Tallaght News 7th Feb by Newsgroup

7th February 2022

LONG WAITING LIST FOR CHILD THERAPIES IS FORCING FAMILIES INTO FOOD POVERTY Mark Ward TD has called for an immediate response from the Government after hearing at a recent Children’s committee meeting on child poverty that parents are accessing a local food bank because they have had to access private life changing therapies for their children because the public waiting lists are so long.

Teachta Ward said: “The Clondalkin Cares Foodbank do fantastic work and in the

past two years, they have engaged with over 3,000 people, half of whom were aged under 18. They currently support about 500 people on a regular basis with food supplies. “There are many reasons why families are accessing food support in my area of Dublin Mid West including the increase in the cost of living and the changes in income since the pandemic. “We heard from Karin Jonsson who runs the Clondalkin Cares

food bank at a recent Children’s committee meeting on child poverty that parents are accessing the local food bank because they have had to pay for private life changing therapies for their children as the public waiting lists are so long. The Dublin Mid West TD commented “Some 17% of people cite that the reason that they have to access the foodbank to feed their families is increased health costs including having

Tallaght Stone Centre headstones crafted for all cemeteries

Tel: (01) 462 6200 Fax: (01) 462 6209 email: info@tallaghtstonecentre.ie web: tallaghtstonecentre.ie

to pay for a private assessment of needs, speech and language therapy and psychology as the waiting lists are endless. Mark Ward TD said “At present there are over 71,000 children on public waiting lists for life changing treatments such as occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, dietetics and psychology. Some 19,000 children are waiting over a year for an appointment. The local TD for Clondalkin concluded “Children have a right to be given every chance to reach their full potential and parents should not have to make a choice between feeding their family and health care for their children.

See pages 14 to 19 for Newsgroup Education Feature

Our Comprehensive Services Include:

♦ headstones ♦ inscriptions ♦ renovations ♦ chippings ♦ re-lettering ♦ counter tops ♦ house names ♦ granite estate signs

Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

We are NO longer on

Telephone: 01 459 0820 01 459 0850

www.newsgroup.ie

LAUNCH OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL’S PARK RANGER E-BIKES

The Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Peter Kavanagh, officially welcomed the introduction of two new e-bikes recently. The bikes are for use by park rangers in Tymon and Corkagh Park. Through the implementation of our Climate Change Action Plan 2019-2024 South Dublin County Council is committed to reducing its climate change impact and we are working towards a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

In pursuit of this target and funded by the Council’s Climate Innovation Fund,

the e-bikes are helping to transition the transport requirements of our park rangers away from traditional methods such as greenhouse gas emitting diesel- or petrol-powered vans, while assisting them in efficiently covering the extensive acreage of South Dublin parks.

diesel- or petrol-powered vehicles have on air quality. Additionally, the e-bikes provide the rangers with greater access and visibility of their parks as they can

travel where vans cannot, while minimising disruption to park users that the larger vehicles can cause. Our park rangers on their e-bikes are now more

visible to citizens and more approachable. In this way, daily citizen interactions with climate action in South Dublin are also increasing. More information on South

Dublin County Council’s climate action can be found at https://www.sdcc.ie and through our social channels by searching the hashtag #SDCCClimateAction.

The e-bikes are being used both for journeys within parks and between parks, for example via South Dublin’s greenways. As such, the e-bikes also contribute towards reducing the negative impact that

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 Distributed by: Local Post Co. Contact Details: Website www.newsgroup.ie

Printed by: Meath Chronicle Email: info@newsgroup.ie

Founder: John Russell Advertising: Anthony Russell anthony@newsgroup.ie Administration: Sarah Brooks admin@newsgroup.ie

Cllr Peter Kavanagh Mayor of South Dublin with members of SDCC Parks Dept and their new E-Bikes at Tymon Park. Pic Credit: Ben Ryan

www.newsgroup.ie

NEW DEFIBRILLATOR FOR LANDMARK CAPACITY AT WOMEN’S REFUGES ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE HAS NOT INCREASED IN THE IN NEWCASTLE LAST 7 YEARS Deputy Emer Higgins, TD for Dublin Mid-West was delighted to visit Landmark Architectural Salvage in Newcastle to raise awareness for their recently installed defibrillator. This Defibrillator is connected to the mains at the Landmark Architectural Salvage office on Newcastle Main Street and is always fully charged. It also has a built in Sim-pack that will alert First Responders in the local area when activated. Once opened it will give step by step instruction for use. This Defibrillator is also under a maintenance contact so will always be maintained and kept in working order. The unit is located on the front of their office. If the gates are closed please call 086-8854933

Fine Gael’s TD for Dublin Mid-West; Deputy Emer Higgins and Mark O’Rourke of Landmark Architectural Salvage in Newcastle

TDs for Dublin Mid-West Eoin Ó Broin and Mark Ward have called for increased funding to be made available for women’s refuges across the country. In response to a parliamentary question submitted by Deputy VioletAnne Wynne, it has been revealed that capacity at women’s refuges has actually decreased since 2015. The Government is set to publish the third national domestic, sexual and gender-based violence strategy over the coming months, and Sinn Féin are calling on the Government to rectify historically inadequate amount of funding for domestic, sexual and gender based violence (DSGBV) services. Recently the party brought forward a motion calling for improved coordination between various departments offering supports for victims and

survivors, increased funding and more methodical and disaggregated data to be recorded in order to inform effective policy.

Teachta Ó Broin said: “The numbers we have received via the PQ system have exposed how ineffective spending has been in domestic, sexual and gender based violence supports. “Tusla have confirmed that although budgetary allocations have increased over the past 5 year period, capacity at women’s refuges has not. “While 142 refuge spaces were available in 2015, this number had in fact dropped to 137 in 2021. “This is shameful considering the State signed the Istanbul Convention in 2015 and yet hasn’t managed to increase the refuge supports in the 7 years since then. “Domestic violence has been exacerbated over the

pandemic and women and children have suffered in the fallout.

Teachta Ward said: “There are still several counties without refuges and what message does this send to the women experiencing domestic violence in these areas – that they have nowhere to go? “We need to ensure that refuges are resourced to provide an adequate level of support in each and every county. “We also need to ensure there is appropriate access to step-down and transitional accommodation so that women can move on from their time in refuges feeling safe and supported to do so. “Sinn Féin is calling on the Government to correct the historic underinvestment in domestic, sexual and gender based violence services in this state and genuine political action to improve outcomes for survivors and victims.

www.newsgroup.ie

TUESDAY 22ND FEBRUARY EVENT: NOISE Music Presents: Tuesday 22nd Feb in North Clondalkin Library at 11am, Live Q&A Session hosted by Max Zanga from Tebi Rex. Joel Safo (owner of JS Management, manager of the A92 Collective)

NOISE Music is a partnership programme funded by Music Generation South Dublin in partnership with CONTACT Studio, a South Dublin Arts Office Initiative

Smiley Emmanuel (musician and producer - Sello, Jafaris, Hare Squead, Soulé) and more TBA Gemma Dunleavey (songwriter and producer) Mona Lxsa (DJ and founder of GXRLCODE)

WEDNESDAY 23RD - FRIDAY 25TH FEBRUARY FROM 11AM TO 4PM IN NORTH CLONDALKIN LIBRARY NOISE Music Presents: Free workshops in beat-making, producing, rapping, singing, DJing and performing with some of Ireland’s finest musicians currently working in Hip-Hop and Electronic music. Open to anyone aged 14 - 18 with a love of music. You do not need to know how to play or perform to take part! All workshops are FREE to attend & places are limited, please contact Gerry at noisemusicsouthdublin@gmail.com to book!

