Tallaght News 26.11.18 by Newsgroup

26th November 2018

WAITING LIST FOR HOME SUPPORT GROWS

Seán Crowe T.D. has described a waiting list of 6,200 vulnerable people as “a queue too long” and another example of the lengths this government needs to go in order to create a truly inclusive society.

Deputy Seán Crowe said: “Home support services such as home care packages and home help hours are some of the most important services that the Health Services Executive (HSE) provides for vulnerable people who want to live an independent life. Not only do they allow for vulnerable people

to stay in their homes, but they are also incredibly important for those with life changing conditions and impairments. “Clearly as many of us are thankfully living longer and the number of over 65s in the State grows, the challenge this presents society will increase. “This challenge isn’t being met or planned for in any meaningful way and the current crisis where 6,200 citizens are waiting for home supports is a queue too long. “It is vitally important that funding for home support and

the number of people employed by the HSE to deliver the supports increase to meet that demand.

“Unfortunately, the reality facing families and individuals is that the Minister for Health Simon Harris and his Cabinet colleagues have not given the necessary financial and human resources to ensure the HSE can deliver the home supports that are needed. “Currently, there are 6,285 vulnerable people waiting for home support across the State. “Some counties have been

absolutely left behind with a staggering 674 people waiting in Galway, 623 are on waiting lists in North Dublin, while there are 233 people left waiting in Dublin South West. “This situation is a serious cause for concern because such waits for care can contribute to the escalation of illnesses, older people can have accidents, and it also causes delays in discharges from hospitals when there are no home supports. “Growing older or having a physical or mental impairment should not leave you invisible to the State and vital supports should not be a postcode lottery dependent on where you happen to live. “The Government needs to ensure that older people and all of those who through no fault of their own, have a disability, can access the life changing the home supports they need “Surely to have truly inclusive all society citizens should be facilitated and supports given that will enable them to live at home with respect and dignity as they grow older.”

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UNWRAPPED 2018: RETURN TO TÍR NA N-ÓG

Published by: Newsgroup, Unit 3 Floor 2 St. Dominics Shopping Centre, St. Dominics Road, Tallaght, Dublin, D24 HK49. Titles: Tallaght News, Clondalkin News, Lucan News and Rathcoole & Saggart News Printed by: Meath Chronicle Distributed by: Local Post Co. Contact Details: Email: info@newsgroup.ie Website www.newsgroup.ie www.facebook.com/newsgroup.ie Twitter @NewsgroupIRL www.linkedIn.com/company/newsgroup Registered in Ireland: 497158 Tax and VAT Registration: IE 3354179CH Advertising: Anthony Russell Sales Director anthony@newsgroup.ie Design & Editorial: John Russell john@newsgroup.ie Administration: Sarah Brooks Office Manager admin@newsgroup.ie

Return to Tír na n-Óg will begin with a free Outdoor Lantern Parade on Saturday 1st December 2018 at 4pm from IT Tallaght to Main Street and parading to the Civic/ Rua Red and celebrating the lighting of the Christmas Trees. You and your family are invited to then take

part in the Unwrapped lantern parade that will take place on Saturday 1st December. The group are delighted to be working with Tallaght Community Council this year to incorporate the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Main Road Tallaght at the start of the Unwrapped

’18 event. This year’s theme is Return to Tír na n-Óg. There will be music and singing culminating in the lighting of the Christmas Tree outside The Civic against the backdrop of the beautifully designed lanterns. Both trees will be formally lit by South County Mayor Cllr.

Mark Ward. Over 400 participants including; children, young people and adults from South Dublin County’s will participate in this Winter Festival Parade. The annual UNWRAPPED programme is developed by a creative partnership between South Dublin County Council Arts Office, Corporate Services Department; Community Service Department; South Dublin Libraries; Tallaght Community Arts; Alternative Entertainments; Contact Studio; The Civic, Rua Red, South Dublin County Music Generation and Tallaght Community Council. Unwrapped is the perfect familyfriendly start to the Winter Festive Season. For more information; w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / UNWRAPPEDSouthDublin or log on to www. unwrapped.ie

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THE GRAND OPENING OF SUPERVALU FORTUNESTOWN

Local Councillor, Charlie O’Connor, cutting the ribbon and officially opening the new SuperValu Supermarket, Fortunestown Lane, Springfield. Charlie is pictured with owner Alan Jordan, manager Sarah O’Reilly and staff. Charlie has warmly congratulated all concerned with the opening which is a major boost to his local community.

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SPECSAVERS TEAM CARRY OUT 1,296 EYE TESTS DURING KOLKATA TRIP The team also handed out free glasses and raised a total of €75,000 for The Hope Foundation Dublin woman Lisa Walsh described the recent trip to Kolkata as “incredibly inspiring” after the team managed to treat over 1,000 people in disadvantaged areas of the city. In addition to the important work carried out last week the team also helped to raise €75,000 for the Hope Foundation, which supports the development of underprivileged sections of society in India. The team of optometrists was made up of staff from Specsavers stores in Liffey Valley, Clondalkin, Stillorgan, Athlone, Longford, Tullamore and Limerick. They were joined by Specsavers ambassador Darren Kennedy during the week-long trip. Lisa first got involved with the charity in 2017 when the team raised €11,000. She explained that the 2018 target was to raise €35,000 – which is enough money to run the clinic in Kolkata for a whole year.

