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reetings Dublin 15. My name is Keith Bellew and I am the 300 KM CHARITY CYCLE Contributing Editor of this new DUBLIN TO BELMULLET publication. We here at Little Village feel 19 - 20 MAY 2017 G FOR MORE INFO VISIT that there is a void in exclusively local news which needs to be filled. We aim to fill this www.cycleforbrokevin.ie void with local news of interest to, and concerning local people. We hope to achieve this through a balanced mix of light and hard on in the area which they may not be aware news. of; from decisions affecting them within Having been born and raised in Huntstown local politics to services available to them I am acutely aware of many of the issues through the various community centres and affecting local people, and the interests and organisations around. stake they have in their communities. It is I invite all local schools, clubs community my aim to provide a platform and a voice organisations, sports teams and residents for people within the community can make to contact me with any undertakings or their feelings, concerns and opinions known, achievements they would like to promote, or about things that are happening in Dublin any issues they would like to raise. 15. Along with this I also hope to provide Regards, them with information about what is going Keith

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April / May 2017 Little Village 03 GARDA ISSUES The Government has defended its policy on garda recruitment and community policing following criticism from local representatives.

ne such critic is Cllr Paul Donnelly overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 (SF) who reproached the Government comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve for its performance on the back of members and 4,000 civilians. This year, funding has fi gures released by the Fingal Joint been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits O Policing Committee (JPC) which show a and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging considerable decrease in Gardai in Blanchardstown in reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Funding has recent years. This decrease in personnel is a result of also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda the recruitment embargo placed on An Garda Siochana Reserves,” they said. by the Government in 2010. The spokesperson went on to outline the personnel Figures released to Cllr Donnelly by the JPC show strength of the DMR West Division under whose auspices, that An Garda Siochana in Blanchardstown have gone Blanchardstown Garda Station falls. According to the from fi ve Inspectors, 29 Sergeants and 154 Gardaí to Department of Justice, as of January 31, 2017, the four Inspectors, 17 Sergeants, and 134 Gardaí today. current strength of the region is 672 personnel. This amounts to a loss of one inspector, 12 Sergeants “When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is and 30 Gardaí since the introduction of the moratorium supported by a number of Garda national units such as in 2010. the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda Cllr Donnelly said these fi gures are utterly shocking. National Economic Crime Bureau, and the Garda National “The people of Dublin West know the real eff ects on the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, Garda National ground. Just the other day in Mulhuddart, citizens made Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau , an arrest of an individual who assaulted a young mother the Criminal Assets Bureau and other specialised units,” and tried to steal her car, many involved commented said the spokesperson. on the length of time it took to get a Garda response The spokesperson further stated that 838 recruits whilst ordinary citizens held this person on the ground,” have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and he said. have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide He went on to say that this “poor response time” since the reopening of the Garda College in September to requests from citizens is not unusual, despite the 2014. 76 of the 838 have been assigned to the DMR professionalism of the Gardaí who work relentlessly to West Division. Another 750 trainee Garda are scheduled provide a quality service to the community. to attest this year which will see Garda numbers, taking “Fine Gael claim to be the party of “law and Order”. The account of projected retirements, increase to around the reality is much diff erent on the ground for the people of 13,500 mark by year end. Dublin West. The people want a government that takes “The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 its role of providing the correct number of Gardaí for the resulted in a signifi cant reduction in the strength of people of Dublin West,” he said. An Garda Síochána. These additional resources now However a spokesperson from the Department of coming on stream will provide the Commissioner with Justice defended the Government saying there is a plan the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing in place to reinforce the strength of the Gardai as soon numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division as possible. including the DMR West Division, in the coming year. In “The Government has in place a plan to achieve an addition this investment in personnel is complemented

04 Little Village April / May 2017 by substantial investment in resources in ICT, vehicles Abuse Intervention and Investigation, Human Traffi cking and buildings, which will facilitate the provision of more Investigation, Organised Prostitution Investigation, eff ective policing services and increased Garda visibility ViCLAS, Specialist Interview, Sex Off ender Management, in our communities,” they said. Missing Persons, Missing Persons in Care and Support Cllr Donnelly also criticised the Government’s for Victims of Crime. The Bureau leads the investigation recruitment policy in terms of its eff ect on crime in in more complex cases. Dublin 15. According to fi gures released by the Fingal The units contained within the Bureau are: Online JPC, there was a 14% increase in burglaries in Fingal Child Sexual Exploitation Unit (OnCE), Sexual Crime from July to December 2016. He believes this increase in Management Unit (SCMU), Child Protection, Domestic burglaries is a symptom of a weakened Garda presence Abuse Intervention, Sex Off ender Management and on the streets. Intelligence Unit (SOMIU), Sex Off ender Risk Assessment The Department spokesperson pointed out that since and Management (SORAM), Missing Persons Bureau, the launch of Operation Thor (a targeted anti-burglary Violent Crime Linkage Analysis Service (ViCLAS), initiative) in November 2015, burglary fi gures on the Human Traffi cking Investigation and Coordination Unit whole have shown a signifi cant downward trend. (HTICU), Operation Quest (National operation targeting “Operation Thor has seen 38,894 crime prevention organised prostitution and habitual brothel keeping) and patrols and in the order of 50,823 targeted checkpoints Garda Victim Liaison Offi ce (GVLO). nationwide. There have also been in the region of 3,053 According to An Garda Siochana: “The Bureau also arrests and 3,733 charges covering a range of off ences liaises with relevant Government Departments, State which, in addition to burglary, have included handling Bodies and voluntary groups, embracing the essential stolen property, possession of fi rearms and drugs multi agency approach to tackling these crimes and off ences,” they said. their causes. Primary considerations in these cases are They also pointed out that the DMR Western Garda the protection and welfare of the victims, while ensuring Division recorded a reduction in burglary of 34% for the the proper investigation of the alleged activities.” twelve months ending 30 September 2016, the latest This announcement came as a result of inquiries date for which CSO offi cial recorded crime statistics are made by Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) who welcomed available, compared to the previous twelve month period. the commitment. “This refl ects the success of the concerted Garda “I’m delighted that the Gardai have confi rmed that drive against crime being implemented under Operation a Protective Services Unit is to be located in the DMR Thor,” they said. West region by the middle of this year. Nationally, In other more positive news, the JPC has confi rmed the Protective Services Bureau deals with a range that a Protective Services Unit will be in operation in the of specialist crimes including sexual and domestic DMR West region by mid-2017. violence, the management of sex off enders prosecuting The Garda National Protective Services Bureau organised prostitution and investigating missing provides advice, guidance and assistance to Gardai persons. It is an important development that the Dublin investigating Sexual Crime Investigation, Online Child 15 will now have a unit specialising in dealing with these Exploitation Investigation, Child Protection, Domestic crimes, located in the area”, he said.

