Northside News 02-09-2020 by Voice Media

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Minister for Climate Action, Communication Networks and Transport Eamon Ryan at the launch of the first phase of public consultation for DART+ West, the project which will treble capacity of the rail system from Maynooth/M3 Parkway to Dublin city centre. Pic: Jason Clarke

02.09.20

Bringing drama into great outdoors

DART extension to make ‘hugely positive’ impact

With the onset of autumn, one innovative theatre company is already looking ahead to brighter times, with a production set to warm the cockles of residents of North Dublin next spring. The Millbank Theatre has teamed up with playwright and director Declan Gorman to create The Green Belt, a new piece of outdoor drama, which looks at the changes in life and lifestyles in the area of Rush and Lusk over the past 50 years. To that end they are calling on locals to take part in what is sure to be a very colourful and exciting production. The project is voluntary and is open to any person who lives (or has previously lived) in the Rush and Lusk region. No previous experience of drama or the arts is needed and all are welcome - including seasoned drama lovers. The activities involved in the project include interviewing, story gathering, creative writing, performing and production and participants can choose which of these activities they would like to pursue.

The dream of a “full metropolitan area DART network for Dublin”, which was first announced 15 years ago by the National Transport Authority (NTA), was brought a little closer this week as Transport Minister Eamon Ryan unveiled full details. The “crucial” €2.6bn DART+ plan, will see rail services extend to Drogheda, Celbridge and Maynooth. Once complete, it will double peak-hour capacity from 26,000 passengers an hour in each direction and see an increase in train services from seven to 15 per hour. The Maynooth DART+ West line will be the first to get under way. Mr Ryan hailed the project as a victory for both commuters and sustainability, saying: “The first phase, DART+ West, will have a hugely positive impact, not just at its terminal points in Maynooth and Dunboyne, but in areas like Glasnevin, Broombridge, Pelletstown, Ashtown, Castleknock, Coolmine, Clonsilla, and Leixlip, all of which will now be on an integrated, electrified, fast

Sile Seoige at the launch of the Boots Ireland Night Walk in aid of the Irish Cancer Society Night Nurses and takes place on September 7. This year, due to Covid-19 social distancing guidelines, the 5km walk will take place at a location of your choice.

and reliable, rail network.” He believes this will give people an efficient, more sustainable way of commuting. “We know that when people are offered a sustainable alternative to commuting by car, people respond positively. We know that when there is a public transport option that is frequent and reliable and that

brings them where they want to go, they will grasp it with both hands.” However, phase one of the project, which will mean the closure of six level crossings, has already raised concerns among residents. Locals in Coolmine feel they will be cut off from schools, churches and shops, while there are also

Revamp for Moore Street ‘quarter’ A NEW look for Dublin’s Moore Street and Upper O’Connell Street may finally be a reality with the appointment of architects to design a new ‘city quarter’ for the old Carlton cinema site. UK property group Hammerson has appointed three Irish companies to join London-based Acme Architects to prepare the planning application for the

six-acre site, parts of which have been vacant and derelict for more than 40 years. Hammerson last year decided to scrap the existing 2010 planning permission for a €1.25bn enclosed shopping complex on the ‘Dublin Central’ site, which stretches from O’Connell Street and Moore Street, to Henry Street and Parnell Street. Instead, it plans to

seek permission for the development of a new eastwest pedestrian street between O’Connell Street and Moore Street, two new civic squares, shops, offices, apartments, a hotel and an underground metro station. State-owned buildings at 14-17 Moore Street are due to be developed separately as a 1916 Rising Commemorative Centre.

Speculation has recently mounted that Hammerson was preparing to offload the project, following reports it was to sell a number of its UK shopping centres to raise cash to ride out the coronavirus pandemic. However, a spokesperson said it was focusing on developing its ‘city quarter’, of which the ‘Dublin Central’ project was a flagship example.

issues around access for the disabled and elderly if they have to use pedestrian bridges. The Deputy Chief Executive of the NTA, Hugh Creegan, said it was not possible to extend the DART to Maynooth without changing the road networks and existing level crossings. Mr Creegan said “good proposals” have been put

forward to replace the six level crossings with three road bridges and three pedestrian bridges. “Obviously, when you’re building a big scheme like this, there are changes that need to be put in place to facilitate the project,” he said. He added that currently the level crossings close very frequently in peak times — sometimes for 40 out of 60 minutes — which is unsustainable. He said the new roads and bridges will not hinder access to anyone’s home. The NTA hopes to begin work on the Maynooth line in early 2022, with completion earmarked for late 2024. This will be followed by plans for a DART+ South West, to electrify the Kildare line as far as Hazelhatch/Celbridge, adding three new stations at Cabra, Heuston west and Kylemore, south of Ballyfermot. DART + Coastal North will see the electrification of the service to Drogheda. The final phase, DART+ Coastal South, will be the upgrade of the line from Connolly to Greystones.