The team doubled that figure and has also helped to raise awareness for the Hope Foundation across Ireland. Lisa said: “It is thanks to the kindness and dedication of Specsavers staff and customers, who donated large numbers of frames, that we could do this work. There was a huge response from customers who were donating frames right up until the start of November

so as we could see as many people as possible during the trip.” Patrick Dennehy, Optom Director in Specsavers Liffey Valley, was also part of the team that travelled to Kolkata to help carry out 1296 sight tests and hand out over 1,000 pairs of free glasses to people in disadvantaged areas. Patrick said: “It was a life changing experience to able to use my profession to help make a significant

change to people’s lives in a place that it is needed the most. It has been a phenomenal week and I am so pleased to have been part of it.” Specsavers is committed to the Hope Foundation for a three-year charitable programme and the team is “very excited” to see what the two organisations can achieve together in the coming months.

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PRIDE OF PLACE AWARDS 2018

The winners of the 16th annual IPB Pride of Place Awards in association with Co-operation Ireland were announced on the 17th of November at a Gala Awards Ceremony in the Cork City Hall. Pride of Place is an all-island competition

that acknowledges the high quality work that communities are doing all over the island of Ireland. Each year Local Authorities from across the island of Ireland have the opportunity to nominate up to a maximum of five groups in

their area, who they believe have made an outstanding contribution to supporting and strengthening their local community. In 2018, South Dublin County Council nominated Community Groups in four of the Award categories,

with all nominated projects putting in a fantastic effort and impressing the Judges when they visited the County back in June. The projects were Muintir Chrónáin Áras Chrónáin, The WEB Project, Clondalkin Round Tower Heritage Project and

St Mark’s Youth Club – St Mark’s Parish, Tallaght. All the effort paid off and it was met with great delight to discover on Saturday night, that two of the South Dublin Community Projects had scooped awards with Muintir Chrónáin - Áras Chrónáin securing the Overall Winner Award in the Creative Place Initiative and St Mark’s Youth

Club – St Mark’s Parish, Tallaght picking up the Runner Up Award in Urban Neighbourhoods. South Dublin County Council thanked and congratulated all four community projects that represented the County in this year’s competition, their efforts and achievements done both their local communities and the entire County proud.

SDCC COMMUNITY GRANTS RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

Cllr Charlie O’Connor has welcomed the announcement by South Dublin County Council (SDCC) of Grants to various local organisations. Applications for Grants under the second round of the SDCC Community Grants Scheme for 2018 were advertised with a closing date of 21st September last.

Muintir Chrónáin - Áras Chrónáin collecting their Overall Winner Awards in Category 6, Creative Place Initiative. Names of the Muintir Chrónáin reps are: Brian Ó Gáibhín, Shay Mc Adam, Meadhbh Ní Cheallaigh, Bernardine Nic Giolla Phádraig

Following assessment of the applications received under the terms, conditions and criteria of the scheme, 41 Grants in the total sum

of €97,204 were approved. Recipients included Fettercairn Community & Youth Centre, St Mark’s Silver Surfers, Brookfield Womens Group, Saggart Village Residents Association, Firhouse Active Age Group, The Park Community Centre and Templeogue Mens Shed. Charlie O’Connor congratulated all the Groups on the success of their applications and said that Council Management confirmed that contact would now be made with the applicants.

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BARREL TOP WAGON PROJECT LAUNCHED

Cllr. Charlie O’Connor officially launched the Exhibition of Tallaght Travellers and Brookfield / Fettercairn’s Men’s Shed Intercultural Barrel Top Wagon Project in

Fettercairn Community and Youth Centre today. Also in attendance, the men, staff and management of Fettercairn Youth and Community Centre, Tallaght Travellers Community

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

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

email charlie.oconnorff@gmail.com

mobile 087 2982079 THE FIANNA FAIL TEAM IN DUBLIN SOUTH WEST John Lahart TD, Councillors Paul Foley, Emma Murphy, Charlie O’Connor

Development Project and staff and management from South Dublin County Council, local residents, Traveller and local Organisations and management from Roadstone. Cllr. Brian Leech and Cllr. Emma Hendrick were also in attendance. The exhibition, a photographic and documented journey showcasing the work and relationship developed by the men from the Travelling Community and men living in the Brookfield / Fettercairn areas, was very well presented with the finished pieces – Barrel Top Wagons on display. Patrick Reilly and John Byrne spoke passionately about their experiences with Shay LeStrange (Fettercairn Youth and Community Centre) and Patrick Nevin (Tallaght Travellers CDP) outlining the importance and positive impact that intercultural projects can have on our communities. Ten Barrel Top Wagons were produced during the course of the project but the relationships built

throughout, outweighed the expectations of the group.

The main aim of this project was to promote intercultural activities recognising the similarity of experiences of men from the Travelling Community and men from the wider South Tallaght area. The relationships developed and the positive feedback and experience gained through this project highlights the importance of

intercultural programmes. The extensive experience and passion of the staff of Tallaght Travellers CDP, Fettercairn Community and Youth Centre as well as the Community Services Department of SDCC working on the ground with Traveller men and men from the wider community was evident throughout the project. The Men’s Shed has recently

received funding from SDCC Community Grants Programme to further develop the project with a Tinsmithing 6 week project – which is due to start in the coming weeks, will give the men an opportunity to further develop their relationships, further creating a platform for best practice in a community development setting by promoting positive intercultural practice.

Members of Barrel Top Wagon, Intercultural Men’s Shed Project, Fettercairn Community and Youth Centre.

