing lanes when asked if it spots a safe gap in the traffic. Your hands must always be kept on the steering wheel and full attention on the road at all times as Enhanced Autopilot can hand back control quite suddenly if the need arises. It is my opinion that the ‘Model S’ is THE best semi-autonomous driving system currently on the market. I charged my test car at a ‘Destination Charger’ located in the car park of the K Club Hotel in Straffan, Co. Kildare, and it was super-easy to connect to, and disconnect from.

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TIME TO SHAPE UP THIS EASTER!

Easter might be just around the corner, yet that’s no excuse to put off your new healthy-eating regime, according to a Clondalkin healthy eating expert. Sharon Fitzpatrick, who runs two Slimming World groups in Clondalkin, says celebrating Easter and even enjoying the occasional chocolate fix doesn’t have to mean waving goodbye to achieving your weight-loss goals. She says: “A lot of people might think that there’s little point starting a new healthy eating regime right before Easter, with that way of thinking though, there will always be some reason or other to put it off! The beauty of Slimming World lies in the fact that it’s a lifestyle change rather than a diet, so there’s nothing to stop you losing weight at any time of the year.”

Starting those weight-loss resolutions before Easter is certainly advisable given that Irish adults are eating up to three times more than the recommended intake of sugar. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) concludes that sugar should account for no more than 5% of total energy intake, however on average people are getting 12-15% of their energy from sugar, increasing the risk of weight gain and other health problems. Sharon continues: “The key to long term weight loss is balance, so allowing yourself a little tempting treat is really important because it keeps that balance in check. And of course, filling up on lots of tasty, healthy and filling food will make it easier to enjoy that treat – whatever it may be – without overindulging. With Slimming World, no food is off limits, which means you can still celebrate Easter with hearty lamb roast dinners, delicious fish dishes and, of course, a little chocolate!” Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan allows slimmers to satisfy their appetite on filling foods that are low in energy density like pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit and vegetables, lean meat, poultry, fish and more – meaning

beans Serves 4 Zesty spring lamb with cannellini : ter Eas this dish b lam y eas Try this quick and ting Ready in 30 minutes, plus marina fat removed ble 8 lean lamb leg steaks, all visi unwaxed lemon Finely grated zest and juice of 1 ary, plus sprigs to garnish 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosem 2 tsp ground paprika 4 garlic cloves, crushed Low calorie cooking spray 1 onion, finely chopped 250ml boiling chicken stock ined 2 x 400g cans cannellini beans, dra tomatoes, halved 200g orange and red baby plum 100g baby spinach leaves per Salt and freshly ground black pep

e, rosemary, half the paprika and and add the lemon zest and juic l bow e larg a in ks stea b lam Put the to marinate (or up to 12 hours if set aside for at least 15 minutes and bine com to Toss lic. gar half the king spray and place over a high ck frying pan with low calorie coo -sti non e larg a ay Spr s). mit per time (or to your liking). Transfer to minutes on each side for medium 3-4 for k coo and b lam the Add heat. ther non-stick frying pan with low e to rest. Meanwhile, spray ano asid set and foil h wit er cov e, a plat the remaining paprika and garlic a medium heat. Add the onion and r ove e plac and y spra king coo calorie cook for 3-4 minutes or until rant. Add the stock and beans and frag il unt es or ute min 1 for -fry and stir 4-5 minutes or until the tomato y. Add the tomatoes and cook for nall asio occ e. ring tast stir to , son ugh Sea thro ed. heated until just wilt the heat and stir in the spinach hot start to break down. Remove from nish with rosemary sprigs. Serve gar and b es, top with the lam plat n wee bet ture mix n bea the Divide etables. with salad or your favourite veg

they need never go hungry and are free to enjoy a treat every now and then without feeling guilty. In fact, one members of the Clondalkin group has already achieved a cracking weight loss – all while eating delicious meals like Pasta, curries, roast dinners and chips and her favourite treats. Barbara Farrell, who has lost 4stone 1.5LBS so far said: “I never thought I’d be able to lose all this weight while still enjoying my favourite foods every day. Before I joined Slimming World I thought I’d have to say goodbye to all of them! With a few simple swaps and a little bit of forward planning though, it’s easy to enjoy loads of different meals and never feel like you’re missing out. “Even when family celebrations like Easter come around it’s no big deal because Slimming World fits in with the whole family and we can all eat the same foods. This tasty lamb dish is one of my favourites and perfect for Easter! And I’ll definitely have room for a little bit of chocolate, too!”