02.09.20

New Aldi stores for Sutton and Blanch

Texaco to showcase nine Fingal artists

Alex Jones - Rush

NINE young talented Fingal artists, winners in the annual Texaco Children’s Art Competition, are to have their artworks on display at an exhibition of 30 winning paintings from the past 15 years of the competition in Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda. They are Eve Aherne, a sixyear-old pupil at St Marnock’s National School, Portmarnock, winner in 2017; Ryan Bouakkaz (8) from St Cronan’s Junior National School, Swords (2016); Wiktoria Anna Witkowska (16), from Loreto Secondary School (2016); Malahide Community School pupils Nicole Halpin

Bailey Jones - Rush

Cliona Fitzpatrick - Malahide

Eve Aherne - Portmarnock

Julianne Coleman - Malahide

Maia McCann - Rush

Nicole Halpin - Malahide

Ryan Bouakkaz - Swords

Wiktoria Anna Witkowska - Balbriggan

(13) winner in 2016 and Cliona Fitzpatrick (14) winner in 2015; Julianne Coleman (6), also from Malahide (2014) and three students from Rush Art Academy – Alex Jones (11)

winner in 2012, Maia McCann (10) winner in 2014 and Bailey Jones (7) winner in 2014. The official opening, to which the winning artists have been invited,will take place at 11am

on Saturday, September 5th. The exhibition will remain open to the public each day from Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 4pm (closed 1pm-1.30pm) until Saturday,

October 31. Admission is free. Recognised as one of the leading galleries of its kind, information about Highlanes Gallery is available atwww. highlanes.ie or 041-9803311.

Aldi has announced plans to create more jobs in Dublin over the next six months, with the opening of two new stores — one in Blanchardstown and the other in Sutton. Aldi is particularly focused on growing its number of stores in Dublin and the addition of the two new stores will bring its total to 24. In more good news for customers and jobseekers, Aldi has also confirmed it will be resuming its €60m Project Fresh store refurbishment programme from September, revamping nine Aldi stores nationwide before the end of February next year. Four Aldi stores received Project Fresh upgrades in early 2020, before the programme was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Recruitment is now under way for the new stores, with Aldi offering a rate of €12.30 as its minimum level of pay. Two further stores will open in Rathnew, Co Wicklow, and Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, creating a total of 80 jobs in the coming months. To find out more, visit: www.aldi.ie

02.09.20

Go-ahead for controversial Raheny homes PLANNERS have given the go-ahead to a controversial property development on St Paul’s playing fields in Dublin’s St Anne’s Park. A total of 657 apartments, a creche and associated works, has been agreed by An Bord Pleanala, despite a on-going campaign against the proposal. Last month developer Crekav won a high court challenge regarding An Bord Pleanala’s no to 536 housing units on the land in Raheny, north Dublin. The ‘I Love St Anne’s’ campaign group said it was disappointed at the decision from An Bord Pleanála. “This is the third attempt to gain planning on the St. Paul’s pitches, the first application was withdrawn and the second refused,” a spokesperson said. “We had successfully challenged this current application in the High Court. An Bord Pleanála acknowledged that yet again, there was an error in their decision and it was remitted

back to them, at their request, before arguments were heard. “It would appear that An Bord Pleanála have now re-issued their decision, with minor changes. “We will review this decision with our legal team to establish if the issues raised at judicial review have been satisfactorily dealt with,” the spokesperson said. The St Paul’s playing fields comprise C15 acres of privately owned landed inside St Anne’s Park. The park was recently named as one of the world’s Top 5 parks in the Green Flag People’s Choice awards. The long-running campaign has collected more than 10,000 signatures from Dublin and around the world, opposing the development. The spokesperson said: “It is obvious, even from a cursory visit to the proposed site, that building here would have long term, irreversible and potentially catastrophic impacts on St Anne’s park and the

adjacent UNESCO biosphere for which the park is a buffer zone. “Parents should also be aware that the five-year building licence will have unforeseen implications for St Paul’s boys secondary school which sits at the centre of the St. Paul’s lands.” The lanning permission comes with conditions, one being that the site’s location is “on lands with a zoning objective which includes residential development being ‘open for consideration.” Another recommendation was given due to the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness and to the National Planning Framework “which identifies the importance of compact growth.” Labour TD Aodhan O’Riordán said it was likely that locals opposing the development would seek a judicial review into An Bórd Pleanala’s decision.