www.newsgroup.ie

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY CLLR EOIN Ó BROIN JOINS THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATS

Social Democrats coleaders Catherine Murphy and Róisín Shortall have welcomed the decision of Independent South Dublin County Councillor Eoin Ó Broin to join the Social Democrats. Cllr. Ó Broin said: “My primary goal in politics is delivering change – in improved public services, the environment and housing – so the Social Democrats were the obvious choice for me. I am looking forward to being a member of a progressive centreleft party that has a real vision for Ireland as a fairer, more inclusive and more sustainable country. “While I enjoyed my time as an Independent councillor, I feel that I will be able to accomplish more for my local constituents as a member of the Social Democrats. Our values and political priorities

are completely aligned. “Ireland has undergone a lot of change during the pandemic and, as we begin to emerge from that phase, there is an opportunity to reshape our society. To do so, we must learn the lessons of covid. This means investing in threadbare public services; finally tackling the housing crisis; ensuring workers have access to remote working and an improved work-life balance; investing in public transport; and acting now to prevent a climate crisis. “As a member of South Dublin County Council, I want to help build a social democratic block that can further this agenda and direct budgetary and zoning decisions accordingly. Is Gaelgeoir líofa mé freisin agus suim mór agam an Ghaeilge a chur chun chinn.” Social

Democrats

co-

leader Catherine Murphy said: “Eoin is a tireless community activist in Clondalkin and has used his position on South Dublin County Council to advocate for better public transport and cycling links, improved access to housing and more sustainable environmental policies. “Eoin’s background, particularly his PhD on energy efficiency in homes and his experience working abroad, means he has a real contribution to make on the most important issues now facing the country – namely, housing and the climate crisis. A lot of change, in society, begins at local level and I am delighted that Eoin has joined the Social Democrats to fight for change from within the party.” Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall said: “We are thrilled to welcome Eoin into the Social Democrats – his focus on sustainability, equality and reform means that he is a natural fit for the party. “Eoin’s decision to join the Social Democrats – the second councillor to join the party in the past two months - is further evidence that the party is continuing to grow. We are very ambitious for the party, and the country, and look forward to working with Eoin to help bring about real and lasting change in our society.”

FAMILY CARERS MUST RECEIVE FRONTLINE BONUS TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has criticised the government for excluding family carers from the Covid Recognition Payment of €1,000 for frontline health workers. Teachta Crowe said: “Family Carers do important work all of the time but they deserve particular recognition for all the additional work they have undertaken in the past two years in very difficult circumstances. “Family carers are the forgotten frontline who protect our health service on an ongoing basis by providing care to loved ones. This important work saves the state billions of euro every year. “Many family carers were left feeling isolated and abandoned by the government during the pandemic. Practically all supports were withdrawn during the pandemic with day services and centre-based respite services initially withdrawn entirely, and only returning

on a severally reduced capacity. Informal respite from other relatives was also cut off as an option as family members were forced to isolate during the pandemic. Family carers were also not considered for PPE provision or vaccine prioritisation.

“Family carers are left behind by the government too often and cannot be forgotten again. Minister McGrath must do the right thing and extend this Covid Recognition Payment to family carers. “Family carers do not get the benefit of public holidays. Their role is 24/7. Therefore, they will not benefit from an additional day’s holiday this year. It is important that they receive this payment, in recognition of their work. “The Government must give family carers the recognition they deserve. I am calling on the Government and Minister McGrath to do the right thing and reconsider their exclusion.”

www.newsgroup.ie

NEW SHOWROOM OPEN

St. Dominic’s Shopping Centre (Off the Old Bawn Road) Tallaght, Dublin 24 Tel: 085 863 4397 Blinds Dept: 01 6237432 Open 7 Days (Mon-Fri till 8pm, Sat till 6pm & Sun 1pm -5pm

OLD BAWN BLINDS & INTERIORS

CARPET SALE

LINO SALE

From €299

From €199

Stairs & Landing Supplied & Fitted (8X13) €25 per week

Kitchen

Supplied & Fitted (8X13) €20 per week

UNIT 3 KYLEMORE PARK NORTH OFF THE KYLEMORE ROAD (TURN AT ROCA TILES) TEL: 085 781 2869 OFFICE: 01 6238389 OPEN 7 DAYS (SUN 1PM - 5PM

WOODEN FLOORS

Sitting room & Hall From €799 to €899 (30 yards) Supplied & Fitted

WOODEN FLOORS

3 Bedrooms From €899 to €1199 (40 yards) Supplied & Fitted Stairs & Landing in Wood or Lino

€799

Supplied & fitted €30 Per Week

Sitting Room

in Carpet

€299 (20 yards)

Supplied & fitted €20 Per Week

€30 PER WEEK

3 Bedrooms

€499 to €699 (40 yards)

Supplied & fitted

€25 Per Week

www.newsgroup.ie

180 BONFIRES RECORDED IN SOUTH DUBLIN IN 2021

In the South Dublin County Council area, there were 180 bonfires recorded in

2021, local representative Cllr. Charlie O’Connor enquired on the current

situation in regards to clean up and an overall review of the Halloween season

PAID LEAVE FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS ‘A BASIC WORKERS’ RIGHT’ TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has called on the Government to facilitate Sinn Féin’s Domestic Violence Leave Bill, saying that paid leave for people affected by domestic violence is an important workers’ right. The Organisation of Working Time (Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2019 would give survivors of domestic violence a statutory entitlement to paid leave for 10 days. This would enable workers to attend medical appointments, legal hearings or time off to deal with logistical issues such as moving house.

Teachta Crowe said: “Women can’t wait for the government to take action on gender-based violence. Paid leave for people affected by domestic violence is an important workers’ right. Domestic violence is a workplace issue. “Workers affected by this violence should know that, if they need to, they can take paid leave to attend medical appointments, legal hearings or any other appointments incurred by abuse. They deserve to know that support will be there from their employer if they require it. “I am

NEW SHOWROOM OPEN

St. Dominic’s Shopping Centre (Off the Old Bawn Road) Tallaght, Dublin 24 Tel: 085 863 4397 Blinds Dept: 01 6237432 Open 7 Days (Mon-Fri till 8pm, Sat till 6pm & Sun 1pm -5pm

calling on all Oireachtas representatives to back this legislation and ensure that paid leave for domestic violence becomes a reality. “The coalition’s Programme for Government contains a pledge to ‘investigate’ the possibility of creating this right. That isn’t good enough. Our legislation is here; it is fully drafted and sets out in a deliverable and detailed way how this much-needed change can be achieved. “The government cannot hide behind this vague promise in the Programme for Government, which has now been gathering dust for almost two years while they have failed to treat it with the urgency it needs. The solutions are there and if we work together, we can ensure they make a real change. “If we are serious about eliminating violence against women and sending the clear message that such crimes are unacceptable, we need more than just empty words. Women can’t wait any longer for these important rights.”

“To ask the Chief Executive to present a report on his review of the recent Halloween Season; will he give details of the costs involved in dealing with the challenges and also state what progress is being made in repairing Open Spaces damaged by Bonfires?” The Council provided the following reply “The clean up of bonfire sites was completed in November, landscape reinstatement at sites where this is required will not take place until Spring 2022 as ground conditions are not suitable at present. The cost information given below does not include reinstatement costs which are not known as yet.

A total of 180 bonfire sites have been recorded around the County in 2021 and this is a substantial reduction from the 280 sites recorded in 2020. There appears to be a number of factors to which the reduction can be attributed and these include the vigilance and efforts taken by local residents to

prevent bonfires in their areas.

