Northside News 25-11-2020 by Voice Media

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SUSHI SHUTDOWN

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DOOR TO THE FUTURE

Authorities close takeaways in Santry bedroom THE CLOSURE of the sushi business operating from a bedroom has led to growing fears of ‘dark kitchens’ springing up across the capital to cater for the needs of lockeddown residents. Recently, a sushi takeaway provider operating from the bedroom of a house in Santry was ordered to shut by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). The FSAI found Koi Sushi,

Nagoya Sushi and Kyoto Sushi, all businesses located in the Santry home, breached food legislation, food safety controls, and record keeping protocols. Some of the other issues cited in the food safety watchdog’s report included food being produced, processed and distributed in an unsatisfactory and unclean environment and absence of safe practice when handling raw fish and cooked rice.

The two-storey house on Shanvarna Road was the registered address of the three sushi companies, where there was no wash basin in the bedroom and no running water. A photo distributed by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) showed open food containers on a stainless steel shelving unit in the room. The house had been raided by the FSAI, which ordered all three companies to shut down

immediately citing a serious risk to human health. It opened up growing concerns about the pandemicera food delivery boom. The three Brazilian men who owned the companies were allegedly running what is known as ‘dark kitchens’ which have come about as a result of the many restaurants that have been forced to close. Continued on next page

Sophie Crennell and Matthew McCormack, from Colaiste Dhulaigh Post Primary School at the launch of The Challenger Resource Programme. See page 22 for details

Shutdown of ‘risky’ sushi business Continued from front page Dark kitchens have shot up in response to the lockdown. They are typically set up away from the city centres, where the rents are cheaper. In the case of the sushi providers, the three companies delivered sushi all over Dublin with a €50 minimum order for affluent areas such as Ballsbridge, and a €25 minimum for less affluent areas such as Rialto. Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive of the FSAI, expressed particular concern over the unsupervised food businesses selling a range of products from the bedroom of a house and warned consumers to be careful. “Running a food business that has not been registered and is therefore, not supervised is totally unacceptable and poses a very serious risk to consumers’ health,” she said. “If anyone is in any doubt about the legitimacy of a food business, they can contact us via our online complaint form www.fsai.ie/makeitbetter and we will follow up on it.”

25.11.20

Council KOs 853 Coolock homes

DUBLIN City councillors have voted down a plan to provide 853 homes on the Oscar Traynor Road site in Coolock. A majority voted against the €250m scheme, which sits on a 17-hectare site at the junction of the Port Tunnel, because 50% would be going to the private developer, Glenveagh, making it unaffordable for most people on one of the last remaining areas of public land in Dublin city. Social Democrats councillor Patricia Roe, of ArtaneWhitehall where the site is located, said: “It is our view that the proposed deal between the Council and property developer Glenveagh is not a good use of public land and is really poor value for money. Social Democrats Councillors have a number of serious concerns about it. “This is publicly owned land which, in our view, should be used to meet housing need appropriately. Current proposals may line developers’

Manager Stephen Kenny at the launch of the Republic of Ireland and Aircoach announcement at FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown. Pic Stephen McCarthy

pockets, but they will not provide the type of housing which is so badly in need in Dublin. “We are deeply concerned about the real risk that many, if not all, of the private units proposed could end up in the hands of large investors

or ‘Cuckoo funds’.” Sinn Féin, Labour, the Social Democrats, the Green Party and independent councillors called on the local authority to develop the site so all units would be earmarked for social housing. However, Dublin City

Council’s deputy chief executive Brendan Kenny warned that rejecting the motion would lead to the loss of more than 250 social homes. He asked for an adjournment for further consideration but councillors refused and then voted against the plan.

