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Gazette about the housing and homelessness crisis P6

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Begging offences shoot up by 410%  aisling kennedy

BEGGING in the city centre is up by a massive 410%, according to crime statistics released at the Joint Policing Committee meeting at Dublin City Council last week.

The latest statistics revealed that murder is down by 54% in the capital, theft and assaults causing harm is up by 12%, the total number of public order offences is up by 51%, and thefts from shops remain higher than 2014 levels.

Cllr Daithi Doolin (SF) said he believes the high rate of public order offences is due to cuts in Gardai resources over the past few years, and added that he questioned what happens to people

Latest crime statistics draw fire with Sinn Fein attack on policing cuts

who have been arrested for begging in Dublin.

He said: “There’s no point in simply arresting people, locking them up and releasing them to where they came from. We should be assisting people in moving on.”

Full Story on Page 2

east a colourful look as new year approaches FIVE-year-old Linjia Zheng was the centre of attention for a moment at the recent launch of this year’s Chinese New Year, where a Chinese Lion and many traditional Chinese decorations helped to set the vibrantly coloured scene.

The Chinese New Year celebrations are always a popular part of the city’s

cultural character, with 2016 ushering in the Year of the Monkey, which will see Dublin play host to two weeks of celebratory events from February 6.

There was no monkeying about from little Linjia, who was excited and happy to help start this year’s celebrations.

Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

2 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 21 January 2016

FastNews

Chefs Andrew Rudd, Derek Brown and Temple Garner are pictured with Minister of Tourism, Transport and Sport, Paschal Donohoe and CEO of DublinTown Richard Guiney

Dine in Dublin Festival to return with culinary delights The Dine in Dublin festival will return this February and last week Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe launched the seventh year of the festival. Following on from last year’s successful foodie week, Dublin is set to come alive with a feast of culinary delights with over 50 restaurants participating.The Dine Pavilion will return again this year which will see an outdoor kitchen set up where top chefs will perform live demonstrations showcasing the very best of their most loved Dublin dishes. Dine in Dublin will take place from Monday, February 22 to Sunday, February 28. For more information see www. dineindublin.ie

Citywide reading initiative is encouraging kids to read The Dublin citywide reading campaign 2016 was launched last week to encourage children to read for pleasure. Dublin City Council public libraries and Dublin UNESCO City of Literature have brought this initiative to Dublin again this year in partnership with Mercier Press and it runs from January to March 2016. The Book of Learning by ER Murray has been chosen as the book of the year for this year’s campaign. Authors will be visiting local libraries as part of the campaign.

For more information see www.dublincityofliterature.ie

Irish Chamber Orchestra makes a move to the Round Room The Irish Chamber Orchestra has relocated from the RDS to the Round Room in the Mansion House as part of its Dublin concert season 2016.

The Orchestra’s February offering will see Hungarian conductor HungH Gabor Takacs Nagy take the reigns.

Takacs-Nagy has worked with the orchestra over many years and said: “They are a diamond in the cultural life of Ireland.” He will conduct the Irish Chamber Orchestra in Death and the Maiden which features pieces by Pergolesi, Haydn, Mozart and Schubert. Death and tMaiden will take place on Wednesday February 10 at the Round Room in the Mansion House. For more information see www. irishchamberorechestra.com

Cllr Daithi Doolin (SF): “It is shocking to think that over 2,000 Gardai have been cut from the force over the last five years. That is unacceptable in the capital.”

crime | joint policing committee release report

Statistics show begging up by a massive 410% Crime statistics released by the Joint Policing Committee meeting last week showed that begging is up by a massive 410% in the city centre, with murder down by 54% and theft and assaults causing harm up by 12%.

As part of a report presented to Dublin City Council (DCC) by Assistant Commissioner Jack Nolan of the Dublin Metropolitan Region, it was revealed that the total number of public order offences are up by 51%.

Cllr Daithi Doolin (SF) told the Gazette that he believes the high rate of public order offences is due to cuts in Garda resources over the last few years.

He said: “It is shocking to think that over 2,000 Gardai have been cut from the force over the last five years. That is unacceptable in the capital.”

Cllr Doolin also point-

 aisling kennedy

akennedy@dublingazette.com

ed to the high level of begging in Dublin city centre at the Joint Policing Committee and asked “what happens to people who have been arrested for begging? Are they simply locked up, then released back out again or are they put in contact with services that can help assist them?

“There’s no point in simply arresting people, locking them up and releasing them from where they came from.

That’s not what we should be about. We should be assisting people in moving on. That question wasn’t answered at the Joint Policing Committee and that was unfortunate

but I think the reason is because the answer is not there.”

The report also revealed that for the year ending 2015, property crime in the DCC area is down 4% on 2014, violent property crime is up 2% (27 incidents) on 2014 levels, while thefts from shops remain higher than 2014 levels.

Assistant Commissioner Jack Nolan reported: “Comparing 2014 to 2015, there has been an increase in crimes against the person (+12%) with the greatest increase in the category of assaults.

While this is off the back of significant decreases in 2012, 2013 and the first quarter of 2014, it continues to present a challenge to An Garda Siochana to address this trend.

“Hi-visibility strategies will remain in place to address this trend, utilising mountain bike and

foot patrols in key areas.

Operation Spire and Operation Pier remain in place in the city centre to tackle these crime categories.”

In more positive statistics, however, overall drug offences are down by 2% in the DCC area in 2015.

Drug offences include cultivation (-35%), possession of sale or supply (-11%) and possession for personal use (-3%).

The report stated that this decrease could be taken in context with an increase in Garda activity in the area with 31,055 incidents of searches under the Drugs Legislation 2015, which repre-

sents a 2% increase on 2014.

In response to the need for more Gardai on city streets, Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald announced recently that there will be a drive to recruit 600 Gardai this year.

Minister Fitzgerald said: “The 600 new Gardai to be recruited this year will bring to 1,150 the total number of new recruits since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014. So far 295 of these recruits have attested as members of An Garda Siochana and are on the ground in communities nationwide.”

Dublin Gazette Newspapers, Second Floor, Heritage House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14 Tel: 01 - 6010240. Email: sales@dublingazette.com news@dublingazette.com web: www.dublingazette.com twitter: @DublinGazette Visit us on Facebook at DublinGazetteNewspapers

21 January 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 3

rights | special initiative for area

enterprise

Workers welcome O’Connell Street plan  aisling kennedy SIPTU activists and the former Clerys workers have welcomed the decision of Dublin City Council to renew the Scheme of Special Planning Control for the O’Connell Street area.

The scheme will include an objective that will assure all workers in the city centre retail district of fair working conditions.

Ethel Buckley, SIPTU services division organiser, said the confirmation of the renewal of the SIPTU proposal was a success for the new Working City Initiative, which was launched last December.

She said: “The SIPTU Services Division intends to continue working with

councillors and community groups as part of the Working City Initiative to have the O’Connell Street area declared a Living Wage employment zone.

“Ensuring that workers in the centre of our capital city are paid a wage which is adequate to provide a minimum essential standard of living is a fitting aim for an area which will be at the centre of Easter 1916 commemorative events this year.”

Former Clerys worker and SIPTU activist, Gerry Markey, said the scheme now provides guidelines for the future development of the O’Connell Street area, and added: “This will not only ensure its architectural integrity is maintained but it can also be developed to

ensure it is a zone where workers’ rights are fully respected.”

Markey particularly welcomed the scheme’s recognition of Clerys department store as having a special significance in shaping the “social, cultural, economic and architectural character of O’Connell Street and the area over generations”.

The Working City Initiative was launched by the SIPTU Services Division last December at an event attended by trade union activists as well as Labour Party, Sinn Fein and Workers’ Party politicians.

The initiative seeks to ensure that adequate focus is placed on the creation of quality jobs and the concerns of workers in city development plans.

Seminar for food businesses

strictly exciting news

PROFESSIONAL Strictly Come Dancing star Tristan MacManus has been announced as a judge at this year’s Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards. Tristan, who stars in the hit BBC show, will judge the choreography category of the competition. He was joined for the announcement by students Anu Walters and Ciara Byrne, the winners of last year’s best choreography category. The Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards are open to primary school students from 3rd - 6th class, and all secondary school students, with the deadline for entries for this year’s competition set at 5pm, Friday, January 29. For further information, see www.bgesta.ie.

THE Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is holding a free Small Food Business Start-Up Seminar in Dublin to assist those working in small food businesses or those who are thinking of setting up a food business.

The half-day event will bring a range of experts together to explore the requirements business entrepreneurs will need to meet to get started and comply with all relevant food safety legislation.

The event takes place from 8am to 1pm on Thursday, January 28 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Northwood Park, Santry, Dublin 9.

Booking is advised and further information is available at www.fsai. ie/events, or by emailing businessstartup@fsai.ie.

4 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 21 January 2016

don’s dublin A church blessed with the nickname The Pepper Canister Nicknames are something that Dubliners are good at handing out, usually to friends and acquaintances, but it

New Educate Together secondary school for Whitehall  aisling kennedy A new Educate Together secondary school is set to open in Whitehall in September.

The City of Dublin Education and Training Board and Educate Together made the announcement last week that they agreed to open the new school in the area.

The new secondary school will be located on the Swords Road,

Whitehall, Dublin 9 and will be called Clonturk Community College.

The school will be co-located with Plunkett College and is expected to have an initial enrolment of 75 students.

Deputy Joe Costello (Lab) welcomed the opening of the new school, and said: “A number of primary Educate Together schools have been established in recent years and a new primary

Educate Together school is being built in the DIT Campus, Grangegorman.

“However, there is not a single second-level Educate Together school north of the Liffey. This creates an educational anomaly.”

He said there had been strong support among parents in the area for an Educate Together secondary school and added that he was delighted that the new school

would be opening later this year.

Cllr Paul McAuliffe (FF) and Fianna Fail Dublin Central candidate Cllr Mary Fitzpatrick also welcomed the opening of the new school, saying: “It is important to give parents a choice when it comes to their children’s education.

“With hundreds of children in the city at Educate Together primary schools, it makes sense to provide a second-level option.”

is rare that buildings are so honoured. So, I was really looking forward to visiting St Stephen’s Church, a place that I had passed many times but never entered and, like most people, called The Pepper Canister.

By the early 1800s, with the city spreading out into new suburbs, there was a need for a church to serve the growing community beyond Merrion Square. The Earl of Pembroke, a significant local landowner, gave the site for the church for free and an additional £700. It was one of the last Georgian churches built in Dublin and was designed by John Bowden who also responsible for the church of St Philip and St James, Booterstown. Sadly, he died during construction and the work was completed by Joseph Welland. It was consecrated by the Archbishop of Dublin, William Magee on December 5, 1824, and the final cost was £5,169.

The original building was rectangular and the colourful apse (east end) was added in 1852. But it is the front (west end) that is the most attractive and giving an unbroken view across Merrion Square southside, to Leinster House. It is a

Dublin City Council has agreed to build 1,345 homes across the city, with sites earmarked for Inchicore, Coolock and Arbour Hill. However,

beautifully realised feature, unchanged in almost

the Workers Party criticised Sinn Fein’s support for the sale of “significant tracts of council land to private developers”.

two centuries. The cupola at the top of the church

council | 30% of builds agreed for social housing

is a model of the Choregos of Lysicrates in Athens and where we get the familiar nickname.

