06-03-2024

‘Creaking at the seams’

By Paul Byrne

CHILDREN’S mental health services were in the spotlight this week as two local TD’s called for an overhaul of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) while speaking in the Dáil this week.

Their comments came in the wake of a report from the Children’s Rights Alliance which pointed out a number of deficiencies in the system which they described as ‘creaking at the seams’.

Speaking in the Dáil Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick highlighted the lack of emergency out of hours services for children looking for help.

“Children with a dual diagnosis of mental ill-health and an intellectual disability are falling through the

cracks, as are neurodiverse children. A lack of emergency CAMHS outof-hours services is resulting in 16-year-old children presenting in emergency departments. If they are lucky enough to speak with a CAMHS psychologist, they are commonly recommended residential care.

However, residential care is not available on an emergency basis. Children have to wait until a bed becomes available. They are being passed from pillar to post.

On top of this, when a child attends an emergency department, if they are under 16, they are referred directly to CAMHS but if they are aged 16, they are considered an adult and admitted to an adult ward.

Continued on Page 2

Senior Category Award winners Lauren McArtain and Luke Duffy of ‘Colour mo Cheantar’ from St Mary’s College, Dundalk at the 2024 Louth Student Enterprise Awards. Pic Credit- Jenny Callanan Photography.

Local TD’s tell Dáil of urgent need for reform

From Page 1

However, the issue in my constituency is that despite being eligible for an adult ward, they are not eligible to access the psychological doctor in Our Lady of Lourdes

Hospital as that service is for adults only.

The HSE recruitment freeze no doubt has had a significant effect on wait times in children’s mental health services. For example, over

the Christmas period, which is undeniably a hard period for many, GPs in County Louth received a letter informing them that there would be no consultant psychiatrist cover in the Elms CAMHS for the next four weeks, and so no action was taken on referrals received within this period. Elms is one of three teams that provides the main HSE child and adolescent psychiatric services for all of the county. Doctors were further advised to send any emergency psychiatric presentations of patients experiencing mental health crises to emergency departments. Every day, children are suffering because of inadequate access to the care they need. There is an inconsistent continuity of care and many young people fall out of services or never access them at all. These failures mean that early intervention is passing young people by. Vulnerable children deserve better. They deserve timely access to the care and support they need

to thrive. We need to listen to the voices of children, families and experts who have been advocating for change. Together, we can ensure that no child is left behind and that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a healthy and happy environment. The time for action is now.

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú echoed those sentiments while also highlighting figures which show that 115 children in this region have been waiting over a year to see a somebody in CAMHS.

‘The most recent figure for the number on the CAMHS waiting list in CHO 8, which includes Louth, is 695, of whom 115 have been waiting more than 52 weeks.

‘The figure of 695 is an incredible increase on the 270 that were on the list in July 2020. I wish to put on the record the large amount of work that is done by those in mental health services, particularly child and youth mental health services, while accepting that people experience considerable issues in accessing those services’.

‘What we need to see is this issue being tackled and a solution being provided that delivers for these children, young adults and families. With people ageing out and what we all say about adult services, we cannot have people falling off the edge of a cliff’.

The Children’s Rights Alliance launched its Annual Report Card recently and awarded the government an E for their efforts in offering mental health services to children.

Speaking at the launch of the Report Card Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance, said:

“It is worrying that

the Government committed to ending the admission of children to adult units, and four years’ later, they are rowing back on this commitment, stating that may not be the case that Ireland will ever reach a point where there are absolutely no children in adult facilities.

Admitting children in adult units when they are in distress is very frightening for them.

The Report Card reveals that 12 children were admitted in the last year. This is down from 20 in 2022. However, serious questions need to be raised about the lack of CAMHS beds, with 50 percent of the admissions in 2023 caused by the lack of CAMHS capacity. We have seen throughout 2023 a reduction in in-patient CAMHS capacity due to staff shortages with only 51 of 72 beds being operational. This coupled with the high numbers of children waiting for a first appointment with CAMHS (almost 4,000 children as of July 2023) points to a creaking at the seams.”

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St. Mary’s NS Winners of Dundalk Credit Union Schools Quiz

Dundalk Credit Union’s Annual Primary School Quiz Night took place in The Fairways, Dundalk on Tuesday, 20th February to a packed audience. This year saw 200 students across 50 teams from 20 schools taking part, proudly supported by their teachers, parents and families.

