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Louise Hogan – 0862249299 louise@irishmediagroup.ie

Sean Maguire (Publisher) - 087 915 9052 seanmaguire@irishmediagroup.ie

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Balbriggan Local Magazine www.Facebook.com/BalbrigganLocal Communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

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Supervalu Balbriggan, Lidl Balbriggan Tesco, Millfield S.C, Balbriggan The Lark Theatre Balibriggan

The past two months of summer haven’t given us too much to write home about weather-wise, however there has still been lots going on in Fingal thanks to the wonderful local organisations who continue in their tireless work to make our communities such vibrant areas to live in!

The month of August will see lots of events taking place in the county and hopefully the weather will play ball! Nevertheless, pack a bag with all the essential gear to combat whatever the weather throws at us and get out to enjoy your local area. Whether its attending events or visiting the many wonderful sights in Fingal, there is plenty to do before the end of summer.

We in Fingal are so lucky to have so much to do on our doorstep; throughout the towns and villages in the county local people are spoiled for choice when it comes to spending their free time in their respective areas. We don’t have very far to travel to find something to make great memories from. We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country; the sheer number of public parks, castle grounds and gardens accessible all year round is unrivalled; the community centres, state of the art libraries, music venues, cafés, restaurants, bars, the list goes on and on. There is so much to do in such a short distance.

So, no matter what you are planning for the last few weeks of the summer, be sure to reserve some time to take in all the wonderful amenities on your doorstep, we don’t have to hop on a plane every time we want experience something new. Don’t let the weather prevent you from enjoying our wonderful county!

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The Locals Team

Get involved with Balbriggan Guide Dogs

Do you want to support our Balbriggan/ North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs while also getting rid of some unwanted old coins/notes or used stamps? If you have any used postage stamps or coins/notes that are no longer in circulation, could you arrange to drop the used stamps into Skerries Library and the coins into counter boxes and large dogs for our Branch. We can then turn them into Euros and lodge to our Guide Dog account. Previously, coins from all over the world have been dropped to us as have old postage stamps. A U.K. stamp and coin collector buys all this off us and all the money goes to our Branch.

Another way you can support us is by using one or our many ‘Tap to Donate’ machines! You can visit and make a donation at any of the following locations: Specsavers located in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan, Specsavers located in Ashbourne and also Specsavers located in GPO Arcade, Dublin.

You may also have seen our Branch’s new Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind accessibility door stickers campaign, with one sticker located in McMeels Pharmacy in Skerries and another in Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan, a big thank you to Peter Carey the General Manager

Join the team at Balbriggan Meals on Wheels!

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels has been providing meals to the most vulnerable members of our community since 1975 and was awarded the Community Heros of the Year Award at the 2023 Balbriggan Town Awards.

Do you have a few hours to spare in your week? Would you like to join our team of Volunteers? We are currently seeking the following Volunteers to join our team: Volunteer Drivers; Volunteer

Driver Assistants and Volunteer

Kitchen Assistants

If you can help, contact Balbriggan Meals on Wheels: Tel: 01 8416743 or email: mealsonwheelsbalbriggan@gmail.

com

Don’t have time to volunteer but still want to help? Donate to Balbriggan Meals on Wheels: www.idonate.ie/cause/ BalbrigganMealsonWheels

in Millfield Shopping Centre. Tom O’Neill with his guide dog Qeb is looking forward to visiting many more places and venues to take and share photos to encourage others to take the access sticker which might also encourage people who see it to become volunteers with the branch. Irish equality legislation gives Guide Dog and Assistance Dog owners the right to access businesses and services without discrimination. This includes access to: all forms of public transport, including bus, train, tram, taxi, plane or ferry; all forms of hospitality accommodation, including hotels, Airbnbs, hostels or holiday rental properties; all establishments that provide food, including cafes, restaurants, pubs, delis and supermarkets.

You can show your support for Guide Dog and Assistance Dog owners by displaying our PAW for Access Rights window sticker. Email Access@ GuideDogs.ie to get your free sticker.

If you would like to volunteer with us, you can contact us Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text 085 7663107, you can email us at GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail. com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

Tom, Qeb and Peter Carey with Paw for Access Rights window sticker Millfield Shopping Centre.