The Council held meetings with Kilnamanagh Neighbourhood Watch as well as residents from Aylesbury and Tymon North this year in advance of Halloween to coordinate the efforts of the residents, the Council and the Gardai in identifying and removing material stockpiles and minimising the impact of bonfires on those areas. A meeting was also held with Clondalkin area elected members on the same matter. The pre-Halloween collections of the Council show an increase from 2020 in materials intercepted before Halloween with Council crews out collecting material on 13 of the 14 days prior to Halloween. It is also quite likely that the weather helped to reduce the number of bonfires held this year also. The tonnage collected before Halloween in 2020 was 237 tonnes however this has increased to 332 tonnes in 2021. Public Realm crews collected 70

OLD BAWN BLINDS & INTERIORS

tonnes of bonfire material on Halloween weekend itself and 33 tonnes of material on the bank holiday weekend prior to Halloween. The tonnage removed from bonfire sites after Halloween has reduced which is consistent with the number of fires held, this figure was 355 tonnes in 2020 and this has decreased to 276 in 2021. The overall tonnage has increased slightly from 592 tonnes in 2020 to 608 tonnes in 2021. The overall cost shows a slight increase also however the final figure is estimated at present.”

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS NEWSPAPER

CALL 01 451 9000

UNIT 3 KYLEMORE PARK NORTH OFF THE KYLEMORE ROAD (TURN AT ROCA TILES) TEL: 085 781 2869 OFFICE: 01 6238389 OPEN 7 DAYS (SUN 1PM - 5PM

CRUSH VELVET MASSIVE SUITE SALE! BEDS OVER 50 SUITES TO CHOOSE FROM

SAVE €200

Double Bedset €299 l Split Base

l Head Board

l Orthopaedic Mattress l All Colours

King size Bedset €399

l Split Base

l Head Board

l Orthopaedic Mattress

ALL COLOURS

MUST BE SEEN! MARTIN CORNER GROUP

€1,799

AT €30 PER WEEK

WITH COFFEE HOLDERS & 2 RECLINER

3+2 SEATER FROM €899 TO €1,099

AT €30 PER WEEK

YOU MUST SEE OUR CORNER SUITES FROM €899 TO €1,099 AVAILABLE FROM €30 PER WEEK

DELIVERED IMMEDIATELY BEST PRICES IN DUBLIN - GUARANTEED FACT - CALL 085 781 2869 TODAY T&C’S APPLY

T&C’S APPLY

www.newsgroup.ie

UNIQUE IRISH STUDY SHEDS NEW LIGHT ON LONGTERM SARS-COV-2 VACCINE RESPONSES New research assessing levels of COVID-19 antibodies (against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein) both before vaccination and at five weeks and six months after nursing home residents received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine provide strong support for the use of vaccine boosters in this cohort. The research, involving immunologists, geriatricians and nurses from Tallaght University Hospital (TUH), Trinity College Dublin and several translational research laboratories including Trinity’s Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI) and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI), has just been published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (JAMDA). Previous COVID-19 infection, age and degree of frailty (decreased physiological reserve to stressors, which is common in nursing home residents) were all associated with sixmonth antibody levels postvaccine. While antibody

levels predictably declined over time, this decline was particularly striking in those individuals with no previous evidence of SARSCoV2 infection. Further, whereas previous infection was associated with much greater levels of anti-spike antibodies at six months, increasing age and greater levels of frailty were independently associated with lower antibody levels. Importantly, antibody levels were significantly associated with neutralisation capacity (the ability of antibodies to neutralise the SARS-CoV-2 virus).

This research highlights the effect of past infection on shaping long-term antibody responses in this group and supports the ongoing use of booster vaccinations in this population. It also suggests that SARS-CoV-2naïve individuals may be particularly vulnerable. It is important to note that the study only considered antispike antibody levels and did not examine long-term “memory” immune cells and the ability of these to fight off future infection – an area of ongoing research

Pictured left to right Dr. Adam Dyer (Specialist Registrar in Geriatric Medicine & Irish Clinical Academic Training Fellow, TUH & TCD) and Professor Sean Kennelly Consultant Geriatrician & Clinical Associate Professor, TUH & TCD

Dr Adam Dyer, specialist registrar in geriatric medicine & Irish clinical academic training fellow in Trinity’s School of Medicine and TUH, said: “Our findings demonstrating lower antibody levels in SARSCoV-2-naïve individuals and in those with increasing age and frailty tell only part of the story, but they support the ongoing use of vaccine boosters in this vulnerable population.”

TUH and Clinical Associate Professor in Trinity’s School of Medicine said: “The NH-COVAIR study is an important piece of research that provides support for the use of COVID-19 vaccine boosters in nursing home residents to prevent serious illness. Nursing home residents are frequently excluded from translational research, but as we know they are the population at greatest risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 illness.”

Professor Sean Kennelly, Consultant Geriatrician at

Recruitment for the study (NH-COVAIR) was carried

for the group.

out through existing links between Age-Related Healthcare (ARHC) in TUH and five local nursing homes. NH-COVAIR was supported by funding from a COVID-19 rapid response call from the Meath Foundation, and this is now the second paper (with more under review) to emerge from the NH-COVAIR Study. The lead author on the current study is Dr Adam Dyer (Specialist Registrar in Geriatric Medicine & Irish Clinical Academic Training Fellow, TUH & Trinity) and the study Principal Investigators were Professor Sean Kennelly Consultant

Geriatrician TUH & Clinical Associate Professor at Trinity) and Dr Nollaig Bourke (Ussher Assistant Professor in Trinity’s School of Medicine).

LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION IN DUBLIN

TEL: 01 451 9000 EMAIL:

leaflets@localpost.ie

www.newsgroup.ie

20% INCREASE IN FUNDING FOR VACANT HOME OFFICER TO TACKLE EMPTY HOUSES

A 20% increase in funding for the Vacant Homes Officer (VHO) in South Dublin County Council will ensure greater action is taken on tackling vacant houses across South Dublin to transform them into new homes, a TD has said.

Since 2018, the Department of Housing has provided funding to each local authority of €50,000 per annum to support the work of a Vacant Homes Office including the funding of posts of VHOs. Given the enhanced focus on tackling vacancy in the housing stock, the funding for VHOs will increase by 20% to €60,000. Deputy Higgins said, “While all local authorities already have VHOs in place, they are mostly part-time roles and this 20% increase in funding will ensure the role is transitioned to a full-time position so that we can see real results in repurposing idle and empty houses

across our local community. “Seeing buildings and homes lying vacant in our communities across Dublin goes against the grain when we know there are so many young people, families and individuals in need of affordable and quality housing. Supply is a massive challenge, which is why I believe that returning Dublin’s vacant properties to the market is so important. “Housing For All has given an enhanced commitment to recognising the opportunity within vacant homes by increasing funding, and the Government recently announced the decision to allow vacant and derelict properties to be turned into homes without the requirement for planning permission.

Government’s commitment to repurposing vacant homes and idle buildings. “Tapping into our existing vacant home potential offers a huge opportunity to bolster the housing stock across Dublin and ultimately to turn empty houses into new homes,” concluded Deputy Higgins. Speaking on the announcement, Minister Peter Burke said, “Our Local Authorities are best placed to identify vacant and derelict properties within their jurisdiction, and we have asked for these Local Authority-based positions to be in place by the end of Q2 of this year. The Vacant Homes Officers will be tasked with completing a new programme for Compulsory Purchase (CPO) of vacant housing for resale on the open market for residential purposes.

