Rathcoole Saggart News 3rd Oct

TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that Nitrous Oxide is an all too present drug in your communities that is often allowed to slip under the radar when it comes to substance abuse prevention and supports. Teachta Crowe is currently drafting a bill to ban the sale of Nitrous Oxide products to under 18s and have it listed as a psychotropic drug to enable gardaí to tackle its sale and misuse

more effectively.

Teachta Crowe said “The sale and misuse of Nitrous Oxide is something that often slips under the radar in the fight against substance abuse in our communities and efforts to help those who suffer from addiction. “People often see the small silver containers or blue flask size containers scattered on the ground in our parks or beside footpaths, unaware of what they

are, what they are used for or even that the misuse of nitrous oxide goes on. These ‘silver bullets’ as they’re called are inhaled and can cause hypoxic brain injury and even death.

There have been numerous cases of this happening in both Ireland and Britain.

“It’s mostly children and young teenagers who use this drug but it’s becoming popular and available as is evident by the number of capsules littering

many communities. “I am currently drafting a bill in the Oireachtas that would ban the sale of Nitrous Oxide products to under 18’s and have it listed as a psychotropic drug to enable gardaí to tackle its sale and misuse more effectively.

“I am aware of the many legitimate uses of nitrous oxide and do not wish to hinder anyone who simply wants to purchase a can of whipped cream, but there is a huge black market out there and precious little has been done to limit it. “I have spoken to the Garda Authorities on the issue and they have told me that they feel their hands are tied in many cases when it comes to dealing with nitrous oxide abuse under current legislation.

“That is why I am planning to put forward my own bill in the Dáil in the coming weeks and hopefully have it swiftly passed so that we can help prevent the widespread use of this substance that can be all too dangerous if used unsafely.”

Castle,

TYMON PARK POLLINATOR AND GREEN FLAG AWARD

Tymon Park has won the prestigious 2022/23 Pollinator Award for the best Town Park in Ireland as part of the Green Flag scheme.

Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Councillor Emma Murphy raised the flag on Friday the 23rd of Sept 2022 and said “ The Pollinator Award is jointly run by An Taisce Environmental Education and the National Biodiversity Data Centre, assessing pollinator-friendly

management of parks and community spaces against the recommendations of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, which is implemented by the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Over the past number of years SDCC have greatly increased the number of natural meadows in parks and open spaces across the county including in Tymon Park.

Presently Tymon Park has over 41 ha (100 acres) of long flowering meadows that are being managed for

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pollinators. The primary aim of this action is to improve habitats for pollinators as one third of our wild bees in Ireland are under threat due to a loss of food and shelter.

Tymon Park has also been awarded a Green Flag for the fourth time in succession. The Green Flag Award is an international benchmark that recognises and rewards high-quality parks and green spaces. This year over 2,300 public sites in 16 countries around the World have achieved Green Flag or Green Flag Community Award status, the award scheme is managed in Ireland by An Taisce. It rates the management of parks by local authorities across criteria including safety, cleanliness, conservation, sustainability, and community involvement.

Tymon Park is one of 104 Green Flag sites in Ireland,

this comprised of 85 formal public Green Flag Park sites, along with 19 volunteer run Green Community Sites. This award is a huge honour for everyone in SDCC and park users, I believe the green flag demonstrates how much

care and effort the Park’s staff put into maintaining the park and how much the local community use and appreciate the park. A special mention must go out to the Friends of Tymon who play an active role in the park providing

community participation, litter picks, and getting involved in engagement on new initiatives and park maintenance – all of this feeds into the green flag application and management programme for the park.

Pic: Ben Ryan

NEW AMAZON FULFILMENT CENTRE SUPPORT IRISH CHARITIES WITH DONATIONS

The team at Amazon’s new Dublin fulfilment centre has marked the site’s opening by donating €20,000 to four Irish family support charities. Donations of €5,000 were made to Cliona’s Foundation, Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and Barretstown by the charity committee at the new Amazon fulfilment centre as part of the company’s community support programme.

Cliona’s Foundation, headquartered in Limerick but working across Ireland, supports families dealing with financial issues while caring for a child with a lifelimiting illness. Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation is a national charity headquartered in Naas providing in-home nursing care and respite support for children up to the age of six with severe to profound neurodevelopmental delay.

LauraLynn is Ireland’s only Children’s Hospice providing hospice and palliative care and support for children with life limiting conditions and their families. The charity is based in Dublin and supports children and families across the country. Kildare’s Barretstown offers free camps and programmes for children and their families living with a serious illness. While on site, families have access to 24-hour medical and nursing care.

Speaking on the donations, Darragh Kelly, General Manager at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dublin, said: “Supporting our community here in Dublin and across Ireland is something we’re incredibly passionate about and it’s great to make these donations to such fantastic charities. All four organisations offer vital services for families in Ireland, and we’re pleased

to lend them a helping hand with these donations.”