April / May 2017 Little Village 05 CONNOLLY HOSPITAL The planned Paediatric Outpatients and Urgent Care Centre for Connolly Hospital is moving on apace with a 3D model of the unit being unveiled recently. By Keith Bellew

he three storey unit which is scheduled to Connolly should be the location for the National open on the grounds of Connolly Hospital Children’s Hospital which will be located at St James in 2018 will include a walk-in Children’s Hospital. Emergency Department, paediatric out- “I fi nd the constant disclosures relating to the patient department and children’s dentistry. St. James’s Site disturbing and insulting. Staff and The Rotunda Maternity Hospital is also due to move to patients have been completely ignored in this debate TBlanchardstown in the next 10 years. to date and, intimately, both will suff er. I am glad that The centres will provide urgent care paediatric Blanchardstown will benefi t from the overall health services, including short stay observation beds, and policy for children’s services. However, this welcome outpatients clinics such as general paediatrics and has to be taken in the context of the Government and orthopaedics for fracture clinics – all supported by senior-health offi cials continuing to make a bags of the therapies, phlebotomy, general X Ray and Ultrasound NCH,” he said. services – child sexual abuse counselling services and primary care dental services. Typically, the centres will care for children and young people who have a common, minor illness or injury which cannot be managed by a GP but does not require the acute services of an Emergency Department. In advance of the centres opening, there will be a full information and awareness programme to ensure that families, the public and GPs understand the services that will be available and to encourage families to avail of services in close proximity to their homes. The Department of Health states that this centre will allow children with minor injuries and minor illnesses to be treated locally in a model of care which has proven to be of the highest standard in other locations around the world. Meanwhile, the new children’s hospital on a campus shared with St James’s Hospital will provide specialist (tertiary) level care to children from all over Ireland, and also secondary healthcare services for children who live within the M50 and in the Greater Dublin Area. Social Protection Minister, Leo Varadkar said: “I believe there is enormous potential for the RCSI Group to exploit Connolly’s land bank and location to develop a major healthcare campus combining medical and academic facilities with industry, research and life sciences.” Cllr David McGuinness (Ind) welcomed this progress saying he has no doubt the facility will be of an excellent standard. However, he went on to say that he believes

06 Little Village April / May 2017 TYRRELSTOWN VILLAGE TRAFFIC

By Keith Bellew

Issues with traffi c management around joint effort between all stakeholders (particularly the Department of Education) is necessary. Tyrrelstown Village, particularly around the The manager responded saying that he took Cllr Donnelly’s schools drags on as Fingal County Council request on board regarding the taking in charge of the stretch is not in charge of the land. of road in question, and related it to the council’s infrastructural section but has not received a response. or many years residents and local representatives In response to Cllr Waine’s request, the manager gave a alike have been raising their concerns about the safety commitment to make representations to the Department of of children going to and from the schools in the area. Education. Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) requested that the F council arrange a meeting with the Management of Tyrrelstown Village Centre to discuss the serious parking issues and to arrange a traffi c management strategy to deal with illegal parking on roundabouts, double parking and parking on pathways. The area that the problem is at its worst is the new road that leads from the village to two schools located on a single campus there, particularly during drop off and pick up times. While the council is in charge of the old road, there is a gap of approximately 90 ft separating it from the new road, which the council is not in charge of. Cllr Donnelly said that while he recognises the diffi culty in resolving the issue from a legal standpoint, he believes that this problem has been going on too long and something must be done about it soon. He said he would like the council to take this stretch R PRICE of road in charge, in order to install the requisite traffi c calming OU S measures. “It is something we cannot afford to put on the long fi nger. This is KIDS HAIR CUTS ...... €7 a huge, huge problem, cars are parking on the footpaths, they’re STUDENT ...... €8 parking on the green spaces, they’re parking on the roundabouts, GENTS HAIR CUT ...... €10 they’re parking in wheelchair facilities, it’s an absolute nightmare. There’s double parking, triple parking and it’s completely PENSIONER ...... €7 unregulated,” he said. ALL-OVER SHAVE ...... €7 He also pointed out that accidents have already happened, RECOVERY CUT ...... €5 citing a recent instance in which two students travelling to school BIRTHDAY CUTS ...... €7 (WITH ID) had been struck by a vehicle. “We cannot wait until something much more serious happens. DRY CUT & HEAD WASH ...... €12 We have to act and we have to act very soon,” he said. DRY CUT & HOT TOWEL SHAVE ....€13 Cllr Matt Waine (AAA) echoed Cllr Donnelly’s sentiments HOT TOWEL SHAVE ...... €6 and also expressed his concerns about the current situation in Tyrrelstown saying it is only a matter of time before there is a serious incident resulting in serious injury, or even death. He DADS & LADS BARBERS said that having spoken with both the schools and residents he UNIT 6, COOLPORT, COOLMINE INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS PARK, D15 believes that there are a number of possible solutions, one of TEL: 085 186 5026 which is an extension of car parking spaces at the schools and a

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The Government has come under fire over its approach to social housing provision following the announcement that 36 units will be made available for social housing in Hansfield. By Keith Bellew

his comes as the number of homeless people show that the number of people assessed as homeless in reached record levels in February. February is the highest ever recorded. 2,129 children are now This allocation has been made possible through homeless in Dublin, and 3,310 adults the provision of €8m in funding to Fingal County Another aspect of the housing crisis is the increase in the T Council from Housing Minister, Simon Coveney number of single adults presenting as homeless. During the as part of the Local Authority Housing Capital Programme. four weeks from late December to late January the number Social Protection Minister, Leo Varadkar has welcomed the of single people in homelessness rose by 163. There news calling it a “significant investment” which “shows the are now almost 500 more adults (without dependents) in Government’s determination to solve the housing crisis.” homelessness compared with January 2016. An increase of “This comes on top of last year’s announcement of €2.2 almost 20% in just 12 months. million to restore social housing in Fingal. Other measures The homeless and housing charity, Peter McVerry Trust, include a Housing Agency initiative to purchase social has said it is concerned about this spike in the number of housing, while local authorities can also restore vacant single people becoming homeless. properties under a new Repair and Leasing Initiative,” he said. Reacting to the figures, Francis Doherty, Head of He went on to say that housing is one of the biggest crises Communications at Peter McVerry Trust said “That monthly effecting Ireland, but he believes the Rebuilding Ireland increase is significantly larger than any increase recorded strategy is starting to make “serious inroads.” during 2016 and points to the huge difficulty many single Not everyone is so sure however, as local councillor people are facing when they try keep up payments on their Tania Doyle (AAA) has criticised the Governments method existing homes or to secure affordable accommodation.” of tackling the housing crisis, and the pace at which it is He went on to say that single people face enormous advancing. challenges as they attempt to exit homelessness. “The provision of suitable and affordable housing is one “The lack of affordable rental accommodation is currently the of the greatest strategy disasters of modern times. This main barrier they face. That, coupled with the legacy of failing and successive administrations have been reactive instead to build social housing for single people means that pathways of proactive in their approach. I am always pleased to see out of homelessness are very limited and challenging to find. increases in the numbers of units, however time is against Unfortunately, because of the difficulties single people face it us, the so called Rapid Build, does not appear to be too rapid is they who face the longest stay in homelessness,” he said, after all,” she said. adding that his concern is that the needs of this group are Meanwhile, figures from the Department of Environment not receiving the level of attention needed in order to provide

12 Little Village April / May 2017 housing as quickly as possible. manner,” the report states. Social Democrats representative for Dublin 15 Aengus Ó The department says the Action Plan is designed to Maoláin, has hit out at the government over what he says is a accelerate all types of housing supply – social, private and failure to act on homelessness. rental. Supported by Exchequer investment of over €5b, the “These new figures make for grim reading - yet again we’ve plan aims to provide 47,000 new social houses by 2020. The broken our record for homelessness. The government’s action means to this end will be the progressive increase of housing on this has been feeble and it is ludicrous that homelessness output towards the target of producing 25,000 houses per is not being treated as the crisis it is,” he said. year through all channels. He said that it is maddening and unacceptable that 5,500 Minister Coveney has acknowledged that the Government people are living on the streets or in temporary accommodation has a lot of work to do in terms of solving this crisis, but when there are over 20,000 vacant homes around the city. defended its work to date. “That’s 27 empty houses for every one person in “February’s figures are a stark reminder of the difficulties we emergency accommodation. The government has been face in dealing with the homelessness problem. But we must counting on the private market to solve this issue, happy to continue to work hard and redouble our efforts. Last year sit back and wait. Enough is enough. We need to increase 3,052 households exited homelessness, which is the highest the Rent Supplement/HAP immediately as short-term level ever, and the level of ambition is greater again this year. measures to prevent even more homelessness, guarantee This is a substantial increase on the 2,300 exits achieved in rent certainty, and introduce a development site levy as 2015 and reflects the significant on-going work being done soon as possible to ensure that brown field sites don’t lie by housing authorities and their partner NGOs in helping empty while the developers wait for house prices to inflate households and individuals transition from homelessness to above affordable once again,” he said. more permanent homes,” he said. Meanwhile, Fingal County Council has received €26.58m Addressing the issue of vacant houses Minister Coveney under the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund said the Housing Agency will acquire 1,600 vacant housing (LIHAF). However, this funding has been shared amongst units by 2020. This will be achieved through funding of €70m several projects, none of which are in Dublin 15. Ó Maoláin in capital Exchequer funding to find and acquire suitable described this as “a terrible shame”. portfolios of vacant properties for social housing, directly from According to the Department of Environments most financial institutions and investors. 200 such units have been recent homelessness report the root cause of increased completed to date. homelessness is the supply shortage across the housing “The ‘Rapid Delivery’ programme has been extended under sector, which in turn is a result of the economic collapse and Rebuilding Ireland to deliver 1,500 units by the end of 2018. the associated damage to the construction sector. The Department continues to work closely with the four Dublin “Accordingly the long-term solution to the current homeless local authorities in relation to the rapid delivery programme. issue is to increase the supply of homes. Rebuilding Ireland – With 350 “rapid build” homes currently at various stages of an Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness was launched delivery, including construction, we expect to see these units in July 2016 and provides a multi-stranded, action-oriented occupied in the coming months and a further 650 homes in approach to achieving the Government’s key housing progress this year, with another 500 units to be delivered in objectives, and to tackle homelessness in a comprehensive 2018,” he said.