Inside, there are wonderful stained glass windows which were not original features but added in Victorian times. A piece by the renowned Beatrice Elvery and another in honour of Dr Joliffe Tufnell, a former president of the College of Surgeons, look great in the sunlight. The organ dates from the 1750s and the carved rosewood pulpit is particularly attractive. Upstairs I noted a plaque in honour of Captain Charles King, a man

1,300 homes agreed for three sites across Dublin  aisling kennedy

who survived the Battle of Balaclava. I definitely hadn’t been expecting that. Wonderful.

Don Cameron

www.donsdublin.wordpress.com

St Stephen’s Church, otherwise known as The Pepper Canister, was designed by John Bowden and consecrated on December 5, 1824

A proposal to build more than 1,300 new homes at three sites across Dublin city was passed at the Dublin City Council (DCC) meeting last week, on the condition that 30% of the houses would be allocated to social housing.

T he proposal was passed following a lastminute amendment by the chair of the Housing Committee, Cllr Daithi Doolin (SF), to raise the social housing allotment from the mandatory 10% to 30%.

The new homes will be developed at St Michael’s Estate in Inchicore,

Oscar Traynor Road in Coolock, and O’Devaney Gardens in Arbour Hill.

A total of 1,345 housing units will be delivered, including 448 social units.

Of the remaining units, some will be earmarked for starter homes with mortgages being taken through the city council.

Others will be ‘cost rental’, where tenants pay 20% below market rent in a scheme designed for those on low income who do not qualify for social housing.

Un d e r t h e Ho u s ing Land Initiative, the sites will be sold to private developers under a contract that specifies

the number and type of social housing units to be delivered, as well as other conditions.

Following the council meeting last week, however, Cllr Eilis Ryan (Workers Party) condemned Sinn Fein for supporting the sale of “significant tracts of council land to private developers”.

She said: “Sinn Fein’s endorsement of the land sell-off was astoundingly hypocritical behaviour, given their support recently for activists opposing a developer takeover of historic buildings in Moore Street.

“The decision to sell off land could not have

passed through the council without Sinn Fein’s full support.

“The party’s rapid move into the golden circle was summed up

by Fine Gael and Fianna Fail’s words of congratulations to Sinn Fein at the council meeting for its support for the Housing Land Initiative.”

In response, Cllr Daithi Doolin (SF) told The Gazette: “Dublin is in the midst of a housing crisis and we had an opportunity after 12 months of intense negotiations with management and the construction sector, to put a plan to [the council] that was the best plan we could get to provide

social housing for those who need it most in the city.”

He added: “When each site comes up for development, we’ll be looking for maximum social housing development. [The] 30% [figure] is a minimum, so we’ll be looking for more than 30% on certain sites.”

Cllr Doolin said he disputes Cllr Ryan’s remarks that Sinn Fein have become part of the “golden circle” and said that being complimented for their work by other parties is a testament to the focus and determination Sinn Fein have to deliver housing to those who need it.

21 January 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 5

dna trail | new north dublin tourism initiative launched

A collaboration for 12 of Dublin’s top attractions  aisling kennedy

Twelve of north Dublin’s most iconic attractions and destinations announced a new collaborative tourism initiative called the Dublin Northside Attractions (DNA) Alliance last week.

As part of the new initiative, a new DNA trail and website was unveiled which allows visitors to walk a trail along the north side of Dublin.

The trail showcases some of Dublin’s most vibrant and historical landmarks including Glasnevin cemetery and museum, the National

Botanic Gardens, the GAA museum, Croke Park stadium, the James Joyce centre, Dublin Tenement, 14 Henrietta St, the GPO, the Guinness Storehouse and many other places.

Vibrant

The new DNA Alliance chose the Old Jameson Distillery to launch its new initiative last week, as it is one of the attractions included in the new quarter that comprises some of the city’s most vibrant places to visit.

Paschal Donohoe TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport,

attended the launch of the new initiative and said: “As a proud northsider, I am very familiar with the myriad places of interest and sites of historical significance located on Dublin’s northside. Many of these are well known worldwide; some to a lesser degree. The aim of this initiative is to bring these attractions together under one umbrella organisation so that they can have a greater impact as a cohesive unit than they would by working independently.”

The DNA Alliance offers a number of touring options including a

asdf dasf ds fds afasdfasf

hop on/hop off bus route provided by Dublin City Sightseeing Tours.

The trail is also in development in association with Failte Ireland and the Discovery Trails created off the Dubline and will work alongside the current walking trails that already exist.

The DNA Alliance is

encouraging both Dubliners and visitors to explore the new trail using the variety of options available including Dublin Bike and walking.

George McCullough, chairman of the DNA Alliance, said: “There is something for everyone on the DNA trail. Every turn contains an internation-

ally renowned attraction be it historical, sporting or cultural. North Dublin is a small area with a rich history that has changed the world, and the DNA Alliance has been formed to celebrate and showcase this magnificent place.”

The DNA trail can be viewed online at www. dublindna.ie

centenary Line-up of lectures on 1916

A series of lectures will take place in libraries around Dublin as part of the Dublin Remembers 1916 Centenary Programme of commemorative events.

The line-up will also include talks by expert historians, exhibitions and conferences in City Hall, Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane, and other venues throughout the city.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Criona ni Dhalaigh (SF) launched the programme last week and said: “The most important thing about remembering 1916 is that we have to ensure that communities are at the heart of the commemorations.”

A full programme of events is available at http://dublincity.ie/decadeofcommemorations

6 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 21 January 2016

ask the politician | in the build up to the general election the gazette Question: How would you deal with the current housing and homeless crisis in the city if elected?

An immediate rent cap should be enforced

 Cllr Micheal Mac Donncha (Sinn Fein)

 Cllr Cieran Perry (Ind)

If elected my immediate priority would be to stop the flow of families into homelessness.

We’ve been discussing the homeless crisis for over a year now, yet the number of families being forced into homelessness through no fault of their own is increasing week on week.

An immediate rent cap should be enforced and a moratorium on repossessions and evictions. This will give us the space to tackle the problem of those already homeless.

The next step would be to begin an immediate public building programme financed by the €3 billion the Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly claims to have allocated to housing. In the past decade, provision of social housing has effectively been privatised, meaning councils are gifting large publicly-owned sites to private developers in return for a few hundred being given back as ‘social housing’; the remainder being sold at huge profits.

The public private partnership and “free market” policy has clearly not provided homes for those in need. The current Governments 2011 housing policy document excludes building public housing and relies entirely on the private sector and voluntary housing associations to provide social housing.

We will commit additional capital spending

In the mid-1970s, social housing made up one third of all homes built, now it is less than 5%, despite Government pre-election promises of improvement.

The councils and the State owns plenty of building land, we have large numbers of unemployed construction workers and international interest rates are at the lowest ever.

An immediate “use it or lose it” tax on building land is required to prevent developers sitting on land with planning permission in hope of higher profits. The shambolic rent allowance system is inadequate for tenants and merely a very expensive subsidy from taxpayers to private landlords.

Over 300,000 homes are in negative equity and 100,000 in mortgage arrears.

As we bailed out the banks, they must be compelled to either mark down or “park” some of a mortgage, allowing families to remain in their homes on reduced repayments until their finances improve.

As a public representative housing is the number one social problem that I encounter in Dublin. The housing crisis is causing chaos and distress in so many people’s lives. But the crisis can and will be resolved if we bring about political change.

Housing is a right – a basic right denied to tens of thousands of people today. Dublin has seen nothing like the current housing crisis since the 1960s or before that.

Hundreds of families in our city are living in hotel rooms that have been described as “posh prison cells”.

Thousands are long years on council waiting lists. Rents are becoming unaffordable for more and more people and this is driving them into homelessness.

Many people who are working cannot afford to buy even a modest house or apartment. Many others are in mortgage arrears.

This needs urgent and radical action.

In Government, Sinn Fein will make housing a top priority. We will tackle the housing and homeless crisis head on by immediately

commencing a programme to deliver 100,000 new social and affordable homes. To achieve this we will commit additional capital spending of €2.2 billion over and above the Government’s current capital commitments.

We will introduce rent certainty to end rackrenting. We will introduce a tenants’ rights charter. For too long, under successive Governments, housing was left totally to the market, depending on banks and private developers, with a tiny number of council homes being built. This must change radically. We need well planned, well constructed homes and we need to build communities with good facilities, not just housing estates. And to do this the Government and the councils need to take a lead and the funding must be made available. That is Sinn Fein’s commitment and mine.

I will work for a vacant site levy  Joe Costello TD (Labour)

I support the introduction of rent controls  Cllr Paul Hand (Ind)

The homeless crisis and the housing crisis go hand in hand. In the Dublin City Council area there are over 22,000 applications for the housing list.

Many of these people are sleeping rough, in hotels or temporary accommodation.

Due to sky high rents, economic evictions are commonplace and ever increasing numbers of people are losing their homes due to negative equity. This scandal has been brewing for a number of years. Successive Governments have failed to provide adequate housing for its citizens.

Since my election to Dublin City Council, I have supported the development of numerous housing developments, particularly senior citizens accommodation.

The construction of senior citizens units can provide double the amount of housing units in some cases, as an elderly person leaves a larger family home to live in a senior citizens complex.

The vacated, family-sized home can then house a family on the housing waiting list.

In my local area I have supported the construction of senior citizens complexes in Canon Troy Court, Chapelizod, Cornamona Court, Ballyfermot and the refurbishment of Jamestown Court, Inchicore.

If central government delivered extra resources to the council, we could put a serious effort in solving the waiting list at a local and citywide level.

I am campaigning for the building of increased social housing, affordable housing for first-time buyers, and assistance for those in mortgage difficulty.

I also support the introduction of rent controls to alleviate housing uncertainty.

To tackle the scourge of homelessness requires a multifaceted approach that involves building more social housing, encouraging the building of private housing and offering security to existing tenants.

Despite the economic crisis and the shortage of funding, the Government has worked hard to provide much-needed social housing in my own constituency of Dublin Central.

Under the previous administration, there were only public-private partnerships that collapsed with the Celtic Tiger. Since Labour came to Government in 2011, we have delivered 53 housing units in Sean Treacy House, Sean McDermott Street; 100 housing units in Peadar Kearney House, Railway Street; and 100 senior citizen units in Fr Scully House, Gardiner Street. Moreover, there are a number of other social and voluntary housing projects being planned. In addition, the council has been given the necessary funding to repair and bring voids into use.

However, more is needed. As an immediate priority, I am working to ensure that the housing regeneration projects at Dominick Street, O’Devaney Gardens and Croke Villas are put back on track. These sites were to be redeveloped as public-private partnerships, but the projects collapsed with the Celtic Tiger. It is essential that work begins on these prime sites in order to provide hundreds of quality new homes for local people.

For too long, prime sites in our cities have been left as unproductive empty lots that attract dumping and anti-social behaviour.

These sites should be supporting economic activity that would benefit the local community and wider economy. Instead, some owners have elected to leave these sites neglected in search of a bigger personal profit down the road, whatever the cost to the community.

The council has identified 151 vacant plots of land and 131 sites with derelict buildings that are zoned for development but which have been left as a blot on the landscape.

Many of these sites are located in my Dublin Central Constituency. I will work to ensure that a vacant site levy, which has already been legislated for, is implemented as soon possible. This will encourage the owner to develop the site or to sell it to someone who is prepared to develop it.

Before Christmas, new legislation was passed to provide greater security to tenants.

The most important change in this package is that the minimum period between rent reviews for all tenancies is being increased from 12 to 24 months for a four-year period.

21 January 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 7

relaunches its q&a with election candidates on the topics that matter

I will continue to push the delivery of modular homes

Sinn Fein would introduce index linked rent controls

 Cllr Naoise O Muiri (Fine Gael)

 Cllr Cathleen Carney Boud – Sinn Fein

I’ve being pushing modular housing as part of the solution for the homeless crisis for at least a year now, against significant political opposition at first.