02.09.20

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02.09.20

Gardaí raid Ashton dog pound THE city council is to investigate the running of a Dublin dog pound following concerns over animal welfare at the facility. Gardaí are investigating allegations in relation to the improper use of veterinary drugs, used to euthanise animals, at Ashton Dog Pound in Ashtown, west Dublin. The pound operates dog warden services under contract for the city council, as well as for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and Fingal county councils. Green Party councillors recently wrote to city council chief executive Owen Keegan, asking that the council “be prepared to review their contract with this provider and seek alternative services”. The letter noted that “An Garda Síochána are currently investigating the use of a drug by unqualified staff that should

only be administered by a veterinarian”. Green Party Cllr Donna Cooney said any service provider contracted by the council should have “dogs’ welfare as central and should be seeking first to reunite lost dogs with their owners, or rehabilitating and seeking to rehome dogs and that dogs should not be routinely killed”. Fianna Fáil Dún LaoghaireRathdown Cllr Shay Brennan said he was also “very concerned” about the alleged treatment of animals in the pound in light of the Garda investigation. He has submitted a motion to the next council meeting instructing the chief executive to “fully review the contract between Dún LaoghaireRathdown County Council and the Ashton pound, and to terminate this contract if the

dogs are found to be receiving anything short of the most compassionate of care.” A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said it was “carrying out a review of the operations of the Ashton pound and will not be commenting further at this time”. The Ashton Dog Pound said it could not comment on an ongoing Garda investigation. Gardaí recently transferred 32 dogs to the pound, after they had been seized from a property in north Co Dublin. The dogs, who were believed to have been stolen and have been valued at more than €120,000, were seized in searches at Stockhole, Cloghran, in Swords. The pound said it was in the process of scanning the dogs for microchip information, before making attempts to reunite the dogs with their owners.

Lassie come home: 32 stolen pets recovered

A TOTAL of 32 dogs in north Dublin that are are believed to have been stolen have been rescued by Gardai, and have been valued at more than €120,000. The dogs were seized after searches at Stockhole, Cloghran in Swords. Gardaí said received a call in relation to unusual activity in the area and, as a result of further enquiries, they sought

a search warrant which was executed by a number of gardaí attached to Swords and Malahide Garda stations. Two dog wardens assisted Gardaí in the search. A total of 32 dogs were seized from the property consisting of three Chihuahuas, four Pugs,

one Jack Russell and 24 Dachshunds. The dog wardens estimated the monetary value of all the dogs would be in excess of €120,000, Gardaí said. All the dogs were removed to Ashtown Pound where they were being cared for and the owners of the dogs were being contacted.

Tesco’s €2.7m new look in the bag at Airside

It takes 15 years to save for a deposit

A €2.7m expansion of Tesco’s Swords Airside has been completed, adding new services for customers in the North Dublin area. The modernised store now boasts the F&F clothing range and a dedicated Tesco Mobile phone shop. The expansion brings the Airside Retail Park store’s total footprint to more than 28,000 square feet, with 229 free car parking spaces, a dedicated electric car charging point, and a click & collect service. Geoff Byrne (pictured), chief operating officer at Tesco Ireland, said: “We are delighted to have completed the expansion works on our Swords Airside store. Our customers in Swords and the surrounding North Dublin area have welcomed these new services and the store into its community, which opened just three years ago. “We’re very thankful to our colleagues and customers for their patience and support as we all worked to respond to Covid-19, all the time reviewing operations to

SAVING for a deposit on a mortgage in Dublin and other urban areas around Ireland could take up to 15 years, according to a report by the Irish Home Builders Association (IHBA), which also sets out recommendations for the Government to assist in the building of homes. Using data in relation to average earnings and the cost of housing, the IHBA found that it can take up to 15 years to save for a deposit in Dublin and other urban areas. This compared with a low of 1.7 years in Kilkenny, while a period of six years was common in counties such as Clare, Kildare and Louth. Under Central Bank rules, the majority of first-time buyers must raise a deposit of 10% of the value of the property. The average deposit required was typically around €30,000, although this varied by area. The report estimated how long it would take a ‘typical’ couple to save in each of these counties using average annual earnings.

introduce measures to protect health and safety in line with public health advice.” Meanwhile, as part of Tesco’s food surplus distribution programme, in partnership with FoodCloud, the Airside store has donated more than 6,500 meals to local causes, such as Addiction Recovery Ireland, Aoibhneas Women and Children’s Refuge and Dublin Simon Community. Swords Airside has donated more than €20,000 through the Tesco Community Fund, most recently supporting causes to help highly vulnerable communities during Covid-19. Causes include Swords Meals on Wheels, Arc Cancer Support, Diabetes Ireland and Women’s Aid.

