FREE MAGAZINE Little HARTSTOWN HUNSTOWN ASHTOWN Village & ONGAR 15’s FREE COMPREHENSIVE NEWS ISSUE 04 HUB FOR ALL LOCAL & BUSINESS MATTERS JUNE/JULY 2017

• SHACKLETON’S GARDENS COMES INTO PUBLIC OWNERSHIP • RENTS CONTINUE TO SOAR DAVE GALLIGAN • OUTRAGE AT PLANNED ROAD THROUGH CATHERINE’S PARK D15 GAS CONTACT DAVE AT: • MARTIN SAVAGE AND THE BATTLE OF ASHTOWN 083 813 3400 • NEW GAELCOLAISTE FOR [email protected] • FEARS OVER TRANSFER OF ADDICTION SERVICES WIN!!! B&B AT THE GALWAY BAY HOTEL TO ENTER LIKE, SHARE & TAG 01. LIKE our Facebook Page: @littlevillagemagazine 02. SHARE the competition 03. TAG the person you want to bring with you!

AMAZING OFFER TRIPLE GLAZING FOR THE PRICE OF DOUBLE!!! SEE OUR ADVERT ON THE BACK PAGE

VLittleillage DUBLIN 15’s COMPREHENSIVE NEWS HUB FOR ALL LOCAL & BUSINESS MATTERS SERVING: BLANCHARDSTOWN, CASTLEKNOCK, CLONSILLA, HARTSTOWN, HUNSTOWN, ASHTOWN, CLONEE & ONGAR EDITORIAL Keith Bellew

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

LITTLE VILLAGE MAGAZINE All correspondence should be addressed to: Little Village Magazine 4 Castleknock Mews Old Road Castleknock Dublin 15

Creative Top Publishing Ltd. publishes Little Village Magazine. Company registration No. 534480

No part of Little Village Magazine may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher. Ronan Bright Karl Lynam Yasmine Beharic Patrick Browne Disclaimer Director / Head of Sales Sales / Marketing Sales / Marketing Graphic Design Views expressed by contributors [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] are not necessarily those of the 085 199 8321 087 772 4630 089 200 8822 086 831 9322 publisher. GOT A STORY? TO GET IN TOUCH WITH KEITH CALL: 085 844 2394 EMAIL: [email protected]

Grow your business with Little Village Magazine. REACH 25,000 HOMES IN THE D15 AREA ADVERTISE WITH US!!! CALL RONAN TODAY ON 085 199 8321

June / July 2017 Little Village 03 CONCERN OVER CLOSURE OF DRUG REHAB SERVICE

The HSE has sought to allay fears over Drugs Task Force and ADAPT and with many other community activists fought long and hard to ensure the community had a say the transfer of the ADAPT community in the provision of services in our community, this is a very serious step away from that concept,” said Cllr Donnelly. drugs project currently run by He also said that many of the services provided by ADAPT Therapeutic Community to the HSE run have only gotten the go-ahead because the community trusts the activists involved, but many do not have the same esteem for the Community Healthcare of Dublin North HSE. City and County (DNCC). “I can assure the community, we will not take this lying down and By Keith Bellew are already mobilising for a public meeting in the coming weeks to ensure the community’s voice is heard. I will also be asking other communities throughout Dublin to also mobilise behind us as this could be the beginning of the end for community involvement in addiction services in the community,” he said. his comes as Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) expressed fears However the HSE has responded saying the Board of ADAPT over possible funding shortages and a reduction in themselves has advised the (DNCC) that they have taken the needle exchange services. decision to wind down ADAPT. The programme is due to close on July 7 and there are A spokesperson for the HSE said the HSE fully supports the concerns within the community that this will seriously decision of the Board and will work closely with them to ensure that impact the quality of drug rehabilitation services in Dublin 15. all service users who were accessing services from ADAPT are T Cllr Donnelly said “At the Blanchardstown Local Drugs linked in and supported by other organisations/service providers in Task Force meeting, I was shocked to hear that a task group of the area and that there is a smooth transition of services. exclusively HSE employees has been put together to plan for the Donal Cassidy of DNCC said “we fully support the Board of winding up of services in ADAPT and the transfer of service users ADAPT and we are very grateful for the work they have done. Our to HSE and other unknown services with no attempt to include any priority now is to ensure that service users are linked in with other community representatives in this strategy.” services in the area and that these services are enhanced and He went on to say that having spoken with staff at Coolmine sustainable.” Therapeutic Community, along with members of the local In relation to the concerns over needle exchange provision, the community and service users, he has perceived a consensus of spokesperson said: “One of the services previously provided by concern that drugs services for the communities of Huntstown, ADAPT was the needle exchange service, The HSE have reviewed Hartstown, Blakestown and Mountview will be subsumed into the the provision of the needle exchange programmes in Dublin 15 HSE addiction services that is methadone based and does not and we can confi rm that there is suffi cient capacity for needle provide the range of holistic services provided for by ADAPT. exchange in the remaining existing needle exchange programmes “The only other community based service is in Corduff and in the Dublin 15 area to meet demand.” Mulhuddart and they will not be able to take on the range of services Addressing the funding concerns, the spokesperson pointed out available at ADAPT including the fi ve day week needle exchange that the HSE supports ADAPT with funding through Section 39 of service. I am a founding member of the Blanchardstown Local the Health Act.

04 Little Village June / July 2017 Sod Finally Turned at St Mochtas By Keith Bellew

The long and arduous wait for parents, students and faculty at St Mochta’s National School will soon be over as the sod has been turned and the new school building is under construction. It is estimated that construction will take about 28 months and it is hoped that the handover of the school can happen in August 2019.

he school had sought funding for a new school department of education reneged on a promise to grant funding building since 2006 as much of the current campus in 2016. The protest which lasted about an hour was attended is made up of prefabs which the school says are not by 500 -600 parents and children who sang pre-prepared songs, fi t for purpose. According to the school, the prefabs held banners and handed a school report in to the Department of T are so damp that mould has developed and it is not Education. The protest received national media coverage, and it acceptable that students and teachers should have to learn and was the consensus of some protestors that the Government was teach under such conditions. embarrassed into releasing the funding. The design for the new building is ultra-modern while still The project proceeded to tender on March 16, and the contract retaining the historic white school house which has remained a was awarded to Glasgiven Contracts Ltd. Now the sod has fi nally part of the school since it was built in 1963 to replace the original been turned and Chairman of the Board of Management at the school building which was built on the banks of the in school, Tony Rock described the long campaign as a long and 1853. The new building will comprise 32 classrooms as well as a diffi cult journey for everyone at the school. brand new library and PE hall. Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) has welcomed the long awaited The school was so long waiting for funding from the Department sod turning has expressed his delight at the progress. of Education that the St Mochta’s School Build Action Group was “I’m absolutely delighted that the St Mochta’s NS community set up to bring pressure to bear on the Department to release have been able to ‘turn the sod’ on their new school and see funding. works commence on site. The omission of the school from the The frustration of those involved in the campaign was palpable Building List in 2016 was, at the time, a huge blow to everyone,” as evidenced by the comments of one mother in September of he said. last year who said: He went on to pay tribute to everyone involved in the campaign “Promised funding has just been reneged again #10yrslater saying: and in the meantime, little children are being crowded into porta- “A combined campaign between parents, students, local cabins. On wet days the kids must line up in the tiny sports hall representatives and the community of Clonsilla forced the issue which cannot hold them - these are our children, not sardines!” back onto the Minister for Education’s agenda. I look forward Funding was released in October of last year following a protest to attending the offi cial opening of the new building once all the carried out by the school outside the Dail in September, after the construction has been completed.”