Phoenix Dark: call to light up the park A GREEN Party councillor has started a petition to improve the lighting in the Phoenix Park to allow for evening exercise throughout the winter months. Councillor Darcy Lonergan is calling on the OPW to provide better lighting. She said: “Honestly you can’t see in front of you and I have posted videos online to showcase this. There are also people, especially women, posting online about how they don’t feel safe in the park.” “It’s more of an issue this winter due to Covid which has led to gyms being closed. During the key light times many people have other responsibilities such as work, caring, school etc and are not free until after 6pm.” She explains that she doesn’t want to cause disruption to wildlife or alter the park dramatically but to find a workable solution to make it safe at night. The petition is available to sign on: https://my.uplift.ie/ petitions/better-lighting-inphoenix-park-1

Josie is all smiles

Josie is beaming thanks to the help of Dublin Denture Clinic

AT the height of the pandemic, Bróna Fitzpatrick received a phone call from a residential home in Raheny where a woman had misplaced her dentures. She could no longer eat a normal diet and was refusing to leave her room as she was embarrassed to be seen with a ‘gummy smile’. Josie (104) had just been discharged from hospital and was holding the title of Ireland’s oldest Covid survivor. She was keen to

have her new teeth as soon as possible. Thanks to the team at Dublin Denture Clinic, Josie was able to smile — and eat — again in no time. Denture repairs are the most common denture emergency, often resulting in stress and dread. During times of difficultly we often witness displays of kindness and a strengthened community spirit. And local businesses Dublin Denture Clinic is no exception. They not only offer

a complimentary homecare service, they offer a free, no obligation initial consultation too — most importantly, they provide a friendly face and a listening ear at a time when it is needed the most. Dublin Denture Clinic is based in North Dublin and is registered with the Irish dental council. Full health and safety precautions are observed for all home visits. For more information visit DublinDentureClinic.ie or call 018395332/0896129594.

25.11.20

The Lion’s share

Suicide bereaved walk for Zoo saved from closure as public donate over €1m support DUBLIN ZOO has managed to raise a staggering €1m after warnings it may have to close for good due to the impact of Covid-19 restrictions. Dublin Zoo last week announced the launch of the ‘Save Dublin Zoo’ fundraising campaign, appealing to the public for help raising vital funds so that the Zoo does not have to make the difficult decision to permanently close its doors. Members of the public were shocked to hear the cost of care alone for the some 400 animals comes to €500,000 per month and immediately began making donations. The zoo’s director, Dr Christoph Schwitzer, said that he expects the zoo’s emergency cash reserves to last until next spring, “and not beyond, right now”. Mr Schwitzer told Morning Ireland that animal care alone costs €500,000 each month, with the zoo estimating losses of €8.2m in potential revenue so far this year. Newstalk’s Pat Kenny helped the cause by calling on the Government to hand out funds to help save Dublin Zoo. The

A child enjoys Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo in 2017 - the evnt has been cancelled this year due to Covid 19. Pic: Patrick Bolger

broadcaster, whose father Jim was one of the zoo’s best-known keepers, grew up near the Phoenix Park attraction and said it would be devastating if it were to close down. “I lived on Infirmary Road, which was a 10-minute walk

from the zoo and very handy for my father going to work and handy for us as we were constantly up at the zoo as children,” he said. “It’s a tremendous asset and is much improved since my father’s time. We’re much more

informed and enlightened in terms of the way the animals are housed.” He said that it was only fair that the Government put its hand in its pockets because the zoo has been hit badly because of the restrictions. “Someone

texted me this morning and said, ‘Every public park is jammers with people.’ Yet you can’t go into the zoo, even in controlled numbers out of doors. “So if Government decisions force the closure of the zoo, then it should put its hand in its pocket for it,” he said. Following concerns raised by the public and politicians, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the government would intervene to ensure that Dublin Zoo stays open. Speaking in the Dáil last week following the flood of public support, Mr Martin said the Government would do everything it can to ensure the zoo does not close. Mr Martin referenced the fact that it had been a while since the zoo benefitted from capital funding and spoke of his intention “to act” to ensure the zoo would remain open for “generations to come”. In a tweet, Mr Martin said: “Dublin Zoo will get the help it needs. A brilliant facility that is loved by young and old — we can all look forward to being back there when this is over.”