02.09.20

10 Opinion

02.09.20

The Selfish gene in the time of coronavirus By Paul Hopkins More than 70% of people in Ireland think that those who test positive for the coronavirus have been “reckless or careless”, according to a survey just published by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The survey also found that more than 65% of people believe that those that test positive for the coronavirus are at least partly to blame

themselves. The coming of Covid-19 has also seen the arrival of those people who, despite all the medical and scientific evidence, blatantly refute social distancing or, worse still, refuse to wear a mask in confined spaces, or go off on a foreign holiday. We all know them, see them every day — in the supermarket, on public transport, out jogging. They are in the minority, of course, but they and, say, ‘Neighbours from Hell’ share one trait — they are simply selfish. That is, they lack consideration for other people and are concerned chiefly with their own personal pleasure or profit. Among the many tomes I tried to get through during lockdown was Dostoyevsky’s

The Brothers Karamazov, the murder mystery tale and exploration of erotic rivalry in a series of triangular love affairs involving, to quote the author, the “wicked and sentimental”. The Russian writes: “The world says: ‘You have needs — satisfy them. You have as much right as the rich and the mighty. Don’t hesitate to satisfy your needs; indeed, expand your needs and demand more.’ This is the worldly doctrine of today. And they believe that this is freedom...”

All of which begs the question: Why do so many people seem so selfish these days, putting their own needs first? The coronavirus has not only attacked communities and placed lives on anxious hold, it has also been a test of character. A test some would appear to be failing. People are at each other’s throats over wearing masks, flying in the face of sound science about the true facts of the pandemic, being conspiracy theorists, or simply telling Americans to stay away from us. And then there was that golfing

shindig over in Galway and all its repercussions not least the extraordinary arrogance (and lack of empathy) of EU Commissioner Phil Hogan. To some extent, it is natural to be somewhat selfish, self-orientated. After all, we are at the centre of our own worlds. Self-interest is the most fundamental human motivation, argued the philosopher Thomas Hobbs way back in the 1600s. But acting out of self-interest is not necessarily the only thing on our minds. Human behaviour can be motivated as much by altruism, disinterest in the well-being of others, as by any moral considerations. So at what point does healthy and justifiable selfcare become selfishness? Psychologists define selfishness as being “concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself” and/ or “having no regard for the needs or feelings of others”. Most of us, I would suggest, probably fall somewhere on a sliding scale of selfless to selfish moments, depending on what time of day it is. At the end of that day, altruistic behaviour may be the ‘default option’ in our brains, suggests research by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). They found an area of the brain, the prefrontal cortex, that can be specifically affected to make people less giving.

It may also be down to emotional intelligence, says my psychologist friend from Magherafelt. “Emotional intelligence exists on a spectrum, and some individuals are higher in emotional intelligence than others,” he says. “One symptom of low emotional intelligence is the tendency to be self-absorbed, or exclusively concerned about what you’re thinking, feeling, needing and wanting, instead of the thoughts, feelings, needs and desires of others.” We all know someone like that, right? Not least Phil Hogan and that golfing lot in Galway. However, greater minds have argued that such selfish traits are not necessarily a bad thing. “To be happy,” argued Albert Camus, “we must not be too concerned with others”, while Nietzsche contended that “most people are far too occupied with themselves to be malicious”. I wonder, though, where does one ‘right’ end, say, the right not to wear masks, and the right of everyone else to good health begin? At what point does my right not to get infected outweigh the right of another to pursue economic prosperity? How much does my right to survive depend on goodwill and co-operation from others? I ask only because it may be you I’m depending on ...

Water stations tap into out of touch thinking

As if the battle to tackle singleuse plastics wasn’t enough, along came the Coronavirus to make access to drinking water even more troublesome. Now, thanks to local Fingal company, Ecofil, Europe’s first contactless bottle filling stations are being rolled out, providing drinking water in a safe, clean manner while dispensing with the need for multiple bottle use. Peter Wynne, Managing Director of Ecofil, highlighted the growing need for the new water fountains: “During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, we temporarily decommissioned our units and worked on diversifying our product range to ensure we could continue to provide access to water in a safe way. At Ecofil, we believe that access to clean water in public areas is instrumental in the fight against single-use plastics.” The first of 10 Ecofil units has been installed in Howth village

Mayor of Fingal Cllr David Healy pictured in Howth at the launch

and the contactless installation is now in operation at the junction of Harbour Road and Abbey Road. The new bottle filling stations provide contactless water without the risk of touching high-use buttons that could increase the spread of infection. Users can simply place a water bottle into the holder and the sensors will pick up on

movement and activate the machine. To further reduce the potential spread of pathogens, the ‘no touch’ design prevents the bottle rim from coming into contact with the nozzle. Over the coming weeks, additional units will be installed across the Fingal area in Newbridge Demesne, Malahide Demesne, Ardgillan Demesne, St Catherine’s Park, Swords Castle, Millennium Park, Santry Park and Hartstown Park. Director of Operations at Fingal County Council David Storey said: “The contactless bottle refilling machines will be easy to access and use and are an environmentally friendly health and well-being initiative. As well as preventing plastic pollution and protecting the environment, there is an important element in terms of public health during the Covid-19 period as it eliminates machine contact.”