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COLLECTIVE APPROACH TO STOP PLASTIC POLLUTION

Seán Crowe T.D. has stated that we need to collectively do more to stop plastic pollution entering our rivers, oceans, and our food chain. The TD was reacting to the news that a sperm whale wasfound dead in Indonesia with 6kg of plastic in its stomach. Deputy Seán Crowe said: “Like most people I was sickened to hear that a sperm whale was found dead in Indonesia with 115 plastic cups and 25 plastic bags in its stomach. The items were part of nearly 6kg of plastic waste discovered in the carcass the whale, when it washed ashore. “A conservation

group said on social media that it had found four plastic bottles and 3.26kg of raffia rope, as well as the plastic bags and cups. The exact cause of the whale’s death is not yet known, but there are clear signs that this plastic waste might have triggered it. “This happened on a coastline in Indonesia but it could easily have occurred on a beach in Ireland. Plastic and plastic waste is destroying our planet, entering our food chain and killing all of us with its impact on our shared environment. “Of the 260 million tons of plastic that

the world produces every year, about 10% ends up in the Ocean. We have now entered a phase where there are now more plastics than fish in our rivers and oceans.”

Crowe continued: “Bans on single use plastic can help. Clean up campaigns by citizens and NGOs can help but government actions and approaches need to change. “Unfortunately there seems to be little urgency from the Irish Government to seriously address this crisis in any meaningful way. Thousands of tons of plastic microbeads from products such as exfoliating

face scrubs and toothpastes wash into the sea every year, where they harm marine life, and can ultimately be eaten by people. “We need to follow other jurisdictions and introduce an outright ban on the manufacture and use of microbead plastics that are engulfing our planet. It is estimated that there are five trillion pieces of plastic floating in the world’s seas and all that debris has reached even the most remote parts of the oceans.

“Plastic production is expected to double in the next 20 years. To protect our environment, and

to save our animals, our fish, and the mammals in our seas, we need a mind set change, and most importantly, a change in how we use and cherish our limited resources.

“The 6kg of plastic found in the dead sperm whale was sickening, but it should be a spur to adopt a different approach and change our dependence of plastics products.”

BUDGET PROPOSALS TO MAKE CORPORATIONS PAY IS REJECTED BY SDCC CLLRS A proposal by Solidarity Cllrs in South Dublin supported by People Before Profit has been rejected by the majority of councillors. The proposal would have seen an increase in rates of 33% for any rate-payer paying over €500 000 in rates. This includes predominantly large multinational corporations located in the large centres such as Grange Castle. People Before Profit Cllr Madeleine Johansson commented: “It is disappointing that councillors have rejected a proposal which could see an increase in housing provision in the county. While the Government should take responsibility and fund large scale housing projects, the councils should in the meantime

take whatever action possible to end the housing crisis.” “We voted against the Budget despite some positive measures because once again the council is failing to take radical action on housing.” People Before Profit Cllr for Tallaght South Emma Hendrick said: “We want to see large multi-national corporations pay their share towards our public services including housing provisions. Many of these businesses have already benefited from public funding through infrastructure being provided by the state on sites in Grange Castle and other locations. Now that the economy is recovering corporations should contribute to solving the housing crisis.”

SOCIAL INCLUSION WEEK 2018

Pictured at the launch of Social Inclusion week 2018 in Council Headquarters were Mayor Mark Ward, Dublin GAA star Michael Darragh MacAuley and Councillor Charlie O’Connor.

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BUS CAPACITY FOR LUCAN AND PALMERSTOWN COMMUTERS

John Curran T.D. has welcomed the news from Dublin Bus that commuters

in Palmerstown and Lucan are set for improved services on the 25a, 25b and

26 bus services from January 2019. After receiving news from Dublin Bus, Deputy

COMHAIRLE NA NÓG NATIONAL SHOWCASE

Curran said: “After making representations to Dublin Bus over recent months I am delighted to report that I have received news that Lucan’s 25a and 25b is currently under review in conjunction with Dublin Bus and the National Transport Authority in order to alleviate the capacity issues for Lucan commuters in the area and improve the reliability of this service. Many residents in Lucan have contacted my office in relation to the difficulties they experience on their daily commute from Lucan. There are significant gaps in

existing services in Lucan on the 25A and 25B services.

From times as early as 6.30am the 25A and 25B are overcrowded and not stopping for commuters. This is simply not good enough for residents in Lucan who get up early in the morning to make their way to work to face this chaos on their commute. Dublin Bus have also committed to me that they intend to introduce a new schedule in January/ February 2019 on the 25a/b route with extra departures inbound in morning peak times and an increase in

Saturday services in both directions. This is a very welcome development. “The Palmerstown 26 Bus Route is also set to increase its capacity. Dublin Bus has confirmed to me that they plan to extend the route to terminate at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre from January 2019. An additional morning peak inbound departure Monday-Friday will also be added and 5 new additional departures on a Sunday. I trust that this will come as good news for Palmerstown commuters and to those who rely on the 26 Bus Route”, said Deputy Curran.

TRAFFIC CALMING LOCATIONS IDENTIFIED

Minister Katherine Zappone with members of the South County Dublin Comhairle na nÓG Jake Bushe, Kate Pettit and Ellen Sunderland. They are pictured at the national showcase for young people from across the country in Croke Park. 460 young people, aged 12 -18, from 31 Comhairle na nÓg showcased their amazing work from the past year and presented how they are giving voice to protecting the rights of young people, and informing decision makers countrywide of what is important to young people in Ireland. Minister Zappone said ‘young voices must be listened to if we are to be a country which is truly equal, fair and just’. Picture by Shane O’Neill, SON Photographic

Clondalkin Cllr Trevor Gilligan commented on traffic calming measures in the Clondalkin, Rathcoole and Lucan area “South Dublin County Council (SDCC) has to date identified the location of several traffic calming measures throughout the county in an effort to curb speeding.

