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WELCOME TO MEATH: A Guide for New Employees

CO M P I L E D B Y M E A T H CO U N T Y CO U N C I L 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT THIS GUIDE Meath County Council’s Economic Development team have compiled this booklet to provide support to employees of businesses in Co. Meath. The intent of this guide is to supply employees with information and advice about working and living in Ireland and to direct them to agencies that may provide more specific support, if needed.

Health Family Housing Education and Training Looking for Work Social Entitlements Business and Employment Transport Safety and Welfare Community and Culture Voting Banking Citizenship Public Holidays

1 8 15 17 25 29 32 35 43 45 50 51 53 54

HEALTH The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides health and social services to everyone living in Ireland. These services are delivered to all ages, in hospitals, health facilities and in communities across the country. These include: Registering births, deaths and marriages Child health services Community welfare Public health nursing Family doctor services Speech therapy Social work Physiotherapy Additional Counselling and Treatment Psychiatric Services Occupational Therapy Dental Services Audiology Services (Hearing) Chiropody Services (Feet) Ophthalmic Services (Eyes) Sexual health and STI services (www.sexualwellbeing.ie) For questions about health services, your entitlements, or how to access HSE health or social services in your area, you can phone HSE Live on 1800 700 700. To contact the Meath Local Health Office call 046 902 1595. Other healthcare organisations and initiatives: Chime is a national charity for deafness and hearing loss. To find out more about their services and how they can support you,

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visit www.chime.ie or email dundalk@chime.ie.

Cairde is a community health development organisation that is working to reduce healthcare inequalities among ethnic minorities. For more information, visit www.cairde.ie or email gethelp@cairde.ie. Inspire Wellbeing is a charity and social enterprise that supports people living with mental ill health, intellectual disability, autism, and addiction. For more information, visit www.inspirewellbeing.org. HIV Ireland is a voluntary non-governmental organisation that provides a range of services and supports to people living with HIV in Ireland and advocates on their behalf. For more information, visit www.hivireland.ie.

Medical Emergencies In a medical emergency you should call 112 or 999 and tell the operator about the emergency.

Registering with a Family Doctor General Practitioner (GP) is the official term for a family doctor in Ireland. To access health services, you will need to register with a GP in your area as soon as possible. You will need to give your name, address, contact number, and date of birth.

Medical Card Scheme If your income is below a certain level, you may qualify for a medical card which entitles you to a full range of services.

GP Visit Card If you are not eligible for a medical card you may be eligible for a GP Visit Card, this card covers visits to the GP. Some GPs only offer services to private patients while others may deal with both private and medical/GP Visit Card patients. 046 902 1595 or visit www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp/.

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For a list of GPs in Meath, contact the Meath Local Health Office

Dental Treatment If your teeth require attention, you can use the Dental Treatment Services Scheme run by the HSE for free if you have a medical card. It covers a limited range of treatments. The HSE website will help you find a nearby dentist: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-socialprotection/publications/list-of-dentists-in-county-meath/.

Public Health Nurse Public Health Nurses (PHN) are employed by the HSE to provide a range of services in the community. You can contact your local PHN at your local health centre. PHNs can assist with post hospital care, dressings, and injections as well as dietary, Occupational Health and counselling services.

Local Pharmacy Your local pharmacist (Chemist) can advise you on some minor ailments and recommend medicines that do not require a prescription (script). A lot of medicines need a prescription from a GP. If your doctor prescribes medicine, take the prescription to a pharmacy to get your medication.

Out-of-hours GP services Most GPs operate during normal business hours and are closed over weekends and public holidays. Here are some healthcare facilities you can access for emergencies if your GP is closed: NEDOC is for appointments only and you must be registered to a GP already. To make an appointment call 1800 777 911. GP24 is also appointment only. To make an appointment, use their online booking system, call 01 518 0808 or email

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hello@GP24.ie.

Mental Health Mental health problems are common and can be wide-ranging. If you feel persistently sad, depressed, anxious, angry, have trouble sleeping or eating, or have other concerns you should contact your GP for advice. In an emergency situation, you may contact the Department of Psychiatry in Navan Hospital at 046 907 8500 or out of hours contact the North-East Doctor On Call (NEDOC) 1800 777 911. To find out more about the mental health services and supports in your area, call the Your Mental Health Information Line at 1800 111 888 or you can text HELLO to 50808 for an anonymous chat with a trained volunteer, any time. Mental health voluntary support organisations: Aware (www.aware.ie) provides information and support to people suffering from depression, as well as their family and friends. Pieta House (www.pieta.ie) provides support for people who are suicidal, have been bereaved by suicide, or who self-harm. They have a free 24-hour helpline (1800 247 247) or text HELP to 51444. Samaritans (www.samaritans.org) is a confidential emotional support service for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. They have a 24-hour freephone helpline: 166 123. Jigsaw (www.jigsaw.ie) is an initiative working with communities to ensure young people aged 12 to 25 are better supported to achieve good mental health and wellbeing. Visit Jigsaw Meath at 25 Brews Hill, Navan, Co Meath, call 046 907 1702 or email meath@jigsaw.ie. SOSAD (www.sosadireland.ie) offers support and services for people who are struggling with suicidal ideation, self harming, depression, bereavement, stress, anxiety, or if you simply

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need to talk. Their 24-hour helpline is 1800 901 909.

Mental Health Ireland (www.mentalhealthireland.ie) aims to promote positive mental health and to actively support persons with a mental illness and their families and carers. Tusla, The Child and Family Agency (www.tusla.ie) offers support services to families and individuals who need help with life events like birth, death, depression, redundancy, separation, illness, abuse, or financial problems. They also provide a range of services that offer advice and support to families. This includes family support workers, social workers, Family Resource Centres, support groups, and counselling services. BodyWhys, The Eating Disorder Association of Ireland (www.bodywhys.ie) provides resources and support for people with disordered eating as well as their family and friends. They have a national helpline 01 210 7906 as well as a support email alex@bodywhys.ie. Supports specifically for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers: Cultúr (www.cultur.ie) is a community organisation with an office in Navan (1st floor St Anne’s Resource Centre, Railway Street Navan) which works with migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, promoting equal rights and opportunities to develop an intercultural society. To get in touch with them, email info@cultur.ie. Spirasi (www.spirasi.ie) is the Spiritan Asylum Services Initiative and is a national centre for the rehabilitation of victims of torture in Ireland. Spirasi provides medical diagnoses and therapeutic rehabilitation programmes, supports navigating Ireland’s legal system and runs educational classes aimed at helping clients’ integration into Irish society. New Communities Partnership (www.newcommunities.ie) provides a free and confidential Migrant Family Support Service (MFSS), which aims to support migrant families who parents by providing culturally sensitive support, and encouraging positive parenting practices.

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experience child protection interventions, to empower migrant

Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Rape Crisis Centres are safe places to access counselling and therapy to help people move forward from trauma, as well as to receive practical information and crisis support. There are 16 rape crisis centres around Ireland. They also provide a national 24-hour helpline: 1800 778 888. Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATU) provide free specialist care for people who have recently been sexually assaulted or raped. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have a parent or legal guardian with you to give permission for a forensic examination. The SATU services can be accessed via An Garda Siochana, or by contacting the SATU nearest to you directly. You will find a list of SATU’s with the contact details on the HSE’s website: www2.hse.ie/services/satu/. Women’s Aid (www.womensaid.ie) is a voluntary organisation which provides support and information to women and their children who are being physically, emotionally, and/or sexually abused in their own homes. They provide a national freephone 24hour helpline: 1800 341 900. Men’s Aid Ireland (www.mensaid.ie) provides confidential services underpinned by a victim-centric and human rights proofed approach aimed at ensuring all male victims of domestic violence and coercive control receive the required support to be safe. To contact their support line, call 01 554 3811. Willow Domestic Abuse Services (www.willowdas.ie) provide comprehensive service to women and children affected by domestic violence. They can be reached at 39 Flower Hill, Blackcastle, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 HF72, or contacted via their 24-hour helpline: 1800 46 46 46. Crime Victims Helpline is a national helpline which offers support to victims of crime in Ireland. Their freephone helpline (166 006) can be contacted on Monday 10:00am-7:30pm, Holidays from 2:00pm-4:00pm.

