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DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Retail continues to re-open in town Page 2

New record deal for local band Page 4

Gaels ladies ready for debut Page 10

Cyber-attack causes mayhem

Wednesday, 19th May, 2021. Vol. 14, Issue 20 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Tel: 042 9320888. Fax: 042 9329676. Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com

By Paul Byrne

The major ramsomware cyber-attack on the HSE IT systems last Friday morning is continuing to cause havoc both locally and nationally with a number of outpatient appointments having to be rescheduled in both the Louth hospital and Our Lady of Lourdes. There is also concern among HSE workers locally with regards to getting paid this Thursday following the unprecedented attack by online hackers who are threatening to release patients sensitive data including PPS numbers on the dark web unless their ransom demands are met. Speaking on Tuesday morning the Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE Dr Colm Henry admitted he could not guarantee that wages would be paid to workers this Thursday. “We’re hopeful we will have contingency plans in place to allow staff to be paid as with anything else we’re still early in this crisis so we’re prioritising clinical care and in regards to pay Continued on Page 2

Sean Farrell captured this wonderful picture of a rainbow in Mullacrew. Also featuring Lily the horse.

Dundalk Leader 19th May 2021

Cyber-attack causes havoc in Irish hospitals From Page 1 we’re developing contingency plans this week to ensure staff are paid on time. “At this stage I’m not in a position to guarantee that any of those contingency plans will be absolutely in place by Thursday but I can ensure anyone who is worried that we are working flat out to try that and develop back up plans,” he stated. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts files on a computer system. Attackers demand a ransom from the victim to restore their access to the data after payment is issued.

HSE’s Chief Operating Officer Anne O’Connor has said that it was not possible to guarantee that people’s private medical information would not be shared on the internet by those behind the attack. “This is a very serious attack, it has really compromised our whole system, we know data has been encrypted, but we don’t know what data has been taken we don’t know what data, if any, is gone. We know some data has been compromised,” she warned. A statement from Fiona Brady, General Manager of Our Lady

of Lourdes Hospital and Louth County Hospital confirmed that the ransomware attack was having a major impact on all IT systems in both hospitals but stressed that the emergency department remained open. “As you are aware the HSE IT Systems are currently down due to a ransomware cyber attack. This is having a major impact on all IT systems used within each department in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and Dundalk Hospital. The Emergency Department ‘remains open, however can I ask for your patience as all patient records must

be entered manually and it is envisaged that patients attending this department will experience significant delays.’ The HSE has confirmed that Covid-19 vaccinations are going ahead as normal. If you are aged 50 to 69 you can now register online or phone HSELive to get a Covid-19 vaccine. Covid-19 vaccine registration is set to open for ages 40 to 50 next week despite the cyberattack. Meanwhile local TD Ruairí O’Murchú spent yesterday morning (Tuesday) in a meeting with National Cyber Security Centre officials who were appearing

before TD’s to outline the implications of the attack. Before the meeting O’Murchú said he would be asking NCSC officials to urgently review how they deal with attacks of this nature and what can be done going forward to prevent them. “We will be asking the officials about the cyber attack on the HSE and the Department of Health, and the detailed implications of the attacks. I will also be concentrating on the wider issues of cyber security. “But the fallout of

these cyberattacks highlights the urgent need to evaluate the capacity of the National Cyber Security Centre, the bodies it interacts with, particularly the Gardai and the Defence Forces, from the point of view of how threats and attacks are dealt with,” he concluded. “We will also have to deal with the questions and concerns that are now in the public domain including the staffing, the lack of a NCSC director, the soon-to-becompleted review and the paltry €5 million budget.”

Councillors to receive pay rise from 1st July

Myles Health and Safety • Preparation of Company Safety Statements • Risk Assessments • Method Statements • Safe Operating Procedures • Carrying out of Site Audits and Reports • All Industries Catered For Neil Myles

HDip (NUI) Safety, Health and Welfare at Work

Telephone: 089-6119878 Togher, Co. Louth Email: myleshealthandsafety@gmail.com

LOUTH Fianna Fail Cllr John Sheridan has said he hopes a planned pay increase for county and city councillors this summer will remove any barriers to people running for election. Councillors are currently paid around €17,000 a year and the change would bring them up to €25,000. It is expected the pay increase will be introduced from as early as July 1. “Louth County Council publish councillors pay annually and this is covered in local me-

dia so there is full transparency as to the current remuneration,” said John. “The planned increase has been well flagged for many years along with the fact that most councillors, including myself, have a day job in addition to our councillors’ role due to the current situation with remuneration.” He added: “In 2019, a significant proportion of young councillors, indeed many female councillors from all parties de-

cided to not run in the local elections because of the challenges of doing the role with having another job and the impact on family life. “Equally the lack of maternity and parental leave is an issue that needs to be addressed. I hope that this announcement today can remove any barriers to people running for election and it will lead to us having a more diverse range of younger and female representatives in the future.”

Re-opening of town centre continues DUNDALK has taken a step closer to ‘normality’ as non-essential retail reopened for the first time in over four months on Monday, May 17. Gerard McEvoy, the owner of McEvoy’s on Clanbrassil Street said:

customers. We opened at 9.30am on Monday, 17th May and trade was brisk. “I’d imagine it will get busier as the week goes on. The staff couldn’t wait to get back. Hopefully that will be the last lockdown.”

Due to continued expansion we have the following two vacancies available

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Jenny Gaskin, St Vincent de Paul.

“I’m glad to be back. There’s a buzz about the place. “I was glad to get the doors open again and see people back shopping in-store. There were a lot of familiar faces coming in this morning.” Jenny Gaskin of St Vincent de Paul said: “It’s been crazy busy. It hasn’t stopped since we opened at 9.30am. “We had a queue this morning at the door. It was great to see. There were old and new faces. It’s good to see everybody back. “We are still accepting donations at the back door from 10am

to 4pm on Monday to Saturday. Everybody’s happy to be back.” Stephen Duffy, the Manager of Guineys on Clanbrassil Street told the Dundalk Leader that he was “delighted” to be back. “We closed on the 29th December last year and only opened the store last week after closing off non-essential items,” he said. “We had hardware and homewares on sale last week and it proved to be very popular. Our customers were excited to be back.” Stephen added: “A lot of people don’t shop online, especially older

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Dundalk Leader 19th May 2021

Housing system ‘utterly dysfunctional’ according to O’Murchú The housing system is ‘utterly dysfunctional and is not working for anyone’, Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú has said. The Dundalk TD was speaking during Sinn Féin’s private members’ motion on the residential property market in the Dáil last week. On Sunday, it was revealed that more than €225 million of public money that was supposed to stimulate supply was used by private funds to buy houses and apartments before they could be put on the open market for regular buyers. The news was revealed by the Sunday Business Post. During the debate, Deputy Ó Murchú said: ‘We have a housing policy that has failed. We have heard many times over the years of the consistent and constant failure to build council houses, affordable cost

