8th August 2022
OUTRAGE AT OVERTURNING DATA CENTRE MORATORIUM
A local councillor has expressed outrage at the decision by Minister of State for Local Government Peter Burke to overturn a moratorium on data centres in South Dublin.
In June councillors voted to amend the South Dublin County Development Plan to ban any new data centres in the county until 2028. The amendment was proposed by People Before Profit Councillor Madeleine Johansson and was passed by a majority of councillors. Following a recommendation
of the Office of the Planning Regulator the Minister has issued a direction instructing the council to remove the amendment. The decision will go out to public consultation for two weeks.
in favour of the amendment included the inability of Ireland to meet its carbon emissions targets, as well as the threat of power cuts as the grid comes under increased pressure.
There has been increasing concern about the numbers of data centres in the South Dublin County Council area with 37 already in operation. Data centres use up a lot of energy and water and are putting increasing strain on the electricity grid in the Dublin region. Arguments put forward
Cllr Madeleine Johansson commented: “I am absolutely outraged by the decision of the Minister to overturn the moratorium which was agreed by councillors. This is an attack on local democracy and makes a mockery out of local decision making. “The arguments put forward by the Office of
the Planning Regulator against the amendment were very weak, and centred around the fact that there is no national policy to ban data centres. In my motion I made strong arguments, backed up by facts, about Ireland’s inability to meet our Climate Action targets if we continue to permit more data centres. I also made reference to a number of objectives in national policy which would back a moratorium on data centres. I believe that there is a contradiction in national policy between our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and allowing more data centres.
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SEAN BROGAN FUNDRAISING WITH RAMS
On behalf of The Kevin Bell Foundation, The RAMS in Rhythm fundraised at the Spar Supermarket in Newcastle on the 29th of July. Their full compliment of singers were in good singing voice, and the RAMS in Rhythm sang and entertained for over two (2) hours, to the delight of all the Spar patrons, and employees.
years of age, Really showed “There’s Life in the Old Dog Yet” me Boys, Ther’s Life in the Ould Dog yet??? This is one of Paddy’s party pieces, at the end of our final song, Say You Love Me. So many thanks to all the patrons of the Spar Supermarket, who were so generous and giving, that a sum of €1124 was collected on behalf of The Kevin Bell trust.
All of the RAMS favourite songs were so well received by all the patrons, Our very own Chairman Mr Paddy Becton gave a great exhibition of his Irish dancing and Jig. Much to the delight of all the spectators. Paddy who is over 80th
The Kevin Bell Trust (KBRT) was set up following the tragic death of Kevin Bell, aged 26 years in New York. The Trust assists to repatriate those who have passed away in tragic circumstances abroad and who give both financial
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support and help to victim’s families. The RAMS were so pleased to have been able to support and fundraise for such a great cause. An employee of the Spar Supermarket Sean Brogan, died tragically after an accident in Croatia. Many thanks for the tremendous support from the Spar Kelly’s Supermarket for all the assistance and support, to enable us to fundraise for this worthy cause. Karan and Brian are always so facilitating to the RAMS in all our endeavours. To the Employees of the Spar, who helped to bucket collect, Olive, Andréa, Winnie, and Evan. It was tremendous to see, “the Apple does not fall far from the tree! With Olive Weldon doing the collection, and her Granddad doing the singing, and Evan Lee Dowling organising the venue and collectors, and His Granddad a member of RAMS in Rhythm. “Following in their Grandparents footsteps”? Not forgetting the other collectors, Mrs
Deirdre Dowling, and her Daughter Majella Kiernan, of Rathcoole. €1124 was donated to The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, on behalf of the RAMS.
and Our Lady’s Hospice Harold’s Cross. And they will continue to sing and entertain in Peamount Hospital as part of their regular visits.
The RAMS are in recess at the moment, but are keeping themselves busy organising their Christmas Carol CD, and continuing fundraising in September, for the St Vincent de Paul
Of the 53 RAMS members, 13 are members of The RAMS in Rhythm. All members of the singing group are over 70 years of age, with three of the members being over 80 years of age and
all members of RAMS in Rhythm. Members of the RAMS in Rhythm are from Newcastle, Rathcoole, Lucan, Celbridge, Clondalkin, Glasnevin, Athgoe. They are looking forward to resuming singing and fundraising for our nominated charities St Vincent de Paul, Our Lady’s Hospice, Down syndrome Kildare and Capuchin Fathers Day centre.
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RED LINE FESTIVAL POETRY COMPETITION 2022 Now in its tenth year, the prestigious Red Line Poetry Competition attracts hundreds of entries from all across the island of Ireland annually. This year, Red Line Festival is honoured to
have award-winning poet Jessica Traynor judge the competition entries. The closing date for entries is Monday 12th September 2022 and no entries will be accepted after this date. The shortlist will be
Cllr. Charlie O’Connor PC Living in Tallaght ...Working for Tallaght
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announced on Monday 3rd October 2022 and the prize winners announced during this year’s Red Line Festival which runs from October 13th - 16th 2022.
The Red Line Festival is an initiative of South Dublin Libraries and Arts at South Dublin County Council. Held in October each year, the festival celebrates the very best in local, national and international writing. Taking place in venues across South County Dublin, the Red Line Festival provides a programme of events and workshops that appeals to people of all ages and interests, from children to adults, casual readers to bookworms. Entry forms and competition rules can be downloaded from www. redlinefestival.ie and www. southdublinlibraries.ie all entries must be emailed to poetrycompetition@ sdublincoco.ie. Winners will be announced at an event during the Red Line Festival in October
2022 where they will be invited to read their winning poems. The winning poets will also receive the following prizes: 1st Place €300, 2nd Place €200 and 3rd Place €100. This year’s award-winning judge Jessica Traynor is a poet, essayist and librettist, and poetry editor at
Banshee. Her debut poetry collection, Liffey Swim (Dedalus Press, 2014), was shortlisted for the Strong/ Shine Award. The Quick (Dedalus Press, 2018) was an Irish Times poetry choice. Awards include the Ireland Chair of Poetry Bursary and Hennessy New Writer of the Year. Operas include Paper Boat, a commission from
Irish National Opera and Music for Galway, and The Wanderer, commissioned by Irish Modern Dance Theatre. Residencies include Yeats Society Sligo, Seamus Heaney Home Place and the DLR LexIcon. Pit Lullabies (Bloodaxe, 2022) is a Poetry Book Society Recommendation.