April / May 2017 Little Village 13 MEDICAL CARDS Little Angels By Keith Bellew edical card holders aged 70 and over in west Dublin can Playschool now avail of reduced prescription charges.  e maximum prescription charges for those aged over 70 years with medical cards - and their dependents M - is being reduced from €2.50 to €2 per item. Maximum prescription charges will be reduced from €25 to €20 per family per month It is estimated that as many as 10,000 pensioners, and their dependents in D15 and D7 could bene t from this new health legislation.. 335,000 older people across the country will bene t from this new legislation, as well as their dependents, bringing the total number of people set to bene t to 390,000.  e announcement was made by Minister for Health, Simon Harris who said he is very pleased to be in a position eƒ ect these changes. Speaking to Little Village, Justin Moran, Head of Advocacy and Communications for Age Action, has also expressed support for the measure, and is hopeful this is just the tip of the medical reform iceberg. FULL CARE “Since it was introduced the sick tax has risen by 500 per cent and one Mon - Fri ...... 6am - 6pm expert has identi ed it as being responsible for people skipping badly needed SIX DAYS Saturday .....9am - 6pm medication.  e reduction in the charge for medical card holders over 70 is very welcome and it will make a genuine diƒ erence to the many older people A WEEK Part-time care places are available. who have multiple prescriptions because they have a number of chronic Our staff are fully-qualified. Our premesis is fully-insured. illnesses,” he said. He went on to say that he hopes this is just the beginning, and the Government is going to keep rolling back a tax that “directly hits the poorest CALL NOUR ON: and the sickest people in our communities.” 087 455 9918 OR 01 557 5850 Local Social Protection Minister, Leo Varadkar has also expressed support for this move, saying: “ is delivers on a key commitment in the Fine Gael 31 ST MOCHTA’S AVENUE, CLONSILLA, DUBLIN 15 manifesto before the last election to reduce the cost of prescription charges for older people. I’m delighted that we can give something back to those who have made such a valuable contribution to society.” IT BLANCHARDSTOWN

nstitute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) recently celebrated its o™ cial signing of the Diversity Charter Ireland, at a ceremony on campus. Junior Equality Minister, David Stanton was on hand for the event at which he met with the President and representatives from the Institute’s I Senior Management Group, the Governing Body and the Student’s Union before addressing staƒ , students and guests in the Institute’s Learning and Innovation Centre ( e LINC) to acknowledge the Institute’s public statement of their commitment to improve equality and diversity amongst the organisation.  e Diversity Charter is an EU wide initiative aimed at eƒ ectively managing diversity, preventing discrimination and promoting equality with respect to all stakeholders and the environment in which they operate.  e founding Irish signatories are: An Post, Dell, Dublin Bus, Dublin City University, ESB, Equality Strategies, Ibec, Permanent TSB, Rehab, Sodexo and Telefonica. Speaking at the event, Minister Stanton said that ensuring that a society is fair to everyone requires going beyond the minimum standards provided for through legislation, and embracing diversity by enabling a broad range of people with varied talents and experiences contribute to their fullest “While diversity must be celebrated, we also need policies and procedures in place to ensure all staƒ and students are valued, respected and treated fairly irrespective of their age, gender, nationality, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, religion or any other personal characteristics,” he said.  e ITB student body and faculty includes individuals from 55 diƒ erent countries. By becoming an o™ cial part of the Diversity Charter Ireland, ITB will ensure that its principles are thoroughly embedded across the organisation’s policies and procedures. ITB President Dr. Diarmuid O’Callaghan said that by signing the Charter, ITB can share and learn from other members to continue to improve diversity and equality in the workplace, to create a culture that promotes respect for others, and ultimately, to further prepare students for working in a global, and increasingly diverse world. “As ITB strives to become part of a Technological University, with a focus on transformation by 2019, we all need to play our part in making the charter a reality at ITB,” he said.

14 Little Village April / May 2017 HERE’S THE REAL STORY TO WHY YOU’RE OUT OF SHAPE After the age of 25, our hormones undergo a dramatic switch around as we stop growing.

he vast majority of people will at some point in their life take a look in the mirror and decide they are not satisfied with what they see. The natural reaction is almost universal: “I’ll do T more exercise, I’ll join a gym, I’ll employ a personal trainer, I’ll watch what I eat, etc!” Sounds familiar right? For many of us, it’s this train of thought that’s gruelling enough. Normally to the point that zero action follows! Let’s face it, hours of aerobic exercise and low calorie dieting are about as fun as a hole in the head, and here’s the real kicker...they don’t work! Most people don’t understand why we get out of shape in the first place. You’ve been lead to believe it’s all about eating too much (greedy) or doing too little (lazy). Not according to research. Here’s the real story: After the age of 25, our hormones undergo a dramatic switch around as we stop growing. This causes us to begin to lose muscle, not just from the muscles we see, but also the ones we don’t see, such as in our vital organs. By the time we are 60 we will lose 30% of our muscle mass! Naturally this can lead to cardiovascular problems, reduced hormone secretion and poorly functioning organs. Worse still, not only does muscle loss cause all of these problems, it also slows down our metabolism by up to 45%. Your muscle is like a furnace, furiously burning food and Real results from real educogym members. body fat for energy. However as you get older your furnace begins to cool and if your food intake remains the same each organs to shrink and become weaker! year, you will gain weight. Studies indicate that 90% of the So what should you do? The educogym system is based calories you burn on a daily basis are burnt by your muscle on a university research study that proved it was possible to tissue and each pound of muscle burns between 50 and 100 regain lost muscle (the average muscle gain was 3.5 lbs) and calories per day. Less muscle will equate to more fat gain and lose fat (the average fat loss was an incredible 7.5 lbs) over a less energy. 12 day period, while performing only 20 minutes of exercise So remember this, because it is vital, science says you must per day or just four hours in total. The participants in the hold on to your muscle tissue. study also followed a low glycemic diet (low in sugar and So what do people normally do when they want to lose processed foods). In the end this is the real difference with weight, become fitter or even healthier? They believe EducoGym. All clients are given the training and motivational exercise is important and they believe that portion control, support to achieve their goals. Also the education clients when it comes to food, is crucial. Studies have shown that receive regarding diet, exercise and how they think about the following an aerobic exercise based programme, because of outcome they want will stand to them. What you learn about how it impacts your hormones, will cause you to lose muscle. diet and exercise will change your outlook on these areas So you may think you’re onto a winner because you’ve lost and impact on those around you. The trainers are trained to weight but unfortunately 25% - 60% of the weight loss can give the clients the best experience while helping the client be muscle. Over the long term this loss of muscle will cause a train well and eat well, motivating them to get closer every slow-down of your metabolism. Consequently you’ll become day to their goals. fatter and more lethargic. For more information visit: www.educogym.com The research on low calorie diets is worse. Up to 90% of weight loss while following a low calorie diet can be muscle. This can have a disastrous long term effect on your health and energy levels. Remember you don’t want your vital

