Dublin Voice North 01 02 2018

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February 1-14, 2018 t: 01 901 5565, e: info@dublinvoice.ie

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Unit 5, IDEA House, Killarney Road Business Park, Bray

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dublinvoice.ie February 1-14,2018

dublinvoice FREE

February 1-14, 2018 t: 01 901 5565, e: info@dublinvoice.ie

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Kids take ‘ecstasy’ in primary school

By Jake Maxwell TWO primary school children were hospitalised recently after taking what is suspected to be ecstasy during their lunch break.

Gardai have launched an investigation after the young boys become ill at their primary school in Blanchardstown.

Teachers in the school became concerned after the children

became unwell and were rushed to Temple Street hospital.

According to reports, an 11-year-old child was allegedly

given the drug by a classmate and that the student “swallowed it before turning blue and collapsing.”

It’s understood that the two young children were then tested in hospital and until the results DUH NQRZQ IRU GH¿QLWH LW FDQQRW EH FRQ¿UPHG ZKDW VXEVWDQFH they took.

“Parents [of children in the school] are of the understanding

that whatever is being alleged is true.

“However, nobody can make a call on it until the results of the tests come out.

“The parents haven’t heard DQ\WKLQJ R൶FLDO IURP HLWKHU WKH school or from the guards at this point,” a source said.

Continued on next page

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Unit 5, IDEA House, Killarney Road Business Park, Bray

Ann Skelly at the Lighthouse Cinema for the launch of Audi Dublin International Film Festival 2018 which runs between Feb 21-Mar 4. Pic Brian McEvoy. » Lots more pictures inside

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news in brief Nightclub’s in danger DUBLIN’S NIGHTCLUB owners and DJ’s call for new legislations for Ireland’s nightclub industry.

A volunteer group called Give Us The Night met this week to discuss changing the licensing laws in Ireland. They claim that modernising the night club LQGXVWU\ FDQ PDVVLYHO\ DŕľľHFW and also improve it.

The group focuses on small to mid-sized clubs which have been struggling for a while.

High costs in running nights for only three- to four hours make it GLŕľśFXOW DQG OHG WR D QXPEHU RI night club closing their door in the last few months.

Goldsmith Alex Thiel a Local Enterprise Showcase exhibitor at Showcase in the RDS recently.

Pic: Joe Keogh

Will Stones roll into Croker?

By Charisma Trant

100’s of job on the line It has been announced that a Dublin power plant operator has to close two power plants.

Viridian owner of Energia FRQÂżUPHG WKDW WKH FDSDFLW\ payments systems has led to this decision. Both the Kilroot and the Ballylumford station could be closed soon leaving hundreds of jobs on the line.

Last December it was decided which power plants would receive further payments and Kilroot and Ballylumford both missed out..

RESIDENTS near Croke Park are unlikely to get any ‘Satisfaction’ this year after it was announced that the Rollings Stones are set to play there on May 17.

Authorities in Croker KDYH DSSOLHG IRU D OLFHQVH for a fourth concert to the Dublin City Council Planning Authority which is likely to raise objections from locals in the area.

Currently there is only permission for three concerts per year, with this year’s allocation already used by

Taylor Swift, when she takes to the stage on June 15 and 16; and Michael BublĂŠ, when he performs on July 7.

Residents around Croke Park remain opposed to a fourth concert this year, according to a local spokesperson.

When Dublin City Council refused to allow two extra Garth Brooks concerts following concerns in July 2014, the singer cancelled his three planned shows.

Meanwhile only days after Britney Spears announced her long-awaited Dublin gig presale tickets are being sold

for a whopping â‚Ź650 each on WKH RQOLQH SODWIRUP 6HDWZDYH Due to the high demand for the tickets, sellers ask for as much as â‚Ź490 for one ticket in a row of four tiered seats.

According to a statement IURP 0&' WKH RŕľśFLDO WLFNHW sale will start this weekend, with tickets prices starting at â‚Ź69.50.

Britney Spear’s last tour Femme Fatale was sold out TXLFNO\ DQG IDQV KDYH EHHQ waiting for new European tour dates since the singer announced she would headline at the Smukfest in Denmark in August of this year.

Children take drugs in school Continued from previous page Speaking to 98FM’s Dublin Talks, a man who used the pseudonym Derek, says his child told him Class A drugs were involved.

He said: “One of the boys out of his class was going around the schoolyard asking some children did they want some sweets and all of them said no except one child. “After a couple of seconds, he spit it out because he knew it wasn’t a sweet so he told the teacher. It turned out they were ecstasy tablets,� he said.

It’s claimed the children were given the tablet at school by a secondary student but thought they were sweets.

Mary (not her real name) is the mum of the boy at the centre of the scare. She’s told the radio show that the boy had no trace of ecstasy in his blood and is now back at school.