There is a new category of “hidden homeless” in the city - families with young children who have lost their access to private rented accommodation and are now being housed in hotels and B&Bs. These arrangements are not very secure and there is also a lack of the practical facilities that every family needs.

Modular houses can form part of the solution for these families in the short term because: - they are quick to deliver - built in a factory and delivered to site - they can be secured and Dublin City Council and

Sinn Fein’s new and costed housing policy commits the party to funding 25,000 social and affordable housing units for Dublin City Council over 15 years with 9,000 of these being delivered in six years.

Building houses at local authority level is a direct way to tackle the current housing crisis and one which the next government must pursue.

With over 1,500 children in emergency accommodation and with over 22,000 families on the Dublin City Council housing waiting list, we need a radical plan to deal with this problem, which is what Sinn Fein is offering.

In an effort to alleviate the homeless crisis in our alternative budget we have pledged an additional, in our first year of government, €30 million to local authorities to emergency house the homeless.

Coupled with this, Sinn Fein would introduce a statutory limit on the length of time a person can spend in emergency accommodation before being moved to transitional or permanent housing.

This measure would significantly reduce the number of families living in hotel

other agencies can provide any support services that these families need - they can be built to a high quality and can come with life-time guarantees.

I will continue to push the delivery of modular homes as a practical part of the solution to the city’s homeless problems, particular for the “hidden homeless”.

We need to get on top of our housing problem  Cllr Kate O’Connell (Fine Gael)

The best practice in most issues like homelessness, is early intervention. By preventing people from becoming homeless in the first place and establishing a mediation dialogue with banks/landlords etc, we can stem the flow of people who end up in a critically desperate situation.

The “face” of homelessness has changed from the stereotypical idea of a single person sleeping in a doorway to a more complex and varied picture, populated by the faces of working families, unemployed couples with children and struggling single parents who are being priced out of their depth on the rental market.

We need to get on top of our housing problem. Emergency accommodation and putting people into hotel rooms is a short-term and unsuitable solution which does not address the long-term needs of people who cannot either afford or find suitable housing.

The housing system in Ireland is broken.

Many people bring up the issue of voids with me - they notice empty and boarded up houses throughout the city and ask, why aren’t we fixing these places up and getting them back on stream?

Having brought this question to the housing department on Dublin City Council, they furnished me with these figures.

“There were 1,012 units refurbished from Jan to Dec 2015. Of these 934 have been re-allocated and the remaining units are on offer.

“The number of voids on 1/12/14 was 342 and the number of voids on 1/12/15 was 164.

This figure represents 0.68% of the total housing stock.”

As well as the direct and urgent need for more housing, we need well-planned developments to be served by suitable transport

rooms.

In our budget submission last November, Sinn Fein pledged to allocate an extra €21 million in funding for homeless services in Dublin City.

We believe these services are essential to limit the suffering hundreds of homeless people endure on our streets on a nightly basis.

Rents are soaring in Dublin North West, particularly in Drumcondra and Glasnevin.

I believe controls are needed to provide rent certainty and security for tenants.

If elected, Sinn Fein would introduce index linked rent controls to stem the flow of families and individuals into homelessness.

Keep families in their homes by increasing rent supplement  Cllr Paul McAuliffe (Fianna Fail)

networks. If the argument can be made that there is insufficient space or indeed planning permission in the city centre to build apartments and houses, then we must build where there is space and where planning permission has been sought.

It is pointless to expect people to live in an isolated and poorly resourced suburban development without adequate bus routes, Luas and DART connections - and in order for new communities to flourish there needs to be shops, schools and community centres as a priority.

No good will come of peripheral expansion without due regard for the social effects that poor development can have, and the ghettoisation that is risked in the absence of proper planning.

As more and more people take up employment, the demand for all types of housing has continued to increase. In line with stated policy, I am calling on Fine Gael to clearly outline how we will increase the annual housing output to 25,000 by 2021.

It is now more than a year since Jonathan Corrie’s death in a doorway just across the street from Leinster House. Sadly the homeless crisis has gotten worse in that year with three families now becoming homeless every single day. Nationally, latest figures reveal that 800 families including 1,600 children live in emergency homeless accommodation (a doubling since January 2015).

Overall there are over 6,000 homeless individuals in emergency accommodation. As leader of Fianna Fail on Dublin City Council I am all too familiar with the homeless crisis in our capital city and if elected I would push to implement the following suggestions that have been proposed by Fianna Fail.

1. Keeping families in their homes by increasing rent supplement and introducing real rent certainty as well as by dealing with home repossessions.

2. Increasing the supply of social housing units in the short-term and in the medium term.

3. Freeing up funds to local authorities for the development of social housing.

One such measure is taking faster action on refurbishing the 3,000 local authority vacant units around the country. There are also still

at least 3,000 NAMA units identified as suitable but that have yet to be transferred to social housing. These units could be turned around just as quickly as modular homes, yet the funding streams are not being put in place.

It is senseless that the Minister is spending €191,000 on a temporary modular home but unwilling to spend over €30,000 to refurbish a vacant local authority which could be a permanent home There are at least 365 vacant social housing units owned by Dublin City alone, which are in need of refurbishment.

We learned recently why progress is so slow on refurbishing vacant units and voids, and that is because the Department places a cap on the budget for void refurbishment. As a result of this cap, the Department has actually reduced refurbishment funding in 2015 for Dublin City, when funding should have been ramped up.

8 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 21 January 2016

21 January 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 9

10 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 21 January 2016

city Gazettegallery | The Green Door Market starts the new

Redmond kennedy, Selen Duzgun and Frank Smith of Classic Crepes pictured at were offering up some tasty treats at The Green Door Amandine Pelletier of McEvoys Nursery

Market, a new indoor food market located in Newmarket Dublin 8. The market is a great attraction for foodies with some top class produce on offer in an inviting space where customers can enjoy meeting the people who produce their food.

It is open Thursday and Friday from 12 to 7pm and Saturday 9.30 to 4 pm. Pictures: Stephen Fleming

Max Dannan of Rebel Foods

Anja Schubuthe and Benedikt Bitzi

Mr Comedy Sil Fox

Martin keogh

Siobhan Woodnutt and Claudia Kropf

21 January 2016 DUBLIN CITY Gazette 11

year with a host of exciting producers offering up some top class products

One stop shop for a tasty treat

Louise Murphy of JuiceTonic

Gillian Tuite provided some fantastic acoustic entertainment

April Dannin of Rebel Foods

Leo and Michael Fox

Colm Farrell of Fulacht Fia

Franco Pastore of Taste With Gusto

12 Gazette 21 January 2016

commonGazettegallery | movie fans enjoy creed Premiere

Niamh Ryan and Catriona O’Connor

Laura O’Neill

Olympian Kenneth Egan and Kyle Kearney. Pictures: Brian McEvoy

Hits above the belt

Becky Godfrey and Sophie Gorman

Andrew McCabe and Romy Carroll

Joanna Richards

21 January 2016 Gazette 13

asdfsdaf diary P27 P16

Trad Festival P15

dublinlife Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week

cinema: The Revenant – a vengeful ‘inspired by true events’ epic

Haunting tale of survival How far would you go in the pursuit of justice?

That is the question that lies at the bloody heart of The Revenant – a visceral and vengeful “inspired by true events” epic that sees Leonardo DiCaprio as a frontiersman abandoned in the bleak American wilderness with revenge as his sole fuel for survival.

In a performance that sees its star crawling naked through the snow and consuming raw buffalo liver, it could be argued that the real question being asked here is – how far will DiCaprio have to go to in order to bring home that elusive Oscar?

And with The Revenant securing 12 nominations for the awards next month, including a Best Actor nomination for DiCaprio, this looks like it could be the year that finally does it.

It is a fitting follow on from last year’s ceremony which saw director Alejandro G Inarritu take home an armful of awards for the effervescent and psychedelic tour-de-force that was Birdman.

A plethora of award nominations is one of the only discernible links between both of Inarritu’s recent films.

 Dave phillips

While on the surface Birdman was whimsical and surreal, The Revenant is gritty, gruesome, and at times, overwhelmingly raw.

Based on a novel of the same name, which in turn was based on early 20th Centur y retelling of Wild West tales, this is a story that has had several layers of aggrandisement heaped upon it on its way to screen.

Hugh Glass (DiCaprio) is a tracker who embarks on an expedition to gather furs in the frigid depths of South Dakota under the command of Captain Andrew Henry (Domhnall Gleeson).

An intense opening scene depicts the absolute carnage that follows when the trappers are waylaid by a Native American war party, whose land they are pillaging.

The muddy, bloody battle becomes stupendous in its scope, and the few remaining fur trappers left in its wake

The Revenant is dominated by DiCaprio’s terrifying and primal performance

are forced to forge a path through the wilderness in an attempt to reach home.

Much like Inarritu brought the cityscape to life in Birdman, here the tall pine forests and snow-laden slopes become vitalized.

T he Revenant is thronging with stunning shots that at once capture both the inherent beauty and peril of the natural world.

Hugh Glass is scouting alone when he is attacked and utterly mauled by a Grizzly bear. Barely alive, the

crew are loathe to leave him, but do not have the resources to get him back to safety.

One of the frontiersmen, John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy) is paid to stay behind until Glass dies and give him a proper burial, but chooses to abandon him, crippled and defenceless some days later, setting in motion Glass’ astounding journey to seek revenge.

Played out over almost two-and-a-half hours, The Revenant may be a gruelling tale, but it makes for an easy

watch. Dominated by DiCaprio’s terrifying and primal performance, and bolstered by Hardy and Gleeson’s also excellent turns, The Revenant is a film that strips things down their base components.

T he natural world becomes both exquisite and treacherous.

Human beings become both angelic and monstrous.

And brutality becomes both heinous and routine.

An overreliance on CGI at times mars what otherwise feels like a

deeply grounded and at times horrifically real film. But that should not discourage viewers too much.

Inarritu has managed to craft something special in The Revenant – by focusing on this small but extraordinary piece of history, he manages to obliquely tell a much larger story of the birth of the American frontiers.

It is a story dominated by men, exploitation, greed, and blood; and a story that you won’t regret watching.

Verdict: 9/10



Gazette

charity challenge P14

Pets

can you give avocado a loving home?

The Dublin Gazette has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for lost and abandoned dogs. Avocado is a threeyear-old female German Shepherd cross. She had a beautiful litter of puppies who have all found their forever homes and now it’s Avocado’s turn! She will need an adult-only home and it’s really important that someone is home for most of the day. Avocado forms very strong bonds with people and really panics when left alone.

If you think there is a place in your home for this bright, beautiful and loving girl, please contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000.

They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 o n the M50.

Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook www.facebook. com/dogstrustirelandonline or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE

Gazette

14 Gazette 21 January 2016

dublinlife

Revup4dsi: flatley set for motorcycle challenge

The Lord of the Dance takes to the open road

 ian begley

ibegley@dublingazette.com

The lord of Irish dance Michael Flatley took time out of his busy schedule to help launch Down Sy ndrome Ireland’s (DSI) annual charity motorcycle challenge Revup4DSI. Motorcyclists across the country are preparing to take to the open road for the DSI event which takes place over the May bank holiday weekend, April 30 to May 2.

The successful event was co-founded in 2005 by a pair of keen motorcyclists, Michael McCor-

mick and the late Aidan Lynam, both of whom have daughters, Megan and Robyn, with Down syndrome.