The total fund available is €100K. SDCC is hoping to get the advertisement out by early December.” “The measures include ramps in areas like Broadfield Avenue in Rathcoole, Lealand Avenue in Clondalkin and Castle Riada Grove in Lucan. A roundabout at the Junction Lindisfarne

Grove and Lealand Road. And finally bus cushions in areas like Esker Meadow View in Lucan”. “The DRAFT advertisement for proposed traffic calming measures will be published shortly. This list includes submissions from Councillors, residents and significant requests recorded on the database. Also any works outstanding from 2016, deputation, petitions and Garda requests. The Council hopes to proceed to advertising stage without any further changes, allowing the consultation process to take its course” concluded Cllr Gilligan.

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SAOIRSE WOMEN’S REFUGE SLEEPOUT Saoirse Women’s Refuge has been offering short term crisis accommodation to families fleeing domestic abuse and violence across

Ireland. The refuge has six self contained apartments that can house up to six women and their children at any one time and

partnered with safe houses that can also accommodate 6 women and their children. Another part of our service is providing an outreach service for women and children in the community by supporting them in many areas including; court accompaniment, emotional support and donations of toys, clothes, vouchers and food especially around Christmas time. Women and children living in domestic refuge are the secret homeless.

The have left everything they own, run away, often never to return. To add to their stress and upset they have very few move on options, many families coming to refuge often move into homeless accommodation. Saoirse Women’s Refuge wants to highlight this issue, they are having a sleep out on Wednesday 28th November to coincide with the 16 day of Action Opposing Violence Against Women Campaign 2018. The team wish to raise funds to open another refuge and

the money raised from the Sleep Out will help this. Come and join the team on Wednesday 28th November 2018 at I.T. Tallaght to help

fundraise for their new refuge in South Dublin from 5pm to 9am. For information and a sponsor card contact

Saoirse Women’s Refuge on 01 4630400 or admin@ saoirsewomensrefuge. ie or services@ saoirsewomensrefuge.ie.

DEANSRATH FAMILY CENTRE CLONDALKIN

Frances Fitzgerald TD was hugely impressed with the services available at the Deansrath Family Centre which she visted in Clondalkin in October. The Fine Gael TD and former Minister met with staff and heard of the plans to build a new larger state of the art centre to cope with the population growth in the area. Centre Director Siobhan Feehan explained that Deansrath is now well over capacity with the services it provides for the catchment area of Clondalkin Lucan and Adamstown. Those services include the Incredibe Years programme for pre schoolers, the Rainbows centre for child loss and bereavement, and Family supports. Deansrath Family Centre curently helps hundreds of families in th Clondalkin Lucan Adamstown cathcement area, including providing crucial breakfasts and meals for pre schoolers. The centre is currently spread over four sites, including the teenage coder dojo after school academy group. The Family Facility, one of the separate sites, is due to close shortly, putting even more pressure on the Deansrath Centre.

Pictured are Siobhan Feehan Deans Rath Director, Frances Fitzgerald TD, Deansrath Board Members Fiona Slevin, Tadhg McConnon.

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TALLAGHT’S PADDY DRAC HONOURED IN LOCAL HEROES PROJECT

Recently Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring helped to shine a spotlight on some of these inspirational individuals from South Dublin when he unveiled a selection of specially commissioned portraits which are a part of the first of its kind cultural project, Local Heroes. This is a project, created by the recently established Dublin City Council Culture Company that aims to, through art, shine a light on some of the people who play such a vital role in the community where they live. Seven artists, including dancers, musicians, poets, animators, and photographers, were commissioned to create “portraits” of 21 extraordinary Dubliners, people who have made a big impact on their local communities. Three of the Local Heroes are based in Dublin Sr. Bernadette (Crumlin), Paddy

Drac Finlay (Tallaght) and Esme Lewis (Sandymount). Paddy Drac (Finlay) who is pictured with the Pale, hails from Tallaght. Paddy is a well-known and well-loved fixture in the community, affectionately known as Paddy Drac. He has been delighting audiences for the last 50 years with his masterful appearances as Dracula. A permanent fixture in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade since 1968, Paddy also uses his ghoulish impersonation to entertain children and adult to raise money for children with special needs. Speaking about the Local Heroes project, the Lord Mayor said: “This is a very special event honouring, in such a creative way, just some of the many great people across our city, and I am privileged to be a part of it. It is the people of Dublin that make this city great and this project perfectly demonstrates that. The dedication to

fellow citizens and passion for their community of these Local Heroes, and the creativity and imagination of these artists, all contribute to making our city a great place to live.

and dedication. Dublin City Council Culture Company invites the public to nominate the Local Heroes they would like to see honoured in 2019. If there is someone

This project has not only produced a unique set of artworks, but has allowed those involved to share stories, know each other better and met new people from different walks of life with who they share this wonderful city with.” The seven artists are dancer Emma O’Kane, musicians The Pale, poet Kerrie O’Brien, photographer Philip Arneill, animator Una Gildea, illustrator (and more) Neil O’Driscoll, and poet, photographer, and painter Geoff Finan aka The Poet Geoff. They also unveiled the individual artworks to each of the local heroes in their community, celebrating these individuals and sharing their stories of determination

Paddy Drac (Finlay) is pictured with the Pale

making an impact in your local community, someone exceptional and inspiring we want to hear about them. For more information visit dublincitycouncilculturecompany.ie

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ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES NEWLY PURCHASED TRAMS SHOULD

John Curran TD has called on Minister Ross to immediately address the anti-social behaviour that continues to plague commuters on public transport across the country. Speaking following

the latest disruption in recent weeks when a rock was thrown through a Dublin Bus Window as it made its way through Tallaght. Deputy Curran said “Fianna Fáil has been highlighting

the need to tackle rising anti-social behaviour on public transport services for many years now. “Dublin Bus, Irish Rail, and Luas workers and passengers are regularly left distressed

MARIE KEATING FOUNDATION

Pictured left to right Fiona Sullivan (Fundraising Executive MKF), Liz Yeates (CEO MKF), Kevin Rooney (Marketing Manager Campus Oil), Linda Keating (Director of Fundraising) Last month at Campus Oil as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Campus Oil announced that for every litre of oil sold online in the month of October, they would donate 1% of the cost to the Marie Keating Foundation. And recently, Campus Oil were proud to be able to meet the team at The Marie Keating Foundation and present them with a cheque for €7,789.12. This money will go towards helping reach more people with the life saving message about cancer prevention and awareness. The Foundation’s mission is to make cancer less frightening by enlightening.

and inconvenienced by reckless behaviour. Arguments, brawls, people carrying weapons and general soiling of the carriages are all regular occurrences. There are workers who are petrified as they begin their shifts each day and there are passengers in some areas who avoid public transport at all costs as a result.