A garda spokesman said: “On the 22nd January 2018 GardaĂ­ from Blanchardstown attended a school in Blanchardstown. “An incident had been UHSRUWHG WR WKHP E\ VFKRRO VWDŕľľ Two students attended Temple St Hospital as a precaution.â€?

Reservoir upgrade begins ... as locals boil water

By Jake Maxwell IRISH Water recently began building a new ₏200m pipeline from the Vartry Water Treatment Plant to Callowhill to help secure Dublin’s water supply just days before a boil water notice notice was issued to residents of South County Dublin.

More than 65,000 people across Wicklow and South Dublin were forced to boil their drinking water after Irish Water told customers as a precautionary measure following the mechanical failure of the chlorine equipment at the plant.

Although the equipment was back in production since January 29 the water supply in all impacted areas did not meet drinking water regulations before the boil water notice can be lifted. “The chlorine levels in the impacted areas are increasing and our water sampling and monitoring programme to test the chlorine levels is progressing,� Irish Water said in a statement. “Irish Water apologises for the inconvenience caused by the imposition of the boil water notice and thanks our customers for their patience while we work to remove the notice.�

7KH QRWLFH ZDV ÂżQDOO\ OLIWHG on February 1.

Meanwhile, the new pipeline will ultimately replace the 157-year-old tunnel which curtrently run s under Callowhill

and delivers water to the supply area of South Dublin.

The new pipeline and the upgrade to the Vartry Water Treatment Plant, which was given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanala earlier this month, are part of the Vartry Water Supply Upgrade Project which will see â‚Ź200m invested in the water supply for 200,000 consumers in Wicklow and South Dublin.

Planning permission for the â‚Ź29m project was granted in February 2017.

The construction contract was awarded to Roadbridge following a competitive procurement process.

The Vartry Water Supply Scheme was originally constructed in the 1860s and was a feat of engineering for its time.

The scheme included a four kilometre long tunnel under Callowhill to deliver water to north Wicklow and south Dublin.

It includes two reservoirs on the Vartry (upper and lower), a water treatment plant comprisLQJ SULPDULO\ RI VORZ VDQG ÂżOters, and 40km of trunk mains that deliver water to open storage reservoirs at Stillorgan in Dublin.

Irish Water says the tunnel is now in a poor state of repair and is being replaced by the new pipeline which will “secure and safeguard the water supply for the communities it serves which is one of the most densely populated areas in the country.�

Vikings hunt for women!

CALLING all long-haired ladies in Dublin - hit TV show ‘Vikings’ wants to hear from you to work as extras for the next season which is being shot at the moment.

To qualify, your hair must reach to mid back length at the minimum, your height ÂżYH IRRW ÂżYH LQFKHV WR ÂżYH foot nine inches, a dress size

of eight to 10, and you must KDYH JRRG DYDLODELOLW\ DQG EH in close proximity to Dublin and Wicklow areas. ,I \RX ÂżW WKH ELOO WKHQ email with a clear current photo, plus height, measurements and contact details, to YLNLQJH[WUDV#JPDLO FRP DQG put long haired female in the subject bar.

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Darkness’ walk to light up our lives in May

news in brief â‚Ź22.5m hotel for sale THE HILTON Dublin Airport Hotel on the Malahide Road at Northern Cross in Dublin is RŕľľHUHG IRU VDOH IRU D ZKRSSLQJ â‚Ź22.5m.

7KH KLJK TXDOLW\ KRWHO LV expected to attract interest IURP QDWLRQDO DQG LQWHUQDWLRQDO buyers.

7KH DQQXDO WUDGLQJ SURÂżWV LV an estimated â‚Ź2m. The hotel has 166-bedrooms and is close to the M1 and M50.

'DQ 2Âś&RQQRU DQ DJHQW RI -// LV RYHUVHHLQJ WKH PLOOLRQ (XUR VDOH DQG -DFN )R[ RI -// +RWHOV +RVSLWDOLW\ *URXSV FRQÂżUPV WKDW WKH KRWHO ZDV RSHUDWLQJ LQ D PDUNHW WKDW H[SHULHQFHG SHU FHQW JURZWK LQ UHYHQXH SHU room.

