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DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Dream start for Sophie as Bohs win Page 7

Eileen talks about her cancer experience

€4.65m boost for cyclists/ walkers

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Page 14

Wednesday, 31st March, 2021. Vol. 14, Issue 13 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Residents trapped in ‘living hell’

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

By Paul Byrne

A Dundalk couple claim they now fear for their lives as anti-social behaviour from drug taking gangs escalates in an alleyway beside their house. Last Thursday evening Francis Lee, his wife Sue and daughter Shauna were sleeping when two bins were set alight in an alleyway on Peter Street (just off Quay St,) which caused gas cables running to a gas metre box to melt as well as tv cables to their house. Thankfully the fire didn’t spread to the gas metre box but this is just one of a number of incidents over the last number of years which has

tormented residents living on Peter Street who have described the situation as a ‘living hell’. 68-year old Francis suffers from ill health with only 25% of his heart working. He is unable to climb the stairs in his house so each night he sleeps on the sofa in the sitting-room. Almost every night he hears the gangs congregate in the alleyway right next to his house where they use drugs often leaving tin foil and syringes behind them. According to Francis it has got to the stage where he is fearing for his life with Thursdays near miss just the latest in a long line of incidents in the alleyway. Continued on Page 2 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk. Ph: 042 93 57897

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‘The Twits’ raise €4000 for Irish Cancer Society

Last Friday evening best friends Shannelle Smyth (10) and Laura Byrne (11) (aka The Twits) set a target for themselves to raise €100 for the Irish Cancer society. Full Story Page 2.

Residents trapped in ‘living hell’ Dundalk Leader 31st March 2021

From page 1 “My wife Sue had gone up to bed and I was settling down to sleep on the sofa when I heard the familiar sounds of a group of people in the alleyway talking and shouting to each other. I can hear them very clearly through the vents in my sitting-room wall and often smoke comes in through the vents when there’s a gang of them out there. On Thursday night I was trying to get to sleep when I heard a commotion outside and then saw the lights of the fire brigade stop at the alleyway,” explained Francis. “They had burned the butchers bins and the fire had burnt out my side wall burning my gas lines and tv cables. I am just relieved that the gas metre box didn’t catch fire as God knows what damage that would have caused,” stated Francis. “These people are here every single night and we are afraid to leave our

Left: fire damage in the alleyway beside Francis’ house; above: Peter St. resident, Francis Lee houses in the evening time. We have asked the council to help us and look into putting up a gate to prevent entrance into the alleyway but we feel we are being ignored. I moved here four-

teen years ago and the first four or five years were fine but with everything going on in the alleyway and Ard Dealgan behind us it has been a living hell for most of the last decade now”

stated Francis. Francis neighbour John O’Connell echoed those sentiments saying he had called the gardaí and local authorities on numerous occasions looking for help.

“I don’t like giving out but unfortunately we all feel that we are being ignored down here. Recently I found a guy in the alleyway unconscious with a needle sticking out of his arm. Every day there are needles left in the alleyway and nobody seems to give a crap. There are kids on this street and this is simply not a safe environment for them. We are sick to the back teeth of asking for help and being ignored and it seems as if it is going to take something really terrible to happen to one of us as almost happened last night with Francis before anybody will do something for us,” stated John. The Peter Street residents have been dealing with these issues for many years now with the well documented anti-social behaviour inside the Ard Dealgan complex which was abandoned in 2009 following health and safety concerns. The building which is directly behind the houses on Peter St. has

been a magnet for anti-social activity in the form of drug dealing and late night parties. That building has been taken over by Louth County Council and builders are currently working on the new ‘Halliday’s Mills’ project which will provide 85 new social housing units by the end of next month. According to Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick once this building work has been completed there is no reason why a gate cannot be put up to keep gangs out of the alleyway. “I am aware of the many problems residents in Peter St. and the surrounding areas have had to face because of anti-social behaviour in the area and I am hopeful that once the building in Halliday’s Mils has been completed that we can erect a gate with each resident being given a key for access. I know the council have given priority to this area and I can see no reason why we can’t stop these gangs making the lives of

residents hell by stopping them getting into the alleyway where they congregate,” stated Peter. However, according to Sinn Fein councillor Kevin Meenan there may be a problem putting up a gate due to lack of access for fire engines and emergency services. Cllr. Meenan visited the scene of the incident on Sunday. He said he had been speaking to neighbours about issues in Peter Street and he acknowledged there are problems with rubbish dumping and people congregating in the alleyway. He said he understood that restricting access to the alleyway would not be possible as the fire service needs access down the alleyway for emergencies. “I have made the council aware of the incident and we are working to try to find a resolution for this family. It is my intention to raise it formally at the Dundalk Town Council meeting next week,” stated the Sinn Fein councillor.

‘The Twits’ raise over €4000 for Irish Cancer Society

‘The Twits’ receipt given to those who donated.

By Paul Byrne

Last Friday evening best friends Shannelle Smyth (10) and Laura Byrne (11) set a target for themselves to raise €100 for the Irish Cancer society. On Tuesday morning the exhausted duo woke up to the news that their bake sale had unbelievably passed the €4000 mark with money still coming in. The Tallanstown natives have both lost loved ones through cancer and sent out the feelers on Friday asking their parents and family members if they would donate money to their Irish Cancer Society fundraiser in exchange for some buns and cakes. Very quickly the fundraiser grew legs and before the generous duo knew what was going on neighbours and passers by stopped at their roadside stall to donate money to their cause. According to Shannelle’s mother Sonia the idea was completely of their own making and what was initially supposed to be a modest bake sale turned into the two best friends, known affectionately as ‘The Twits’ working like demons all weekend to keep up with the demand of the donations coming in. “The two girls have been best friends since three years of age and live about half a kilometre apart. Shanelle has

Shannelle and Laura busy at their cake stall last weekend. The dynamic duo raised over €4000 for the ICS. a twin brother and she considers Laura as a twin too. They often wear the same clothes and they call themselves ‘The Twits’, laughs Sonia. “The girls came to myself and Fionnuala (Laura’s mother) on Friday night asking could they do something for Daffodil Day for the

