Clondalkin News 6th Feb 23

HYPEREMESIS MUST BE ADDED TO THE LONG TERM ILLNESS SCHEME

When “free of charge” actually means €80 per month for women in dire need of this medication to function during pregnancy.

Women suffering from a severely debilitating illness during pregnancy are facing unnecessary delays and expense to accessing medication, a Senator has said.

Dublin Senator Mary Seery Kearney said that she has been in touch with a number of women suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), which causes severe sickness and vomiting during pregnancy, who are in desperate need of medication to alleviate their symptoms.

“Cariban is a drug which can really help women who are trying to function with this sickness,

and it was previously unavailable on the drug payment scheme or medical card. Budget 2023 provided funding of €1 million to facilitate reimbursement of the drug, with women able to avail of the drug free of charge from this month. “Budget 2023 committed to providing Cariban free of charge to women from the 1st January this year, yet when women have sought to avail of this provision, they are delayed in getting access to the scheme by the burdensome red tape, and when they have satisfied the criteria they are still subject to the €80 per month drugs payment scheme excess.

“I understand from pharmacists that while the drug will be made

available to patients who meet the criteria under Community Drug Schemes, it must, in the first instance, be prescribed by a consultant obstetrician. The HSE will subsequently accept a GP prescription further to the initial hospital prescription. “The consultant obstetrician must fill out an initial application form in order to approve reimbursement of Cariban for the patient. This is a needless extra layer of red tape which is causing unnecessary distress for women who are already dealing with a most debilitating condition.

“Not all women have direct access to consultant obstetricians. Many choose to receive combined care

through their GPs and community midwives and most women will not see a consultant until they are 12 weeks pregnant, particularly those using the public healthcare system.

I have heard from women in recent days reliant on the public health system who have been on Cariban for a number of weeks but are still waiting for their consultant to fill out their forms. This drug is often needed within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy when HG can be severe. It is simply unfair to expect them to try and schedule an appointment with a consultant for the purposes of a prescription, particularly so when they are seriously unwell.

“And when they are finally approved for the financial support, as it is

not a so called long-term illness, it comes under the drugs payments scheme that requires a payment of €80 per month. That leads to a cost of up to €800 per pregnancy for the many women who have to take it for the duration of their pregnancy. “In addition, there is no provision for retrospective compensation for monies already spent buying Cariban prior to approval for admission to the scheme.

“A common sense approach has to be adopted here. GPs should be allowed prescribe Cariban as soon as a woman presents suffering from HG and any costs for this vital medication must be waived. The HSE needs to re-think this, and fast.”

SOD TURNING FOR THE NEW BMX PUMPTRACK AT DODDER VALLEY PARK

On Monday 23rd January 2023, the Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr. Emma Murphy officially turned the sod for the new BMX Pumptrack at Dodder Valley Park, Mount Carmel. The Mayor was joined by Ms. Teresa Walsh, Director of Services, Staff of South Dublin County Council and guests to celebrate this event.

Speaking at the event Mayor Cllr. Emma Murphy said “ The provision of this facility is part of the Dodder

Valley Park -Mount Carmel recreation plan, which has already seen the completion of a 400-metre grass athletic track and a football pitch, both currently in their establishment phase. This BMX pump track will be the first of its kind built by South Dublin County Council and we look forward to its provision in Dodder Valley Park.”

The provision of these facilities supports the further development of Dodder Valley Park and aims

Founder: John Russell

Advertising: Anthony Russell anthony@newsgroup.ie

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to promote the health and wellbeing of the people of South Dublin County. The project is funded by South

Dublin County Council’s 3-year capital budget and the Department of Tourism Culture Arts Gaeltacht

Sport and Media via a sports capital grant.

Aecom Ltd are design consultants on the

project and it is being constructed by Trailbreaker Ltd in collaboration with Velosolutions Ltd.

Pictured Cllr. Emma Murphy Mayor of South Dublin turns the sod for the BMX Park in Dodder Valley Park with Suzanne Furlong, Teresa Walsh (SDCC Director of Service), Cllr Alan Edge, SDCC staff and contractors. Pic Credit: Ben Ryan

RUBY & RUSSELL SPEARHEADING CHELTENHAM AT BARBERSTOWN

Barberstown Castle will once again host one of the most insightful Cheltenham Previews of the year with an all-star panel of experts getting together at the County Kildare venue on Friday 24th February.