Education2020

02.09.20

Eight-page special • Page 2 69% worried about going back to college • Page 3 When to send them into school • Page 4-5 Advice for parents • Page 6 Leave the Leaving Cert Alone • Page 8 Do your homework

Back-to-school beauts: White shortsleeve shirt (also available in blue) twopack from €3.75, girls pleated pinafore (in grey or navy) two-pack from € 12.50, girls white polo shirt two-pack from €3 and girls jersey pinafore in grey two-pack from €12.50, which are all available from Tesco

Don’t miss part two of our SupPlement next week

02 Education

02.09.20

69% of students ‘We still have so much to offer in adult education’ worried about going back to college campus Advertorial

There’s no doubt that this year has been a challenging and uncertain time for all, especially for students. With schools and colleges closed for over five months, it’s only natural that the new academic year will be a daunting one. Exit Entry, the Irish mobile app which connects students with courses and employers, conducted a survey among third-level students in the run up the new college term. The research revealed that 69% of respondents are nervous about starting or returning to their studies. When queried on their main worries, 61% were worried about Covid-19, 20% were worried about their accommodation needs, while 20% were worried about paying their college fees. The research also found that

a substantial 77% of thirdlevel students continue to worry about money during the college year while 45% of students noted that finding accommodation and paying rent is the main stress for them. Seventy-six percent think that their college experience will be affected long-term by Covid-19 and the new restrictions while 83% are unsure if they will engage in usual student activities such as clubs, societies and sports. In a positive finding, the survey highlighted that 81% of respondents do talk about their future aspirations with friends and 83% would use an app like Exit Entry to help determine their strengths in relation to choosing their career. When asked about jobs of family members that they aspire towards, students noted

doctors, nurses, veterinarians, teachers, Gardaí and solicitors to namecheck a few. Dream jobs wanted by students included astronauts, architects, paleontologists, professional sports stars, zookeepers, singers and fashion designers. Exit Entry is an Irish mobile app designed to help students discover their next opportunity and with 52% of third level students surveyed still unsure what they want to do when they leave college, an app like this is more useful than ever. The app, which was created to help students connect with courses and employers, was launched in late 2019, with over 20,000 students having availed of the service to date. Students can download the Exit Entry App now on the App Store or the Google Play Store.

Normally I would start by outlining how many courses we are offering for Autumn. This time I have to write about classes that are not being offered and those classes that we are offering will be delivered in different ways. Some of our most popular courses such as Art, Pottery, Furniture Restoration, Jewellery Making and Bread Making are not available for this Autumn Term. Some courses available such as Yoga and Pilates are only available remotely. Other courses such as Irish Conversation and Italian will be available in a blended format - a small number of students in the classroom while others will watch via webcam. Finally, some classes are available in school only such as Guitar and Digital Photography. In our Autumn brochure there is detailed information on how these different methods of course delivery will be achieved. However, if you have attended a Zoom meeting in the last while you basically

Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Scoil Fiachra National School, Montrose Park, Beaumont, where he was given a tour of the school before its reopening

have all the information you need. The office we will also be able to give guidance and help if you need it at any stage. Some other changes to highlight from our Covid-19 guidelines include: • Classes are 90 minutes (except Digital Photography) • No teas/coffees will be available in the school • There are staggered starting and finishing times

• Nearly all classes are for eight weeks Finally, since we are not offering Art this term and we have to say goodbye to our long standing tutor Herbert Alexander. Herbert has helped so many students over the last 20 years to produce some beautiful work. Robbie Harrold Director of Adult Education at Malahide Community School

Education

02.09.20

When to send kids to school and when to keep them home Parents have been warned not to send their children to school if they have a temperature of 38C or more. But if kids have only nasal symptoms like a sneeze or a runny nose, it should be “usually okay” to send them to class. As schools reopen and the winter season of Covid-19 lies ahead, the government has confirmed the measures for parents on when they can or can’t send their children to school or childcare amid the pandemic. Parents are told to keep children at home if they have a temperature, or if they have any other common symptoms of coronavirus such as a new cough, loss or changed sense of taste or smell, or shortness of breath. Kids should be kept at home if they have been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 or been living with someone who’s not well and could have coronavirus. If they are affected by any of the above, parents must isolate their child phone their GP. They’re told the child should only leave home if you have a

test or to see your GP. The latest advice states: “Most of the time, you do not need to phone your GP if a runny nose or sneezing are your child’s only symptoms. Talk to your pharmacist instead.” Do not send your child to school or childcare if any of the following is true. Your child has: • a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more • any other common symptoms of coronavirus such as a new cough, loss or changed sense oftaste or smell, or shortness of breath been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus been living with someone who is unwell and may have coronavirus.