By Jake Maxwell

The Disney Droids team from St Mary’s Secondary School, Glasnevin who competed in the LegoŽ Education Innovation Studio (LEIS), Dublin City University, Abbie Lweper, Hannah O’Brien, Tara Macken, Sophie McGrane, Katie Kennedy, Heather Dunne

Bigger and funnier: comedy fest back

By Jake Maxwell

Zagreb to Dublin $FFRUGLQJ WR UHSRUWV &URDWLD $LUOLQHV LV SURSRVLQJ WR FUHDWH WKH ¿UVW GLUHFW ÀLJKWV EHWZHHQ Dublin and Croatia’s capital =DJUHE WKLV VXPPHU 6R IDU &URDWLD $LUOLQHV UXQ D QXPEHU RI FKDUWHU ÀLJKWV EHWZHHQ 2VLMHN $LUSRUW DQG Dublin, but the increased QXPEHU RI ,ULVK KROLGD\PDNHUV YLVLWLQJ WKH FRXQWU\ RYHU WKH SDVW IHZ \HDUV FRXOG KDYH ¿QDOO\ FRQYLQFHG WKH DLUOLQH WR FUHDWH D GLUHFW ÀLJKW EHWZHHQ 'XEOLQ DQG =DJUHE $Q RྜFLDO DQQRXQFHPHQW RI the launch is to be expected GXULQJ WKH QH[W IHZ PRQWKV

GET ready for some sidesplitting laughs as the Bray Comedy Festival returns in February.

Following the success of last year’ s festival, this year is set to be packed with top acts from Ireland and further D¿HOG Bigger and better than ever, the gigs will be held in The Harbour Bar, The Porterhouse, The Martello Hotel, Sealife, Signal Arts Centre, The Esplanade Hotel, Bray Town Hall, Shoreline Leaisure Centre

and Dockyard No 8 between February 14-18.

One of the highlights this year is expected to be the family- friendly stand-up comedy show on February 17 at 3pm in the Esplanade Hotel.

'HVLJQHG VSHFLÂżFDOO\ IRU kids, the show by Punch Lion brings top comedians from the comedy circuit with silly jokes to make audience members of all ages giggle and grin and laugh out loud.

The MC will be Sharon Mannion from RTEs Bridget and Eamon.

RTEjr presenter, Reuben

and Kevin Gildea complete the bill and tickets are priced at â‚Ź7.

Another show that promises to be top notch is “A Load Of Carp� when Karl Spain takes a tour Sealife on Valentine’s Day. The always popular Best New Act Competition will take place in The Harbour Bar on Wednesday 14 and Thursday February 15, with with special guest judges Farmer Michael and Kathleen and a headline performance from ‘Ireland’s Funniest Joke Competition’ winner, Sean Hegarty.

Farmer Michael and Kathleen will also do their own show in The Harbour Bar on February 12 from 7pm at a cost of â‚Ź12.

Meanwhile, the country’s most recognisable bag-wearing duo, Blindboy Boatclub and Mr. Chrome, aka The Rubberbandits, will play The Esplanade on February 16 (tickets ₏25) in a rare live performance.

The Wrap Party will close proceedings on the Sunday night in The Harbour Bar with MC Ian Coppinger and Fred Cooke and many more acts.

7+( SHRSOH RI 'XEOLQ DUH EHLQJ FDOOHG RQ WR UXQ MRJ RU ZDON LQWR WKH GDZQ RQ 0D\ IRU WKLV \HDUÂśV 'DUNQHVV LQWR /LJKW 5HJLVWUDWLRQ ZLOO RSHQ LQ WKH QH[W IHZ ZHHNV IRU WKLV \HDUÂśV DQQXDO IXQGUDLVHU ZLWK ZDONV WDNLQJ SODFH LQ 3KRHQL[ 3DUN LQ 'XEOLQ 5HJLVWUDWLRQ IRU QHZ YHQXHV KDV QRZ FORVHG /DVW year, 12,000 people attented the HYHQW LQ 3KRHQL[ 3DUN 'DUNQHVV LQWR /LJKW ZLOO EH VSUHDG DFURVV WKH JOREH DV ZDONV ZLOO EH KHOG LQ RYHU YHQXHV DFURVV IRXU FRQWLQHQWV Dublin residents are encourDJHG WR UHJLVWHU DQG DVN IDPLO\ IULHQGV DQG FROOHDJXHV WR MRLQ WKHP DV 3LHWD +RXVH VHHN WR UDLVH YLWDO IXQGV $Q\RQH FDQ WDNH SDUW LQ WKH HYHQW DQG LW LV D FDVH RI WKH PRUH WKH PHUULHU ZKHQ LW FRPHV WR UDLVLQJ DZDUHQHVV DQG IXQGV IRU the incredible service that Pieta House provide.