FRIENDS of Suicide Loss (FOSL Ireland) hosted International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (ISOSLD) on November 21, with the annual ‘Mourning has Broken’ walk and a special online event for friends and families bereaved by suicide. People took part in the walk in their own locality. Later that evening, FOSL held a virtual symposium, with keynote speaker, Clinical Psychologist Dr John R Jordan, from Rhode Island, America. Former Ireland Rugby Player, Mike Ross shared his heartbreaking story of losing his brother to suicide. : “One aspect of FOSL that attracted me was its ideas on promoting what is known as Postvention, which helps families, friends and communities after a suicide,” he said. FOSL provides support services for those affected by suicide, such as responding to a suicide death, outreach support, one-to-one counselling and support groups. For more information, go to: fosl.ie

25.11.20

Fingal bells: Early gifts as local projects receive €1m THE green light has been given for €1.14m in funding for 10 new projects in Fingal. The Dublin Rural Local Action Group (LAG) approved the investment in projects in areas of Enterprise and Job Creation, Social Inclusion and Rural Environment. These will generate new enterprise employment opportunities as well as significant investment in rural community facilities. The projects awarded were as follows: • Glenasmole Community Association CLG (South Dublin) €500,000: Upgrade and renovation of existing Community Centre; • 153rd Lusk Scout Group €28,262.32: Carry out essential works on their Scout Den;

• The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre Company CLG €23,426.87: Purchase event seating, picnic benches and upgrade IT Systems; • Oldtown Community Council CLG €12,030.14: Upgrade works on Community Centre; • Balbriggan Enterprise and Training Centre CLG €182,947.54: Renovation works on one unit of the centre; • Clann Mhuire GFC Naul €23,077.38: Installation of a new walkway and upgrade of the carpark area; • Keoghs Crisps Limited €100,615: Further development of factory resources to aid in company growth; • Ballyboughal Hedgerow Society €6,750: Roll out training courses in Biodiversity for local

community groups; • Musicantia CLG Balbriggan €10,427.17: Undertake a Feasibility Study for the creation of a dedicated Roma Centre; • Lambay Irish Whiskey Company DAC €192,283.5: Establish a micro-distillery on Lambay Island with independent energy supply; • Taylor’s Irish Chillies Lusk €62,228: Development of new product lines to expand their business. Laurence Ward from the Irish Farmers’ Association and current Chairperson of the LAG, said ‘The investment decision is a much needed boost to rural areas during a very challenging time. This decision is great news for many people in the rural areas.”

25.11.20

Message goes out to ‘Shop Local’ this Christmas LOCAL Enterprise Office (LEO) Fingal has announced an exciting new ‘Shop Fingal’ initiative to promote local businesses in the run-up to Christmas. Using print, radio, and digital media, LEO Fingal will help businesses increase their visibility while showing that they are still open and available for trade. The Shop Fingal promotion also aims to raise awareness amongst both consumers and businesses about the importance of shopping locally and the ecosystem that exists when people support businesses in their area. When we support one business, we support many more behind the scenes, such as suppliers, service providers, and manufacturers. The sentiment to shop locally has become something of a national phenomenon, as recent data from Google showed that the search term ‘Shop Local Ireland’ saw a whopping 540% increase on the search engine during the first weeks of the latest restrictions.

Emphasizing the importance of supporting the Shop Fingal initiative, Mayor of Fingal Cllr David Healy said: “Shopping locally this Christmas will make the difference for so many businesses across Fingal who have endured such a difficult time, and I would encourage every citizen of Fingal to get behind this initiative and spend locally this year — it has never been as important.” Local business owner James Stewart, from Celtic Candles in Baldoyle, who is taking part in the initiative added: “While it has been a tough year for us at Celtic Candles, we have taken heart from the support of the local community online and also in store and the goodwill that exists during these challenging times. “At the moment, we are focusing on riding out the storm, so every customer and every purchase will make a difference in helping us through this period. I would urge everyone to please shop local and shop Irish this year and let’s all Champion Green.”

Cycle route to link Tolka to the Liffey DUBLIN Port has reached a milestone in delivering the ‘Masterplan 2040’ with the appointment of Grafton Architects to design the Liffey-Tolka Project, the most important Port-City integration project to date. The 1.3km dedicated cycle and pedestrian route will link the River Liffey with the Tolka Estuary, and will go through Dublin Port lands on the east side of East Wall Road and along Bond Road. The Liffey-Tolka Project will bring cyclists and pedestrians from the Liffey to the start of a second Port-City integration project, the Tolka Estuary Greenway, a 3.2 km-route along the northern perimeter of Dublin Port overlooking the Tolka Estuary. Construction of Phase 1 (1.9 km) will start next month and works will be completed by spring 2022. Phase 2 (1.3 km) will be constructed over the following five years. The new route will include a dedicated bridge for cyclists and pedestrians to safely cross over the busy Promenade Road,