April / May 2017 Little Village 15 PHOENIX PARK

By Keith Bellew

At 707 hectares (1752 acres), Phoenix Park is one of the largest enclosed recreational spaces within any European capital city.

he park was established as a royal deer park Street entrance, and comprising an area of 9 hectares. in 1662 by viceroy, James Butler, Duke of These gardens were initially established in 1840 as the Ormond, on behalf of King Charles II. A rather Promenade Grounds, but were briefly closed before slipshod stone wall was constructed around reopening in 1864. They provide an opportunity to display T the park, and improved when the boundaries Victorian horticulture at its best. Some of its main attractions were realigned some time later. Viscount Dungannon, include ornamental lakes, children’s playground, picnic Marcus Trevor was appointed Ranger in 1668. He, along area and Victorian bedding schemes. with two assistants was responsible for the deer, managing Another key feature of the Park is The Wellington the Park’s enclosures and newly formed plantations The Testimonial which was built to commemorate the victories Park originally included the demesne of Kilmainham Priory of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington who dealt the south of the River Liffey, but was reduced in size due to the military career of Napoleon Bonaparte its death blow at the construction of the Royal Hospital at Kilmainham, which Battle of Waterloo in June 1815. Wellington, who was born commenced in 1680. in either Dublin or Meath was famous for political, as well The park has a diverse selection of trees including oak, as military endeavours. ash, lime, beech, sycamore and horsechestnut which cover The obelisk was designed by the architect Sir Robert around 30% of the parkland. There are also a number of Smirke and the foundation stone was laid in 1817. However more ornamental selections of trees grown in the parks the project was put on hold due to a lack of funding, and various enclosures. A herd of Fallow Deer has lived in not completed until 1861 when it was opened to the public. the Park since the 1660’s when they were introduced by There are four bronze plaques cast from cannons James Butler. The Phoenix Park is a sanctuary for many captured at Waterloo - three of which have pictorial mammals and birds and a wide range of wildlife habitats representations of his career while the fourth has an are to be found in the park including the Furry Glen, which inscription. The plaques depict ‘Civil and Religious Liberty’ is managed as a conservation area. by John Hogan, ‘Waterloo’ by Thomas Farrell and the Áras an Uachtaráin, which was the Viceregal Lodge in ‘Indian Wars’ by Joseph Robinson Kirk. The inscription the days of British occupation is now the residence of the reads: President of Ireland. It dates from 1750 and is located in the Asia and Europe, saved by thee, proclaim centre of the park near the United States Ambassador’s Invincible in war thy deathless name, residence, which was built in 1774. Many other historic Now round thy brow the civic oak we twine buildings and monuments are located in the Park including That every earthly glory may be thine. the Farmleigh estate. It was very near the Wellington monument that Permanent Another aesthetic feature of Phoenix Park is the Victorian Under Secretary of Ireland, Thomas Henry Burke and the People’s Flower Gardens located close to the Parkgate newly installed Chief Secretary for Ireland, Lord Frederick

16 Little Village April / May 2017 Áras an Uachtaráin Victorian People’s Flower Gardens

Cavendish, were murdered by an Irish Republican so impressed with the estate that he wanted to buy it. Brotherhood splinter group known as the Invincibles on Other notable guests included the Chinese Prime Minister, Saturday, May 6 1882. Cavendish had just arrived in Ireland the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, the King of Malaysia, British that day to assume his duties. Prime Minister Tony Blair, the Governor-General of New He was met by Burke on Chesterfield Avenue, just Zealand, and Queen Elizabeth II. inside the park’s entrance. Not far from the Wellington The estate of 78 acres comprises extensive private monument, the two men were approached by a group of gardens with stands of mature cypress, pine and oak trees, seven men who surrounded them. Invincibles Joe Brady a boating pond, walled garden, sunken garden, out offices and Tim Kelly attacked Burke and Cavendish respectively. and a herd of rare native Kerry cattle. It was purchased Armed with surgical knives, they cut Cavendish and Burke by the Government in 1999 from the 4th Earl of Iveagh for down in brutal fashion before beating a hasty retreat in two €29.2m. It was opened to the public in 2001 following an cabs. The first cab was driven by Myles Kavanagh, and extensive refurbishment project carried out by the Office the second cab by James Fitzharris, known better as ‘Skin of Public Works (OPW). It cost around €23m to restore the the goat’ (who received an honourable mention in James house, gardens and glasshouses, bringing the total cost to Joyce’s Ulysses.) The perceived need for such a group the state to €52.2m. was to respond to the coercion of the tenant farmers within The expansive house and estate was once a two- the Land League by the Government. storey Georgian house built in the mid 1700s. It originally Following the assassinations, the men proceeded belonged to the Coote and then Trench families. The estate to leave cards into all the major newspapers in Dublin was purchased by Edward Guinness (who became Earl of identifying themselves as the Irish National Invincibles. Iveagh in 1891). In 1873 Farmleigh Bridge was added to the Mass roundups of suspected Fenian ‘terrorists’ followed, estate to carry electricity lines from the mill race turbine on one of whom was James Carey who told his interrogators the Strawberry Beds to the house. that the Invincibles had been formed in the autumn of 1881 Guinness commissioned a major renovation and to ‘make history’ and to establish a grouping within the extension programme between 1881 and 1884 to extend Fenian network to assassinate government administrators the house to the west and add a third floor. These works in Ireland. were designed by Irish architect James Franklin Fuller. A As a result of these investigations, a number of informants ballroom was added in 1896, and a conservatory in 1901. emerged to assist the crown prosecution. Following trials The contents of the estate are a testament to the taste at Kilmainham Courthouse, five of the Invincibles: Joseph and culture of Edward Guinness. They include: landscaped Brady, Daniel Curley, Michael Fagan, Thomas Caffrey and gardens, classical architecture, and tapestries, which he Timothy Kelly were executed in Kilmainham Gaol. collected while travelling through Europe as a young man. One of the most noteworthy features of Phoenix Park is Some of the earliest books printed in Ireland are to be the Farmleigh estate located in the north-west of the park. found in the earls’ library, which is on loan to the state. While it formerly belonged to the Guinness family, it is now The estate and gardens are largely open to the public, the official Irish State guest house. It is alleged that Italy’s with the house closed except for organised tours. former beleaguered Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi was For more information visit: www.farmleigh.ie

April / May 2017 Little Village 17 D15 GAS ADVERTORIAL GAS BOILERS EXPLAINED Be more energy-efficient, be warmer and save money. Dave Galligan of D15 Gas explains how. Dave Galligan