“Minister Ross needs to take urgent action for the sake of staff and passengers on all our Public Transport. He needs to engage with Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan on this issue to discuss and coordinate a response to these attacks. “The Fianna Fáil election manifesto contained a clear commitment to establish a specific public transport police section within An Garda Síochána. We remain committed to this and believe Gardaí, with full powers of arrest and detention, need to be actively patrolling our Public Transport services in order to tackle anti-social behaviour and ensure safety for passengers,” concluded Deputy Curran.

ADDRESS DEFICITS ON THE RED LINE

John Lahart TD has received new details through Parliamentary Question which reveals that five LUAS trams were transferred from the north bound red line to the green line running south bound due to the LUAS Cross-City project which began operating earlier this year. The National Transport Authority has confirmed that an order was placed in October for eight new trams which will be added to the green line. Deputy Lahart said, “At present, there are five red line trams in operation on the green line - Four of these are in service while one is currently being used for testing the new signalling system. Moving trams from one line to another was never going to prove to be a viable or sustainable solution to the

rising demand. “According to the NTA, the peak tram requirement on the red line is 27 but there are currently 35 trams on the service. Despite this, residents locally have informed me that there is severe overcrowding on peak time red line LUAS services making their commute close to unbearable. “Passengers along the Tallaght route have had to endure adverse effects on their service to facilitate a line the other side of the city and that decision was never fair in the first instance. “I have been assured by the NTA that the five trams initially removed from the red line will eventually be moved back to the Tallaght line when new trams are delivered. This is essential,” he concluded.

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Santa will be at The Chocolate Warehouse from Saturday 8th to 23rd December

Meet Santa in his House & receive a Gift, Post your letter, Make a Paper Crack, View the Mini Chocolate Factory. Saturdays 11am – 5pm & Sunday 12-pm – 5pm. Just call in we do not take bookings. (midweek visit call 01 4500080 for times.) Children €10 (includes gift & paper cracker) Adults free of charge.

CHRISTMAS SHOP OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Ideal Christmas gifts for family & friends. Corporate chocolates & hampers. Chocolate novelties and personalised gifts. Caffrey Snowballs, Cream Pies , Whippers and lots more! Well worth a visit!!

We are just off the Walkinstown Roundabout on the Greenhills Road in Mulcahy Keane Industrial Estate, Greenhills Road, Walkinstown, Dublin 12

Ph: 4500080 www.chocolatewarehouse.ie

MIDWEEK –

ASD FRIENDLY SANTA VISIT

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CORE BUS CORRIDOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS

John Curran T.D. is calling on the public to have their views heard and to give careful consideration to the proposed overhaul of the Dublin Bus network through the next phase of the Bus Connects public consultation process which began recently and will run in a phased manner until May 2019. Speaking after the launch of Bus Connects Core Bus Corridor Project recently, Deputy Curran said; “I welcome the fact that the NTA and Dublin Bus are now embarking on the next phase of the process of public consultation and

if people have suggestions as to how these plans can be made even better, I am encouraging members of the public to fully engage in the consultation process.

The Core Bus Corridor Project involves the implementation of continuous bus lanes along 16 key radial bus corridors around Dublin. It is part of the overall Bus Connects programme to transform Dublin’s bus system. The first stage of the Core Bus Corridor Project is the public consultation process which will take place on a phased basis between now and next May.

SOUTH DUBLIN FLOODING EPIDEMIC Clondalkin Cllr Trevor Gilligan commented on the recent flodding in the Clondalkin area “Recently, my family drove from Clondalkin village to Liffey Valley, encountering no less than 4 junctions with flooding. This is an on-going theme with heavy rain fall. It affects residents, motorists and pedestrians. I get constant calls from residents who fear for the rain. They put up sand bags to try and stop the flooding - sadly , in most cases, this is not enough.” “I cannot stress enough the need for a long term solution to flooding in the area. The minister must allocate resources to tackle this situation as we come into the Winter months.” concluded Cllr Gilligan.

Lucan to the City Centre is one of these core routes and is included in Phase 1 of the public consultation process. Phase 1 runs from now until 15th February. The NTA will issue information letters directly to any house or business whose garden or frontage may have to be acquired. These letters have already been sent in the case of the four corridors in Phase 1, including 15 properties in Lucan. “It is important members of the public are given an opportunity to air their concerns during the consultation process.

In Lucan in particular the increase in capacity in recent years has lagged behind the increase in demand. It is becoming increasingly common for passengers to be left at bus stops while numerous full buses pass them by. More detailed information on the Core Bus Corridor Project is available on the BusConnects website, www. busconnects.ie. “The NTA are also establishing a community forum for each corridor

to facilitate engagement with all parties including individuals, residents associations, community

groups, etc. Requests to participate in the community forum should be sent to cbc@busconnects.

ie and I am encouraging local Lucan groups to get involved immediately” concluded Deputy Curran.