“This announcement of the increase in funding and expansion of the role of the VHO from Minister Peter Burke is proof of the

“The Government are also planning to bring in a new Vacant Property Tax, and we are currently awaiting data from Revenue which will

highlight the number and location of vacant homes, as well as the reasons for

this vacancy as of November 1st, 2021. This information will be assessed with other

sources to inform the optimum design of a Vacant Property Tax”.

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES FUND 2022 Applications are open for the South Dublin County Community Activities Fund. The Community Activities Fund is open to local community and voluntary groups in disadvantaged urban and rural areas, and, not-for-profit organisations in the administrative area of South Dublin County Council. Funding will be targeted at disadvantaged areas or targeted at communities that have specific needs.

This €9m fund is being provided by the Government to support community and voluntary groups impacted by Covid-19. This once-off fund will be allocated under the Department’s Community Enhancement Programme and is administered locally by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). South Dublin County will receive €338,797 which comprises of €207,043 Current funding (Non-Pay) for use towards running/operating costs and €131,754 Capital funding for use towards carrying

out necessary repairs and improvements to facilities, energy efficiency type projects, purchase of equipment etc.

The Community Activities Fund will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their non-pay running costs, for example, utility bills (electricity costs, refuse charges, heating charges) or other non-pay operating costs for example rental/lease costs, insurance bills. Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, purchase equipment, for example, tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment etc. The deadline for the submission of online applications is Midnight on Friday 25 February 2022. Further information and an online application form are available on www.sdcc.ie.

www.newsgroup.ie

BOI OPENS FOUR NEW REMOTE WORKING HUBS FOR COLLEAGUES Bank of Ireland (BOI) has opened four new remote working hubs for its workforce in Dublin and one more in Kildare, providing an alternative to central office locations and enhancing work-life balance by reducing commuting time and costs. The four new remote working hubs include one at Newlands Cross in Clondalkin. Bank of Ireland’s office buildings will reopen in line with

Government advice, with a gradual return to the office over the coming weeks.

While the majority of colleagues have been working from home throughout the pandemic, as the provider of an essential service approximately one in four continued to work in branches and central offices – providing ongoing support to customers and keeping essential banking

operations moving.

Commenting on the Bank’s hybrid model of working, Matt Elliott, Chief People Officer, Bank of Ireland said: “We have been changing what it is like to work at the Bank for a number of years. Our hybrid working model means less of the old way of doing things, like travelling through rush hour to do something at the office that could easily

CASSIDY TRAVEL MOVES TO A LARGE LOCATION IN THE SQUARE TALLAGHT Cassidy Travel are Irelands leading multi award-winning travel agent. We are Irish owned and managed and pride ourselves on our service and attention to detail.

We have a number of retail shops throughout the greater Dublin area including your local Cassidy travel store (just moved to a new location) on level 2 in The Square Tallaght managed by Luigi Our holidays span from simple quick cheeky city breaks to sun and fun on the beach as well as those all

important family bonding trips. If it’s the water that takes your fancy we have both ocean and river cruises to delight you – or if you are mad about sports & events – we cover it all from soccer, rugby, F1, boxing NFL and more.. if you are planning a bucket list trip check out our luxury breaks in far flung places Pop in and have a chat with our fabulous Tallaght team or call them on 01 462 9100 or email us at tallaght@cassidytravel.ie

have been done from home. Opening five new remote working hubs means that there are now even more flexible working options for colleagues. Depending on their role, our working model allows colleagues to work from a combination of home and central office locations, and now offers access to a network of 11 remote working hubs. “Given the recent changes to COVID-19 restrictions, our office buildings

will reopen in line with Government advice, with a gradual return to the office over the coming weeks. We look forward to welcoming colleagues back to our offices and hubs in the coming weeks”. Bank of Ireland’s hybrid model means different things for each colleague depending on their role within the organisation. Colleagues are contracted to a specific location, but desk-based colleagues that

have typically been based in the office five days a week for example, have greater flexibility to plan their working week to suit professional and personal requirements. The Bank’s hybrid model will see office space being used primarily for meetings, collaboration, and building connections, while remote locations will be more suitable for work that can be progressed individually or that is more task based.

www.newsgroup.ie

EMPLOYMENT GROWTH INCREASES 7% IN DUBLIN FOR COMPANIES

WE’RE HIRING Cleaning Operative and Supervisor Positions available

Momentum Support is Ireland’s largest privately-owned, award-winning provider of cleaning and associated services. We have employees from over 50 nationalities working alongside each other, and we strive to be an inclusive and welcoming employer. We really value all our employees and the important role that they play contributing to the success of our organisation. At Momentum Support we pride ourselves on being big enough to cope but small enough to care. Currently we have Cleaning Operative and Supervisor positions available within Healthcare and Transport settings, within various locations in the Dublin area. We offer competitive salary and benefits including career progression and training. If you are interested in joining our team, please email your interest and updated CV to: recruitment@momentumsupport.eu Or send by post to: Head Office, Momentum House, Muirfield Drive, Naas Road, Dublin 12, Dl2 N7PV Please state your location of interest and if you are seeking a Full-time or Part-time position. Momentum Support Is an equal opportunity employer.

Employment growth increased 7% in Dublin in 2021 for companies supported by Enterprise Ireland, Dublin Mid-West’s TD has said. Deputy Emer Higgins said: “Employment growth in Enterprise Ireland (EI) companies increased by 7% in Dublin in 2021, a year of record jobs growth for EI companies who are connected to markets all over the world.

“My colleague Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, TD has confirmed that nationally, net jobs created in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland increased by 11,911 in 2021, the highest jobs gain in a single year. “Last year €61.6m in funding was approved nationally for 341 Covid-19 impacted companies in 2021. Employment increased across all economic sectors, with particularly strong jobs growth reported in Life Sciences (14%), Business Services (12%) and Digital Technology (10%). “Employment growth under government has consistently prioritised regional success, and these figures today show that 68% of new jobs were created outside of Dublin. “I want to see Dublin Mid-West continue to benefit from employment growth and a new Enterprise Ireland plan will be key to that. The new three-year strategy for Irish business has an ambition to create 45,000 new jobs by 2024 and increase exports to €30bn. “Enterprise Ireland are very clear that the new strategy will support the Government’s National Economic Plan which has a strong focus on creating more and better jobs, and in ensuring that job

creation occurs throughout the country. “They will work closely with our Local Enterprise Offices, ensuring a flexible service to help companies recover from the effects of the pandemic. “The focus now is on restoring the jobs lost in the pandemic and then grow employment beyond pre-pandemic levels. The Tánaiste has confirmed that as part of the Government’s ambitious vision for the future of our economy, there is a plan to bring job opportunities and growth to all parts of Ireland increasing total employment to a record high of 2.5 million by 2024”, Deputy Higgins concluded. Speaking at the launch, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, TD, said: “Over 200,000 people now work in Enterprise Ireland client companies. That’s almost as many people working for multi-nationals. It’s great to see Irish exporting companies performing so strongly last year notwithstanding the disruption to trade caused by Brexit and the pandemic. There was a net increase in employment of almost 12,000. “I am particularly pleased that jobs growth occurred in all regions with almost 70% of new jobs growth occurring outside of Dublin and particularly strong growth in the north-west and south-east. This is an extra-ordinary performance and I want to thank the Enterprise Ireland team for their phenomenal work in the year gone by. We are well on our way to meeting our target of having 2.5m people at work in Ireland by 2024.”