Ruairí Ó Murchú, TD.

rental homes and houses that can be bought at affordable rates. We have heard the stories in recent days: of people who are paying extortionate rates of rent; of those who are lucky enough to avail of HAP and who still have to pay top-ups; and of the huge amount of money we spend on HAP as a State. ‘In 2020 we spent in or around €464.6 million on HAP. This is crazy. We are on the side of IREFs (Irish Real Estate Funds) and REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and we

have facilitated them with tax breaks every which way’. He said there are many ways of drawing down money, without relying on these funds and trusts. He said: ‘We need to put a shape and structure in place that allow people to afford rents and to be able to buy affordable houses and in order that we produce affordable cost rentals. ‘The system we have is utterly dysfunctional and is not working for anybody. ‘There is talk about the Land Development Agency, LDA, being a solution and selling land to developers, as opposed to using our own land. Even if that is the case, we will be getting developers to build on it to produce what we need to produce. ‘If we talk about an affordable housing scheme with houses at

€450,000, where are we going? Everybody is being priced out of the market. We have a huge quotient of people who will miss their slot to be able to buy houses. We hear from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael that they are the parties of delivering for homeownership. They need to do it. ‘I am not overly concerned about anything from an ideological point of view but let us be clear that what Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have done to date has not worked and what they are planning to do will not work. ‘Rather than make snide comments, it would be far better for them to read the real solutions that Deputies Ó Broin and Doherty have put together. We should stop the political backbiting and we could deliver for our people because we are failing them’.

Just Mustard sign new record deal with Partisan Records

Just Mustard sign new deal with Partisan Records ahead of the release of their second album. Dundalk five piece Just Mustard have been making waves in the music scenes over the last couple of years and their star continues to ascend with the news that they have just signed a record deal with Brooklyn and London-based Partisan Records. Partisan is home to the likes of Fontaines D.C., Laura Marling, Fela Kuti and IDLES. The group which is made up of Katie Ball, Shane Maguire, Rob Clarke, David Noonan and Mete Kalyon have been together since 2016 and their music has been described as a potent mixture of quiet and noise with their sound incorporating loud shrieking guitars, electronics and ex-

cellent vocals from lead singer Katie Ball. The band first started to make headlines in 2018 following the release of their debut album ‘Wednesday’ which was nominated for the Choice Music Prize Irish Album of the Year. The band began to earn a reputation as a live act to be reckoned with and soon began to gain the attention of legends in the music industry such as Robert Smith, lead singer with the Cure who handpicked them to support his band at Malahide Castle in 2019. The group have been busy writing new material for their second album and with the might of Partisan Records now behind

them big things are expected of the Dundalk five piece. Reacting to the news the band stated their excitement about the new record deal while also announcing the release of a concert film which was shot in An Táin Arts Centre. “We are very excited to announce that we have signed to Partisan Records. To celebrate this, on Thursday at 9pm BST 4pm EDT we’ll be premiering a concert film called ‘Live In Dreams’ shot in Dundalk Town Hall (An Táin Arts Centre) We will be playing some songs from our next album alongside some of our older songs,” stated the band.

Dundalk Leader 19th May 2021

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Dundalk Leader 19th May 2021

St Louis students take part in the Clued-In programe with Dundalk Credit Union.

Pictured are winners Zara, Éadaoin, Sarah and teacher Paula Fitzsimons.

Success for enterprising St Louis students St Louis is weighed down with accolades these days. Entrepreneurs Sarah Dunne, Zara Woods and Éadaoin Drumgoole took third place in the 2021 National Senior Student Enterprise awards last Friday. The girls’ success is a huge achievement. 29,000 students competed from all over Ireland, and only 32 companies made it to the final. Special mention must also go to Mia Mc Dermott in second year who was one of only six finalists chosen in the

country in her category. She entered the ‘My Entrepreneurial Journey’ category. The girls of SZE Stories used ther business acumen to obtain sponsorship from Dundalk Credit Union Ltd. for the printing of their book ‘Little, Large, and Level-Headed’. The book teaches young and primary school children about self esteem and empathy - and how to deal with being bullied in a gentle way. Fionnuala Rogers of Louth Enter-

prise Office was a wonderful mentor and support to the girls on their journey. To date the girls have sold out twice, with many social media influencers having supported them and promoted the book on their behalf. Primary teachers all over the country have written wonderful testimonials about the value of the book. Local schools have bought copies for every class and the girls have donated €1100 to two local charities - SOSAD Dundalk and

Women’s Aid Dundalk - as a result of their success. ‘The girls were so easy to work with,’ said proud Enterprise teacher Ms Paula Fitzsimons. ‘From the outset they had clearly defined roles and there was never a cross word between them. The book is really amazing. My own daughter knows it off by heart and other children I know talk about behaving in a level-headed manner.’ Their book is available on their website, www.szestories.com created for

them by past pupil Gwen Conlon of The Digital Bakery, and can be ordered and delivered all over the world. With further assistance from the credit union the girls have another print on the way. Sarah Dunne, one of the two writers commented: ‘Our greatest wish is that our little book will be read by every child so that they know how to deal with bullying, and can also understand that ‘hurt people hurt people’. We want to change the world - and we’ve already started.’

St Louis students are clued-in on finance

St Louis has been enjoying a very positive relationship with Dundalk Credit Union in recent months. The credit union sponsored SZE Stories in their quest to publish a book for children about bullying. The girls represented a Louth in the recent National final. Sarah Dunne of TY St Louis students take part in the Clued-In programe with Dundalk Credit was the winner of the Union. Rotary Club writing competition in April, sponsored by Dundalk Credit Union. More recently it was the turn of first year Business students to be helped. The girls took part in the Clued-in programme with Dundalk Credit Union. This is a programme designed

as a guide to personal finance and credit unions. The students along with their teacher and year head, Ms Siobhán Higgins, participated in two workshops with Ms Lena Shaw and discovered what type of spender/saver they are. Lucky for all they discovered all are exceptional savers! ‘It’s a great programme for young students,’ said Ms Higgins. ‘The girls learned about financial responsibility in a most enjoyable way. We have a long and happy relationship with Dundalk St Louis students take part in the Clued-In programe with Dundalk Credit Credit Union who visit Union. the TY classes every year. This was a new venture and we look forward to taking part again in the future.’

Róisín Mallon with Mia Mc Dermott, finalist.

St Louis students take part in the Clued-In programe with Dundalk Credit Union.