Amanda Kilbride works at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dublin and was part of the team that chose the charities for the donations. She added: “Everyone on our team has been really excited to open our new building and what better way to mark the occasion than by making donations to four charities that do so much for families across Ireland. I’m really pleased that Amazon has chosen these charities for this support.”

Jennifer McDonald from LauraLynn Children’s Hospice said: “On behalf of everyone at LauraLynn, I’d like to thank Darragh and the team at Amazon in Dublin for this donation.

Support like this ensures we can continue to support children and families across Ireland and we’re grateful for this gesture from the

Amazon team.”

The charities received the donations as part of Amazon’s programme to support communities in and around its operating locations throughout Ireland. Amazon’s new 630,000 square foot fulfilment centre, in Dublin’s Baldonnell Business

Park, has created 500 new jobs and will help provide faster delivery for customers across the country seven days a week, including one-day delivery on hundreds of thousands of items.

The Dublin fulfilment centre, the first of its kind in Ireland, will hold millions of items to be picked, packed

and shipped to customers across the island of Ireland.

The fulfilment centre in Dublin joins the two Amazon delivery stations, based in Rathcoole and Ballycoolin, to open in the Republic of Ireland. Amazon also has delivery stations in Northern Ireland, located in Belfast and Portadown.

Pic: Karl Hussey

FREEDOM FM EXTENDS COVERAGE ALMOST NATIONWIDE

the country. The former Templeogue based pirate station will broadcast on FM for thirty days with a temporary licence granted by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI). Programmes will continue until Sunday the 23rd of October.

Promising to cater for the musical taste of Generation Y, Freedom FM will play a mix of chart, dance, R n’B and rock from their extensive music library of songs which stretches from 1990 to 2009. The station will also air specialist music programmes and features helping listeners to relive the 90s and noughties. Established as an online station in August 2020, Freedom FM secured its first FM radio licence last year broadcasting to Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway cities.

“This year”, said station

manager Sean Power, “we decided to extend our reach to Kildare, Wicklow, Wexford and Cork Counties by adding four new broadcast locations. With eight transmitters on the go, we have one of the largest transmission footprints for any temporary licensed station.”

“We are delighted to be bringing our entertaining mix of music from the 90s and noughties to more places across the country. I know our 28 DJs and radio presenters will get a real kick helping those who grew up in the 90s and noughties relive their youth through the music of those two decades.”

The success of last year’s FM broadcasts encouraged the team behind Freedom FM to consider bringing the music of their youth to more regions across Ireland, and

so submitted an application to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland in March this year, signing contracts in September. The station will broadcast to Dublin on 105.2 FM, as well as Cork, Galway, and Limerick cities, and counties Kildare, Wicklow, Wexford and Cork on different frequencies under a 30 day temporary broadcast license from the BAI.

The station continues to broadcast around the world online so those living outside the reception areas can still tune in via the website www.freedomfm.ie or through a smart speaker.

Freedom FM has made a return to Dublin’s FM band, 12 months since its last FM radio broadcast. And this time they are extending their reach to much of

Pictured: Left to Right Paul Kavanagh, Sean Power with BAI contract, Ralph McGarry Freedom FM

€14M ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH IS NOT ENOUGH

“smoke and mirrors” with Mental Health funding for the second year in a row.

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The Dublin Mid-West TD said that of the €57.8 million announced by Minister Mary Butler in additional funding for mental health, only €14 million represents real additional funding. This is in comparison to the additional €81.7 million that Sinn Féin committed to spend in our Alternative Budget for new measures.

Teachta Ward said “The Government has provided just €14m additional funding for mental health in Budget 2022. “This is woefully inadequate and shows they are out of touch with reality. They have not recognised the mental health challenges ordinary people are facing.

“In our Alternative Budget 2022, Sinn Féin proposed €81.7m for urgently needed investment, including additional funding in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Primary Mental Health Care Services, national clinical programme for early intervention in psychosis and perinatal mental health services.

“The Government has announced €57.8 million in additional funding for mental health. €14 million of this is for new measures for mental health. This simply does not go nearly far enough. “The remainder is for existing levels of service. This is funding that was already pre-committed and does not represent actual real additional funding.

This is more smoke and mirrors tactics by the Government for the

second year running. “The Government is banging their drum that €1.2 billion is allocated for Mental Health this year.

To put that in context, this is almost the exact same amount of funding that was allocated in 2008. “This Budget means that only 5.1% of the health budget is allocated for mental

health, when Sláintecare recommends 10% of the health budget should go to mental health services, and international best practice recommends up to 16%.

“The State is in the grips of a mental health crisis. With 1000s of children waiting in appointments in CAMHS and Primary Care Psychology. This crisis demands an emergency response

and substantial, ongoing funding commitments. “This budget is yet another failed opportunity to significantly increase funding for mental health services. It shows yet again the lack of understanding by the Government of the inadequacy of our current services, or the extent of the growing demands for mental health services.”

PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH IN BALLYFERMOT & CHERRY ORCHARD

A funding boost for a community-based organisation FamiliBase will provide huge opportunities for young people in the Ballyfermot/ Cherry Orchard area, a Senator has said. Dublin South Central Senator, Mary Seery-Kearney, noted the significance of this intervention which will support 30 young people in Ballyfermot/ Cherry Orchard. Senator Seery-Kearney said, “The FamiliBase programme ‘That’s a Wrap’ has been granted funding of over €135,000. “This boost is extremely positive for the area. This is a close knit and proud community that deserves State support and investment to ensure an equality of opportunity for our young people. “I support and welcome the tremendous work that FamiliBase carry out. The organisation works with children, young people and families in Dublin 10. This project proposes to respond to the needs of 30 ‘hard to reach’ young people through an assertive outreach programme. “Street workers would build

relationships with identified young people and will apply an intensive wraparound case management programme as engagement

with the families of the target group. This is key for sustainable change to take place”, Senator SeeryKearney concluded.

AFTERNOONS OF ENTERTAINMENT AT SHAMROCK LODGE HOTEL

For those Young at Heart, be treated to a fantastic festive afternoon of fine dining, dancing, comedy and music at our family run hotel located in the heart of Ireland, Athlone.

For just €49.00 per person, you will be greeted with a tea/coffee reception from 12.30pm followed by a sumptuous 4 course festive dinner. Enjoy live music while dining from the fantastic Joe, Frankie and Showcase with special guest Lorraine McDonald, followed by comedy and cabaret with the hilarious Frank Forde. After dinner from 4.00pm to 6.00pm, enjoy dancing and a sing along with the wonderful Brendan Shine & his Super Band. Shamrock Lodge Hotel is located just a 5-minute drive from Athlone bus and rail station with great links from Dublin’s Heuston Station.

Why not relax and stay the night with great overnight bed and breakfast rates.

For just €99 per person sharing a double/twin room, you will receive bed and breakfast, a ticket to the show and finger food/tea/coffee after the show also. Choose from the following dates, Monday 21st November, Tuesday 22nd November, Tuesday 29th November, Wednesday 30th November, Thursday 1st December, Tuesday 6th December, Wednesday 7th December, Thursday 8th December, Monday 12th December, Tuesday 13th December and Wednesday 14th December 2022. This is a wonderful event for groups of friends, active age groups or anyone looking to have a gettogether!

With strictly limited availability, phone us now to book your place on 090 649 2601 or email info@ shamrocklodgehotel.ie and allow us to ‘Let Our Family Look After Yours’ this Christmas season at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF RENOVATED PLAYGROUND AT AYLESBURY PARK

On Monday 26th September the Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Councillor Emma Murphy officially opened the renovated playground at Aylesbury Park. Speaking at the event Mayor Cllr Emma Murphy said “The extension to this well used playspace is very welcome, it was provided as part of the 300K Have Your Say programme, which is voted for by the local community. The ideas for change came from a survey of the existing playspace users and utilises natural play principles, which have been tried and tested during the delivery of the Council’s playspace programme across the county.” Natural play has benefits for children in terms of increasing mental and physical well-being, developing imagination and allowing children to assess risk and develop their coping abilities. The Mayor went on to pay tribute to the local community for their support of the popular playground and the work of the Council staff in managing the project and maintaining the playground.

Pictured: Cllr. Emma Murphy Mayor of South Dublin officially opens the newly revamped playspace at Aylesbury Park with Teresa Walsh (SDCC Director of Service), Cllr Charlie O’Connor, Cllr. Teresa Costello, Laurence Colleran (Senior Executive Parks Superintendent), Suzanne Furlong and the SDCC Public Realm team.

Dublin schools and students

year,

is open to all primary and secondary schools which collect at least 10 full 5kg battery boxes in WEEE Ireland Battery Recycling counties. Across all of Dublin, people recycled the equivalent of 15 AA batteries per person in 2021, equalling the national average.

TV host Mairead Ronan was on hand to urge schools to get plugged into the countrywide drive, which helps raise funds for children’s hospice LauraLynn. “This helps raise funds and awareness for LauraLynn and all the wonderful children and families who rely on their services and support,” said the Ireland’s Fittest Family host at the launch at the LauraLynn campus in Leopardstown, Dublin. “It’s heart-warming to see school children getting involved in projects like this and helping other children while doing so. Best of luck

and well done to all the schools taking part across the country.”

The long running competition has a following of over 2,000 schools nationwide and encourages the involvement of teachers, families and wider communities to help students collect as many end-of-life batteries as possible. When the competition last ran, schools across the country collectively diverted from landfill the equivalent of almost 1 million AA batteries.