With less than two months to go until ‘The Olympics’ of National Hunt racing, Ruby Walsh will host this pulsating preview with the comeback king Davy Russell leading a star-studded cast of pundits. Joining the two Cheltenham Festival greats will be Barry Geraghty, the second most successful jockey in the history of the festival, along with racing expert and punters pal Gavin Lynch. “We hosted our

first Cheltenham Preview night last year and it sold out almost immediately. Given that this will be the first time Ruby hosts a preview event, instead of appearing on a panel, we can’t wait to see what happens then the gamekeeper turns into the hunter! And while I can’t promise another rendition of Wonderwall by Davy Russell, I can guarantee another brilliant night,” said Amanda Torrens, Director of Barberstown Castle.

Proceeds on the night will go directly towards the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund and for more information, please contact Barberstown Castle on 01-6288157.

THE WEDDING SHOWCASE AT THE WOODFORD DOLMEN HOTEL

The Perfect Venue for a beautiful, picturesque wedding in the heart of Carlow. Weddings at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel are tailored to every couple to make your special day unique to you from your choice of the ballroom to your delicious menu to make your special day perfect in every way. Our hotel grounds are situated on 10 acres of beautiful Irish Countryside on the banks of the River Barrow overlooking the Killeshin Hills which will provide a stunning backdrop to your photos that will last forever. Our expert wedding team is here to make every step of your day as simple as possible while reflecting on you as a couple. From small intimate weddings to grand scale affairs celebrate your whole day with us from getting ready here in the early morning to enjoying our resident’s bar late in the evening. Our Wedding Showcase will take place on the 19th of February from 2-6 pm, You will be able to talk to our wedding team in person about our wedding packages, sample food & drink from our wedding menu, and view our Killeshin Ballroom, Civil Ceremony room & Bridal suite fully decorated.

CLARITY SOUGHT ON DELIVERY OF NEW LUCAN FIRE STATION

A Dublin Mid-West councillor has sought clarity regarding the timeline for the provision of a much-needed new fire station to be located

in West Dublin, following a presentation delivered at a recent South Dublin County Council meeting. In welcoming the briefing,

the Sinn Féin councillor for Lucan-Palmerstown-North Clondalkin raised several questions at the ‘Fire and Emergency Operations’

or ‘Section 26 Plan’ presentation.

Cllr Ó Brádaigh said “At the meeting senior members of

FUNDING OF €2.7M TO BOOST COMMUNITIES IN SOUTH DUBLIN HOMING CITIZENS

Communities which have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries will receive funding for development projects, a Dublin Mid West TD has said. Deputy Emer Higgins welcomed the overall Community Recognition Fund of €50 million announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, which is the first of its kind designed specifically to boost communities around the country which have welcomed and are hosting families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries.

“South Dublin County Council has been allocated €2,754,305 to invest in our communities who have really

stepped up in recent weeks and months, opening up their homes and facilities to people who are fleeing from war and very much in need,” Deputy Higgins said.

Projects which will be supported under the fund include: The refurbishment of local sports clubs and facilities. The upgrade of community facilities such as play areas, walkways, parks and community gardens. The purchase of equipment to benefit local clubs, festivals, music and arts organisations. The enhancement of school or parish facilities that are open to the wider community after hours or on weekends. And transport

infrastructure such as community vehicles and bus shelters

Deputy Higgins added: “The projects that will be supported will benefit the whole community, young and old alike. “Communities will be enabled to develop and deliver initiatives that directly address their local needs. It could be used for transport infrastructure such as the purchase of a community vehicle or bus shelter, or it could be used to develop sports clubs or for arts and music. “I really encourage local community groups to engage with South Dublin County Council to assess how funding might be accessed and best utilised,” Deputy Higgins concluded.

Dublin Fire Brigade outlined the development of their strategic plan and provided detailed information for the provision of ongoing professional services in tackling fire and emergency situations. On conclusion of the presentation, an opportunity for questions and answers was facilitated. Every day, members of DFB respond to all types of very challenging emergencies and the essential service provided by those often putting their own lives at risk, is deserving of only the very best equipment and resources.

“During questions, I sought clarity on a timeline for the increasingly discussed need for a new fire station, amid an ever-expanding population in West Lucan. The Clonburris strategic development zone (SDZ) does provision for a new station in phase 4 of housing construction, but this does not provide us with an actual

definitive delivery time. The Chief Officer was however able to confirm that progress is at an advanced stage with the department regarding finance and confirmed that they expect a new fire station to be operational within five years.