Irish Cancer Society and we both said they could bake a few buns and cakes and ask a few family members for donations. That night both girls where hardly able to sleep, with idea’s of picking wild daffodils in local fields and bunching them for sale as well as baking buns and cakes. Their wee minds

were dancing with dreams of how to make their fundraiser reach €100,” explains Shanelle. “Saturday morning came and the girls bunched the daffodils whilst their buns baked in the oven. With only an hour to go, myself and Fionnuala posted about the event on facebook. When 2 o’clock came the girls were ready for action. They had their baking complete, homemade signs, posters, sanitizer, and masks, along with their personalised receipts to thank people for their contributions. Nothing was forgotten for their stall on the roadside. “Well the traffic started to stop with the help of their siblings and they played a stormer, selling their bunches of flowers, daffodil badges, buns, scones and cakes, not forgetting to include their receipt with their hand written expression of gratitude for every donation. Very quickly almost 300 buns, scones and six cakes where running low but their money box was growing very fast. Both girls were high on adrenaline with pride. “At 3pm when the stall closed up, the girls were ecstatic having reached €600 so both mammy’s took to Facebook to thank the family, friends and strangers that had supported their daugh-

ters. Within minutes of the post going live, the driveway got very active and numerous more family, neighbors and friends flooded the letterbox with donations, within an hour the girls had reached €1000, this continued to grow and grow as the hours passed and by the next day the girls had raised another €800. “Still in shock the girls continued to bake and went out to family, friends and neighbors that had donated to their doors, they delivered their homemade buns in the rain along with their personalised receipts and badges,. By Sunday evening the girls had reached another €1000 raised, now almost reaching €3000. Donations flooded in from not only the locality but from as far as family all over the UK, France and America. When they woke on Tuesday morning their total had unbelievably surpassed €4000,” stated Sonia. “Shannelle has lost 3 grandparents due to cancer and her friend Laura has lost her very young uncle so I suppose that’s where the inspiration for the fundraiser was born. We are very proud of the two of them and we are so happy they are able to hand over all that money to a very worthy cause,” added the proud Mammy.

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Dundalk Leader 31st March 2021

Louth County Council to be part of Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor Louth County Council is one of eight local authorities from either side of the border which came together last week to launch the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor in response to challenges facing the region, which have been identified by a joint report from Dublin City University and Ulster University. The eight local authorities are: Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council; Belfast City Council; Dublin City Council; Fingal County Council; Lisburn Castlereagh City Council; Louth County Council; Meath County Council; Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. The report, The Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor: Current Profile, Potential for Recovery & Opportunities for Cooperation, states that this is an opportune time to create a north-south Economic Corridor given the challenges the region faces as it comes to terms with the impact of the United

Kingdom’s exit from the European Union and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Dolores Minogue, said: “This is a great opportunity for local business to grow and expand, to establish key sector areas, and for all involved to collaborate and to use the Corridor to drive economic development both in the region and nationally.” In 2018, the eight Councils located along the Corridor and the two Universities came together to work collectively to find ways of realising the potential benefits of further development of the Corridor. This led to the establishment of a Partnership Steering Group made up of the eight Council Chief Executives and the Presidents of the two universities who committed to meeting quarterly. The Steering Group’s immediate objective is to leverage the network’s resources in areas which can have a positive impact and add

significant value to the economic development of the region at a time of great economic and social uncertainty. A working group of local government and university staff was subsequently formed and tasked with developing a series of cooperative initiatives and projects to begin to realise this objective. The report published last week is the first output of their collective work over the past three years. Following the launch and the publication of the Report, the next step will be to establishing working governance structures which will balance oversight and day to day activity. This will comprise of 24 councillors, three from each Council, and they will shortly hold their first meeting to elect a Chair and develop a programme of works. Councillors Hugh Conlon, Seán Kelly and Fiachra MacRaghnaill will represent Louth County Council on the Oversight and Governance Board.

The Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin said: “Louth County Council is delighted to be a part of the launch of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor Project. Louth, having an established Memorandum of Understanding and good working relationship with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, can clearly see how cooperation, support and working together benefits all. We are invested in, and look forward to, working with all involved in this project to set and deliver strategic objectives which will ultimately benefit everyone in the corridor.” The region has a population in excess of 2million people and is younger and more diverse than any other part of Ireland with 15% born off the island. It also has the best educated workforce with 34% of the population holding Third Level qualifications thereby creating an excellent pipeline for concentrations of jobs requiring graduates.

Dundalk Leader 31st March 2021

O’Murchú calls out AstraZeneca for enaging in ‘fly-boy capitalism’

Ruairi O’Murchú TD

Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú is to ask for ‘vaccine hunter’, EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, to be invited before the Dáil’s EU Affairs Committee. The Sinn Féin TD is to make the suggestion after statements in the Dáil last week ahead of the EU Council meeting. Deputy Ó Murchú spoke about vaccines before the controversy around the Beacon Hospital, which he said had ‘knocked confidence in the State’s vaccine roll-out by its disgraceful actions’.

Vaccines were high on the agenda for the speakers during the pre EU Council meeting debate, including Deputy Ó Murchú who pointed out the imbalance between the number of vaccines going out of the EU, versus the number coming in. He also accused pharma company AstraZeneca of ‘fly-boy capitalism’. He said: ‘We are all worried about any chance of legal action with regard to the supply of vaccines or vaccine ingredients. We all recognise that, as Dr. Ursula von der

Leyen has stated, mistakes were made with regard to vaccine procurement. ‘We are all aware that 77 million doses have made their way out of the European Union, while nothing has come back in. We know there is a specific difficulty in respect of AstraZeneca. ‘It is fair to say the company has engaged in fly-boy capitalism and needs to be called out and brought to account. ‘The fact is we need a solution to this issue and we do not need a legal trade war with

unintended consequences. ‘I welcome the fact that there will be an opportunity to engage with the European Commission and possibly with US President Biden on the wider issue of vaccine supply. ‘A conversation is needed with the European Commission to the effect that the Government has a part to play in a wider conversation with the pharmaceutical industry to see what capacity there is on a worldwide basis to up the production of vaccines. Everything has to be

on the table, including intellectual property rights. I accept there is a cost factor to this, particularly for the so-called developed world. We are hearing figures from €25 billion to €40 billion to vaccinate the developed world and that this will be a cost that will largely need to be borne by the developed world. That is the cost of doing business. There are other figures out there for what it would cost if not everybody throughout the world was vaccinated, between one to nine trillion dollars. The diffi-

culty is that we need to ensure we miss nothing in capacity.’ In response to Deputy Ó Murchú, Minister of State Thomas Byrne said: ‘To answer the question Deputy Ó Murchú put by looking at everything and making sure every last facility is used to produce vaccines, we can safely say that vaccine supply is going to ramp up massively in quarter two, which begins next week. Professor Brian MacCraith is on the public record as saying that a huge delivery will come in next Wednesday’.