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TALLAGHT DRIVING TEST CENTRE WAITING LIST SHOWS NEED FOR ADDITIONAL TEST CENTRE TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has called on the Minister of Transport and RSA to open an additional test centre in South Dublin to take the pressure off of Tallaght and Dún Laoghaire/Deansgrange which have two of the highest waiting list numbers in the state. Teachta Crowe said: “There are 10,044 people on the waiting list for a driving test in the Tallaght centre according to the latest figures released to me by the RSA. This one test centre represents 12% of people waiting across the entire network of 61 testing centres. “The next largest waiting list is for Finglas with 5,465 people waiting, followed by Dún Laoghaire/Deansgrange with 5,365. “This is not a new problem. The Tallaght waiting list has consistently been far and away the highest numbers of people waiting and successive Ministers have done nothing to stem the growth of people waiting to get a test. “South Dublin has only two testing centres and those two centres feature in the top three highest waiting lists. “The only way to cut through the numbers and ensure people are not waiting for months and years for a test is to open another testing centre in South Dublin. The problem has gotten too great for temporary measures like additional testers as once they leave, the numbers will only start to build up once again. “We cannot leave people waiting unnecessarily when it comes to driving tests any longer. It makes life all the harder when it comes to getting anywhere especially in areas of poor transport links and by these delays, we are needlessly adding to the burden on workers and families.”
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SOUTH DUBLIN CO. CO. HAS SIGNED A CONTRACT WITH LEADING SPORTS SOFTWARE COMPANY
South Dublin County Council has signed a contract with leading sports software company SportsKey Ltd. to develop an online booking system for its network of community centres. This new booking system will see community centres being able to offer sports clubs, tutors and the general public the ability to see when centres have free times and book and pay for usage. The system compliments the pitches booking system which SportsKey developed for the South Dublin County Council previously. Funding for the initiative came through Sport Ireland’s Innovation Fund, backed by the Dormant Accounts Fund and was applied for through the South Dublin County Sports Partnership. Thos Mc Dermott, Co-ordinator of the Sports Partnership, says “The idea behind the project is to allow community centres the ability to meet the wishes of people who are now used
to booking or ordering items online.
centres will come on stream in late September with a
rollout over the next few years.
It can also help the community centres to make themselves more visible to the wider community while helping to ensure that they maximise their opening hours.” Speaking on the new initiative SportsKey founder Craig Bewley is delighted to be a partner in this new venture. “Our mission is to help organisations maximise the potential of their facilities through our customised booking systems and to help get the community participating in sport. We already have a great relationship with South Dublin County Council for their outdoor pitches and park pavilions and this project, which is unique in Ireland, will add hugely to the Council’s community offering”. It is planed that the first
Pictured at the contract signing in County Hall, Tallaght are Craig Bewley, SportsKey (left) and Thos Mc Dermott, South Dublin Co. Sports Partnership
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08
MARY’S MEALS VOLUNTEERS TAKE PART IN AN EPIC CHALLENGE THAT CELEBRATES TEN YEARS OF THE ANNUAL FUNDRAISING WALK
A group of volunteers from Dublin have undertaken an epic challenge to walk from Dublin to Knock, in Co. Mayo, for international school feeding charity Mary’s Meals. The group are taking part in the organisation’s annual fundraiser, the ‘Step by Step to Feed the Next Child’ walk, which is celebrating its 10 anniversary this year!
has been a volunteer with Mary’s Meals for the past six of years. “I’m really looking forward to doing the walk”, says Orlagh “Not only are we celebrating its ten-year anniversary, but we have had to do it on a reduced scale for the last couple of years, so it will be great to have everyone together again!
Mary’s Meals is an international organisation providing a daily meal in a place of education for children in some of the poorest communities in the world. They are currently feeding more than 2 million children, in 20 countries, across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. While just €18.30 feeds a child for an entire school year, those daily meals enable children to come to the classroom and gain the education that could be their ladder out of poverty in the long term.
“When just €18.30 feeds a child for an entire school year, and 93% of donations are spent on charitable activities, I know that whatever fundraising I do will have a great impact”. The charity’s work is more vital now than ever, with global hunger predicted to increase in 2022. Developing countries are the unwitting casualties of the war in Ukraine. Many of these nations were already suffering from soaring living costs and growing hunger levels due to extreme climatic events or conflicts in their own countries.
Orlagh Buckley, from Dublin,
North Africa, in particular,
could be hardest hit with rising food costs, as they import large quantities of grain from Ukraine and Russia. “Mary’s Meals is a lifeline for millions of the
most at risk children in 20 countries across the world”, says Executive Director for Ireland, Patricia Friel. “The rising cost of living is
affecting us all”, she says, “but it is always the most vulnerable who are hardest hit, so it’s very important that we keep our promise of a daily school meal to
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these little ones”. For more information on the work of Mary’s Meals worldwide and how you can support us, please visit www. marysmeals.ie.