7KH ZDON WDNHV SODFH DW GDZQ DV WKH GDZQ LV V\PEROLF RI KRSH DQG LV UHSUHVHQWDWLYH RI WKH ZRUN 3LHWD +RXVH GRHV $OO IXQGV UDLVHG ZLOO JR WRZDUGV 3LHWD +RXVH ZKLFK SURYLGHV D FRPSOHWHO\ IUHH VHUYLFH WR SHRSOH RI DOO DJHV VXŕľľHULQJ IURP GHSUHVVLRQ

Locals protest against â‚Ź17m house build plan

By Jake Maxwell THOUSANDS RI SHRSOH VWDJHG D SURWHVW LQ 6W $QQHÂśV 3DUN LQ 5DKHQ\ UHFHQWO\ DJDLQVW D SURSRVDO WR EXLOG QHZ homes close to it. /RFDOV DUH REMHFWLQJ WR WKH GHYHORSPHQW RI UHVLGHQWLDO XQLWV DW 6W 3DXOÂśV &ROOHJH ZKLFK LV DGMDFHQW WR WKH SDUN DQG ZRXOG VHH SOD\LQJ ÂżHOGV DWtached to the school.

0DQ\ GHPRQVWUDWRUV ZRUH UHG 7 VKLUWV ZLWK Âľ+DQGV 2ŕľľ 2XU 3DUNÂś SULQWHG DFURVV WKH IURQW ZKLOH ORFDO VSRUWV WHDPV ZRUH WKHLU FOXE MHUVH\V ZKLOH RWKHUV KHOG FRORXUIXO EDQQHUV SODFDUGV and balloons. &UHNDY 7UDGLQJ ZKLFK LV SDUW RI GHYHORSPHQW FRPSDQ\ 0DUOHW VXEPLWWHG D SODQQLQJ DSSOLFDWLRQ LQ ZKLFK LW VDLG LW LQWHQGHG WR UHSODFH WKH SOD\LQJ SLWFKHV ZLWK D J\P DQG WZR RXW-

GRRU DOO ZHDWKHU SLWFKHV +RZHYHU REMHFWRUV EHOLHYH LW ZLOO QRW EH HQRXJK WR FDWHU IRU WKH KXQGUHGV RI VFKRRO FKLOGUHQ in the area. “My boys play GAA every 6DWXUGD\ PRUQLQJ DQG DOVR VRFFHU DQG UXJE\ GXULQJ WKH ZHHN ´ local mum Roisin Dooley said.

3URWHVW RUJDQLVHU 6HQDWRU AodhĂĄn Ă“ RĂ­ordĂĄin said he beOLHYHV WKDW WKHUH DUH EHWWHU ZD\V WR HDVH WKH VKRUWDJH RI KRXVHV LQ the capital. “Every local councillor at the DUHD FRPPLWWHH PHHWLQJ ODVW :HGQHVGD\ ZKR GHDO ZLWK WKH KRXVLQJ SUREOHP HYHU\ GD\ LV RSSRVHG WR WKLV GHYHORSPHQW ´ he said. Âł7KH VROXWLRQ WR WKH KRXVLQJ crisis) is not to build on playLQJ SLWFKHV WKDW ORFDO FKLOGUHQ use or to destroy a local amenity ZKLFK LV ORYHG E\ WKH SHRSOH RI WKH QRUWKVLGH ´

Senator Ó Ríordåin also enFRXUDJHG UHVLGHQWV WR ZULWH WR $Q %RUG 3OHDQiOD RSSRVLQJ WKH GHYHORSPHQW EHIRUH )HEUXDU\ WKH GHDGOLQH IRU VXEPLVVLRQV The proposals are currently EHIRUH $Q %RUG 3OHDQiOD DV DOO developments over 100 units DUH UHIHUUHG VWUDLJKW WR LW XQGHU WKH 3ODQQLQJ DQG 'HYHORSPHQW +RXVLQJ DQG 5HVLGHQWLDO Tenancies Act 2016. $ FRPPXQLW\ JURXS , /RYH 6W Anne’s, has been set up to oppose the development.

The developer could not be FRQWDFWHG IRU FRPPHQW DW WKH WLPH RI SXEOLFDWLRQ The Vincentian Fathers are the WUXVWHHV RI 6W 3DXOÂśV &ROOHJH 5DKHQ\ ZKLFK XVHV WKH ODQG DV SOD\LQJ SLWFKHV DQG WKH\ VROG six hectares (15 acres) at the QRUWK ZHVW HQG RI WKH SDUN IRU a reported â‚Ź17m in November 2015.

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opinion&comment

Swim victims deserve justice

I

t’s never easy to speak out about wrongdoing.

It’s often easier to just walk away and avoid the stress. But if nobody ever spoke out then the perpetrators of wrongdoing with have a free run without ever being stopped in their tracks.

Sport has its share of wrongdoers. Former USA gymnastics sports doctor Larry Nassar is one. Nassar abused many young people in his care and has now been brought to justice.

He will never see the light of day again. Some of his victims were able to read out their Victim Impact Statements while looking him in the eye in the courtroom. A harrowing experience, but one that – along with Nassar’s incarceration – will help bring some sort of closure to those victims.