A view of the 1.4km cycleway, part of the Masterplan 2040 for Dublin Port

the key artery that links Dublin Port to the Dublin Port Tunnel and one of the most heavily trafficked roads in the country. Eamonn O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Dublin Port Company said: “This is probably the most hostile stretch of urban roadway in the city. It’s noisy, dusty and not anywhere you would currently want to walk or cycle. The

Liffey-Tolka Project will see us complete a brand new area of public realm that will be a much more pleasant place to move through. “Delivering Masterplan 2040 is very complex and our focus to date has been on projects which deliver additional freight capacity. However, an equally important, albeit smaller part, of our Masterplan is integrating

Dublin Port with Dublin City.” Within two years, there will be a dedicated cycle network throughout Dublin Port and along most of the Port’s perimeter. The development is part of a wider initiative to create a “distributed museum”, starting at the Diving Bell, south of the Liffey and linking up with the forthcoming cycleway.

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25.11.20

Bohs score as jersey goes global THE Bohs’ ‘Refugees Welcome’ message, which is emblazoned on the players’ shirts, is set to go global thanks to a gaming deal with FIFA 2021. The Dalymount-based football club is a renowned champion of social justice and inclusion and the away-game jersey features the iconic image of a family fleeing, with the words ‘Refugees Welcome’. It also features the famous ‘Love Football, Hate Racism’ slogan. Amnesty International Ireland launched its partnership with Bohemian FC in early 2020, which captured media headlines and went viral on social media. The jersey also went on to become the club’s bestseller, with people ordering it from over 40 countries around the world. Now Amnesty International branches around

The Bohs’ ‘Refugees Welcome’ jersey has gone global

the world are joining in to support the jersey’s launch in the EA Games FIFA 2021. Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland, called on gamers around the world to

embrace the powerful message. “Gamers and football fans are powerful communities, with a huge reach. The response to the jersey in Ireland was incredible. We’re hoping the gaming community take it global now. “In a time when global leaders are demonising refugees, stoking fear and hatred against people fleeing for their lives, it’s up to every community to take responsibility and fight back.” In gameplay, when you select Bohemian FC as your team, the update to FIFA 2021 includes the option to choose the football club’s away-jersey which features the slogan. Daniel Lambert, Chief Operating Officer for Bohemian FC, said: “Our ethos has always been that football brings people together, brings communities together, brings nations together.”

25.11.20

Looking for a tutor? School Is Easy is here to help you Advertorial AS we battle to cope with the restrictions imposed by Covid-19 regulations, homebased learning has taken on a new importance. Many parents who want their children to enjoy the benefits of one-to-one tuition are, nevertheless, nervous about having a stranger in their home or sending young students to a tuition centre. School is Easy (SIE) can solve that problem. We can offer one-to-one or group grinds for Primary, Junior Certificate or Leaving Certificate school students at a time that works for you and your family. We offer the following subjects, from Primary to Secondary to Specialist Third Level courses: Irish/Gaelige, English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, German, Spanish, History,

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10 Opinion

It’s time to stand up and speak out MICHAEL WOLSEY GOOD news is a scarce commodity so a double dose is something to celebrate. First there was Joe Biden’s victory in America then, from Britain, the resignation of Dominic Cummings, Svengali to Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Americans had rejected the sinister politics of Donald Trump and, seeing the writing on the wall, Mr Johnson decided to ditch his Trumpstyle adviser before the voters had a chance to turn on him. I hope I am not cheering too soon. These are just straws in the wind but, for the first time in years, it feels like a fair wind,

one that might fill the sails of social democracy and blow the world into a better place. I have lived with this slightly left-of-centre form of democracy for 70 years and I have benefited hugely from it, as has everyone in Ireland and almost everyone in western Europe. It gave birth to the European Union and the EU gave us peace. My parents and my grandparents both lived through world wars but I was never embroiled in a conflict of that sort. Nobody conscripted me into an army or sent me to fight in trenches with my comrades dying around me. With peace came stability and