June / July 2017 Little Village 05 LACEY

LOCKSMITHSwhatever. I will also be offering front door, back Castleknock man Harry Lacey is door packages where you can get a front door a locksmith who has grown his and back door done at a special price. Another package I will be offering is a front door, two back business Lacey Locksmiths from doors and a couple of windows at a special price,” the ground up. he said. Get a FREE security survey today. Call 01 901 2666 Given the rise in burglaries in Dublin 15 in recent years, coupled with the fact that, coming into of All the summer, many will be leaving their homes 27% unattended for weeks at a time, the complementary break-ins occur security survey offered by Lacey Locksmiths will through help you to ascertain what risks you are running and how best to secure your house against trespassers. your For more information visit: Front www.laceylocksmiths.ie Door Don’t be next!!! How secure are Book a riginally a carpenter,complimentary an unfortunate your doorsaccident and and subsequent back injury security survey. windows?prevented Harry from continuing his trade. Faced with this harsh reality, OFINDhe decidedOUT to01 retrain 901 in a 2666 new field, and settled on becoming a locksmith, a trade he has now beenTODAY! practicing for089 six years.234 1562 Now three years in business, Harry has grown his [email protected] from strength to strength providing emergency and security locksmith services to the people of Dublin 15 and beyond. Laceywww.laceylocksmiths.ie Locksmiths offers flexible hours for call- outs which can be manoeuvred to work around the customer’s schedule. Speaking to Little Village, Harry outlined what separates him from the run of the mill locksmith: “When people think locksmith, they think ‘I only need one if I’m locked out’. But I repair windows, I repair window handles, window hinges, sliding doors and anything to do with windows and doors,” he said. One of Harry’s specialties is master keys. “What I would call it is one key rules all, so you can have one key for all the locks in your house, including padlocks, for your bike or shed or

16 Little Village June / July 2017 TY Students Graduate Grounbreaking Course

join professional clubs and this programme allows them to reap the The country’s fi rst ever Football and Fitness same footballing benefi ts and a lot more while remaining at home Course for Transition Year students held within their families and putting something back into their local its inaugural graduation ceremony at the communities,” he said Prior to presenting them with their certifi cates, Mayor Butler, County Council Civic Offi ces in wished the students well when they resume with their academic Blanchardstown recently. studies in September and said he hoped that the course would have a positive effect on their futures, whether their ambition leads them to a career in football, fi tness or something else. 5 local TY students were presented with their certifi cates in front of an audience which included Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Darragh Butler, Chief Executive, Paul Reid, and Ireland U21 Team Manager 2 Noel King. Other attendees the event included representatives of Blanchardstown Area Partnership, Sport Ireland and elected members of Fingal County Council. The ground-breaking course provides TY students with the opportunity to meet their educational requirements while developing a whole range of football skills and gaining a full Fitness Instructor’s qualifi cation from Litton Lane Training. This football centred education initiative was run in Sports Centre over the course of the 2016-17 academic year. Speaking at the event, Paul Reid congratulated the 25 students on their completion of the course. R PRICE “We are aware that young people within our community have OU S sporting ambitions and this programme gave the students an excellent opportunity to develop and enhance their sporting skills KIDS HAIR CUTS ...... €7 while staying within the education system and also giving something STUDENT ...... €8 back to their local communities through the work experience module of the course. It ticks a lot of boxes for us as an organisation which is GENTS HAIR CUT ...... €10 focused on the development of communities within Fingal,” he said. PENSIONER ...... €7 The course run in partnership with the Football Association of ALL-OVER SHAVE ...... €7 Ireland and supported by Blanchardstown Area Partnership and Sport Ireland was very well-attended and recorded an impressive RECOVERY CUT ...... €5 average attendance rate of 93% throughout the school year. BIRTHDAY CUTS ...... €7 (WITH ID) In his address, Noel King spoke to the graduates about the unique DRY CUT & HEAD WASH ...... €12 opportunity that they had been given. He encouraged them to follow their dreams and said that the skills they had gained will stand to DRY CUT & HOT TOWEL SHAVE ....€13 them in all walks of life including whatever sport or sporting role they HOT TOWEL SHAVE ...... €6 may decide to pursue in the future. Denis Hyland, an FAI-Fingal County Council Football Development Offi cer and Course Coordinator, said the course allows TY students DADS & LADS BARBERS to live in a proper sporting environment for a year while also meeting UNIT 6, COOLPORT, COOLMINE INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS PARK, D15 their educational needs. TEL: 085 186 5026 “They are at an age when some young players head abroad to

June / July 2017 Little Village 07 DUBLIN’S LEADING PAVING CONTRACTOR Quality you deserve & dependability you can count on since 1981

OUR SERVICES: • Cobblelock • Concrete • Asphalt Imprint • Tarmacadam • All Types of • Concrete Patios • Gravel • Wall Building • Landscaping

ROLL ON PAVING ASPHALT IMPRINT GRAVEL LAWN

DUBLIN PAVING 10% OFF Dublin Paving are one of the leading contractors WHEN YOU for the supply and laying of paving solutions in MENTION THIS the . We take pride in offering ADVERT you a quality paving solution which will enhance Residential, Commercial and Industrial properties.

Dublin Paving have been completing projects for • 10-Year Guarantee Commercial sites and Residential homes for over • 20% Discount for Senior 20 years. citizens We offer a top quality service at Lowest Prices Guaranteed. Don’t hesitate to call for a free • No Payment until Job is estimate and avail of discounts available. Complete • Free Estimates FOR A FREE ESTIMATE CALL: • Fully Insured & Registered TEL: 01 830 0040 MOBILE: 085 760 4881 WE TAKE:

[email protected] FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT US AT WWW.DUBLINPAVING.IE

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 MACARI’S BLANCHARDSTOWN Macaris Diner on Blanchardstown Main Street offers a unique dining experience incomparable to any other chip shop.

nlike most chip shops which only offer take away and delivery, Macaris offer customers an eat in experience. First established in 1971, Macaris has been supplying the people of U Blanchardstown and surrounding areas with quality fresh foods for more than 40 years. Along with the eat in dining facilities, Macaris is also unique in that its menu offers freshly hand-rolled, oven stone- baked pizza’s made with fresh toppings. Not only is the produce fresh and of the highest quality, the deals available are just as good. Macaris is offering its BIG 7 deal which premises on Clonsilla Road is something of a local landmark consists of a 12” margherita, with two portions of regular which has provided the local community with quality fresh chips, five chicken goujons, three onion rings, and two 4oz foods for decades. sauces. Visit any of the local Macaris and Romayos branches Macaris is now under the same management of the on Blanchardstown Main Street, Clonsilla Road or award winning Romayos chain which has been voted best Carpenterstown Shopping Centre for a truly superior dining takeaway in Ireland. experience. Romayos has a number of locations in Dublin 15, and its For more information log on to www.romayos.ie.

June / July 2017 Little Village 11 RESIDENTS IN REVOLT OVER CATHERINE’S PARK ROAD PLANS

By Keith Bellew

Fingal County Council has defended plans to construct a road through St Catherine’s Park following a huge protest involving over 1, 000 concerned residents opposed to the plan.

he plans in question are for a road to be The Park is identifi ed as a regional park in Fingal and is an constructed through St Catherine’s Park near important part of Fingal’s open space strategy. The Council Lucan, to link the N3 and the N4 and the community have put much thought, work and Mulhuddart Councillor for Solidarity, Matt commitment into its continued development for the benefi t Waine who was among the protestors said, of all and will continue to do so,” said the spokesperson, people are shocked and angered at the mere idea of a road adding that the proposed road has been a specifi c objective Tbeing constructed through what he described as a wonderful on Fingal’s County Development Plans since 2005. amenity. The road proposal is shown on Sheet 13 of the current “I was proud to attend a fantastic protest march through the Fingal Development Plan 2017-2023. A small portion of the park on Sunday and to off er my full support for the campaign. road proposal is also indicated in Table 7.1 Road Schemes From what I can gather, proposals from Kildare County as ‘N3-N4 Link Ongar to Barnhill’. This would allow for Council’s Leixlip Local Area Plan, which is seeking to develop access to zoned residential lands to the south of Hansfi eld lands in Confey which will facilitate an additional 1,500 houses train station on lands known as Barnhill. in the area, also require for this new development to be linked The Development Plan also includes the following to the N3 or N4. There is currently an indicative road marked objectives: on the Fingal Development Plan and also on the Kildare Objective MT42: Seek to implement the Road Improvement side, which dissects the Park. Under no circumstances can Schemes indicated in Table 7.1 within the Plan period, subject this be tolerated by either local authority and any attempt to to assessment against the criteria set out in Section 5.8.3 of proceed with this will be met with the most robust campaign the NTA Transport Strategy for the GDA, where appropriate of opposition from the community and park users,” he said. and where resources permit. Reserve the corridors of the According to Cllr Waine a substantial tract of land in proposed road improvements free of development. the park would be lost if the road goes ahead and Leixlip Objective MT44: Support and facilitate the TII, Meath residents would be cut off from the park. County Council and Kildare County Council in the planning He has called on all local residents to make their feelings and delivery of the N2 Upgrade north of Ashbourne and a known about the plans, and to make submissions to the possible link between the M3 and M4. Leixlip local area plan to oppose the proposed road. A link to the development plan can be found here: www. A spokesperson from Fingal County Council responded fingalcoco.ie/media/Written%20Statement%202017- saying that the council acknowledges the reservations of 2023%20Interim.pdf local residents. The council wishes to reassure residents that “Any impacts “St. Catherine’s Park is recognised as a very valuable on the Liff ey Valley and St. Catherine’s Park would be resource for the people of Fingal, South Dublin and Kildare. carefully considered in any design process or route options.”