Cllr Ó Brádaigh said “It is always very helpful to be given realistic delivery times when it comes to important infrastructure and services, with people often just simply wanting to be told the facts. Personally, I feel more assured now, on hearing this news directly from Dublin Fire Brigade senior management, as I believe they are the best placed and motivated to drive the delivery of this new station on the ground. Two potential sites have been identified and this new ‘multi-bay’ fire station will be constructed to adapt and develop to operational requirements as the need arises into the future.”

LUCAN FUNDRAISER IN AID OF NAGARHOPE IRELAND

Doc” Clandillon is highlighting a fundraiser on the 10th of February in aid of

Nagarhope Ireland. Fachtna comments “The last 9 months or so was a busy time for

Nagarhope Basic School, as we constructed a 5 roomed earthquake proof PrePrimary block in Sathikurya. To date about €58,000 has been spent on construction costs, half of that from the Provincial Government in Nepal, the other half from donations from your good selves, the people of Ireland and beyond. The new facility will be used for the youngest 4 classes, about 70 children between the ages of 2 and 5. Furniture- tables, desks, benches, whiteboards, carpet and painting, are still to be fitted”.

“The Nagarhope Basic School now accommodates 130 children in total, with 12 staff and a handful of volunteers also giving time on a regular basis. Currently, we are running a 5 day football camp for 20/30 children, teaching them how to shoot, dribble, pass and save. The mornings are cold here but the afternoons are delightful ‘til about 3pm, so long as the sun comes out. After a 2 year hiatus due to

CLONDALKIN ST PATRICK’S DAYS PARADE 2023 ‘’DIVERSITY THE UNITED COLOURS OF CLONDALKIN’

the pandemic, fundraising in Ireland has picked up again. A very successful table quiz was held in Lucan Sarsfields at the tail end of ’22, where close to 40 tables battled it out for bragging rights”.

And not too far around the corner, another fundraiser is taking place in Lucan Spa Hotel. Elvis and the Way it was orchestra featuring Kevin Doyle are supporting this good cause. They’ve done a few gigs for Nagarhope now, for that they’d like to extend thanks to the group.

Tickets are on sale now at €35 euros from 191 Beech Park, Lucan or by ringing either of the following numbers: 087-0666891 or 087-9225103

The Nagarhope team would like to extend thanks to all sponsors and donors, well -wishers and friends for their continued unwavering support. Hope to see you all there on the 10th of February in the Spa Hotel!

Cllr Timmons recently said ‘’I am delighted to announce on behalf of the committee that The Theme for this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade is ‘’Diversity – The United colours of Clondalkin’’. Cllr Timmons added ‘’The parade grows from strength to strength each year and is growing into a much-loved annual event. The parade is an opportunity to showcase all that is good about Clondalkin and the organisers are keen to show residents both new and older what groups are in our area, we are also calling out for funds and volunteers’’

Cllr Timmons continued ‘’This year we are asking all those taking part to add as much colour as possible to there entry, we want to make it the most colourful and diverse parade yet!’’

The Parade will start at 2.30pm and they will be announcing the Grand Marshal very soon! The Clondalkin Councillor added “To participate see www. clondalkinstpatricksfestival.ie/participate/ and to volunteer see www.clondalkinstpatricksfestival.ie/ volunteer/.

St Patrick (aka Ed Murphy) have signed up along with, Tinseltown Stage School, LD Dance School, Newlands FC, Clondalkin Shotokan Academy, Relay for life, the Downey Crowley School of Irish Dancing, Funky Steps, Martin Wade (Classic motorcycle (1960)), Ukrainian group, Yip yips, The cleaning Company, Newlands Taekwon-Do Club, The Rose Academy - Irish Dancers, Clondalkin Fairtrade Town, Clonburris Climate Champions, The Clondalkin Cycle Crew, Dublin Lions - Clondalkin Basketball Club, Elite Karate Academy, Motor Bikes, Scooters and Vintage cars and the pipe band so far along with Taylor D and a Funfair.

COUNCILLOR CALLS FOR REPORT ON SECURITY CONTRACTS

People Before Profit Councillor Madeleine Johansson has called for a report into security contracts at council owned and/or managed buildings in the Lucan, North Clondalkin and Palmerstown area.