CUCHULAN SCULPTOR ALONG THE N81

Cllr. Emer Higgins has congratulated Brittas Tidy Towns and South Dublin County Council on their collaboration which has turned tree stumps into works of art that bring to life Irish history and mythology. Pictured: Cllr. Emer Higgins with sculptor Richie Clarke as he completes, Cuchulan, one of his creations along the N81.

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SAGGART ARCHERY PLAYERS WIN SILVER AND GOLD

Six members of CúChulainn Archers competed in the Irish Open Archery Tournament held in Cork

over the weekend of 3rd and 4th November. While CúChulainn Archers is a Louth based club, it also

COUNCILLORS SUPPORT THE CALL FOR PUBLIC HOUSING

At the November County Council meeting South Dublin Cllrs voted in favour of a motion calling on the Council management to make plans for larger sites of social and affordable housing on public land.

The motion, which was proposed by People Before Profit councillors Emma Hendrick and Madeleine Johansson, asks the Chief Executive of the council to make applications for funding from the Department of Housing for sites of minimum 100 units. Cllr Emma Hendrick commented: “The majority of elected representatives in South Dublin have supported the building of public housing on public land, which is a big step forward towards solving the housing crisis. The homelessness crisis is

becoming an emergency and the private market can’t support the large numbers of families and individuals who need housing, we need to build housing on large sites in council ownership to start giving families homesnot just a roof over the heads.” Cllr Madeleine Johansson said: “We know that the council management regularly meet with the Department of Housing and we are now requesting that the council applies for funding for large sites instead of only infill housing. It would be extremely disappointing if the council management continued to pursue the present strategy of only building small numbers of houses in existing estates, instead of acting on the motion which was passed at the meeting.”

has members in different parts of the country, including Saggart. The first day was the qualifier, which determines the placings for the Head to Head competition which takes place the following day. In the Individual competition, Christy Banks from Saggart took the Gold in the Masters Men and Deirdre Rogers took the Gold in the Masters Women. Éamonn Rogers, in the Gold medal Head to Head match in the Men’s Individual

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Both shot their arrows into the middle of the 2cm ring at the centre of the target! This meant that they had to shoot again. This time Éamonn lost out to his opponent, Dublin Archers Mark Sharvin, by millimeters, to take the Silver medal instead. In

the Women’s Individual competition Adria Quinn took the Silver, with CúChulainn’s Christina O’Sullivan and Deirdre Rogers meeting in the Head to Head’s, and, as only one could go through, Deirdre went on to be knocked out in turn in the Semi Finals, coming 4th. Claudia Heinze from Saggart took Silver in the Women’s Individual Barebow competition. The Team events were next up, and in the Masters Mixed Doubles, Christy and

Deirdre took Gold. In the Senior Mixed Doubles, Adria and Éamonn took Bronze, having tied the final score with the team from NUIG. As both teams shot the same score, another one arrow shoot off took place which Team CúChulainn lost by less than half a centimetre. In the Senior Women’s Team event, Christina, Adria and Deirdre took Gold. A good result for the club in the first major competition of the Indoor Season.

Pictured CúChulainn members L-R Deirdre Rogers, Éamonn Rogers, Christina O’Sullivan, Christy Banks from Saggart, Adria Quinn and Claudia Heinze from Saggart in the front

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ended up in a tied score, which meant that both men would shoot one arrow into the target, and the one who put the arrow nearest to the centre would win.

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CENTENNIAL OF THE ARMISTICE

HOUSING ESSENTIAL FOR YOUNG PEOPLE LEAVING STATE CARE

Seán Crowe, described as unacceptable the fact that 12% of those leaving state care are homeless and called for their prioritisation when it came to housing. The statistics were outlined in Empowering People in Care’s (EPIC’s) annual advocacy report. Deputy Seán Crowe said: “Young people leaving state care face unique challenges and it is particularly worrying that EPIC’s annual advocacy report outlined that 12% of those leaving the care

system face homelessness. That is unacceptable and their particular needs should be prioritised and addressed. “Many of these young people have already faced huge challenges in their lives and should not be cut adrift and abandoned when leaving state care. “They are at a particularly vulnerable time in their lives and should be prioritised when it comes to housing. “I welcome the announcement that 40 units for use by those leaving

KINGSWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE UPDATE

Pictured in County Library Tallaght at the Firhouse Men’s Shed Commemoration of the Centennial of the Armistice that ended World War 1 were Councillor Charlie O’Connor, Noel McEvoy Chairman Firhouse Men’s Shed and Councillor Brian Lawlor.

John Lahart T.D. welcomed continued progress on Kingswood Community College as internal and landscaping developments commence. The project is at a stage where Glasgiven, the construction company, is moving toward internal fit out works which they believe will not disturb neighbours in any way. The overall works are planned for completion in the latter part of 2019 with minimal impact expected. In the coming months they will be working on the external landscaping. The machinery being used in this instance will be a lot smaller than has been experienced earlier this year.

state care will shortly come on stream and that the Focus Housing Association is in the process of taking over a number of them in places including Dublin, Sligo, the Mid-West and Limerick. “I also understand that the Peter McVerry Trust is involved in other initiatives

throughout the country where it will renovate, adjust and accommodate young people leaving care. “Clearly this cohort of vulnerable young people need continued supports and their housing is an essential component of that continuum of care.”