12 Little Village June / July 2017 NEW PUMPING STATION PLANNED FOR TOLKA VALLEY

Plans to upgrade the sewer network serving constructed in the Tolka Valley in the 1970s to serve Blanchardstown, Mulhuddart and Castleknock. Since its Dublin 15 were submitted to Fingal Council by construction the catchment area has undergone signifi cant Irish Water recently. growth and as a result the sewer now serves Blanchardstown and a number of additional towns in including he proposed project which will cost approximately Dunboyne, Clonee, Ashbourne and Ratoath. €50m, will be located along the Tolka River Valley According to Irish Water, the existing sewer network does in Blanchardstown between Parslickstown and not have the capacity to serve the needs of this fast growing Mill Road and a new pumping station will be population and is subject to fl ows which results in untreated T constructed at Waterville close to Mill Road. wastewater overfl ows from the sewer network to the River The project represents an investment of approximately €50 Tolka. Irish Water carried out site investigation works in million by Irish Water. The investment will expand the existing Autumn 2016 on the proposed route, which have informed capacity of the wastewater network in the area to facilitate the design, construction methods and contributed to the existing and future residential and commercial growth. Environmental Impact Statement. Irish Water has said that the project will also benefi t the Paul Fallon, Wastewater Infrastructure Manager at Irish environment as the increased sewer capacity will reduce the Water said Irish Water is pleased to be progressing this frequency and volume of overfl ows of untreated wastewater important project for Blanchardstown. from the network into the and will support the “Irish Water is committed to investing in the wastewater future economic and social development in Blanchardstown treatment infrastructure in Blanchardstown to support the and surrounding areas in Meath and Kildare. needs of this fast growing population. The investment will The proposed project will include the construction of benefi t the environment as once completed there will be fewer approximately 3.2kms of new sewer pipelines using trenchless overfl ows of untreated water to the River Tolka,” he said. tunnelling techniques alongside the existing sewer network Cllr Roderic O’Gorman (GP) said he would broadly support between Parslickstown and Mill Road in Blanchardstown. the construction of this important piece of infrastructure, as it The construction of underground storage tanks with a total is unacceptable that raw sewage is occasionally leaking into combined capacity of approximately 30,000m³. A new below the river. ground pumping station with above ground control room will “However, it is absolutely vital that Irish Water provide clear be constructed on the site of the existing Tolka Valley Park guarantees regarding reinstating the Tolka Valley Park after Pumping Station at Waterville near the Mill Road. the work has been undertaken. I’m glad to see the intention A new control building to house all electrical switchgear, to use ‘trench-less tunneling’ for much of the construction,” control equipment, an odour control unit, a generator room he said. and ESB sub-station. During the project local sewer and utility He went on to say that it is also important that the new diversions will be carried out to facilitate construction of the pumping station in the Tolka Valley is constructed to the very storm water storage tanks and Tolka Valley Park Pumping highest standards. Station. Once the proposed project is complete the area “It is vital that it cannot impact on the long term use of the will be fully reinstated to match the original condition and Tolka Valley Park or residents living in the nearby estates. I associated site works. am looking for clarifi cation from Irish Water on how this station The existing sewer network (9C sewer) was originally will operate,” he said.

June / July 2017 Little Village 13 GAELCOLAISTE AG HEALTH FOOD STORE TEACHT Tired of the conveyor belt By Keith Bellew system? HairSensation is your private hair studio for ublin 15 will soon have its very own 1-to-1 hair service & second level gaelscoil as approval care studio. Situated has been given for an Aonad at close to the heart of Luttrellstown Community College. Blanchardstown village, It is hoped that the school will be we offer you a warm & D friendly atmosphere to open by September 2018, with an initial intake relax in while we help you of around 40 students. Once numbers increase achieve your hair goals! it is hoped that the school will move to its own premises. BY FIONA DOWNEY Local group Colaiste an Tulchan were pivotal in campaigning for a second level gaelscoil for the WE HAVE MOVED area. OUR NEW STUDIO: 13 Hazel Lawn, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 According to the group both international and Don’t worry! Your loyalty / colour cards are still valid though. Irish based studies have consistently demonstrated Phone for an appointment today on: 01 567 3587 the many benefits to a child’s education when taught through second language. WWW.HAIRSENSATION.IE “These benefits include: enhanced academic achievements, higher levels of reading and writing in both Irish and English than the national average, greater tolerance of other cultures and mproved reading skills in bilingual children in both languages. The benefit of a local Gaelcholaiste would spread far beyond the student body and their families,” they said. Local Social Protection Minister, welcomed the news as a positive boon for the area. “I am absolutely delighted that approval has been given to establish the first Irish medium second level school in Dublin 15 in the form of an Aonad at Luttrellstown Community College,” he said. He went on to say that he is particularly pleased that children who wish to go to a second level gaelscoil will no longer have to travel out of the area. “There are two primary level Gaelscoileanna in Dublin 15 but children wishing to continue their education through Irish have to leave the area to do so. This will all change next year. A few months ago, I organised a meeting on this matter with Richard Bruton, Minister for Education. I am very happy that we now have the outcome we requested. I want to congratulate all those involved in the Colaiste an Tulchan for their leadership in campaigning for this school,” he said.

14 Little Village June / July 2017

Martin Savage and the Battle of Ashtown

Many residents of Dublin 15 will have often passed through Ashtown train station completely unaware that it was the sight of a bloody gun battle between IRA Volunteers and British forces in 1919.

n December 19, 1919, in what was to become that his superiors relented and acquiesced. The intelligence known as the Battle of Ashtown, a small they had received informed them that Lord French would detachment of IRA Volunteers attempted to be travelling in the second car of the armed convoy that ambush and kill then British Viceroy, Lord comprised an outrider and three following cars. The group of Ireland and Supreme Commander planned to ambush the convoy as it made its way from of the British Army in Ireland, Lord John French, as he passed Ashtown Railway Station to the Vice-Regal Lodge at Phoenix Othrough the area on his return from Roscommon. Park (now Aras an Uachtaran). Apart from French, the most famous participant in the The squad met at Flemings Pub in Drumcondra on the skirmish was 21-year-old Martin Savage. Savage who was a day of the ambush, whence they departed in small groups native of Ballinasloe, County and an Offi cer of the Dublin in order to avoid raising suspicion. They made their way on Brigade of the IRA was, even at his tender age, somewhat of bicycles through Phibsboro and up the Cabra Road, and a veteran of the cause. regrouped at Kelly’s Public House (now the Halfway House). He was the youngest son of Michael Savage, who was At around 11:40 a.m. they left the pub and took up positions known activist in his hometown of Streamstown, along the crossroads at Ashtown., as the train carrying Lord Ballinasloe. Michael’s beliefs were not wasted on Martin, French pulled into the station, who in 1915 moved to Dublin to join the . As was very common during the War of Independence and At the age of 17 he fought in the Four Courts during the subsequent Civil War, the plan was for Martin Savage, Dan , whence he was captured and imprisoned Breen and Tom Kehoe and to push a hay-cart halfway across in Richmond Barracks. From here Savage and 200 other the road after the out-rider and the fi rst car had passed, captured Volunteers were deported to Knutsford Detention and then push it the rest of the way across, thus completely Barracks in Cheshire, England on April 30, 1916. blocking the path of the remaining vehicles. According to Following his release, he returned to Dublin and was their intelligence: Lord French was to be in the second car promoted to Lieutenant of the 2nd Battalion of the Dublin which they intended to attack with rifl e fi re and explosives. Brigade. Here he greatly impressed such stalwart and However, the attack was ill-fated from the beginning infl uential Republicans like Sean Hogan, and Sean as they were accosted by a member of the Royal Irish Treacy. It was in this capacity that he came to be involved in Constabulary (RIC) as they pushed the hay-cart across the the planning of the proposed ambush. His co-conspirators road. One of the squad threw a grenade at him which failed were: , Sean Hogan, Seamus Robinson, Tom to explode, but struck him on the head and rendered him Kilcoyne, Dan Breen, Joe Leonard, Tom Kehoe, Sean Treacy unconscious. The stricken man was then dragged from the and Vincent Byrne. road and the squad proceeded with the attack. It was not initially intended that Savage take part in the The men attacked the second car as planned, forcing engagement, and it was only after his vehement protestations it to swerve from the road. Unfortunately for them, their