25.11.20

O’Connell Bridge from Aston Quay in the 1960s. Aston Quay was originally laid out in the late 17th century, on land reclaimed from the River Liffey, and was named after Henry Aston, a Dublin merchant. This photo and many more of Dublin in decades gone by were recently donated to the Old Dublin Society by the family of the late Liam Breen. Details of the Old Dublin Society can be found at olddublinsociety.ie. If you would like a free digital copy of the photograph just send an Email to olddublinsociety@gmail.com

with stability came prosperity. All my life I have lived in a society which has grown more prosperous and where increased wealth has been shared - not always fairly or equally, but the rising tide lifted all boats. The standard of living in Ireland has improved beyond measure. Slums have been cleared. One reason for the shortage of housing now is that people would no longer tolerate living in conditions which were common in my childhood. Our health service has improved. It’s still a bit rickety, but no emergency is ever turned away from a hospital

and there is free GP care for children and a lot of adults. Education has improved. The door to second-level schooling was opened by Seán Lemass and Donogh O’Malley in 1969. Today third level education, in some form, is available to just about everyone who wants it. Social welfare has improved. People don’t have to beg for a pension any more, single parents are supported not stigmatised and, while nobody is living it up on unemployment benefit, they don’t starve either. Things that once seemed an incredible luxury - foreign holidays, a family car, good clothes - are now taken for granted. I was late into my teens

before my family could afford a telephone, now everybody has one in their pocket. Social democracy made all this possible and it did it while allowing us the right of free speech and freedom to pick and change our leaders. It built the great modern nations of Germany, Sweden and France. It took Britain, battered and torn by two world wars, and gave it good public housing, a wonderful health system and a welfare structure that was an example to the world. Americans seem allergic to the word ‘socialism’ but it was the broad concensus of social dermocray that built

their moden nation too - in particular, it put a stop to racial segregation and opened the door for Barack Obama and Kamala Harris. In recent times, we who have benefitted so much from social democracy, have not done enough to defend it. In Britain, people did not speak up for their health and welfare systems: they lost them and got Margaret Thatcher. Across Europe, we did not speak up for the great achievements of the EU; we got Brexit. And in America they did not sufficiently applaud the tolerant society passed from Kennedy to Clinton to Obama; they got Donald Trump. Western democracy is on the retreat in Turkey, Brazil and Pakistan. It is being stamped out in Hong Kong. Developing countries in Africa are looking to China as a model to follow. Social democrats everywhere need to make a stand and I am hoping the election of Joe Biden might start that process. I may be naive. Biden is an elderly man and was no radical even in his heyday. But it is not radicalism we need so much as common decency and Biden has that in spades. So I live in hope. And, hey ... more good news. Two vaccines have been developed that will crush the Covid virus. Maybe I’m just a crazy optimist, but I do think the tide is turning.

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2.12.20

25.11.20

Advertorial

Epic wins in tourism and food for Capital

Covid-19 tests land at Dublin Airport

THE Slieve Donard Resort in County Down has announced the completion of a €620,000 renovation of its spa. The investment programme, which started in January, includes the introduction of a double-treatment room, as well as a private relaxation room for small groups and a shared relaxation room. As part of the enhancements, the sauna, steam room and swimming pool have been refurbished, the changing rooms updated and the treatment rooms. The exciting refurbishments invite guests to relax, restore and rejuvenate during their stay at the hotel, whether that’s sipping champagne at the pool whilst admiring the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows, or settling down for a luxurious ESPA treatment. Michael Weston, General Manager of the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa said: “The renovation work began in January and we are confident that the enhancements will help provide our guess with an even more enjoyable experience.”

BETTER than Buckingham Palace. Better even than the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Acropolis in Athens, Dublin’s EPIC Museum has again won top spot at the World Travel Awards for Europe’s leading attraction. Thrilled with the news, Patrick Greene, Director of the EPIC Museum, said; “We are immensely proud to receive this recognition two years running, especially against the backdrop of a challenging year. “In the same spirit that more people are ‘shopping local’, we hope that Irish people will have even more reason to experience a two-time winner tourist attraction on their own doorstep and that we’ll be a must-see destination for overseas visitors again soon.” Since March, the museum has implemented all the recommended measures to protect its staff and customers, welcoming over 20,000 people in 2020, through a series of workshops, webinars, virtual tours, and history pack downloads aimed at younger Irish history enthusiasts.