“Many still don’t realise that binning batteries leads to a loss of really valuable resources that are increasingly in short supply as well as causing harm to the environment,” said Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland. “We are delighted to be able to return with this really important programme and expect a great response

from students, teachers and the wider community, while encouraging some healthy competition.” “It is great to see this campaign back in schools. There’s something so special about children helping children and this campaign is all about that,” said Kerry McLaverty, CEO, LauraLynn.

“The funds that we have received through our partnership with WEEE Ireland over the last 11 years have had such a positive impact on the children and families who avail of LauraLynn’s care and specialised supports.

“We recently reached the €500,000 mark, which is just incredible, and we are so grateful to WEEE for this partnership.”

Interested schools can visit weeeireland.ie for more information on the competition and to order WEEE Ireland Blue Battery boxes.

Pictured TV host Mairead Ronan is challenging schools and students across Ireland to become battery recycling champions as part of a nationwide initiative, which will also help raise funds for children’s hospice, LauraLynn. Mairead is joined by schoolgirls Cara, nine, and Elsie Jones, eight, whose sister Molly avails of LauraLynn’s services. Picture credit: Conor McCabe Photography.

OFFICIAL

OF THE

COURTS IN DODDER VALLEY PARK

Mayor of South Dublin County Council,

Emma Murphy

to International Tennis Federation standards.

These works have been funded by the Public Realm Improvement Works Programme;

funding has also been obtained through sports capital funding. Sport and active recreation are an important component of a successful park, in a recent survey by the Community Section they found that basketball courts were the most sought-after sports facility people would like to see made available for public use.

Playing basketball and Tennis helps to improve motor coordination, flexibility, and endurance. It also encourages speed, agility, and strength. The aim of the court upgrade is to empower people to create healthy habits, allowing people to improve their own physical and mental well-being through exercise in a Public Park.

I am delighted to see the ball courts upgrades proven to be so popular and is getting such great use.”

Pics: Ben Ryan

Job category: Industrial electrician

Company: CAPITAL SWITCHGEAR LIMITED

Job Location: Unit B7, Aerodrome Business Park, Rathcoole, County Dublin, Ireland, D24 WT29

Start date: 01/02/2023

Contract type: Permanent Full-time

Salary: €31K - €35K DOE

Hours per week: 40

Applicants must have a minimum of 8 years’ experience in a similar role in a Technical Services company.

- Dimension and layout of mountings, components, plates and enclosures.

- Routing and bundling of wire and cables neatly to meet wiring standards.

- Point to point wiring of relays, controls, PLCs, I/O Modules, VFDs, Interfaces, & Instrumentation.

- Troubleshoot panels as needed to eliminate wiring errors and component malfunctions.

- Maintain red line drawing mark-ups of changes required during fabrication.

- Communicate red line changes to Engineer or Team Leader for revision prior to completion.

- Communicates effectively with all team members, leads, builders, engineers, and the Project Manager.

- Inspect/Repair electrial system, equipment, wiring, fixture, circuits and all other components as required to keep them in full functionality

- The ability to meet deadlines under pressure.

- A high standard of quality and attention to detail.

- Perform other duties as assigned or as needed.

CUSTOMERS TO NOMINATE THEIR LOCAL “HEROES”

Fifteen local Dublin EUROSPAR supermarkets have come together this year with EUROSPAR supermarkets all over Ireland to say thank you to those who go above and beyond to help the people of their local communities.

Local EUROSPARs includes Lucan and they are asking their customers to nominate a local charity, group or organisation and explain how they go the extra mile for their community to be in with a chance of winning €1,000 for the nominated

group. Commenting, Malachy Hanberry, EUROSPAR Managing Director said, “I am delighted to launch such a worthwhile initiative for the communities our EUROSPAR Supermarkets serve. We are inviting our customers to nominate a group or organisation that regularly goes that extra mile for their community and enter them for their chance to win. It is a meaningful way for us to recognise what all these people do for their communities and to celebrate just how

important they are to their local areas.” The campaign will run in-store from September 8 to Wednesday, October 19, and customers to the fifteen Dublin EUROSPAR Supermarkets will be asked to pick up an application form in their local EUROSPAR Supereasy Supermarket and nominate their preferred local charity, group or organisation.

Three national winners will then be chosen and will win €1,000 each for their nominated group or organisation.

RATHCOOLE FIRM INVESTS FURTHER IN AFTER SALES SUPPORT

Construction equipment distributor, McHale Plant Sales has moved to further strengthen its after sales support, both at its Rathcoole and Birdhill operations.

The move is described by company chairman, Michael McHale as ‘one that takes account of continued good sales married to new generic model increases within our current portfolio and a need to provide for any future expansion of our distributorships.’

Under the direction of Service Manager, Niall Culligan and Parts Manager, Keith

Carey, the company has appointed extra workshop staff at both locations, installed additional brand-specific parts personnel, and expanded its network of mobile service units, strategically positioned to deliver what Culligan calls a ‘fastest possible on-site service presence.’