16 Little Village June / July 2017 intelligence was incorrect, as French was travelling in the fi rst car, which managed to drive through the blockade. The remaining members of French’s guard returned fi re and got the better of the exchange as Breen was shot in the leg, and Savage received a fatal bullet in the neck. As the story goes, his last words were: “I’m done, but carry on” as he died in the arms of Breen. Kehoe and the wounded Breen managed to retreat with Savages body back to Kelly’s Pub Following the inquest, Savage’s family took charge of his as the battle raged on. The crown forces began to withdraw remains and transported the fallen fi ghter to his home of towards with two RIC men and a driver who Sligo. His coffi n, draped in an Irish Tricolour, was carried over were wounded in the exchange. two miles at to his family’s burial ground where it was buried The IRA unit accordingly dispersed to various safe houses with military honours in Ballisodare. before British reinforcements could arrive. Paddy Daly Speaking of the ceremony, Breen noted that “the cortege rushed Breen from the scene via motorbike to a safe-house was several miles long, the Parish Priest attended and recited in Phibsboro where he received medical treatment by the the last prayer, while the Royal Irish Constabulary, armed with captain of the Dublin hurling team, Dr J.M. Ryan. guns, surrounded the graveyard. “However, I suppose, this This was not the end of the drama however, as media was the best tribute they could have paid to a gallant soldier, coverage the following day was fairly unfl attering to the IRA even though they did not mean it that way”. (much to their detriment). In fact the Irish Independent went so A memorial to Savage was erected at Ashtown cross near far as to describe the attackers as “assassins” and the attack the sight of the ambush in 1948 by the National Graves as “criminal” and an “outrage”. The IRA itself considered the Association. A commemoration of his death is held at the article as an outrage to the memory of the fallen Savage, and site of the ambush on an annual basis. The Ashtown Fianna sought their own version of the right of reply. The following Fáil Cumann, hold an annual commemoration on the Sunday Sunday, at 9pm, led between twenty and which follows the anniversary of his death at the Ashtown thirty I.R.A. men into the Irish Independent offi ces where they memorial site. Sinn Fein have also held an annual rally on the laid waste the printing and production machinery. In a rare anniversary of his death since 2002. show of solidarity, the other Dublin newspapers helped the Meanwhile in his hometown of Sligo, the Coen/Savage Independent to produce a paper the following day. However, (East Sligo) Sinn Féin Cumann also hold a wreath laying the message was received loud and clear, and the paper ceremony every Easter Sunday morning at his graveside in would mind its p’s and q’s when reporting on IRA activity in Ballisodare. the future. His legacy has been preserved in a number of other ways Savage’s body was taken by British military and an inquest, including the naming of various sites after him. These include attended by his brother and his employer William Kirk, was Martin Savage Place in County Meath, Martin Savage held into his death. Kirk would describe Savage as “a steady, Road and the home of Kinvara Ards, Martin Savage Park sober and industrious young man, gentlemanly in manner in and Martin Savage Terrace near the centre and extremely courteous.” of Sligo Town.

June / July 2017 Little Village 17 D15 GAS ADVERTORIAL NEW BATHROOMS EXPLAINED Be more energy-efficient, be warmer and save money. Dave Galligan of D15 Gas explains how. Dave Galligan

iles are an integral part of every new bathroom 8. Test plumbing and electrics. and should not be chosen in isolation from other features; it is important to properly consider 9. Prepare walls for tiling using ensuring there is good solid your space, style of property and colour grounds for tiles and the surface area is prepared correctly. T scheme before picking your tiles. The quality External walls are best insulated when renovating. of workmanship in your new bathroom will be the deciding factor as to how long your tile will last below is the steps to a 10. Prepare floor for tiling ensuring there is good solid long-lasting bathroom. grounds for tiles and the surface area is prepared correctly.

1. The first step is to decide what you want and I personally 11. The bathroom is at this stage ready for tiling in many like to be part of this because with my vast knowledge of cases the bath and shower tray will be installed and all pipe Plumbing, Electrics, Construction and the fact that I have work and electrics cables in place. been Renovating bathrooms many years. I have seen so many people that end up with a bathroom they don’t like 12. It is best that the tiler provides the adhesives and grouts because they didn’t know what could be done. and that they are high quality because if not your bathroom may only last a few years Also if you provide them and the 2. Once you have a solid plan the works will commence in the tiles don’t set properly you will have to pay to have it fixed. knowledge that its planned and will go to plan giving you the bathroom you require. 13. Tiling completed the sanitary ware is installed tested and sealed. Lights, fans and other electrical appliances also 3. Remove old sanitary ware and fixtures. installed and tested. Shower doors, screens, mirrors, and any items you require such as towel holders and others put 4. Strip walls and floors of existing tiles. Removing boxings up by. Remember if you drill the new bathroom and damage and ensuring the grounds are good. If not correctly done the it you pay to have if fixed so get the contractor to do it. tiles will come loose. 14. It is important that the plumbing be carried out to a high 5. Install plumbing for the new sanitary ware running all the standard most people never think of the plumbing or even new pipes. see it but if it doesn’t work it’s costly.

6. Be sure that your bathroom has the correct radiator and 15. There’s more than just tiles in a bathroom. that the heating system is correctly piped and reinstated and all radiators in the house tested after the work is completed. Our bathroom prices 7. Run in the cables for electrics. There are new safety regulations for bathrooms and its best to work by the regulations as electricity and water are not a good mix. start from just €3999

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR Dave’s Luxury Bathrooms COMPLETE BATHROOM SERVICE

18 Little Village June / July 2017 DAVE GALLIGAN D15 Gas 083 813 3400 GAS BOILER SERVICE HEATING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE GAS BOILER REPAIR POWER FLUSHING GAS BOILER REPLACEMENT COMPLETE CONTROL UPGRADES

GAS BOILER REPLACEMENTS SPRING/SUMMER SPECIAL Gas Boiler Replacement Boiler Service Direct Replacement System Water Test + Chemical Flush ...... from €1,799 Balance & Venting Of System System Report ...... €99 Gas Boiler Replacement + Power Flush CENTRAL HEATING POWER FLUSH + Magna Cleanse ...... from €2,199 8 Radiators ...... from €499 €35 For Each Extra Radiator Gas Boiler Replacement Includes Water Test & Balance + 2 Zone Upgrade ...... from €2,799 And Venting Of System + 3 Zone Upgrade ...... from €2,999 System Report & Cert. Have A Magna Filter Installed For €99

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 ITB FOUNDS GROUP TO VOUCHSAFE TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION SECTOR By Keith Bellew

Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) it has largely removed geographical location as an access barrier, and recently celebrated its role in the foundation of contributed considerably to greater social equality and cohesion. the Technological Higher Education Association “ITB welcome this discussion on income contingent loans and strongly (THEA), which seeks to allow students to support the view that funding solutions should not limit student access. progress from two year (associate degree Facilitating access to high education on the part of a larger proportion programmes) through primary degree to Masters of their society is the single greatest achievement of the technological and PhD. sector and ITB has expanded countless individuals’ horizons while also enhancing the welfare and quality of life for society as a whole,” he said.