After a tiebreaker round, the overall winners were St. Mary’s NS Knockbridge (Zoe McClean, Beibhinn Kelly, Leah Agnew and Olivia Rose McCourt), followed closely by St. Malachy’s Boys NS in 2nd place (Liam Matthews, Connor B. Sheehy, Matthew Mac Artain and John Carolan), and Dulary NS in 3rd place (Shea Fearon, Matthew Cavaroli, Jamie Brennan and Toby Fleming).

These three local teams now go forward to represent their schools and the county at the national final hosted by the Credit Union Development Association (CUDA) in the Blanchardstown on Saturday 2nd March.

The team at Dundalk Credit Union would like to thank all of the teachers, students and supporters from each of the 20 participating primary schools who attended the Quiz Night.

We wish St. Mary’s NS, St. Malachy’s BNS and Dulary NS every success in the CUDA National Schools Quiz Final on the 2nd March.

1st Place St. Mary’s NS Knockbridge

2nd Place St. Malachy’s Boys NS

3rd Place Dulargy NS

Tanya Ward.

Pay increase secured for PA’s in third level institutions

THERE has been a warm welcome for a substantial pay increase for personal assistants (PAs) at third level institutions which will boost the wages of workers in colleges like Ó Fiaich, Drogheda Institute of Further and Higher Education and Cavan Institute.

Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has been working with PAs for nearly two years to secure better pay and conditions and welcomed last night’s announcement from Minister for Further and Higher Educa-

tion, Simon Harris, that the hourly rate for PAs would increase from March 1 to €21 per hour.

The increase means the hourly wages for PAs working in Education and Training Boards (ETBs) in the State would jump from the current rate of €14.72 on Friday.

Deputy Ó Murchú said the news, announced in the Dáil last night by Minister Harris, was ‘extremely welcome’. The pay rise will be funded through SOLAS thanks to an increase in funding from

the department through the Fund for Students with Disabilities.

The union, Forsa, has lodged a formal claim for improvements to the terms and conditions of PAs working within the ETB structure, seeking the establishment of a public service grade, with an incremental salary scale, pension and leave entitlements.

Minister Harris said that he had also asked his department to undertake a review of PAs right across the further and higher education sector, with the terms of

reference to be finalised.

The minister said he believed there needed to be ‘a consistency in approach and real engagement with Forsa’.

The Dundalk TD said: ‘I have been working with PAs from Louth, Meath and Cavan over the last almost two years in order to try to improve terms and conditions for them.

‘The news last night is very welcome and comes following my request that while the union’s formal pay claim is being considered, that the PAs would have some

interim relief. But it is a first step.

‘Many of the PAs that I am working with will, come the Easter break, have to fill in jobseeker applications in order to get some income when the colleges are off.

‘They have to do this every time there is a break like Christmas and the summer. It causes incredible difficulties for them and they need a contract that is secure and reflects the incredible work they do in assisting people with disabilities through college courses’.

New Bill introduced to ensure better compensation for consumers when trains are delayed/cancelled by Irish Rail

SENATOR John McGahon introduces Private Members Bill in the Seanad to see the introduction of tiered compensation for trains delayed by 20 minutes or more.

Louth-based Fine Gael Senator John McGahon has introduced Improved Rail Passenger Rights with Compensation for Delays and Cancellations Bill 2024 in Seanad Éireann.

Senator McGahon stated, “In the commuter counties, including County Louth, there are many commuters travelling daily to Dublin, or multiple times a week. I hear regularly from these commuters that it is not unusual for several trains to be delays on any given week. Quite frankly, that is not good enough. Frequent

Senator John McGahon. delays and cancellations of rail transport services are unacceptable.”

In his Bill introduced in the Seanad, his Bill will see the initial steps taken

for the introduction of a tiered form of compensation arrangements for rail passengers. For train delays of between 20 and 39 minutes, a 25% refund will be offered; for delays of between 40 and 59 minutes, a 50% refund; and for delays over 60 minutes, a full 100% refund be given to rail passengers.

He continued, “the way that the current public transport operates needs to be improved. To ensure trains run on time, according to their stated schedule, passengers need to have confidence that the rail operators still to that schedule, or else be faced with having to financial compensate passengers for their late trains. This tiered scheme of compensation will financially incentivise Irish Rail to op-

erate their services as they promise”.