Trombonist Charlie Casey Carney (15) from St Patrick’s Cathedral School at the 2020 Top Security Frank Maher Classical Music Awards launch for secondary schools which has a €5,000 prize for the winner. Frankmaherclassicalmusicawards.com. Pic: Peter Houlihan

What to do: Isolate your child. This means keeping them at home and completely avoiding contact with other people, as much as possible. Your child should only leave your home to have a test or to see your GP.

Phone your GP. They will advise you if your child needs a coronavirus test. Everyone that your child lives with should also restrict their movements, at least until your child gets a diagnosis from their GP or a coronavirus test result. This means not going to school, childcare or work. Treat your child at home for their symptoms. When to send kids to school: • only have nasal symptoms, such as a runny nose or a sneeze • do not have a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more (as long as their temperature • has not been lowered by taking any form of paracetamol or ibuprofen) • do not have a cough • have not been in contact with anyone who has coronavirus • do not live with anyone who is unwell and may have coronavirus • have been told by a GP that their illness is caused by something else, that is not coronavirus. Your GP will tell you when they can return to school or

04 Education

02.09.20

Education 05

06 Education

Predicted grades fail the test By MICHAEL WOLSEY Final year exam results were greeted with dismay and anger in the North, and across Britain, because the marks predicted by teachers for some students had been downgraded. They had been adjusted in line with computer algorithms which took account of how schools performed in previous years and also favoured girls over boys, because girls usually do better in exams. So if the predicted grades raised the level of a school, or

its boys, it was assumed that, at best, the teachers had been too optimistic and, at worst, blatantly biased in favour of their own students. The algorithms were designed to counter such bias. So Young Master Einstein, attending Roughboys Comprehensive, was knocked back in favour of Little Miss Average, a student at Poshgirls Academy. Across the country, this system averaged-out quite fairly. But parents do not think in terms of national averages; they worry only about their own little geniuses. When the implications of the system dawned on the public there was an outcry which forced governments in Belfast, Edinburgh and London to scrap the weighted grading and go with the teachers’ predictions.

02.09.20

Special Education Minister Josepha Madigan reviews success of Summer Provision programme at Gaelscoil na Fuinseoige with Oisín Ó Nualláin (5). Pic: Maxwells

Our own Government says nothing of the sort can happen here because the method for marking the Leaving Certificate has been more carefully nuanced. Really? Our system of Calculated Grades also relies on a combination of teacher predictions and past results. In the words of the Government’s own Citizens Information website: “The Department

of Education and Skills has stated that calculated grades will be generated using a systematic statistical model. This model will use estimates of a student’s expected performance combined with the school’s statistical profiles of achievement in a subject, in line with national performance standards over time.” I cannot see how that differs greatly from the British

system. Even if it is more nuanced, I will be amazed if there is not a storm of protest and threats of legal action when the Leaving Cert results come out. And I have no doubt that among those shouting loudest will be people who regularly tell us how outdated the Leaving Cert is and call for it to be scrapped. They should be careful what they wish for.

State exams are a blunt instrument for determining a young person’s future but the current kerfuffle has shown that the alternatives can be worse. Teacher predictions do open the possibility of bias, particularly in a small country like ours. How could it be otherwise when a teacher is grading the son of a neighbour or the daughter of a good friend? Project work is less open to bias and should, perhaps, weigh more heavily in our exam calculations. But projects have their own unfairness, since they favour children whose parents are willing and able to help and schools with better facilities. The Leaving Cert undoubtedly suits some kids more than others. It can favour one-off excellence over consistency and sometimes allows flair to trump hard work. It’s not a perfect system but it has served the country well enough. It is fair and its rules are clear. It is not broken and we should follow the advice of the old cliché, and be in no rush to fix it. Teacher predictions, with or without adjustments, are the best system available under Covid restrictions but I will be happy to see a return of the Leaving Cert, the exam that has passed the test of time.