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Dundalk Leader 19th May 2021

€270,000 allocated for upgrade works on rural roads and laneways in Louth—McGahon

€270,000 has been allocated for repairs and improvement works on non-public roads in rural communities in County Louth, as part of the Government’s ‘Our Rural Future’ project, a Fine Gael Senator has said. Senator John McGahon has welcomed the announcement from the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, of a total alloca-

tion of €10.5 million for projects across the country. This represents a 5% increase compared to 2020, with every county receiving an increase. Over €68 million has now been invested under the Local Improvement Scheme since it was re-introduced in 2017. Senator McGahon said: “This is great news for local communities in County Louth, as the funding

announced under the Local Improvement Scheme will improve access to rural homes and farms, as well as outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches. “The focus of the scheme is to support the continued improvement of rural roads and laneways in County Louth that are not normally maintained by local authorities, but which

represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents. “Since the scheme was re-introduced in 2017, almost 2,400 roads have been funded for repair works across the country. This has made a real difference to the lives of over 10,000 landowners and residents in rural Ireland,” concluded Senator McGahon. Announcing the €10.5 million in fund-

ing, Minister Humphreys said: “As part of ‘Our Rural Future’, the Government has committed to increasing the level of investment in the repair of non-public roads through the Local Improvement Scheme. “I know there is a significant demand for funding under the Local Improvement Scheme right across the country. That is why I am today announcing in-

creased funding for every county under the scheme; however, I am acutely aware that more is needed. I am working to identify if additional funding can be provided for LIS in 2021 and I would therefore urge each Local Authority to utilise the funding announced today, and complete the repair works on the selected roads, as soon as possible,” concluded MinSenator John McGahon. ister Humphreys.

Project aims to enhance life skills in young women

An innovative project that aims to enhance life skills in young women in Dundalk started recently on May 11 thanks to funding from the European Union’s Peace IV Small Grants Programme, SEUPB, LMETB and Louth County Council. Match-funding for the project has been provided

by the Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland. The project, which will include 20 women aged between 14 and 26, is called ‘Building Positive Relations’ and will provide 18 mentoring and workshop

hours based on a number of topics. It is hoped that the young women will liaise in a cross community way with their counterparts in Kilkeel, Co. Down at the end of the project to discuss the things they have in common and the impact the project has had on them. The programme has been

HSE COVID-19 ‘walk-in’ test centre to open in Drogheda

A temporary ‘walkin, no appointment necessary’ COVID-19 test centre for people with no symptoms will open in Drogheda Town, at Bolton Square Carpark, Bolton Street, Drogheda (Eircode: A92 DKR0) on Tuesday 18th May for three days. The free COVID-19 testing service is located at a central and accessible location in the town, and will operate from 10am to 6pm daily, from Tuesday May 18th to Thursday May 20th inclusive. The HSE’s Department of Public Health North East and Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare Organisation are working with the National Ambulance Service to identity asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 and reduce further transmission in the community. The temporary walkin test centre established by the HSE in conjunction with Louth County Council will allow people, who don’t have symptoms of COVID-19, to get a free

COVID-19 test. The HSE urges members of the public who have symptoms (high temperature, a new cough, shortness of breath or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste) of COVID-19 to consult with their GP to arrange a free COVID-19 test, and to not avail of the walk-in facility. Anyone who has already scheduled a COVID-19 test is asked not to attend the walk-in centre. You should use this free, walk-in COVID-19 testing service if you: do not have symptoms of COVID-19 are aged 16 years and over have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the last six months Members of the public will need to bring photo ID and provide a mobile phone number in order to provide test results. Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health North East said, “Public Health North East monitors patterns of transmission in the community including

by place and by age groups. Mr Des O’Flynn, Chief Officer, HSE Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare, explained currently around 1 in 5 people have COVID-19 without having any symptoms. “Testing people with no symptoms will help find positive cases earlier and allow these people take the necessary action to protect others. This will help us break chains of transmission,” he added. Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin added “We are pleased to cooperate with the HSE on the opening of this walk-in test centre which will allow people in Drogheda and surrounding areas to get a free COVID-19 test without an appointment. I want to thank everyone for playing their part in tackling the spread of the virus and would urge you to continue to follow public health advice and adhere to the government guidelines.”

designed by, and will be delivered by, Áit na Daoine in Muirhevnamor. A number of women from Áit na Daoine will be support facilitators for this programme, building experience and capacity in the community centre for the delivery of this type of work in future.

Included in the project are topics such as building life-skills, mental health awareness, recognising and dealing with the impact of trauma, suicide awareness training and supportive parenting. Special, life-like baby dolls will be used to inform participants of the impact

addictions, such as drugs and alcohol, can have on babies in the womb and after birth. The participants will have the chance to take part in teamwork and facilitated discussions on mutual social issues with their counterparts in the North during an all-day cross-community,

cross-border event, subject to Covid 19 restrictions. The women, who have been drawn from the wider Muirhevanmor area of Dundalk, are part of a pilot project that will, it is hoped, be run again in future to bring more awareness of the issues and to help build resilience in the community.

Big ambition for local centre Creative Spark, a Company Limited by Guarantee and a registered charity, operates as a not-for-profit social enterprise which aims to develop the local creative industries sector, support new and established innovative enterprises and activate creativity in the community. Creative Spark first opened its doors in October 2012 and is led by a voluntary Board of Directors and a team of experienced staff. As it launched its strategic plan for 2021-2023 on Monday, Creative Spark’s stated vison is to provide a collaborative environment where learners, educators, innovators, start-ups, SMEs, creative industries and the local community can meet and exchange ideas, knowledge and best practice – to provide economic opportunity and development across the region. The plan sets out Creative Spark’s purpose for the next three years and proposes significant growth in both the physical footprint and ambition of Creative Spark, ensuring its social impact through greater social inclusion, supporting enterprise and employment. Chair of Creative Spark, Michael Farrell, said “On behalf of the Board and Manage-

Martin McElligott, Declan Murphy, Sarah Daly (Executive Director of Creative Spark) and Brigene Litchfield (CEO Cuchulainn Credit Union) ment team it is a great pleasure and honour for us to share our strategic plan 2021-2023. This is a very exciting time in the development of Creative Spark with two significant infrastructure projects in development – the Enterprise FabLab at Creative Spark in Muirhevnamor, and a new co-working hub, the Creative Spark Downtown Project, which will be launched in Clanbrassil Street this summer. The extended facility in Muirhevnamor will include a new Creative Spark Community Café to encourage social interactions between Creative Spark members, visitors and the local community.” These projects have received funding through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and the Border Enterprise Development Fund administered by Enterprise Ireland. Aidan

McKenna, Regional Director North East & North West Regions, Enterprise Ireland said “The Regional Enterprise Development Fund and Border Enterprise Development Fund are designed to support collaborative and innovative initiatives such as Creative Spark to expand capabilities, facilities and supports to entrepreneurs and enterprises in the regions. This strategic plan launched by Creative Spark provides a vision and pathway to deliver increased supports and capacity building for innovation and design-led practices which is very much welcome.” Other significant local supporters of the Creative Spark Downtown Project include Dundalk Economic Development Company (Oriel Hub), Dundalk Credit Union, Dundalk BIDS and Oriel Developments, while Louth Coun-

ty Council is assisting the FabLab project – this blend of support highlights the collaborative and partnership approach which Creative Spark brings to its ventures. In its continuing partnership with DkIT, Creative Spark will develop and deliver Level 6 to Level 9 accredited training programmes of direct relevance to the creative industries and manufacturing sectors. Speaking at the launch, Sarah Daly, Executive Director of Creative Spark said “I look forward to delivering this plan over the coming years with the great team of people we have at Creative Spark. We are excited too that we will be recruiting four new roles over the coming year to help us to ensure that we can realise the vision of the Board of Directors.”