As a result, workshop maintenance and repair technicians, mobile service and parts personnel now account for over 61% of total staff employed at the company’s mid-west and east coast facilities.

EDUCATION & TRAINING FEATURE AN COSÁN OFFERS COUNSELLING AND SUPPORT TO TALLAGHT COMMUNITY

Did you know An Cosán community centre in Jobstown offers support to all members of the Tallaght community? You do not need to be signed up to one of their courses in order to avail of their counselling service.

“Everyone needs a listening ear at times and our team of 10 caring counsellors are here to provide support when people need to talk something through,” says An Cosán Counselling Coordinator Liz Whelan.

“Sometimes all a person may need is to talk through a problem,” she says. “Other times, more may be needed. If there is something in our past that is stopping us moving

forward with our life, we may need some more long-term counselling support. It can be like a horse falling at a fence: we all face hurdles in our lives and sometimes we need a little support to get over the hurdle and move forward.”

An Cosán’s counselling service is strictly confidential. “It is a safe place where people can talk over whatever may be holding them back,” says Liz. “And we encourage people to get in touch anytime they need support.”

To make an appointment, call/ text 086 0136448. A donation of €10-€20 is requested for each counselling session, depending on a client’s financial circumstances.

GOAL JERSEY DAY 14TH OCTOBER 2022

Humanitarian aid agency GOAL is appealing to people all over Ireland to show their true colours by getting on their kit for GOAL Jersey Day, which takes place on Friday, 14 October 2022, in partnership with Folens. To sign up to GOAL Jersey Day, please visit jerseyday. org. School students, employees and members of organisations across the country are being encouraged to don their favourite County, Club, Country or Provincial team jersey to raise vital funds to help GOAL’s lifesaving work with vulnerable communities all over the world.

GOAL’s Director of Fundraising & Communications, Eamon Sharkey, said: “GOAL Jersey Day is one of Ireland’s longest running fundraisers, and has been in existence for more than three decades. Now more than ever GOAL needs the continued support of the Irish people who have never been found wanting in supporting the world’s most vulnerable communities. Schools and companies look forward to GOAL Jersey Day every year and it is a day when people can come together, have fun, and give to communities in need at the same time.” Funds raised

from GOAL Jersey Day will go towards the agency’s life changing work in emergency response, health, nutrition, and livelihoods in 15 countries. Last year alone, GOAL reached more than 18.5 million people with lifechanging support in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and more recently in Ukraine, with humanitarian aid being delivered to people impact by the ongoing conflict.

“This year the support of the people of Ireland is more crucial than ever as global crises continue to have an impact on the world’s poorest countries,” said Eamon Sharkey. “The combined impact of Covid-19, Climate Change and Conflict is having a devastating effect on global food security. This is especially acute in East Africa, where 23 million people are experiencing crisis levels of hunger. GOAL is responding, delivering water, food and medical aid, but we need your support this Jersey Day.”

Elizabeth Ivory, Head of Marketing & Comms, Folens said: “We are delighted to partner with GOAL as part of our Folens Giving Programme. GOAL Jersey Day helps to raise vital funds for vulnerable communities

across the world, and we are delighted to help raise awareness of this great initiative.”

GOAL Jersey Day takes place on Friday, 14 October 2022, in partnership with Folens. As well as showing solidarity and support for some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, primary and secondary schools that register will be entered for a draw to win a €1,000 prize from Folens. To sign up for GOAL Jersey Day, please visit jerseyday.org.

INCHICORE COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION

Inchicore College in D.8 is proud of its well-established reputation as one of the largest and most successful PLC colleges. The college is renowned not only for its outstanding student experience but also its track record for student progression to higher education and employment.

In a changing employment landscape, graduates are highly sought after and with this in mind, the college constantly reviews and develops its range of affordable courses. Inchicore College takes pride in its studentcentred ethos, supporting you on your individual educational journey.

If Sports is your focus, then consider Sports Science which can

lead to a career in physiotherapy, rehabilitation and athletic training, but if you love the gym then Sports Coaching or Conditioning with ITEC qualifications will lead quickly to employment. The hugely popular Healthcare and Nursing Studies courses offer great employment and progression opportunities with additional university places for QQI Nursing applicants announced for 2023. If you are interested in equality and inclusion, apply for Social Studies Level 5 & 6. The exciting new Arts Event Management Level 6 course can open up careers in Visual Arts, curating and exhibiting. Kickstart your future career and apply now at www.inchicorecollege.ie

AN COSÁN ADULT LEARNERS RECEIVE AWARDS AFTER ‘HISTORIC AND UNPRECEDENTED’ CHALLENGES

More than 30 adult learners from An Cosán, Ireland’s largest community education provider, received awards during an award ceremony at the Russell Centre in Tallaght on Saturday 24th September 2022. Ten learners received a Level 6 Certificate in Personal and Professional Development accredited by South East Technological University (SETU), while the remainder received either a QQI Level 5 or 6 Early Childhood Care and Education award, or a QQI Level 5 award in Business Administration with Digital Skills.