Condensing boiler how do they work and what is it? The main feature of condensing boilers is that they are highly BOILER CONTROL UPGRADES. efficient. They consume less fuel and the running costs are lower Controls have in the last decade seen many improvements, than your standard boilers. Higher efficiency levels are reached by and they offer a very good way of improving the comfort level extracting the heat which is in the combustion gases, where as in a in your home and at the same time saving energy. standard boiler this is lost to the atmosphere. The reason for this is that both gas and oil have hydrogen within Control functions their chemical structure. When gas or oil is combusted, the oxygen Bringing your heating on and off as desired with temperature and links with hydrogen to form H2O. This water vapour which is similar time control. You can divide your house into zones, having separate to that seen from car exhausts on cold days. controls for each area including hot water. This vapour has approximately 8% of the fuel’s total energy and This can also be complimented by the use of thermostatic using this energy makes the boiler energy efficient. This is precisely radiators valves, which will enhance the comfort level of a room in what condensing boilers do. They condense the vapour capturing turn saving money. the energy contained within, hence the modern boiler is far more The most cost effective way of heating hot water is by using your efficient. gas boiler to heat the hot cylinder. This is a lot less expensive than using your electric immersion. What do I do if my boiler is older than 10 years? Water Testing / protects the internals of your heating system and Characteristically, the efficiency of a gas or oil boiler over 10 years boiler. in age would be less than 80%. It’s present efficiency today, owing to wear and tear is doubtful to be better than 70%. The present What is the advantage of testing the water in your central range of boilers on the market today will have efficiencies better heating system? than 90%. Which signifies an effective improvement on efficiency of 1. It lets us know the quality of the internals of the heating system. up to 20%, Increasing the working efficiency of your boiler by this 2. It lets us know what actions need to be taken to bring the system amount signifies a genuine fuel saving greater than 25%. Which to an acceptable standard so that the warranty is not compromised means, by changing an older boiler of low efficiency with a new, and the system is not deteriorating. higher efficiency boiler, you can reduce your fuel costs by a quarter. 3. All boiler manufactures can test the water for quality and to see if Therefore, changing old boilers makes good sense for three the proper chemicals have been added to protect the system. following reasons: How do we carry out this test? 1. Substantial savings on fuel cost which can only grow This is a simple procedure where we take sample of the water and as energy prices heighten. put it through a serious of tests to determine the quality of the water 2. Better dependability and safety. and what actions are needed to remedy the situation, if any. 3. Grants are available which we can advise you on in your quotation. What type of actions are there? In some cases, the adding of a chemical or the system may need If your boiler is more than 10 to 15 years old, the chances are that to be flushed. in the near future that you will have to change it on reliability grounds Water testing on an intermittent basic can lead to early diagnosis in any event. Change it now and your savings start now! Planning of central problems and save you from costly repairs in the future. the change rather than waiting until the boiler must be changed in A good time to do this would be with your annual boiler service, the cold depth of winter when the industry is at its busiest time. as this would reduce the cost.

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Spring and Summer Is the ideal time to get your heating system ready for the winter season We fi nd with the start of winter a large number of householders fi nd that their heating is not working or not working effi ciently. The main cause of this is that during the summer months when the heating system is not in use the dirt contained in the system becomes hardened and reduces the fl ow of water in the pipes or in some cases can block the pipes, similar to the effect cholesterol can have in the arteries of the human. So why not avail of our Spring/Summer offer valid to the end of August for €99 CONTACT US 083 813 3400 [email protected] WWW.D15GAS.COM CREATIVE IRELAND By Keith Bellew

Fingal County Council has announced Fingal County Council and Creative Ireland will host an open meeting the establishment of its Creative Ireland on Monday, April 24 from 7pm to 9pm in the Carlton Hotel, Old Airport Fingal initiative aimed at enabling Road, Cloghran to share details about the Programme and to explore opportunities to increase access, engagement and collaboration in the local creativity in the community as part of the arts, creative industries and community activities in Fingal. Enquiries can Creative Ireland Programme. be submitted by email to creative ngal@ ngal.ie or by calling 01 8905097 Full details of the Creative Ireland Programme are available at: reative Ireland is a  ve-year initiative, from 2017 to 2022, www.creative.ireland.ie. which will place Ireland’s culture and creative communities at the centre of public policy. Following the successful engagement of the public in the areas of arts, culture and heritage during last year’s centenary programme, Fingal County Council now aims to build on that Csuccess with this initiative. Fingal Director of Housing and Community, Margaret Geraghty, will chair the Creative Ireland Fingal group which is made up of representatives from di­ erent departments and sections within the Council. It has been tasked with enabling creativity in every community within the county. Eithne Mallin, who led Fingal’s 2016 Commemoration Programme, has been appointed as the Creative Ireland co-ordinator for Fingal. Announcing the appointments to the Creative Ireland Fingal group, Fingal Chief Executive, Paul Reid said: “Enabling Creativity in every Community is the primary instrument for delivery of the Creative Ireland programme objectives by local authorities throughout the country. It is recognised that local authorities are the leaders of community engagement and that we have a particular capacity for programme delivery especially in the context of citizen engagement. Fingal County Council is looking forward to the challenge of stimulating creativity throughout the county over the next  ve years.” Creative Ireland will lead the development of a dedicated Culture and Creativity plan for Fingal, based on the premise that participation in cultural activity drives personal and collective creativity, with signi cant implications for individual and societal wellbeing. For 2017, there will be a special focus on children and young people with the speci c objective of fast-tracking the Charter for Arts in Education, which will signi cantly increase access and participation for children in high quality arts and culture experiences. In addition, all the agencies of Government, including national cultural institutions, state agencies, Government Departments, organisations, individuals and communities will be activated to embed creativity across all aspects of their work – and use that creative potential to foster collective wellbeing and social cohesion.

20 Little Village April / May 2017 AMAZON ANNOUNCE DATA CENTER IN MULHUDDART

Dublin 15 is fast becoming a miniature Mulhuddart alone is now home to several huge pharmaceutical facilities belonging to industry heavyweights industrial hub, as tech giant Amazon has like Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Alexion and Montjeu. Couple these announced plans to build a 223,000 sq ft €1b developments with the Facebook centre in Clonee and the data centre in Mulhuddart. future looks bright for employment in Dublin 15. Fingal County Council will decide whether or not to grant long with the data centre, which will cost planning permission later this month. If all goes well a €200m, Amazon is looking to construct a tendering process will be initiated, though it is not yet clear €700+b data storage campus comprising a when construction can begin, or the length of time before the series of smaller data centres. site is operational. A While it is not yet clear how many permanent Amazon has recently joined Fingal Dublin Chamber of positions this will create, there will be around 400 construction Commerce, and the group has expressed its delight at the jobs created through the project. new investment. The company already employs around 1, 400 people in Speaking to Little Village, Tony Lambert, CEO of Fingal Dublin and this new centre will see Amazon increasing its Dublin Chamber said this is a great boon for the area. presence in Dublin to 10 different data centres. Dublin as a “It is great to have an innovative company like Amazon whole is fast becoming one of the most highly concentrated contributing to our community through jobs, improving data centre areas in Europe. There are currently about 30 infrastructure, and growing the local economy, and it is different data centres in Dublin belonging to such giants as another major boost for the Blanchardstown area of Fingal Google, IBM, Facebook, and Microsoft. and the Greater Dublin Region,” he said.

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April / May 2017 Little Village 21 SAFER BLANCHARDSTOWN

Local community and policing forum Safer Blanchardstown By is Keith calling Bellew for support for its Think Before You Buy campaign, aimed at informing the public of the impact of recreational drug use. The campaign will be re-launched on April 27 on a much larger scale.