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Tuesday to Friday 10:00am-5:00pm, and Saturdays and Bank

Women-Centric Services Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) (www.ifpa.ie) is Ireland’s leading sexual health provider. They provide contraception, specialist pregnancy counselling, abortion care, sexual and reproductive health services and training. Amal Women’s Association (www.amalwomenirl.com) is a Muslim women-led organisation whose mission is to advance the human rights, health, safety, participation and dignity of Muslim and nonMuslim women in Ireland.

Disability Support services There are a range of support services available to individuals with disabilities and their families: Enable Ireland (www.enableireland.ie) offers support services to people with primary physical and sensory disabilities living in Meath. Their focus is personal support needs in the home, but they also provide assistance with accessing services in the community such as attending medical, therapy appointments, as well as social and leisure activities. To contact them, email hello@enableireland.ie. Prosper Meath (www.prospermeath.ie) provides day services to adults with intellectual disabilities across Co. Meath. To contact them, email info@prospermeath.ie. Talbot Group (www.talbotgroup.ie) provides person centred services for adults and children with an intellectual disabilities, autism and acquired brain injuries. Their services are specific to each person’s individual needs. To contact them, email info@talbotgroup.ie. Clann Mór (www.clannmor.ie) supports people with intellectual disabilities to live meaningful lives of their choosing in their local

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communities. To contact them, email info@clannmor.ie.

FAMILY Family Support Organisations Family Support Meath (www.familysupportmeath.ie/) provides services for children and young people aged 0-24 years and their families. Their support service deals with: addiction, counselling and mental health, disability support, domestic violence, education supports, income support, migrants, new communities and ethnic support, youth services including LGBTIQ+ and youth justice. Meath Springboard Family Support Services provide a range of services which aim to support adults in their parenting role for the benefit of their children. To contact them, email shay@meathspringboardfamilysupportservices.ie. Tusla’s Family Resource Centres (FRC) are participative and empowering organisations that support families while building the capacity and leadership of local communities. FRCs provide a range of universal and targeted services and development opportunities that addresses the needs of families. To find your nearest FRC in Meath, visit www.tusla.ie and search ‘Family Resource Centre.’ One Family (www.onefamily.ie) is a support organisation that works specifically with people parenting alone, sharing parenting or in the process of separating. For more information, email info@onefamily.ie. Migrant Family Support Service (MFSS) (www.newcommunities.ie/services/mfss/) is a voluntary service providing practical and moral support for migrant families and supporting positive engagement with parents and Tusla. For more information, email familysupport@newcommunities.ie, or call 087 332 4079. Legal Aid Board (www.legalaidboard.ie) provide mediation services as legal aid services for international protection, family law, and assisted decision-making. To contact them, email info@legalaidboard.ie.

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for families who are divorcing, separating or living apart, as well

National and Online Family Support Treoir (www.treoir.ie) provides free, confidential, specialist information for parents not married to each other, living together or apart, their extended families and those working with them. To contact them, email info@treoir.ie. Young Parents (www.youngparents.ie) provides support to mothers and fathers who are 24 years old or younger. This support can be tailored to the specific needs of the young parent. To contact them, call 087 251 8428 or email info@ypsp.ie. Family Carers Ireland (www.familycarers.ie) support and promote the health, wellbeing and quality of life of family carers and those for whom they care. To contact the Meath support team, email meathcarersupports@familycarers.ie.

Meath Community Drug and Alcohol Response MCDAR provides a community based response to drug and/or alcohol misuse. Services include: outreach and drop in, group work and oneto-one work, aftercare, family support groups, affordable counselling service, parent-to-parent programme, and education programmes. They can be reached in Trim, Co. Meath C15 FY04 or Navan, Co. Meath C15 N2DT, or over the phone at 087 093 3759 / 087 181 2451.

Parenting Advice Links Parenting24seven (www.tusla.ie/parenting-24-seven) is an online resource offering evidence-based key messages of what works best for children and families at different stages of childhood and in different situations. Mychild.ie (www.hse.ie/my-child/) is a website for parents which contains information and advice on pregnancy and the first 3 years of your child’s life. The site was created after research with Changing Futures (www.changingfutures.ie) is a website for young people made by young people with experiences of Tusla services.

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parents and parents-to-be across Ireland.

Non-EEA Family Reunification If you would like family members to join you in Ireland, and they are not EU/EEA citizens or Swiss Nationals, you will need to apply for the relevant permission. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration handles various types of family reunification applications, and more information can be found on their website about the specifics of your application (www.irishimmigration.ie). Family Reunification applies to: Nuclear family: Spouse / civil partner / de facto partner, and unmarried minor/children under the age of 18. Dependent parents Dependent adult children The employed sponsor will have to demonstrate that they have sufficient resources, including accommodation and income, to provide for their family members without recourse to State supports in their application. Ireland Red Cross provides services to help with restoring family links, including family reunification travel assistance services. To contact them, email restoringfamilylinks@redcross.ie, and for more information, visit www.redcross.ie/find-missing-family/.

Childcare Services Childcare options are varied depending on the child’s age, their needs, the guardian’s needs, and budget. Different childcare providers will be able to accommodate your needs, depending on their capacity. The types of childcare include: Full day care (5+ hours) Part-time day care (3.5-5 hours) Sessional services (up to 3.5 hour sessions) Childminders (2+ hours in the childminder’s own home) Parent, baby and toddler groups School-age childcare (e.g. breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, school holiday programmes)

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Drop-in centres

Childcare Subsidies There are two types of subsidies available for children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years of age under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS): A universal subsidy which is not means tested and provides €2.14 per hour for a maximum of 45 hours per week; An income-assessed subsidy which is means tested and will be calculated based on your family’s individual circumstances. Rates will vary depending on your level of family income, your child’s age and educational stage, and the number of children in your family. You should apply for whichever subsidy is of the greatest benefit to you and your family. A subsidy calculator is available on their website (www.ncs.gov.ie/en/childcare-subsidy-calculator-input/) which will help you estimate how much you may be eligible for before you apply. How do I apply for the NCS? You can apply online for the subsidy on the NCS website (www.ncs.gov.ie/en/SignIn) using a verified MyGovID. The website has an Application Guide available, should you need guidance. Alternatively, you can contact the Parent Support Centre on 01 906 8530 to request a postal application. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Once your application is approved, you can use your subsidy with any participating childcare provider, including childminders, who are registered with Tusla. A full list of NCS childcare service providers is available on their website (www.ncs.gov.ie/en/childcare-search/). (Further details can

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be found www.ncs.gov.ie/en/.)

For more childcare information: Meath County Childcare Committee (www.mccc.ie) coordinates the implementation of the National Childcare Policy at local levels and they will have a list of childcare providers in Meath on their website. Childcare.ie is a search engine you can use to find childcare services in your area. Early Childhood Ireland (www.earlychildhoodireland.ie) provide resources for parents and also have a list of Meath childcare providers on their website. Barnardos (www.barnardos.ie) provide resources to parents to help support them and their children. These resources range from general wellbeing for parents and children, childcare advice, navigating social media, dealing with bullying, bereavement, separation, and substance misuse. Public Health Nurses at your Local Health Centre will also be familiar with local childcare services and childminders. For more information, visit www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/pre-school-education-andchildcare/your-childcare-options. You can also visit the Department of Children, Disability and Equality’s website (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality) for

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more information about early learning and childcare supports.