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09
€186 MILLION FUNDING APPROVED FOR CLONBURRIS South Dublin County Council welcomes the announcement by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, that Cabinet has approved a Preliminary Business Case (PBC) for €186.3 million of Urban Regeneration Funding (URDF) to support delivery of a €2.9billion regeneration programme at Clonburris (Strategic Development Zone). This decision follows initial approval-in-principle in March 2021. This €186.3 million of funding, along with €18.8 million from the NTA for Active Travel and Public Transport, will support the delivery of a new neighbourhood at Clonburris in West Dublin. This funding will be used to build the new streets and transport infrastructure, new parks, community centres, and utility networks that will enable delivery of 8,700 new homes, for some 23,000 people over the next 10 years.
through the creation and delivery of a new sustainable community in South Dublin County Council. The business case will fund infrastructure that will unlock the delivery of much needed new affordable, social, and private homes over the coming years, as well as key sources of employment and community facilities in Clonburris. South Dublin County Council is determined to create a new sustainable community for over 23,000 people in Clonburris and the URDF grant funding will enable the delivery of this new community.”
South Dublin County Council have worked tirelessly with Government and the other landowners Cairn Homes, Kelland Homes and Quintain. The Council have a well-tailored delivery plan to drive forward delivery of these much-needed new homes. South Dublin County Council is also a landowner and has ambitious housing plans, and this funding will help the Council deliver approximately 2,500 new social and affordable homes, in addition to several public facilities. South Dublin County Council is dedicated to delivering a new sustainable community to this region which will serve generations to come.”
Chief Executive of South Dublin Daniel McLoughlin added, “I am delighted with the Government’s announcement to approve the Clonburris Preliminary Business Case, which supports the delivery of critical infrastructure that will unlock the development of a new sustainable residential community within Clonburris SDZ. Clonburris has the potential to be a transformative project of national, regional, and local significance in terms of housing provision, regeneration of neighbouring communities, enhanced transport, and the creation of a highquality neighbourhood in a strategic location. We have put in place a credible delivery programme that will see the construction of over 8,700 much needed new homes which will serve more than 23,000 people, as well as the provision of 90 hectares of new public parks, community facilities, streets and utilities between now and 2030.
The Mayor of South Dublin County Council Cllr. Emma Murphy said “It is with immense pleasure that I as the Mayor of South Dublin County Council welcome the announcement of the approval of the Clonburris Preliminary Business Case enabling the progression to the next stages of the Clonburris SDZ project. The approval by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage represents a clear commitment to providing transformational impact
The ongoing delivery of this €2.9 billion regeneration project will also act as key employment generator with the forecasted creation of approximately 2,360 direct new jobs. The detailed financial and economic analysis has demonstrated that with the support of URDF and NTA funding, viable housing delivery can be unlocked which provides a positive return on the State investment. High level analysis demonstrates that the €186.3m exchequer investment would leverage
private sector investment of c. €2.9bn and generate direct tax returns of c. €520m. As a key landowner in Clonburris SDZ, South Dublin County Council will lead the way in delivering 2,500 homes on our own land, as well as a range of public amenities. South Dublin County Council are fully focused on working through the next stages of the URDF funding process and are committed to working in partnership with other existing landowners in the SDZ to deliver much needed new homes and public amenities to these areas as a matter of priority.”
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LINDAB IRELAND WALK TO UKRAINE
Pictured L-R Patrick Boland, Managing Director, Lindab Ireland; David Lawlor, Sales Director, Lindab A.C. Manufacturing; Samantha Murphy, Store Manager, Circle K Newlands Cross; Gordon Lawlor, Managing Director, Circle K; and Ray Dolan, Senior Retail Execution & Support Manager, Circle K as Lindab Ireland, with their ‘Walk to Ukraine (and back again)’ corporate fundraising initiative, used their local Circle K, Newlands Cross store, to facilitate their donation of €22,782 through the Circle K ‘You donate, we’ll match’ campaign. Circle K doubled Lindab Ireland’s donation, reaching a final sum of €45,564 to go directly to the Red Cross in aid of the people of Ukraine. Pic credit: Naoise Culhane.
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RACE GRADUATION 2022
Tony Ellis from Clondalkin, Abbie Hilliard from Finglas, Luke Byrne from Lucan, Innis Marquez from Tallaght and Emma Byrne from Bayside were among the 26 young people who recently graduated from the Trainee Jockey programme at the Racing Academy & Centre of Education (RACE) in Kildare and will be taking up employment in the industry shortly. The group successfully completed a tenmonth residential programme which combined practical instruction, work placement and classroom modules in a QQI Level 4 award in Horsemanship. Modules
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included Communications, Information Technology, Business Calculations, Workplace Safety, Health Related Fitness, Stable and Yard Routine plus Racehorse Care and Exercise. They were presented with their certificates at a prize-giving ceremony on the Kildare campus. The trainees completed work placements with racehorse trainers Aidan Howard, Tracey Collins, Dermot Weld and Ross O’Sullivan in Kildare and all are now proceeding to full-time employment and will be progressing their careers while remaining resident at the RACE campus.
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MIDDLE INCOME FAMILIES MUST GET HELP WITH BACK TO SCHOOL COSTS
TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said the government must do much more to support families across South Dublin struggling with back to school costs. Speaking after the Barnardos report was issued recently, Teachta Crowe said: “Last month, Sinn Féin published a package of measures to cut back-to-school costs. This set out how families in Dublin South West can get much needed support for these spiralling costs, as the price of uniforms, school books, lunches, voluntary contributions and transport can reach hundreds or even thousands of Euros. “Families are already under huge pressure due to the cost of living crisis and will be under real financial pressure to cover these bills. I have been contacted by families who are very worried about how they will manage to meet these costs and stay on top of their basic bills as well. This
should not be happening. No one should face this stress or the prospect of going into debt, just to send a child to school. “I welcome that the government accepted some of Sinn Féin’s proposals and did finally act to increase the Back to Education Allowance. However, they did not go far enough. I am urging the government to ensure they deliver on Sinn Féin’s proposals to cut back to school costs so that families can put money back in their pockets urgently. “Middle income families need help this summer. They can’t wait. People who have one child in school and who have a combined income of €620 or more per week don’t get any assistance in terms of Back to School clothing and footwear allowance. Sinn Féin are proposing that this eligibility is widened to include middle income earners.