TB is among 14 Institutes of Technology which founded the THEA at a recent ceremony attended by Minister for Education, Richard Bruton who o cially launched the group.  e Institute of Technology sector has seen a decrease in the state grant of 35%, a drop in core sta ng levels of 12%, a virtual halt to capital investment and an increase in student numbers of 30% between I2008 -2015. It is hoped that by coming together in this way, that all 14 member institutes can work towards addressing these issues with greater success.  e launch of the THA marks a signi† cant step in Irish higher education and a‡ ords ITB the opportunity to reˆ ect on its distinct contribution, together with the other 13 institutes of technology, to Irish society. Over recent decades Ireland has consciously fostered a diverse higher education landscape in which the institutes of Technology have played a seminal role.  e keynote address at the inaugural THEA conference by incoming CEO Dr. Charles Larkin of Trinity College stressed that Institutes of Technology are an essential part of the economics of regional Ireland and that each job at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown generates an additional 7.77 jobs in the local economy. Dr Ryan also warned that funding solutions should not limit student access. “ e single greatest achievement of the technological sector to date has been in facilitating access to higher education on the part of a larger proportion of our society, thereby expanding individual horizons while also enhancing the welfare and quality of life for our society as a whole,” he said. He went on to say that THEA’s principal focus is on the future of this distinctive sector. “ e institutes of technology have come together in this vibrant new organisation in order to give a more coherent voice to the technological sector and to consolidate the institutes’ role in promoting a more equal DUBLIN15LV and prosperous Ireland,” he said. ITB President, Dr. Diarmuid O’Callaghan, said that ITB can be proud of its role in widening access to higher education and the manner in which

20 Little Village June / July 2017 GRANTS UP FOR GRABS

Local community groups in Dublin Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) under the remit of Fingal County Council on behalf of the 15 are being encouraged to apply for Department. The LCDCs will be responsible for targeting funding under a new capital grants and allocating funding as they are ideally placed to identify scheme for disadvantaged and rural the applications which most suitably address the Scheme’s target groups and issues in each LA administrative area. areas. The scheme is focused on Locally based community and voluntary groups and providing small-scale capital grants to projects with a clearly defi ned community and social help grass roots community projects cohesion focus will be considered eligible to apply. The Scheme will offer grants of €1,000 for groups. In certain get underway or take the next step cases, where applicants can provide evidence/support a towards completion. larger sum to a maximum of €2,500, will be considered by the LCDC, where it believes the project requires the additional funding to be delivered successfully. he aim of the Scheme is to enhance Applications should consider the Fingal Local Economic communities, address disadvantage and and Community Plan (LECP) 2016-2021 and how their improve social cohesion at a local level by project will contribute to furthering the objectives and providing access to small-scale capital grants actions highlighted in the criteria. T The funding has been made available The closing date for the scheme is 30th June 2017 at through a grant of €2m by the Minister of State for 5pm. Applications can be submitted by post to Fingal Communities and the National Drugs Strategy Catherine LCDC, Fingal County Council, Swords, Co.Dublin, K67 Byrne. However allocations will be granted locally by the X8Y2 or email to LCDC@fi ngal.ie.

A LUXURIOUS OASIS FOR CLIENTS WHO LIKE TO BE PAMPERED FIT15 is an exciting new FOR AN APPOINTMENT fitness facility in the home of St Brigids GAA in CALL TODAY: Castleknock. 01 640 5275 We offer over 35+ group fitness classes weekly, including spinning, in the new OPENING TIMES state-of- the-art spinning studio. We pride Monday: Closed ourselves on quality with a team of highly Tuesday: 10am - 6pm experienced Personal Trainers & Group Wednesday: 10am - 6pm Thursday: 10am - 8pm Training Specialists. Friday: 10am - 8pm Saturday: 9am - 6pm

AMAZING SPECIAL OFFER THOMAS KENDALL HAIR 2 FULL WEEKS OF UNLIMITED CLASSES The Thomas Kendall Hair Salon is a favourite haunt of some of the TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING… city’s most stylish men and women. At Thomas Kendall Hair we understand the busy lives many women lead – they want to come in, 01. Download our app FIT15 Dublin. feel cherished and looked after. 02. Register in the month of June. Simple! 3 lucky winners will be announced on 30th June. ASHLEIGH CENTRE, CASTLEKNOCK VILLAGE, DUBLIN 15 FIT15 St Brigids GAA [email protected] 01 640 5275 [email protected] Claire 087 645 5438 or Niamh 085 166 1507 WWW.THOMASKENDALLHAIR.COM

June / July 2017 Little Village 21 We are FIT15 and our promise is that we offer a fitness solution for EVERY BODY. Young, old, fit and not so fit, everybody is welcome and everybody will find a class or a personal trainer that they will not only enjoy but will be suited to help them reach their goals for a healthier lifestyle.

Where to fi nd us: FIT15 is set in St Brigids GAA, Old Navan Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15

THE SERVICE FIT15 Group Training classes We o er 35+ classes weekly, including spinning, a combination class of Spin & Core, Functional Strength Circuits, Core Fit, HIIT, Gym Circuits and Bootcamp all targeted for age 16 and above. We also have a goal to assist the youth of today so we o er teen classes such as Fit Teen Spin & Core and Fit Teen Gym Circuits targeted for age 12 – 16 year olds.

Exclusive Spinning studio Š ere are 16 high quality Keiser spinning bikes and over 16 spinning classes weekly. Š e sound system is quality to ensure the best atmosphere and a highly motivating workout.

Gym Š e FIT15 performance centre is equipped for the amateur athlete right down to the gym novice, with facilities for Olympic lifting, suspension training and boxing. Personal Training We o er high quality Personal Training, 30, 45 or 60 minute sessions with a team comprising both male and female who are highly quali” ed and experienced.

FIT15 Camps We run fun and motivating 3-day camp camps for 12 – 16 years old. Š is is all about improving performance, education to provide the best start in strength, ” tness and nutrition and building con” dence. The FIT15 Team FIT15 is owned and operated by two highly experienced girls within the ” tness industry, Claire Daly and Niamh McGuirk who have 30 years’ experience collectively. We o er several di erent packages to suit everyone’s routine, time, needs and pocket.

How to book and fi nd out more: We have our very own app available to download now through the app store: FIT15 Dublin FIT15, St Brigids GAA. Email: ” t15.” [email protected] Phone: Claire Daly 087 645 5438 Niamh McGuirk 085 166 1507

22 Little Village June / July 2017 RIVERSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

Riversdale Community College has had a very successful year with the celebration of its 30th anniversary, being crowned U17 School Boys Soccer Champions, and being awarded both the Yellow Flag for diversity and the Amber Flag for promoting positive mental health.

he celebrations were topped off with a visit from Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton recently. On arriving at the school the Minister raised the Yellow Flag. The Yellow Flag Programme is an initiative that T is run by the Irish Traveller Movement which aims to the communities of Corduff, Ladyswell and Tyrellstown. Riversdale promote inclusion and celebrate diversity in schools. Riversdale is a Community College has a very student centred and holistic very inclusive school with over 32 nationalities represented. approach to education with a strong focus on students reaching There are 69 Yellow Flag schools in Ireland and Riversdale their full potential. Community College representatives say they are proud to be one As part of the 30 year celebration students of Ms. O Donovan’s of those. On Riversdale’s journey to get the Yellow Flag they had Second Year Home Economics Class created a recipe book through an intercultural day and an intercultural fashion show which was the JCSP Programme and the schools JCSP Librarian. Riversdale organised by the students of the school. They also produced a Recipes has been dedicated to the school community, past and ‘Say No to Racism’ Video which won first place in the Audio Visual present. The Minister also launched the book as part of his visit. Section of the Yellow Flag Awards. Addressing an assembly of students, staff, parents and After raising the Yellow Flag the Minister unveiled a plaque to representatives from the local community, Minister Bruton spoke commemorate the 30th anniversary of the school, which serves about the importance of inclusivity in education.