Michael (CEO of DSI at the time) was looking to run a motorcycle event for DSI and Aidan (managing a bar at the time) was thinking along similar lines. So after a fairly brief but enthusiastic meeting Rev-up was born.

The round Ireland road trip has grown to become one the biggest and most popular fundraising events and has raised over €1.5m in much-needed funds for Down Syndrome Ireland over the last 10 years.

Down Syndrome Ireland are currently planning a number of special events for next year’s RevUp to honour the passing of their esteemed colleague Aidan Lynam.

Aidan was the instrumental part of a strong team behind the very first RevUp4DSI and was tragically killed during last year’s event. In memory of Aidan, DSI intend to have their most successful motorcycle challenge yet come May 2016.

Secret checkpoints

The event is a point-topoint navigation ride that takes in over 1,000km of

stunning Irish views within a three-day period.

On the Saturday, motorcyclists will gather at Joe Duffy’s BMW dealership in Finglas for their first in a series of route cards that will lead them through a number of secret checkpoints and to their base for the night. The following day’s ride will take on a poker run format where a playing card is collected at each checkpoint and the best hand will win.

All of which will add to the excitement and camaraderie on the road over this fantastic fundraising weekend.

Entry to the three-day

The lord of Irish dance Michael Flatley with Mark Reilly and David Clarke from Drogheda pictured at the launch of Down Syndrome Ireland’s annual charity motorcycle challenge. Picture: Gerard McCarthy

event is by donation, with a minimum requirement of €500 sponsorship per rider and €500 per passenger. Accommodation

and meals are all booked in advance to make it a very relaxing and rewarding weekend of twowheeled fun.

For further information, visit www.revup4dsi. ie, email revup@downsyndrome.ie or call 01 4266500.

21 January 2016 Gazette 15

features

Warm up winter with a banjo and Bovril  emma nolan enolan@dublingazette.com

Wave goodbye to the January blues and start the new year with music, dancing and… Bovril!

The Banjo and Bovril Trad Festival is making a welcome return to The Harbour Bar in Bray this January 27 to 31.

The festival celebrates the old tradition of the Banjo and Bovril nights that took place back in the day and is completely free to attend. When the winter days were coming to a close, the fishermen would arrive in from the sea and head for The Harbour Bar to warm up with steaming mugs of Bovril, before they settled in for a night

of singing and playing music.

With some of Bray’s favourites and a few of Ireland’s very best, the line-up includes Moxie, The Bonny Men, Mundy, Ye Vagabonds, John Spillane, Lisa O’Neill, Ronan O Snodaigh and Pete Pamf, Pine Marten, Sheila Garry and Elaine Hogan, Pete Cummins, Hank Wedel, Darren Eedens, Bunoscionn and Old Hannah.

Moxie are five young Irish musicians making waves on the Irish music scene with their fresh blend of jazz, rock, bluegrass and world music and The Bonny Men, will bring their set of trad tunes bursting with energy.

Mundy is sure to get the crowd going and brothers Brian and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn of Ye Vagabonds are just back from a tour with Glen Hansard.

A c cl a i m e d s i n g e r songwriter John Spillane will also take to the stage. Also performing, with her natural flair for storytelling and combined with a unique sound, Lisa O’Neill’s show promises to be something special.

K ila’s Ronan O Snodaigh joins forces with Pete “Pamf” Ruotolo on guitar and Dublin based trio Pine Marten will be bringing their Scandinavian, bluegrass influenced folk to the bill.

Singer songwriter John Spillane will take to the stage

Hailing from Clare, the admired talents of musicians Sheila Garry and Elaine Hogan will be performing and

Grammy Award winner Pete Cummins will be in the house.

New York-born and C o r k- r a i s e d s i n g e r

songwriter Hank Wedel will be warming up with some Bovril and guitar slingin’, banjo pickin’ Canadian Dar-

ren Eedens, who has been known to stand on tables while belting out tunes will also be paying the Harbour Bar a visit.

To round off one hell of a festival line up, some Harbour Bar favourites will take to the stage with the amazing tradsters Bunoscionn and from Sligo with their own brand of roots, it’s the brilliant Old Hannah.

The Banjo and Bovril Trad fest is the perfect way to spend a long, cold Januar y night, dancing away to worldclass Irish acts in a cosy pub with a steaming mug of warming Bovril bringing the traditional banjo and Bovril nights back to life.

Gazette

16 Gazette 21 January 2016

dublinlife

diary

Witnessing a C-Section birth a big eye-opener for students

The live Caesarean Section was broadcast to students via video link from an operating theatre in the Rotunda Hospital. Picture: Maxwell Photography

Last Tuesday January 12, more than 180 students from 90 secondary schools across Ireland witnessed a baby being born via a live caesarean section as part of the RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) transition year (TY) programme.

The week-long interactive RCSI TY MiniMed training programme was held between RCSI on St Stephen’s Green and Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.

The live caesarean section was broadcast to students via video link from an operating theatre in the Rotunda Hospital and was performed by a team led by Professor Fergal Malone, the new Master of the Rotunda Hospital.

During the procedure, students asked questions to Professor Malone and his surgical team, who answered them while guiding the students through the C-section procedure.

Now in its ninth year, the RCSI TY MiniMed programme, gives Transition Year students the opportunity to step out of their usual classroom setting and experience what it is like to train and work as a doctor in the setting of a real hospital.

DSPCA start off 2016 with special Tom cat tenner The DSPCA are delighted to start 2016 with a special Tom Cat Tenner Event which will see the neutering of male cats for just €10 Euro per animal.

DSPCA head of Education Gillian Bird said: “Cat populations in Dublin and surrounding

counties has gotten out of control and the DSPCA are urging pet owners and people who are feeding feral cats to act now before the breeding season begins.”

Each year the DSPCA take in over 1,500 cats and kittens most of which are born to wild or semi-feral parents.

By starting the neutering early in the year, the DSPCA hope to see a reduction in the numbers of feral and unwanted cats.

“A healthy and fertile male cat can father thousands of kittens each year, by being active every night of the breeding season.

“By neutering the male cats in a territory, the rival males will be kept away and the females will not become pregnant thus cutting down on the numbers of kittens born,” Bird said.

Male cats as young as 12 weeks of age can be neutered by the DSPCA Veterinary team. Visit dspca.ie to book your tom cat in for this discounted neutering.

in research carried out by Coyne Research on behalf of Irish Life.

The research found that 77% of the Irish workforce believe they deserve more money for the job they do, while 61% of the Irish working population have made friends for life through work and 46% socialise with their colleagues after work. The research was published to mark the launch of Irish Life Empower, an improved workplace pension plan.

domestic water revenue to date hits over €110m Irish Water has confirmed that 61% of customers are now paying water charges at the end of the third billing cycle compared to 55% at the end of the second cycle and 44% at the end of the first billing cycle.

Some 928,000 customers have now paid part or all of their bills, an increase of 98,000 customers who began paying charges for the first time in the past three months.

Total revenue from charges paid to date by domestic customers is €110.8m.

Revenue received during the third billing cycle was €42.3m, an increase from €38m in the second billing cycle and €30.5m in the first billing cycle.

Irish Water plans to spend €522m in starting to address the major deficits in Ireland’s drinking water and wastewater quality and capacity and repairing the most critical infrastructure in need of urgent investment in 2016.

Irish Water Customers can find out more on www.water.ie or by calling LoCall 1890 448 448.

Survey reveals the habits of the irish workforce A survey has revealed that nearly half of the Irish workforce regularly ‘dine al desko’ and can’t start work without a coffee or tea, while four in 10 people believe they could do a better job than their boss and over a third of employees admit to having had an office crush and an office romance at some point in their career.

The habits and opinions of Ireland’s workforce have been revealed

The DSPCA is offering a special Tom Cat Tenner event which will see the neutering of male cats for just 10 Euro per animal

Gazette

21 January 2016 Gazette 17

Learningcurve

courses: expanding your educational horizons in another country

Are you dreaming of studying abroad?

 ian begley

If you dream of studying in Australia or New Zealand then you’re in luck as it has become increasingly popular and accessible in recent years due to the exodus of Irish young people to these countries in search of work.

Even though Australia’s environment is vastly different from that of Ireland, its geography and culture present opportunities to study subjects that might be difficult to access in Ireland. This is one of the most interesting aspects of choosing to study abroad and there are a range of unique courses to choose from in the Study in Aus-

tralia section of Studyoptions.com.

New Zealand’s geographicalenvironmentalso provides unique opportunities for Irish students, particularly in the medium of science. Irish students can study physical geography among volcanoes, geothermal areas, geysers, glaciers and fiords; orlearn about the unique challenges to civil engineering in an active tectonic zone.

For more information see the Study in NewZealand section of Studyoptions.com.

For those who are interested in studying abroad, but do not want to stray so far from home, many of the top European universities are actively seeking Irish

students.

Places are available on degrees, in a wide range of subjects including: arts and humanities, engineering, life sciences, social sciences, business, IT and health sciences. Students can study degree programmes in a full range of subjects in English, with lectures, books and projects in English.

In addition to the educational advantages there are cultural and adventurous aspects of studying abroad also and the young people of Europe are fluent in English in many cities.

Entry requirements in Europe are lower than those in Irish universities, as are the entrance fees

Going abroad to study has many advantages such as experiencing new cultures, lower entrance fees and requirements an can look impressive on a CV

in many cases. There are no fees for Irish students studying in Scandanavia, while in Austria, Germa-

ny and Switzerland, fees are below €1,500 per annum in state funded institutions. Fees are also

reasonably low in Italy and the Netherlands, and some countries also offer Tuition Fee Loans

or grants to contribute to living expenses. Irish students who qualified for Maintenance Grants can take them with them, to public programmes on the continent.

Along with all of the other advantages, the standard of education is also very high. Programmes are offered by some of Europe’s leading research universities, as well as some top universities of applied sciences and career-oriented university colleges. Additionally, a qualification from a European institution looks very impressive on a CV. For more information on studying abroad visit: www.eunicas.ie/

Gazette

18 Gazette 21 January 2016

Learningcurve

IT Tallaght hold Open Day What differentiates an institute of technology from a university? Traditionally there have been three main factors; the additional entry options for students in the form of the Level 6 and Level 7 courses which can be used as a ladder to progress on to the Level 8 Honours Degree, the increased focus on exposing students to more practical skills through industry-style projects and assignments and, finally, the supportive learning environment which is achieved through smaller class sizes which facilitates more individual support.

IT Tallaght’s Open Day is taking place on Saturday,January 23from 10am – 1pm.

According to IT Tal-

laght, the 2015 computing graduates had an employment rate of 90% within three months in the ICT sector, with an additional 5% going on to further study. This is an exceptional progression rate of 95% after less than three months, with typical salaries in the region of €35,000.

The college itself has three schools; Business and Humanities, Science and Computing and Engineering with a total of 41 courses across all levels.

In 2015, the Culinary Arts department launched their own Masters Programme, the first of its’ kind globally.

For more information on the courses on offer, as well as the new initiatives in the college, visit www. ittdublin.ie.

money: the importance of budgets and paying bills on time

Learning how to manage finances  ian begley

Many people going to college this year will be living alone for the first time and will have no experience of budgeting and paying bills.

Managing your finances is just as important as managing your timetable and study plan.

According to Dublin City University, recent figures show that the total cost for a student living away from home in self-catering shared accommodation for the eight-and-a-half month academic year is almost €7,000. For those who

stay at home the total cost is €3,433. A further nontuition fee, in the region of €400, must be added for non-grant holders attending certain institutions.