A motion asking the Chief Executive to produce a report to see if any buildings have contracts with the company Top Security was

passed at the January Area Committee meeting. Top Security is currently involved in a High Court case against the Employment Regulation Order which would give pay increases to security workers. The court case is blocking pay increases for about 16,000 workers in the sector across the country.

Cllr Madeleine Johansson said: “I put forward this

motion because I want to make sure that there are no public contracts with Top Security while they engage in this court case. This company is blocking much needed pay increases for the entire sector. Security workers are some of the lowest paid workers in the country and the Employment Regulation Order would have taken wages to €12.50 per hour in August and €12.90 per hour in February 2023. But these pay increases are now being blocked by Top Security.

“I have stood alongside security workers on protests and they have told me that they are struggling to pay bills, mortgages or rent. It’s absolutely outrageous that a company can take legal action to block pay increases for the entire sector. The very least I can do as a public representative is highlight this issue and call for any company or public body that has a contract with Top Security to not renew those contracts until they drop the legal case.”

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Donatello 2 Seater Power Recliner Was €2195 NOW €1345

Was

€1,495 Richmond LHF Corner Sofa Was €2270 NOW €1995

Simple Support Show model – 5ft Mattress, Base & Headboard Was €2594 NOW €1395

Weston Dining Set (Table & 4 Thor Chairs) Was €1344 NOW €565

Chandler Chair was €475 NOW €299

Holly Nest Of Tables Was €499 NOW €245

LUKE CLERKIN ANNOUNCES LIVE EP RELEASE AND WORKMAN’S HEADLINER

Following a jam packed 2022, Luke Clerkin is set to release his highly anticipated Live From the Library EP on February 24th. Live From The Library was recorded in North Clondalkin Library as part of a Music Residency in the library’s Creative Studio. The EP will include live stripped back acoustic versions of fan-favourites, ‘Fall in Line’ and ‘Normal People’. It will also debut some new songs which have been written over the past few years.

To celebrate the release, Luke will play his biggest headliner in four years at The Workman’s Club Main Room on February 24th. Luke will be joined on the night by Bríd Lyons and The Accidental Rapper. Talking about the release of ‘Live From the Library’, Luke said ‘This is a passion project, something I’ve wanted to

do for a while. I want to showcase the songs that I’ve been working on as part of my residency and I want to do that in their purest form. These songs will also serve as taster for a bigger project that I’ve been working on.’

Talking about The Workman’s Club show, Luke said ‘This is my biggest show in years, so expect some big surprises!

The Workman’s Club has always been one of my favourite rooms to play, and getting the opportunity to headline it again is both scary and exciting!’

Luke Clerkin is the current North Clondalkin Library Musician in Residence and two time Sports and Cultural Council SongWriting competition winner. His music has gained international airplay and support, whilst also topping the Irish Singer Songwriter

Charts on multiple occasions. Luke is known mostly for playing over 250 gigs in 2015, as a way of honing his craft. Since then he has headlined famous Dublin venues such as Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, and The Button Factory. His music has brought him all over the world, with multiple tours of Germany, as well as festival slots in America, The UK, and Ireland.

After a busy 2022 which saw Luke release his Owl Compass EP, play slots at Electric Picnic and headline a sold out Cobblestone show, 2023 will see Luke release a live EP recorded at the Creative Studio at North Clondalkin Library. 2023 will also see Luke start recording his long awaited debut album, which has an expected November release.

‘Live From The Library’ will

be released on all streaming and download platforms on February 24th. The launch takes place in The Workman’s Club on February

24th at 8 pm. Entry is €10 on Eventbrite / €13 on the door.

You can get your tickets here https://www.eventbrite. ie/e/luke-clerkin-live-

from-the-library-ep-launchtickets-512028449877. You can follow and listen to Luke here: https://linktr.ee/ lukeclerkin

KATHERINE GEOGHEGAN PRESENTATION

Pic Credit Julie O’Brien (@pizza_egg)

Pictured at the Presentation of Art of Katherine Geoghegan at the Warehouse Gallery, Killinarden were (L to R) Councillor Charlie O’Connor, Katherine Geoghegan, Acting Mayor Mick Duff and Deputy Sean Crowe.