Dundalk Leader 19th May 2021

Dedicated supports for businesses ready to re-open

“Re-opening your business after months of restrictions is not as simple as just turning the key in the door and switching on the lights” explains Louth County Council’s Head of Enterprise Thomas McEvoy. “The team at the Local Enterprise Office in Louth have a range of supports available to help businesses in this re-opening phase.” He explains “Our Mentors can provide you with valuable advice on COVID Health and Safety, Re-Hiring Staff, Cashflow, Re-Stocking and more. Mentoring is a great way to access expert advice and talk through the issues your business is facing. To apply for mentoring or our Business Advice Clinics, simply visit www.localenterprise.ie/ louth where you’ll find the link to apply. Alternatively email info@ leo.louthcoco.ie to request mentoring. Mentoring sessions are free of charge.” The Local Enterprise

Thomas McEvoy, Head of Enterprise, LEO Louth. Office website, features links to a range of workshops including digital marketing, trading online and preparing for customs. He continues “Cashflow will be an issue for many businesses in the aftermath of the recent restrictions. Microfinance Ireland may be able to assist with a low interest loan for your restart. Local Enterprise Office Louth can help with your application

and LEO clients also benefit from a further 1% discount on the standard interest rate. Email info@leo.louthcoco.ie to sign up for our free Financial Advice Clinic to find out more.” Thomas adds “Now that the doors are open again, don’t neglect your e-commerce website. Bricks and Clicks are the ideal combination – an excellent instore offering coupled with a user-friendly

online experience. But this does require time, attention and expertise. Remember that LEO Louth can support you with a Trading Online Voucher (TOV) to help your business develop it’s e-commerce capability. If you have already had a TOV, you can apply for a second TOV to develop a new e-commerce element to your business. And our digital marketing workshops will help you use social media effectively to reach your audience.” “I and the team at the Local Enterprise Office are here to help and support your business to survive and to thrive. It’s an exciting time for businesses as they reopen but we know that it’s not without challenges. Whatever stage your business is at, your Local Enterprise Office has a support available to suit you. Visit localenterprise.ie/louth to explore the full range of supports and to get in touch!” Thomas concluded.

RECRUITING FOR EVENING SHIFT Vacancies immediate, Temporary position, Fixed Term Contract.

Gernord Ltd, Carrickmacross, established since 1968, are part of a French based multinational operation, and are one of the largest PVC flooring & wall Covering manufacturers in Europe.

We invite applications for the following positions

Production Operators Required for effective and efficient running of the continuous manufacturing process, ensuring Quality plus Health & Safety levels are maintained to a high standard. Minimum of 5 years, manufacturing experience requested. It is important that candidates can embrace ongoing change and engage in continuous improvement programmes, be flexible, versatile, have good communication and team building skills, plus good attendance is expected. Honesty, accountability and a good working attitude is essential. Forklift licence is important, refresher training is available. Note: Evening Shift will be fixed, not rotating with day shift, also 1-2 operators required to work fixed night shift. Please forward full CV details or complete application form and send to:

Francis Duffy, General Manager Gernord Ltd, Ballybay Rd, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan. 042-9661060 | francis.duffy@gerflor.com Closing date no later than Friday 21st May.

Dundalk Leader 19th May 2021

Mickey Harte era begins with defeat for Louth The much-anticipated debut of Mickey Harte as Louth manager ended in defeat with Antrim spoiling the party in Haggardstown as the Wee County began their league campaign with a narrow defeat. Harte was sensationally named as Louth’s new senior football manager last November and in recent weeks he has finally been able to get out on the

pitch with his players after a delayed start to the season due to COVID-19 restrictions. The league this season is being played on a regional basis with the four divisions split into groups apiece. Louth were put in a group containing Leitrim, Sligo and Antrim who they played last weekend. With just three games to be played in the group stages a

fast start was vital to Louth to enhance their chances of gaining promotion to division three. Unfortunately for Harte’s new look team they were edged out by the narrowest of margins to an Antrim side managed by Enda Ginley who played under Harte in Tyrone. Ardee St Mary’s player Ciaran Keenan scored the first score of the Mickey Harte era as he give Louth

an early lead but an early Antrim goal saw them take the initiative early on before Louth drew level thanks to a Sam Mulroy penalty after Declan Byrne was fouled for the home side. Debutant Sean Marry gave Louth the lead with a fine goal before Keenan finished the half as he started it with a well taken point to give Louth a 2-5 to 1-6 interval lead.

The second half was entertaining with some fine scores at both ends but with ten minutes remaining it was Antrim who pulled clear thanks to a couple of well taken frees from the excellent Ryan Murray. Louth came back well though and with five minutes to go captain Sam Mulroy led by example as he finished brilliantly to put Harte’s charges a

couple of points clear with time running out. However, it was the northerners who finished the game strongest with that man Murray scoring landing three points in a row to give his side victory by a solitary point. Next up for Louth is a must win game against Leitrim next weekend where defeat would end any hopes of promotion to division three.

Mickey Harte.

Dundalk’s newest ladies GAA club are ready for action

Kara Melia during training last Thursday evening. Pic: Ciaran Culligan.

Dundalk’s newest senior ladies GAA club took to the field for the first time last Thursday evening as they trained ahead of the new league season which begins next month. Dundalk Gaels chairperson Laura Connolly was delighted and proud to see the fruition of a couple of years work from many within the club as almost thirty girls arrived down at the Ramparts for training last Thursday evening. “We are delighted to be up and running now and we had maybe 26 or 27 girls

out training last Thursday and again on Sunday as we get ready for our very first league game against the Geraldines on the 11th of June. There was a few girls that couldn’t make training due to work commitments etc but we were delighted to see so many come out and train this week,” explained Laura. “I am playing as well and we are all very excited to get going and play a proper competitive game. When I was a kid I loved playing football but as there was no girls team

in the Gaels I had to travel to Haggardstown to play. I suppose it’s been something that has been talked about over the years to start a girls team here in Dundalk Gaels but it was only really a coupe of years ago when we were at a club meeting on a Tuesday night that a motion was put forward to start a ladies team and everybody was immediately on board. We had a registration night later that year a the end of 2019 where we had over a hundred girls turn up and since then

it’s been full steam ahead as we have been getting everything in place to get ready to enter a team into competition. “We train girls from under 8 level all the way up so we have structures in place now that will see players coming through in the years to come. It’s a very exciting time for everybody involved in the ladies game in Dundalk Gaels and we just want to get out on the pitch now and get going in the league which begins next month,” stated Laura.