According to director of student affairs at DCU Barry Kehoe: “The total cost-of-living figures are approximate. Some students will spend more on travel or food, while others may splurge on books or pay a higher rent.”

While the total spend seems like a lot of money, Kehoe says these are minimum amounts for survival with a small portion allocated to social life.

The following is a list of tips for first time students to survive their first academic year.

Always pay bills on time to avoid late fees. You don’t want to find yourself in a position where you have several bills to pay at once which cannot be put off any longer. If you have a credit card, make a personal note of every purchase you make as you don’t want to be taken by surprise with a huge bill.

When this dreaded bill does arrive, try to pay it off as quickly as possible, as bad credit follows you everywhere.

Never go food shopping when you are hungry, as you will invariably buy too much, some of which is bound to go to waste.

Don’t make impulse purchases, always make a shopping list and buy in bulk. Just because food is cheaper in discount supermarkets doesn’t necessarily mean its unhealthier so shop there whenever possible. Also, these are great places to save money on things like toiletries and household supplies. Always bring lunch from home and try to avoid eating out often.

Limit the number of times you allow yourself to eat out over the period of a month.

Create a budget, contact your student union to see if it runs second hand book schemes, take full advantage of student discount’s and always enquire if one is on offer.

Look for special offers everywhere and check out second-hand shops for clothes, books and furniture. Investing in a Leap card is a great way to save money. Many students will have to get four buses or more a day, and those few cents saved on each journey add up.

Creating a budget is just one way of managing your finances

21 January 2016 Gazette 19

series: Literature and revolutions

Spring evening lectures at Trinity  ian begley

T h e Tr i n i t y C o l lege School of English is hosting a range of spring evening lectures throughout the next several months, titled Literature and Revolutions.

The series is inspired by the centenary of the Easter Rising. Some of the talks will focus on this historic occasion and its impact on Ireland’s literature and culture while the rest will explore other revolutions along with their literary dimensions.

On Tuesday, January 19, Professor Patten will discuss the representation of the 1916 Easter Rising in fiction, looking at a range of novels from 1917 to the present day, and from Eimar O’Duffy to Roddy Doyle, to assess the role of the novel in depicting the revolutionary generation of Ireland’s early 20th century.

On Tuesday, January 26, Brendan O’Connell will present a lecture entitled The Beastly Rebels of 1381, which will examine works by writers such as Gower, Langland and Chaucer, exploring the various ways each uses animal imagery to convey the motives and

All lectures take place in the Jonathan Swift Lecture Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin

actions of the rebels, and to articulate a wider political vision.

Professor Dawe will talk about his latest book Of War and War’s Alarms on Tuesday, February 16.

His volume presents a multifaceted study of war and revolution and their impact on the writing lives of Irish poets and novelists from WWI and the Easter Rising through the War of Independence to the Spanish Civil War, WWII and the Northern Troubles.

DrEmaVyroubalova will host a lecture on the literary and cinematic afterlives of the Prague Spring on Tuesday, March 8. She

will look at how the events of one of the revolutions taking place across Europe in the 1960s – the Czechoslovak Prague Spring of 1968 – and its suppression by the Soviet army the following summerwas re-presented, re-worked, and re-imagined by writers, playwrights and film directors.

On Tuesday, March 22, Chris Morash will also discuss an interesting topic on how time effected the 1916 rising. “At 12.20 noon onApril 24, 1916, the first group of volunteers stormed the General Post OfficeinDublin;inLondon, the clocks read 11:54am.

From 1880 until Octoberof

1916, Ireland had its own time zone - a situation that was changed at least partly in response to the Rising.”

This lecture will look at the ways in which Irish literature of the time, particularly theworks ofWBYeats signaled the sudden slipperiness of time itself.

The cost to attend the entire series of lectures is €50, with individual lectures priced at €6 each.

Concessionary rates for the full series will be €35 with individual lectures €5 each.

A full programme and booking form is available on the OscarWilde Centre website at www.tcd.ie/ owc.

Open day at Stillorgan College of Further Education  ian begley

Stillorgan College of Further Education are hosting an Open Evening on Wednesday, January 27, from 5.30 to 7.30pm, with details on what the college has to offer on display during the event.

The college offers courses in areas such as multimedia, animation, travel and tourism, journalism, media production, art, photography, business and computer skills and event management.

Stillorgan College recently developed a new course in multimedia production with games design. The interactive media and games sector has been identified as a priority area fortraining,as there is currently a skills shortage in this growth industry.

Another recent addition to the list of courses is a Level 5 course in animation.This introductory course prepares students with little or no experience for a third level course in animation production.With a dual focus on drawing and computer skills, the

course will cover all the fundamental areas required fora successful portfolio submission. Students will learn to visually develop and communicate their ideas through life drawing, storyboarding, character design, background design and planning.

Stillorgan College is also hosting a second Open Day on Wednesday, March 9, from 10.30am – 3.30pm.

More details about the college and the courses on offer are available from the college website at www.stillorgancollege.ie.

Gazette

Learningcurve

Irish Student Summit 2016 to take place in February  ian begley

The Irish Student Summit 2016 will take place on February 4 in Dublin Castle and will have over 600 students, 40-plus start-ups, 22 workshops and powerhouse business speakers from Silicon Valley and Ireland, with speakers from Twitter, Paddy Power, Silicon Republic, Ireland AM and Humans of Dublin.

One student start-up will also walk away with a €1,500 investment in their business idea.

A panel of judges will narrow down applications to the 10 best applicants from the online submissions and the public will be able to vote for their favourite two on Twitter and Facebook.

The final two applicants will go head-to-head in front of an audience and a panel of judges, who will

vote for the winner.

Students interested in applying for this investment are asked to upload a two minute video to YouTube with their business pitch and send the linkto Fiona. omalley@usi.ie.

Applicants must put ‘Student Summit 16’ in the video title before their name and ‘application’ at the end.

The judges are looking for new product ideas, new business ideas or new service ideas – either at infancy or development stage.

The rules of the competition state that all applicants must be second or third level students, must be the owners or founders of the company that the application is for or they must own the intellectual rights to the product idea they have.

To booktickets to the Student Summit, visit www.studentsummit2016.eventbrite.ie/

Gazette

20 Gazette 21 January 2016

Learningcurve

Special interest rates for education loans at St Patrick’s Credit Union St Patrick’s Credit Union offers an education loan at a special interest rate of 6.7%APRdesigned primarily for members who have a child going to third level (it can also be used for adult learning, primary and post-primary education costs).

Members can apply for approval for the full amount that will be incurred over the duration of the course (typically from one to fouryears) and then draw down the loan in various stages and amounts as and when required during this period.

This gives the member peace of mind knowing

they have the financial resources to put their child/children through college, and avoids the uncertainty of having to apply for a loan each year.

The credit union has offices at 22 UpperErne St (Pearse) 1a UpperOriel St (StLawrenceO’Toole)and 27/28 Herbert Place St Patricks Credit Union.

See their website www.stpatrickscu.ie for opening times and more details, or contact them on Free call 1800 94 00 77.

Credit union membership is determined by where you live and/or work. See their website to see if you qualify to become a member.

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stem subjects: Developing new approaches to teaching

Learning with Lego at Dublin City University  ian begley

Dublin City University is partnering with Lego Education to create an interactive learning hub that will help DCU student teachers and Irish schools develop innovative and creative approaches to teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects in the classroom.

The creation of the flagship Lego Education Innovation Studio (LEIS), will see the new Institute of Education at DCU’s St Patrick’s Campus, Drumcondra become the first centre of teacher education in Ireland to mainstream these innovative approaches across all its programmes.

The Institute’s students will develop new approaches to teaching that can be replicated in

Dan Gilbert, IT Services , DCU and Nicola Broderick, Science Education, DCU at the DCU announcement of a flagship Lego Education Centre

schools throughout the country, igniting a passion for STEM subjects from early childhood education right through to third level. By adopting Lego’s playful learning tools,

teachers graduating from DCU Institute of Education will be fully skilled in helping schoolchildren develop Hands-on Mindson’ 21st century skills such as creative thinking, problem-solving, teamworking and communication.

Professor Brian MacCraith, president of DCU and chair of the STEM Education Working Group said: “High quality STEM education is of pivotal importance to a knowledge-based society and economy such as Ireland. Our ultimate purpose at DCU Institute of Education is to inspire and develop students to think creatively, reason systematically and release the potential to shape their own future and the future of their students in turn.

“This unique collaboration with Lego Education can play a key role in transforming the future of STEM learning in Ireland, helping future generations to develop

a sense of wonder about the subjects that allow us to understand, measure, design and advance our physical world.”

The new studio will have the capacity to develop research projects through linkages with existing DCU research centres such as the Centre for the Advancement of Science and Mathematics Teaching and Learning and to explore cross-faculty research possibilities with the faculty of Engineering and Computing.

Internationally the Lego Education Innovation Studio at DCU will lead a European teacher education network to develop new teaching methods across Europe and exchange ideas and best practice. The network will include existing partners from Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland.

Speaking at the announcement of the new initiative at DCU St Patrick’s Campus, Dr Deirdre Butler said: “This

flagship innovation space is a wonderful example of a smart partnership enabling the Institute of Education to be the first to mainstream the Lego Education principles across the full spectrum of teacher education.

“It brings together Lego Education’s range of expressive learning materials with the Institute’s creative, innovative leaders in teaching and learning to design exciting learning environments in which our children can develop the range of skills necessary to thrive in this globally connected digital world.”

Outreach activities of the Lego Education Innovation Studio will include a range of continuing professional development for teachers; opportunities for teachers to bring their classes to use the resources in-studio; open days and evenings for schools and local community groups and hosting the first Lego and Junior Lego Leagues.

21 January 2016 Gazette 21

Gazette

counselling: being on your own can be tough for students

There is always hope and help when dealing with depression

î Ž ian begley

More than 450,000 people experience some form of depression at any one time in Ireland, according to Aware, a charity helping those suffering from depression.

Students and young people in general, make up a large portion of those who go through depression as many people experience the first symptoms of depression during their college years.

Factors such as living away from home for the first time, dwin-

dling career options and declining living standards can leave some students feeling lost and alone.

This can lead to some students feeling like there is no hope and no help for them but this is not the case.

There is help available on most college campus’ in Ireland and students embarking on a college course should be aware that these services are always accessible to them.

For any students who may be struggling, here

is a list of helpful services you can access if you feel you need to talk: UCD Student Counselling Service is a free ser vice and is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. You can call (01) 7163133 or call into the Student Health Centre in the Student Centre for more information.

UCD also have a programme called Please Talk which is a voluntary organisation run by students and staff and its aim is to provide information and sup-

port to students. For more information email ucd@pleasetalk.ie Trinity College provides support, guidance and treatment options for students suffering from mental health issues through their College Health Service and their Counselling Service. To contact the College Health Centre call (01) 8961591.

DCU run a Counselling and Personal Development Service which is a confidential and free service and is available to all students. For more

information, call (01) 7005165 or email counselling@dcu.ie Alternatively, there is a listening support service called Niteline that is a confidential phone service run by and for the students of DCU, NCAD, RCSI, TCD, NUIM and their affiliate colleges. Niteline is open every night during term time from 9pm to 2.30am and you can call about any problem you may be experiencing.

For more information, log onto www.niteline. ie or call 1800793793.

Students and young people in general, make up a large portion of those who go through depression.