BARNARDOS CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE REFORM OF CAMHS FOR CHILDREN IN CARE

Barnardos is calling on Government to improve support for children in care experiencing mental health issues in response to the report by the Mental Health Commission which has highlighted significant deficits in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health

System (CAMHS). The mental health commission’s report recently was extremely concerning. When children are refused CAMHS support, for example for failure to meet thresholds, there is often nowhere else appropriate for them to go to get appropriate mental

TALLAGHT TOASTMASTERS NEXT MEETING 13TH FEBRUARY

STEPPING STONES FOREST TREE PLANTING

health support. Their mental health and wellbeing can deteriorate as a result.

Freda McKittrick, Head of the Barnardos Guardians ad Litem Service said “Nowhere is this more concerning than for children in the care of the State. Guardians ad Litems working with Barnardos routinely report that there is a failure of the current system to provide adequate mental health support to children in care, particularly in relation to CAMHS.

Does the thought of public speaking fill you with fear? Do you want to improve your confidence? Fancy learning more about the art of public speaking? Got an event or a wedding coming up that you want to improve for?....... You’re not alone!

Tallaght Toastmasters can help you turn your fear, a very common fear, into a strength. Tallaght Toastmasters, a president’s distinguished club, is now accepting new members for the coming year. New members welcome. Why not join their next meeting on the 13th February 2023 in St Kevin’s Family Resource Centre Kilnamanagh D24 (Girls school) for an evening of learning, fun and friendship.

If you want to join contact the group email tallaghttoastmasters@gmail.com. If not just turn up on the night. The next meeting is on Monday 13th February at 7.45 pm. Please try and be there by 7.30pm so they can start on time. First visit is free.

For more information see www.facebook.com/ tallaghttoastmasters

These children are often among the most vulnerable in the country. In addition to mental health issues they will often have experienced significant trauma and be suffering from additional adversities. The lack of a multi-disciplinary approach for children in care around mental health support jeopardises their mental health as well as the care they receive for other needs they have such as in relation to a disability diagnosis. A lack of adequate mental health can exacerbate their issues, further traumatise them, and lead to a deterioration of their health and wellbeing.

In this way the state can fail in their duty to protect these children, particularly concerning as their families and parents are not in a position to advocate further on their behalf. This needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

The Barnardos Guardians ad Litem Service was established in 1997 – the service is based in Dublin and Cork, and covers all areas of Ireland.

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Pictured at the Stepping Stones Forest Tree Planting in St Kevins Girls National School, Kilnamanagh, were (L to R) Margaret Richardson, Nadia Dali, Acting Mayor Mick Duff, School Principal Miriam Dignam and Councillor Charlie O’Connor. Also in the picture is Oscar, the project’s mascot.

DECOR PAINT A BEAUTIFUL PICTURE WITH NEW SHOPFRONT

design of its business premises. Templeogue Décor, 293 Templeogue Road in Templeogue Village, received €1,000 from South Dublin County Council under the Council’s annual Shopfront Grant Scheme. The award of Best Designed Shopfront was in addition to a grant received to part fund the installation of an improved shopfront design.

“I would like to congratulate Templeogue Décor on winning Best Designed Shopfront as part of the Shopfront Grant Scheme 2022”, said Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Emma Murphy. “The vision shown by Nicola and her colleagues, and the improvement made is fully deserving of this fantastic award. The Shop Front Grant Scheme provides an excellent opportunity for local businesses to enhance the aesthetics of their stores and encourage the preservation of our beautiful villages. The wonderful upgrades made to Templeogue Décor exemplify perfectly how small changes can make a huge difference to our villages. I would encourage all business owners in our villages to engage with South Dublin County Council and make use of this valuable service.”

The annual Shopfront Grant Scheme provides grants for shopfront improvements ranging from painting

updates to replacing an entire shopfront. Grants are available for a maximum of 50% of overall costs. Furthermore, a prize of €1,000 is awarded for the Best Designed Shopfront under the scheme. 2022 is the ninth successive year of this progressive scheme, supported by South Dublin County Council. The scheme is becoming increasingly popular, and the council would encourage local businesses to apply for the 2023 scheme.

Under the scheme, Templeogue Décor were granted approval for painting, installation of a new awning, and the addition of green enhancement. The works carried out have made a huge improvement to the shopfront and the aesthetics of Templeogue Village, exemplifying the benefits of the scheme for business owners. “In the second half of 2022, the shop underwent a facelift to the exterior of the premises. The existing wooden store frontage was fully repaired, and the lettering and signage was removed, cleaned and repainted. We installed a motorised and retractable awning in self-cleaning fabric with powder coated finish for durability. Additional green wooden planters were also installed to enhance the front entrance and tie in with the recent refurbishment

of the village. All of this was possible with the help of South Dublin County Council’s Shopfront Grant Scheme”, explains Nikki van Loon of Templeogue Décor.