Several other EU Member States have similar tiered compensation schemes in place, such as in Denmark and Sweden. “If other EU Member States can have rail passengers compensated for delayed or cancelled rain services, then so can commuters in County Louth for trains to Dublin”, added Senator McGahon.

“I look forward to debating the merits of the Bill with the Minister for Transport in the Seanad in the near future, so that rail passengers can ensure more reliability from Irish Rail on their services for commuters”, concluded Senator McGahon.

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú.

Cultural Day in Castletown Girls School

By Tamara O’Connell

CASTLETOWN Girls’ School has embarked on a journey to become a School of Sanctuary. This means we are a school that welcomes and celebrates all cultures.

The Dundalk-based national school has children from 25 different countries with over 26 languages spoken in our school.

The student council at Castletown Girls’ School organised an Intercultural week to celebrate diversity in the school.

Artist Mags Harnett, who works in the National Gallery, visited the school on Tuesday, February 27. She ran workshops with 4th and 6th classes called ‘Depicting Diversity’.

The school also welcomed an ambassador from Schools of Sanctuary. She spoke to the pupils about the importance of making our school a safe and welcoming place for all.

The following day, Nell McDonagh, and her daughter, Laura from Navan Travellers Workshop visited the school.

The women taught the girls about Traveller culture and traditions. According to the staff, everyone in the school “thoroughly enjoyed their stories”.

Last Thursday, Castletown Girls’ School held a ‘book tasting’ event. Each class visited the school’s Starbooks coffee shop and perused the selection of new culturally diverse and dual language books.

The culturally diverse books were gifted from Children’s Books Ireland and funded by William Fry.

Castletown Girls’ School also held on Intercultural Day on Friday, March 1. Children dressed in the traditional dress of their country or in colours to represent their national flag.

They made posters detailing their country’s traditions and cultures. The parents of the pupils prepared traditional dishes and the children got to taste foods from all over the world.

The staff added: “We would like to thank the parents and students of our wonderful school community for their hard work and support.”

Louth County Council’s library branches recognised

LOUTH County Library Services have been awarded the ‘Age Friendly Recognition Charter’ by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.

The Minister awarded Age Friendly Recognition Charters to Ireland’s public libraries at an event in Edgeworthstown Library in Co. Longford on February 16th.

Minister Humphreys said she was “delighted” to recognise “the superb work of our public libraries in developing enhanced services for ageing communities and to award the Age Friendly Recognition Charters to our library services”. Libraries, she added, “are a core service within our neighbourhoods, and they are particularly invaluable to older people as

a source of information, and as community hubs, learning centres and cultural facilities.”

The Age Friendly Recognition Charter recognises the progress made by the public library service in developing enhanced services for older communities. Public libraries have reviewed their collections and event programmes

along with their facilities and services to identify improvements to meet older person’s needs.

Louth County Council’s Acting County Librarian, Amanda Branigan received the charter from Minister Humphreys and said, “Library staff across all our branches go above and beyond to create

welcoming, accessible, and relevant services for older people and people who have diverse and changing needs”.

Each of the five branch libraries in Louth have an Age Friendly staff champion and run a wide range of programmes throughout the year to cater for the needs of older people.

All library services are free. For further information contact your local branch or email:

Libraryhelpdesk@ louthcoco.ie; Dundalk Library, Roden Place, Dundalk, A91 RC44; Drogheda Library, Stockwell Lane, Drogheda, A92 PY20; Ardee Library, Market Square, Ardee, A92 XH22; Carlingford Library, Newry Street, Carlingford, A91 N226; Dunleer Library, Station Road, Dunleer, A92 W322.

Redeemer Family Resource Centre Hosts Its Annual Senior Citizen Dinner Dance

ON February 25th, the Redeemer Family Resource Centre hosted a lively and entertaining dinner dance for the senior citizens in the community. The event provided a fun and social atmosphere for seniors to come together, enjoy music and dancing, and connect with one another.

The event, which took place at the centre’s spacious and welcoming facility,

featured a live band of Paddy MacEnaney and Tubby Corrway that played a variety of classic tunes that had the guests taking to the dance floor. The party also included a delicious dinner served by Conlon’s Food Hall and refreshments, ensuring that guests were well-fed and hydrated throughout the evening. Guests at the party

were in high spirits, chatting and laughing with one another, clearly enjoying the opportunity to socialize and make new friends.