Youth Support Services

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Youth Work Ireland (YWI) Meath ensures the provision of a quality youth service in Meath. YWI Meath supports the development of youth clubs and programmes across County Meath and provides training for young people and volunteers. They can be reached at St. Mary’s Church Grounds, Trimgate Street, Navan, Co. Meath C15 NXC9. To contact them, call 046 909 3402 or email info@youthworkirelandmeath.ie. JIGSAW Meath (www.jigsaw.ie/) offers both online and face to face mental health advice and support to young people, and provides information and workshops to families, educators, and those who support young people’s mental health. They can be found at 25 Brews Hill, Navan, Co. Meath C15 X2ND. Contact 046 907 1702 or email meath@jigsaw.ie. Comhairle na nÓg (www.comhairlenanog.ie/) provides children and young people with opportunities to be involved in the development of local services and policies. Meath’s Comhairle na nÓg is currently focused on issues such as youth mental health and underage substance misuse. To get involved, contact Meath’s Coordinator Abby O’Neill at abby@youthworkirelandmeath.ie. Foróige youth cafés (www.foroige.ie) is a place for young people to meet up during the week to have fun with their friends. To find a café near you, visit their website. To contact them, email info@foroige.ie. A-T.E.A.M. Autism support group is a voluntary social group for children with autism and their parents. The group meets fortnightly in a fun non-judgemental environment with different activities every fortnight. To contact them, email Ateam.asg@gmail.com. Autism Support Louth and Meath provides support to children with autism and their parents. For more information, visit www.autismsupportlouth.com.

National and Online Youth Services Childline (www.childline.ie) have resources and a 24-hour helpline (1800 66 66 66) for children up to 18 years old. Teenline (www.ispcc.ie/teenline/) is a national active listening service for children and young people up to 18 years old. They can be contacted at 1800 833 634 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. This is a free, confidential, non-judgemental, and non-directive service. Spunout (www.spunout.ie) is Ireland’s youth information and support service. Their resources can be found on their website. Save Our Sons And Daughters (SOSAD) (www.sosadireland.ie) offers support services for people who are struggling with suicidal ideation, self-harming, depression, bereavement, stress, anxiety, or needing general support. Their 24-hour helpline can be reached at 1800 901 909. Yellow Flag Programme (www.yellowflag.ie) supports primary and secondary schools to become more inclusive of all cultures and ethnicities, celebrate diversity and challenge racism and discrimination. To contact their coordinator, email sian@itmtrav.ie. BelongTo Youth Ireland (www.belongto.org) provides support to LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 14 and 23 years old. To contact them, call 01 670 6223.

Women’s Support Service

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Willow Domestic Abuse Services provide comprehensive service to women and children affected by domestic violence. They can be contacted via their 24-hour helpline, 1800 46 46 46. Meath Springboard Family Support Services: Connect Women’s Group is for women with children up to 12 years old. They meet weekly and engage in a variety of activities every week. To get involved, email shay@springboardnavan.ie.

HOUSING Private Rented Accommodation Most rooms, flats, apartments and houses to rent are advertised on accommodation websites such as www.daft.ie or www.myhome.ie. You can narrow your search by filtering your specifications and the area you are looking to live in. You can also set up alerts for your specific requirements. In Meath, you can keep an eye on the accommodation section of the local newspaper, The Meath Chronicle. Local noticeboards in shops are also sources of information as well as word of mouth. Be aware of your rights and obligations as a tenant as well as your landlord’s rights and obligations, this information can be found on www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/renting-a-home. Meath County Council’s Housing Department can assist with applications for Social Housing, the Rental Accommodation Scheme and the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme. The HAP Scheme is a form of social housing support where the local authorities can provide housing assistance to households with a long term housing need, including many long term Rent Supplement recipients. For further information, please contact Meath County Council, Housing Department, Buvinda House, Dublin Road, Navan, Co. Meath or visit www.meath.ie/council/council-services/housing.

Homelessness Support If you or someone you know is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, you can get information and advice from: The Housing Department, Meath County Council: 046 909 7000.

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The National Community Welfare Service: 0818 607 080.

Local Citizens Information Centres in Meath Ashbourne Citizen Information Centre Unit 43, High Street, Ashbourne, Ashbourne, A84 FX66. Phone: 0818 076 110 Navan Citizen Information Centre Floor 2, 1 Cannon Row, Navan C15 XR8Y Phone: 0818 076 150 Trim Citizen Information Centre Unit 3, The Old Forge, 3 Haggard Street, Trim, C15 C942 Phone: 0818 076 180 If you are in private rented accommodation and need advice and information on your rights as a tenant, contact The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB): 0818 303 037

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Threshold (www.threshold.ie).

EDUCATION AND TRAINING Early Childhood Education Early childhood education is run by private, community and voluntary groups. The Early Years Care and Education Programme (ECCE) gives children under 4 years of age access to two full academic years of free pre-school before they start primary school. Children can start the ECCE scheme in the September of the year that they turn 3 years old. Further information can be found in the Family section of this guide or by contacting: Meath County Childcare Committee Address: Commons Road, Navan, Co. Meath C15 RX61 Telephone: 046 907 3010 Email: reception@mccc.ie Website: www.mccc.ie

Irish School System The Department of Education and Skills is responsible for the education of children in Ireland. The Irish education system is made up of: Primary Level - between the ages of 4 and 12. Education in State primary schools is free. The school year runs from September to June. Secondary Level (also called post-primary or secondary school) between the ages of 12 and 17/18. These five/six years have two state examinations: the Junior Cycle after three years, and the Leaving Certificate after five years. An optional Transition Year (TY) is available in most secondary schools after the Junior Cycle examination and before the Senior Cycle (the last 2 years of secondary school). The TY is a one-year

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programme that forms the first year of a three-year Senior Cycle in many schools. It is designed to act as a bridge between the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate programmes.

Third Level - this includes further education, institutes of technology and universities. Access to these is usually based on the Leaving Certificate results. The Central Applications Office (CAO) manages admission applications to higher education institutes. For further information about this, visit www.cao.ie. Financial help for students is means-tested (it is based on family income). Grants are available to meet living expenses, transport, and/or college tuition fees. For further information about this, visit www.susi.ie. All newcomer children (whether asylum seekers, convention/ programme refugees, or children of migrant workers) between 4 and 18 years old have a right to the same primary and post-primary education as the rest of the Irish population. The law requires that all children must take part in full time education up to the age of 16. The Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT) assists families from Ukraine or those applying for International Protection with securing school places for their children and will help support schools meet the needs of these children. For more information, visit www.etbi.ie/realt/. For a list of schools in Meath, visit www.gov.ie/en/service/find-aschool. The Citizens Information website (www.citizensinformation.ie) provides a step by step guide on how to enrol your child in a school.

Non-EU/EEA Student Tertiary Education Tuition Fees Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students into tertiary education are more expensive than for Irish and EU citizens. If your child is over 18 and has lived in Ireland for five of the last nine years, they can apply for naturalisation, but if they do not meet these requirements before applying for a study programme, they will have to pay a higher rate

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of tuition payment. Tuition costs will also vary depending on the institution and the study programme so it is important to make sure of the fees you will be due to pay.