Facebook’s policies allow public figures to be targeted with calls for their death

Leaked Facebook guidelines which allow users call for the death of public figures is deeply troubling and mind boggling; a Fine Gael Senator has said. Senator John McGahon was speaking following a report from the Guardian newspaper that revealed Facebook’s secret guidelines in relation to public figures. A leaked document of Facebook’s bullying and harassment policy explicitly allows for “public figures” to be targeted in ways otherwise banned on the site.  Under the reported

guidelines, a public figure is defined as anyone with a claim to fame, whether it’s a sports star, someone with a large social media following or someone covered regularly in news. The definition of the December 2020 policies is wide ranging: all politicians count whether they are office holders, elected or standing for election, as does any journalist who is working in the public sphere.  They are considered to be permissible targets for online abuse because Facebook wants to ‘allow discussion, which

often includes critical commentary of people who are featured in the news’.  The report on Facebook policies says private individuals cannot be targeted with ‘calls for death’ but public figures simply cannot be ‘purposefully exposed’ to such calls: The Guardian reports it is legitimate, under Facebook’s harassment policies, to call for the death of a minor local celebrity so long as the user does not tag them in the post. “This is absolutely mind boggling and deeply troubling,” Senator McGahon

said. “Facebook posts directed at people, whether they are private or public figures, have repercussions and in some cases very devastating and tragic consequences. “It was deeply troubling to learn that the Tánaiste needs armed garda protection after receiving a number of credible death threats and abusive messages, many of which were sent online. “Other nasty and threatening messages have been posted about him on Facebook in the past, which

is deplorable and must be stopped. Some are in political groups set up by Sinn Féin on Facebook. “Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, can also be a forum for online trolling, with retired footballer Ian Wright subjected to threatening abuse on the platform by a Kerry teenager who said he would give the football pundit “a death sentence”. “In recent weeks, we will have all watched the tragedy that was the Caroline Flack documentary, the online hatred and death threats

that was directed at her was horrific, but it was allowed. The same goes for racist abuse that has been aimed at Manchester United star Marcus Rashford and others – it is commonplace.   Senator McGahon said, “When we ask ourselves, how has online discourse around the world become so toxic online, here is a perfect example as it is deemed permissible by Facebook “Facebook is allowing and actively encouraging users to target and abuse public figures.,” stated John McGahon. John.

Dream start to the season for Sophie Dundalk’s Sophie Watters and her Bohemians teammates got their WNL season off to the perfect start on Saturday as they hit Treaty Utd for six in a comfortable 6-2 win. Sophie who is joint captain for the club this season managed to lead by example scoring the third goal just before the break for the Phibsboro outfit. Sophie, who hails from Tom Bellew Avenue, signed for Bohs last season after enduring a tough period recovering from injuries including a devastating ACL tear which kept her out of the game for two years. As a teenager Sophie made a name for herself with some brilliant performances for Shelbourne Ladies having signed for the Drumcondra club in 2016. That form led to numerous caps for the Ireland U19’s but her meteoric rise was halted following that ACL injury which saw her take

Dundalk Leader 31st March 2021

Sophie Watters.

a step back from the game. The 22-year old is fit and healthy again now and coming off the back of a full season with Bohs who were only formed last year, finishing bottom of the nine team league in their debut season. There have been many changes in personnel over the off season with six new players coming in and ten players saying their goodbyes. Sophie is joint captain this season along with her best friend Chloe Flynn and according to the talented midfielder the mindset and attitude around the

club have improved immeasurably since last season. “We actually had a proper pre-season this year of about ten weeks whereas last year it was all kind of last minute as we were formed just before the start of the league. You can sense that the mindset and attitude of everybody in the club has changed and there’s a sense that we can do a lot better in our second year and cause a few surprises throughout the season. “I think we all knew we had to win that first game on Saturday against Treaty to give ourselves a good start and I thought we played really well. We have a lot of very good players at the club this season and there is a great competitiveness for places which will obviously help push everybody and keep people on their toes,” explained Sophie. “I am joint captain at

the club this season with my best friend Chloe Flynn and it is a huge honour to be given the armband at such a big club. It’s nice to see that all my hard work is paying off especially having come back from a couple of bad years with injuries. We’ll try our best to drive on the team but I really think all the girls have stepped up in pre-season and hopefully we can continue the form we showed against Treaty Utd into the rest of the season” noted Sophie. “It’s great to see progress being made in our league with new sponsors and every game being streamed on the LOITV.IE platform. It’s nice to see the league get recognition and we are looking forward to being very competitive this season,” promised the former U19 Irish international.

2021 LOCAL YOUTH CLUB GRANT SCHEME Under the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (incorporating the National Quality Standards for Volunteer-led Youth Groups), one-off grants are being made available to local youth clubs/groups to assist with their development needs including supporting administration, programme and services costs. Louth and Meath Youth clubs/groups are invited to apply for one-off funding under the following:

Local Youth Club Grant Application forms may be downloaded from Youth Services & Projects section on LMETB website on: https://www.lmetb.ie/youth-services-projects/youth-services/ Deadline for receipt of completed application forms is Friday, May 7th, 2021 Applications will only be accepted through email and submitted to: youthservices@lmetb.ie Postal applications will not be accepted Applications received after this date will not be considered in any circumstances. Funding for the scheme is provided by the Youth Affairs Unit, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Zainab pleased about opening of new Gaelscoil

A DUNDALK woman who attended a Zoom public meeting about the establishment of an Irish-medium post-primary school has praised its organisers. Zainab Saliu from Beechmount Drive is hoping to send her eight-year-old daughter, Aamira, to the new Irish-medium post primary school planned for Muirhevnamor. Zainab was one of 24 parents who logged on to the Zoom public meeting held on Thursday, 25 March at 7pm. “My two older daughters attended Gaelscoil Dhún Dealgan and then Coláiste Lú in 2013. After Coláiste Lú closed one of my daughters moved to Coláiste Chú Chulainn,” said Zainab. “But she didn’t find it easy to switch from Irish to English. My daughters loved Gael Scoil Dhún Dealgan.

Aamira will attend new Gaelscoil in Dundalk “They grew up speaking Irish and they stayed friends with classmates from the Gael Scoil and Coláiste Lú.” Zainab added: “I’m so happy there’s going to be another Irish secondary school. I’m delighted my youngest daughter, Aamira, will be able to continue her education in Irish.