“Events like these are so important for our senior citizens,” said Joe Murtagh, Chairman of Board of Management at the Redeemer Family Resource Centre.

“It’s wonderful to see them come together,

have a good time, and feel connected to their community. We are thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity for them.”

For more information about the Redeemer Family Resource Centre and their upcoming events and programs contact Reception 042 93 86495 or email reception@redeemercentre. com.

Heather Humphreys TD and Amanda Brannigan.

Castletown Girls School 1st Class.

Castletown Girls School 4th Class.

Castletown Girls School 2nd Class.

Castletown Girls School 5th Class.

Castletown Girls School 3rd Class.

Castletown Girls School 6th Class.

The Redeemer Family Resource Centre hosted teh Annual Senior Citizen Dinner Dance last month.

The event helps senior citizens connect with the community.

Ceara and Ciara crowned winners of Irish Times debating final

By Tamara O’Connell

TWO local women Ceara Tonna-Bathet and Ciara McLoughlin have been crowned team winners of the 64th Irish Times Debate final.

Ceara, aged 26, is from Ravensale and Ciara, aged 24, is from the Avenue Road. They are both former students of St Vincent’s Secondary School.

“I was a year ahead of Ciara at St Vincent’s. We

both went on to study law at Trinity College Dublin and now are both studying at the King’s Inns,” said Ceara.

“Ciara was involved in debating all the way through school; I did a little in secondary. I think the 64th Irish Times Debate was a really good competition.”

Participating students at the final debated the motion: “This house believes referendums are no way to run a country.”

St Louis ready to bring Oliver JR to the stage

Our Transition Year students have been working hard behind the scenes since September and are delighted to announce that they are ready to bring their take on “OLIVER JR!” to the infamous stage in our own Chapel Hall.

This is a show that should not be missed. Tickets are available to purchase in school or online on the school website( See Link below) Be quick https://stlouisdundalk.ie/

1—What city will this summers Olympic Games take place?

2—According to the last census what is the most common surname in Ireland?

3—In chess which piece will always move to a different colour?

4—What is the only English anagram of the word ‘KITCHENS’?

5—What year did the new Tesco Extra store open on the Dublin Road (site of the old shopping centre)?

6—Accord, Inspire and Integra are all models of cars made by which manufacturer?

7—Ed O’Neill starred as Al Bundy in which popular American comedy series?

8—Meteorological spring began on March 1st but when does astronomical spring begin in the

northern hemisphere?

9—Which of these was not the name of an apostle in the Bible: Philip; Daniel; Simon; Thaddeaus; or Andrew?

10—Spider Treacy and Cáit O’Riordan were members of which Irish band?

The Stinker: What five letter word retains the same pronunciaton even after removing four of its letters?

—THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS—

1—Paris, 2—Murphy, 3—Knight, 4—THICKENS, 5—2015, 6—Honda, 7—Maried with Children, 8—March 20th, 9—Daniel, 10—The Pogues. The Stinker: Queue.

Contestants who argued in favour of the proposition said referendums are a powerful democratic tool which give individuals a more direct voice on issues of public interest.

Those arguing against said referendums stoke division, reduce complex issues to simple propositions and encourage tribal and emotionallycharged argument.

“It requires you to be on point but also to

NEWS in Brief

Knights of Hibernia

The Annual General Meeting to be held on Sunday 10th Marchat our offices on Clanbrassil Street at 12 noon sharp.

All members welcome.

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje from August 27th to September 3rd, 2024 – 8 days

Cost approximately 300 euros which includes bed/breakfast plus full itineray. There are also optional excursions. (You book your own flight). For further details: please phone 0851833110.

World Book Day Storytime

Join us on Thursday 7th March at 3:30pm in Dundalk Library as we celebrate World Book Day! We’re having a very special Storytime session and would love to see everyone dressed up as their favourite book character.

Suitable for children under 8 years of age, there is no booking required but all children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.

be entertaining, which I enjoyed. Myself and Ciara argued for the proposition, so we were proposing that referendums are not a good way to run a country,” said Ceara.

“We were arguing the process could be damaging for people if their rights end up being de-

bated. Complex questions also often end up being oversimplified.”

Speakers were competing for the Demosthenes Trophy for best team, and the Christina Murphy Memorial Trophy for best individual.

In addition, there were also places to be

won for an all-expenses-paid tour of the United States for the three winning speakers.