New era begins for Dundalk Gaels Ladies

Chloe Copas. Pic credit: Ciaran Cull

Kathryn O’Hara. Pic Credit: Ciaran igan

Caoimhe Crichton. Pic Credit: Ciaran Culligan.

an Culligan. Hannah Culligan. Pic Credit: Ciar

Culligan.

Ruth Burlingham. Pic Credit: Ciaran Culligan.

Dundalk Leader 19th May 2021

McGreehan welcomes €270,000 in upgrade funding for rural roads and laneways Fianna Fáil Senator, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed €270,000 in funding for upgrade works on rural roads and laneways in Louth.

The funding is part of the Our Rural Future allocation with €10.5m allocated nationally.

Senator Erin McGreehan.

Senator McGreehan commented, “This funding

of €270,000 for Louth is very welcome indeed. It will improve access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities, such as lakes and rivers across Louth.

“The Local Improvement Scheme is a vitally important source of funding for small non-public roads and laneways leading to homes

and farms as well as outdoor amenities. This year’s allocation is also a 5% increase on 2020.”

Local Authorities are responsible for identifying and prioritising roads for improvement works under the scheme, in consultation with residents/landowners. The funding provided by

the Department of Rural and Community Development will be complemented by a local financial contribution from landowners/ householders, as well as Local Authority resources.

There will be a cap of €1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked

to contribute towards the cost of repairs to their road.

The focus of the scheme is to support the continued improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities but which represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents.

News Irish Heart Foundation outline supports

in Brief for people living with heart failure Library Events

Exercise For Healthy Aging – Thursday 20th of May at 12 noon. In this Healthy Ireland workshop with physiotherapist Cillain O’Shaughnessy from Body Right Physio, you will find out how physical activity can improve our health and quality of life. For further information and to book email libraryhelpdesk@ louthcoco.ie. In Conversation with author Conor O’Callaghan. Join Louth Libraries for a conversation with author Conor O’Callaghan on Tuesday 25th of May at 7pm. Conor who is originally from Dundalk and was a student at the CBS. He has published five books of poetry with Gallery Press, one of which Seatown (1999) features Dundalk heavily. In 2004 he published Red Mist (Bloosmbury), a comic prose memoir about Irealnd’s 2002 World Cup. His gothic novella, Nothing on Earth (Doubleday), appeared to critical acclaim in 2016 and was shortlisted for the Kerry Group Listowel Writers Week Irish Novel of the Year. A second novel, We Are Not in the World, has recently been published to critical acclaim. Conor has taught at several universities in the US and UK. He currently lives in Sheffield, where he teaches. Louth Libraries are excited to host this virtual event with Conor. The event is free and all are welcome to attend. For further information and to book email libraryhelpdesk@ louthcoco.ie. Holistic Gardening with Bumblebee Farm – Thursday 27th of May at 3pm. Join Bumblebee Farm for a holistic approach to gardening that protects ourselves and our wildlife, sequesters carbon to help reverse climate change by allowing you to grow better. For further information and to book email libraryhelpdesk@ louthcoco.ie.

The estimated 2,700 people living with heart failure in Louth are being urged to embrace a wide range of supports to help them manage the chronic condition. The Irish Heart Foundation is at the centre of a national drive to provide vital back-up to patients who need help coping with the illness. “People often feel shock, trauma and isolation after a diagnosis of heart failure, but with the right supports, it is manageable,” said

Lucinda McNerney, the Irish Heart Foundation’s Heart Failure Programme Manager. “We want to let these patients in Louth know that we are with them on that journey, in terms of counselling, on-

line meetings, a Nurse Support Line, exercise classes, newsletters, a podcast series and peerto-peer support to help them to keep well, both physically and mentally. “We have patients in

Creative Spark’s seventh birthday A new exhibition called ‘Seven’ will feature work from both current and former members of the Print studio to mark and celebrate seven years since the opening of the facility in Creative Spark. Creative Spark Print Studio is a twentyfour-hour access printmaking workshop and visual artists’ resource organisation, committed to providing facilities and opportunities to emerging and established visual artists. The studio aims to provide membership to creative practitioners from Louth and the border areas. Over the past seven years it has enabled a strong community of printmakers to develop and push their creative practices. As well as holding regular exhibitions Creative Spark also offers a range workshops

from beginner courses to professional development courses for our members and the Public. This exhibition will be a celebration of the vibrant printmaking community in Co. Louth and will take place between 27th of May and 27th of June. It will showcase works from many of our members with a range of printmaking techniques like screen-print, linocut,

mono-print, woodcut and more. The exhibition will be displayed throughout the town centre in 20 shop windows such as The Market Bar, 3rd Place, Bids Office, Seeking Judy, Backhouse pharmacy , McEvoy’s and Guineys. We want to thank all the Dundalk Businesses who are getting involved and making the exhibition possible. For more info and map trail please go to website creativespark.ie

our network aged 30 and above, whose daily lives have changed – their work status, having to take medication, dealing with lower energy. All this can be helped with access to information and sup-

port, both from our healthcare professionals and talking to people on a similar path.” The plea for patients to reach out coincides with Heart Failure Awareness Week, which runs until this Sunday (May16), but supports are available year round. Heart failure occurs when the organ stops working as well as it should and finds it more difficult to pump blood around the body efficiently.

Carlingford to start Sunday Car Boot Market

The market town of Carlingford is to start a seasonal ‘Car Boot Market’ on Sunday 30th May. The weekly market will be take place along the shores of Carlingford Lough with a backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne. It promises to produce a wonderful ambience and offer a new activity for the town, as visitors are allowed to begin to return to outdoor activities. ‘We are entering the post Covid period and it is good to get out and about again. This outdoor event is a great way to declutter and dispense of those things we discovered during lockdown that do not serve us anymore’ stated the event coordinator. It will be so nice to see people browsing around the Folklore Park and along the shore on a Sunday afternoon’. ‘In the 1200’s, the town was granted a charter by King John to hold a weekly market and it’s nice that we are reviving that piece of our heritage and compliment the beautiful medieval village’. This weekly event will contribute to invaluable work by the Maria Goretti Foundation with proceeds going to the charity. People are asked to pre book with the organisers 1 week in advance. Spaces are 15 euro and are allocated at the discretion of the organisers. Bookings can be made by telephoning or texting 085 823 0322 or email info@carlingfordandcooleypeninsula.ie. The first market will take place on Sunday 30th May 2021.