DUBLIN Airport’s Covid-19 test facilities have finally arrived, with the first drive-in centre opening last week, followed by a second walk-in facility, on November 23. The testing facilities, operated by healthcare firms Randox and RocDoc, are open to the public, whether they require a test for travel or for another reason, and will have to be booked online. There is testing capacity for more than 12,000 tests per day, which will be expanded to 15,000. Randox’s walk-through facility will be located in an existing building close to the Terminal 2 multi-storey car park. RocDoc’s drive-through facility is located in the Express Green car park. Walk-in tests will cost €99, with results due back between 24 and 48 hours later. Drive-through tests will range in price from €129-€159, depending on the type of test and the speed with which the results are required. Bookings can be made on: booking.randox.ie

Slieve Donard’s €620k refurb

David Rockand and Cathal Fahey at the launch of RocDoc’s drive-thru Covid-19 testing facility at Dublin Airport, see story on right. Pic: Maxwells

EPIC is not an acronym. “We have joked it stands for Every Person Is Connected,” says museum curator Jessica Traynor. “But really it’s an acknowledgement of the epic journeys Irish emigrants have made.”

Meanwhile, two of Dublin’s top restaurants have won major accolades at the ‘World Luxury Restaurant Awards 2020’. The Irish-owned sister restaurants SOLE and FIRE were given a much-needed morale boost during a difficult time for the hospitality sector.

SOLE Seafood and Grill, on South William Street, has been recognised as ‘Best Luxury Seafood Restaurant’ in Europe for the second year running, while its sister restaurant FIRE Steakhouse, on Dawson Street, takes home the gong for ‘Global Steakhouse of the Year 2020’.

NO EXPIR Y DATE

25.11.20

Let there be light

Vote of hope for Henry St . . . but no free parking for shoppers this Christmas traders

THE beloved ‘Le Nollaig Shona’ sign has made a welcome return to Grafton Street this year, along with the Christmas lights which are so much a part of the festive season in the capital. Despite fears that Christmas had been cancelled this year, the lights were switched on by an 11-year-old girl at Temple Street Children’s Hospital, in a joint effort to raise money for the hospital, and to promote public support for Irish businesses this Christmas. The lights on Grafton Street, Henry Street, South William Street, Capel Street and others came to life last Tuesday as DublinTown, an initiative of city centre business owners who fund the lights each year. hosted a live broadcast from the balcony of Bewleys Café. Symone, an 11-year-old girl from Co Westmeath, turned the lights on this year. Dublin will be going fully festive with thrilling laser light shows as well as the traditional Christmas lights. For the month of December, colourful wintery scenes will be projected onto the city’s most recognisable buildings at 17

Lily Rose Nicholson (3), Darndale in Smithfieldat the launch of the Dublin Bus Community Spirit Awards

locations including the GPO, Trinity College, the Custom House, the Mansion House and City Hall, using eco-friendly LED lights. There will be an “enhanced display” in Smithfield, featuring photos of frontline workers

to thank them for their contribution in helping to keep the city running. In addition “heartwarming” winter scenes will be projected on to Samuel Beckett Bridge, Civic Offices at Wood Quay, City Hall and the Mater

Hospital, Dublin City Council said. However, dashing the hopes of shoppers from outside the capital, the council has decided to rule out free parking as an incentive to shoppers this Christmas.

In previous years, the council had given free or reduced fees at weekends in the Christmas shopping period. However, Chief Executive Owen Keegan said this is now “contrary to council policy”. A business group called Dublin Can Be Heaven, which had been opposed to the proposed pedestrianisation of streets in the Grafton St area being introduced before Christmas, asking that the council assist their own scheme which allows customers one hour free parking. However, Mr Keegan stated in reply: “It would be contrary to City Council policy to incentivise access to the city centre even in off peak times by private car.” A survey by DublinTown found that 50% of their members agreed with sevenday pedestrianisation of a number of streets. The council is carrying out a public consultation on the proposed pedestrianisation of South Anne Street, Dame Court, Drury Street and South William Street and a decision is expected in December.

HENRY Street traders have been thrown a lifeline following a vote by Dublin City Council. The council had faced some backlash following its decision to cancel the Henry Street/Mary Street Christmas Trading next month due to restrictions. A motion in support of allowing traders to operate some form of market this December, tabled by Labour councillor Joe Costello, passed unanimously late last week. The motion called on the Chief Executive to rescind his decision and explore all options to allow casual trading to go ahead. The Lord Mayor, Chief Executive and the Henry Street Traders Committee are expected to convene later this month to find a solution. “We hope that we will be able to resolve the matter satisfactorily. It makes no sense to stop outdoor trading while allowing shops to trade indoors,” said Mr Costello. Christmas trading usually takes place from 1 to 31 December, 10am to 9pm.