he campaign was first launched in Draiocht in by areas of close proximity (Finglas, Cabra) if they did not October of last year with the aim of changing the receive the same message at the same time,” said Jennings. common perception of the relative innocence of Recently an officer from the Police Service of Northern recreational drug use and highlight the correlation Ireland (PSNI) visited Blanchardstown and was shown between recreational or casual drug use, the multi- the video and was very impressed. He then invited Safer million Euro drug trade in Ireland, and the resulting social ills. Blanchardstown to Belfast to make a short presentation on the TA specially commissioned video outlining the premise of research report and screen the video to members of the Ards the campaign and demonstrating how recreational drug and North Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership use funds violent drug gangs was launched by Fianna Fail (PCSP). The PCSP have now requested to be allowed to Spokesperson on Drugs, Deputy Jack Chambers. This video use the video and associated material and to promote its use entitled “It Always Harms Someone” can be viewed at: https:// across Northern Ireland. youtu.be/aVj41LU7QxU. “We feel that this campaign needs to be widely disseminated Field research conducted throughout Dublin 15 to inform and supported and so we are seeking endorsement from a the campaign showed that drug use is not only a problem in wide variety of organisations and groups for example ICTU, disadvantages areas where addiction is prevalent, but also IBEC, Church Groups, Youth Organisations, Gardaí, JPC’s, in the more affluent areas where recreational drug use has HSE, Sporting Bodies, Student Bodies, Schools, VFI, LVA, increased enormously. ICA, political parties and others and requesting that they seek The campaign seeks to impress upon casual drug users that [the] support of their members in displaying the poster and by purchasing even a small amount of drugs on the weekend, playing the video on loops on TV’s in waiting areas where they are fuelling drug gangs and facilitating their violent turf possible,” said Jennings. wars. The group highlighted the ongoing gang war in Dublin’s Safer Blanchardstown has offered to make a short north inner city as a perfect example of this violence and of presentation of about 20 minutes to include showing of video the fact that this issue is not merely a local, but a national and Q&A to any interested parties. issue which needs immediate attention. “It is vitally important that this message is not aimed at According to Philip Jennings of Safer Blanchardstown the any one section or community. Recreational drug use is not video has only been shown to a limited number of people only a problem in low or high income areas, young people to date, but the response has been very powerful, with or older people nor are drug problems specifically confined people stating that their perception of the “harmlessness” of to drug addiction. Rather recreational drug use is a problem recreational drug use was completely changed. that supports and attracts serious violence and a wide range The group is seeking to gain more traction with the campaign of criminal activity across society which effects users and and get all stakeholders involved. The ambitious aim is to roll non-users alike. A reduction in the number of people using out the campaign across the entire island of Ireland. illicit drugs recreationally, however slight, will provide many “We realise that we now have a very powerful message benefits across Irish society and beyond,” said Jennings. that needs to be widely disseminated, as a local campaign For more information visit: (say in Blanchardstown alone) would quickly become diluted http://saferblanchardstown.com.

22 Little Village April / May 2017 ARTISTIC LOCAL TALENT SHOWCASED An exhibition of works by numerous local Da Vinci’s, Rembrandt’s and Monet’s was held at Huntstown Community Centre recently.

ow in its third year, the Huntstown Community Centre Art Exhibition showcasing local talent was launched by Cllr Howard Mahony (FF) and was visited by over 400 aficionados. Contributing groups included Daughters of Charity Blakestown, Stepping Stones, Corduff Womens Group, N Above: Arising, Tolka River Project, and HCYP. Speaking to Little Village, a spokesperson for the group said: “We have held Winner Stacey previous exhibitions with the first one in 2011, exhibiting our own ETB Glennon funded Art Class; this proved to be a popular event so the following year 2012 we held it in a bigger room and invited other Art Classes to exhibit. The event has proved very successful in Huntstown and surrounding areas such as Corduff, Mountview, Blakestown.” LEFT: Principal Each year the public vote for their favourite piece, and this year’s winner Kieran Lyons was Stacey Glenn with her drawing entitled “All your dreams are made of Sacred Heart Strawberry Lemonade “. of Jesus NS The group expressed its gratitude to all who have supported its artistic endeavours with Cllr Tania saying: “We would like to thank Janice Whelan and Valerie O’Brien who curate Doyle. this event for us. Also to the ETB for their continuing support by providing Currently there are two Art Groups residing the centre both as a direct spin our Art Tutor to enable us to hold classes here in the Centre. Fingal County off from the Dublin Dun Laoghaire Educational Training Board and an ETB Council Community Division for their ongoing support and to Councillor Art Class. Howard Mahoney of Fingal for his presence.” For more information visit: www.huntstowncc.org

April / May 2017 Little Village 23 LEGAL CORNER BY SUZANNE McDONNELL, SOLICITOR ENDURING POWERS OF ATTORNEY An enduring power of attorney is a legal document that facilitates a person to nominate and appoint a person(s) to manage their affairs in the event of their loss of mental capacity.

ith the number of people being diagnosed with dementia increasing year on year, the creation of an enduring power of attorney affords a way for the management of the assets and affairs of an incapable W person, with a view to financing their proper care during a difficult time. In creating this under the guidance of a solicitor, the Therefore, it is best to begin this process when in good health. Do not leave donor can set out the scope of the authority given to the attorney, such as it too late. dealing with management and affairs of the assets, with options for personal The agreement does not take effect, until it is registered in the High Court, care decisions. therefore a Donor can revoke it at any time prior to registration. When the When choosing the attorney, it is always advisable to appoint two attorneys, nominated attorney(s) is of the opinion that the document should be registered taking into account that that those nominated assume control of donors’ with the Courts, the solicitor will exhibit an updated medical certificate from affairs. Therefore, it is essential that proper consideration is given to ensure a medical professional confirming the capacity of the donor has diminished. trustworthy individuals are appointed. Once all other proofs are in order, court fees are discharged and any queries It is best to create this document at a time when the capacity of the donor addressed, the High Court will ultimately issue the Certificate of Registration cannot be called into question. Part of the documentation required is the of the enduring power of attorney. doctors certificate confirming the donors’ capacity to sign the document. If If you require any further information or assistance please do not the donors’ GP cannot complete this document because the donors mental hesitate to contact me, Suzanne McDonnell Solicitor, McDonnell & capacity has diminished, then it is not possible to complete the document. Company Solicitors, Dublin 15. www.mcdonnell-solicitors.ie BLAKESTOWN DRIVE COMMUNITY GROUP By Keith Bellew

Blakestown is alive with tulips and daffodils courtesy of Blakestown Drive Community Group (BDCG) who are reaping the rewards of an autumn of planting.

affodil and tulip bulbs were planted along the groups The exhibition focused on birds in honour of nesting season. nature strip last autumn as part of their Project Maple Service users had made felt birds in advance which the students (Managing Appreciating Protecting & Loving the chose from, while service users kept a matching bird for each. The Environment). children decorated the birds with colourful feathers and jewels. D Local children along with group members dug up The pairs were then sewn together by the children with decorative areas of the nature strip for planting and Sister Francis, from St wool. Louis Nuns also donated her time into the project. “The children enjoyed making the Spring Birdies along with the Speaking to Little Village, Maria Tormey of BDCG said the project lesson of the experience. We all need to be more aware of what is proof of what a community can achieve by making the right you can do to look after and protect all of the real live birds we are effort in the right place. still fortunate to have in Ireland,” said Maria. The group also hosted a spring art themed extravaganza recently Going forward in 2017 BDCG is hosting a lecture on the “All as part of another of its environmental endeavours - Project SPACE Ireland Pollinator Plan” with guest speaker, students from ITB and - Schools People Art Community Environment. Assisted by Aileen local schools with an emphasis on nurturing our ecology into a Smyth, the Art Therapist in the DOC, BDCG welcomed the Student healthy home for all. Council from Castaheany Educate Together National School to For more information on BDCG visit: www.facebook.com/ take part. Blakestown-Drive-Community-Group

24 Little Village April / May 2017 BUS RAPID TRANSIT ROUTE ANNOUNCED BETWEEN BLANCHARDSTOWN AND UCD Commuters in Dublin 15 will have a much quicker means of getting into the city centre as the National Transport Authority (NTA) has confirmed it will proceed with a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route between Blanchardstown and UCD next year.

ugh Creegan, Director of Transport Investment for “I’m delighted that finally, we are seeing progress on a significant the National Transport Authority (NTA), made this new public transport project for the Dublin 15 area. The Bus Rapid confirmation at a Fingal County Council – Dublin City Transit (BRT) will provide a high quality public transport route Council Inter-Authority Information Meeting recently. between the Blanchardstown Town Centre and UCD, via the City H Hugh Creegan from the NTA stated that a design Centre. I have continually pointed out the size of the population team had been appointed for the Blanchardstown-UCD BRT route growth in Dublin 15 – we have four of the ten fastest growing areas and that a public consultation phase would start later this year, in the entire country. There must be new public transport put in with a view to having a planning application for the route submitted place so the new and existing residents of Dublin 15 can go about in 2018. He also stated that NTA feels that it has the necessary their daily commute,” he said. funding for the project, as was not the case when the previous He said it is good that the NTA is finally providing for the needs Government announced the Capital Investment Programme 2016- of our area. Given the fact that more houses are being built across 21, in which no funding for the BRT was provided. Dublin 15 in Tyrrelstown, Hansfield and Carpenterstown. However, it is not yet clear how much the project will cost, “I look forward to engaging in the public consultation nor when it will be complete. Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) has process, so we can ensure that we get the very best route and welcomed the news, saying it is a vital piece of infrastructure given range of stops for commuters and communities across West the rapid and continued growth of the area. Dublin,” he said.