“Louth In Bloom” 2021 Louth County Council is now inviting entries to its environmental competition “Louth In Bloom” 2021.

Categories included are, Best Garden, Best Estate, Best Business/Hospitality Premises and Best Biodiversity Project. Entries are being sought throughout the county and nominations can be made through a new online portal at www.louthcoco.ie/louthinbloom Full details of this year’s competition are available at www.louthcoco.ie/louthinbloom or by e-mailing community@louthcoco.ie for further information. The closing date is Friday 2nd July 2021. Louth County Council is pleased to invite nominations for Louth In Bloom 2021. Best kept Estate/Street/Apartment Complex – Category A - Fewer than 50 Houses Nomination: Best kept Estate/Street/Apartment Complex – Category B - 51 to 125 Houses Nomination: Best kept Estate/Street/Apartment Complex – Category C - Over 125 Houses Nomination: Best Garden Nomination: Best Presented Business Premises Nomination: Best Presented Hospitality Premises Nomination: Best Biodiversity Project Nomination:

Name of Nominator: Address: Telephone No: You may nominate your own premises or others in as many categories as you wish, and all entries will be judged by the adjudicating panel during July. County Hall, Millennium Centre, Dundalk, County Louth A91 KFW6 LOCALL 1890 202 303 w www.louthcoco.ie e info@louthcoco.ie Community Call Number 1800-805-817

Dundalk Leader 19th May 2021

Dundalk fans plan protest outside Oriel Park Hollywoodbets

A group of Dundalk FC supporters will stage a protest this Friday evening outside Oriel Park ahead of the Lilywhites league game against Shamrock Rovers. The group go under the name ‘We want our club back’ and describe themselves as a ‘community of Dundalk FC fans from various supporters groups who have come together for this cause’. The primary objective of the group is to see the appointed chairman Bill Hulsizer resign or be removed from his role. Hulsizer is the father of Matt, the founder of US investment firm Peak6 who are Dundalk’s main owners. The group

have highlighted a number of reasons why they want the Florida based Hulsizer out of the club including what they describe as his ‘constant interference of on field matters such as team selection, embarrassing and disrespectful contract offers to players who had established themselves as club legends, his employment of unqualified coaches which resulted in a UEFA sanction and the replacement of long standing local staff and volunteers which has caused a severe disconnect between the club and its supporters. The group have urged the club to listen to its concerns and have asked for an open

Fans will stage a protest this Friday outside Oriel Park. dialogue between themselves and Bill Hulsizer so that a consensus can be reached. They have vowed to continue with regular protests until their voices

are heard. There were reports on Tuesday that Jim Magilton the club’s director of football and temporary manager would meet with representatives of the group

on Wednesday. It has been a tough season to date for Dundalk supporters who have seen the club struggle on the pitch winning just two of their eleven league games to date. These results have come amidst a backdrop of uncertainty behind the scenes with no permanent manager lined up as yet to replace Filippo Giovagnoli and Shane Keegan who both departed the club last month. With any hopes of claiming a sixth league title in eight years all but evaporated the pressure will be on the club to improve their poor form and try and qualify for Europe next season.

Cricket Club on the look out for new members Dundalk Cricket Club will resume training this evening (Wednesday 19th May) from 7pm and they have extended an open invitation to anybody who would like to go down and join up. People of all ages are welcome to pop down to Hiney Park on the Carrick Road (field behind Oriel Park) where the team have played since 2019 having previously played in Dromiskin. The club had been operating out of Dromiskin since 2010 but members felt a move into town would help grow the club and two years ago they

set the wheels in motion for a move to Hiney Park. Dundalk Cricket Club was initially established in 1853 but after many years in the wilderness the club reformed in 2009 before joining the cricket Leinster leagues in 2010. For the past nine years the club have played their home matches in Dromiskin but at the start of this year they began discussions with the Grammar School in Dundalk with a view to moving to the school’s playing pitches on the Carrick Road (Hiney Park). According to club member Gerry

McKeever the club are always looking to grow and he hopes when training resumes that more people will enquire about joining the club. “We believe moving into town will help grow our club and help us attract some new members and we want to expand on the 25 or 26 members we currently have. A big focus for us all here at the club is to develop our underage structures and we are asking parents to bring down their kids and introduce them to the game. We train every Wednesday between 7pm and 9pm in Hiney Park

and anybody is more than welcome to come down and have a look at what we’re all about. We’re always looking for new members of any skill level and all playing equipment is supplied by the club. Just come along and play,” stated Gerry. “We are currently in the process of building an enclosed nettings structure beside the pitch where our batters and bowlers can practice hitting in an enclosed area,” he added. Anybody interested in joining the club can go down to Hiney Park on the Carrick Road this evening.

Donates €4255 to Irish Horse Welfare Trust

Hollywoodbets, with the help of all our players, team members, Amber Gaming and Dundalk Stadium has raised another €4,255 for the Irish Horse Welfare Trust from our Hollywoodbets Punters Challenge. James Griffin, rep for Hollywoodbets, was happy to hand over the check for the amount to Sharon Power, co-founder and CEO of IHWT. With a guest appearance from the Irish Grand National Winner Freewheelin Dylan to oversee the hand over. Set up 20 years ago to help Irish neglected horses and donkeys, 2020 and 2021 has been tough for the charity as Covid restrictions has reduced their fundraising opportunities. The funds were raised during the first 3 months in 2021, with players joining for the races at Dundalk Stadium, including the Listed Patton Stakes race and the inaugural Winter Series awards event. For the first time we also included the Cheltenham Festival, across all 4 days of the event. We would like to thank everyone who participated and made this donation possible. If you would to get involved look out for the Punters Challenge on our main site or visit www.ihwt.ie if you would like to donate or learn more.

