Goats lead way for rare breeds Ex-Fingal council CEO to lead drug assembly €10m fishing pier for Howth

A NEW report focusing on the conservation and promotion of Irish heritage breeds has been launched by Fingal County Council, with Newbridge House & Farm tipped to lead the way to promote rare breeds.

Native breeds play a vital role in providing essential land management, as is evident by the regeneration of Howth Head where Old Irish goats have been introduced.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony said: “This report clearly shows that Newbridge Farm is well positioned to promote rare breeds and how they can be incorporated in the visitor experience at the farm.

“As we have seen with the likes of Old Irish Goats on Howth Head, Irish heritage breeds can truly help protect the countryside we love, so in sustaining their future we hope that people might see the opportunities these unique breeds offer.”

Newbridge House & Farm, in Donabate, is open for tours, where visitors can see pygmy goats, pot-bellied pigs, black swans and Bengal owls. See: www.newbridgehouseandfarm. com

A former CEO of Fingal County Council has been appointed as the independent chairperson of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use.

Paul Reid — who was Fingal County Council chief from 2014-2019 and CEO of the HSE through the Covid-19 pandemic — said he was “delighted” to have been appointed to the position.

“The problems associated with drugs use in Ireland affect us all, directly or indirectly,” he said.

“Previous Assemblies have shown that members of the general public have an important contribution to make to tackling complex societal problems, and I expect that the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use will be no different,” Mr Reid added.

The announcement was made by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

“Paul has vast leadership experience and a successful track record as CEO of the Health Services Executive and Fingal County Council. I am confident he will be an excellent choice as Chairperson of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use,” Mr Varadkar said.

The Assembly was established last month, following resolutions in the Dáil and Seanad, with the

Terms of Reference calling on the body to examine and make recommendations on the legislative, policy and operational changes the State could make to reduce the harmful impacts of illicit drugs on individuals, families,