April / May 2017 Little Village 25 LIDL UNDER CRITICISM Lidl Ireland has defended the standard of the traffic surveys it undertook in relation to its planning application for a Lidl supermarket in Castleknock village, following criticism from local residents.

he permission provides for a mixed-use development of 4, were less than 150sq.m and Best Practice – Ž ere were a number of breaches 896sqm with three blocks around a new street and public of the TRICS Best Practice Guide (didn’t use the most up to date version spaces. Within the planned development there will be the etc.),” said the spokesperson. supermarket, a medical centre, two cafe’s eight residential and Ž ey went on to say that the group carried out its own surveys and T two retail units. 98 parking spaces are to be provided, 59 of found discrepancies in the ¢ gures predicted by the developer and actual which will be undercroft spaces beneath the supermarket and 27 surface trips generated. Ž ese surveys were carried out at Lidl branches in Clonee, spaces. Cycle spaces will also be provided, along with a loading area, street Blakestown and Terenure. lighting, bin storage and landscaping. Other features include; public art, “Ž e use/misuse of this database seriously undermines the openness and boundary treatment, site development works and street furniture. transparency of the planning process not only in Fingal but throughout Traƒ c concerns were raised from the outset by local residents and Ireland,” they said. representatives alike, so Lidl undertook a traƒ c survey, the results of which Deputy Jack Chambers (FF), a fairly vocal opponent of the proposed were favourable for the proposal. However, a group of pro-active residents development also criticised the TRICS system and praised the work carried commissioned their own survey, and criticised the nature of the study out by KCRA. undertaken by Lidl. “Ž e TRICS data that has been used as a metric for planning applications Speaking to Little Village, a spokesperson from KCRA said that while is completely misleading and un¢ t for purpose. Ž is was excellently preparing for the recent oral hearing with An Bord Pleanala regarding the documented by the KCRA residents during the community’s collect appeal development, group members carried out a detailed analysis of the Traƒ c against the Lidl development in Castleknock. Ž e manipulation of TRICS Assessment data which the developer provided to Fingal County Council. data by traƒ c consultants to shadow the true traƒ c problems was clear Ž e data acquired by Lidl was produced using a TRICS database which and alarming. I hope both Fingal and An Bord Pleanala provide thorough “is used as an integral and essential part of the Transport Assessment process” scrutiny to such misleading data for traƒ c studies,” he said. and “is widely used as part of the planning application process by both A spokesperson for Lidl Ireland responded to these charges saying: developer consultants and local authorities” “Lidl Ireland engaged an expert traƒ c consultant to complete a detailed “We had serious questions regarding the reliability of the predicted trip analysis as part of the planning application. Some concerns were raised generations produced for the following reasons: Date range - (surveys used by local residents during a recent oral hearing with An Bord Pleanala and were from 2005 – 2011 – a diš erent economic climate), Location – the Lidl’s consultant was on hand to explain the theory behind the analysis. A majority of the surveys were carried out in England, Scotland & Wales, representative from Fingal County Council con¢ rmed to An Bord Pleanala’s Comparability – Surveys selected as comparable to the proposed medical inspector that the traƒ c analysis was completed to their requirements. We centre in Castleknock (428sq.m) were a Phsio clinic (17sq.m) and four others look forward to a decision from An Bord Pleanala in the near future.”

26 Little Village April / May 2017

28 Little Village April / May 2017 April / May 2017 Little Village 25 ONGAR VILLAGE By Keith Bellew The long saga of the taking in charge of Ongar Village by Fingal County Council has reached a new chapter as the council has taken High Court proceedings to retrieve the planning bond necessary to complete the process.

Christanella Rachel he council has previously said that it would cost approximately €1.8m to bring the area to the condition necessary for it to be taken in charge.  ere are a number of issues around plumbing, street surfaces, deterioration of buildings, road T markings and others which must be remedied before the council can take charge of the area.  e responsibility for these works usually lies with the developer, but the developer (Manor Park Homes) went into receivership before these works could be carried out. A planning bond for Ongar worth €3m has been held by HCC Insurance in the UK since the developer went bust. Although this bond technically Martina Keith belongs to the council, they have been unable to retrieve it as HCC Insurance has not engaged with them. In 2015 it was decided that pursuing the bond n the late 1960’s, a group of Blanchardstown residents formed through legal proceedings was the best course of action. a study group with a view to setting up a Credit Union to include Along with the un‡ nished works, the area has also suˆ ered from a shortage Blanchardstown and its surrounding districts.  is group met weekly of services. It is up to the developer of a housing estate to provide basic in the Parochial House. After ‡ ve months, they decided to set up services. As the developer has gone bust, and the council do not own the I Blanchardstown & District Credit Union Ltd. land, they have had to go through negotiations with the receiver just to get On July 9, 1970 an organisation meeting was held in the Old School Hall basic services for the area. (now the Community Centre) which was attended by Rev. Canon Crowe As part of the process to sequester the bond for Ongar, the Council had PP and Mr. Michael O’Doherty from the Credit Union League of Ireland to engage an independent consultant to survey, investigate and prepare a cost together with study group members Michael McGuinness and Kathleen estimate for the outstanding works to bring Ongar to the required taking in Mathews, and about sixty residents.  e purpose of the meetings was to charge standard.  is survey was begun on February 27 and carried out over register the Credit Union with the Registrar of Friendly Societies and to elect a board of directors. So the journey began. a ‡ ve week period. As part of these services a cctv survey of the underground Today, after 47 years, Blanchardstown & District Credit Union is large services (water works) was also carried out. and vibrant with over 17,500 members and net assets of €78m. Around According to a council spokesperson: “Our Law Department requires the 1,000 new members joined last year. Under manager, Brian Conroy, we cost estimate to complete the case against the bondholder. To date, our Law oˆ er loans and savings products to those members resident or working in Department has engaged in correspondence with the bondholder, but this the locality. Its link to the community is enhanced by sponsorship of some was not successful. Consequently, the Council has issued and served a High €30,000 last year while it has six local primary schools in its schools savings Court Summons against the bondholder.  e Council will need to prepare scheme promoting a culture of saving among its youngest members. all the documentation which will include the cost estimate for use in court.”  e mainstay of credit unions nationwide is the culture of volunteerism “Once the Council has secured funds from the bond, it can proceed with and it’s no diˆ erent in Blanchardstown where the various committees rectifying the outstanding issues to bring it to the taking in charge standard,” comprise 9 volunteers some with over 30 years continuous service. said the spokesperson. Adapting to the growth of the digital age, we have an active website where Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) who has had numerous representations from members can transact and apply for loans online, we also have our own Facebook page with over 600 ‘likes’. residents on the issue has said he is very pleased that progress is now being But we don’t forget that it’s personal service that our members expect and made. our hardworking counter team deal with over 10,000 transactions weekly “I very much welcome the progress in the past month in relation to the and over 100 loan applications. taking in charge process of Ongar village and the surrounding estates. It is We have members draws every month with €162,000 drawn in prizes something I have been very consistent in; raising this matter on a virtually last year. monthly basis. I am determined to bring this issue to a close, the people of We value the loyalty and support of our members so if you haven’t had Ongar deserve to have all the works completed and the entire area taken in the opportunity, join your friends and neighbours at your local credit union charge,” he said. NOW. You will be very welcome. Cllr Donnelly has also said that he is especially eager for the park area to be taken in charge as it has become a focal point for illegal dumping, drinking and anti-social behaviour. He said that this has prevailed “despite the massive eˆ orts of the Ongar Tidy Towns committee.” “I would hope that this will be processed quickly and that we will ensure that the court case be processed speedily.  e community of Ongar village Visit www.blanchardstowncu.ie and ‘like us at have waited far too long for progress and I am determined to keep this high www.facebook.com/BaDCU on the agenda,” he said.