JOB OPENINGS AT RATHCOOLE COMPANY Evidence of growth within the construction plant and forestry sectors can be seen in a number of job openings at leading Komatsu distributor, McHale Plant Sales – all fuelled by what company chairman, Michael McHale says is “an uplift in the economy, renewed confidence on the part of plant users, and a need to expand and upgrade plant inventories”. In their Komatsu construction plant division, openings exist at the Rathcoole-based firm for three Service Engineers, including one Leinster based and another based in the UK to service the needs of Irish contractors carrying out contract work in that market. In their Komatsu Forest division – which services clients across the entire 32-counties – openings exist for a Sales and Customer Support Manager and a Mobile Service Engineer.

A number of construction plant apprenticeship vacancies also exist. Commenting, McHale added: “currently experiencing significant growth, the plant sector offers a host of highly interesting, rewarding and career fulfilling opportunities. Being one of Ireland’s foremost operators with ‘big name’ distributorships, a well-

managed structure and an all-island client base, the roles we have on offer provide solid, secure and exciting opportunities for qualified applicants”. “In addition, for young applicants seeking a foothold in the industry and qualifications recognised and accepted in countries across the globe, we have a number of apprenticeships available,” he added.

www.newsgroup.ie

FREE NOW PARTNERS WITH ZIPP MOBILITY TO INTEGRATE MICRO-MOBILITY SERVICES IN APP ACROSS IRELAND Leading multi-mobility app FREE NOW and Zipp Mobility (Zipp), a leading Irish micro-mobility operator, have announced that they are joining forces with aims to integrate Zipp’s eScooters and eBikes on the FREE NOW app this year. This partnership will enable passengers to book Zipp’s micro-mobility transport options via the FREE NOW app when Zipp rolls out its services across Ireland in 2022.

cities this year, and three quarters think that Ireland needs more sustainable, electric transport options in line with other European countries.

The announcement comes off the back of the recently announced Road Traffic & Roads Bill 2021 which will legalise eScooter use in public places as public demand grows for flexible and sustainable transport options. Indeed, recent research conducted by FREE NOW shows that 40% of its passengers plan to use eScooters like Zipp’s for everyday transport when they are made widely available in Irish

FREE NOW’s partnership with Zipp and its partnership announcements in 2021 with other eScooter players are an extension of its successful European eScooter rollout to date, and highlights FREE NOW’s commitment to empower sustainable urban mobility solutions in Ireland.

Zipp, headquartered at NovaUCD, has already launched in the UK and mainland Europe and plans to launch both eBikes and eScooters across Ireland in 2022 along with beginning operations in Portugal and Spain.

Commenting on the partnership with Zipp, Niall Carson, Country Manager of FREE NOW Ireland

said, “We are delighted to partner with Irish micro-mobility operator Zipp and share common ambitions to change, and ultimately improve, the way people across Ireland approach daily transport. It’s a really exciting time for the industry now that legislation on e-scooters is in motion, and we look forward to having eScooters available on our app in 2022. We understand that our customers want to make more sustainable choices and having the option to book an eScooter or EV taxi facilitates this. Using FREE NOW allows you to choose the best means of transport for you and your specific journey on any given day. Some longer trips make more sense in a taxi and for others using an eScooter or eBike will be quicker! It’s all about convenience and giving our customers the choice.” Charlie Gleeson, Founder

and CEO, Zipp Mobility said, “We are thrilled to join the group of operators that are able to offer their micro-mobility services on the FREE NOW platform. At Zipp we understand that micro-mobility is not a ‘silver bullet’ solution to decarbonising transport so we must collaborate with

platforms like FREE NOW to give our customers a full spectrum of sustainable transport options. This is the only way we can meaningfully reduce our reliance on the private car and get to net-zero emissions in transport.” He added, “This year we

hope to launch our eScooters and eBikes in cities across Ireland including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and this partnership will be a great asset to our users. Zipp was founded with Ireland in mind and we are so excited to bring our ethos of “mobility done right” to Irish cities during 2022.”

www.newsgroup.ie

Newsgroup Education & Training Feature TAOISEACH LAUNCHES DEIS CONNECT PROJECT IN ST. KEVIN’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St Kevin’s Community College is the 1st DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) school in the country to provide digital devices to every student. DEIS Connect ‘Bridging the Digital Divide’, is a bold and innovative approach to enhance digital capacity for all learners in St Kevin’s Community College, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. This programme was launched by an Taoiseach, Micheál Martin T.D., on February 4th, 2022, in the college. St. Kevin’s Community College, which is under the patronage of Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB (DDLETB), has also become among the first schools in Ireland to receive the Digital Schools Award status. An EU-wide initiative, which

recognises and celebrates best practice in digital education. “To be one of the first schools in Europe to receive this award is such an achievement, and our whole school community is very excited by it” stated Principal, Mr. Tony Barry.

“Both our teachers and pupils have worked incredibly hard to develop and embed digital learning into the curriculum. Ensuring that our pupils have access to the equipment, resources and support to develop their skills and literacy in this area has been top of our agenda for some time, but the European Digital Schools Award programme has given us the momentum to drive forward new strategies” added Mr. Barry. Following extensive school

funding through Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB (Digital Connect and DEIS Connect Initiatives) and their partnerships with Microsoft, Power2Progress (UCD/ Zurich), Digital Wealth Project (ReThink Ireland), Clondalkin Access Network, St. Vincent de Paul and the Trinity Access Programme, St. Kevin’s Community College is now able to provide a digital device to every student in its school. They are also rolling out training for parents to support them with their digital literacy. This is being coordinated through South Dublin County Partnership. The school has decided to give all 1st and 2nd year students an iPad for use in school and at home, and laptops for all students in 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th year. They believe

this hybrid approach is the first of its kind in the country and will afford students the opportunity to upskill in the latest digital technologies available. It will be a blended approach using devices to enhance Teaching and Learning, and continue the progress previously made with students, in terms of Teams and ClassNotebook. It will also enhance the formative feedback capabilities of teachers.

“The DEIS Connect initiative is a clear demonstration of DDLETB’s commitment to delivering a high-quality learning experience for all of our students and school teams. We are very proud of St. Kevin’s CC’s achievements in leading the path in embracing the best of what technology enhanced learning has to

offer. We look forward to further developing this initiative throughout the DDLETB DEIS network“ stated Mr. Adrian Flynn, Director of Schools at DDLETB. With the World Economic Forum estimating that 90% of all jobs in 2030 will require digital skills, and extensive research

indicating that students from diverse backgrounds are least likely to enter STEM careers. There is a clear need to ensure that every young person is given the opportunity to engage in STEM education and become a digital leader into the future. DEIS Connect is the first step on this journey.

www.newsgroup.ie

EY IRELAND AIMS TO INSPIRE MORE GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN TO PURSUE A CAREER IN STEM

EY Ireland has announced the launch of the EY STEM App which will be rolled out across the Republic of Ireland, following a successful pilot in the US and India. Through the app, which is aimed at girls aged between 13-18 years, EY Ireland is hoping to reach and inspire at least 5,000 young women throughout Ireland to pursue STEM careers across science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Ireland is the first of seven new countries to launch the EY STEM App, with six other countries including Canada, the UK, UAE, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand, following suit throughout 2022. The EY STEM App was developed by EY in collaboration with SkillsVR, an organisation dedicated to developing potential talent through immersive learning. It features modules and activities focused on science, such as climate change or space exploration; technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), 3D

printing or blockchain; the future of work and skills that may be required for future, yet-to-bedefined jobs.