02.09.20

Education 07

08 Education

02.09.20

Do your homework on accommodation As the new college year approaches, the search begins for countless students to find accommodation for the coming year - while at all times taking Covid-19 into account. While students put together criteria for their search, such as location, living space and cost, there is often one important criteria that is overlooked. For those students engaging with an estate agent in their search for accommodation, it is imperative that they ensure that the agent is licensed by the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA). All Property Service Providers (Letting Agents, Auctioneers, Estate Agents and Management Agents) operating in the Republic of Ireland must hold a PSRA licence. Licensed Property Service Providers are regulated by the PSRA, ensuring that the consumer is protected. The individual licence is a credit card size licence, which contains the licensee name, photographic identification and a unique 6 or 12 digit

James Kavanagh kicks off the 2020 Volunteer Ireland Awards campaign - nominate a volunteer at volunteer.ie Pic: Mark Stedman

PSRA licence number, always beginning with a double zero. In recent years, reports to the PSRA regarding bogus letting agents increase at this time of year as new bogus agents appear, targeting the large number of students seeking accommodation. These bogus agents often set up online, advertising

accommodation and attempting to extract financial payments from prospective tenants. In some instances, these bogus agents will claim to have a valid PSRA licence number. When using a property service provider, clients should ask to see the property service provider’s licence and note the

licence number. You can then check this number on the PSRA Register of Licensed Property Services Providers to ensure that the licence is not only valid and in date, but that the provider’s details match those on the Register. The Register can be found on the PSRA’s website, www.psr.ie.

Companies to get €3,000 if they hire apprentices Employers will be entitled to a financial incentive of €3,000 to take on apprentices under a new scheme announced recently. Minister for Higher Education and Innovation Simon Harris wants to expand the model to include more sectors of the economy as it recovers from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Over 18,000 people are currently undertaking an apprenticeship across a wide range of occupations from electrical, construction and engineering roles to healthcare, information technology and financial services,” he s aid. “Our ambition is to see that number grow and the Government provided funding for this new incentive for employers in the July stimulus package.” Minister Harris said it was an exciting option for people of different ages and backgrounds and for career changers, as well as school leavers. The minister wants to see the numbers grow and the Government provided

funding in the July stimulus package for this purpose. He will announce a €3,000 financial incentive for employers who take on new apprentices between March and the end of the year. Mr Harris said these apprentices will play a key part in Ireland’s recovery and the country’s future. “I am pleased to be launching this incentive at the announcement of the winners of the Generation Apprenticeship competition. “These winning teams demonstrate all that is good about apprenticeship and the key part it is going to play in Ireland’s recovery and our country’s future. “It is a really exciting option for people of different ages, genders and backgrounds, career changers and school leavers, to forge brilliant careers for themselves. “I congratulate all the teams and thank them for being part of the campaign to promote this new Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme.”

02.09.20

22 Motors

02.09.20

Nissan and AIB hope to electrify car market Nissan and AIB have come together as the new driving force behind an ambitious initiative to put more Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers onto Irish roads and help support the transition to a low-carbon economy. The ‘Power of Zero’ initiative offers consumers the opportunity to buy a new Nissan LEAF with 0% finance and to avail of one year’s free servicing. Customers who do so can save in excess of €13,000 in finance and running costs and 11 tonnes of C02 emissions over five years, which is equivalent to planting 181,887 trees. The two organisations have united to support the Government’s Climate Action Plan and to present motorists who want to take the road to a sustainable, greener future with an all-encompassing offer that is the first of its kind in Ireland. “This integrated approach has been taken by Nissan and AIB in recognition of our joint commitment to creating a sustainable Ireland. We looked at what consumers required

James McCarthy, Nissan, and Yvonne Holmes, AIB, at the launch of the 'Power of Zero' initiative

to make the switch to EV driving and responded with an initiative that delivers great value and a greener future for Ireland,” said James McCarthy, CEO of Nissan Ireland. “This is a golden opportunity to make the switch into an EV today and to make very

significant savings now and into the future. The Government’s environment policy is aimed at removing diesel and petrol cars from Irish roads and motorists already driving EVs will have a distinct advantage over customers trading in diesel and petrol engines in the years to

come,” he added. Yvonne Holmes, Chief Sustainability Officer, AIB said: “The sustainability agenda is accelerating at AIB and for the last two years green lending has been the fastest-growing part of our balance sheet as customers seek to reduce greenhouse gas

Year Make

emissions and limit harmful air pollutants.’’ “We are delighted to be working with Nissan to help meet customers’ growing demand for cleaner transport as they take this important step on the road to a more sustainable future. Electric Vehicles can help consumers shrink their carbon foot print, while improving the quality of life for all through cleaner air and less noise pollution,” she added. The ‘Power of Zero’ initiative is geared to be a ‘win-win’ for consumers who want to reduce their carbon footprint and motoring costs while playing their part in helping to create a sustainable greener future for Ireland. “We are delighted to join forces with forward-looking businesses like AIB to help motorists make the switch to 100% electric driving. One in two Irish EV drivers already drives a Nissan LEAF and this is an incredible opportunity for all other motorists to join them in saving money and the environment,” said Mr. McCarthy.