30 Little Village April / May 2017 Take-Away, Deliveries & Collections ALL DAY 01 820 0000 FROM 12 NOON EVERY DAY!* * SUNDAYS FROM 4PM OPENING TIMES MON - THUR 12PM - 12AM FRI - SAT 12PM - 1AM SUNDAY 4PM - 12AM www.darios.ie Delivery charge from €1.50 DARIOS CHIPPER Select areas get FREE delivery when ordering from Unit 46, Coolmine Industrial Estate, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 www.marvin.ie CASTLEKNOCK VICTORY CASTLEKNOCK HURLING AND FOOTBALL CLUB GIRLS UNDER 14S FOOTBALL TEAM WERE CROWNED AIG DIVISION 2 FEILE CHAMPIONS RECENTLY WITH A VICTORY OVER LOCAL RIVALS ST BRIGID’S.

he Castleknock girls saw off their strong however, with Aishling O’Neil scoring rivals in comprehensive fashion with an all important goal off the back of a 30 yard a score of 4 – 5 to 3 – 2, though the free from Emma Diamond. match was certainly not a one sided Both teams continued to add to the score in Taffair. The spectators at the packed a tit-for-tat affair that left little between them Blakestown grounds were not disappointed at half time with a score of 3 – 3 to 3 – 2 to with action from the first to last whistle. Castleknock. The first half was hotly contested with neither While the second half had fewer scores, it side backing down. Amelia Ryan of Brigid’s was a nonetheless exciting affair. Castleknock opened the scoring with a point in the first proved to be the better side at the end of the minute. This was followed closely with a point day and, finishing the match as she started it, from Ella Connolly to give Brigid’s a strong Aishling O’Neill smashed home the last goal of start. the game, giving Castleknock an impressive six The Castleknock response was quick and point win.

32 Little Village April / May 2017 CASTLEKNOCK HURLING & FOOTBALL CLUB nother great feile weekend with the capture of the deficit to secure their second win in Div.1.Great comeback. boys Div. 3 football Feile title at Parnell Park. Also a U13 Girls Footballers also had a great comeback to beat fantastic run by our Div. 8 side who got to the semi- Raheny. Senior hurlers went down to Faughs on Saturday whilst finals. Congrats to all concerned and many thanks to the Minor A footballers had good win over Plunketts with goals A those who made sambo’s , marked pitches, put up from Darragh Warnock, Aidan Kearney & Sam Ryan helping flags and did the dozens of jobs that need to be done to host Feile. them seal the win. Minor B footballers were unlucky to lose out Thanks to all our Feile sponsors and our juvenile section sponsors to Westmanstown. Community Credit Union and Newcombe Estates. April 21st is “Champo Night Race Nite”, we play in first round of the Our nursery with thanks to Tigers Childcare resumes on Sat senior club football championship with our annual race nite directly 22nd April. No Nursery Easter weekend. New members always afterwards. Race sponsors wanted. Contact Sean O’Brien on 087 welcome. Nursery enquiries to [email protected]. 2390817, Finbar Brady 087 2378529 or Finbar Kennelly on 086 No winner of the lotto jackpot in association with Rialto Ford. 0703874. Numbers drawn were 3, 8, 22, and 26. There were 12 match 3 “Cash for Clobber” is looking to hit the jackpot over next number winners who each get €25. Bigger lotto launched on April 13 in of weeks. A special bonus is on offer to the best club in the cash O’Shea’s The Merchant with Jackpot of €2,200. for clobber competition. Just drop your old clothes to Somerton. No Well done to U16 Camogie team turned around a nine point pillow or duvets please.

warm morning in Porterstown. 2-2 11D Sat: Oleg Sinkevics hat trick is highlight of Celtic victory over CASTLEKNOCK CELTIC Peamount in Porterstown Park. Oisin Dunne and Edward Nuzum completed the scoring. 5-3 heck out our Summer Soccer Camp at www. 11D1 Sat: Celtic fight-back is not enough at home to St Kevin’s summersoccerschools.ie for information, including on Boys. 3-6 family and multiple booking discounts, as well 12A Sat: Castleknock come out on top in battle of the Celts as as discount vouchers for Heatons/SportsWorld/ Radio Nova visit Porterstown to launch their sponsorship. 3-1 C SportsDirect stores. 13M1 Sat: James Murgatroyd’s goal earns Celtic share of the Or call 1890-653-653 spoils at home to Crumlin. 1-1 “Castleknock Celtic U12’s come of age on Easter Trip to UK.” 13A1 Sat: A brace each from Ben McDonagh and Eryk Fecovycz Our young Celts are growing up and as cute as foxes individually capped a great performance by Celtic as they gained a victory away set about their Parents with the BIG Question - “can we go on a to St Kevin’s Boys. 4-2 football trip?”. The Parents and Coach had been cornered and the 13B Sat: After going down to Firhouse away the previous week, decision was made to bring our young Heroes on a Magical Mystery Celtic came out on top against Celbridge Town in Porterstown. 5-0 Tour to Warrington, Manchester & Liverpool for the Easter break. 14A Sat: Celtic hit 6 past Knocklyon Utd away from home. 6-0 15Prem2: Honours even in cracker in Porterstown Park against 10B Sat: Celtic come up just short away to Drogheda Boys. Cabinteely Boys. 2-2 10F1 Sat: Eliron and Patrick share the goals in their victory away 15A Sat: Cabinteely Boys outgunned by Celtic. 6-1 to HHFC. 4-3 15B Sat: Landen Utd come out on top in Porterstown encounter. 11A1 Sun: Celtic come out on top away to Cherry Orchard. 1-0 2-4 11B Sat: Losing 0-2 , Celtic fought their way back to earn a share 16B: Adam Kelly’s hat-trick laid the foundations for Celtic’s of the spoils. Their comeback was inspired by an awesome strike thumping win at home over Mount Merrion. Sam Hennessy, Alan by Paul Baskiran 7 minutes from time. It was then the turn of Lucas McDonagh, Alex Conroy and Colm Hegarty completed the scoring. Girigan who produced a fine run and finish to equalise in the last 7-1 minute. A great result earned by the lads’ great effort on a lovely NDSL 18A: Celtic hit 3 without reply at home to Lusk. 3-0

mother of John Nolan. Ar dheis De go raibh a nanamacha. Our Senior Hurlers are in Parnell Park v Lucan Sarsfields on ST BRIGID’S GAA 27th April at 8.15. Junior A Hurlers are in Martin Savage Park at 6.00 on 29th, Junior E on 30th in Russell Park at 3.00pm. Best of luck to he rustees and members of St Brigid’s were saddened all our teams. to learn of the passing of Gerry McCarrick, husband Camogie Féile takes place next weekend 22nd and 23rd April, of Brenda and father of Louise, Alan and Lorna. Gerry wishing our team a great weekend! The Saturday matches are due and all of his family have been involved with St Brigids to be played in Pairc Ui Bhroin hosted by Naomh Olaf with first match for many years, we would like to extend our deepest at 10.30. All support welcome. T Nursery resumes on Saturday 22nd from 9.30 to 11.00 am, all 4 to sympathy to them. All in St Brigids were also saddened to learn of the passing of 7 year olds are welcome.# Claire Egan, wife of former Chairperson Joe Egan. The members Last few Gaeltacht Scholarships remaining! Contact Stephen on of St. Brigids wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the Egan 0876339238. family. Keep up with all our news on www.stbrigidsgaa.com We would like to extend our sympathy to the Foley family of Co. Mayo and Castleknock on the death of Carmel Foley (nee Do you have any news about your clubs activities that you O’Boyle) good friend and neighbour to St Brigid’s and to the would like to see featured in your local magazine? If so, Nolan family on the recent passing of Stella Nolan (nee Sheils), please contact: [email protected].

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