G Eileen talks about t her cancer experience C

Dundalk Leader 31st March 2021

“I love language and if I had the opportunity to speak Irish I would. It’s good to learn Irish and everyone should be proud of speaking Irish. “I commend the organisers for doing a great job. They have done their very best to keep the Irish secondary school alive.”

A WOMAN who worked for Irish Life in Dundalk has spoken about her cancer diagnosis in the run up to Daffodil Day. Eileen Rushe, aged 35, lives in Termonfeckin with her 14-yearold son, Seamus. Her biggest wish is to live long enough to see Seamus finish school. “I got diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer in December 2018 and got the all clear in June 2019,” said Eileen. “I was due to return to work in September 2020 when I went for a walk on the beach. I felt very breathless so I contacted my GP. “That’s when I learned the cancer was back. It has spread to my lungs, spine and hip and is terminal now.” Eileen added: “I got scanned in January and so far the treatment is

Eileen Rushe with her son Seamus and their dogs. working in terms of they are controlling it and stopping it from spreading. “My cancer was a very aggressive cancer. I was monitored every three months so it’s noone’s fault. “I’m undergoing chemotherapy and had one session of radiotherapy. I’m optimis-

tic I’ll get as long as I can.” She continued: “My son is 14 and his father, John Byrne, passed away from epilepsy in 2017 aged 32. “I’m in a TV ad about Daffodil Day at the moment. I’ve found the Irish Cancer Society very good for me personally.

“Daffodil Day funds so many vital services that make a huge difference in the lives of so many.” Eileen highlighted the fact that her cancer is preventable and she is in favour of vaccination and smear tests. “I’ve found lockdown tough, especially for teenage kids.

I would have loved to have some experiences with Seamus but weC are having takeawaysC as a highlight of theC week now but I live in G hope.” a Eileen has a blog about her journey withr cervical cancer. To readt more about her storya visit https://cervical-r cancerisabitch.com. n t n p o p t C b p t

Monksland N.S on Down Syndrome Day

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Dundalk Leader 31st March 2021

Ger expecting busy tourism season in Carlingford and Cooley

Carlingford and Cooley Tourism officer Ger Long expecting busy summer in Carlingford.

Carlingford and Cooley Tourism Officer Ger Long, is expecting a busy summer in the region as people begin to book their holidays ahead of an easing of restrictions over the next few months. For the second year running staycations are expected to be the holiday of choice for many Irish people and according to Ger Carlingford and Cooley are proving to be popular choices if pre-booking is anything to go by. “Hotels and B+B’s around the area have seen a number of bookings in recent weeks as people begin to plan their holidays for later on in the year. Obviously we are blessed to have some spectacular

scenery around these parts and it looks like we will have quite a busy summer period with regards to visitors in the area. It looks at this stage that those visitors will largely be domestic and it seems unlikely that we will have many international visitors given the circumstances of the world at the moment with regards to coronavirus,” explained Ger. “Unfortunately, we will not be at full capacity accommodation wise due to the new council restrictions which have cracked down on Airbnbs and short term lettings in rent pressure zones. We are hoping by June that the restrictions will have eased sufficiently to allow people

come to Carlingford for a holiday and hopefully we can have a good few months of tourism after what has been a tough year for everybody,” explained Ger. “Myself and my fellow tourist officer Richard Lewis have built a new website for Carlingford that is expansive, inclusive and free – it’s called ‘Discover Carlingford’. The Carlingford businesses have come together to offer 3 sensational prizes which are outlined below. “We start a draw for an ‘all-inclusive break’ for a Family of Four and this includes Accommodation, a full 3 days of Activities, Lunch x 3 plus 2 x Dinners, various Shopping Vouchers

and a bunch of Treats. In addition, the family gets a return trip on the Carlingford Lough Ferry, 19 Fab prizes in total and entry is free all you have to do to enter on our brand new website www.discovercarlingford.com , Draw will take place live on facebook on 15th April 7pm sharp “The 2nd Draw is for a ‘Romantic Midweek Break for a couple where they stay at Ghan House, dine in the evening at Ghan House and Fitzpatrick’s (inc taxi there an back), loads of activities etc. The 3rd Draw is a Family Day Trip. As one Draw ends, the next begins – starting on 18th April and finishing on 24th July,” explained Ger.

“Grow It Forward” campaign launched

The Grow it forward campaign was launched nationally on the 23rd March . It forms part of the National Keep Well campaign and is being run in collaboration with among others Karen O Donoghue from the programme GROW, Cook Eat which is now entering its 3rd series on RTE and Healthy Ireland. Libraries nationwide are involved. Kits containing seeds and a growing guide (How to grow, when to sow etc)will be avail-

able from Louth County Library just register your details at the libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie or Tel 0429353190 and a kit will be posted. All are welcome and non library members can avail of the opportunity for free online membership. The kits will contain Tomatoes, Green Peas, Carrots, Beets and mixed oriental greens (similar to Rocket) The project is primarily being aimed at novice growers but any-

one can become involved. People are being encouraged to use containers, buckets, even cracked cups to grow their seeds in, be creative. The idea is the share your seedlings, ideas or produce with 9 other people.. hence grow it forward. People are being encouraged to grow their own vegetables and even submit photos of their progress on the Grow it Forward /Grow it yourself website. So get those wellies on and get growing !!

Treat for pupils in Faughart CNS

The pupils at Faughart CNS were delighted to receive a surprise delivery of Easter eggs on Friday last from the Faughart Community Alert team. The kids had worked very hard over the last week coming up with slogans to promote the community group’s annual Spring clean up and the treat was well deserved.

advertorial

Specsavers Dundalk launches Healthy Hearing Month celebrating free hearing aids with PRSI

pecsavers is pledging to test and screen a quarter of a million people over the next two years, as the audiologists encourage people to claim free hearing aids under exciting new PRSI changes. To celebrate the new benefits, Specsavers is making this April, Healthy Hearing Month. Speaking about the campaign, Specsavers Dundalk audiologist Paula Owens, says: ‘With one in six Irish adults affected by hearing loss, we are on a mission to break down the stigma often associated with hearing loss and start having a more honest and open conversation about this important health issue. ‘Unfortunately, the perceived cost of hearing aids and outdated stigmas can deter people from seeking help and they do not realise the life changing benefits they can offer. This is why we are launching our