June / July 2017 Little Village 23 LOCAL BURIAL ARCHIVE LAUNCHED Buried in Fingal, a new, free online database of burial records which is indexed and fully searchable was launched recently by Fingal County Council.

he Council has responsibility for 36 burial grounds, and has records of burials in 33 of them dating back to the turn of the last century. T John Grenham, consultant genealogist, known to many for his Irish Times column, the RTE information, notes of notable burials and extracts from Genealogy Roadshow, and his own online research tool interesting epitaphs. Irish Ancestors and many books on the subject of Irish The database can be accessed via the website of Fingal family history, spoke at the launch, as did acting Mayor, County Council, www.fingal.ie, on the Libraries or Burial Cllr David O’Connor (Ind), Cllr’s Joe Newman (Ind), Grounds page, or by simply searching for “Buried in Paul Mulville (Ind) and Mary McCamley (Lab) were also Fingal”. in attendance, as were many invited guests from Fingal’s Speaking about the launch Colm McQuinn, Archivist local historical societies, and staff involved in the project, Fingal County Council, said: particularly from the Burial Grounds Section. “The database Buried in Fingal launched today will Apart from the burial records of over 65,000 people provide an invaluable resource for genealogists and family interred in Fingal between 1900 and 2010, the database historians at home and abroad who may have a relative or also contains information about the history of each ancestor buried in Fingal, and hopefully will encourage graveyard, maps and drawings, photographs and location them to visit the home place of their ancestors”.

24 Little Village June / July 2017 MESSAGE FROM FLORAL ST BRIGID’S PARISH HUNTSTOWN Royal Canal Park will soon be getting a new Huntstown Community Centre is Pastoral Centre. The areas of Ashtown, seeking expressions of interest Rathborne and Royal Canal Park are in the Catholic Parish area of St. Brigid’s from locals for a floral workshop Blanacardstown and are resourced with a following a highly successful Pastoral Worker and a Permanent Deacon. inaugural event. or many years now the Parish had a blue portacabin in he floral workshop was attended by Royal Canal Park and now the Dublin Diocese has agreed more than 20 local ladies and conducted to lease a premises in Meridian Court as a new Catholic by Alison from Flowers by Ally, who Pastoral Centre to service the needs of the community. instructed the ladies how to make a F It will be officially called “St. Brigid’s Catholic Pastoral themed floral basket. The workshop Centre” and will be used for the Spiritual and Pastoral needs of the T was preceded by a lunch amid much laughter and Faith Community across the Pelletstown area it will of course be a banter, and by all accounts those present had a welcoming place for people of faith, other religions and none and we great afternoon designing and completing their look forward to meeting the many residents from the area. own individual baskets. These were then brought We hope it will open in the Autumn and we will keep you posted as home to be displayed and admired by family to its progress. In the meantime Kevin and Jim are available around the area and the office in St. Brigid’s Blanchardstown. members If you need anything at all from the Parish please contact Kevin the Another floral afternoon is being planned, if Parish Pastoral Worker at 0866023450 or interested please contact Bernie@huntstowncc. Permanent Deacon Jim Adams 0862232411” org or 8220847.

June / July 2017 Little Village 25 CALLS FOR AUTISM FUNDING IN D15

By Keith Bellew

The Minister for Children and Youth Aff airs, Dr Katherine Zappone has Minister for Children and given a commitment to do everything Youth Aff airs, in her power to increase funding for Dr Katherine Autism services. Zappone.

his follows calls from Fingal County Council access to speech, language and occupational therapies that Minister Zappone increase funding for and the long lists are just getting longer day by day. local Autism Support Organisations. Multi-disciplinary teams are hard at work, however with These calls were made by Fingal County diminishing funding and resources,” she said. Council as a result of a motion tabled by She went on to point out that in the UK, with a Cllr Tania Doyle (AAA) and unanimously passed by the population far greater than that of the Republic of Ireland, Telected members. with signifi cantly greater population densities than a The motion read: “That the Chief Executive calls on majority of locations within the Republic of Ireland, the the Minister for Children and Youth Aff airs Catherine level of services being rolled out are far beyond those Zappone, to abide by her own words and increase which support service providers in Ireland have. funding and support for local Autism Support “There are schools in Dublin 15 with student Organisations.” populations of around 800 which have the same One such organisation in Dublin 15 is Jump Autism number of Multi-disciplinary teams that schools in the Support. Jump, which was established a couple of UK have for a student population of far less. I have been years ago, is a not for profi t organisation, independently contacted by those working within early intervention run by local people. and they are extremely worried as time goes on due The group aims to bring services and educational to the consistent lack of services and the knock-on support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder eff ect it will have not only in the medium term but in (ASD). This is done through themed fun days and the longer. It’s incumbent on us as members of Local parties which are professionally run in a manner best Government to demand those in Central Government, suited to the needs of children with ASD. Much of the who seem to be isolated and ignorant of the realities groups funding comes from fundraisers like comedy on the ground, to, in straight forward simple terms, ring nights and coff ee mornings. fence fi nance to look after the most vulnerable in our For more information visit: www.facebook.com/ society,” she said. JumpAutismSupport/ She went on to point out that in March of 2007 Speaking to Little Village, Cllr Doyle said there is a Minister Michael McDowell signed the UN Convention dearth of services and support for those in Dublin 15 on the Rights of People with Disability, but successive with Autism. administrations have yet to ratify it. “It is clear to those facing into the abyss of what is “What we need and what I shall be calling for is a referred to as “support services” and in particular, the national autism strategy,” she said. support services for Autism in Dublin 15, the belief by The Department of Children and Youth Aff airs certain quarters of society that we are moving into a responded to Cllr Doyle’s remarks saying: “The Minister post austerity time, is now more than ever confi rmed as for Children and Youth Aff airs, Dr Katherine Zappone a fallacy. Families and those directly providing support will continue to call on her Cabinet colleagues in the in real time, are steadily falling deeper into despair Department of Health to look for increased funding for with lead-in times of between 18 months to 2 years for Autism services.”

26 Little Village June / July 2017

HEALTH FOOD STORE WE’RE RIGHT HERE IN DUBLIN 15

GET 10% OFF WITH THIS AD • Organic Food Becoming the healthiest version of you has never been • Eco Household easier!!! • Natural Skin Care HEALTH & WELLBEING Unit 8, • Natural Remedis St. Brigid’s Shopping Centre, • Knowledgeable Main Street, Blanchardstown Village, Team Dublin 15 CALL US: 01 557 9499 WWW.HEALTHSTOREDUBLIN.IE

28 Little Village June / July 2017 CASTLEKNOCK LIDL SAGA CONTINUES

By Keith Bellew

The Castleknock Lidl saga continues to play out as An Bord Pleanala has been unable to come to a decision on the planning application within the statutory time period, so an additional period will be taken for consideration.

he permission provides for a mixed-use in Clonee, Blakestown and . development of 4, 896sqm with three blocks They presented their fi ndings at an oral hearing with An around a new street and public spaces. Within Bord Pleanala in February, and it is believed by many that the planned development there will be the their fi ndings are the reason the planning board has been supermarket, a medical centre, two cafe’s eight unable to come to a decision. residential and two retail units. 98 parking spaces are to be Cllr Ted Leddy (FG) was involved in helping residents Tprovided 59 of which will be undercroft spaces beneath the submit objections to the development to An Bord Pleanala. supermarket and 27 surface spaces. Cycle spaces will also be Speaking to Little Village he said: provided, along with a loading area, street lighting, bin storage “I made the case at the oral hearing back in February that and landscaping. Other features include; public art, boundary this is not just a Castleknock issue. It is a Dublin 15 issue. treatment, site development works and street furniture. Everybody in Dublin 15 who wants to drive into the city centre Traffi c concerns were raised from the time the development has to pass through either the Navan Road or Castleknock was fi rst proposed by local residents and representatives village. Placing a major development in Castleknock at the alike. In order to reassure residents; Lidl undertook a traffi c bottle neck point would be disastrous for the area.” survey, the results of which were favourable for the proposal. A spokesperson for Lidl Ireland responded to these charges The data acquired by Lidl was produced using a TRICS saying: database which “is used as an integral and essential part of “Lidl Ireland engaged an expert traffi c consultant to complete the Transport Assessment process” and “is widely used as a detailed analysis as part of the planning application. Some part of the planning application process by both developer concerns were raised by local residents during a recent oral consultants and local authorities.” hearing with An Bord Pleanala and Lidl’s consultant was on However, residents had serious misgiving about the hand to explain the theory behind the analysis. A representative TRICS system and decided to commission their own survey. from Fingal County Council confi rmed to An Bord Pleanala’s They said that on carrying out their own surveys they found inspector that the traffi canalysis was completed to their discrepancies in the fi gures predicted by the developer and requirements. We look forward to a decision from An Bord actual trips generated. These surveys were carried out at Lidl Pleanala in the near future.”