Local parishioners relieved as churches re-open

Local churches welcomed back a portion of their congregation last Monday after nineteen weeks as restrictions around the country began to ease. From May 10th church services were allowed to recommence with a maximum of 50 people in attendance. Mass goers were asked to follow all government guidelines with social distancing and hand sanitising continuing to

help stop the spread of covid 19. Fifty people will also be permitted to attend funerals and wedding ceremonies, though just six people will be able to attend an indoor wedding reception and 15 allowed outdoors. From 7 June, 25 guests will be able to attend wedding receptions. Speaking on Monday Fr Cormac McNamara of the Holy Family Church in Dun-

dalk said that his parishioners were delighted that they were able to return to mass once more. “It’s been wonderful to welcome back people to the church and for most people there seemed to be a mixture of joy and relief as they attended mass once again. There is great hope and optimism in the air and please God these latest easing of restrictions will signal a return to nor-

mality in the months ahead,” stated Fr Cormac. “I know a lot of people are also relieved that the numbers allowed to attend funerals has increased to 50 people and I know this will offer great comfort for people who are dealing with the loss of a loved one. This was a hugely important step forward and we are glad the government made that decision,” he added. Those sentiments were ech-

oed by Fr Anthony McMullen in the Friary church Dundalk who said that his parishioners had been very anxious to return to the church and were relieved when they were allowed to do so last Monday. Like many other churches the Friary had been offering services online on their website whilst the churches were not allowed to open with daily masses being streamed at Holy Family Parish Church in Muirhevnamór. 10am daily.

Free training courses starting soon

Innovating Communities is a new major training programme aimed at enhancing innovation and creativity to support community-led action across Co. Louth. Innovating Communities want to mentor and empower community members to find solutions to Challenges facing your local area. The good news is that the training courses in Louth are starting soon. They will bring exciting benefits to local towns and villages. There are also various courses available in local development companies in Leitrim, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan and Sligo to deliver the training along the border. The approach is solution based and will prove attractive to people actively involved in community life in a wide vaLocal wildlife photographer Brendan Connolly sent in this wonderful picture he took recently riety of ways. Throughout the training parfrom the Navvy Bank in Dundalk.

ticipants will learn to use Design Thinking skills and apply these skills to their specific community challenge and the outcome of the training will be a solid solution to their challenge and an action plan to achieve it. Design Thinking skills are invaluable as you can apply them to any future Challenges or opportunities that arise within your organisation, or community group. The training will employ a ‘person centred design’ process where groups and individuals are helped to identify topics important to their community or business and the training support will be provided to work with people to help them explore ideas and best possible solutions. The process will provide a high level of support to help community groups and would-be innovators

move more confidently and creates a process for the discovery of community needs, idea generation and the testing of solutions. Community and voluntary groups and individuals in Louth can now partake in a course titled “Social Enterprise: An Answer to the Digital Divide. This Course will explore the relationship between technological response and the social care response in order to develop a social enterprise solution to the Digital Divide in Louth. Design Thinking processes will allow you to identify and frame the Challenge and those affected, and explore people- and research-based responses. To register for more information or join the training, please visit www.innovating.ie or contact derbhille.clarke@cllp.ie.

Dundalk Leader 19th May 2021

Family Notices novena

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). F.M.

Family Notices Contact Noeleen

Telephone 042 9320888

Council Launch “Louth in Bloom 2021” Competition Louth County Council wishes to acknowledge and honour the work being carried out by volunteers, community groups and individuals, during these difficult and restrictive times, to enhance and brighten the environs of every town and village throughout the County. Therefore the Council in 2021 is announcing for a second year in a row its “Louth In Bloom competition”. Competition entrants are invited to submit images of the great work that they have undertaken, and following an adjudication process a series of prize winners will be selected from the list of entries. Speaking at the launch of the competition Cathaoirleach, Councillor Dolores Minogue remarked” I would like to fully endorse the Louth in Bloom competition that is being organised by Louth County Council. The last couple of

An Cathaoirleach, Dolores Minogue, and the Chief Executive, Joan Martin launching Louth in Bloom 2021. years have been very challenging for us all and I am mindful of the efforts that people and business make to enhance the environment, in which we live. Commenting at the launch Chief Executive, Joan Martin said “we had to alter the format of our annual environmental competition in 2020 and this new format was a tremendous success. Working within the public health guidelines our new competition format allows us to safely engage with communities and recognise

the marvellous work that people undertake to beautify their community and our county. The categories in “Louth In Bloom 2021” completion include: Best gardens, best housing estates and biodiversity projects, hospitality and business premises. Prizes will be awarded for each of the three district areas of Ardee, Drogheda and Dundalk, with an overall county winner in each category. Entries can be submitted through a new online portalwww.louthcoco.ie/louthinbloom,

by post or by dropping same, attaching three clear photographs, into any of the Louth County Council post boxes at any of our offices in Ardee, Drogheda and Dundalk. The nomination entry form is also available in this week’s Dundalk Leader. Closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 02/07/2021. Full details are available at www.louthcoco. ie/louthinbloom or from staff in the Community Support Section, email community@louthcoco. ie

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Dundalk Leader 19th May 2021

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Dundalk Leader 19th May 2021

Opel Vivaro-E Hydrogen Online Book Club celebrates first Birthday

A monthly online book club in association with Roe River Books and Louth County Libraries. An Táin Arts Centre’s Online Book Club is delighted to celebrate its first birthday. The Book Club was established in April 2020, to stay engaged with audiences throughout the first Covid-19 lockdown and has gone from strength to strength throughout the past year with new members signing up every week. The next meeting will be on Thursday 27th of May at 8pm on Zoom. An Táin Arts Centre is delighted to announce that they will be joined by author Austin Duffy for a Q&A. Members of the book

club are currently reading his novel ‘Ten Days’ which tells the story of Wolf and his daughter Ruth. When Wolf’s recently-estranged wife Miriam dies from cancer his entire world is turned upside down. Wolf and his daughter, Ruth, travel to New York from London to scatter Miriam’s ashes in the Hudson River and set right wrongs before

it is too late.” “You don’t have to have finished the book to attend” – says Mary Claire Cowley Audience Development Manager at An Táin Arts Centre and co-host of the online book club. “ all are welcome all you need is a love of reading and being open to chat and meet new people.” She adds “We are delighted to be welcoming Austin

Duffy. This will be our third author Q&A and it’s lovely for our members to get to discuss a book directly with the author.” Previous authors to attend the An Táin Arts Centre book club include Liz Nugent and Nicola Cassidy. This book club is free to attend, and aimed at adults. All you need is a computer or mobile device with a microphone and camera. Members are encouraged to contact their local library which are now open, to obtain a copy of the book, or contact Roe River books where a click and collect service is available. Visit www. antain.ie to register and become a member of the book club.

Applicants must be from or based in Co. Louth. The programme is open to established artists from all artistic disciplines from or based in County Louth, looking to develop their practice in a community setting. The aim of the residency is to assist creative practitioners to research and develop new work and give them the time and space to develop their practice in a supportive and vibrant environment.

“Being part of a residency programme allowed me to make connections with other artists, which has led to projects where I have been able to make a creative contribution directly from the work supported by An Táin Arts Centre.” – Dylan Connolly, Soundscape Artist in Residence 2020. Applications from individual practitioners and/or collectives working in any artistic

discipline are welcome. The resident practitioners will be provided with studio space for three months and a living stipend for the same period. A panel of successful candidates will be created and residency places will be offered as they become available throughout the remainder of 2021 and 2022. For application form and details on how to apply, visit www.antain. ie. Deadline is Friday 11th June 2021.