John Curran T.D. has welcomed South Dublin County Council’s (SDCC) plan to install automated gates to the car parks adjacent to the park’s sports facilities in Griffeen Valley Park to facilitate Lucan Sports Clubs late night training and matches. After receiving a letter on the issue from SDCC’s Parks Department, Deputy Curran said: “I am delighted to have received confirmation that SDCC intend to tackle some of the problems caused to Lucan Sports Clubs who use the sports facilities at Griffeen Valley Park. Many of these clubs use the facilities for

late evening training and matches; however problems were caused with the early winter closures of the park. In order to resolve this issue the council now intend to extend the opening times by installing automated gates at the car parks at Hayden’s Lane and Adamstown Road. I trust that this will come as welcome news to the many Lucan sports clubs that use playing pitches at Griffeen Valley Park in Lucan. An order has already been issued by South Dublin County Council for these works and it is hoped to have the gates automated by Spring 2019,” concluded Deputy Curran.

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DUBLIN BUSES HONOUR YOUNG ARTISTS SENSORY FUN WITH FRIENDS FINALISTS AT NATIONAL AWARDS FROM TALLAGHT IN SPECTACULAR FASHION Local group Sensory Fun with with our group Sensory Partnership for their Friends are finalists at the upcoming National Inclusion Awards. The group is a parent led non profit group that organises activities and events for children and teens with complex additional needs and their typically developed friends and family ran by Eileen Birchall and Lynn Byrne from Tallaght.

The winners incl Ayse Guven St. Aidan’s Senior National School and Margarita Charlamenkova St. Thomas’ Senior National School Illustrator, author and comedian Aoife Dooley was on hand recently as Dublin Bus, for the very first time, surprised 11 budding artists with a bus wrapped in their colourful pictures which they created for the annual Children’s Art Competition. Aoife also judged the competition and chose the winning pictures to be displayed on the bus. Over 2,000 children from 25 primary schools entered this year’s competition which sees two children

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from Tallaght named amongst the top 11. In addition to appearing on the specially decorated Community Spirit Initiative bus, the 11 pictures will feature, alongside 30 others, in the Children’s Art Calendar 2019, and were on display at a special exhibition at The Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane. The Children’s Art Competition is part of Dublin Bus’ wider Community Spirit Initiative which reflects the

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company’s commitment to playing an active role in the communities in which services operate. In 2017, as part of the Schools Education Programme, Dublin Bus Schools and Community Co-ordinators made 574 visits to schools to engage with children and young people across the Greater Dublin Area. The Community Spirit Initiative buses also made 427 trips, bringing thousands of children on school trips and to and from summer projects.

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Fun with Friends in Cheeverstown House, Teen Youth Club held in Killinarden community centre, Sensory Skate with South Dublin on Ice and Sensory Friendly Panto with the Civic Theatre.

Eileen and Lynn concluded “A huge thanks also to South Dublin County Sports

guidance and support.” The National Inclusion Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday 28th November. For further information on upcoming activities email sensoryfunwithfriends@ gmail.com or find on Facebook @ sensoryfunwithfriends

Eileen and Lynn commented “We are honoured to be considered for the National Inclusion Awards. We are so delighted to be recognised and be in a position to represent our local community. Disability inclusion is high on our agenda and we have made strong connections within the community that has in turn opened a bigger world for our children who might otherwise be excluded.” Activities such as Pony Lessons with Fettercairn Horse Youth Project, Yoga with Tracy Leonnon of Evergreen Healing, Swimming Lessons, Sensory Circuits and Creative Art

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Pictured Lynn Byrne, Eileen Birchall and Leoin Mc Carney.

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Question- I bought my apartment just before the recession and was almost immediately in negative equity. Because of family commitments, I have moved to live in a bigger apartment and I now rent my original apartment out on Airbnb. However, at a recent management meeting of the building, the residents have decided to ban short lets and have even introduced penalties for owners who let their units out in this way. I have not been aware of any trouble with the apartment I have been renting out which is a one bed and I have been careful to rent to couples or small families rather than to groups of friends who might make too much noise. Can I object to this ban? The rent is helping me to get out of negative equity and I need to keep up the payments. I am committed to my present apartment on a lease for another two years? Answer– Your question relates to an issue that is a very topical subject of discussion at AGM’s of owners’ Management Companies. An increasing number of Owners’ Management Companies (OMC) are moving to prohibit short term holiday lets for several reasons. One is noise and disruption. It is unfortunately sometimes the case that while one or two people may rent the unit other friends can then show up also and this is very hard to control by a landlord who is not on site. Also, noise can be caused by people coming and going at odd hours such as to and from the airport. A second concern is security. Keys for short term residents are sometimes left in unsafe places such as letterboxes. Also, short term letting means different people in a building who are not known to regular residents. A third area of concern relates to wear and tear of common areas from scuffing of wallpaper on staircases by suitcases to casual or indeed careless disposal of refuse. All residents in a development are subject to House Rules including tenants of any duration however short and owner occupiers. These normally contain rules in relation to noise and security and would normally be the first port of call for an Owners’ Management Company in dealing with such matters. However, if there are a number of complaints arising in a development, the issue for an Owner’s Management Company is that it is not practical for it to monitor individual units engaging in short term lettings some of which may be causing problems and some of which may not. As such, the view increasingly taken by owners is to ban short term holiday lets altogether. Property owners are also bound by the Lease Agreement they sign when they purchase a property. While most Leases pre-date internet based letting services, the Lease may contain a prohibition on certain types of activity such as running a business from the apartment and your Owners’ Management Company may have relied on the Lease provisions when introducing its ban on short term lets. In some developments, the original Planning Permission will have certain conditions, for example, that properties would be for residential use only and not holiday use so your Owners’ Management Company may be relying on this also. It is possible that in the newer residential developments, Leases may be more explicit with regards to the use of a property for short term holiday lets. In relation to planning, even though there is no original condition on this, planning