“Sadly, we can’t go on the trip to Hawaii as we will have exams around that time. But we are delighted to have won the team category of this prestigious competition,” she said.

Ceara and Ciara receive their prize.

Brendan Marmion, Lisdoo Social Dancing Committee (centre front) presents Fr Brendan Callanan (left) and Fr Seamus O’Neill (third from left) from St Patrick’s Missionary Society with a cheque for €5000. Two men on the right of pic are Peter McKevitt and Noel Matthews (Lisdoo Social Dancing Committee). Two men at the back are Philip Kehoe and Matthew McGee from the Lisdoo. All proceeds came from the Social Dancing in Lisdoo.

FAMILY NOTICES

MOTHERS DAY GREETINGS IN MEMORIAM

McELARNEY

Catherine (Kitty)

To the memory of Catherine, late of Park Avenue, Dundalk, who died 27 years ago.

Dear Mother, Dear Mother, Dear Mother of Mine, You brought me into this world and I thank you.

I know that words alone cannot thank you enough because I tried this so many times.

So I just stand back and honour you.

There is one thing on the face of this earth that you cannot do without and that is all the artefacts that go along with the makeup of your body.

And so we all wind up with a body, mind, soul and divinity. All divinity comes from the Lord.

God bless you mother from your son Joe.

Genesis: And the Lord God formed man of the slime of the earth and breathed into his face the breath of life and man became a living soul.

BROWNE Ian 5th ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of my beautiful son, Ian, whose 5th Anniversary occurs on Thursday, 14th March, 2024.

My Son

I can’t believe it’s five long years

Since I’ve seen you Ian, my Son Everyday is a struggle without you

And I can’t wait until my day is done.

You are in my thoughts everyday

And that’s how it will always be You may be up in heaven now

But you will always be with me.

If only I could have the chance

To see your face once more

Or to hear your voice for one final time

Just like it was before.

The day that heaven calls me Will be a relief from all this pain I will run to you Son, with open arms

I can’t wait to see you again.

—Loved and missed every single day by your heart-broken Mam, Forever 25, xxxxx.

Anniversary Mass for Ian will be held on Thursday, 14th March, at 10am in St Joseph’s Church, Fatima.

Blackrock all set for parade

Last year’s event was a huge success.

By Eoin McCoy

IF you are looking for a fun family day out, take a visit to Blackrock, Co. Louth on St Patricks Day. There will be a Parade on, organised by Blackrock Social Group, that will consist of many local companies, establishments and a vast array of other organisations along with their sponsor O’Callaghan’s Insurance.

The parade will start off at 1 o’clock sharp and if you are looking to take part in the parade you can gather at the top of Cocklehill, Blackrock for quarter to 1. The route will follow the same route as previous years and will finish off down by Saint Oliver Plunkett church. If you or your

organisation is looking to take part in this parade you can email Blackrocksocialgroup@gmail. com or contact 086 876 6694. Although it was a wet and windy St Patricks Day last year there was an estimate of around 1,500 - 2,000 people that attended the Parade. This year there is expected to be a much bigger crowd as they hope for around 3,000 people to be there. This parade can help promote your company and provides an entertaining and amusing day out for your family and friends. We hope to see you all there on the 17th of March at 1 o’clock participating in the parade or watching this wonderful experience.

IN MEMORIAM

GERAGHTY

Anthony

22nd Anniversary

In loving memory of my brother Anthony, late of Dowdallshill, who died 5th March 2002

No matter how life changes

No matter what we do

A special place within our hearts Is always there for you.

—Always remembered by your sister Ann and family

NOVENA

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). P.H.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). C.R.

NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I asked you for many favours This time, I ask for this special favour (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication and favours will be granted. (Never known to fail). K.K.

MIRACULOUS PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Holy Spirit, you who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach my ideal, you who gives me the divine gift to forgive and forget all the wrong that is done to me and you who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything, and affirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones… in your perpetual glory. Amen. To that end, and submitting to God’s holy will, I ask from you… (mention your favor). You must pray this prayer 3 consecutive days. After the 3rd day your wish shall be granted no matter how difficult It may be. Promise to publish the dialogue as your favour has been granted. C.T.W.

ARTICLES FOR SALE SPECIAL SERVICES SPECIAL SERVICES

ATTENTION LANDLORDS—We supply furniture & Beds for any rental properties you have. Beds from €180, Bedroom Furniture Sets from €249 Call us today www. bedstore.ie, Coes Rd, Dundalk Tel 042 932 0927.