Model

Tallaght tops test waiting list

TALLAGHT having the highest numbers in the country waiting on driving tests — and by a high margin — is no surprise but very disappointing, according to Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe. There are currently 7,041 people waiting on a driving test in Tallaght and only 484 of them have an appointment date. The next highest number of applications is for Finglas which has 5,509 waiting. Deputy Crowe said: “I am disappointed, but not entirely surprised, that Tallaght in my constituency features at the top of the list for the number of people waiting on a driving test. The number waiting in Tallaght for a test has gone up by almost 2,000 in two months.” Deputy Crowe said Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan needed to address the issue urgently and hire additional testers to deal with the huge waiting list. He also needed to consult with existing testers and their union representatives about extending operating hours to deal with the backlog.”

Odometer

Price

Colour

2019 Renault Captur 1.0 Play

34,000km

€17,750

Blue

2018 Ford

Fiesta 1.0 Zetec Style Pack

42,000km

€14,500

Black

2017 Skoda

Superb 2.0 TDI Audi

61,000m

€22,950

Silver

2017 Audi

A4 1.4 TSI Sport Saloon

36,000m

€21,500

White

2016 VW

Golf 1.4 TSI HiLine Sat Nav

85,000km

€18,250

Blue

2015 Nissan

Qashqui 1.2 DIG-T Accenta

59,000km

€15,950

White

2014 Ford

Mondeo 1.6 TDCI Graphite

139,000km

€9,750

Grey

2012 Nissan

Qashqai 1.5 DCI Tekna

100,000m

€9,750

Silver

02.09.20

24 Classifeds

02.09.20

Classifieds 25

26 House & Home

02.09.20

KITCHEN CONFIDENT Don’t splash the cash - splash the colour

With space - and budgets - at a premium these days, homeowners are looking for more creative and cost-effective ideas to revamp their kitchens without getting a full renovation. Painting your kitchen cabinets can be an easy way to give the heart of your home a real makeover. But before you reach for the paintbrush, Edel Nicholson, Head of Marketing at Colourtrend, has some helpful tips to ensure your job is not only stress-free but allows you to create the perfect kitchen for your home. Colour scheme To select your kitchen colour scheme, first look to the biggerbudget items like kitchen table and chairs, a sideboard, or the blinds and curtains. As these are the centrepieces in your kitchen, the colours in these pieces can help determine what you select. Colour selection and the way you use it alongside other tones will also have a big impact on

are water-based, fast drying and extremely hard wearing. Preparation Surfaces must be clean and dry before painting and where possible, remove handles prior to cleaning. The next step is primer, which will be dictated by the surface you are coating. An adhesion primer such as Colourtrend PRIME2 is required for high gloss, varnished, melamine, or laminate surfaces. Finally, apply your paint with a brush, roller or spray. Use two coats of topcoat and allow sufficient time for each coat to dry before re-coating.

the feel of the space. Let’s say you have closed presses and want to open the space up, consider painting your wall cabinets the same colour as the wall.

A neutral tone, such as Oyster Bed from Colourtrend Contemporary Collection, is a great choice to achieve this. For floor cabinets, choose a vivid tone, like Mussel.

This will remove the disruption of colour from wall to cabinet at eye level and also create a statement in your kitchen without compromising on space.

Paint finish Colourtrend Trim finishes Eggshell, Satin and Gloss - are all suitable for kitchen presses, islands and furniture. All Colourtrend Trim finishes

For a step-by-step guide, visit Colourtrend’s website at www. colourtrend.ie and read their blog post ‘How to paint your kitchen presses’. Colourtrend stores across Ireland have now re-opened with extra measures in place to ensure your safety and reduce your time in-store. Prices range from €75.00 €82.50 per 5 litres.

Dublin In The Rare Old Times 27

02.09.20

We take a look back at extracts from old newspapers to see what was in the news this month in years gone by

Photo and caption from ‘ Images of Ireland‘ by Derek Stanley. Published by Gill MacMillan/ The History Press

Irish Independent 23/09/1926

Freemans Journal 05/09/1827

Irish Press, 25/09/1970 Freemans Journal 10/09/1819

Irish Press 07/09/1932

Freemans Journal 07/09/1865

Freemans Journal 07/09/1863

NORTHSIDE NEWS 02.09.20