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Classifieds 21

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Northside rising to the challenge as pupils plan for third level

JUST 6% of people in some areas of North Dublin go on to third level education, a staggering statistic which highlights the inequality in our education system and was the inspiration for The Challenger Resource Programme, an initiative launched by the Northside Partnership. The Challenger Programme details the approach needed to promote success in education for young people in Darndale and the surrounding area. It aims to provide structured supports for students and their parents in Dublin 5 and 17 and works with students from 6th class to 6th year to transition successfully into secondary school, complete their Junior and Leaving Cert exams, and enable them to progress to third level. “We believe that the young

Sophie Crennell and Matthew McCormack, from Colaiste Dhulaigh Post Primary School

people of Dublin 5 and 17 are as talented and skilled as their peers and it is our job to provide opportunity, investment and equality

in education through an Advantaged Thinking Approach,” said Niamh McTiernan, Director of Services at Northside Partnership. “Rather than a focus on the disadvantage often synonymous with areas such as Darndale, the Challenger programme focuses on the assets and capabilities of young people in the area and builds on their opportunities by providing grinds, cultural experiences and inspiration.” Some 33% of Challenger students went on to 3rd Level education in 2020, with a further 40% taking up postLeaving Cert courses. Northside Partnership has created a manual which brings together the learning and practice from its experience of the programme since 1995. To download the manual, go to: www.northsidepartnership.ie /

Art in the parks: North Dublin put on a pedestal A model covered in fabric on the O’Connell Plinth outside Dublin’s City Hall marks the launch of Sculpture Dublin. A temporary sculpture will be commissioned for the plinth

SCULPTURE Dublin will spearhead the investment of €600,000 to commission six new sculptures for parks and public spaces across Dublin — including four prominent locations in North Dublin. Following a survey of sites last year, locations for the new commissions were identified in each of the five Dublin City Council Local Administrative Areas, with the new Ballyfermot People’s Park, Kildonan Park in Finglas,

Smithfield Square Lower and St Anne’s Park, Raheny chosen as prime locations. The first artist to be selected was Breda Marron, from Co. Louth, whose submission was chosen for the Ballyfermot People’s Park. She will be engaging with the local community over the months ahead to develop an artwork for the new park. The commissioning process for Kildonan Park in West Finglas is a two-stage process,

and three artists have so far been shortlisted. For the land artwork in St Anne’s Park, Raheny, the commissioning process is somewhat different given the specialist nature of the artform in mind. The artists for this site will be nominated by an international panel of art experts. The selection panels for O’Connell Plinth and and Smithfield Square will be reconvened in December.

Other Dublin City winners – all of which won Special Merit Awards – were: Rachel (Yuxuan) Chen (age 15), a pupil at The Institute Of Education, Leeson Street; Jiayi Sun (10) from UCD Confucius Institute; Brooke Dempsey O’Connor (11) from Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire; Jack McKenna (8) from St. Mary’s National School,

Donnybrook; Lily Yang (8) from St. Peter’s National School, Phibsborough and Emily Bermingham (6) from Corpus Christi Girls’ National School, Drumcondra. With the onset of Covid-19, the competition had to be extended over a longer period this year with delays to the final adjudication process and the announcement of winners.

Dublin’s got talent as young artists win big

Emily Bermingham’ (6) from Corpus Christi Girls’ National School, Drumcondra won a special merit prize for her painting

SEVEN talented students from Dublin were amongst 36 young artists from the county to win top prizes in this year’s 66th Texaco Children’s Art Competition. In Category E (7-8 years), first prize was won by 8-year old Marc Long of Georgian Montessori School in Dublin City centre for his work entitled ‘Myself ’.

Dublin In The Rare Old Times 23

25.11.20

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

Freemans Jr 15/11/1828 Irish Press 16/11/1984

Irish Press , 06/11/1936

Freemans Jr 08/11/1844

Evening Press 26/11/1980

Irish Ind 21/11/1949

NORTHSIDE NEWS 25.11.20