BRAND NEW PINE BED and brand new mattress for sale. Cost €1200. Will sell for €450. Call 0834036434.

€500 FINDER’S FEE CARBON K2 Proflex OZ-M bike with carbon spin tri spokes. Lost near Dundalk-Blackrock. Please call 089 989 4694.

SELL IT THROUGH A CLASSIFIED—Only €5 for one week up to 20 words. 042 93 20888. The Dundalk Leader.

ROOM TO RENT in Dundalk near train station, comes with WiFi/ TV/ your own bathroom laundry facilities on site. Secured location key pad entry to property no utility bills. We have a house policy and security process standard that a candidate must agree to. We accept ARP payments. Text only first to 0872227599.

CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094.

CHIMNEY CLEANER—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact - Cathal 087-2259799.

WINDOW CLEANING—Gutter & facia cleaning carried out by professional, fully trained and insured staff. Affordable rates. Domestic & Commercial. Call our office for a free quotation. Everkleen 042 935 2717 or 086 829 3585. www.everkleenservices. ie.

HOUSE & APARTMENT CLEANING Service. Specializing in Re-Let & Spring Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery cleaning. Fully insured. For a free quotation contact Everkleen 042 9352717 / 087 6873188, www.everkleenservices.ie <http://www. everkleenservices.ie>.

TILER AVAILABLE—Experienced local tiler to carry out all types of tile workmarble, granite, porcelain. Indoors and out. Call 087-387-8995 for free quote.

GRIMLEY’S DUBLIN ST. DUNDALK— Televisions, TV aerials, satellite, Freeview & Saorview, new installations, sales, service & repairs. Free estimates 042 935 4343.

DUNDALK GARDEN SERVICES—Tree topping, felling, hedge trimming, grass cutting & strimming. Rubbish Removals/ Garage clearance, House & Garden refuse. Permit holder. Contact Ben 085-840-7707.

FORTUNE TELLER—Available for appointment, private or group bookings. Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-67-51229.

ROOF LEAKS MASTER—We repair all types of roof/tile, slate, bangor blues. Repair torch on roofs, scrape & clean, chimneys & chimney pots, chimney bird guards, gutter facia & soffits. All work guaranteed, 25 years experience. Tel. 086 8184827.

MOBILE HOME TRANSPORT—Transported throughout 32 Counties. Contact Eugene 086-607-1702.

ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888. WE CAN DISTRIBUTE your leaflets from €75 + vat per thousand Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888.

CARPENTRY & JOINERY—Maintenance and repairs, roofing, 1st & 2nd fix carpentry, sash window repairs. No job too big or small. Contact Seandon Carpentry 087 298 5110.

CARPET & OVEN CLEANING—Carpet, upholstery & specialist oven cleaning available. Call MVI Cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning.ie. ROOFING AND BUILDING contractor available. Repairs and new builds. Fully insured. Contact Mark Carney on 087 1302040 for enquiries.

GARDEN & HOUSE MAINTENANCE—

Strimming grass, hedge cutting, weeding, also garden clearance, concreting, patios, painting, power washing, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, fencing. Have all the equipment. Contact Brian 086-109-7358.

FIFI’S ALTERATIONS—Longwalk S.C. (formerly A-Alterations) Tel 083 011 8728. Zips, hems, clothes taken in or let out, also Dry Cleaning Service. Open Mon - Fri 9.305.30pm & Sat 10-2pm.

WATCH REPAIRS—Mechanical/Quartz (battery) and Vintage. In our own workshop. Most brands: Cartier, Longines, Omega, Revue, Raymond Weil, Seiko, Citizen & more, also Jewellery repairs. Goldstar Jewellers, Demesne Shopping Centre Dundalk Tel. 042 93 39478. Please note, we do not repair Clocks.

BUILDER & HOME MAINTAINENCE—

Building, Woodwork, Painting, Plumbing, Tiling, Kitchen Refurbishments, Paving & Fencing. No job to big or too small. Tel. 087 295 2529.

GW PAINTING AND DECORATING—No job too small, keen rates, Dundalk & surrounding areas, estimates free. Phone 086 3848079.