Healthy Hearing Month with a pledge to test and screen over a quarter of a million of the Irish population. By launching this long-term campaign, we hope to turn up the volume on hearing health and inspire people to be more proactive.’ Research, commissioned by Specsavers, revealed that almost half of Irish adults (47%) regularly worry about losing their hearing, yet only 25% of people would act quickly (within a week) if they noticed a change in their hearing. While 69% of Irish adults have not had their hearing tested in five years. Fears relating to cost (62%) was the biggest deterrent to wearing hearing aids. However, this no longer needs to be a concern for many thanks to the new changes introduced to the PRSI treatment benefits. Following changes to the

PRSI scheme by the Department of Social Protection, those eligible for the benefit can now avail of a pair of hearing aids up to the value of €1,000 or put their PRSI contribution towards the cost of a more expensive pair of hearing aids at Specsavers. Even with a Medical Card, many will also have PRSI entitlements which would make them eligible for a free pair of hearing aids. With hearing aids available from just €600 at Specsavers, this is the very first time people can claim free hearing aids under the scheme. For more information about using your audiology PRSI entitlement available at Specsavers Dundalk, speak to the expert time on (042) 932 6806.

Dundalk Leader 31st March 2021

Castletown Belles hoping for return to training next month It’s been six months now since the Castletown Belles football team last kicked a ball in anger and both players and coaches of the progressive club are hoping beyond hope that they will be given the green light to return to training when restrictions are eased by the government on April 5th. Like so many sports clubs around the country Castletown Belles soccer club have been forced to put their sporting lives on hold while

the world continues to grapple with COVID-19. The Belles which are the only all girls soccer club in Dundalk have a ladies team as well as U8’s, U10’s and U12’s and according to Andrew Gallagher who is a coach at the club the last few months have been especially tough for the girls as they miss out on playing the game they love. “I think the first lockdown wasn’t too bad as we were all a bit unsure of what was

happening and probably had no idea how long COVID would be with us so we all just got on with it back then. The fact is that we are still having to deal with it a year later and this third lockdown has been especially tough for the girls especially the teenagers who love to be out on the pitch and have a weekly routine where they would train a couple of nights a week and then play a match on the weekend,” explained Andrew.

“We are hopeful that we will get good news on April 5th and that we will be able to return to training but in saying that we are also very mindful of the coaches as

Louth County Council brings opera to nursing homes

Louth County Council Arts Office in recognition of the heartbreaking struggle facing residents of nursing homes during Covid wanted to do something to bring some joy and reprieve. The question was what, and the answer was Opera. When the word Opera is spoken this can invoke visions of fine palatial opera houses and luxurious theatres; a van is not what initially spring so mind, but as we know music transcends all boundaries, and not all vans are equal. ‘Festival in a Van’ is a mobile live arts event which can safely bring live music of various genres to outside areas. The van is not just any van but comes fully equipped with

sound, light and two technicians, one of whom is a Covid safety officer. Fully covid safety measures are adhered to and all the team are trained in Covid-19 Healthcare protocols, and look forward to delivering a short uplifting musical experience. Louth County Council is delighted to have been able to book ‘Festival in a Van’ to bring a live performance to the outside of three nursing homes in Co. Louth. Having renowned opera singer, Louth resident Gavan Ring, an artist from the Irish National Opera, to perform on the day is the icing on the cake. Gavan will be singing an uplifting mixture of opera, musical favourites and classics.

Funding was secured by Louth County Council from the Healthy Ireland/ Sláintecare/ Community Resilience Fund 2020 and a nursing home was chosen in each of the borough and municipal districts. Our Festival in a Van will take place on Tuesday 6th of April 2021. The three nursing homes it will visit are: St. Oliver Plunkett Hospital, Dundalk, with the performance at 10.00am Moorehall Lodge Nursing Home, Ardee, with the performance at 12:15pm Boyne View House Nursing Home, Drogheda, with the performance at 14:30pm This is open to residents and staff of the nursing homes only.

well as the players and if we are allowed to return we know that we have to be very careful and ensure the coaches as well as the players are safe. “We have been keeping in touch with the girls via whatsapp and zoom but it’s tough to keep on coming up with stuff to keep them engaged and feel as though they are still a part of the club. We had a successful competition a couple of months ago where we

asked our members to design a mascot but as I say it is tough to keep everybody engaged after being away from the club for so long so we are ready to get back to action now assuming it is deemed safe,” stated Andrew. “The last time we played a game was in October so it’s been pretty much six months since we kicked a ball together. We started off with about eighteen or nineteen players in 2016 and

we now have about 80 with enquiries regularly asking when we are starting back up again so all in all we are in good shape as a club. The next step is to get the girls back out training which will not only help them physically but also mentally,” added Andrew. “We have a great team spirit in the club and we are growing all the time so hopefully we can keep building when we are all back together again as a club,” he concluded.

Dundalk firm signs-up sports stars for children’s fitness programme

Georgia Fleming, Wilton Green, Dundalk, sent in her beautifully coloured in full page Regatta advert for Regatta’s new recently launched Peppa Pig Collection.

Track and field Olympian, David Gillick and Irish world boxing champion Kellie Harrington have signed up as members of the Fyffes Fit Squad team. Pictured with them is Fyffes marketing manager Emma Hunt-Duffy. Dundalk-based fruit importer Fyffes has signed-up Irish world boxing champion Kellie Harrington and track and field Olympian, David Gillick to their Fit Squad team. In their new roles, both will conduct a 12-week online fitness programme to encourage

children to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle – something Fyffes believes is more important now than ever before. Created so that teachers and parents can also participate, the Fit Squad series of 20-minute videos are being screened online via the www.fyffesfitsquad.

ie website. Since its launch three years ago, over 20,000 children have taken part in 345 live Fit Squad sessions held in 29 counties, north and south. This year, a new video will be released every Tuesday and Thursday until school summer holidays begin.

Dundalk Lions Club deliver chocolates to Meals on Wheels

the community the club is involved with the delivery of Meals on Wheels. They will be delivering meals on Easter Saturday, April 3rd. In addition to delivering meals on that day, the The members of Dundalk Lions Club will provide Lions Club are fully aware each recipient with a box of of the impact the Covid 19 chocolates. lockdowns are having on According to Tadhg the elderly and those living O’Sullivan of The Lions alone. Club, they would hope that As part of their service to it might help to convey to Dundalk Lions Club have handed over 85 boxes of chocolates Roses to John Hennessy from Dundalk Meals on Wheels to be distributed on Easter Saturday April 3rd.

those who receive the meals that people are thinking of them.