Helena O’Dwyer, EY Ireland Associate Partner and Head of Strategy, EY-Parthenon, said “Advancing girls’ skills and interests in STEM is vital to closing the gender gap in technology. It’s crucial that women and girls have the opportunity to realise their full potential as leaders and changemakers in a world increasingly enabled by technology. We’re proud to be rolling out this app here in Ireland as we think it has the real potential to make STEM learning more accessible and rewarding for thousands of girls. The CSO recently reported that only 25% of roles in STEM are performed by women in Ireland so the development and rollout of this app is not only incredibly timely but also crucial when skills shortages have never been more prolific and competition for talent has never been more fierce” The

free-to-use

app

connects

girls with a wide range of learning activities from exploring new technologies, to learning how design thinking can help solve some of the world’s toughest challenges. Supported by inspirational stories of pioneering women, the app aims to not only nurture confidence and competence in STEM, but also the development of capabilities such as critical thinking and problemsolving, creativity and systems thinking, and social skills and teamwork. Hundreds of individual activities — each broken into bite-size steps, such as watching a video, answering thought-provoking questions or carrying out an experiment — support selfdirected learning that empowers girls to choose what, how and when they learn to build a real sense of accomplishment and confidence with the completion of each step. Girls are also encouraged to take real-life actions beyond the phone app, such as interviewing members of their community,

applying design thinking to solve community problems and conducting experiments, such as building a solar oven with household items. As they complete more activities on the app, girls become eligible to receive a range of incentives, including One4All Vouchers, options to donate to their favourite charities and the opportunity to engage in training programmes with EY Ireland’s technology and data analytics teams. This will include virtual and in-person access to the world class EY wavespace innovation centre in Dublin.

Eoin O’Reilly, EY Ireland Partner and Head of Data Analytics added, “The EY STEM App is a fantastic programme to support young girls and foster their interests in STEM subjects. The ability to pique the interest of girls at a young age, during the height of their education, is undoubtedly the best way to mobilise interest in a traditionally under-represented career path among women. I hope the EY STEM App will help girls of all ages embrace careers in STEM,

and as the programme grows I hope it continues to help girls in Ireland and around the world navigate real-world challenges. There has never been a more important time to encourage more women to build their careers in STEM, especially given the crucial role they play, and will continue to play, in the development and future growth of our economy here in Ireland.” The EY STEM App is sponsored by the EY Women in Technology programme, which was formed to create an inclusive culture to successfully harness technology’s potential to truly transform society. Activities on the app were also developed in collaboration with some of the world´s most respected non-profit and academic institutions, including the UN and World Economic Forum. In addition, all activities are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals they directly impact, allowing girls to earn Global Goals digital badges as they progress.

www.newsgroup.ie

FREE GROWING KITS FOR CLASSES NATIONWIDE WITH THE BIG GROW 2022

GIY and innocent aim to get 50,000 children growing their own food in classrooms across the country this spring with The Big Grow. Primary school teachers nationwide can now sign up for a free food growing kit

for their students at www. innocentdrinks.ie/big-grow which comes with three packs of different seeds including mixed salad, peas and radish along with enough compost, growing cups, instructions, and a

fun lesson plans for the entire class.This is the eleventh year of The Big Grow, a campaign started by innocent and GIY to get kids growing their own veg at school and helping thousands of schools to get

free growing resources. The Big Grow has so far helped 1.6 million children to start growing their own veg, and this year 50,000 children in Ireland will have an opportunity to learn how to grow food in their classrooms.

Launching the 2022 initiative founder of GIY Michael Kelly said: “Getting involved with ‘The Big Grow’ is a brilliant opportunity and often for many children it is their introduction to growing food. It is a life skill that we now know after 11 years of this initiative stays with many children as they have

gone on to create gardening clubs at school and even outside of school in their local community. Each year it is one of the most popular initiatives that we run at GIY and we hope that 2022 will be no different so we’re encouraging all teachers to get their class registered as soon as possible!.”

Each school taking part in The Big Grow will be encouraged to share their growing experiences online in order to be in with a chance of being crowned The Big Grow Champions of 2022 and be awarded the fantastic prize of a school

garden revamp. Teachers will also be provided with a resource pack to assist them in guiding their budding growers through the process with lesson plans, growing activities, growth charts, quizzes and more. The guide also includes radish, pea and mixed salad recipes so that the children can enjoy the complete ‘plot to plate’ experience. Teachers can sign up for a free food growing kit at innocentdrinks.ie/big-grow. Registration is still open while stocks last, and kits will be delivered to schools in the first week of March 2022

ECO- UNESCO LAUNCHES ACADEMY TO GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION In celebration of World Education Day 2022, ECO-UNESCO has launched an ECO Academy to give young people access to environmental education anywhere and at any time. ECO-UNESCO, Ireland’s leading environmental education and youth organisation has launched ECO Academy following a youth survey they conducted in which 93% of young people want climate action to become a bigger part of their school life. The online portal will give young people access to accredited environmental education including TY Modules and QQI Certifications. The courses focus on topics including Fast Fashion, Climate Justice, Sustainable Development and ‘6 Steps to Success’. Elaine Nevin, National Director of ECOUNESCO commented: “ECO-UNESCO works with over 10,000 young people each year and as a result of the pandemic, we have seen just how passionate young people are about taking climate action. Young people have continued to work on action projects

and get involved in our programmes while at home. Because of this, we saw an opportunity to create an online portal to develop further access to environmental education online. In a recent survey by ECO-UNESCO, 88% of young people are either involved or want to get involved with climate action with 52% of respondents saying they would like more opportunities to be involved in climate action projects. Young people are clearly eager to learn more about the solutions to our climate issues and these courses will be the perfect opportunity for them to get involved and take action.” ECO-UNESCO are now encouraging young people to enrol in their free ‘YEA 6 steps to Success’ course ahead of their National Young Environmental Awards (YEA) programme taking place in May. The course will equip young people with essential skills and helpful techniques to carry out their climate action projects. To get involved or to hear more about the ECO Academy, please go to https://learn.ecounesco.ie

www.newsgroup.ie

DUBLIN SCHOOLS INVITED TO JOIN NEW INITIATIVE THAT ‘FOSTERS EMPATHY, KINDNESS AND CONNECTION’

Schools throughout Dublin are being invited to join a new national award scheme aimed at recognising and celebrating post-primary schools that promote empathy, kindness and connection among students and staff.

The initiative, launching recently, is being rolled out to schools across the country by Narrative 4 Ireland, an empathy education organisation that has trained hundreds of teachers and youth workers to deliver an evidencebased teaching method that fosters connection, empathy and encourages positive relationships in the classroom. “I think we can all see why something like this is so timely. The world is very fractured at the moment, barriers are being reinforced and hate crimes and online bullying are rising. We need to dig deeper when it comes to bringing people back together” says TG4 presenter and awards ambassador Louise Cantillon. She says “Empathy education cultivates vital

life skills in young people. It increases awareness of diversity, improves social skills, and gives young people a sense of belonging and connection. The pandemic has been extremely difficult for young people and their teachers. It has isolated and separated us in different ways and stripped away important ways to connect, learn and grow together. Thankfully people are responding to these challenges, not least teachers and students out there cultivating a culture of kindness and connection that reminds us of our humanity. This new award initiative is about encouraging and celebrating this work and we’re looking forward to schools in Dublin being part of it all.” The Narrative 4 Empathy School Award follows the format of having three levels of recognition for schools: gold, silver and bronze. The Gold Award requires at least 10 teachers to be trained in Narrative 4’s Empathy Education Online CPD as part of their continued professional development. Other requirements include

a School Empathy Charter, a ‘Walk and Talk’ Empathy Challenge, and a series of modules for both students and staff. The silver and bronze options have similar components, albeit with less time commitments.