Barbara Farrell

If this recipe leaves you wanting more, everyone’s welcome at the Bawnogue Slimming World group, held every Thursday at 9.30am & Tuesday at 6.30pm at St Ronans community Centre, Deansrath, Bawnogue. As

well as an abundance of delicious recipes, you’re also sure to fall in love with the Slimming World way of life – which means lots of group support, advice and friendship.” For more information including more delicious recipes visit slimmingworld.co.uk or call Sharon on 0831514777

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LOCAL SCHOOLS URGED TO BE THE FRONTLINE OF CLIMATE ACTION

Schools across the South Dublin County Council area should use a new online resource to empower students to combat climate change, according to Minister Katherine Zappone. The Minister is encouraging all primary and secondary schools to use the resource to get students involved

in concrete steps which can make a difference. Zappone says schools were in the frontline of changing recycling habits in Templeogue, Tallaght, Citywest and surrounding communities – now a new generation can do the same in taking climate action. Minister Zappone added: “Our young people are

drivers of change. Through the Green Flag initiative they learned the benefits of recycling in the classroom and school-yard and brought those welcome habits to the wider community. It is right that once again we should look to our young people and our schools to be drivers of change and

CCIFV 2019 LUMPER SCHOOLS PROJECT

ensure local practical steps are taken to combat climate change.

The new online resource developed by Government equips teachers with exciting ways to encourage students to examine the impact our local behaviour in South and West Dublin can impact not just on our own weather – but literally on people right across the

Available at www. greenschoolsireland.org the pack offers lesson plans; presentations; surveys and data, to learn and discuss, what is the biggest issue

of our time. The Minister concluded “I know from visiting schools rights across Dublin South West that our pupils and students are passionate about protecting the environment and are worried about the impact severe weather events might have on their lives. Now we are providing their teachers with practical steps and tools to encourage action.”

CIVIL REGISTRATION BILL 2019 Sinn Féin spokesperson for LGBTQI rights Senator Fintan Warfield and spokesperson for Employment and Social Protection John Brady TD have welcomed the passing of the Civil Registration Bill 2019 in the Dáil last night. The bill fixes typographical errors in the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 so that it may be commenced – four years after its passage. Sinn Féin secured an amendment that would see the Act finally commenced by 6th October 2019 at the latest.

President Michael D Higgins visited Our Lady of the Wayside NS, Bluebell, lnchicore recently to Launch the CCIFV 2019 Lumper Schools Project.

globe. The aim is to bring climate action into the classroom and make it a topic not only in Geography lessons but also in subjects ranging from English, civics to politics”.

Senator Warfield said: “The Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 was a

pivotal act that ensures that certain same sex couples could both be recognised legally on their child’s birth cert. Four years on, this Act has yet to be commenced by government and LGBTQI families have continued in a legal limbo without recognition or rights.

“Sinn Féin passed a key amendment last night that ensures that a deadline on the commencement of 6th October 2019 or earlier is legally binding and that the four years these families have struggled can finally come to an end in the next six months. “We now turn our focus to the Assisted

Human Reproduction Bill, which will give recognition to another cohort of LGBTQI families still awaiting recognition.” Deputy Brady said: “The fact that this Act has languished for four years while families remained legally vulnerable is disgraceful. The hurt held by families was not helped by the Department of Health declaring six separate deadlines for commencement and missing them all. “The amendment ensures that the government negligence regarding this issue cannot continue and these families can proceed with some degree of certainty.”