John Hennessy, who is Chairperson of Dundalk Social Service Council, who run Meals on Wheels, said that he “really appreciated this gesture and the ongoing support that Dundalk Lions club has given us and the other voluntary bodies, who help us, throughout the year.”

Tadhg O’Sullivan, Lions Club, handing over the chocolates to John Hennessy from Meals On Wheels.

Dundalk Leader 31st March 2021

Family Notices acknowledgment

novena

Mathews (Gerry) The Family of the late Gerry Mathews, Legion Avenue, would like to thank all those who attended his funeral, those who called to the house and brought food etc, or who helped in any way. —The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for all your intentions.

novena PrayER to Saint Expedite I call forth the Power and the presence of St. Expedite in my time of financial trouble. I offer my body, heart, mind and soul upon your alter of light. I have faith and trust and complete confidence that you will be my strength in this time of need. Quickly come to my assistance. Bring to me . . . (clearly express what you want, and ask him to find a way to get it to you.) My financial need is urgent. Be my Light and Guide in this situation so that I may live with peace, love, prosperity and abundance and in the Praise of God. Amen. R McD.

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). L.K. 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.N.

novena

Beat’ - The Musical. The final performance will be professionally filmed and DVDs will be available to purchase. The ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ summer camp is due to take place from 5th-16th July 2021. The cost is €90 per week per child (plus €1.50 booking fee per week per child). Discounts available for siblings: €170 for two siblings per week for 6-18 years camp (plus €1.50 booking fee per week per child. Meanwhile, Grow Music is running Showman Camp at An Táin Arts Centre from 19th23rd July 2021 from 10am to

special services

planning

ATTENTION—For B.E.R. CERTIFICATION of properties being offered for sale or rent, contact Robert Mulholland, BER assessor. 087 609 1906 www.louthber.ie. ADVERTISE YOUR HOUSE Premises for rent or sale to 60,000 readers a week from €5. Telephone Dundalk Leader 042 93 -20888.

TILER AVAILABLE—Experienced local tiler to carry out all types of tile work - marble, 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. Building Services—Extensions, Renovations, Sunrooms, Conservatories and All General Maintenance. P.V.C. Fascia, Soffit and Guttering products supplied and fitted. Bathroom Refurbishment, Painting, Decorating, Wall & Floor Tiling. All types of Roof Repairs & Maintenance. For free estimates Tel 087 260 2501. ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888. MOBILE CHIROPODY in the comfort of your own home. Ms. Dara McCoy, Bsc. Podiatry, MCHs, HCPC reg. Tel—087 192 4794. 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. 086 818 4827. 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. MOBILE HOME TRANSPORT—Transported throughout 32 Counties. Contact Eugene 086-607-1702. CARPET & OVEN CLEANING—Carpet, upholstery & specialist oven cleaning available. Call MVI Cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning.ie.

Retired reliable local man with Safe Pass available for Painting & Decorating, Internal and External,30 years’ experience, also grass cutting, strimming. General Garden Maintenance and Garage Clearance. Keen prices. Tel 086 845 9472. Roofing Repairs—Stoves supplied and fitted, fully insured, Hetas certified. Contact Paul Englishby 087 6301914 or 041 98 94633. Coaching with Esther—Life and Executive Coach Tel 086 8972007 www. coachingwithesther.com. Qualified Carpenter available for Floors, Doors, Frames, Architraves, Skirtings, Stud Walls, Roofing & All Building Repairs. No Job too big or too small. Call Mark 086 089 5508. Plasterer Available—Professional tradesman, all plastering repairs, rooms skimmed, small to medium size jobs, first class plastering. Keen prices, free quotes Tel 087 3525652. PROFESSIONAL GRASS CUTTING— Housing estates, large lawns, hedge cutting. Tel. 083 026 5245. M K Sand & Gravel Centrepoint Business Park, Carrickcarnon, Dundalk. Plastering Sand, Builder’s Sand, Stone, Decorative Stone, Top soil, Wood Chip Mulching and Blocks, Deliveries available Tel 087 6938428/ 085 1472966 VOLUNTEER DRIVER—Available to transport Cancer patients to and from Hospital/Clinic. Highly experienced in this care. Reference available. Fuel contribution requested. Tel Carmel 0044-7923-192799. Power Washing Service AvailableDriveways, Patios, Walls, etc., No job to big or small. For free quotation Tel James 086 8930086. WE CAN DISTRIBUTE your leaflets from €65 + vat per thousand Ph 042 932 0888.

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Family Notices Contact Noeleen

Telephone 042 9320888

Wide variety of summer camps for kids on offer around town It’s not too early to start planning the summer ahead. If you want to entertain your children and keep them busy when they are off school, why not sign them up for a summer camp? An Táin and From the Top Theatre School is set to host a two-week musical theatre summer camp aimed at 6 to18-yearolds. The camp will end with a full-scale production of ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ - The Musical. The musical is based on some themes and songs from the hit movie and musical ‘Hairspray’. This unique summer camp offers classes in dance, singing, drama, stage craft and arts and crafts. All students who take part in the two weeks of camp have the opportunity to perform on the main stage of An Táin Arts Centre in ‘You Can’t Stop the

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3pm daily. There will be an online or in-person performance for family and friends on the final day depending on the government recommendations at that time. The camp will explore each child’s individual musical expression, children will learn to compose their own music, and learn showstopper songs from movies and musicals. Every day, campers will have band jams, individual lessons, creative crafts, drumming, and choir. The time and focus given each camper and in ensemble will bring out the best musicianship and creativity in each child. €150 per child. Deposit of €50 required. Ages 7-15. For more information telephone An Táin on 042-9332332 or visit www.antain,ie and www.growmusic.ie/showmancamp.

Attention Landlords—We supply furniture & Beds for any rental properties you have, Sofas from €299, Beds from €180, Bedroom Furniture Sets from €249 Call us today www.bedstore.ie, Coes Rd, Dundalk Tel 042 932 0927. SELL IT THROUGH A CLASSIFIED—Only €5 for one week up to 20 words. 042 93 20888. The Dundalk Leader.

articles wanted Wanted—Dundalk FC European Ticket stubs 1980s & 1970s, especially v Wettingen & Red Star Belgrade. Also chasing Rep of Ireland Ticket stubs 1990s back. Contact Ger 086 2630363.

special services CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 042 933 2491 / 087 666 0094 Email tribalky@yahoo.com. 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.