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“These are people on modest incomes who are working hard and cannot afford to pay these spiralling backto-school costs. It would be fair and reasonable for the eligibility to be widened to ensure these families get a break from the cost of living crisis. This would make a real difference to so many people across South Dublin. “There is still time to act, but the government cannot delay any longer. This issue is urgent. We are already in the middle of summer and these costs are coming in. Families cannot wait any longer.
“The government has shown before that they can act, when they did agree to take on some of Sinn Féin’s proposals. I am urging them to deliver on all our measures. Our proposals are fair, reasonable and deliverable. They would make a real difference to families who are under major financial pressure. “The government
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CAMERA CLUB VISIT LOUGH OWEL
As summer has finally reached us at Palmerstown Camera Club they are running photography outings to places like Bective Abbey, Glendalough, Malahide and Skerries to mention just a few. The image is from a recent outing to Lough Owel and was taken by Garrett Hayes. At Lucan Library there is a scaled-down version of the photography exhibition which the club held back in June in Palmerstown. They are also running a ‘win a print competition’ at the library. 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.
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EDUCATION FEATURE
STEM EXHIBITION RETURNS TO IN PERSON FORMAT
BT Ireland is delighted to announce the return of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) live and in-person in January 2023. After two years of virtual exhibitions, the wait is finally over as Ireland’s biggest and brightest showcase for young STEM talent returns to an in-person event in Dublin between 10th-14th January 2023. The live event will once again bring science and technology to life with amazing student projects, spectacular exhibits, influential guest speakers, and immersive displays.
Now in its 59th year, the BTYSTE 2023 will throw open its doors to students, from across the island of Ireland, blazing a trail with their creative takes on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The exhibition brings together the best and brightest of the STEM community in Ireland in a massive celebration of science, technology, and curiosity. As one of Europe’s longest running science competitions, the BTYSTE is proud of its fantastic alumni, many of whom have gone on to do remarkable things – from setting up tech unicorns, to breaking new ground in scientific discovery, to molding the minds of
future young scientists. The exhibition gives students and teachers the chance to work on projects that move science and technology beyond the classroom and into the real world.
Applications for the BTYSTE 2023 will close in late September and BT Ireland is encouraging students across Ireland to get their thinking caps on to be in with a chance of featuring at the exhibition. Participating students will be in the running to win over 200 prizes across all four categories and age groups. The overall winners will take away the top prize of €7,500 and go on to represent Ireland at the prestigious European Union Contest for Young Scientists, where Ireland has won 16 first place prizes over 32 years. Speaking at the launch of the 2023 BTYSTE, BT Ireland Managing Director Shay Walsh said: “The buzz and excitement of the live exhibition is second to none, so we’re thrilled to be bringing everyone back together after two successful virtual exhibitions.” “This national institution, one of the finest STEM exhibitions in Europe, will enable thousands of students to reconnect, and to present their ideas for addressing some of the major
challenges the world faces.” The 2022 exhibition winners Aditya Joshi and Aditya Kumar from Synge Street CBS, Dublin added: ‘We would really encourage anyone with an interest in science and technology to take part. Winning it was a fantastic experience for us both and we were so proud to receive the overall top prize for our project “A New Method of Solving the Bernoulli Quadrisection Problem”. Because of our BTYSTE win, we’re now preparing to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists Leiden this September. Another brilliant opportunity provided by this life-changing exhibition.” Entries must be from second-level students aged between 12 and 19 years. To enter, an individual or group must submit a one-page proposal outlining their project idea. Entries can be made in any one of four categories: Technology, Social and behavioural science, Biological and ecological science chemical & Chemical, physical, and mathematical science. For more information on this stellar exhibition and the opportunities it brings, please visit www.btyoungscientist.com
AN COSÁN LOOKS FORWARD TO WELCOMING NEW AND RETURNING LEARNERS An Cosán looks forward to welcoming new and returning adult learners to its community education centre in Kiltalown Village Centre, Jobstown, in September. We run courses at all levels – from Access right up to BA Degree level – so there really is something to suit everyone! Our wide range of Access courses (no pressure and no exams!) include Return To Learning (digital skills and personal development); Let’s Get Digital (basic computers and smartphone technology); Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills; English for Speakers of Other Languages; Irish; Art; and University of the Third Age (U3A). Our popular wellbeing classes include Personal Development, Mindful Movement, Mindfulness, and Women and Wellbeing. Our range of QQI accredited Level 5 Further Education courses includes Business Administration with Digital Skills, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), Community Care, Community Development, and Word Processing. We also run a QQI Level 6 programme in ECCE. For anyone interested in one of our Level 5 courses but not sure, we offer taster sessions in ECCE, Business Administration with Digital Skills, Community Care and Community Development to give potential learners an opportunity to get a sense of what the courses are about. See our website for further information – www.ancosan.ie
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FORMER BOXING CHAMP BERNARD DUNNE GRADUATES FROM UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
Former two-time world boxing champion Bernard Dunne has seen some big occasions in his career. However, the Dubliner reckoned his graduation as a Master of Science in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology from University of Limerick ranked right up there. The former professional boxer and former WBA (Regular) and European Super Bantamweight champion was one of hundreds of students graduating from UL at the recent summer conferring ceremony. It was the first full in-person conferring ceremony to take place at UL - where graduates could also invite their families to attend since the pandemic began. More than 700 students were conferred from the faculties of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Education and Health Sciences and Science and Engineering recently. They join the more than 117,000 University of
Limerick alumni based all around the world. In total, there was 723 students conferred, including 13 PhDs. These included large cohorts of graduates from the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (BMBS) and the Postgraduate Diploma in School Leadership programmes. Bernard Dunne said he “started the course a number of years ago and absolutely loved it because I was already working in the area. “I had no grey hair before I started this course and look at me now,” he laughed. Dunne said of the Masters at UL: “I loved it – it helped frame and gave me tools to use immediately with athletes, with coaches, with management, so that gave me instant tools that were transferable into what I was doing. “I get asked to work with a lot of teams as performance coach and now I actually have a piece of paper which says I can do it. It is an amazing thing
to have, my wife and my daughter are here and we are having a family day today – and it is just such a big occasion to graduate with a masters,” he added.