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In this edition of the paper, Romaine Scally Solicitor, of Romaine Scally & Company, Solicitors, Main Street, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Telephone 01-4599506 email legal@scally.ie deals with the matter of Wills or the absence of, on the death of a family member. Q. My sister died without making a Will earlier this Summer and I am taking on the job of administering her Estate. Our parents are deceased but we have three surviving siblings and three nieces and nephews by a deceased brother. My siblings have agreed to me administering the Estate but the nieces and nephews of my deceased brother are objecting. Is there anything they can do to stop me administering the Estate? A. In the event that someone dies without making a Will, it is the entitlement of the immediate next-of-kin to apply for letters of Administration Intestate. As a sister of the deceased, you are equally entitled with your other siblings to apply for a Grant of Administration. It can be cumbersome to have all the siblings apply and your siblings are therefore entitled to authorise you to act on behalf of the entire family. Your nephews and nieces are further down the line in terms of their entitlement to administer the Estate and therefore cannot successfully object to your application. However, they are entitled to a share of the Estate. In effect, they are entitled to the share that their parent would have taken. If there is property involved and they are objecting to a sale of a property then they cannot do so but, strictly subject to them receiving their appropriate inheritance. The only way the nephews and nieces could object to your dealing with the Administration of the Estate is if there is what is considered to be an ‘Inordinate Delay’ in them receiving their bequest. Usually however, this does not apply within the one year rule but we would suggest that you start to administer the Estate as soon as possible as there can be lengthy delays in getting an appointment from the Probate office for personal applications. We wish you the best of luck in this regard. Q. I am trying to establish what happened in my Grandfather’s Estate. He died in or around 1986 in West Cork but I do not know whether or not his Estate was administered. Is there anything I can do to make preliminary enquiries without consulting a Solicitor? A. If you believe that the Estate was administered then, you can apply to take up a copy of the Grant of Probate or the Grant of Administration if there was no Will. You can apply to the Probate Office care of Cork Court Offices. You will however need to provide them with as much information as possible such as the date of your Grandfather’s birth, his full name and last known address, and the date and place of his death. We wish you the best of luck in this regard.

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NOVENAS FOR LAURA LYNN

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

PALMERSTOWN JUNCTION - A PRACTICAL SOLUTION

A practical solution to the traffic delays on the outward journey on N4 at Palmerstown has been proposed to the NTA recently following a Bus corridors meeting. Both Caitriona McClean and Tom Newton made the submission and are now keen to hear from members of the public in the Lucan and Palmerstown areas regarding their own thoughts. All comments to cmaemcclean@hotmail. com. ‘If there is sufficient support for this initiative we will ask people to sign a petition on the matter’ says Caitríona McClean. ‘The proposal is for an underpass similar to that at the Adamstown Rd junction on the N4, however the Palmerstown solution is more complex because it facilitates access to the Oval which is a major local issue.’ It is unique in proposing an access to both

Kennelsfort Rd and the Oval as well as Palmerstown village from both directions off the N4. “We believe that this work should be done in conjunction with and as part of the proposed Lucan corridor. The underpass will prevent the regular hold up of traffic leaving the city which comes to a standstill because of traffic lights at both the Oval and Kennelsfort Rd in the out of city direction.” This proposal provides a solution for traffic delays heading in the Kildare direction in the evening and needs urgent attention if commuters are to make the journey home to the ever increasing commuter belt in Kildare. The underpass is also required to relieve traffic congestion locally in the event of the development of the Vincent Byrne site which has substantial potential in

terms of housing but well founded local objections are made on the basis of traffic congestion. ‘These points were raised at the public meeting in the West County Hotel. It would not make any

sense to go ahead with the NTA proposals without the essential work at the Palmerstown junction. We have provided what we see as the optimum solution as it keeps the Oval open which is a major concern locally ‘ says Caitríona McClean