Situations vacant

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Dundalk Leader 31st March 2021

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Dundalk Leader 31st March 2021

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Carmel Dennehy (née Car- and Shauna, son-in-law Pearse, Road), Sandra will be sadly James (Jim) Kelly (Ex Garda roll), Moorehall Lodge, Ardee, daughter-in-law Tammy, missed by her loving husband, Síochána). Late of Ballythomas, Louth / Bayside, Dublin. Peace- grandchildren, sisters Alison mum and dad, sisters Michele Rathgormack, Carrick on Suir, fully in the wonderful care of and Noleen, brothers Paddy, and Audrey, mother in-law Co. Waterford and Mary Street, the staff in Moorehall Lodge Tommy and Damien, brothers- Barbara, brothers in-law Colin, Dundalk, Co. Louth, died 24th Ardee. Carmel is predeceased in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, Joe, Ian and Seán, sisters in- March 2021. Sadly missed by by her husband Tom, she will nieces, relatives and friends. law Susan and Noreen, neph- his loving brothers Don and be sadly missed by her extend- Isla Sage Bishop Sydney, ews and nieces Matthew, Cara, Jerry, sister Maura, step family ed family and friends. New South Wales, Australia Erin, Niamh, Nyssa, Tom and Johnny, Joe and Jackie CoughFrancie Roe Birmingham, UK and Priorland, Dundalk. 23rd Ellie-May, uncles, aunts, cous- lan, brother in law, sisters in and formerly of Reaghstown, March 2021. Isla Sage age 5 ins, extended family, relatives, law, nieces, nephews, relatives Ardee, Co. Louth. Sadly missed died peacefully at home in friends in Lincolnshire and her and friends. by his loving family. The Roe her mother’s arms. Isla Sage home town of Dundalk. Barney Cassidy Bolton, Engfamily are truly heartbroken by much loved daughter of Conor Theresa Marie MURPHY land and formerly of Corderry, losing such a great man and a and Joanna and sister of Sao- (née Mc Intyre), Cherrybrook., Knockbridge, Co. Louth, 10th true legend loved by all. irse, adored granddaughter of Ardee, Louth. Peacefully, in March 2021. Barney is predeFinbar DIXON Banbrook Frank and Irene Bishop and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. ceased by his parents Phil and Hill, Armagh City, Armagh / Daniel and Susan Joyce. She Marie, beloved wife of Andrew, Lizzie Cassidy, brothers Joe, Dundalk, Louth. Formerly St. will be sadly missed by her dear mother of Mary O’Kane, Phil, Pat and Frank, sisters Kitty Nicholas’ Avenue, Dundalk. heartbroken parents, sister, Clare Halpenny, Ursula Travers, (Bradley), Eileen (Farrell), Lily Peacefully, at home, in the grandparents, uncles, aunts, Marcella Leonard, granny of (Kennedy), Connla (McQuillan) Jade, Aoife, Chloe, Pierce and and Ginnie (McCluskey). Surtender care of his loving fam- cousins, relatives and friends. ily. Predeceased by his parents Sandra GORHAM Skendleby, Eireanne and sister of late Rose vived and will be sadly missed Tommy and Cassie and brother Lincolnshire, England and for- Kennedy and William. Marie by his loving wife Esther, son John. He will be sadly missed merly of Bellewsbridge Road, will be sadly missed by her Alan, daughters Sandra and by his sorrowing wife Rosie Dundalk, Louth. Suddenly at husband, daughters, grand- Lisa, grand-children, great(nee Duffy), sons and daugh- her home aged 53 years. Be- children, son in law Fergus, grandchildren, sister Theresa ters Martin, Michael, Stacey, loved wife of Ken Reidy and Michael, Barney and Aidan, (Dolan) Dromiskin, nieces, Kieran, Megan and Aimee, cherished daughter of Arthur nephews, nieces, relatives, nephews, extended family and friends. step-daughters Leanne, Aoife and Irene (Bellewsbridge neighbours and friends.

‘Empowering You, Empowering Our Community’ programme now open for applications It is well-known that our communities are run on the power of volunteers. In fact, over 1 million people volunteer every year in Ireland. Community and voluntary sector organisations deliver very important services in our local community – for children, for the homeless, for older people, for heritage, for people with disabilities, for community safety and much more. These organisations are all led by voluntary board members who are responsible for ensuring that the organisation benefits the public; is being true to its purpose; and overall governance, oversight and strategic direction. Without these voluntary board members our community sector could not exist. A report launched on the 23rd March by Joe O’Brien, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development showed that one of the biggest challenges for Not for Profit organisations nationally is a lack of volunteers putting themselves forward to become board members. With over 400 not for profit organisations in County Louth, many of whom are essential to our local communities, this is also a local challenge. In response to this challenge

Peace Partnership and Louth Volunteer Centre Good Relations Initiative team. Training programmes are being offered to support people who could become board members for local voluntary organisations

Louth Volunteer Centre, through their PEACE IV funded Good Relations Initiative, have developed a new training programme for prospective board members. Gráinne Berrill, Manager of Louth Volunteer Centre said: “Being a board member of a charity or Community & Voluntary sector organisation can be a wonderful opportunity to share skills, experience and perspective for the good of our community. It can be hugely rewarding and offer opportunities for personal and professional development. We are excited to be offering this new programme for people in our local area who have an interest in being

a member of a Charity or Community & Voluntary sector board” Another challenge that was identified is the lack of diversity in boards and committees. The Volunteer Centre team are therefore particularly interested in recruiting people who are not currently involved in our local community sector; people from under-represented groups in committee and board roles such as under 35s and people not originally from Ireland. Mary Capplis, EU Programmes Manager in Louth County Council stated “The strength of volunteerism has never been more evident than in the last 12 months and the role that voluntary board

members contribute to the community sector is immense. I am delighted this new training programme is commencing at this time, as it will support people who wish to enhance or develop the skills to empower themselves & our communities. I would encourage people to engage in this excellent training programme, as it will provide life-long skills and has been carefully designed to support peace building and cross community interaction, enabling people to live, learn, socialise together and help to heal divided communities.” The programme starts on the 13th April and runs for six weeks. If you are interested in taking part

in this programme further information is available at www.volunteerlouth. ie. For more information on the Good Relations Initiative please contact Mairéad or Tracy at 041 9809008 or info@volunteerlouth.ie. The Good Relations Initiative project is supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special European Programmes Body (SEUPB) and supported locally by Louth County Council and Louth Local Community Development Committee (LCDC). Match-funding has been provided by The Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department for Rural and Community Development.