Speaking to graduates during the ceremony, UL President Professor Kerstin Mey congratulated the students for their success in spite of the challenges thrown up by COVID-19. “Your journey through education has been exciting, challenging and indeed not without a great deal of effort and commitment, but today you are celebrating the fact that you have excelled academically and all while we faced some of the darkest and most challenging days in recent history,” Professor Mey said. “Succeeding in the face of the COVID-19 cannot be underestimated as it shows tenacity, focus and strength of character for each and every one of you to be graduating here today. Be proud of your
accomplishment. I am sure, your family, your friends, your tutors and your peers share in that pride.”
Professor Mey’s remarks to the new graduates also reflected that UL is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a year of events to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the university in 1972 as the National Institute of Higher Education. “This is an occasion that brings with it many reasons to celebrate and indeed to look to the future. “Since our inception as NIHE in 1972, this institution has been agile in its growth. As we begin a year of celebrations marking our 50th anniversary, we remember how we started, as pioneers, entrepreneurs and disruptors and we look forward towards how we will carve a course for our next 50 years as change agents. “As you leave here today with your academic award, you too will become
the leaders, pioneers and entrepreneurs that will drive societal change for the better. “Some of you will be the disruptors in asking how we do things differently, but all of you will be capable of meeting the challenges ahead.
your work across whatever discipline or sector you will work in, will be representative of UL’s motto Eagna chun Gnímh – Wisdom for Action. “UL is a collective of extraordinary people. That makes me and this institution very proud.
“Today closes one chapter of your life, while also opening the pages for new beginnings. As our ambassadors in society,
“Feel tall, be proud, savour and relish the achievement of today and go out into the world to make a change,” Professor Mey added.
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TUSLA CASH INJECTION PUTS YOUNG PEOPLE ON CAREER PATH
A BURSARY scheme to give care-experienced young people a financial boost towards the cost of their education has been launched by child and family agency Tusla. The scheme, which is now in its second year, provides a cash injection to those over 18 years old to help them achieve their career goals. Care-experienced young people, who are not receiving financial support
for their education from any other State source, can apply for a bursary of up to €5,000 to fund a third level course or to purchase necessary materials or hardware. A total of €750,000 of Dormant Accounts funding was secured in 2022 by Tusla and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) to provide educational supports for
children in care and young people in aftercare.
Speaking about the launch at Tusla’s head office in the Brunel Building, Heuston South Quarter, in Dublin, DCEDIY Minister Roderic O’Gorman said: “I am delighted to support the launch of the Education and Training Bursary Scheme 2022-2023. “While there are very strong supports for formal third-level courses,
this scheme is to address the need for supports for other, often shorter courses, which are part of the incremental steps for young people building their careers. “In such instances this bursary scheme will be of real practical benefit and will improve access to educational opportunities,” Mr O’Gorman added. With the cost of living rising faster than ever, the money couldn’t come at a better time for young people hoping to access further education and training to support their career development. Last year, Tusla’s Bursary Scheme Committee approved 136 applications and just under €185,000 was awarded to young people to support their further education or training. One recipient of last year’s scheme is Clara O’Shea-Collins (26), from Co. Wicklow. Clara was in foster care from the age of one years old up until her 18th birthday, when she was adopted by her foster parents. She now works as
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a social worker for Tusla, in Co. Dublin. Clara has always liked horses and finds a sense of calm around them so when she heard about the bursary scheme, she knew exactly what she would use the money for – to train as an equine-assisted learning instructor.
The course will give her the skills to help people develop their social and emotional competencies through therapeutic work with horses. Not only has the funding helped her to be able to undertake two new trainings, it has also helped Clara to buy books, a computer, a printer and other materials for her courses. Speaking about the scheme and the support she received, Clara added: ‘I’m delighted. It’s an amazing opportunity! If you don’t ask, you don’t get, so it’s definitely worth applying.’ Tusla’s bursary also helped Jaffer Mohammed (21), from Dublin, put his career into motion. Jafer, who is an apprentice electrician, had no means of transport and was losing out on job
opportunities because he had no means of transport. Thanks to the Tusla bursary scheme, though, he was able to use the €1,500 support money he received to buy a computer, do a driver theory test and take driving lessons. Not only that, but Jafer is clearly good under pressure because he passed his test on the first attempt and is now set to hit the road in an Opel Corsa. “I couldn’t get the money from the bank to pay for the lessons because I am on an apprenticeship. I want to thank Tusla so much for the support.” Speaking at the launch, Kate Duggan, National Director of Services and Integration, Tusla, said: “In order to meet the individual needs of care experienced people, the funding is available for a wide variety of courses and training, such as third level courses, apprenticeships as well as training-related equipment.” Closing date for applications is October 28, 2022. Email educationbursary@tusla.ie for further details.
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RAMS WELCOME NEWLY APPOINTED MAYOR
Recently RAMS hosted Mayor of South Dublin County Council Cllr Emma Murphy in the Community Centre in Newcastle. Local TD Emer Higgins also came to wish all members a wonderful happy break, and looking forward to hearing us sing in the many venues booked for the remaining months. The Mayor spoke of the great success of the RAMS and The RAMS in Rhythm. The Mayor complimented our group for supporting each other “As we Age” and wishing us health and happiness for the future of the RAMS. The Mayor spoke of the contribution that the RAMS have made to the Community Centre in the past years, and how well the Community centre looked. The visitors enjoyed freshly baked scones and beverages
served by the men. The scrumptious strawberries and cream were a real treat, but skip on the cream!! The groups very own Musical Director Mr Liam O Donnell, presented The Mayor and Deputy Higgins, with garden gnomes, which he makes as a hobby. Liam makes these, when he is not practising singing for us RAMS in Rhythm. A man of many talents. As the visit was a half hour visit, The RAMS in Rhythm, surprised the Guests, with a rendition of songs to entertain them including Dublin in the Rare ould Time, Somewhere over the Rainbow, Oh, Lord I hope this Day is Good? Chair Paddy Becton, thanked the Mayor and Deputy Higgins for giving of their valuable time to visit the RAMS and for their kind words to our group. Guests received
a standing ovation on their departure, and the group looks forward to having them visit again for Christmas Celebrations.