Further Education and Adult Training Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) is one of 16 Education and Training Boards in Ireland. LMETB is the largest education and training provider in Louth and Meath. LMETB also provide Further Education and Training (FET) services to learners aged 16+ in communities across Co. Louth and Co. Meath. Courses are available in commercial and industrial sectors if you are unemployed or have been made redundant. Most courses are free and you may get a FET training allowance, depending on your circumstances. LMETB’s FET provision includes: Guidance, information, and recruitment services Post Leaving Certificate colleges Apprenticeships and Traineeships LMETB offer: full-time education and training for the unemployed. Part-time education and training for those returning to learning as an adult, or those already in employment looking to upskill or retrain. For more information on LMETB’s services, visit www.lmetb.ie, or call 1800 991 898. Youthreach provides opportunities for basic educational, personal development, vocational training and work experience to young people between the ages of 16 and 20 who have left school without any formal qualifications. For more information, visit and-services/youthreach/.

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www.lmetb.ie/further-education-training/youth-education-training-

Skills for Work provides training and educational opportunities for those in part-time or full-time employment. It helps you to improve the basic skills you will need in the workplace such as workplace language support, literacy, numeracy and IT skills. For more information, visit www.lmetb.ie/further-educationtraining/employee-skills-development/skills-for-work/. Night classes are provided by LMETB and many other colleges and universities, although many may need to be self-funded. For more information, visit www.lmetb.ie/further-education-training/part-timeand-evening-courses/evening-courses/. Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) provides an opportunity to return to full-time education if you are an unemployed adult or getting certain welfare payments. Courses are designed to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people and are particularly suitable if you have been out of school for some time. For more information, visit www.lmetb.ie/further-education-training/fulltime-courses/vtos/. Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses are open to school-leavers and adult participants, offering a mixture of practical work, academic work and work experience. For more information, visit www.findacourse.ie/courses/meath/further-education-plc/. World of Work is a nationwide programme that provides 2nd year students with an opportunity to meet corporate volunteers from a local company in order to learn about the World of Work. To register interest for your company or school to participate, visit

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www.bitc.ie/programmes/education-programmes/world-of-work/.

Education and Training Board Ireland (www.etbi.ie) provide support to primary/secondary schools, further education and training organisations, as well as businesses in need of HR, ICT or financial training support. They also provide further education and training support. For more information, visit www.etbi.ie/furthereducation-training-support/. Back to Education Programme provides an opportunity to return to part-time or full-time education while continuing to get income supports such as the Back to Education Allowance or keep your social welfare payment. You must be in receipt of a social welfare payment and meet certain other criteria. For more information, visit www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/backto-education/back-to-education-programme/. Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) offers a 6-month, 30 hour/week, voluntary work and training experience programme if you have never had a job or have lost your job.

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must be in receipt of a social welfare payment for a minimum period of 4 months (under 30 year olds) or 6 months (over 30 year olds) within the previous 12 months. If you qualify, you will be paid a weekly WPEP allowance. For more information, visit www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/workplacement-experience-programme/. Springboard (www.springboardcourses.ie) provides free higher education places for unemployed individuals. You can keep your social welfare payment as long as you are entitled to it while you are participating on one of their courses. Solas (www.solas.ie) provides a range of further education and retraining, reskilling or upskilling, online courses and covers various fields.

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training programmes that cover apprenticeships, traineeships,

Skillnet Ireland (www.skillnetireland.ie) enables groups of private sector companies to set up training networks to deliver a range of accredited and/or industry-recognised programmes. Skillnet Ireland offers some free training to unemployed individuals. Fastrack IT (www.fit.ie) provides targeted information technology training for people who are getting certain social welfare payments or signing for credits. Courses include office administration, web design and programming, broadband communications and PC maintenance. PACE Training (www.paceorganisation.ie) provide training and educational opportunities for individuals with criminal convictions to help them reintegrate into Irish society.

Meath County Library Services The library service (www.meath.ie/council/council-services/libraries) provides access to a national collection of over 12 million books and other media. The service also offers free online informal lifelong learning courses and other online resources. The library’s online resources (ebooks, online learning, etc.) is facilitated through eServices. Part of their online resources are eLearning Courses, through Universal Class which offers library members access to over 500 online learning courses on various subjects. If you need one-on-one help with using eService, you can book a session with a librarian to help get you started via their email eservices@meathcoco.ie and one of the team will contact you to

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arrange a suitable time.

Literacy Support National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) is a voluntary organisation that aims to ensure all adults with literacy difficulties have access to high quality learning opportunities. NALA’s services can help improve proficiency in reading, writing, maths, and use of technology. Their services can be provided in groups, one-on-one, online, or over the phone. For more information, visit www.nala.ie, call for free on 1800 202 065 or text LEARN to 50050 and they will call you back.

Learning English and Other Languages Fáilte Isteach is a community project that trains volunteers to welcome migrants through English conversation courses. If you would like to find a class close to you, or become a volunteer, visit www.thirdageireland.ie/failte-isteach/. Transparent Language Online is a programme run through The National Library service and provides members with access to extensive courses and supplemental resources for 100+ languages, including English. For more information, visit www.meath.ie/council/council-services/libraries/onlineresources/online-language-courses. LMETB offers a English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course for adults of all levels. This service is free and confidential, with classes available in the day or evening time on an ongoing basis throughout the year. For more information call them on 086 137 3979. Navan School of Languages has a Foreign Adults English Class available for all levels. For more information, email info@navanschooloflanguages.ie or call 046 902 9526.

local businesses. For more information, email sales@linguaphone.ie or call 01 902 2240.

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Linguaphone provides live online English classes. They are based in Navan, Co. Meath and may be able to organise English classes with

Qualifax Qualifax (www.qualifax.ie) is Ireland’s National Learners’ Database and is the point of contact for learners and the public, provided by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (www.qqi.ie). Comprehensive, annually updated information is provided about further and higher education and training options in Ireland and further afield. Articles and links are also provided to assist students, jobseekers, parents, guidance professionals, and graduates to make informed choices for

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education, training and career pathways.

LOOKING FOR WORK Job Searching: Websites There are many job seeking websites available in Ireland. You can set up these websites to alert you when jobs become available in Meath. The most prominent websites are: www.irishjobs.ie www.jobs.ie www.monster.ie

Job Searching: Newspapers and Social Media Meath’s local newspaper The Meath Chronicle has a job listing section. Social media sites are also used to advertise job vacancies e.g. Meath Job Club Facebook page.

Employment Services Intreo (www.gov.ie/intreo) is a single point of contact for all employment and income supports and services. It offers practical, tailored employment services and supports for jobseekers and employers alike. They provide guidance on employment, training, and personal development opportunities, as well as information leaflets on CV and application form preparation, interview skills, different pathways to work such as internships, and other supports. To contact their Navan office, call 081 840 5060 or email navan@welfare.ie. Seetec’s National Employment Service are partnered with Intreo and provide job seekers with employment assistance and advice services needed to establish financial independence, whether that be full-time employment or training. For more information, visit

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www.seetec.ie/nes/.

Tús is a community work placement scheme providing short-term working opportunities for unemployed individuals on specific social welfare payments. For more information, visit www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/túscommunity-work-placement-initiative/. Local Area Employment Service is an adult career guidance service which provides one-to-one support to unemployed jobseekers. In addition to identifying job opportunities, their service also assists in identifying suitable training and education programmes, should they wish to retrain or up-skill. For more information, visit www.louthlocaldevelopment.ie/local-area-employment-service. JobMatters Employability Service Meath provides free employment and recruitment services to assist people with a disability in securing and maintaining employment. To contact them, email info@jobmatters.ie. Seetec’s EmployAbility Service focuses on providing employment support to people with disabilities, mental health difficulties, and people in recovering from illness of injury. Their service assists with finding and sustaining employment through individual mentoring and practical support to help maintain employment. Clients do not need to be in receipt of a social welfare payment to access their services, but you may be required to provide evident of your support needs. For more information, visit www.seetec.ie/employability/.