The awardees were joined by proud family members and friends as well as members of An Cosán staff to celebrate their achievements. The majority of awardees were from Dublin, with several from other counties, including Kildare, Wicklow and Wexford. An Cosán’s Higher Education courses run primarily online, which means they can be

undertaken from anywhere in the country.

Congratulating the awardees, An Cosán Deputy CEO Anne Genockey, said, “The achievements that we celebrate today cannot be taken lightly. The challenges and obstacles you, the learners, have had to overcome to get here are historic and unprecedented. You’re unique and worthy awardees on completion of a journey that was at times very difficult to travel. Not only did you have to navigate through course work, assignments and assessments while juggling home lives, but you also had to navigate your way through a global pandemic and all that entailed.”

Ms Genockey said An Cosán was proud of all the awardees’ achievements, including the “pioneering group” of Higher Education learners: the first class to complete An Cosán’s new Certificate in Personal and Professional Development, which was the fruit of

a sustained, creative collaboration with SETU in the context of enhancing responsiveness to the future world of work and lifelong learning.

“Beginning in November 2020, this third-level award was delivered through a mix of face-to-face workshops and online classes,” she said.

“Participants developed new knowledge and transversal skills concerning adult learning, group work, communications, critical and ethical thinking, wellbeing, everyday maths, IT applications, and research methods. An Cosán partnered with SETU’s Department of Lifelong Learning on the ‘Higher Education Pathway for Non-Traditional Learners’ project. In doing so, we received and gratefully acknowledge the support of the Higher Education Authority.”

Ms Genockey said An Cosán staff were all incredibly proud of the awardees for the resilience

and determination they displayed as they persevered on the path of education. “The diversity of the learning you have carried out over the past two years is as varied as your backgrounds, experiences, and goals,” she said. “For those awardees of the Certificate in Personal and Professional Development, with your boosted confidence, new knowledge and learning tools, may you embrace lifelong learning and advance further into Higher Education.

“Some of you have gained major awards in Early Childhood Education and plan to go out there educating, inspiring and empowering little ones,” she continued. “Those of you who gained your major awards in Business Administration with Digital Skills have bright futures ahead providing the skills that keep the wheels turning in projects, schools and industries throughout the community, and the country. We are grateful

to JP Morgan and Rethink Ireland, who each funded a Business Administration with Digital Skills cohort.”

Dolores O’Sullivan, who received her Level 6 Award in Early Childhood Care and Education, shared during the awards ceremony her story of transformation through education. “An Cosán has had an enormous impact on my life,” she said. “It gave me belief in myself that I could go back to study and get a qualification. The two years I spent at An Cosán have been more beneficial, rewarding and enjoyable for me than the 14 years I spent in mainstream education.”

Dolores, who is currently pursuing a BA in Early Childhood Care and Development at the Technological University Shannon, Limerick, said, “An Cosán offered me a pathway back to education in a safe and welcoming environment. An Cosán is a special place with very special people who are making a significant impact

on people’s lives in the most positive and nurturing way.”

An Cosán, which was set up 36 years ago to provide education to adults in West Tallaght, seeks to empower through education, working primarily with women who left school early, people experiencing poverty and social exclusion, migrants and people living in direct provision. It offers faceto-face classes in Access and Further Education in its Jobstown centre as well as Higher Education programmes delivered primarily online.

It boasts a holistic approach that includes wraparound supports for learners, including high quality Early Years’ education, financial support, IT support and digital skills, parenting support, and one-to-one tutoring, mentoring and counselling.

To find out more about An Cosán, see https:// www.ancosan.ie/

Tanya Shields pictured with her son Alex (6) following An Cosán’s Awards Ceremony in the Russell Centre, Tallaght, where Tanya received a QQI Level 6 Major Award in Early Childhood Education and Care. Pic. Robbie Reynolds

Selina McClean takes a selfie with former classmates following An Cosán’s Awards Ceremony in the Russell Centre, Tallaght, where they received a QQI Level 6 Major Award in Early Childhood Education and Care. From left: Michelle Lynch, Sarah Sheppard, Selina McClean and Tanya Shields. Pic Robbie Reynolds

YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALIST AWARDS 2023

ECO-UNESCO, Ireland’s leading environmental education and youth organisation, is calling on young people across Ireland to take action and enter the 2023 Young Environmentalist Awards programme (YEAs).

In its 24th year, the Young Environmentalist Awards programme supports thousands of young people from 10 to 18 years of age as they raise awareness and take environmental action both locally and nationally.