In England the Barry Bennell abuse story broke a couple of years back. Bennell coached young boys and had associa-

Brian Quigley tions with Stoke City, Manchester City and Crewe Alexandra. He abused hundreds of boys.

Several boys that were once coached by him later committed suicide, Gary Speed included. It can’t be proven that Bennell abused these, but you can draw your own conclusions.

Bennell evaded justice because nobody felt they could speak out.

Until Andy Woodward did. And Steve Walters. And David White. And Paul Walsh. And many more.

Brave men all.

The EZ living Furniture Biggest Sale Ever has been extended, with the fourth Golden Ticket Competition winner being chosen in the Terryland, Galway Store. Noirin Ui Ghoill from Inishmor, Aran Islands was awarded a €2,000 prize as part of the EZ Living Golden Ticket Competition, in conjunction with the last week of their Biggest Sale Ever.

Bray’s Gary O’Toole (inset) should get a medal for bravery.

The former Irish Olympic swimmer helped bring paedo-

phile swimming coach George Gibney to justice in the early 1990’s.

O’Toole was coached by Gib-

ney for many years but was never abused by him.

That didn’t stop Gary going after Gibney because of the

DEXVH WKH FRDFK KDG LQÀLFWHG RQ others in his care.

Sadly, a Supreme Court ruling in 1993 meant that Gibney escaped conviction and was able to relocate to the US. The Gibney story was in the news again last week. Gary O’Toole spoke to Ger Gilroy RQ 2൵ 7KH %DOO $0 DQG ZHQW through the saga again.

How he almost became a victim of Gibney’s as a 10-year-old in Gibney’s care on a swim trip to California, but got himself out of a dangerous situation.

How others in his swim club FRQ¿GHG LQ KLP RI WKH DEXVH WKH\ KDG VX൵HUHG DW WKH KDQGV of Gibney.

How he resolved to expose the coach and bring him to justice, a resolution Gary delivered on.

Abusing a child is one of the worst crimes known to humanity. It’s a betrayal of the trust that has been put in the abuser.

Abusers destroy lives and scar people for life.

Punishment if caught will never restore what has been taken. For someone to escape punishment just isn’t right on any level.

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Dublin hash is world’s sixth most expensive ...

By Charisma Trant DUBLIN is among the most expensive cities in the world to buy cannabis, according to new ÂżJXUHV FRPLQJ LQ DW Âź SHU JUDP The “2018 Cannabis Price Indexâ€? details the cost of marijuana in 120 cities – including locations where it is legal and LOOHJDO DQG GDWD LV DYDLODEOH The study ranked the cities according to the price of cannabis per gram and also estimated the potential tax each city would \LHOG LI WKH GUXJ ZDV OHJDOLVHG While cannabis in this county is illegal for recreational purposes, campaigners have recently become hopeful that this might change after a Government working group was set up to consider proposals for the decriminalisation of all drugs for SHUVRQDO XVH

Use of cannabis for medical purposes requires case-by-case approval by the Minister for +HDOWK Campaigners believe that decriminalisation could help solve Ireland’s drug problems, citing Portugal, which decriminalised possession of drugs in 2001, as evidence of success of the SROLF\ /LVERQ UDQNHG VW RQ WKH study’s list – with cannabis costing a little more than one third RI WKH SULFH LQ 'XEOLQ DW Ÿ D JUDP Tokyo in Japan has the most expensive cannabis, accordLQJ WR WKH UHSRUW DW Ÿ SHU JUDP At the other end of the scale, Quito in Ecuador apparently is the cheapest of the 120 cities in which to purchase marijuana, at Ÿ SHU JUDP 'XEOLQ UDQNHG VL[WK LQ WKH OHDJXH WDEOH

... and â‚Ź8 pint is not far behind THE company which charges â‚Ź8 for a pint at the Oliver St John Gogarty pub in Temple %DU KDV UHFRUGHG SURÂżWV RI â‚Ź5.5m for 2017.

The Martin Keanecontrolled Drayton House Holdings Ltd also operates Blooms Hotel in the Temple Bar area.

1HZ ÂżJXUHV IRU 'UD\WRQ show that the pub and the KRWHO LQFUHDVHG SUH WD[ SURÂżWV 12% to â‚Ź5.5m as revenues rose 7% to â‚Ź16.24m.

Mr Keane pointed out that the pint price is a little bit cheaper during the day and says he spends â‚Ź1m a year on live entertainment.

Meanwhile, a popular student bar has decided to keep its doors closed to punters on Good Friday despite the ban being lifted.

Nubar in DCU which is typically full to the rafters with undergraduates any day of the week has decided to keep the restriction going as D UHZDUG IRU WKHLU VWDŕľľ 7KH law change was announced today as Dail members voted it down as one minister described the ban as “unsuited to modern societyâ€?.

dublininpictures Louise Satell, Maria McCluskey and Paul Lynch in Dunnes Stores in the Square Shopping Centre in Tallaght which sold a â‚Ź100,000 National Lottery scratch card prize. Pic: Mac Innes Photography.