AIB U-TURN WELCOME, BUT CUSTOMERS NEED CERTAINTY TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has welcomed the announcement that AIB will not proceed with their decision to make many branches cashless and praised local communities for standing up for their services. The decision would have included the branch in Rathfarnham. Speaking recently, Teachta Crowe said “I welcome that AIB have reversed their decision. This is the right thing to do. Their decision to make these branches cashless was shortsighted and poorly thought out. It would have caused major problems for customers here in South Dublin, including vulnerable people and businesses, by forcing them to travel long distances for basic services. It should never have been allowed to get this far. “It is clear that the Future of Banking in Ireland Review is urgently required and must include close examination of local banking services, and the role of the Credit Union sector, to ensure that customers are not subjected to this unacceptable stress again. Customers deserve to know that they will be treated fairly by their bank and that an appalling situation like this will not be allowed to
happen in the future. “The Government has evidently been caught on the hop and need to explain why this was the case. Customers need to know exactly how this debacle came about and need reassurance that it will not happen again. This means that the Finance Committee meeting on this matter must still go ahead, so that customers can get these vital answers and assurances from the Finance Minister and senior AIB figures. Sinn Féin are committed to standing up for customers to ensure that they are treated fairly and with respect. “The Government are majority shareholders in AIB and need to assert their role in ensuring banks service communities. Our communities deserve to access services locally and to be treated fairly by these banks. “I want to commend communities across Dublin South West who stood their ground and refused to allow corporate interests to hollow out the services upon which they rely. By working together and refusing to back down, they have ensured that these vital services do not leave the area, particularly Rathfarnham. People power has won out.”
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PLANS FOR INDIA DAY FESTIVAL 2022 ANNOUNCED The Federation of Indian Communities in Ireland (FICI) has announced that the India Day Festival (76th Indian Independence Day & 75 years of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav) celebrations in Ireland will take place on
Sunday 21st August 2022 from 12:10pm to 5:00pm at Merrion Square Park, Dublin 2. The event will be a free, open & outdoor event demonstrating a flavour of Indian diversity and cultural integration, including a
series of activities like music, dance, a talent show, food and exhibition stalls. The event will be managed with support from Dublin City Council, Indian communities in Ireland, the Embassy of India, and other
prominent sponsors.
Speaking at the India Day Festival 2022 event poster launch ceremony at Adamstown Community Centre, Deputy Emer Higgins, TD for Dublin Mid West, highlighted the important role that the event plays in bringing all cultures together. Deputy Higgins said, “The India Day Festival is a wonderful opportunity for members of the Indian community to come together and celebrate each other, but it’s also an opportunity for people of every heritage to learn more about Indian culture and history. “In Dublin Mid West there is a thriving Indian community, who make a massive contribution to the local area and many are at the forefront of organising this year’s India Day Festival, so I hope we will see massive attendance and support from people in the local area looking to join in the fun and celebration of Indian culture and independence.” Chairperson
of
the
Federation of Indian Communities in Ireland, Dr. Jasbir Singh Puri, said, “The FICI Team is working hard for the successful organisation of India Day Festival. The Promotional event poster was launched by our guest of honour Deputy Emmer Higgins TD along with Cllr. Declan Burgess, Tipperary County Council along with Mr. Terence Dick, Second Secretary, Embassy of India Dublin.
“The India Day Festival is a celebration of Indian Independence Day with Indian diaspora living in India and any part of the world. This festival is in commensuration of the Indian Independence Day on the 15th of August every year. The festival will feature an array of spectacular performances of traditional, patriotic Indian as well Irish song, dance, music and include a variety of exhibitions showcasing Indian cuisine as well as traditional clothing, dresses and cultural presentations from our community members
coming from different parts of India and representing Indian unity in diversity.”
The FICI is a non-profit umbrella community organisation representing several Indian regional and ethnically diverse community groups as well as individual members from Indian origin,residing in Ireland. The Purpose of the FICI is to promote social inclusiveness, cultural diversity and enhance community integration. You can visit the FICI’s website, www.ficiireland.org or their Facebook page for more details. Since conception in 2015 and being an umbrella organisation for all Indian communities residing in Ireland, the FICI is engaged in organising India Day festival, International Yoga Day celebrations and other cultural activities along with community service programs to demonstrate and nourish and communicate the diversity of Indian culture to the next generation and to the Irish community as part of our social inclusion programme.
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SPECSAVERS CLONDALKIN, LIFFEY VALLEY AND MAYNOOTH ARE ENCOURAGING DONATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE HOPE FOUNDATION
SPECSAVERS Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Maynooth are encouraging donations in store with their newly installed Tap to Donate machines in aid of charity partner, The Hope Foundation. The Specsavers team are keen to drive donations for the Hope Foundation due to the store director’s close relationship with the charity. Lisa Walsh, store director at Specsavers will be returning to Kolkata in November with the Hope Foundation to provide care and assistance to those in need.