EASTER SUNDAY MORNING 6AM MASS AT DAWN This year Mass at Day-break on Easter Sunday Morning will take place at 6am at the Car-park, viewing point on Killakee Road. In the interest of parking facilities it has moved on to the Viewing point Car Park on Killakee Road. There are many routes to follow to get there. You can exit the M50 at junction 12 Firhouse, follow the Ballycullen sign to the next major junction and follow the Killakee sign. At Orlagh Gate T junction take a left & afterwards, passing the Hell Fire Club,

follow the Killakee sign. Alternatively, from the Old Mill, Old Bawn, continue to the major junction and follow the sign for Killakee again past the Hell Fire Club. This will take you the Car park, viewing point on Killakee Road. Every year musicians from St. Martin de Porris and other Parishes join us with their guitars and singing voices. So please do come along and join in……. well wrapped up of course. All are welcome. For further information you can call 086 8209337.

OGHAM STONE - NATIVE IRISH TREE TRAIL

On the 2nd April Deputy Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Councillor Cathal King officially opened the recently completed Ogham Stone, Native Irish Tree Trail at Mt Carmel in Dodder Valley Park.

Speaking at the event Deputy Mayor Cllr Cathal King said, “The planting of native trees along this new tree trail promotes and enhances the amenity and ecological value of Dodder Valley Park. The Ogham Stone signage will allow people to identify and name the trees and will serve as an educational resource for the area.” The Deputy Mayor also acknowledged the support of the Environmental Pillar of the Public Participation Network during the project.

Director of Services Teresa Walsh said, “The Ogham Stone Tree Trail project at Dodder Valley helps deliver on SDCC’s Corporate Objective to maintain and improve our parks and recreational areas. The native trees that have been planted will help support pollinators as well as contributing to the Council’s Action against Climate Change, which includes an increase in trees planted across the county.” This project was funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Government of Ireland under the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Grant Scheme and was supported by the Environmental Pillar of the Public Participation Network.

As our regular readers will know we have asked for your generosity in supporting very worthy charities over the years. Going forward, we are delighted to support Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice. LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice provides palliative care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families, from the point of diagnosis to end of life, and throughout bereavement. It costs €5.2million to keep LauraLynn’s Children’s Hospice open, €3.5million of which must be generated each year through fundraised income. Since opening in 2011, LauraLynn has cared for more than 325 children and their families and provided more than 265,000 hours of short stay care provided to children in LauraLynn Hospice. For further information please visit lauralynn. ie. If you would like a Novena published please send a postal order or cheque (Minimum of €10 per prayer) made out to Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice, along with your Novena to: NEWSGROUP, Unit 3 Floor 2 St Dominics Shopping Centre, St Dominics Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24. If you require any further information please call 01 45 19 000 or email or email info@newsgroup.ie.

Ribbon Cutting by Deputy Mayor Cathal King Director of Services Teresa Walsh, Sean Crowe TD, Cllr Charlie O’Connor, Una Ruddock from the PPN , Cllr Brian Lawlor, Cllr Brian Leech, Cllr Conor McMahon, Staff from Craft Monuments, and Staff from SDCC.

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REASONABLE PRICES AND FULLY GUARANTEED.

Call John on 01 4932935 Mobile 087 2565711

ESTIMATES FREE ● LOWEST PRICES

PH: 01 4519 773 / 086 250 3130

FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION

RING DENNIS AT 087 9187961 OR 01 4518599

Visit www.newsgroup.ie

www.kavanaghshome.ie sales@kavanaghshome.ie 01 626 36 32 Head Office: 292 - 294 Ballyfermot Road

30 YEARS IN BUSINESS FULL FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE FREE QUOTATIONS & WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON PRICE

WOOD & FAUX WOOD VENETIAN

SALE NOW ON!

35 MM OR 50 MM SLATS AVAILABLE IN 21 COLOURS

2 ft Now Only €40 3 ft Now Only €60 4 ft Now Only €80 5 ft Now Only €100 6 ft Now Only €120 7 ft Now Only €135 CALL IN TO VIEW OUR MASSIVE BLINDS DISPLAY AT OUR BALLYFERMOT STORE, FONTHILL ROAD STORE OR THE MILL STORE CLONDALKIN