Picture: Annifer Photography

Gazette

22 Gazette 21 January 2016

Learningcurve

More options in higher education The recent formation of a Regional Cluster Strategic Partnership, with DCU, Athlone Institute of Technology, Dundalk Institute of Technology and Maynooth University, is expected to provide “exciting opportunities for the development of higher education across the Midlands-East and North Dublin Region”.

The creation of this cluster is in line with the HigherEducationAuthority’s Towards a Future report which sets out a vision for the higher education landscape in Ireland.

The four parties to this agreement have distinctive yet complementary visions for higher educa-

tion across the region.

Each organisation will continue to function independently, but will collaborate on activities that are mutually beneficial to help them achieve national educational objectives.

Professor Ciaran O Cathain, president of Athlone Institute ofTechnology said: “Each of our organisations have clearly demonstrated a leadership role in our local environments. Maynooth University and Athlone Institute of Technology already have a shared history of successful collaboration on bi-lateral projects, as have DCU and Dundalk Institute of Technology.

student digs: research is key to finding accommodation

Finding a home away from home  ian begley

Searching for student accommodation in Dublin can be an arduous task with soaring rent prices and high levels of students in need of somewhere to live for the coming year.

The price of accommodation is a massive factor that needs to be considered when looking for accommodation. Rent prices can range from €300 for a shared room and continue up to €700 or more for a more luxurious apartment.

It is, therefore, very important to start searching for accommodation as early as possible before the start of the first semester or the closer it gets to the

beginning of the college year. It is advised to do as much research as you can online, but also to make sure to view the areas and accommodation you are considering renting in.

Ask friends or family living in Dublin about what the area is like and ask them for alternative recommendations.

Thoroughly check out public transport connections between the college and the accommodation Some areas can look close to the college on the map but may be difficult to reach by bus or Luas.

Also, make full use of any accommodation support offered by the college or student union, as they will be able to offer practical help and advice.

It is also very important to know your rights. In most cases, rent is usually payable monthly and in advance. At the beginning of a letting period, tenants are required to pay a deposit of one month’s rent which will be refunded when the lease is up or if the tenant decides to leave once the lease is up. If, however, a tenant causes any damage to the property, the landlord has the right to hold onto the deposit to fix the damage.

Make sure that the landlord gives you a rent book so that tax relief on any rent paid can be reclaimed. Ask the landlord if they are registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB).

By law, landlords must be registered with the PRTB and if they have not registered there may be problems down the road.

Don’t forget there are other ways to rent in Dublin which include on-campus accommodation, longterm student hostels and accommodation with a family. Visit www.rent.ie/ student-accommodation/ for more information on what lettings are available.

Soaring rents can leave students bewilderd but starting your search early can help

21 January 2016 Gazette 23

Gazette

24 Gazette 21 January 2016

Learningcurve

investment: budget increase will support important initiatives

‘We are at a critical time for education in Ireland’ We are at a critical time for education in Ireland.

The economy is recovering, employment is increasing and tax receipts are ahead of targets. While we cannot afford to take this newfound recovery and stability for granted, those of us with a passionate interest in educationcanlookforward to increased investment over the coming years.

Budget 2016 saw important investment in education. The current education budget increased by €144m.

This additional expenditure allowed for important initiatives including a reduction of one point to average primary school class sizes, increasedguidancecounselling in second-level schools, the provision of 600 additional resource teachers, improvements to school leadership, ring-fenced funding forapprenticeships and some additional support for disadvantaged students at third level.

The education sectorwill also benefit from €3.8bn in capital spending up to 2021.

Budget 2016 was a good start in responding to the needs of the education system, but we will need to go much furtheroverthe coming years.

There is,of course,a need for investment in charting a renewed vision for education in Ireland,but money is not the only lever required.

We also need a commitment to reform. Overrecent years, despite the paucity of available funding, we have led a hugely significant programme of reform through all sectors of education, and

the commitment of each of the education partners to delivering that reform has been commendable.

This reformwill lead to long term change in the education system.

We have created greater choice in school patronage, literacy and numeracy scores have improved for the first time in a generation, school self-evaluation has been introduced and significant changes made to school inspection.

The era of unqualified teachers working in our classrooms is over, and underperformance amongst teachers will be tackled with new fitness to practice hearings.

We have reduced by 50% the amount spent on the inefficient renting of prefabs. We have published and funded a new digital strategy forschools thatwill transform our approaches to teaching, learning and assessment.

Measures This Government has taken several measures to expand and improve the provision of high quality early years education, including the establishment of a new educationfocused inspections of early years and the publication of the Aistear Siolta Practice Guide.

Initial teacher education has been dramatically overhauled and improved, with the number of teacher training colleges already reduced from 19 to 12. We have created 16 local education and training boards to replace 33 VECs, and cre-

para control 4. Dui el euguerostrud tie vel ullaor adio conullandrem inim dolorperit lorer sed magna alis nonum el dipis non

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

‘In the coming months, we will be facing the conclusion of this Government’s mandate, and our collective thoughts must turn to the choices we will face in electing the next government’

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ated SOLAS to replace the discredited FAS. Four consortia are now working towards achieving Technological University status. QQI has been created to replace four different accreditation and quality assurance bodies. Regional skills fora are being established, to deepen the links between ETBs, Higher Education

institutes and local industry. Regional clusters have been put in place to improve cooperation between HEIs, while we have started to systematically analyse the performance of each University and Institute of Technology.

These are not individual, disconnected reforms, but all form part of a

system-wide programme of change that is designed to meaningfully improve educational outcomes at all levels. Through these reforms, we have four simple objectives: to improve quality and accountability; to support inclusion and diversity; to encourage learning for life; and to build the right systems and infrastructure.

In the coming months, we will be facing the conclusionofthisGovernment’s mandate, and our collective thoughts must turn to the choices we will face in electing the next government. Within education, we will face furtherchoices.

We have worked to deliver ambitious but achievable reform of the education sector. Some will argue for deeper, faster reform that takes less account of the views of stakeholders. And others still will argue for the retention of much of the status quo.

There will be no reenergising of the Irish state, and of our social contract,

without a commitment to education and to an ongoing renewal of education.

The choices we make in the coming months will make one thing clear to all: the degree to which different parties genuinely believe that the needs of those we serve in education, from the youngest pre-school child to the retired lady who decides to return to education, should dominate our thinking. I know they dominate mine.

Jan O’Sullivan (Lab) Minister for Education and Skills

Gazette

21 January 2016 Gazette 25

dublinlife

HEALTH

FlyeFit has opened their fifth franchise on George’s Street Dublin gym chain FlyeFit has opened its fifth franchise on George’s Street. The new inner city location offers the compact FlyeFit model that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Affordable and straightforward, this is a no-frills facility that gets the job done and the affordable price of €29 a month or €32 a month for roaming membership which includes access to its other locations; Ranelagh, Baggot Street, Macken Street and Swords.

The new George’s Street site fea-

tures a huge high performance area with 10 squat racks, as well as a free weight area. There’s a studio in the loft fitted with TRX equipment, a cardio zone equipped with numerous treadmills, cross trainers and rowing machines, a spin studio for spin classes and an astro floored studio for classes.

Classes are included in membership and are suitable for all levels of fitness. Personal training is also available with the FlyeFit trainers separate to membership.

The bones of the body become more porous and brittle from osteoporosis

Keeping your bones strong and healthy  Susan Boland Nutritional Therapist DipIHS NTOI

Fitness Coach IETA

Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease of the skeletal system that is characterised by deterioration of bone tissue, along with a decrease in bone mass making them fragile and more likely to break and affects millions of people in Ireland.

People receive hospital treatment for fragility fractures every year as a result of osteoporosis with wrist, hip and fractures of the vertebrae the most common type of breaks.

However, they can also occur in other bones, such as in the arm, ribs or pelvis.

Warnings There are usually no warnings an individual has developed osteoporosis and it’s often only diagnosed when

a bone is fractured after even minor falls.

Osteoporosis results from an imbalance between the ingestion and absorption of calcium into the body and its excretion.

Loss of bone-building materials can occur as the body ages, and is particularly prevalent among post-menopausal women, the early stage is osteopenia.

The architecture of bone requires many nutrients to maintain and restore its integrity but there are at least 20 essential vitamins and minerals that have to be obtained from food.

Causes include: family history/sedentary lifestyle/decrease in oestrogen.

Digestion: Poor uptake of minerals from the diet due to low acid levels in the stomach or other causes of malabsorption of food Stress: may cause low

acid levels in the stomach, high cortisol, tissue acidity and inflammation also inflammatory conditions may lead

Medication: which affects hormonal balance or bone strength such as cor ticosteroids/steroids, thyroid

--------------------------------------------------------

‘There are usually no warnings an individual has developed osteoporosis and it’s often only diagnosed when a bone is fractured after even minor falls’ --------------------------------------------------------

to cartilage and bone destruction Diet: An acidic diet/ high cortisol may cause calcium to be leached from the bones to restore the acid/alkaline balance.

Drinks: Caffeine, sugar and carbonated (fizzy) drinks affect calcium absorption or increase calcium excretion.

Social: Heavy drinking or smoking/Lack of weight bearing exercise/ Lack of sunshine

hormones, aluminum containing antacids and diuretics Drug therapies for osteoporosis include bisphosphonates, these drugs are associated with a growing list of concerns, including research that suggests a link between the use of bisphosphonates and oesophageal cancer.

More inf orma tion can be obtained from my website susiebwellness.ie/.

Take the pledge and make an eye test part of your routine Research shows that sight is the sense people fear losing the most and yet most don’t consider an eye test to be a core part of their health routine.

Some 21% of the population have never had a sight test at all, rising to 36% of those under the age of 35.

Now, as part of Healthy Eyes Awareness Week, January 18 to 24, eye health experts are urging people to take action and commit to having regular eye exams as part of a healthy lifestyle.

David Hewlett, chief executive of FODO Ireland, who represents opticians in Ireland said: “An eye exam is a vital health check which can detect a range of health conditions for which you experience no symptoms and where early detection can pre-

vent sight loss.

“These conditions can only be prevented if they are detected early and the key to that are regular eye exams.”

Peter Coleman, chief executive of the Assoc of Opticians in Ireland (AOI) said: “We want to remind people during the Healthy Eyes campaign that even if you think your eyesight is good, you only know for sure if you get your eyes tested regularly.”

Healthy Eyes Awareness Week is a chance for people to pledge their commitment to have an eye exam and encourages a positive attitude to all aspects of eye health. As part of the campaign people are encouraged to take pictures of themselves holding the Eye Pledge leaflet and share on social media #eyepledge.

26 dublin city gazette 21 January 2016

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Planning Permission sought for the relocation of existing vehicular access at Larkfield Gardens and associated works; and for the construction of a two storey detached house with dormer windows, all to rear of 6 and 8 Larkfield Park and adjacent to 32 Larkfield gardens Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6W by Paul Howard. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. planning Notice

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Full Planning Permission is sought for the conversion of the existing attic area into a habitable space including access from first floor and construction of new hipped dormer window to the side (Northwest), new pitched dormer window to the rear (Southwest) elevations within the roof plane, associated internal alterations to existing layout, removal of section of existing front boundary wall to facilitate a new driveway, vehicular access from Botanic Avenue and dish the existing footpath to the front together with ancillary site works and landscaping at No. 138 Botanic Avenue, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 on behalf of Mr Stephen Kelly and Ms Aine Moriarty. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council, Planning Department, Block 4, Ground Floor, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 during its public opening hours (9.00a.m.- 4.30p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee (â‚Ź20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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21 January 2016 dublin city gazette 27

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Dublin City Council

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Planning permission sought by Tom Duffy for Demolition of existing garage and construction of a two storey detached house to side with half hipped roof, two velux windows to rear, 1 No new vehicular access, piers and gates and associated works at 5 Collins Park, Donnycarney, Dublin 9.