29 authorities have decided in a number of cases that ongoing use of a full apartment for short term holiday lets is a material “change of use” and, as such, requires the owner to apply for approval for this. As such, you do of course have the right to raise your points with your Owners’ Management Company and its Managing Agent or at a future AGM of members. However, if the members of the OMC have considered the matter and come to a clear conclusion, you may now need to move to a standard long term letting arrangement in what is at least a strong letting market for landlords. Question – I am planning to put my house on the market for sale in a couple of months. I had an agent around to look at it and he mentioned that I might have to provide documentation for any changes or extensions carried out during my ownership. We converted our attic five years ago but I do not have any certification/documentation to support this. Can you give some advice? I am keen to avoid a situation where a renegotiation takes place after the sale agreed stage which could cost me money by way of a buyer seeking a reduced price because of some planning problem. Answer– Many people convert their attics believing that, as they are not making any structural alterations, or building outside the footprint of the house, it has no planning implications. Unfortunately, this is not the case. You are changing the use of the attic from storage to habitable space and change of use has planning implications. The first step is always to take professional advice from your architect/engineer before undertaking any such work. If Planning Permission is required then, you should apply for it. You should retain your building surveyor/architect/engineer to make the application for you, supervise the works and, on completion, furnish you with an Opinion or Certificate of Compliance with Planning Permission (if it did require Planning Permission) and an Opinion/Certificate of Exemption from Planning Permission if it did not. This then will be a very important document and will form part of your title documents to be kept with the house deeds. Proof of Compliance with Building Regulations should also be sought regardless of the need for Planning Permission. It is important that you regularise the planning status of your property before you place it on the market for sale. If the attic conversion did require Planning Permission and you did not obtain it and, perhaps the work is not compliant with Building Regulations, then you could have quite a problem on your hands. Having an unauthorised development on the property means that the pool of prospective purchasers for your property has drastically reduced as purchasers with Bank loans may not be able to buy it and you could be at risk of enforcement by the Planning Authority. You should as a matter of urgency get an Architect/Engineer around to your house to look at your conversion and advise you fully as to whether or not a simply Certificate of Compliance will suffice or whether in fact a Retention Permission will be required. Ideally, this needs to be sorted out before the property goes on the market.

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TALLAGHT DRUG & ALCOHOL TASK FORCE (TDATF) MONTHLY UPDATE

TDATF have had a busy year! Reflecting on the year to date, TDATF have provided a wide range of quality services working in response to substance misuse and related issues. Services have included Community Treatment & Rehabilitation Supports, Family Support projects / groups, Harm Reduction supports (including needle

exchange and crack pipes provision), Education & Prevention programmes, Awareness campaigns and Information provision TDATF has recently started a support group for carers. If you are caring for children as a result of a family member’s substance misuse and would like to engage in a support group with other people in similar situations,

please get in touch for more details. Phone Grace on 01 464 9303 or email grace. hill@sdcpartnership.ie TDATF are asking people once again to use the Crimestoppers line to report any incidents of drug dealing and / or drug related crime, including intimidation. Ph. 1800 25 00 25. If you have any information, however

Seán Crowe T.D. has welcomed that letters to pensioners have begun to be issued to those negatively impacted by the 2012 pension changes. The TD appealed to pensioners to apply for a review of their pension as they have nothing to lose and may be entitled to an increase.

“This is just the first step in a lengthy process undertaken by the Department of Social Protection that will see a recalculation of pension entitlements in order to rectify the impact that changes to pension bands and rates taken in 2012 had on some pension payments. I am appealing to pensioners to apply for a review of their pension as they have nothing to lose, may be entitled to an increase and possibly back money from the month of March when the changes were agreed.

weeks until all have been issued. “After that point, if a person feels that they should have received a letter and did not, then they should immediately contact the Department of Social Protection.

small, on drug dealing or related crime, please make the call! It’s completely safe and confidential. Together we can help make our communities safer and a happier place to live in. For information on drugs, their effects & services available go to: www.

drugs.ie or for information on DTADF see www. tallaghtdatf.ie or call 01 4649303. For more information on any aspects of the work of TDATF, please feel free to contact: Grace Hill, Task Force Coordinator: ph. 464 9303 or email: grace.hill@

sdcpartnership.ie Fiona Murphy, Alcohol Development Worker: ph. 464 9300 or email fiona. murphy@sdcpartnership.ie Gráinne O’ Kane, Rehabilitation Coordinator: ph. 464 9307 or email grainne.okane@ sdcpartnership.ie

2012 PENSION CHANGE LETTERS ISSUED

Deputy Seán Crowe said: “The Minister for Social Protection has confirmed that 11,000 letters have started to be delivered to some of those affected by the 2012 pension changes. “This is the first batch of letters to go out with a total of 76,000 pensioners set to receive letters including approximately 9,000 who no longer reside in Ireland.

“Clearly, the majority of the letters are yet to go out but I am urging people who are expecting a letter from the Department to sit tight for another few

“A number of pensioners and their advocacy groups have been highlighting the financial cost of the changes introduced by the then Labour leader, Joan Burton, for a long time. “While I welcome this development it is vitally important that the current Minister and her Department now proceeds as quickly and efficiently as possible in order to ensure that the timeframe for payment of the first quarter for next year is finally met.”

COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES ATTEND SOCIAL INCLUSION LAUNCH

Grace Hill, Co-ordinator Tallaght Drug & Alcohol Task Force South Dublin County Partnership Block 3, County Hall, Belgard Square North Tallaght, Dublin 24. Donna O’Reilly the Social Inclusion Officer of South Dublin County Council, Imedal Hanratty of An Cosan, Sean Swan of retirement musical group ‘RAMS in Rhythm’ with Minister Katherine Zappone at the launch of Social Inclusion Week in County Hall.

Ph. 01 464 9303

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