Narrative 4 was co-founded in 2012 by New York-based Irish author Colum McCann, who went on to bring it to Ireland in 2016. Narrative 4 is a registered Irish charity and has its Irish base in Limerick city. Its empathy education programme has won several awards and praise from students, parents, teachers and beyond. Narrative 4 has received recognition and support from organisations such as Rethink Ireland, the JP McManus Fund, the Ireland Funds, and Creative Ireland. McCann says the work that the organisation does offers benefits across society. “This is about embedding empathy work into our schools. So many schools are doing amazing work, but it’s clear there’s potential to do so much more. We’re at a real turning point in our world, and I think this can

be a transformative moment for the better. Change starts with education, and by giving our young people the right opportunities. That’s why we developed this award. Our hope is that it provides a valuable and timely offering for schools. I’ve seen first-hand how this work brings benefits to staff, students and, in fact, entire school cultures. This ripples into our homes and into society, creating a kinder and more nuanced world, something that is very much needed right now.” Narrative 4 Ireland Director Dr James Lawlor says the popularity of the programme is largely due to its accessibility and wide variety of practical applications. “It creates space for young people to connect and share their own stories and those of their classmates and others. This helps them to see the world from another’s perspective and so that they can understand themselves and other people better. I am continually filled with hope for the future when I meet the young people and educators involved with

Narrative 4. They have the humanity and the skills to shape and make this world a kinder, more empathic place. They are committed to addressing prejudices, particularly the stigma around mental health concerns, as well as issues

of racism and isolation caused by Covid-19. In this way, they help heal divisions through the power of dialogue, connection and empathy” More information at www. narrative4.ie

PRE-APPRENTICESHIP BUSINESS & ACCOUNTANCY COURSE WITH RATHMINES COLLEGE The new Rathmines College Pre-Apprenticeship Business and Accounting QQI Level 5 course makes good business and finance sense. Starting in late February and costing just €200 this new pre-apprenticeship is ideal for people wanting to start something new during the spring months as classes run from February to May. The next stage is a summer work placement and completion of course work in early September. Students are then ready to progress onto a Rathmines College QQI Advanced Level 6 course in mid-September or have the skills to start working in a wide range of

roles in many business and accountancy firms. This new pre-apprenticeship provides learners with the necessary knowledge, skills and competency to pursue a career in the Business and/ or Accounting sectors or to continue to study a QQI Level 6 Advanced course. The course modules are an excellent mix of business related subject areas and practical IT skills, including Accounting, Taxation, Economics and Spreadsheets. Apply today online and for more information on this new Pre-Apprenticeship in Business and Accounting go to rathminescollege.ie.

COLLEGE CHOICE – THE BIFE ROUTE Over recent years many new avenues have opened up to students in pursuit of their dream career. According to Gabriel Allen, deputy principal Bray Institute (BIFE), “Further Education offers a learner the opportunity to gain advanced entry onto honours degree programmes, both in Ireland and abroad. For the first time, students will be able to choose between university and further education courses through the CAO. When students log onto the CAO website they will not only see the traditional CAO options, they will also see options for Further Education. “The comprehensive range of courses available at BIFE provides an excellent opportunity to anyone who

wants to advance their qualifications, enhance their employment potential or progress their career” he added. For mature students there are many opportunities to study and progress at Bray Institute of Further Education.

“Over recent years our graduates have achieved honours degrees in graphic design, fashion design, TV & Film (moving image), Acting, Dance, Fine Arts, Psychology, Applied Health & Social Care and Music production.” Allen explained, “These courses are at Higher National Diploma level and on completion, many of last year’s graduating students proceeded to the final year of an honours Degree Programme in Ireland or Britain”. “BIFE students can gain advanced entry onto

higher education courses”. For example, BIFE run an Accounting Technician course. On completion of this two-year course students can proceed to the 3rd year of the Bachelor of Business in Accounting & Finance course (TU911) in TU Dublin. Students can also progress into the 3rd year of the Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts (TU742) on completion of their Level 6 course in BIFE at TU Dublin.

Work Experience is a vital part of the BIFE courses and now all students in the College have the opportunity to complete a 3-week work placement abroad in countries such as Spain, Portugal, Poland, Italy, Finland, Malta or Czechia under the Erasmus+

Programme which is sponsored by the European Union. This is a terrific opportunity for our students, not only to gain valuable work experience in a European country, but also to experience a different culture and to broaden their horizons. BIFE constantly update and introduce new programmes in response to demand, needs and workplace opportunities. This year they have introduced the following new courses:

• Applied Ecology & Biodiversity Studies • Occupational Assistant

Therapy

•Equine Studies, • Barista, Pastry & Baking • Brewing Technology

Distilling

• Applied Ecology & Biodiversity Studies

• Special Needs Assistant (Primary & Post-Primary)

Applications for September 2022 are now open.

• Professional Make-Up Hairdressing • Film Special Effects

You can call the Institute any day during office hours on 01-2829668 to discuss your needs or log on to www.bife.ie for more information.

• Tourism with Airline Studies • Security & Pre-Garda

www.newsgroup.ie

TUF SUPPORTS SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCILLORS CALL FOR COMPLIANCE INSPECTIONS ON SITES Trade Union Federation (TUF) representatives met with South Dublin County

councillors recently to discuss the implementation of an inspection regime

for all construction sites operated on behalf of South Dublin County

Council (SDCC) to ensure full compliance with employment agreements. The move follows the passing of a motion, proposed by Sinn Féin councillor William Carey, at a meeting of SDCC on 12th January which calls for the introduction of an inspection regime, in conjunction with the TUF, to ensure the employment rights of construction workers are being adhered to on council sites.

Carl Whelan, said: “An inspection regime for council sites is now SDCC policy. TUF representatives are seeking an urgent meeting with council management to agree on an operational protocol and terms of reference for the introduction of a compliance inspector that will have powers to investigate all publicly funded construction projects in the SDCC area.”

Cllr Carey said: “This is a significant step by councillors aimed at ensuring that employers operating on council sites are adhering to their legal obligations. As pressure to ramp up construction delivery intensifies, there is a danger that we will slip back into the old ways of the Celtic Tiger era of noncompliance in this sector.”

Connect Trade Union National Compliance Officer, Brian McAvinue, said: “This decision by councillors will assist in ending non-compliance with construction industry employment agreements on SDCC building projects. It will pave the way to ensuring that trade union members receive their minimum legal employment entitlements as set out in the Sectoral Employment

BATU Regional Organiser,

Orders (SEOs) for the construction, mechanical and electrical sectors.” SIPTU Organiser, Andrew McGuinness, said: “Bogus self-employment remains a major problem in the construction industry. It results in thousands of construction workers retiring without a pension. The local authority procurement system stipulates that all contractors must be compliant with the terms of SEOs which cover minimum entitlements for hourly rates of pay, pension contributions, sick pay, death in service entitlements, overtime payments and a 39 hour working week. It is essential that an inspection regime is put in place by every county council to ensure that these terms are being enforced.”

TENNIS COURTS AT KINGSWOOD HEIGHTS TO BE REFURBISHED At a recent South Dublin County Council meeting local Tallaght representative, Cllr. Charlie O’Connor requested an update on the tennis courts at Kingswood Heights in Tallaght “To ask the CEO if he has had any recent contact in respect of the Tennis Courts at Kingswood Heights which were the subject of previous business at our meetings?” In reply to this query the Council

confirmed works will proceed in 2022 “The Council continues to receive contacts from residents in Kingswood, both those in favour of the refurbishment of the tennis courts and those in favour of pursuing the development of a larger scale sports facility. As previously advised the Council only has funding allocated for the refurbishment of the tennis courts, and it is intended that these works will proceed in 2022”.

www.newsgroup.ie

REDIRESI IRELAND HANDS OVER 27 REFURBISHED HOUSING UNITS RediResi Ireland have delivered twenty-seven refurbished homes, in Round Gardens, Citywest for South Dublin County Council, as part of a first phase of delivery. This is the latest project completed by RediResi Ireland who have now delivered 215 housing units, helping Ireland to tackle its social housing waiting lists. These units have now been handed over to South Dublin County Council.