June / July 2017 Little Village 29 RENTS CONTINUE TO ROCKET

By Keith Bellew

Fingal County Council is to receive €2, 108, 750 in funding for the turnaround of 151 vacant properties for social housing this year. This funding has been made available by the Department of Environment which has asked that preference be given to homeless families when these houses are allocated.

ousing Minister, Simon Coveney stressed that the majority of the last 18 months. Once a Rent Pressure rehousing homeless families is a key priority Zone, rents can only increase by 4% per year. The main aim of this programme. “Since its introduction of this measure is to protect sitting tenants from signifi cant in 2014 the Department’s Vacant Properties rent increases. (Voids) Programme has provided approximately “While the measure is based on rents registered with the €85million of funding which has result in over 7,200 properties Residential Tenancies Bureau, trends in the RTB and Daft.ie Hbeing return to productive use. A key priority of this scheme are highly correlated, albeit with a slight lag in the RTB fi gures. is to rehouse homeless families to the fullest extent possible If Daft.ie fi gures were used to calculate Rent Pressure Zones, in homes that have been restored to an energy effi cient 47 of the 54 markets covered in the report would currently be condition,” he said. RPZ’s,” said Lyons. However, some local councillors are unhappy with the He went on to say that in a market where most leases Governments performance in tackling the housing crisis, and lasted just one year, this kind of measure captures trends in have hit out at the Governments housing policy. This comes the full rented sector well. on foot of the publication of a report which shows rent and “However, if people choose not to move as regularly, mortgage prices in Dublin 15 at very high levels. it is better to think of the rented sector as divided into two The report which was published by Daft.ie shows that the categories: ‘movers’ and ‘stayers’. And one of the main average cost of renting a one bed apartment is €,1, 101 a reasons people choose not to move regularly is if rents are month, while a two bed house is €1,278, a three bed house is rising rapidly. Therefore, the RPZ’s measure could be mixing €1, 529, a four bed is €1, 676 and a fi ve bed is €1, 814. things up: using trends rents paid by movers (‘market rents’) According to Trinity College Economist and author of the to control rents paid by stayers (‘sitting rents’),” he said. report, Ronan Lyons, the rental market has, for over fi ve He believes that the implications for the system of Rent years now, shown increasing signs of distress, with stronger Pressure Zones are obvious, and that in order to control demand but weaker supply each year. sitting rents, sitting rents themselves must be measured. Market rents in Dublin, for example, are now 66% higher “It is not helpful to rely on market rents in a rented sector than at their lowest point. Outside Dublin, rents have risen where now the typical lease lasts over three years. Indeed, 41%. A key part of the political reaction has been the the survey undertaken for this Daft.ie Rental Report suggests introduction of Rent Pressure Zones. This measure sits on that for many – although by no means all – sitting tenants, top of existing measures, which limit the frequency with there has been no dramatic increase in rents. This may mean which landlords can increase rents. that the Rent Pressure Zone system makes things worse, To be designated a Rent Pressure Zone for three years, rather than better, by amplifying the insider-outside nature rents in an area must increase by 7% or more annually for of the rented sector. Sitting tenants now enjoy not only a

30 Little Village June / July 2017 discount relative to the market rent, but also protection of pursued, in which the state is reluctant to intervene in the that lower rent into the future. Meanwhile, movers in the property market has left a massive hole in the housing market private rented sector face not only far higher rents but almost and added enormous pressure on the rental market, pushing no availability in the market. In such a market, it would be a up prices. He believes this reluctance stems from the state brave prospective tenant who would ask the landlord to see not wishing to damage the profi t margins of developers. proof that the rent they would pay is only 4% higher than a “Unfortunately, this does not appear to be changed in year previously,” he said the short term with Government proposals to part-privatise He went on to say that the message from the rental market council owned lands. In the case of the 90 acres owned by to policymakers is the same as it has been for over fi ve years Fingal County Council north of Wellview, 50% of the homes now: “more supply is needed. Until policymakers understand constructed will be gifted to the developer to sell at market why it costs so much to build a two bedroom apartment prices and only 20% will be retained as traditional council here, compared to anywhere else in Europe, that’s unlikely stock,” he said. to happen. Cllr Waine also called for a ban on evictions until there is Cllr Tania Doyle (AAA) criticised the HAP (Housing enough supply of alternative accommodation. Assistance Payment) which was introduced by Minister “We then need to ring fence all publicly owned land Coveney who said “the level of supply in the rental market is for social housing and aff ordable mortgage schemes. challenging in some areas.” Legislation needs to change to give local authorities “The level of supply specifi c to Dublin 15 is far from the power to compulsory purchase land at challenging and those approved for HAP must still negotiate reasonable prices where there is a defi cit of with landlords, the state does not provide any assistance in publicly owned land so that a sustainable any discussions, and ultimately given the volumes sourcing mix is achieved in all areas. A massive rental accommodation in Dublin 15, market forces dictate investment is needed to roll out social who gets the lease. Those who cannot aff ord to get onto the and aff ordable housing schemes merry-go-round, fall by the way side. High rental costs before and this needs to fast-tracked,” a food bill or a utility bill are paid,” she said. he said. Meanwhile Cllr Matt Waine (AAA) has accused the current Government and its predecessors of failing to heed the warning signs of the housing crisis, and described the rent certainty proposals as “too little, too late,” as rents are now out of the reach of most families. “There is a massive issue of under-supply. This is as a direct result of Government policy. Firstly a fanatical attachment to and reliance of the infallibility of the private sector to deliver what is a key fundamental piece of national infrastructure. The market-led approach has utterly failed. In Dublin 15 it has meant that the vast majority of homes constructed have been tailored to those likely to get a mortgage from a bank - wealthy people. Starting prices on modest three bed terraced houses in Diswellstown Manor and Hamilton Park are €450,000. These prices are out of reach of most working families,” he said. He went on to say that the model currently being LEGAL CORNER BY SUZANNE McDONNELL, SOLICITOR GUARDIANSHIP OF CHILDREN What was previously viewed as the traditional The Act also sets out four categories of people who are automatically family unit in Ireland has changed considerably Guardians: in recent times. Family formations now present a) The mother of the child in many ways and while the Courts are tasked b) The father of the child married to the mother c) Unmarried father who lives with the mother for at least 12 months with reaching a decision based on its view of (9months before birth and 3 months after birth), after 18th January 2016 the best interest of the child, legislation dealing d) Adoptive parents whether married, civilly partnered or a cohabiting with children lagged behind. couple

Others can make an application to become a guardian and the hat was the case until the introduction of The Children and Court will make its determination based on the relationship between Family Relationships Act 2015 (the “2015 Act”). Now there the child and the proposed guardian and also what is in the best is a clear legal framework in place and children feature as a interests of the child. Therefore if a person has provided continuous key part in the legislation and their voice and have an input care to the child on a day to day basis for a period of 12 months, then T in applications made by others that affect them. that person may bring an application to court to have this relationship The 2015 Act now specifically sets out the rights and responsibilities recognised and seek to be formally appointed as a guardian to the brought about by guardianship. They are: child. If you require any further information or assistance regarding a) To decide on a child’s place of residence any of the issues raised above please do not hesitate to contact me, b) To make decisions regarding the child’s religious, spiritual, cultural Suzanne McDonnell Solicitor, McDonnell & Company Solicitors, and linguistic upbringing Dublin 15. www.mcdonnell-solicitors.ie c) To decide with whom the child is to live d) To consent to medical, dental and other health related treatment If you require any further information or assistance please do not for the child, in respect of which a guardians consent is required hesitate to contact me, Suzanne McDonnell Solicitor, McDonnell & e) To place the child for adoption Company Solicitors, Dublin 15. www.mcdonnell-solicitors.ie

32 Little Village June / July 2017 www.alpineblinds.ie

SUMMER UPGRADES FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS Three local schools will undergo improvements under this year’s round of summer works grants from the Department of Education. The summer works scheme is designed to allow schools to carry out small and medium scale building works that will improve and upgrade existing school buildings.

iversdale Community College will upgrade its toilet facilities, Scoil Pobail Setanta in Phibblestown will have mechanical improvements carried out, and Scoil Mhuire in Blakestown will have its roof repaired. benefit are primary schools, while 109 are post primary schools R Local Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varadkar The funding was announced by Minister for Education, Richard welcomed this local investment, saying these grants are vitally Bruton who said the capacity of schools to take responsibility for important for schools. delivering small and medium-scale projects is a key component of “Works will be carried out in schools over the summer months, the scheme. so the disruption to students, teachers and other school staff “I am confident that school authorities will be able to achieve will be kept to a minimum. [This] announcement confirms the best value for money on prices for jobs, and I call on schools to Government’s continuing prioritisation of capital funding for ensure that they maximise the benefit to their schools of the works school buildings here in Dublin West which has been like a school sanctioned,” he said. building site in recent years, after years of neglect by previous He went on to say that the Action Plan for Education, which governments,” he said. aims to make the Irish education and training service the best in This is part of a national scheme which will see €47m in funding Europe within a decade, puts a big priority on investment in school allocated to 438 schools nationwide. 329 of the schools which will educational infrastructure.