Dundalk Leader 31st March 2021

Louth awarded €4.65m Driving test delays for active cycling and walking infrastructure

The National Transport Authority and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan have announced that €4,649,670 has been approved for active cycling and walking infrastructure in Co. Louth. The money has been approved under the New Rural Active Travel Investment Programme which will Distribute €72.8 Million in year one of a five-year plan as announced by the National Transport Authority. While the majority of the funding is earmarket for Drogheda with €1.2m alone allocated for work on St Dominick’s Bridge Independent TD Peter Fitzpatrick has pointed to €40m in funding which was awarded to Louth last year for Coastal Protection Works. “It’s great to see money being granted to Louth for sustainable transport options which will encourage people to leave their cars, motorbikes, vans etc at home where possible. There will be funds made available for projects in Dundalk connecting

Peter Fitzpatrick TD

the Inner relief Rd to Riverside Walk on the Dublin Road (costing €580,000) and from Ard Easmuinn Rd to Train Station and Friary School to the bus station and train station.

“I want people to remember that there is a lot more money available to spend in this area thanks to €40m worth of funding which was awarded last year as part of coastal protection works. That money has been ring-fenced and will be available to spend soon. I have been a keen advocate for the Dundalk to Blackrock walkway and this funding will be used for that project,” explained Peter. “In July of last year we brought in consultants to draw plans for this walkway and they are due to come back with their recommendations in the next month or two. Any shortfall of costings will be made up by Louth County Council. We have been pushing for a coastal walkway and I think it will be a fantastic addition to the area. As I say we have the money for this project already and it is now just a case of waiting on the consultants to get back to us before we can start work on the project,” stated Deputy Fitzpatrick.

Almost a third of households have been directly affected by wait times to sit the driving test and current restrictions limiting tests to those working in essential services, a recent survey has found. In response to an AA Ireland survey of over 4,000 Irish motorists, 22.82% of respondents strongly agreed that one or more members of their household have been or will be negatively affected by the current wait times to sit the driving test. Meanwhile, a further 6.11% of those surveyed stated that they partially agreed with this claim. Under Level 5 restrictions, only those considered essential workers are allowed to proceed with a driving test.

“For as long as we remain in level 5 of Covid-19 restrictions, the Government have quite rightly taken the decision to restrict driving tests to those working in essential services. However, the longer this goes on, the longer the waiting list for a test date becomes for those who currently can’t apply to sit their test. When restrictions ease and we are in a position for regular testing to resume, it’s important that the RSA receive the required support from Government to take the steps necessary to minimise the delay,” Conor Faughnan, AA Director of Consumer Affairs stated. The survey also found that instances of learner permit holders driving without an accompany-

ing fully qualified driver may be on the rise. 12.38% of those surveyed by the AA strongly agreed that they knew of at least one learner driver regularly driving without an accompanying driver. A further 9.59% of respondents partially agreed with this statement. “We’ve already had an issue in recent years with a small minority of learner permit holders thinking they had reason to drive without an accompanying driver because of difficulties getting a test or a requirement to get to work. This is not the case plain and simple, until you pass the test you must have a fully qualified driver with you and COVID does not change that,” Faughnan added.

Hill Street, Dublin Rd., Dundalk.

042 9331515/086 2559201

Cooley Connect Well 1—Traditionally, at what time of the day on April Fool’s Day is all joking to cease? 2—The Suez Canal is making headlines all over the world in recent weeks. What century was it officially opened? 3—What is the name of the Middle Eastern dip or spread usually made with chickpeas, sesame paste, garlic, lemon juice and salt? 4—Which 1973 horror film takes place on Summerilse, a fictional island in the Hebrides? 5—What was the name of the popular ballroom in Blackrock which played host to some of the top showbands and singers from Ireland and the UK right up to the

early 1980’s. 6—What was the name of the chess playing computer that defeated World Champion Gary Kasparov in 1997? 7—What is the most common ending for a city, town, village or hamlet in England? (three letters) 8—John Merrick was believed to have suffered from neurofibromatosis. What is the name of the film about his sad life? 9—What disease can you get from ticks? 10—What is the largest animal on the planet? The Stinker—Why were there no registered births or deaths in England on September 3rd 1752?

—this week’s answers—

Plant a tree and help restore our native Irish trees. For further details, please phone 0833924117 Would YOU like to join a six-week organic Gardening Course via Zoom? The course will begin on Tuesday, March 30th, 2021, at 11.00 am. Beginners and advanced gardeners could contribute to a public forum with their knowledge and expertise. Gardens are privileged spaces, just outside your back door. Everybody is welcome. For booking details, please phone - 0851833110.

Historical Society

If you have any information re dance halls/ meeting places in the Cooley Peninsula - please phone 0851833110 with their location.

Louth Libraries

Parenting with Patience with Dr Mary O’Kane on Thursday 8th of April at 7pm. In this workshop we learn how to frame behaviour management in a positive way with practical advice on how to use connection to help us parent with patience. To book your place email libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie Five Ways to Wellbeing During Tough Times on Thursday 15th of April at 7pm with Mental Health Ireland. The workshop will explore how much time we spend every day looking after our mental health and how having an improved understanding will help us look after our wellbeing during Covid 19. As numbers are limited booking is essential to book email libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie.

Car Roof Boxes, Roof Bars, Wind Visors etc. Toolboxes, Socket Sets, Battery Chargers, Car Jacks, Space Heaters, etc.

Car Gift Packs & Gift Vouchers Available

T. 042 9331555/9331006 The Ramparts, Dundalk (formerly Martin's Garage)

1—All joking and hoaxing are to stop by noon (12:00pm) on 1 April, 2—19th (It opened on the 17th November, 1869), 3—Hummus, 4—The Wickerman, 5—The Pavillion, 6—Deep Blue, 7—ton, 8—The Elephant Man, 9—Lymes Disease, 10—Blue Whale. The Stinker: There was no September 3rd 1752. The British government adopted the Gregorian calendar. It was decreed that the day following September 2nd 1752 should be called September 14.

Dundalk Leader 31st March 2021