Speaking about the project, John Hickie, Head of Finance for RediResi Ireland said; “We are delighted to see this project completed. These homes were completely refurbished during the difficult Covid-19 pandemic. We worked

directly with South Dublin County Council in delivering these housing units and they will assist the Council in reducing their housing waiting list.

“These units, when purchased were in a dilapidated and derelict state and RediResi’s team extensively refurbished them and made them safe to modern fire regulations and significantly upgraded the Building Energy Rating (BER) of each unit. “Our expert team of inhouse advisers work to resolve complex problems that can often exist with derelict second-hand homes. These issues can be structural, legal or be other problems that we work to

resolve. This is so, when housing units are delivered for Local Authorities for the purposes of social housing provision those issues no longer exist and the home is of a far better standard and quality than previously existed. “These homes in Round Gardens will now benefit twenty-seven families in South Dublin County Council who will have their housing needs met.

“RediResi Ireland are working on a number of projects throughout Ireland, which will see more housing units provided, so that councils can continue to tackle their housing waiting lists. “Finally, we want to thank Lawlor Burns and

SCHOOL STREET PROJECT UPDATE Cllr Charlie O’Connor recently requested information on the school street project at a recent council meeting “To ask

the CEO to update the Committee in respect of the School Street Project and will he confirm any plans to include additional schools

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS NEWSPAPER

CALL 01 451 9000

in Tallaght?” The Council reply confirmed the following “The School Street Project has engaged Barry Transportation as consultants for the project and initial assessment site visits have taken place. The next stage of the project is to produce a preliminary design for each site and to seek agreement for this design with schools and project stakeholders. It is envisaged to include Scoil Maelruain next as agreed at with the Council members in November 2020”.

Associates, our technical advisers on this project; and

South Dublin County Council who we worked closely with

to ensure this project was successfully completed.”

www.newsgroup.ie

Local Business

Classifieds

CASWELL Wrought Iron Gates & Railings, Ram Bars etc. MOBILE WELDING - 24 CALL OUT

EASY WAYS TO PLACE AN AD Tel: 01 45 19000 Email: info@newsgroup.ie Online: www.newsgroup.ie

LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION IN DUBLIN richardkinsella2001@yahoo.co.uk

TEL: 01 451 9000 EMAIL: leaflets@localpost.ie 10% OFF

ESTIMATES FREE ● LOWEST PRICES

PH: 01 4519 773 / 086 250 3130

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS NEWSPAPER CALL 01 451 9000 Free n Quotatio GUTTERS CLEANED AND SEALED

FROM €49

Roofing Problems?

CALL OUR EMERGENCY ROOF CARE LINE ON 087 394 8346 l New Roofing l Lead valleys l Emergency Repairs l Attic Insulations l Flat Roofs l Fascia & Soffits l Guttering/Downpipes l Chimney Repair l Ridge Pointing l Roof Cleaning

Joe 01 685 5270 / 085 200 3778 email: masterproofroofing@gmail.com

ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICES WITH NEWSGROUP Delivered direct to 50,000 homes in Tallaght, Lucan, Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Saggart & Newcastle. Contact us today on 01 4519 000

or email Siobhan for more information at siobhan@newsgroup.ie

Southside: 01 908 1455 Northside: 01 699 1499

www.roofing-dublin.com

www.newsgroup.ie

UP TO €14,000 RENTAL INCOME EXEMPT FROM TAX UNDER RENT-A-ROOM RELIEF Local property owners with spare rooms in Dublin Mid-West should consider taking advantage of the rent-a-room relief which allows those who rent out a room to earn up to €14,000 tax free, Dublin Mid-West’s Fine Gael TD has said. Deputy Emer Higgins said, “The rent-a-room relief has two main benefits; it helps homeowners make ends meet and it also increases the availability of rooms and the supply of accommodation locally. “People in the area whose children have left home and may wish to boost their income in retirement, as well as first time homeowners with larger mortgages, would really benefit from this measure if they rented out a room. “You can earn up to €14,000 per calendar year, completely tax free – just under €270 a week on the basis the room is let for the full 52 weeks. “For those who are already availing of this scheme, remember to claim your relief this year. If you are self-assessed, include the amount of exempt income on your Form

11 or if you pay through the PAYE system, include it in your Income Tax return,” added Deputy Higgins. “Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind when availing of this benefit is that if the rent exceeds €14,000, you will be required to pay tax on all of the rental income earned. “There are also a few other rules to be aware of; the scheme only applies to principal private residences and not second homes; the room, or rooms, cannot be let to your partner or child; and they must be let for a minimum of four weeks. “The minimum stay duration makes the scheme ideal for renting out rooms to students. Never has student accommodation been more in demand, and given our close proximity in Dublin Mid-West to all of Dublin’s colleges and universities, I would encourage any homeowner in the local area that has a spare room to consider letting it to a student this year,” concluded Deputy Higgins.

LOCAL CAMERA CLUB TO HOST JULIAN ELLIOTT

Palmerstown Camera Club holds a weekly meeting online at present, every Wednesday from 8 pm to 10 pm. People interested in joining the club or even attending one or two meetings FREE of charge to see how their photography could benefit from being a member can do so by contacting secpcc@mail.com. This week they have Julian Elliott, a professional photographer who specializes in travel photography. Julian will share his photographs based on his visits to Italy, Mongolia and Vietnam to mention just a few. Some weeks ago the club held their monthly competition themed “Inanimate objects”. One of the winning mono images from that competition was from Kevin Naughton in the intermediate section mono competition with this titled image “All That Jazz”. Stunning image and well-deserved winner.

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. Thanks to St. Therese, St Martin, St Padrio Pio and Holy Angels. P.M 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. P.M 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. Thanks to St. Therese, St Martin, St Padrio Pio and Holy Angels. G.O.G 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. F.R May the sacred heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred heart of Jesus, please pray for me. Saint Jude, worker of miracles, please pray for me. Saint Jude, helper of the hopeless, please pray for me. Repeat 9 times for 9 days. S.B. Saint Expedite, you lay in rest. I come to you and ask that this wish be granted. (Mention your urgent request) Saint Expedite now what I ask of you, Saint Expedite now what I want of you, this very second. Don’t waste another day. Grant me what I ask for. I know your power, I know you because of your work. I know you can help me. Do this for me and I will spread your name with love and honour so that it will be invoked again and again. Expedite this wish with speed, love, honour and goodness. Glory to you Saint Expedite. S.B.

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: info@newsgroup.ie.

www.newsgroup.ie

COMFORT WORTH SHOUTING ABOUT!

Selina 3 Seater Sofa WAS €2895 NOW ONLY €2495

Raphael 3 Seater - Power Recliner Sofa WAS €3545 NOW €2895

Donatello Fabric 2.5 Seater - Power Recliner Sofa WAS €2395 NOW ONLY €2095 - 2 Seater Fixed Sofa WAS €1395 NOW ONLY €1295 - Armchair Power Recliner WAS €1395 NOW ONLY €1045

Tetrad Montana Midi Sofa & Snggler Chair WAS €7690 NOW ONLY €3700

Free Parking, Free recycling of your replaced bed/mattress Address: Bray Retail Park, Southern Cross Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 10am - 6pm Ph: (01) 281 3338 Visit us online: www.flanagankerins.ie