CARPENTRY/BUILDING SERVICES—

Over 20 years experience. No job too big or too small. Available services: Doors, Frames, Floors, Skirting, Architraves, Walls, Built in Units, Fencing/Gates, Plaster boarding and Roofing Services. Complete renovations carried out. Contact Mark 086 0895508.

MAN WITH A VAN—Hedges, tree topping, painting, facia & Soffit, patios, concreting, garage clear-outs, outside taps. Call Kevin for a free & honest quote 0894016728.

ALL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE services carried out. Roof repairs, Plumbing, Painting & Decorating, Wall & Floor tiling, All outdoor work, Paving & Fencing, Power washing. Call Gerry your local man 087 6461556 or 042 9327241 after 6pm.

PLASTERER AVAILABLE—Professional tradesman available for first class plastering repairs etc both inside and outside. Keen prices, free quotes. Small Jobs only. Contact 087 3525652.

PAINTING SERVICES AVAILABLE— nterior and exterior. Also available for Power washing, Garage, House and Garden clearance. Furniture removals. Tel Brian 087 7558506.

LOCAL POWER WASHING—No job too big or too small. Patios, driveways, walls, also grass cutting, gutter cleaning and furniture removals, recycling or rubbish removals. Contact James 087 4464960 for free quotation.

FAITH & SPIRITUAL HEALING available for skin conditions, asthma, chest problems, sinuses and general wellbeing. Further information Call Faith on 087 7188450.

CHARA COUNSELLING— 20 years’ experience, currently taking appointments. Supporting you with emotional intelligence for relationship issues, your mental health, grief, all addictions & past traumas. For a strictly private consultation call Martin today on 083 3402766.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building, plumbing, painting, roof repairs, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, plastering, gardening, power washing, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Whatsapp or Tel 085-762-3758 for quotation.

LOCAL PAINTERS & DECORATORS

AVAILABLE—All types of painting & decorating done to the highest of standards, no job to big or to small, we also do shops/offices and can work out of hours to avoid any disruption or inconvenience to the day to day running of your business,call 0851588667, or get us on Facebook @ Budget painters Decorators.

MY NAME IS BRENDAN CONNOLLY

and I am from Dundalk, I am a wildlife watcher and I have always loved the great outdoors. I would like to plant a woodland for the environment and the wildlife and the people of Dundalk and Ireland to visit. I’m asking other wildlife lovers to help me raise the money. I am on GoFundMe Brendan Connolly Green forest if you would like to donate or if you run, cycle, swim, dance, sing or play a sport maybe you can do a fundraiser to help.

PERSONAL

EASY-GOING country lad, mid 50s with GSOH seeks like-minded female companion late 40s/mid 50s with no ties. For walks/talks and to share the simple things in life. Tel 0868220403.

CLASSES & COURSES

GET FIT the fun way and learn to dance, the Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Jive, now taking place in the Lisdoo, Dundalk Tuesday’s from 8pm - 10pm, no partner required. First wedding dance lessons and private lessons also available. Contact 086 357 3271 for further information.

DRUM LESSONS INCLUDING

BODHRAN—For adults & children aged 8 years upwards. One to one lessons. Phone 087 414 4228.

WEEKLY SEWING CLASSES on-going at Northlink Retail Park, you can join in any time, for enquiries please call or WhatsApp Elizabeth on 0872649221 or visit www.djk-creations.com.

FRENCH GRINDS AVAILABLE for Junior and Leaving cert, All levels. Individual and small group options. Tel 086 8723340.

PREPARE FOR YOUR Leaving Cert French or Spanish oral. 1.5 hour intensive class. Contact sophiep@gcdd.ie.

ROSEN METHOD MOVEMENT— Introductory/taster series. Move with Joy and Ease to good music. Blackrock Community Centre, Sandy Lane Thursday mornings 11:30 to 12:30pm, Friday evenings 7 to 8pm Saturday Afternoons 2:30 to 3:30pm. Five weekly classes €25, starting next week, all welcome. To register phone or message Catherine Mac Guinness at 087-125-2230 www.rosenmethod.ie Facebook: CatherineMacGuinnessRosenMethod.

CAR MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

THE average age of a car at scrappage is around 14 years, while the average age of vehicles on the road is closer to eight years. But, there are some simple steps you can take to maintain value and give your car the best chance of reaching its golden years.

STICK TO THE SERVICE SCHEDULE

Regular servicing is vital to keep your car in tip-top condition and prolong its life.