“When we were informed that we were chosen as the winner of the Best Designed Shopfront 2022, we were delighted. As a result of our shopfront enhancement, we have found more people taking notice of our business, especially as we are on a main street. Our new awnings have also given us greater visibility to potential clients travelling past each day either by foot, car or bus. Since the works have taken place, several local retail store owners in the village have complimented the fresh new look and have shown an interest in the Shopfront Grant Scheme. We would encourage all business owners to get involved in this initiative as an improved streetscape encourages more footfall through our doors.”

Details of the scheme including Terms and Conditions and application details for 2023 are available on the Council’s website at www.sdcc.ie/business/ enterprise/businesssupport/shop-front-grant

Contact econdev@ sdublincoco.ie or phone 014149000 with any queries regarding the scheme.

Paint, wallpaper and decor experts Templeogue Décor have been awarded €1,000 in recognition of the work undertaken to transform the shopfront

Pictured Mayor of South Dublin County Council Cllr Emma Murphy with (L-R) Patricia O’Reilly, County Promotion Unit, SDCC, Stephen van Loon, Templeogue Décor, Tom Rooney – Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Nicola van Loon, Templeogue Décor, Ralph McGarry, County Promotion Unit, SDCC, Robbie Murtagh, County Promotion Unit, SDCC

MOTORING LIFE WITH

Polestar 2 AWD EV in Pole Position

By Breda

The Polestar name may be unfamiliar to many motorists, but the Swedish premium electric performance-car brand’s links with Volvo are evident in many areas. In Ireland, the first model available is the stunning Polestar 2, which is the brand’s first fully-electric volume model, and is billed as a rival to the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Practical Fastback Bodystyle.

The Polestar 2 is a premium fivedoor all-electric fastback that embodies the brands’ design-led philosophy with a real attention to detail. Stand-out highlights include a standard vegan interior with progressive textiles, pointing to a new more sustainable expression of luxury. A rear light-blade that stretches the entire width of the car (with adaptive brightness from its 288 LED’s) accentuates the vehicles powerful stance, while also adding terrific visual drama to the mix. There are some playful touches inside the car too, such as the unique Polestar symbol reflected into the glass roof above the front occupants. With a vegan interior as standard, Polestar also makes strong sustainability statements with the Polestar 2. Multi-Award Winner.

The Polestar 2 has been recognised as the ‘Best of the Best’ by Red Dot in the internationally-renowned contest’s Product Design category. The award is given to ‘groundbreaking design’ and is the top prize in the highly contested category. Additionally, the Polestar 2 was awarded the prestigious Product Innovation of the Year title at the renowned Sustainability Leaders Awards. The awards recognise

organisations that have taken their environmental, social and financial performance to new heights in an effort to achieve a sustainable future, today. The Polestar 2 was the first car in the world to feature an infotainment system powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS, with Google built-in. Developed in collaboration with Google, the Android system revolutionises the way car infotainment systems can be integrated, and with Google Assistant, Google Maps and the Google Play Store integrated, owners can benefit from the best voice and navigation systems in the world. The user interface is bespoke to Polestar 2, developed in-house and to exacting brand standards.

Range, Drivetrain & Charging Times.

The Polestar 2 is available in Standard Range Single Motor (2WD), Long Range Single Motor (2WD) and Long Range Dual Motor (4WD) variants with a WLTP driving range of up to 551kms depending on the version chosen. A 400V lithium-ion battery with a 75kWh usable capacity powers a single 150kW motor (2WD), or dual 150kW motors (4WD) in a refined and fussfree manner. The on-board charger in the Polestar 2 allows for AC charging up to 11kW (1 or 3 phase), with DC charging up to 150kW also possible. As a result, charging from 0-100% via a wallbox charger can be completed in 8 hours, while a 10-80% charge from a DC fast charger takes just 35 minutes.

Standard & Optional Equipment.

A Pilot Pack comes as standard in the Polestar 2, and includes Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with

steering support, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Stop Assist, 360-degree surround view camera, automatic dimming door mirrors, LED headlights and front fog lights with cornering function, along with front and rear light sequences.

