Carlton Hotel Host Gala Rose Dinner See Page 6
A PRICE THAT’S BLACK AND WHITE DAY OR NIGHT LOCAL €7
€20 O’CONNELL ST Naul Friends of St. Francis Hospice Golf Classic See Page 10
€10 AIRPORT
MALAHIDE €12
Autumn Weddings See Pages 12 - 14
Next Issue:
Your Quality Local Newspaper We deliver A registered newspaper at the G.P.O.
Tuesday, 7th September Copy deadline Thursday 2nd
See a full range of our fixed fares on page 2
24th August 2010 • Volume 17, Issue 18 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. • ISDN 8139966 • Tel: 8•400•200
Swords Let Down By Greedy Off Licences A group of greedy and uncaring off licence owners have endangered the reputation and status of Swords by blatantly breaking the law. A damning TV programme has highlighted Swords as a town where underage teenagers can access alcohol with no trouble whatsoever. Last Thursday’s RTE Prime Time programme showed two teenagers, one a 16 year old boy, who was able to avail of a delivery service in four local off licences. The boy collected his order at the front door of his house and paid the bill, in each case, without being asked for identification. The off licences included in the programme were ones which provided a delivery service. There are a number of off licenses in the town which do not do deliveries and were not involved in the programme. The supermarkets in question were well known national brands which offer an online shopping facility. In all six cases, no problem was encountered by the boy. Huge efforts have been made recently to solve the scourge of underage drinking, with its associated antisocial behaviour, while all along this illegal trade has flourished.
Part-time
DRIVER The Company North Fingal Rural Transport is a community bus transport company funded by the Department of Transport under the Rural Transport Programme and the Community Services Programme.
The position The successful candidate must hold a Full Clean D driving licence and have experience of driving mini & midi sized vehicles. Have good interpersonal skills coupled with advanced customer care abilities. MIPAS, PAT & NEEP accreditation desirable. The position is subject to Garda vetting.
By Patrick Finnegan & Leslie Murphy At a time when the profile of the North County and Swords, in particular, is on an upsurge, it is regrettable that this profile is now tarnished by self serving off licences who are prepared to blatantly break the law in order to pursue their own agendas. It is vital that adverse publicity, similar to that seen on nationwide television is not allowed to damage the great work currently underway in places like the Pavilions Shopping Centre. Collecting payment at doorsteps for such delivery services is against the law, insofar as it extends the licence beyond the door of the off licence. Money for such services must be paid at source which eliminates the danger of underage sales. This very disappointing finding has caused concern to parents as well. Local resident, Orla Smith, a parent of a 16 and a 12 year old told the County Leader, “ It’s very disheartening that you put all of your time and effort in to ensuring your children have the best. We seem to forget then alcohol is so readily available to them. This is taking away our authority and
Congratulations to Andrew Smith, Eoin Ó hÓbáin and Robert Gaul who collected their Leaving Cert results at Colaiste Choilm, Swords. The lads were also the lucky winners of our Facebook poll where Leaving Cert students could vote for this week’s front page picture. Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/northcountyleader.
control as parents and I would like to see the Gardaí doing more to enforce the law”. An outraged Michael Kennedy TD, (FF), told the County Leader, “ Underage drinking is one of the single biggest problems in our society. I’m constantly receiving complaints from my constituents in regard to these young yobos drinking in open spaces and causing
Skerries Woman’s Selfless Act Courageous Skerries woman, Tracey Cashin, has decided to give up 10 days of her life to help less fortunate people than her in Romania. Tracey has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, to help build houses for women and children in need. To help fund the venture, a benefit gig is organised for Saturday, September 4th, in “Fingal’s Cave”, Church Street, Skerries, featuring Gipsy
Bill & Friends and radio presenter-DJ Steve Bolger. “I think it’s time someone gave something back in life, that’s why I’m doing it”, says 34-year old Tracey. “I wanted to go to Africa, where Habitat for Humanity also has projects, but because it’s my first build, they’re sending me to Romania”. Volunteers pay their own costs, so Tracey decided to raise the funds through
local businesses and when it was suggested she have a fundraiser gig the idea took off. “A number of local businesses have agreed to sponsor me financially, and I’m very appreciative of that. Also that Gipsy Bill, who rarely performs, has pulled together a number of performers for the fundraiser event, and we are very lucky to have secured Steve Bolger from Continued on page 31
A panel may be created from which vacancies may be filled in the short term.
annoyance to locals. I have been told children as young as 13 are regular drinkers. This issue has to be resolved and needs the top level of attention of the Gardaí. On-line shopping is great, but these off-licences and supermarkets need to be aware of who the alcohol is intended for,” he said. Continued on page 31
Get ready to change the way you feel about dentistry ! Detecting a problem early often means less dentistry and less cost. But if you are anxious or fear that dreaded needle, that visit may have been put off for years. We cater for dental cowards and use a comfortable alternative to painful injections.
THE WAND Computerised Anaesthetic Delivery System
doesn't look like a syringe doesn't feel like a syringe and, what's more, results in a more pleasant experience ! you can go back to work as it doesn’t numb your cheek You will be pleasantly surprised
This position is subject to C.P.C. funding criteria, details of which along with job description are available on request.
Our team is dedicated to providing excellent family dentistry and Smile Makeovers.
Applications in writing or e-mail with C.V to: The Manager North Fingal Rural Transport Co. Ltd Doorogue, Ballyboughal Co. Dublin e-mail : northfingal@eircom.net
Call for a FREE consultation TEL: 01-840 6550
nifti North Fingal Rural Transport Co. is an equal opportunities employer Canvassing will disqualify
The Biggest Circulation Of Any North County Newspaper
58 Main Street, Swords
www.oneilldentalcare.ie