(Revisions to previously approved planning Ref. No. 3601/09). The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Dublin City Council during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

I, James Leahy, intend to apply for planning permission for the change of use of the first floor of 58 Meath Street, Dublin 8, from disused storage area to residential use as a one bedroom apartment to be accessed via the existing passageway [Flag Alley] between nos. 58 and 59 Meath St., and for the renovation of the existing shop unit on the ground floor of no. 58 and for new shopfronts here facing both Meath Street and Carman’s Hall, and for two new access doors onto Carman’s Hall, one of them vehicular, and for the extension of the existing stores here and the conversion of part of the stores to a garage and for the construction of a new bike store in the rear yard to serve the apartment.

This planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council, Planning Department, Block 4, (Ground Floor), Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, during their public opening hours (9.00am to 4.30pm), and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority, on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission, subject to, or without, conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

We, Dev & Marion Sahani intend to apply for full planning permission for development at this site 31 Watermill Avenue, Raheny, Dublin 5. The development will consist of widening of the existing entrance gate to allow for pedestrian and vehicle entrance with new footpath dishing, retention of canopy over side of porch and minor alterations to front elevation and all ancillary site works. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Dublin City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Dublin City Council: We, Lewis and Margaret Rhatigan intend to apply to Dublin City Council for Planning Permission to (a) Demolish existing front porch (b) Construct 2 No. Box windows at ground floor level on gable and front elevation (c) Construct first floor window on front elevation serving bathroom (d) construct new doorway leading to rear yard (e) demolish part of front and side blockwork boundary wall and construct railings and vehicular entrance gate to side of house in lieu, all at 37 O’Curry Road, (Eircode DO8 F5F7)located at the junction of O’Curry Road and Geoffrey Keating Road, Dublin 8. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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planning Notice Dublin City Council

I, Keith Carney, wish to apply for planning permission for the alterations to existing roof profile to convert from hipped roof to a side gable to facilitate an attic conversion construction of a single storey extension to rear, construction of a 2 storey bay window to front elevation and to widen the existing vehicular entrance and all associated site works at No. 67 Finn Eber Fort, Finglas, Dublin 11.The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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Planning permission is sought by Mr. Keith McAvinue for development works at no. 9 Shelmalier Road, East Wall, Dublin 3. The development will consist of the removal of the pitched roof to the existing single storey extension attached to the side and the construction of a first floor extension to the side with tiled pitched roof to match the existing 2 storey dwelling in height and finishes and in line with the front face of the original dwelling, and all ancillary works. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dublin City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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28 gazette 21 January 2016

SPORT

FastSport

basketball: woods, painter and Mcdermott on flying form

Balbirnie’s extra training ahead of PNG contest FORMER Pembroke cricketer Andrew Balbirnie recently completed a three-day batting camp ahead of Ireland’s ICC Inter-Continental Cup fixture with Papua New Guinea.

Returning to Dublin for a couple of days before flying out to Australia for that match, Balbirnie took part in the camp, which was run by assistant coach Pete Johnston with the support of team manager Chris Siddell, along with six teammates.

Balbirnie spoke about the importance of the camp, especially given the time of year.

“It went very well, most of us haven’t hit balls since before Christmas so to get the chance to all come together before we go on tour to hit balls, either red or white balls, is key.”

The batters flew out to Brisbane to join up with the rest of the squad on Sunday, with a warm up match in Brisbane on the horizon before travelling to Townsville for the Inter Continental Cup match with Papua New Guinea on January 31.

DCU Mercy’s Sarah Woods combined for 75 points with Chelisa Painter and Aoife McDermott

DCU close in on league title  sport@dublingazette.com

DCU Mercy took a step closer to a regular season title with a 12-point win at defending champions Team Montenotte Hotel in the women’s basketball National League last weekend.

Chelisa Painter, Aoife McDermott and Sarah Woods combined for 75 points in the 82-70 win.

“They’re a very motivated

team right now now and moving the ball a bit better which always makes it easier,” said coach Mark Ingle.

“Our sights are set on trying to win the regular season but it is all about one game at a time. We’ve found a new way to win.

We’re not as fluent on offence but we’ve picked up our defence,” he continued. Mercy recovered from a 19-6 first quarter

deficit to lead by eight points at half time.

Meteors kept control of a playoff spot with a gritty 58-40 win at Courtyard Liffey Celtics.

In a game which failed to ignite after a low scoring opening quarter, Meagan McGuinness and Beth Meany helped push out Meteors’ lead down the stretch.

Pyrobel Killester toughed out a 64-59 win over UL Huskies in Limerick. 31 points from Sarah Benedetti put Huskies on course but with Rae Contreras on form for Killester, the Dublin side overturned the 36-33 half-time score.

Twenty points from Cathy Kavanagh helped understrength Maxol WIT Wildcats to a 71-56 at home to Portlaoise Panthers, but it wasn’t enough to break the Waterford side into the playoff spots. Claire Melia top scored for Panthers.

On the men’s side, GCD Swords Thunder inflicted Templeogue’s first defeat of the season

in what served as a Hula Hoops Men’s National Cup final dress-rehearsal.

Thunder upped their inside game in the second quarter with a 16-6 run and pushed Jason Killeen into foul trouble.

Templeogue’s efforts to regain parity were further hampered by the loss of Conor Grace to a hand injury while Thunder continued to apply tough defence.

Thunder Coach Dave Baker said: “When a team is unbeaten, everyone steps up to try and knock them down. Neither side played well tonight but they only beat us by a point last time out so we felt we owed them a little.

We’re just concentrating on making top four at this stage.”

SSE Airtricity Moycullen are up to eighth place in the table after a 76-68 win at home to Rathfarnham’s Eanna BC. American Raheem Lemons made his debut for the Galway side but it was Ronan O’Sullivan who topped out with 20 points. Eanna had the

better start and were also closing in on Moycullen in the fourth quarter before the final buzzer sounded.

The visitors had Conor Gallagher, Connor Poston and Sean Gordon in double-digits.

In the last game of the weekend, C&S UCC Demons beat UCD Marian 80-68 at the Mardyke Arena.

With just a basket between the sides at halftime, Lehmon Colbert’s 28 points helped Demons pull clear. The win moves Demons level on points with Templeogue, albeit with an additional game played.

Pyrobel Killester shook off their cup defeat in impressive style with an 84-61 win over DCU Saints.

N i n e t e e n - y e a r- o l d Eoghain Kiernan was top scorer with 19 points for Brian O’Malley’s side as they built on a 48-35 lead at half time.

Martins Provizors and Duane Johnson combined for 38 points on their second appearance together for DCU Saints.

21 January 2016 gazette 29

Gazette

annual awards: rcsi set to host celebration of a stellar year

Shorlist hails Dub sailors  sport@dublingazette.com

A STRONG Dublin contingent are in the running for the annual Irish Sailing Awards which will take place at the historic Royal College of Surgeons on

Thursday, February 4.

The annual awards celebrate Irish achievement and success on the water, both domestically and internationally in 2015 with Rathfarnham’s Olympian Annalise Murphy among the

star attractions.

Four awards will be presented on the day – The Afloat Sailor of the Year award; the Mitsubishi Motors Club of the Year award; the ISA Youth Sailor of the Year award; and the ISA

Nominees and winners from last year’s annual Irish Sailing Awards

FastSport Peas and Shels in a pod with WNL stalemate:

Howth duo Colin O’Sullivan and Douglas Elmes have been nominated for youth sailor of the year

Training Centre of the Year award.

The highlight of the day is the presentation of the Afloat Sailor of the Year.

Nominees Nominees this year include John Twomey, who qualified for his 11th Paralympics in December - an Irish record; Frenchman Sidney Gavignet, who beat the round Ireland sailing speed record on his MOD 70 MusandamOman trimaran in May; and Justin Slattery, a key crew member on board the winning boat, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing in the Volvo Ocean race, viewed by many as the pinnacle of international ocean sailing.

The nominees for the Youth Sailor of the Year award were selected on the basis of medal results from world or European championships, including those with top 10 results from the year gone by.

This award is dominated by Howth YC with Aoife Hopkins, Colin O’Sullivan, Ewan McMahon and Douglas Elmes with Lough Derg’s Aisling Keller and Waterford’s Geoff Power also on the list.

The nominees for the ISA Training Centre of the Year award were selected on a regional basis and will receive a regional award on the day.

T h e ove r a l l w i n ner will be announced

from the following list of nominees: The Royal Irish Yacht Club (Dublin – Eastern Region); F o y n e s Ya c h t C l u b (Limerick - Southern Region); and Mullingar Sailing Club (Westmeath – Western Region).

The Mitsubishi Motors Club of the Year award is given to a club with sailing success at local, national and international level; and takes into account satisfaction of club members; the club’s impact in sailing development and training; the relationship with the local community, and relevant governmental and sporting bodies, both at local and national level.

PEAMOUNT United and Shelbourne Ladies LFC played out a highly entertaining 2-2 draw in the Dublin derby at Greenogue.

Noelle Murray opened the scoring for Shels - rifling into the top right corner of the Peamount net on 32 minutes.

The hosts were level three minutes after the restart. Amber Barrett’s shot rattled the Shelbourne crossbar and the rebound fell for Sarah McEvitt to drive into the bottom corner of Niamh Reid-Burke’s goal.

The game sprung to life and Shelbourne retained their lead on 51 minutes as Siobhan Killeen unlocked the Peas defence for Sarah Rowe to find the net.

High drama was left until the final minute as Barrett’s shot again rattled the woodwork and Roma McLaughlin saved a point for Peas with the equaliser meaning both sides are unbeaten in this year’s League Cup.

Brilliant Barton strike lands Premier title for Alex  sport@dublingazette.com

The Alexandra College side that won the Senior Premier League last week. Picture: Adrian Boehm

ALEISHA Barton’s extra time goal saw Alexandra College win back the Leinster schoolgirls Senior Premier League title on Tuesday afternoon at Grange Road, edging out Loreto Foxrock 1-0 in a tense final.

She swept home following a superb attack via Katherine Egan and Jan Cleary on the baseline. Cleary waited superbly before picking out Barton arriving late to finish off the move with four minutes

to go in silver goal extra time.

It was the only breakthrough as both goalkeepers, Caroline Nugent for Alex, Jane ConwayKenny for Foxrock, produced fine performances between the posts.

Earlier on, Foxrock had slightly the better of the first half exchanges with Christina Hamill – the Leinster Under16 captain – forging the clearest of chances when she cut through one-on-one.

Nugent, though, did superbly to spot the danger and slide out and make the save low

down. She subsequently was lobbed by another effort but somehow got her glove up high enough to clear the danger over the endline.

Alex were somewhat subdued in the opening period, a far cry from their semi-final when their business was all but done and dusted in a 7-0 win over Loreto Beaufort.

Foxrock had gritted their way through a 2-1 battle with Mount Anville and relished the contest with Ellen Curran in midfield and Hannah McLoughlin at the back dig-

ging in.

Alex, though, came out strong in the second half and dominated the play, pinning Foxrock in the 23m area for long periods.

McLoughlin managed to block a number of attacks down the middle before the Milltown school started moving the ball more dramatically to the left to Ava Beatty and Sophie Roopnarinesingh.

They won corners but could not convert until Barton’s precious moment in silver goal extra time.