Alannah Beirne at a preview screening of Maze Runner -The Death Cure at Cineworld Imax. Right, Lucy Horgan and Emma Whooley. Pix Brian McEvoy

newsinbrief XposÊ Awards THE INAUGURAL XposÊ %HQH¿W $ZDUGV WRRN SODFH WKLV week at the Mansion House in Dublin, celebrating the best in IDVKLRQ DQG HQWHUWDLQPHQW &DLWO\Q -HQQHU ÀHZ LQ IURP LA to accept the Recognition $ZDUG -HQQHU ZDV UHFHQWO\ D JXHVW RQ WKH /DWH /DWH 6KRZ Further guests included TV presenter Denise Van Outen, %UHVVLH 7KDOLD +H྾HUQDQ DQG 5R] 3XUFHOO Dancing With the Stars contestant Erin McGregor also attended the event with her father Tony McGregor and her GDXJKWHU 7D\ORU

Ryanair debacel During the ongoing talks with unions across Europe, Ryanair has asked pilots in Dublin to avoid talks with their trade XQLRQ DQG MXVW DFFHSW D SD\ ULVH Late last year the airline was forced to accept unions to be DEOH WR DYRLG D &KULVWPDV VWULNH The recognition was a breakthrough but Ryanair is not happy with the negotiations with the union Forsa/ Ialpa and claim that pilots represented by the Irish union are unreasonable WR UHIXVH WKH SD\ ULVH

There are 1,000 vacant homes ... not 30,000!

By Charisma Trant THERE are only 1,000 vacant houses in Dublin and not SUHYLRXVO\ UHSRUWHG E\ WKH &HQWUDO 6WDWLVWLFV 2ŕľśFH 1HZ ÂżJXUHV UHOHDVHG E\ WKH Department of Housing show WKDW WKH QXPEHU LV WLPHV ORZer across the capital’s four local DXWKRULW\ DUHDV Minister for Housing, Eoghan Murphy explains the contrast in numbers by saying that the CSO “ is not necessarily wrong, they KDYH D GLŕľľHUHQW GHÂżQLWLRQ RI YDcant dwelling than the man on the street might haveâ€?

He continued by saying that it was now necessary to “work ZLWK WKH &62 WR DJUHH D GHÂżQLWLRQ RI ÂľYDFDQW GZHOOLQJÂś ´ Overall the CSO has found WKDW WKHUH ZHUH YDFDQW residential properties across the FRXQWU\ ODVW \HDU Local authorities were suspicious of this outcome, and three of the four jurisdictions in Dublin conducted their own research and presented their results to the Department of +RXVLQJ HDUOLHU WKLV \HDU

In DĂşn Laoghaire-Rathdown WKH &62 LGHQWLÂżHG YDFDQW GZHOOLQJV LQ The local authority used Geodirectory data provided by $Q 3RVW DQG HVWDEOLVKHG YDFDQW SURSHUWLHV )ROORZLQJ D GHVN WRS H[HUFLVH VRPH properties were eliminated as business or retail premises, or new-builds under construction, OHDYLQJ SRVVLEOH XQLWV In the South Dublin County Council area the CSO said it had LGHQWLÂżHG YDFDQW KRPHV The local authority targeted one area, Dublin 24, and using *HRGLUHFWRU\ GDWD IRXQG YDFDQW SURSHUWLHV 7KH &62 IRXQG YDFDQW GZHOOLQJV LQ )LQJDO 7KH FRXQFLO DJDLQ using Geodirectory data, identiÂżHG YDFDQW SURSHUWLHV $ GHVN WRS VWXG\ WR LGHQWLÂżHG SRWHQWLDOO\ YDFDQW GZHOOLQJV These three local authorities found an average actual vacanF\ UDWH DERXW RI WKDW LQGLFDWHG E\ WKH &62 ,I DSSOLHG WR WKH RŕľśFHÂśV ÂżJXUH IRU DOO RI 'XEOLQ the true number vacant dwellings in the capital is between DQG

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dublininpictures

The Water Scarcity team from Belvedere College who competed in the League Leinster Finals in DCU Sufryaan Moussa, Oisin Corrigan, Conor Moreau (mascot), Adam Zheng and Cristian Mocanu.