National and Online Employment Services Recruit Refugees Ireland (www.recruitrefugeesireland.com) is a specialist recruitment and consultancy agency for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in Ireland. Their services include language work experience, career advice, upskilling, further education, and

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lessons, information on transferring qualifications, interview skills,

Generation Apprenticeship (www.apprenticeship.ie/) provides information about becoming an apprentice. They have an apprenticeship directory to find an employer looking for an apprentice in specific areas. Their freephone helpline (1800 794 487) is available for advice and support on apprenticeships from 12pm - 6pm, Monday to Friday. To contact them, email apprenticeship@nao.ie. Réidh is a programme designed to support young refugees and International Protection Applicants aged 16-30. Their services include practical training, personal development, and ongoing mentorship. For more information, visit www.ymca.ie/youthspaces/reidh/. Open Doors (www.opendoorsinitiative.ie) provides opportunities to some of the marginalised members of our society. They create pathways to work through training, education, and entrepreneurship. Some of the people they work with include refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, people with disabilities, disadvantaged youth, people with a Traveller or Roma background, LGBTIQ+ individuals, people with a criminal past, and any intersectionality between these groups. To contact them, email info@opendoorsinitiative.ie. Culture Connect (www.cultureconnect.ie) is an intercultural organisation that addresses barriers that new communities experience when working and living in Irish society. They focus on facilitating culturally appropriate services that ensure ongoing support for ethnic minorities, promote intercultural awareness and mutual understanding. To contact them, email office@cultureconnect.ie. Women@Work is a programme that helps support women find employment that is sustainable, focusing on long-term career work for some time or who have relocated to Ireland. For more

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www.bitc.ie/programmes/jobseekers/women-work/.

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Job Ready Programme is a support programme offered by Pathways to Progress and is aimed to help migrants with finding work in Ireland, as well as support accessing further education or training, or starting a business. For more information, visit www.pathwaystoprogress.ie/Our-Supports-for-Migrants. EPIC Programme is a free online programme to help unemployed and job-ready asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants living in Ireland to increase their chances of finding a job through online training and partnering with businesses. For more information,

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visit www.bitc.ie/programmes/jobseekers/epic-programme/.

SOCIAL ENTITLEMENTS The Department of Social Protection manages Ireland’s social welfare system, and their staff are known as Community Welfare Officers. They assess and advise on the eligibility for financial allowances and supplements. They can give you advice about income support and social welfare payments and can help you with finding a job. Examples of social welfare payments include Jobseeker’s Allowance, One Parent Family Allowance, Disability Allowance, and Child Benefit. All allowances are subject to means testing and vary according to circumstances and the nature of the need. Intreo is a service offered by the Department of Social Protection to provide income and employment supports. Intreo offers practical, tailored employment services and supports for jobseekers and employers alike. For more information, visit www.gov.ie/intreo.

Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) A Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is a unique reference number that helps you access Irish public services as well as social welfare benefits. It is used for employment and taxation purpose, but is also required when applying for any entitlements, benefits, social housing support, or health care (e.g. medical card) in Ireland. A PPS Number is always seven numbers followed by either one or two letters. To get a PPS Number, you will need to provide evidence of why you need it, provide a copy of your photo identity document (Passport, Driving Licence, ID card), and proof of address (utility bill, official letter or document, bank statement, property lease or tenancy agreement). If you do not have the valid documents, you should

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visit www.gov.ie or email navan@welfare.ie.

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provide whatever ID documents you do have. For more information,

Habitual Residence With all social welfare payments in Ireland, you must be ‘habitually resident.’ The term ‘habitually resident’ is not defined in Irish law, but in practice it means that you have a proven close link to Ireland and an intention to stay for the foreseeable future. This is for non-EU/EEA nationals with permission to reside in Ireland, seeking or are granted refugee or similar status, or have permission to reside for employment or other reason. Asylum seekers cannot be regarded as habitually resident, while those who are granted refugee status can be considered habitually resident from the date that status is granted. Firstly, applicants must have an established right of residence in the country and that can be demonstrated via an Irish Residence Permit. Then, they will be assessed based on their situation and intentions using the specific factors outlined in the legislation regarding residence in Ireland and abroad, employment patterns, personal interests, and future intentions. For more information, visit www.citizensinformation.ie. Payments requiring habitual residence: Back to Work Family Dividend Blind Pension Carer’s Allowance Child Benefit Disability Allowance Domiciliary Care Allowance Guardian’s Payment (Non-Contributory) Jobseeker’s Allowance and Jobseeker’s Allowance Transitional Payment One-Parent Family Payment

Bereaved Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension

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Supplementary Welfare Allowance

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State Pension (Non-Contributory)

Legal Assistance If you are in need of legal assistance for any reason, here are some resources that might be useful: NASC (www.nascireland.org) works with migrants and refugees with an aim to protect human rights, promote integration, and campaign for change as well as providing free legal services to those who need it. They are based in Cork, but they have a free helpline: 021 427 3594 or email reception@nascireland.org. Legal Aid Board (www.legalaidboard.ie/) helps those who cannot afford to pay solicitors privately by providing legal advice and representation in court. They can also provide family mediation for separating couples. You can apply for legal aid online or download an application from their website. FLAC UCC (www.flac.ie) is an Independent Law Centre offering free and confidential legal information and advice to the public. FLAC operate a telephone legal information and referral line (01 906 1010), legal advice centres, and online legal information, all of which can be found on their website. Immigrant Council of Ireland (www.immigrantcouncil.ie) is an Independent Law Centre that provides assistance and legal representation to individuals regarding their immigration status. This is a free, but limited service for particularly complex

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situations or cases that give rise to specific policy concerns.

BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT Who can work in Ireland? Citizens of the EEA (EU, Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein), Switzerland, and the UK, can live and work in Ireland without an employment permit. They are entitled to be treated in the same way as Irish citizens when they apply for work in Ireland. If you are an EU/EEA national and have a spouse, civil partner or de facto partner that is a non-EU/EEA national and wants to live in Ireland with you, they must apply for permission to remain under EU Treaty Rights to have similar rights to live and work in Ireland. If you are from a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the UK, you need permission to live and work in Ireland. There are nine different employment permits, and you or your employer can apply for an employment permit online. For more information, visit www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving-country/working-inireland/employment-permits/. Certain employments (e.g. medical, financial, civil fields) require specific regulatory bodies or government ministers to recognise qualifications before an employment permit can be granted. For more information, visit www.enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplaceand-skills/employment-permits/employment-permiteligibility/registration-bodies-for-certain-employments/. People who have been granted refugee status in Ireland and people who have been refused refugee status but have been given permission to reside in Ireland on humanitarian grounds do not need an

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employment permit to work in Ireland.

Critical Skills Employment Permit The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed to attract highly skilled people into the labour market with the aim of encouraging them to take up permanent residence in the State. Professionals in the following industries are typically catered for under this type of employment permit: ICT professionals Professional engineers and technologists Medical and healthcare professionals Teaching and educational professionals Business, research and administrative professionals A comprehensive list of the eligible occupations is set out in the Critical Skills Occupations List on the www.gov.ie/ website.

Qualifications Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is the state agency responsible for the recognition of foreign qualifications in Ireland and the recognition of Irish qualifications abroad. For more information, visit www.qqi.ie or call 01 905 8100.