Specsavers Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Maynooth have introduced Tap to Donate machines in-store to raise funds with the help of new and existing customers. Those willing to support can tap their debit or credit card at the machine in-store. Specsavers’ relationship with The Hope Foundation began in 2017 when Lisa Walsh, decided to embark on a mission, along with other Specsavers colleagues, to help provide accessible eyecare to those less fortunate in Kolkata, India. Through Lisa’s missions with Hope Hospital in Kolkata, Lisa witnessed first-hand how many people
were suffering from lack of access to basic eye care. Thousands of people were suffering from easily preventable and treatable eye conditions, with many simply needing glasses to vastly improve their daily quality of life.
The Hope Foundation are Specsavers long term charity partner and with the help of donations from customers and Specsavers themselves, The Hope Foundation has so far been able to conduct over 161 free eye check-up camps treating over 27,110 people, dispensed over 15,000 pairs of glasses and provided over 9,910 free medicines to patients. It has also performed almost 1,300 eye surgeries in the Hope hospital and treated 7,552 patients through 430 eye clinics at Hope hospital which was only made possible because of customer donations in Specsavers stores across the country. Specsavers stores are looking to fundraise as much as possible so that they can continue to support the running of the HOPE Eye Clinic in Kolkata and the purchase of muchneeded equipment for the Hope Hospital to provide high-quality eye care to
GOVERNMENT MUST IMPOSE 2% CAP ON ALL RENT INCREASES TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has described the latest Residential Tenancies Board rent report as “just more bad news for renters” Teachta Crowe called on Government to apply the 2% Rent Pressure Zones to all counties, all tenancies and all rental stock. Teachta Crowe said “The latest Residential Tenancies Board rent report is just more bad news for renters. New rents are up 9% and in 12 counties, rents have gone up by double digits. “The level of rent increases outside Rent Pressure Zones is now so high that Government must move to ensure all tenants in all counties are protected by the 2%. This should apply to existing, renewed and new tenancies. “It is clear that the Government’s plan is not working. Social and affordable housing delivery remains glacial. “Budget 2023 is the last chance for Government to change course. Unless they dramatically increase investment in and accelerate the delivery of public housing to meet social and affordable housing needs, then this crisis will get worse. “In the meantime, the Government extend the Rent Pressure Zones to all counties, to new and existing tenancies, and to existing and new rental stock.”
underprivileged people in Kolkata. Speaking ahead of the mission to Kolkata in November, Lisa Walsh comments: ‘In Ireland, we have access to excellent eye care but many people in Kolkata are not as lucky, making it vital that we do all we can to improve their eye health services. The eye tests in India will enable the team to provide glasses, where necessary, giving children and adults better vision. These people would otherwise have been deprived of this basic need. The gift of sight could significantly change many of these people’s lives. We would like to welcome all new and existing customers in store and encourage anyone who can, to donate to this amazing cause.’
The Hope Foundation spokesperson, Jennifer Foran Smyth, says: ‘We are thankful to every single store that helps to raise vital funds for our charity. Our partnership with Specsavers has been very important to us. It has allowed us to provide support to many people suffering with their eyesight in Kolkata and we are forever grateful for that. We wish Specsavers Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Maynooth the best of luck with their fundraising and trip to Kolkata in November.’ The Hope Foundation Ireland is a registered Irish charity working with street and slum children in Kolkata. The charity works to free children and poor families from lives of pain, abuse, poverty and darkness and seeks to improve their lives by providing access to healthcare and nutrition, education, drug rehabilitation, protection, emergency response and life skills and training. With the help of Specsavers and The Hope Foundation, improved eye care will be made available to the children and families living in the slums and in HOPE hospital in Kolkata. For more information or to make a donation please visit Specsavers Specsavers
Clondalkin (01) 405 6200, Specsavers Liffey Valley
(01) 616 6006 or Specsavers Maynooth (01) 693 2200
or visit https://www. specsavers.ie/
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MOTORING LIFE
WITH
Toyota Yaris Cross is made for adventure
By Breda Corrigan The Toyota Yaris Cross is a mix of two things, small hybrid car and SUV. It combines compact dimensions with the ability to run solely on electric power at low speeds, while the option of a four-wheel drive model ensures the new Yaris Cross is a truly authentic urban adventurer. Having recently been awarded the coveted title of World Urban Car 2022, the Yaris Cross stands out from the crowd for all the right reasons. The all-hybrid Yaris Cross range is designed to be the world’s safest compact car, with a segment-first centre airbag which protects passengers from bumping into each other in the event of a side impact. Sophisticated Looks. The Toyota Yaris Cross is longer and wider than the standard Yaris hatchback which it is based on, and offers a raised driving position that is important to many SUV buyers. Competition in the compact SUV market segment is strong, with the Ford Puma, Renault Capture, Peugeot 2008, Hyundai Kona and the Opel Mokka just some of the talented rivals to the Yaris Cross. Although built upon the same TNGA platform as the Yaris hatchback, the Yaris Cross benefits from styling influences from the much larger RAV4 SUV. At the front there
are neat lights and grille, with indicators set into fake vents at the outer edges of the bumper. Blending bold, sophisticated looks with commanding views of the road, the Yaris Cross offers genuine SUV attitude on a scale that fits perfectly into the city and beyond. Substantial Cabin & Boot Space. Inside, the Yaris Cross is similar in many respects to the Yaris hatch, with many instruments and infotainment features carried over, but the cabin looks and feels more substantial than that of the standard Yaris. Space up front is impressive and the front seats are hugely comfortable too, while the space on offer to rear seat passengers is pretty much in and around the class norm. The 397-litre boot space behind the rear seats is impressive, and is aided by the inclusion of a split-level floor and 40:20:40 split folding seat backs for even greater practicality. Four Trim Variants. Available in a choice of Luna, Luna Sport, Sol and Adventure trim variants, the new Yaris Cross comes as standard in front-wheel drive format, with the range-topping Adventure variant available with the option of intelligent All-Wheel