Austin Duffy Book Club.

Become an An Táin Arts Centre artist An Táin Arts Centre currently have a number of artist residency opportunities and are creating a panel of artists from all artistic disciplines who are interested in completing a residency at An Táin Arts Centre in 2021 / 2022. Whether you are a filmmaker, writer, musician, visual artist, dancer, actor or performer, our residencies offer space and time to develop your practice while being supported by a financial stipend.

Basement gallery re-opens in An Táin Arts Centre An Táin Arts Centre has reopened the Basement Gallery with an immersive, multisensory exhibition from emerging artist Ulrike Liebetrau. The exhibition launch took place on Wednesday, May 12 at 7pm on An Táin’s Facebook page. Running until June 5, The Labyrinth in the Basement Gallery is designed for visitors to get lost in art. Ulrike’s pieces are inspired

by the beauty of nature, made with the left-overs of our wasteful society and are designed to spark thought, conversation and action around the three big R’s: Reduce – Reuse – Recycle. The different rooms have their won individual themes that flow into each other and are accompanied by subtle sounds. Pieces invite the visitors to feel, explore the space and to

discover their own creativity. Ulrike graduated as an Occupational Therapist in 2006 at the “medizinische Bildungsakademie” in Zeitz Germany. She received a scholarship for gifted students and graduated in 2008 as a Sensory Integration Therapist. Since 2011 Ulrike is creating light sculptures and recycled art projects for Irish festivals, local music events, community projects and theatre.

Opel has unveiled the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN, a new, electrically powered light commercial that delivers zero emissions. With the fuel cell system located in the engine bay and hydrogen tanks replacing the battery, the plug-in fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) boasts up to 6.1 cubic metres of cargo capacity, the same as the diesel or battery electric versions of the Vivaro. Refuelling takes minutes, about the same time needed to fill up a conventional diesel or petrol car. With a range of more than 400km (WLTP), Opel will offer the Vivaro-e HYDROGEN in lengths of 4.95 and 5.30 metres. The German brand plans to start delivering the first vehicles to fleet customers in the autumn. “Hydrogen could be the central element of an integrated and efficient energy system of the future, free of fossil fuels”, says Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller. “At Opel, we have more than 20 years of experience in hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technology.

There is hardly another propulsion system in the world that offers the combination of zero emissions, long driving range and only three minutes refuelling time.” The new fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) is based on the existing battery electric Opel Vivaro-e, voted International Van of the Year 2021. The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN integrates the whole fuel cell system with the existing traction motor under the bonnet of the production vehicle. The battery of the Vivaro-e is replaced by three 700 bar hydrogen tanks. The carbon-fibre cylinders can be filled in just three

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minutes, giving a range of more than 400km. Thanks to the smart packaging, the battery electric version thus becomes a fuel cell electric LCV without any modifications to the body and with no impact on the 5.3 to 6.1m3 of cargo space, while the payload increases to 1,100 kg. The Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN with its 45kW fuel cell is capable of generating enough power for continuous highway driving, while the 10.5kWh lithiumion battery located under the front seats provides dynamic peak power when required at start-up and under acceleration. Since the battery covers power

needs in such situations, the fuel cell can run at optimum operating conditions. The battery also enables regenerative braking, while the plug-in capability offers the opportunity to recharge the battery externally if necessary, at a charging station, providing 50 km of pure battery electric range. The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN will be produced by Opel Special Vehicles (OSV) in Rüsselsheim. The global “Competence Centre for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells” of the parent company Stellantis is also located in Opel’s hometown. The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN complements the Vivaro-e and the Combo-e as the newest member of Opel’s allelectric LCV family. The next new model, the new Movano-e, will also arrive in 2021, meaning that the brand’s entire light commercial vehicle portfolio will be electric by the end of this year. Opel will offer an electrified version of every passenger car and LCV model by 2024.

Dundalk Leader 19th May 2021

VOLKSWAGEN DROGHEDA Western Motors Group is a leading national vehicle dealership for VW, VW Commercial & Skoda. We are embracing the VW Group drive to modernise and digitalise the entire company so this is an exciting time to come on board. VW has a rigorous commitment to quality and excellence. Our products and support services are world class and highly acclaimed.

Vacancy: Service Technician Volkswagen @ Western Motors

Vacancy: Service Technician Apprentice

About the role: Our Technicians are a key role within our Aftersales division ensuring customer satisfaction About the role: The VW Apprenticeship Programme is designed to train apprentices to keep pace with advancing technology and high levels of customer service. This is an exciting and challenging opportunity in the service and repair of vehicles. to receive formal qualifications through extensive product training whilst in full-time employment. Main responsibilities include but are not limited to: • An education with a mechanical or electrical background If you are customer focused, forward thinking and want to learn, then we can give you the skills you need • Performing work in accordance with VW brand retailer to be part of a growing team. within the automotive industry. standards. Four year apprenticeship offered involving both on and off the job training. Nationally and internationally • Ability to learn and adapt in a fast-changing industry. • Communicate clear and precise information to the recognised Qualification on successful completion. • Motivation to develop your skills and knowledge and workshop supervisor. Opportunity to work with traditional, hybrid and electronic engines. Heritage vehicles to leading edge demonstrate a performance driven mindset. • Diagnose malfunctions and repair with confirmed modern technology. A varied technical training experience to build your skills as a Service Technician. • Ability to communicate, contribute and succeed in a authorisation. The ideal candidate will have the following attributes: dynamic team environment. • Perform vehicle health checks and service cams. • Complete service documentation in line with warranty requirements. • Carry out road-testing of vehicles to ensure high quality workmanship. • Work with colleagues to provide excellent customer service and share best practice. • Maintain organised and safe work bay. • Follow safety policies and procedures. • What are we looking for?

• Full clean driver’s license required. What we offer: • Permanent Position. • Competitive salary and bonus scheme. • Full Master Technician career training path. • Access to Company Pension Plan with a range of benefits. • To apply please email cover note and cv to: stephen@westernmotors.ie

• Keen interest and enthusiasm for automotive vehicles. • Ability to work as part of a team in fast-paced environment • Good initiative and be self-motivated • Excellent time management & communication Skills • Desire to train and develop • Positive attitude & work ethic and high level of professionalism Training provided: We invest in our apprentices and provide

continuous training opportunities and contributions towards tools and toolbox. Our programme combines of e-learning, classroom learning and practical application. Job Type: Permanent – Full-Time Remuneration: Competitive Salary and bonus structure offered. To apply please email cover note and CV to: stephen@westernmotors.ie

Dundalk Leader 19th May 2021