The optional Performance Pack allows more enthusiastic drivers to enjoy a heightened experience with the fitment of manually adjustable Öhlins Dual Flow Valve dampers, 4-piston Brembo brakes, forged alloy wheels and Polestar’s signature ‘Swedish Gold’ brake callipers, valve caps and seat belts. Also optional is a Plus Pack which includes a Heat Pump, Harmon Kardon premium audio with 13 speakers (600W), heated windscreen washer nozzles, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, Weave Tech vegan upholstery with Black Ash deco, panoramic roof with reflected Polestar symbol, fully electric driver seat with memory, fully electric passenger seat, front seat mechanical cushion extension, inductive phone charger, rear cargo ‘lid-in-lid’ with bag holder, and tinted rear windows. Single options consist of 20” alloy wheels with Continental Premium Contact tyres, ventilated Nappa leather with wood deco, metallic paint, and a semi-electric folding tow bar.

Outstanding Safety.

The Polestar 2 is one of the safest electric vehicles ever tested by Euro NCAP, achieving a five-star rating. Developed in the Volvo Safety Centre in Gothenburg, Sweden, the car’s crashworthiness was naturally a top priority.

Standard safety equipment ranges from eight airbags, including the only inner-side airbags currently fitted to an premium EV that has been tested by Euro NCAP, to the Front Lower Load Path and Severe Partial Offset Collision Block that are designed to mitigate impact on the battery pack and passenger compartment alike. High-tech safety systems aim to ensure that safety extends beyond structural integrity and occupant protection, including vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian detection support, as well as lane and roadside departure warning and mitigation systems. The highly advanced Pilot Assist driver assistance system uses a radar and a camera to assist with acceleration, braking and steering at speeds of up to 130km/h.

Test Car.

My test car was a Polestar 2 Dual Motor Long Range with optional Plus Pack and Performance Pack, and was finished in striking Snow (white) metallic paintwork with contrasting 20” Y-Spoke black polished forged alloy wheels, and charcoal weave tech vegan upholstery. The Polestar 2 is impressively pleasing to drive, with a hefty 408bhp and 660Nm of instant torque from the dual motor set-up allowing the car to sprint from 0-100kms in just 4.7-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 205km/h (where permitted). The steering requires little effort to change direction, even in its firmest setting, and it does make the car easy to park – all of which is helped by front & rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround view camera.

The car offers one-pedal driving, though it can be switched off if you

prefer, and this system is extremely effective thanks to really impressive brake functionality. Polestar has done a terrific job of keeping the car comfortable to be in, while still making it thoroughly engaging to drive. The car is quiet too, with only a small amount of wind and road noise apparent at motorway speeds. The hatchback bodystyle of the Polestar 2 provides easy access to a generous 405-litre boot (including 41-litres of underfloor storage) behind the rear seats, and an even more practical 1,095-litres when the rear seat backs are folded flat, with an additional 35-litres of storage space under the bonnet.

The car enjoys a 2,735mm wheelbase that affords generous space for up to five occupants with squared-off doors allowing easy access for all. Visibility is generally good thanks to large windows and mirrors. However, the tailgate window is narrow, but the standard surround-view camera takes the guesswork out of reversing anyhow.

Verdict, Pricing & Warranty.

The combination of handsome looks, carefully chosen materials, cutting-edge in-car tech and a thrilling driving experience makes the Polestar 2 a truly desirable premium EV. The cars stylish minimalistic cabin feels like it is built to last for generations, and it is a wonderful place to spend time in. Pricing for the new Polestar 2 starts at €51,135 (inclusive of an SEAI Grant of €5,000 if applicable), with my test car priced at €74,295 inclusive of optional packs and metallic paint. A 3-year vehicle warranty and roadside assistance plan come as standard, along with a 3-year vehicle service plan and 3-years of connected services.

Corrigan

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS MEET EVERY

WEDNESDAY

At Palmerstown Camera Club they hold a weekly meeting in person, every Wed from 8 pm to 10 pm in the Palmerstown Parish Hall. People interested in joining the club or even attending one or two meetings FREE of charge to see how their photography could benefit from being a member can do so by contacting secpcc@mail.com.

Recently in Palmerstown Camera Club, they had the judging night for a themed competition “Old”, and two winning images are featured In Advanced category is An Old Master by Aoife Tierney and the Intermediate Category is My First One by Patrick Morris.