Drive (i-AWD) which automatically switches from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive depending on road conditions. Seamless wireless mobile device connectivity through Toyota Smart Connect features industry-standard crossdevice support for the first time on a core Toyota model. In terms of safety, all trim variants benefit from the standardisation of Toyota Safety Sense 2, which provides all occupants with the very latest crash prevention and protection systems should they be called upon in an emergency. The hybrid powertrain in the Yaris Cross is based on the 1.5-litre petrol engine which debuted in the new Yaris hatchback. Producing 116bhp and 120Nm of torque, the 3-cylinder engine enables the Yaris Cross to sprint from 0-100km/h in 11.2-seconds, and can return a fuel efficiency figure as low as 4.5l/100km on a WLTP combined driving cycle. An on-board EV indicator is a really engaging feature that allows drivers to see when they are driving in pure zero-emission EV mode, and this can be up to 80% of the time according to Toyota. Test Car Details. My test car was a new Yaris Cross Adventure (2WD) in Pearl Ice White pearlescent paintwork with contrasting black door mirror
casings and roof, along with dark grey body trim and stylish 18” dark grey alloy wheels. Thanks to a relatively high seating position, the outward view from within the Yaris Cross is excellent. This great visibility combines with Toyota’s lightweight steering and compact dimensions to allow for easy manoeuvrability in and out of tight parking spaces, all of which is helped by the standard reversing camera to make the process even easier. The Yaris Cross feels punchy around town, so you can confidently nip in and out of gaps in the traffic. A firm suspension set-up can make the Yaris Cross feel a bit restless on patchy road surfaces, but it settles down very well on the open road. Additionally, the firmer setup means that the car doesn’t roll too much through corners, and it feels well planted on the road as a result. The Yaris Cross can run on electric power alone at speeds up to 128km/h, the distance of which will depend on the power in the hybrid powerpack at the time. Overall refinement is good, with the petrol engine only really making itself heard when the accelerator pedal is forcibly pressed. Key standard equipment in range-topping Adventure trim includes aluminium roof rails, front & rear under-runs, a 10” coloured Head Up Display (HUD),
black partial leather upholstery, upper instrument panel, and roof lining, Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto, DAB radio with 6 speakers, rear privacy glass, dualzone climate control, heated front seats, and adaptive cruise control, along with many more comfort, convenience, safety and infotainment features. Verdict, Pricing & Warranty. Toyota’s reputation for bulletproof reliability is a well-known phenomenon, and their hybrid engine expertise is second-tonone too, so the new Yaris Cross truly has hit the ground running – so to speak. It is an attractive compact SUV, with the benefit of an economical hybrid powertrain, along with the option of all-wheel drive capability for owners who plan on taking their Yaris Cross off the beaten track at times. It is extremely well built, very spacious and is great to drive too. The all-new, all-hybrid Toyota Yaris Cross is available in Toyota dealerships nationwide, and is priced from just €28,050. All Toyota passenger cars come with a 3 year/100,000km warranty on mechanical components (with the exception of wear & tear items) along with a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty, and a 5 year/100,000km warranty on Hybrid Components.
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HOMEOWNERS CANNOT FOOT THE BILL FOR DEFECTIVE APARTMENTS Management Companies must oversee works on defective apartments with State intervention, as homeowners cannot be left to foot the bill, according to Senator Mary SeeryKearney.
Senator Seery-Kearney, Fine Gael member of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing said, “Homeowners in their thousands are receiving bills from their Management Companies to make good defective work carried out by the complex developer. Often these bills are presented with demands for payment over a very short time period, and homeowners are being told that there is either poorly finished work leading to water leaks and damage, or, very seriously, that their complex is without the proper fire-retardant standards required to ensure their homes are safe. “This has to stop. Homeowners cannot be left to foot the bill for defective apartments. In some cases homeowners cannot
insure their properties where defects have been discovered, and they cannot sell them until all of the works are certified and completed.” Affected complexes were all built prior to the changes in building standards and certification in 2014.
Senator Seery-Kearney continued, “Management Companies must be supported with a redress scheme to assist with remediation works, so that they can cease with these demands on homeowners. Government must ensure a bespoke redress scheme, allocating the required funds to Management Companies, the party responsible to ensure the works are carried out. A clear commitment to fund remediation works from Government would enable Management Companies to raise the finance to fund the works, cutting beleaguered homeowners out of the equation. “This cannot fall to individual homeowners to pay out, in cases where
they perhaps cannot afford it, and only some will pay it with the potential that it may render the management company insolvent and the remediation works unresolved. Many homeowners and their Management Companies are awaiting the Government’s response to the Construction Defects Working Group report before the commencement of the works. Now that that report is published, it is vital that Government responds swiftly. “It is also inequitable that individual homeowners are being asked to pay the same as the professional landlords who own apartments in the same complex. Those professional landlords have the ability to write the cost of remediation against tax, an option not open to homeowners. “In cases where payments have already been made by homeowners, a retrospective compensation element must be provided for in any redress provision. The remediation will come
at a considerable cost to the taxpayer and it is my belief that a construction levy is going to be required to recoup some of these costs.
“I am frequently hearing from constituents about the terrible pressure they are
under in relation to this. One homeowner told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing about her fears for her daughters at night when she tucks them into bed; it is intolerable that families are living in fear of the possible defective fire standards
in their apartments. “I very much welcome the work of the Construction Defects Working Group, and I hope a speedy Government response will bring relief and a road map out of this nightmare for homeowners,” Senator Seery-Kearney concluded.
Naughton one of the club’s talented photographers. 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.
BRAY AIR DISPLAY 2022
As summer has finally reached us at Palmerstown Camera Club they are running photography outings to places like Castletown House, Glendalough, Malahide and Skerries to mention just a few. Palmerstown Camera Club also runs a beginner’s photography course which is free of charge to members of the camera club and is run for six weeks and is given by one of their advanced members in the parish hall on a Wednesday from 7 pm8 pm. More details of dates will be announced nearer to Sept when they will begin a new photography season. The images are from the recent Bray Air Display and were taken by Kevin
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