Employee Rights Once employed, it is important to understand your protected rights as an employee and the procedure if you feel the need to make a complaint about your employment rights. For more information, visit www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/.

Starting a Business The Local Enterprise Office is the one stop shop for anyone seeking information and support on starting or growing a business in Ireland. It provides advice, training, mentoring and grants to start ups and partnership, or as a limited company. The type of business you choose depends on the kind of business you do and

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small businesses. You can set up a business as a sole trader, a

with whom you are doing business, and these will determine the kinds of supports your business is eligible for. For more information about the Meath Local Enterprise Office, visit www.localenterprise.ie/meath/, email localenterprise@meathcoco.ie,

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or call 046 909 7000.

TRANSPORT Buses and Trains

The Transport for Ireland (TFI) website (www.transportforireland.ie) is very useful for finding information regarding public transportation, routes, and fares for both buses and trains. There are public buses that operate throughout Meath and across counties. The TFI website has information about all the types of buses, including Bus Eireann which offer rural town-to-town links, and Local Link buses (www.locallinklmf.ie) which offer rural services and door-to-door pre-booked services. To pay for bus fares, you can either pay cash (coins only), use a Transport For Ireland (TFI) Leap Card or the TFI Go App, or by buying a bus ticket at a ticket vending machine at a bus station. For more information, visit www.transportforireland.ie/fares/bus-fares/. Train fares can also be paid using a TFI Leap Card or TFI Go App, or a train ticket can be bought online. For more information visit www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/rail-fares-and-tickets/how-to-guide/guide-tobuying-online.

Free Travel Scheme The Free Travel Scheme allows you to travel free of charge on all public transport owned by the State. This includes bus, rail, and Dublin’s LUAS with some exceptions. Everyone aged 66 and over, legally living permanently in the State, is entitled to the Free Travel Scheme. In some cases, a Free Travel Companion Card is available, which allows a companion to travel with you for free as well. If you are under 66 years old, you may also qualify for the Free

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Travel Scheme if you are getting a Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Invalidity Pension, or are medically certified as unfit to drive for at least 12 months.

Free travel is also available on a limited number of services offered by private bus transport companies. For a list of private bus transport operators that have opted in to the Free Travel Scheme, visit www.gov.ie/freetravel.

Driving in Ireland You need to be at least 17 years old to drive in Ireland and hold a valid driving licence. Visitors are only permitted to use their foreign driving licences in Ireland for a year, unless their licence was issued by an EU/EEA member state, provided the licence is current and valid. If you have a foreign driving licence, you may be able to exchange it for an Irish licence. This is only possible if the licence has been issued by an EU/EEA member State, or one of the recognised states listed here: Australia, Canada (not all provinces), Georgia, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, South Africa, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Switzerland, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Taiwan, UK. If you have a foreign driving licence that is not from an EU/EEA member state or on the list of recognised states, you will not be able to exchange your licence for an Irish one. If you plan to stay in Ireland for more than a year, you must apply for an Irish driving licence. This means you will need to go through the full Driver Licencing process as you would as a new driver. The Irish driver licencing process: Pass a driver theory test Apply for a learner permit Complete a driving test course called Essential Driving Training

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(EDT) - 12 lessons for new drivers, 6 lessons for experienced drivers Pass a driving test

If you want to drive a bus or truck professionally, you will have to get a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in addition to the valid driving licence in the category of vehicle you wish to drive. Getting CPC qualified involves its own series of theory and practical tests. For more information, visit www.rsa.ie/services/professional-drivers.

Driver Theory Test Before you can take driving lessons or start practicing driving, you must pass the official driver theory test. This test will cover: rules of the road, risk perception, eco-driving, hazard awareness, and safe driving behaviour. You can find more information, and official revision material on the Road Safety Authority’s (RSA) website: www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/theory-test. If English is not your first language, you can request assistance. Test day assistance/support services must be requested by calling 081 860 6106 or via their support request form found here: www.theorytest.ie/general-information/test-day-assistance-support/. They have options for voiceovers in 20 languages listed on their website. If you need translation assistance in a language not listed, you can request a translator to assist you on the day of your test. When going to the test centre you will need a valid form of ID.

Learner Permit When applying for a learner permit, you must have passed the driver theory test, have an eyesight report form (dated within one month), and a medical report form (dated within one month), which you will have to provide when applying. Additionally, you will need to provide a proof of: address, PPS Number, and ID. If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you will also need to provide proof that you are normally €45.00 and you will be able to pay with a card, or cash if applying in person.

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resident in Ireland. The application fee for a learner permit is

If you have a Public Services Card (PSC), you can apply for your learner permit online. If not, you can apply in person at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre. The NDLS centre in Co. Meath is in Trim: Unit 3 Finnegans Way, Emmet St, Trim, Co. Meath, C15 VX22. Your photo and signature will be digitally captured as part of the application process. For more information, visit www.ndls.ie/learner-driver/my-first-learner-permit.html.

Driving Offences and Penalty Points Penalty points are a method of enforcing the rules of the road and improving road safety. When certain driving offences are committed, penalty points are added to the offenders driver’s licence. Some traffic offences might have other penalties such as fines or imprisonment, and others might have a combination of fines and penalty points. If you incur penalty points, they are then part of your driving licence record, held on the National Vehicle and Driver File run by the Department of Transport. Penalty points stay on your licence for 3 years. When applying for motor insurance, you must disclose your penalty points, which they will verify via the National Vehicle and Driver File. These points will typically increase your motor insurance premium. If a learner permit driver gets seven penalty points, they will be automatically disqualified from driving for six months. This threshold and period of disqualification also applies for the first two years of having a full driving licence (Novice driver). Drivers that have had a full licence for more than two years will be disqualified for six months if they get twelve penalty points within three years. If a driver is disqualified, they must surrender their learner permit, foreign driver’s licence, or full Irish driving licence to NDLS for the duration of their disqualification. For more information, visit www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel-and-

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recreation/motoring/driving-offences/penalty-points-for-drivingoffences/.

EDT and Driving Test Once you have completed your Essential Driving Training (EDT) sessions, and have held your learners driving permit for six months, you may book a driving test on the RSA’s website (www.rsa.ie/). The EDT course is made up of twelve one-hour lessons with a RSA approved driving instructor. You will be expected and encouraged to do multiple hours of practice between lessons with a sponsor; a licensed driver that supervises a learner driver while they practice driving, typically a guardian or parent. If you are an experienced driver looking to get an Irish driving licence, you might be permitted to do fewer lessons, depending on your proficiency. Your progress will be recorded both physically and digitally by your driving instructor, and once all lessons have been marked complete, you will be able to be added to the waiting list for a driving test. It is recommended that the driving test be applied for as soon as possible as waiting times can be very long. The driving test is made up of two parts, firstly you are asked about rules of the road, road signs, and about your vehicle: both underneath the bonnet and the controls inside the car. The second part of the test is the practical drive. The examiner will give you directions to drive a specific route and they will be marking you based on your driving performance. For more information, visit the RSA’s website (www.rsa.ie/).

Motor Tax Under Irish law, if you have a car you must pay motor tax before you can drive it. You can pay online at www.motortax.ie. You can get more information about the cost and how to pay motor tax at www.motortax.ie. Online payment will require: Vehicle registration number PIN number - the last six digits of your Vehicle Registration if the vehicle is new/imported, it is the last six digits of

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Certificate (VRC) Number when taxing a second hand vehicle, or

your chassis number, also known as a Vehicle ___Identification Number (VIN) on your logbook. Insurance details (name of company, expiry date, and insurance policy number) Credit/debit card details Alternatively, you can pay your motor tax in person at: Meath Motor Taxation, Buvinda House, Dublin Road, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 Y291. Once you have paid your motor tax, you will be issued a tax disc, which you must display on the inside of your car windscreen, along with your motor insurance disc and NCT disc.