June / July 2017 Little Village 33 34 Little Village June / July 2017 BLOOMING GOOD NEWS AS SHACKLETONS’ GARDENS MOVE TO PUBLIC OWNERSHIP

After a long wait, the Shackleton Gardens in which they received two stars, the highest accolade awarded by the guide and reserved for the very best gardens at Beech Park, Clonsilla, have been in the British Isles. transferred into public ownership and The Gardens, which are inside a 1.5 acre walled garden, are Fingal County Council intends restoring and home to an important collection of herbaceous perennials, open the gardens to the public. A €415,000 grown in large herbaceous borders. This collection is development plan has already been approved particularly unique and important and was once the largest private collection in Ireland and ranked fourth in the British and will commence shortly. Isles. Fingal County Council’s Director of Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, Ann-Marie Farrelly, said: “It has been he gardens which are named after the intrepid a long process to get The Shackleton Gardens transferred explorer Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton who into public ownership and we are delighted that everything led three British expeditions to the Antarctic, has been completed and we can get on with restoring the once ranked among the top four gardens for Gardens and delivering a major tourism asset for the Dublin T herbaceous borders in Britain and Ireland due to 15 area.” their collection of rare and exotic plants. Meanwhile, Kevin Halpenny, Senior Parks Superintendent The gardens were open to the public up until the 1990s but with Fingal County Council said the importance of the have since fallen into disrepair. The council has been in the Shackleton Gardens within the gardening world should not process of taking the gardens in charge for a number of years be underestimated and there is a tremendous opportunity to and that process is now nearing conclusion. develop a major attraction. Last year Failte Ireland approved a grant of €213,000 The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Darragh Butler said the creation of which the council will match to cover the estimated €415,000 a major tourist attraction in Dublin 15 will be a great boost to cost of restoring the gardens to their former glory. This was the area and Fingal county as a whole. the first step in a long term plan to develop a visitor centre Aengus Ó Maoláin, Social Democrats representative for about the Shackleton family with a particular focus on Ernest Castleknock and Blanchardstown said, the gardens have Shackleton and his explorations. It is hoped that the gardens great potential as a public amenity and visitor attraction. will be a key tourist stop along the royal canal which is now Creating such a tourist attraction in Clonsilla can only be being upgraded as a greenway linking Dublin to the Shannon. good for Dublin 15, and the entire West Dublin area. I look The Gardens are widely regarded as being internationally forward to following the work as it gets underway and to the significant due to their long association with horticultural gardens open to the public, adding a beautiful new asset to excellence, in particular because of the wide range of rare the public spaces in Dublin 15,” he said. and exotic plants recorded there over many years. During the It is hoped that Shackleton’s Gardens in Clonsilla will be 1980s, the Gardens were featured in numerous horticultural open to the public within two years, as the restoration project publications and were included in The Good Gardens Guide, undertaken by Fingal County Council is moving on apace.

June / July 2017 Little Village 35 ST BRIGID’S GAA WELL DONE TO EOIN KENNEDY ON REACHING THE ALL-IRELAND SINGLES FINAL, WHICH WILL BE HELD THE WEEKEND OF THE 3RD JUNE.

arl Browne and Eoin Kennedy have weeknights! also reached the Senior Doubles Don’t miss out on St Brigid’s Summer Camps, final. Defending their title next email [email protected] to book your Saturday Browne will be going place. Club Camp is 24th - 28th July (age 4 to C for his second doubles title while 12), Kellogg’s Cúl Camp is 14th - 18th August Kennedy will be going for a remarkable seventh (age 6-12) and Nursery Camp 21st - 25th August hardball doubles championship. (age 4 - 6). Nursery takes place each Saturday from 9.30 Register online now for Annual Club to 11.00 am, all 4 to 7 year olds are welcome. Minileagues (start on 12th of June with Finals We are seeking a Nursery Director. St Brigid’s on May 17th). Spread the word to friends and need a leader for our Nursery session. Please neighbours! contact Paddy Davey 086 822 9312 if you can help out. Final few Gaeltacht scholarships remain for Our coffee shop has great home baking July and August courses only! For more info and hot snacks available and is now open contact Stephen on 0876339238.

36 Little Village June / July 2017 CORDUFF FC BLAZE A TRAIL IN LOCAL SOCCER Corduff football club are having one of their finest years to date on and off the pitch and its rapid growth and progress evident this year when the club pulled in not one, but four Leinster titles in a 10-day period in March.

he club, consisting of 28 teams, over 500 to all teams at no extra cost to the parent. It is no wonder players and a nursery academy for one hundred with a well thought out structure that the club has grown and ten 4, 5 and 6 year old footballers - is from 3 teams in 2000 to 28 teams today and growing.” going from strength to strength and very soon The club now boasts past players playing league of Ireland will boast its very own club gym for strength under 17s and 19s, many players in prestigious Kennedy and conditioning work which will be a game changer for cup squads and Milk cup squads and three players on Tschoolboy/girl footballers in Dublin 15. professional contracts with Sunderland and Nottingham The recent announcement that Corduff FC formed a forest respectively - the club is currently enjoying a long strategic partnership with Shamrock rovers in respect of the purpose patch that shows no signs of ending. new league of Ireland underage national leagues that will The next teams to come online will be for players born in operate at under 13, 15 and 17, is another feather in the cap 2010 and the club is now encouraging parents of players for the club who have been making all of the rights decisions born that year to now consider contacting the club at info@ consistently in an eff ort to ensure the club improves and corduff fc.com in advance of the new summer season as grows and has the right facilities in place for the continuous the club will be preparing the teams from July. Coaches are conveyor belt of talent coming out of the club each year. encouraged to come on board and join the club and will be In June of last year, the club signed an agreement for the put through their coaching course work if required. transfer of Yassine En Neyah to Nottingham Forest and “The days where a young, budding footballer had to the result of that has allowed the club to fast track the new leave Dublin 15 to be given a platform to showcase their facilities it intends to bring online in the next 12 months. talents is no longer true. Parents can now see quite clearly According to John McGuinness of Corduff FC: “What is that Corduff FC is competing with the clubs who attracted remarkable about the progress is the means in which the players to leave the Dublin 15 locality and with the Shamrock club operates fi nancially to cover its costs and still provide rovers partnership being developed presently, all players the best options to its members, be it improved coaching, who require a platform can now do so in Blanchardstown,” better pitches and all-weather training facilities lights and all said McGuinness. catered for with a subscription of €5 per week in the active The clubs progress can be tracked by visiting www. season and nothing more. The new club gym will be on off er corduff fc.com where over 10000 people follow daily.

June / July 2017 Little Village 37

• BASED IN DUBLIN 15. • VERY COMPETITIVE RATES FOR ALL JOBS. • WE PAINT WALLS, CEILINGS & FURNITURE. • INTERNAL & EXTERNAL PAINTING. BEFORE AFTER Fifty Shades ofof Spr ay

BRINGING NEW LIFE TO BEFORE AFTER YOUR KITCHENS & FURNITURE

CALL TODAY ON 085 229 8550 [email protected]