Catriona O’Connor at the launch of Maria Greenan ‘s album The Alchemist at Lillies Bordello. Pic: Pic Brian McEvoy

The Infinity Bytes team from St Mary’s Secondary School, Glasnevin who competed in the the Lego Education Innovation Studio (LEIS), Dublin City University, Sophie O’Brien, Jade Hunter, Eve McGrath Tully, Zoe Salvador, Megan Roche and Phoebe San Diego

Louise Mooney and Brigid Laverty at the launch of Maria Greenan ‘s album The Alchemist at Lillies Bordello. Pic: Brian McEvoy

Sinead Moloney and Aoife Hayton, and right, Lena Morkuniene at the showcase at Opium in Wexford Street. Pic Brian McEvoy

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Snow patrol

dublinvoice.ie February 1-14,2018

topten EVENT of the week

FILM of the week

IRISH BOULDERING CHAMPIONSHIP Gravity Climbing Centre,Unit 6a Inchicore, Dublin, February 3- 4, 9am- 5pm, €25/ 20

EARLY MAN Out now

The Irish Bouldering Championship provides an International Federation of Sports Climbing format and style bouldering competition for Irish climbers. The event is one of two national championships run by Mountaineering Ireland. The Irish Lead Climbing Championship Snow Bunting at Howth Harbour (Photo Justin Ivory) Like a weather forecast stuck on repeat in Groundhog Day, snow has been reported daily since November in Howth, Co. Dublin. Has the seaside town fallen under some magical spell and become a never-ending frozen wonderland like Narnia?

Unfortunately not, and it isn’t snowing flakes but Buntings!

Say what? Buntings? Yep, Snow Buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis) to be precise. A threesome of these delightfully charming, but uncommon, winter visitors appear to have setup shop in the seaside town for the winter. This Chaffinch sized gem is an annual but uncommon passage and winter visitor from the Arctic Circle (Greenland, Iceland and Scandinavia) to our shores.

Occurring from September to April, they are mainly found at coastal locations but also sometimes in the mountains, with 2 being spotted on Lugnaquilla Mountain in Co. Wicklow just after Christmas a prime example.

They feed in tight groups on short grassy patches, stubble or shingly beaches, constantly moving with the birds at the back periodically doing short fluttering leap-frog flights to overtake those at the front issuing their jingly call as they do so. When larger flocks fly up they really do resemble a flurry of snowflakes as they descend to the ground flashing white in their wings, tails and underparts.

While we only ever get small numbers of these beauties in Ireland in winter, the UK can have numbers from ten to fifteen thousand and a small population breeds on the more inaccessible mountain tops of Scotland.

So before the everlasting winter spell is broken, clamber through the wardrobe and get yourself to the enchanted land of Howth to see these gorgeous birds which can be found loitering on the ends of the East and West piers.

Snow Bunting at Howth Harbour (Photo Justin Ivory)

takes place over two days, youth climbers on the Saturday and senior climbers on the Sunday.

The competition follows the IFSC style. Come along and see some top climbers in action.

WORKSHOP of the week

Early Man is the new prehistoric comedy adventure from fourtime Academy Award -winning director Nick Park and Aardman, the creators of Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep.

The film will take audiences on an extraordinary journey into an exciting new world unleashing an unforgettable tribe of unique and funny new characters voiced by an all-star British cast.

ANDY ZALTZMAN The Sugar Club, 8 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin, February 11, 8.30pm

This intensive day long stage combat masterclass will guide you through the challenging craft of stage combat, covering important safety skills for use in stage and screen. This is a practical combat course, with students first observing and then participating in the techniques

Andy Zaltzman is a standup comedian, broadcaster and author, who has firmly established himself in the vanguard of British comedy with his unique brand of political satire. He is the writer and presenter of the satirical podcast The Bugle, one of i-tunes’s

BOOK of the week

PLAY of the week

THE LITTLE BOOK OF SOUND

by Niall ‘’Bressie’’ Breslin, Dr. Malie Coyne & Susan Quirke

CLASS Abbey Theatre, 26/27 Abbey Street Lower, North City, Dublin, January 24- February 3,€25/ 20

A pocket guide designed to share ideas on how to use being sound to help our minds and our society and a little on the science that supports why it’s so important!

The origins of The Little Book of Sound come from August 2017’s phenomenally successful #SoundEffect campaign run by A Lust for Life and Pieta House, which simply asked the nation

Brian and Donna’s son is nine years old, and he’s struggling.

That’s what his teacher says. Says he should see a psychologist.

But Brian and Donna – recently separated – never liked school, never liked teachers. So are they going to trust this one? And should they? A parent-teacher meeting goes very, very wrong in

to share acts of soundness. The Little Book of Sound takes it one step further, encouraging people to be sound to themselves and others. Available off- and online.

biggest ever comedy podcasts.

It has gained a worldwide fanbase, including a prominent US audience. A night of laughter for all guaranteed!!!

DERRY GIRLS Channel 4, Thursdays 10pm

THE SCRIPT 3Arena, February 8- 10, 6.30pm, €42.55

Don’t miss the next episode of the popular TV show Derry Girls.