Motor Insurance Under Irish law, you must also have motor insurance before you can drive your car in Ireland. Driving without insurance in Ireland is a serious offence. If caught, you will get a fine and penalty points which may disqualify you from driving. Most insurance companies will sell motor insurance. The price can vary considerably from company to company and depends on the age of the car, the type of car, and the age and experience of the driver.

National Car Test (NCT) Under Irish law, your car must have regular tests to make sure it is road worthy and safe to drive. This test is called a National Car Test (NCT) and is carried out in local testing centres. A full test fee is €60, and a re-test fee is €40. If your car does not have an up to date NCT certification, you could face a fine and penalty points on your licence. Cars that are 0-3 years old do not require an NCT, cars 4-9 years old require an NCT every 2 years, and cars 10+ years old require an NCT annually. For more information about the NCT and when it is

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due, visit www.ncts.ie.

Toll Roads Ireland has ten toll roads and drivers using these roads must pay to use the road, bridge or tunnel where the toll plaza is located. Most toll roads in Ireland use barrier-operated toll plazas. Payment options at these plazas include: Manual lanes with an attendant who will take payment by card or cash. Automatic coin machine lanes and contactless card lanes. Electronic eFlow tag lanes. The only toll road that does not have a barrier-operated toll plaza is the M50 motorway around Dublin, which, as a barrier-free eFlow toll system, photographs a vehicle’s licence plate number. These tolls can be paid instantly with an electronic eFlow tag or paid online via www.eflow.ie before 8pm the following day to avoid late payment penalties.

Child Safety in Cars Under Irish law, all children under 150cm in height or 36kg in weight (typically from birth until age 13) must use a child restraint system (CRS) suitable for their height and weight while travelling in a car or goods vehicle (other than a taxi). An example of a CRS would be a child sear or a high-back booster seat. When buying a CRS, look for the ‘E’ mark to ensure that it conforms to the most current and rigorous standards. It is illegal to place a rearward-facing child car seat in the front of the car where there is an active airbag. An airbag which deploys (opens up) in front of a rearward-facing child car seat can cause serious injury or even death in the event of a collision. Check it Fits is a free, nationwide service with qualified technicians

concerns you may have. For more information or to book an

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that you can book virtual appointments with to check that your child car seat is installed safely as well as answering any questions and

online appointment, visit www.rsa.ie/road-safety/roadusers/passengers/children/check-it-fits. For more information on child safety in cars, visit www.rsa.ie/road-

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safety/road-users/passengers/children/child-safety-in-cars.

SAFETY AND WELFARE Emergencies For emergencies that require fire, police, or medical personnel, call 999 or 112 free of charge, and explain the emergency to the operator. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired, you can report a crime or an emergency by text message on 112.

An Garda Siochana If you live in Ireland and are the victim of a crime, you should contact the Gardai - the Irish police force. If English is not your first language, Gardaí can provide free translation services. For non-emergency or general enquiries, contact your nearest local garda station: District Headquarters Ashbourne Garda Station Kells Garda Station Navan Garda Station Trim Garda Station

Telephone 01 801 0600

Areas Covered Ashbourne, Duleek, Dunshaughlin, Dunboyne and Laytown 046 928 0820 Athboy, Kells, and Oldcastle 046 907 9930 Navan, Nobber, and Slane 046 948 6140 Enfield, Longwood, Summerhill and Trim

Garda Racial, Intercultural and Diversity Office is a unit within the An Garda Siochana that is responsible for monitoring hate crimes and

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hate related incidents. To contact them, call 01 666 3150, or email diversity@garda.ie.

Willow Domestic Violence Services Meath Women’s Refuge provides a 24-hour, 365-days a year helpline: 1800 46 46 46, and emergency refuge accommodation for women and children who have to leave their home because of domestic abuse. They also offer one-to-one confidential support and accompaniment to court and other services. To contact them, email support@willowdas.ie or visit www.willowdas.ie

GP Out of Hours Service/NEDOC NEDOC is a partnership with GPs in the region and the HSE to provide urgent out-of-hours GP care. They are the service that you can contact for urgent care when your nearest GP/surgery closes in the evenings, over weekends, or Bank Holidays. NEDOC is an appointment only service and is not a walk-in clinic. They operate from 6pm to 8am Monday to Friday and 24 hours at weekends and Bank Holidays.

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To contact them, phone 1800 777 911.

COMMUNITY AND CULTURE Listed below are some of the community groups and cultural amenities available in Meath. You will find contact details for many more community and support groups, and upcoming events in the local paper: The Meath Chronicle, shop noticeboards, parish newsletters, and social media platforms.

Meath Public Participation Network The PPN office supports and connects a broad range of member organisations in Meath. If you have a particular interest or area you would like to take part in locally, the PPN are likely to know if there is a group around that interest or activity in Meath. To get in touch with the Meath PPN, please email meathppn@meathcoco.ie.

Meath County Council For questions or issues relating to Meath County Council services, please contact customerservice@meathcoco.ie or call 046 909 7000.

The Rotary Club Navan This club unites people from all cultures and occupations to exchange ideas and take action in communities around the world. For more information, visit www.navanrotaryclub.org.

Meath Library Service Meath’s libraries are available to join for free and are open to all community members. Members can enjoy a range of services including computers, online resources, toddler groups, Storytime, www.meath.ie/council/council-services/libraries.

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access to books and online courses. For more information, visit

Traveller Living History Traveller Living History is a voluntary Community Development Organisation, which is a partnership of Travellers and Settled people working together. Their programmes include Traveller Heritage and Culture Awareness, Childcare, Youth and Community Development, and addressing Traveller issues such as education, accommodation, and employment, as well as providing family supports and citizen information. For more information, visit www.travellerlivinghistory.ie, call 046 902 7801, or email marina.travellerheritage@gmail.com.

Meath Volunteer Centre This service links organisations and groups that need voluntary support with individuals who wish to volunteer some of their free time. To browse local volunteering opportunities go to: www.volunteermeath.ie/volunteers/search-for-opportunities/. For inquiries call 046 928 0790 or email info@volunteermeath.ie.

Men’s Sheds A Men’s Shed is a friendly and welcoming place where men can come together and undertake a variety of activities. Men’s Sheds are open to all men regardless of age, background, or ability, and are places to share skills and knowledge. There are numerous sheds around the country, to find your nearest shed please visit www.menssheds.ie/shed_county/leinster/co-meath or call 0818 900 800.

Women’s Shed Navan Navan Women’s Shed provides a safe space for all women to reconnect with themselves and each other, to empower women to share skills with each other and to also have the confidence to learn reduce isolation and improve connectivity. To contact them, email navanwomensshed@gmail.com.

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something new, to provide a non-judgemental environment to

Navan Sister Shed Navan Sister Shed provides a community of supportive and empowered women to shine brighter together. They support women of all ages and backgrounds in communities across Ireland. Their mission is to champion women to thrive in their personal development and wellbeing. For more information, visit www.sistersheds.ie or email admin@sistersheds.ie.

Active Retirement Ireland This association was established to enable retired people and anybody over 55 to enjoy a full and active life and to advocate for them. They arrange social events, educational options, and activities which encourage groups in nearly every area in Meath. For more information, visit www.activeirl.ie or call 01 873 3836.

Solstice Arts Centre Based in Navan, the Solstice Arts Centre features music, theatre, visual arts, cinema, and dance. To keep up with upcoming events and for more information, visit www.solsticeartscentre.ie.