Gazette

30 dublin city gazette 21 January 2016

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: ucd afc sign goalscoring legend for first division bid

Railway Union win back Irish indoor hockey title A GOLDEN 10-minute spell between the 11th and 21st minute under-pinned Railway Union’s National Indoor Trophy final victory, bouncing back from a Leinster final defeat against Three Rock Rovers, the same opposition, to take up the European slot on offer.

During that spell, the Sandymount side worked their offence and defence perfectly.

Without the ball, they set up well with James Dick at the fulcrum of the attack to steal possession and break at pace. With it, they were patient before finding effective diagonal passes from left back to the right channel where Nick Tate wreaked havoc.

It transformed the game from 2-2 to 7-3 a minute into the second half and, in spite of three yellow cards that made their play more ragged, Railway held on in the face of a late fightback.

Rovers did get off to a great start with Ross Canning flicking home from a narrow angle.

Kenny Carroll’s corner and a baseline effort from David Richardson swapped the advantage. Jody Hosking tied matters up at 2-2 in the ninth minute but it was the last time Three Rock were on terms.

Tate finished off from turnover ball for 3-2 before Carroll converted another corner. An unmarked Luke Madeley reduced the deficit to 4-3. Railway really cut loose thereafter.

After patient play at the back, Mark English’s arrow of a pass found Tate at the right board and he found a route home. Dick extended the lead a minute before and after half-time, pouncing when Rovers over-elaborated out of defence and he coolly finished both times for that 7-3 lead.

Three Rock steadied themselves and started to work better opportunites.

Canning reduced the gap from a lovely behind-the-back assist from Hosking in the 34th minute and Three Rock’s momentum built when Carroll was binned for a foul on halfway.

Madeley got his second and then English went to the sin-bin in the 36th minute. Peter Blakeney flicked in from the left of the circle with 50 seconds left on the clock but Railway controlled the ball for the closing seconds to get over the line.

Jason Byrne says breaking the League of Ireland goalscoring record is very much the objective

Record in sight for Byrne sport@dublingazette.com

UCD AFC unveiled a trio of exciting new signings for their 2016 League of Ireland First Division campaign with Jason Byrne, Brian Shortall and Cathal Brady all joining the club while Collie O’Neill has also revealed Gary O’Neill will be his new captain for the year ahead.

Having missed out on promotion last season in the playoffs against Finn Harps, Collie O’Neill has managed to retain the majority of his young squad, particularly with Ryan Swan and Dylan Watts both signing new

two year deals last July.

He will also look to add some more experience to it with negotiations on-going with some new and existing players.

Speaking about the year ahead, O’Neill said: “I’m really excited with the new signings, for the coming season we’ll have a good blend of youth and experience” League of Ireland legend Byrne joins from Bohemian and he has set his sights on breaking the League of Ireland goal scoring record as well as helping the club back to the Premier Division.

He says the clear moti-

sponsor for a day Acutrace enjoy name in lights for Bath contest aidan McDonnell, second from left, is pictured taking in the match day atmosphere at the RDS last weekend along with Bank of Ireland’s Emer McDonnell, Ian Murray and John Lynch.

McDonnell is managing director of Acutrace who won Bank of Ireland’s Sponsor for a Day 2016 Leinster winner. As part of a sponsorship prize worth around €50,000, Acutrace had its branding displayed on the Leinster team jerseys for the European Rugby Champions Cup match against Bath.

vation is to bang in the goals.

“That’s the objective [breaking the record], but if I can get the goals and we can get promoted back to the Premier Division then that would be fantastic.”

And O’Neill is delighted to have him on board, saying he will be able to strike a great partnership with Swan.

“Jason impressed me when I met him before Christmas; the whole conversation was about football, he just loves his football and loves to score goals. We almost signed him during the summer transferwindow

last season but for one reason or another we just couldn’t complete the transfer.

“He has great presence in the dressing room, he’s a top quality pro and I’m drooling with the thoughts with maybe seeing a sorcerer and the apprentice partnership in Byrne and Swan.”

Cathal Brady has joined UCD for the new season and O’Neill is delighted to finally get his man after trying to sign him on numerous occasions.

“In all of the previous clubs I’ve been with, we’ve tried to sign Cathal so after 10 years of trying

to sign him I’m delighted to finally have him on board, because of his great attacking qualities he is one of those players that would always occupy some of my pre match talks when he was playing against us.”

Brian Shortall moved to the club for a second spell after spending last season with Athlone Town. In his previous spell with the club, he played a massive part in winning the First Division in 2009 when he named in the PFAI First Division Team of the Year, and will be hoping for more of the same for the coming season.

21 January 2016 DUBLIN CITY gazette 31

Gazette

final countdown

gaaNews

Ringsend to host five Dublin camogie battles FINALS day of the Dublin post-primary camogie championships will take place on Friday at Clanna Gael Fontenoy’s grounds in Ringsend with five titles up for grabs.

The senior A final will be contested by last-year’s beaten finalists, St Joseph’s Lucan and first-time finalists, Our Lady’s Terenure at 1.30pm. The shield final features St Dominic’s Cabra and Loreto Beaufort at 12pm.

football: gavin’s side struggle in semi-final

Schutte nearing return after missing SHC final

Paul Schutte, Sinead Goldrick, Johnny Cooper and Ali Twomey launching Dublin’s 2016 season. Picture: Ramsey Cardy

Longford bring Dubs trophy run to an end

O’Byrne cup semi Longford 1-12 Dublin 0-9  sport@dublingazette.com

DU BL I N we r e we l l below their emphatic best on Sunday, January 17 in Pearse Park, Longford as the home side outfought the All-Ireland champions, claiming a place in the final with a 1-12 to 0-9 win.

Nonetheless, Dublin manager Jim Gavin says that the Bord na Mona O’Byrne Cup proved a good start to the season for his panel, getting four games under their belt.

“It was a typical pre-

season game,” he said after the tie. “I thought Longford looked very fit and mobile for January and they fully deserved their victory, playing some very good football.

“But it has been a great workout for the Dublin football team as well. We tried our very best and I couldn’t but commend the efforts of the Dublin players. It wasn’t good enough against a very good Longford team.

“We had a few chances when there was a point in it; we hit the post and a few shots went wide but that is not to take

away from Longford who bounced back and finished the game off quite comprehensively so all credit to them.

“We got four good games, tried a lot of players and gave them an opportunity to stake a claim for the National Football League panel.”

On the day, Longford always looked slightly on top, a few days after their boss Denis Connerton described the current Dublin crop as “some of the best players of all time”.

T he third-division side led 0-7 to 0-4 after a turgid first half, with

the capital side outscrapped in front of a noisy home crowd, with Dean Rock and Johnny Cooper falling short of their usual standards, and Con O’Callaghan failing to build on an impressive showing last time out.

Longford were not to be denied, however, with Liam Connerton’s only score of the game – a well-taken goal – rallying the home side.

Longford outscored the Dubs in the closing minutes to pull away, and earn a shot at a first O’Byrne Cup title since 2000.

CUALA’S triumph in the Dublin senior hurling championship last year and journey to a first Leinster final since 1989 was a joyous occasion for almost all involved with the Dalkey club until the final defeat to Oulart-The Ballagh.

It may have tasted slightly bitter-sweet for Paul Schutte however as the 26-year-old was forced to undergo shoulder surgery in October which ruled him out of the county final and the provincial ties that followed.

Schutte is nearing a return to action and very much looking forward to it but reflected the timing of his injury was hard to take.

“It was very tough seeing as we would have been seen as under-achievers in a sense. We have so many county lads on the team and it’s hard to justify being on that county team if you’re not winning championships,” said the Cuala man. “I played up until the final but it’s not the same when you’re not on the pitch.

“It gives me motivation for this year anyway to push on because my dad, the O’Callaghan’s dad and the Treacy’s dad were all on the teams that won championships so they weren’t shy of rubbing it in our faces that they’ve got three and we’re the under-achievers. It was nice to finally get that monkey off the back and hopefully we can drive on now,” he added.

The shoulder has proven to be a sore-spot for the Schutte family, which Paul spoke about while discussing his recovery earlier this week. “It was a dislocation,” he said. “This was my second surgery on the same shoulder so me and my brother’s shoulders have been letting us down. Mark’s done his twice now.

“It has been tough but I’ll still get half the league and the championship hopefully so plenty of work ahead of me. I lost a stone while out and by the looks of me I can’t afford to lose that stone so I’ve a lot of work to do in the next few months.”

While speaking at the AIG launch of the Dublin GAA season, Schutte was asked how he thinks Dublin have coped without him so far in 2016. Ger Cunningham’s side set-up will contest a Walsh Cup semi-final vs Galway this Sunday after a convincing 2-20 to 1-9 win over Laois last weekend.

The Dub star praised the energy younger players such as Setanta’s Fiontan MacGibb have given the side and also welcomed back club-mate Oisin Gough who has returned to the Dublin set-up.

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shooting the lights out: target in sight: UCD sign legendary striker with Dublin clubs make big moves League of Ireland scoring record in his crosshair P30 in basketball leagues P28

Jonny Cooper at the AIG launch of the 2016 Dublin GAA season. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Long’ look in the mirror

Jonny Cooper says that Dublin’s senior footballers need to sharpen up after surprise loss to Longford in the semi-final of the O’Byrne Cup

 nathan kelly

sport@dublingazette.com

“THERE are a few people who need to look in the mirror, myself included.”

Jonny Cooper made little excuse for Dublin’s surprising O’Byrne Cup semi-final defeat to Longford on Monday morning. “They were just better, just cleaner and sharper. You can probably put it down to wanting it more,” added the Na Fianna man just a day after the midlands defeat speaking at the AIG Dublin GAA season launch at Parnell Park.

Having come on with 15 minutes to play in the Dub’s second O’Byrne Cup game against IT Carlow, Cooper went on to start the final group game and Sunday’s semi-final. He was joined by

the likes of All-Ireland winners Stephen Cluxton, Philly McMahon, James McCarthy, Dean Rock and Paddy Andrews but that experience, mixed with several younger players, squandered Dublin’s chance of back-to-back O’Byrne Cups.

Dublin don’t lose very often and despite this defeat coming in a competition that holds little value on the grand scale, Cooper was asked does it still hurt to lose.

“Absolutely it hurts,” he replied sharply. “We don’t go out to lose any game, challenge or otherwise and there are a few people who need to look in the mirror. It just wasn’t good enough across the board, you can make any excuse or I can make any excuse but it just wasn’t good enough.”

With Kerry up first for Jim Gavin’s side in the

National Football League next week, it was put to Cooper if he believed such a defeat could provide an early-season kick in the backside for the All-Ireland champions. “Absolutely, no better way,” he replied.

“We’ve Kerry in less than two weeks time so, if we thought we were doing anything right, maybe we have to revalue it and look in the mirror again and see where we are at. Again, all credit to Longford but it wouldn’t have been to the standards we set ourselves when you put on a Dublin jersey.”

Dublin have won three consecutive Allianz League titles under Gavin after a stint of 20 years (1992-93) without one. The 26-year-old cornerback was asked if their county’s recent success in the NFL was solely down to this management

team’s approach to the competition.

“The way I see it is, the environment we’ve created, there is a lot of competition for places and I think the competition starts in the O’Byrne Cup. “There are various guys that wouldn’t have played and various guys that did play so I think it’s just the way in which it works, the dynamic of the mantra which Jim and his management team have set-out.

“If you’re playing well, be it in training or in games, you get to keep your jersey and that competitions probably stemmed earlier in the year from January time and serves us well coming into April/May in the final of the national league. Hopefully, we do the same this year and this coming championship.”