Elaine Nevin, National Director of ECO-UNESCO said “We are thrilled to announce that the 2023 Young Environmentalists Awards programme is now open for applications. This year’s awards are launching at the start of Ireland’s first ever Sustainable Development Goal week. As part of this week’s wider call to action from our government to focus on sustainable development in Ireland, we are asking young people to take action, raise awareness and

develop creative solutions that support our sustainable development goals.

In a recent survey by ECOUNESCO, 93% of young people want climate action to be a bigger part of school life with 60% reporting feelings of anxiety around climate change. The 2023 Young Environmentalist Awards is the perfect opportunity for young people to get involved, learn new skills and be a part of the solution to creating a more sustainable planet for their future.”

The 2022 YEA People’s Choice Award Winners from Skerries Community College are encouraging young people to follow in their footsteps to create projects in their school, community or at home that will address our environmental issues.

Ellen Farrell and Sean Byrne created ReWildiNG (Replenish Wildflowers’ Native Growth) last year to address the issue of biodiversity loss.

Ellen said “Our project links

with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 15Life on Land in which we created awareness and supported the growth of native wildflowers in

Ireland. Without them our ecosystems suffer. We want to inspire others to help biodiversity and take necessary action to reach our sustainable

development goals.”

The YEA programme is a fun and exciting way for young people to build awareness and promote local actions

and lifestyle changes to protect the environment. The final showcase will be held in May 2023. To register, please go to www. YEA.ie

Pic: Julien Behal Photography

MOTORING LIFE WITH

NEW VOLVO XC60 T6 PHEV – THE SUPERSMART SCANDINAVIAN

By Breda Corrigan

Volvo’s second-generation XC60 five-seat luxury SUV added some sophisticated Scandinavian style to the traditional Volvo virtues of safety and sensibleness when it was launched in 2017, and it went on to win numerous awards and accolades right across the globe as a result. It is still a Volvo through and through, and is characterised by spaciousness, efficiency, a stunning cabin, and strong safety credentials. The XC60 is built on a Scalable Product Architecture platform with a strong core structure that can be used for modern four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines (all with at least one turbocharger) and a slick automatic transmission, plus high-grade suspension, brake, steering and electrical systems – such as the current T6 and T8 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) variants on offer.

Next-Generation Infotainment.

Volvo Cars has introduced a range of upgrades to its iconic XC60 mid-size SUV, including the addition of the company’s new Android-powered infotainment system with Google apps services built-in, making the Volvo best-seller smarter than ever before. The intuitive next-generation infotainment system offers customers unprecedented personalisation and unparalleled connectivity, which is further enhanced through the introduction of a brand-new Digital Services package. The centrepiece of the Digital Services package is access to Google apps ad services, which offers hands-free help with Google Assistant, best-in-class navigation through Google Maps, and a broad offer of native in-car apps via Google Play.

By signing up for a Digital Services package, customers will gain access to all services and features offered in the package. All hardware needed to run the services

already exists in the car, and all data required is included in the package. Volvo’s designers have also made a number of subtle refinements to the exterior design of the XC60, including a new grille, new front and rear bumpers, and new alloy wheel design options.

Upgraded Safety Systems.

In terms of safety upgrades, the XC60 now comes equipped with Volvo Cars’ latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) sensor platform - a modern, scalable active safety system that consists of an array of radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. This enables the development and deployment of active safety systems in the XC60, such as the detection of other road users, automatically braking and collision avoidance. It also allows for gentle driver support from standstill up to motorway speeds, through the Pilot Assist function.

Extended Electric Range.

The improved Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrain in the XC60 significantly extends electric range, while lowering Co2 emissions, increasing performance and improving driveability. This brings the all-electric range up to a predicted 90kms on a single charge. With the average premium-car owner travelling less than 50 kms each weekday, most Volvo drivers with home charging will be able to do their daily motoring on pure electric power in a new Volvo PHEV. The main powertrain improvements include a new long-range battery, featuring a third layer of cells to increase nominal energy from 11.6kWh to 18.8kWh, and a more powerful rear electric motor now delivering 145bhp. The additional electric power results in a total

combined output of 350bhp for the XC60 Recharge T6 and 455bhp for the Recharge T8 models, making the latter the most powerful Volvo production car ever, with both T6 and T8 models enjoying the benefit of a selectable all-wheel-drive system as standard. Besides the new powertrain, new upgrades include one-pedal drive on specific models.

Luxuriously-Appointed Cabin.

The luxuriously-appointed cabin in the Volvo XC60 is simply stunning, and is decked out in high-grade materials throughout, ensuring it is a beautiful and elegant place to be. There is a warmer, simpler feel to the ambience than in the Volvo’s rivals from Germany, and you get a strong sense that the XC60 is built to last a lifetime. The XC60 does feature a powerful arsenal of infotainment and driver-assist technologies, much of it controlled via the large, portrait-oriented touch screen in the centre of the attractive instrument panel, and this reduces button clutter to the bare minimum. The front seats are perfectly positioned and comfortably supportive, while the second row delivers the kind of flipping and folding flexibility essential in an SUV. A practical 598-litres of cargo space behind the rear seats can be expanded to 1,395-litres when the rear seats are folded down.