Meath Archaeological & Historical Society The object of the Society is to locate, preserve, examine, publish and illustrate the antiquities, records and traditions connected with Meath. The society runs a programme of events each year including talks, walks and lectures. For more information, visit www.mahs.ie.

Civil Defence The Civil Defence service (www.civildefence.ie/) is a volunteer-based emergency response organisation which supports frontline emergency services such as dealing with severe weather or searching for missing

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persons. They also carry out community support activities such as providing first aid cover at both local and national events. To contact them, email shane.quinn@meathcoco.ie.

Family Resource Centre (FRC) Family Resource Centres (FRC) are participative and empowering organisations that support families while building capacity and leadership within local communities. FRCs provide a range of universal and targeted services and development opportunities that address the needs of families. Services include: family support, food banks, job seekers support, counselling, play therapy, parenting courses, children’s workshops, and holiday activities. For more information visit www.tusla.ie and search Family Resource Centre.

Sports Below are only some of the sports groups available in Meath: The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is Ireland’s largest sporting organisation. The association promotes Gaelic games such as: Hurling, Football, Handball, and Rounders. They also work with sister organisations to promote Ladies Football and Camogie. There are GAA clubs and grounds all over Co. Meath. For more information, visit www.meath.gaa.ie/clubs/. Meath Local Sports Partnership promotes the development of sport in Co. Meath through partnerships, events, courses and training programmes. For more information, visit www.meathsports.ie, call 046 906 7887, or email mlsp@meathcoco.ie. If you want to visit them in person, their address is: Town Hall, Watergate Street, Navan, Co. Meath C15 C821.

Things To Do Emerald Park (www.emeraldpark.ie) is a 22.26-hectare amusement park and zoo located in Kilbrew, Co. Meath. Tickets can be bought on their website. Prices vary depending on the type of ticket.

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Funtasia (www.funtasia.ie) is a waterpark and arcade with

various attractions for children and their parents. Tickets can be bought on their website. To contact them, email partyoffice@funtasia.ie.

Outdoor Recreation There are parks and playgrounds funded by Meath County Council in most towns in Co. Meath. Meath has a rich heritage with plenty to see and do. For a range of activities to do in Co. Meath, visit www.discoverboynevalley.ie/plan-your-visit/things-to-do. Brú na Boinne Visitor Centre (www.newgrange.com) and The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre (www.battleoftheboyne.ie) are two visitor centres where you can book tickets to access sites and guided tours to become immersed in Irish heritage and culture.

Migrant Support Below are organisations that focus on the rights and integration of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland. Cultúr Migrant Centre (www.cultur.ie) is a community work organisation working across Co. Meath with ethnic minorities including immigrants, migrant workers, asylum seekers and refugees. To contact them, call 046 909 3120, or email info@cultur.ie. Immigrant Council Ireland (www.immigrantcouncil.ie/) is a human rights organisation and Independent Law Centre. They support and advocate for the rights of immigrants and their families and act as a catalyst for public debate as well as for legal and policy change. Although they are based in Dublin, they have a helpline (01 674 0200) available from 10am-1pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with evening support on Tuesdays from 7pm-9pm. This is a free and confidential service. Irish Network Against Racism (INAR) is a national network of antiracism civil society organisations which aim to work collectively to highlight and address the issue of racism in Ireland. They are also based in Dublin, but they do have a Racist Incident Reporting

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System that anyone can use found here: www.ireport.ie.

VOTING Register to Vote Both new (18+ years old and living in Ireland) and existing electors can register or update their details anytime online at www.checktheregister.ie. Residents that are 16 and 17 year olds can also now pre-register. Forms can also be downloaded from www.checktheregister.ie if you: Don’t have a PPSN Want to update your citizenship Want to apply for a special or postal vote Want to apply to be an anonymous elector Want to make a third party request for a change to the register All forms should be returned to Meath County Council, Register of Electors, Buvinda House, Dublin Road, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 Y291 or by email to registerofelectors@meathcoco.ie. For all other queries please contact the register team at 046 909 7000 or email registerofelectors@meathcoco.ie.

Eligibility to Vote You must be living full time in the State to be eligible to vote. You will be asked your nationality as this will affect which elections you can vote in: An Irish citizen: you are eligible to vote in all elections and referendums. An EU citizen: you are eligible to vote in European and local elections. A British citizen: you are eligible to vote in Dáil and local All others: you are eligible to vote in local elections.

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elections.

BANKING To open any type of bank account, you will need proof of identity (passport, drivers licence, etc.) and proof of address (tenancy/rental agreement, employment letter that includes an address, etc.). Some financial institutions may require more documentation. There are three main types of financial institutes in Ireland: banks, building societies and credit unions. You can open an account in any bank or building society for your everyday banking needs. This type of account is called a current account; you can lodge/put money in such as your salary or social welfare payment, or withdraw/take money out at a branch or via an ATM. This type of account will also allow you to pay bills and transfer money. A savings account is one where you gain interest on your money. It is also called a deposit account. If you do earn interest on your savings, you will have to pay a tax on the interest called Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT). A credit union is a financial co-operative where members can save money and can lend money to each other at reasonable rates of interest. Unlike banks, credit unions are not-for-profit organisations with a community focus. To open a credit union account, you must demonstrate that you live or work in the local area of the credit union you will be joining. You will also have to provide evidence of your PPS Number. To find out more or to become a member, visit www.creditunion.ie. An Post is the state-owned provider of postal services in Ireland. An Post also provides a banking service where you can open a personal or www.anpost.com/money/current-account.

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joint current account. For more information, visit

To help you decide which financial product is best for you, visit www.consumerhelp.ie, which has lots of easy to understand information about banking, savings, loans and other financial matters. Once you have decided what type of account you want to open and which provider you want to use, contact them and ask for an application form. You will need proof of identity and address. For

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more information, visit www.citizensinformation.ie.

CITIZENSHIP How can I become an Irish citizen? Irish citizenship is obtained in different ways. Most Irish citizens get their citizenship through birth or descent. Foreign nationals can apply to become Irish citizens through naturalisation. To apply for naturalisation in Ireland, you must be 18 years or older, and have been physically resident in Ireland for a certain length of time, which will vary depending on circumstance. You will also have to prove that you are of ‘good character.’ For the purpose of the application, ‘good character’ will be limited to recognisable methods of highlighting any criminal, unsociable, and/or disruptive behaviour. This comes down to whether or not you have any: criminal records, driving offences, ongoing investigations, ongoing criminal cases, cautions or warnings issued by the Gardai about you, or certain civil cases. For more information, visit www.citizensinformation.ie.

Dual Citizenship If you are an Irish Citizen, you may also hold a dual citizenship, meaning holding citizenship of another country. You should be aware that certain countries do not recognise dual citizenship. If you wish to apply for dual citizenship, you should check with the authorities of the other country to ensure that your rights are protected. For example, the law in some countries provides for the automatic termination of its citizenship or nationality if you acquire another citizenship or nationality. You should also be aware that acquiring Irish citizenship does not automatically void the obligations of complete military service. For more information, visit www.irishimmigration.ie.

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another citizenship or nationality, for example, the requirement to

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS On a public holiday, sometimes called a ‘Bank Holiday,’ most businesses and schools are closed. Other services, for example, public transport, still operate but often with restricted schedules. The list of ten public holidays in Ireland each year are as follows: New Year’s Day - 1 January St Brigid’s Day - first Monday in February St Patrick’s Day - 17 March Easter Monday - changes every year based on the lunar calendar May Day - first Monday in May June Bank Holiday - first Monday in June August Bank Holiday - first Monday in August October Bank Holiday - last Monday in October Christmas Day - 25 December

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St Stephen’s Day - 26 December