The sitcom created and written

by Lisa McGee. Produced by British production company Hat Trick Productions and starring a predominantly Irish cast, the show is set in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1994. The show follows the lives of Erin (SaoirseMonica Jackson), her cousin Orla (Louisa Harland) and their friends Clare (Nicola Coughlan),

If you haven’t gotten your ticket yet, go and get one quickly before they are all sold out.

The Script is returning home to Dublin for three gigs this February. The band consists of lead vocalist and keyboardist Danny O’Donoghue, lead guitarist Mark Sheehan, and drummer Glen Power. The band moved to London after signing to Sony Label Group imprint

Class– a new play about learning difficulties: in school, in life. Class was first produced in association with the Civic Theatre and the Dublin Theatre Festival.

TAURUS- This week is a 9 Review the budget to grow SUR¿WV 0DNH SODQV IRU the future over the next six weeks, with Mars in Sagittarius.

GEMINI- This week is an 8 Get moving on a FROODERUDWLYH H൵RUW RYHU six weeks, with Mars in Sagittarius. Support your partner to advance.

CANCER- This week is an 8 Mars enters Sagittarius for six weeks, empowering physical labor, exercise and ¿WQHVV %DODQFH LQFUHDVHG performance with rest and good food.

VIRGO- This week is an 8 Career opportunities arise today and tomorrow. Home renovations show satisfying results, with Mars in Sagittarius for six weeks.

LIBRA- This week is a 7 Think, and make future plans for a few days.

Your words go further.

Communication channels ÀRZ ZLWK YHORFLW\ SCORPIO- This week is an 8 7KHUH¶V D ¿QH OLQH EHWZHHQ Miracles and breakthroughs arise in conversation. Adapt communications to a new story.

SAGITTARIUS- This week is a 9

Phonogenic and released its début album, The Script, in August 2008. Now they are back with their brand new album Freedom Child. Fans can expect brilliantly honest mix of songs.

COURSE of the week

HEALTH TIP of the week

ETCHING COURSE Graphic Studio Dublin, Distillery Court, 537 North Circular Road, Dublin, February 3- 24, €210

HIP OPENING & BACKBEND VINYASA WORKSHOP Dublin Holistic Centre,28 South William Street, Dublin, February 4, 11am- 1.30pm , €25/30

The four week etching course with Clare Henderson and Niamh Flanagan runs over 4 weeks and is suitable for beginners.

Students will be introduced to basic printmaking practice and will develop these skills over the duration of the course. The course is aimed at those who are new to

Suitable for all levels from beginners to more advanced yoga students.This workshop is also ideal for runners, cyclists and football players.During this workshop you will explore into hip opening poses and back bends as they go side to side in

printmaking and art. The course will introduce students basic printmaking methods, including creating a line on a copper plate (hard ground and soft ground).

ARIES- This week is a 9 You have itchy feet for about six weeks, with Mars in Sagittarius. Travel is likely. Study your options, and go. Journal your observations.

LEO- This week is a 7 Romance requires making your move. Pursue passion over six weeks, with Mars in Sagittarius. Get social for a few days.

GIG of the week

TV SHOW of the week

Michelle (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell) and Michelle’s English cousin, James (Dylan Llewellyn), as they navigate their teens in Derry during The Troubles.

Set at the dawn of time, when prehistoric creatures roamed the earth. the movie tells the story of courageous caveman Dug and his best friend Hognob as they unite his tribe against a mighty enemy Lord Nooth to save their home.

COMEDY of the week

STAGE COMBAT MASTERCLASS The Gaiety School of Acting, Temple Bar, Dublin, February 4, 10am- 5pm, €100

and exercises guided by their instructor. Participants of the Stage Combat workshop can expect to learn the basic skills of unarmed and dagger combat.

HOROSCOPES

For about six weeks, with Mars in your sign, Push past old barriers and limitations.

Act with power and decisiveness to advance a personal dream.

CAPRICORN- This week is a 7 The action is behind the scenes over the next six weeks, with Mars and Sagittarius.

AQUARIUS-This week is a 9 Friends come through for you. Teamwork is the name of the game for six weeks.Anything’s possible together.

most of the poses, learn what the benefits of doing them are, and how to perform them safely.

The Hip Opener workshop will include many different practi.ces.

PISCES- This week is an 8 %DODQFH GRPHVWLF DQG FDUHHU priorities. Step into new professional leadership and authority, with Mars in Sagittarius.

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dublinvoice.ie February 1-14,2018

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My knees have run out of road finally

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NOTICE THIS? BUYING? SELLING? CONTACT US TODAY e: info@dublinvoice.ie t: 01 901 5565

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dublinvoice.ie February 1-14,2018