Service intervals are based on time or miles driven – once a year or every 10,000 miles, for example.

Check the handbook to find out when your car is due a service

and what work is required.

Many modern cars have warning lights on the dashboard to alert you when maintenance is needed, too.

You should budget for a ‘minor’ service once a year and a ‘major’ service every two or three years.

A minor service includes changing the oil and oil filter, and replacing other fluids if necessary.

Depending on the car and mileage, a major service may also cover replacement of the air filter, spark plugs and timingbelt.

The number of tasks included in even a minor service is numer-

ous, but all should include checks for oil and fluid leaks, tyre pressures and condition, excessive exhaust emissions, brake wear, and the correct operation of the steering, gearbox, clutch, suspension, lights, wipers and horn.

It sounds basic but keeping on top of your car’s servicing is the best thing you can do to get the most out of your car and to maintain reliability. The investment in an annual service will save you pounds on repair bills and potentially avoid a stressful breakdown.

HAVE YOUR TYRES CHECKED

Tyres are arguably your car’s most important safety feature

and it’s no exaggeration to say that checking them regularly – about once a week – could save your life.

Under-inflated tyres will also increase fuel consumption, so keep them topped up to the recommended pressures listed in your car’s handbook to save money.

Remember, tyre pressures may be different for the front and rear tyres. Some experts suggest rotating your tyres (i.e. swapping the fronts to the rear, and vice versa) in order to even-out wear and prolong tyre life.

However, in the interests of safety, we recommend using the leastworn tyres on the back axle, as loss of front grip (understeer) is much easier to manage than a rear-end slide (oversteer). Check the level of

tread on your tyres regularly – the legal minimum is 1.6mm but you should think about changing them when they are between 2mm and 3mm – as the less tread you have, the less effective the tyre becomes. And don’t forget to check tyre pressure too, and look out for signs of wear or damage which could result in a blow-out.

DRIVE SMOOTHLY

Driving with ‘mechanical sympathy’ is something you should practise at all times. That means using the controls of your car while understanding how it works. Doing so will reduce component wear and you’ll make your fuel go further. Simple things like using the steering wheel, gearbox and pedals smoothly are key, along with looking well

ahead to reduce the need for sudden braking.

The more aggressive you are on the pedals the higher your fuel and repair bills are likely to be. Driving smoothly is kinder to your car and the environment, plus accelerating and decelerating in a controlled manner and anticipating the road ahead will save you pounds on your fuel bill.

That said, if you never rev your engine fully, carbon deposits can build up and foul the valves, intake manifold and other parts, reducing efficiency and potentially causing a misfire.

You should therefore allow your engine to rev to the redline at least once every few hundred miles – but only when the oil is warm and you’re on a quiet road. Diesel cars may also have problems with clogged diesel particulate filters (DPFs), which are designed to trap harmful exhaust emissions. A longer motorway run once a month will help clear them.

HAVE YOUR CAR CLEANED REGULARLY

We all know people who never wash their car (and perhaps you’re one of them!), but keep-

CAR MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

ing your car clean isn’t about vanity: it can significantly extend your car’s life, too.

Grit gets into moving parts and the chassis, leading to accelerated wear and corrosion. Bird droppings can play havoc with paintwork, and winter road salt is especially corrosive.

Automated car washes have stiff brushes that may leave fine scratches – plus they miss bits, too so having your car hand

washed is usually much more thorough.

A yearly polish will provide a layer of protection and prevent rust from spreading.

It’s also important to keep the inside of your car clean with a microfibre cloth and to remove any dirt and crumbs from floor mats. It sounds obvious but keeping your car clean and the bodywork sound will help maintain its condition and keep its value when it

comes to selling and trading up to a new vehicle.

KEEP THE WEIGHT DOWN

Motor manufacturers are constantly looking at ways to reduce the weight of their vehicles to increase the miles per gallon and to meet the emissions requirements. So it makes a lot of sense for you to keep the weight carried by your car to a minimum wherever possible.

Carrying extra weight is a sure-fire way to dent your car’s fuel economy. You’ll also put additional wear-and-tear on your tyres, brakes and suspension. A practical solution is simply

to remove any unnecessary objects from the car.

Start with the door pockets and glovebox, then look under the seats for any stray toys or drink bottles.

Moving on to the boot, clear out everything you don’t need. Just remember to leave the toolkit, jack and locking wheel nut key in case of emergencies.