Test Car Details.

My test car was a Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Plugin hybrid Inscription, which was finished in Silver Dawn metallic paintwork with contrasting Charcoal Ventilated Nappa leather seats for an upmarket look and feel. An outstanding array of features come

as standard in Inscription specification. Key features include LED headlights with Active High Beam incorporating Daytime Running Lights, Front & Rear Park Assist, Rear Parking Camera, 19” double-spoke diamond cut/ matt black alloy wheels with locking wheel nuts, 9” Centre Console Touch Screen, Voice Control, DAB radio, self-adapting air suspension, panoramic opening roof, Bluetooth, wireless phone charging, leather upholstery, 2-Zone Electronic Climate Control with ‘CleanZone’ Air Purification System and Pollen Filter, 12.3” Active TFT Crystal Driver’s Information Display, and a multitude of innovative safety systems befitting of the Volvo brand. The supremely luxurious cabin in the XC60 offers ample space for up to 5 adult occupants, with 1037mm and 988mm of headroom on offer for front and rear passengers respectively. The premium look and feel within the XC60 is enhanced by genuine wood décor inlays that feature a pattern inspired by the natural forces of water, wind and waves. Additionally, a handcrafted crystal gear shifter in genuine Swedish crystal is made exclusively for Volvo by Orrefors, providing a genuine sense of occasion to every journey.

Verdict & Pricing.

The XC60 is an amazingly pleasant and relaxing SUV to drive, and its overall driving dynamics are simply terrific. Volvo doesn’t aim for the same kind of pseudo-sporty driving feel as some of its German rivals, and it is the better for it. The new Volvo XC60 Recharge T6 is priced from €65,615 and is available at Volvo dealerships nationwide now. Alternatively, a mildhybrid turbo-diesel engine is available for drivers who are still committed to an internal combustion engine.

FUNDING BOOST FOR BIODIVERSITY PROJECTS

Malcolm Noonan T.D., Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, has announced over €1.4 million in funding for Local Authorities to carry out biodiversity projects through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF). Since it was launched in 2018, a total of almost €4m has been granted to local authorities through the LBAF to carry out projects in support of the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021 (NBAP).

“We know that communities are at the heart of

biodiversity action and that’s why I’m so thrilled to see this fund continue to grow and increase its impact all across the country,” said Minister Noonan. “This year, we’ve funded 128 projects across all 31 Local Authorities – this will have real, tangible impact for nature and it couldn’t come at a more crucial time.

What’s more, the successful projects are all contributing to the implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) and helping to advance our shared vision for nature.

The new NBAP is currently out for public consultation,

so it’s a great opportunity for people to have their say and help shape the future for biodiversity in Ireland.”

Engagement with communities and local authorities is crucial to the implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan. The LBAF scheme represents a commitment to support implementation of the Plan at community, county and regional level, and recognises the importance of the work carried out by local authorities through their biodiversity and heritage officers. All 31

RAMS ENJOY A SHANNON CRUISE

local authorities applied for and will receive funding this year, with a total of 128 projects approved, covering a range of biodiversity related activities, including invasive alien species control, dune restoration,

wetland surveys and biodiversity awareness and training.

The public consultation for Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan launched on September

1st and submissions are invited through www.gov. ie/biodiversityplan.

21www.newsgroup.ie The public consultation will close on November 9th and the 4th NBAP will be published in early 2023.

After the long lockdown, and the Covid restrictions, the RAMS once again were able to travel and enjoy a day out. On a wet windy Thursday, they set out for an educational trip to Killaloe. Thirty members availed of this excursion, as they headed off from the Community Centre in Newcastle. The Chair Mr Paddy Becton insured that all members were onboard, as they departed, with a great cheer, “Up the Dubs”. Visibility was not good on the journey, but driver Frank, navigated the road well, and they arrived in Killaloe, on time to avail of coffee at the Lakeside Hotel Killaloe.

The Spirit of Killaloe awaited the group with again another warm welcome. All aboard, and a one hour trip up the Shannon was excellent. The sun had appeared to the delight of all, and it made the journey so much better. A full commentary while they travelled, and guests could avail of tea/coffee, or a selection from the full bar. A great trip.

Moving on, then it was on to Nenagh, the Abbey Court hotel where a two course meal was enjoyed by all. On departure, while congregating in the foyer, the RAMS in Rhythm erupted into song, with the renditions of Dance the night away, The Ferry Man, and Dublin in the rare Ould times. Much to the surprise and delight of other patrons, and uninterrupted by the hotel staff. A warm welcome and a joyful afternoon was had by all.