Traffic Chaos Concerns over Balbriggan Wind Farm says Community Forum

Malahide & Swords residents are facing an unprecedented level of traffic chaos in the coming two years, according to David Greene, Chair of the Malahide Community Forum. The Forum is the umbrella group for over 20 residents’ associations in Malahide and they have been monitoring plans for bringing huge electrical cables from an offshore wind farm near Balbriggan through Swords and Malahide to join up with the national grid at Balgriffin.

“The recently lodged planning application by the wind farm operators seeks full road closures for months at a time along Estuary Road, the Swords Road and the Malahide Road into Balgriffin”, says Greene.

“The wind farm operator held public consultation meetings but never mentioned the extent of these full road closures. Diversions

are planned but that only makes the situation worse as it forces all traffic (buses, lorries, cars, bikes and pedestrians) onto smaller roads and residential estates” according to the Malahide Community Forum who have analysed plans lodged with the planning application.

With residents of both towns already complaining about the extent of traffic gridlock throughout the day, these plans will have a huge detrimental impact on all residents.

“Imagine trying to get kids from Seabury to Malahide Community School -it could take up to an extra hour to complete that journey.

Thinking of going from Malahide to the airport? You’ll probably need to allow an extra 45 minutes to complete that journey at the latest, and possibly more at peak times” notes Greene.

Balbriggan Community Council Thank Public for Support

Balbriggan Community Council would like to give a huge thank you to the people of Balbriggan and District for their support over the last two years when taking a Judicial Review on the proposal to build 101 Apartments on the former shopping centre on Quay Street/High Street, Balbriggan.

An Bord Pleanála withdrew from contesting

the Judicial Review saying they had made a legal error regarding granting permission for that development. The case is now over and the proposal for the development has returned to An Bord Pleanála. We are waiting for the case to be brought before An Bord Pleanála for their decision to be made. Thank you for your support.

The Forum say they have identified an alternative route that avoids road closures by going cross-country, which is considered standard operating procedure in the UK. It would be a shorter route, cost less and lead to lower carbon emissions because of less traffic jams. Whilst the wind farm operator did meet the Forum to discuss their proposed route, Greene feels that the operator was too far advanced in their plans to fully consider the alternative route.

The Forum say they are appealing to An Bord Pleanala to force the operator to give proper and full consideration to their proposal. They are also engaging with local councillors, seeking to get Fingal County Council to also compel the operator to take into account the alternative route proposal.

Planning Cover For Different Life Stages

By Dave Kavanagh

There are very different cover requirements in terms of what stage of life you are at. This is primarily based on the financial loss that may occur in certain eventualities. For those in their 20’s or 30’s, they may have recently purchased their first home, maybe started a family, and are settling into a career. This is the stage with potentially, the biggest financial loss, as their mortgage may still be quite substantial, children are young (so will remain dependant for longer) and savings may not be built up yet (or were used to buy their home.) Planning is so important at this stage, to make sure their is sufficient life cover, serious illness cover and income protection. The good news is that the younger you are and the earlier you plan, the cheaper these types of protection are. The next stage, possible 40’s or 50’s, as children are older or grown up, mortgage balance is lower, and some savings have been built up. At this stage, it is a good time to “future proof” cover, while it is still relatively affordable and also, possible to be accepted for cover. It may be that health issues have occurred, needing you to avail of conversion options that are already in place with existing cover (if you don’t know if your cover has such an option, now is the time to check!) The financial loss may not be as potentially high as the earlier stage so lower

amounts of cover are more appropriate. At the stage when people are coming close to, or have reached retirement, it will very much depend on their own, specific circumstances, as some may be mortgage-free and have good pension and savings in place. Others may still have a mortgage to clear and may not have made the same provisions for pension and savings. Either way, the specific, potential financial loss needs to be examined to make sure sufficient planning is in place. This could range from simply making sure things like funeral costs would be covered, up to planning that inheritance tax is cleared from any estate you may leave behind, by commencing a section 72 plan. Whichever stage you’re at, make the time to plan.

Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@ financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.

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Enjoying the last of summer while getting ready for Back to school

It’s that crazy time of year when we’re trying our best to entertain the kids through summer break while getting prepared for back to school!

Some wonderful events are happening at Theatre Of Light in Dublin, including the Lego Bricktionary and Dream Today Tomorrow exhibitions. Perfect for getting the kids imaginations going!

Funtasia Theme Park in Drogheda has lots to do, from bowling to skyclimb to water activities perfect for all ages and especially good when the weather is not great as its all indoors.

As Mammies scramble to sort uniforms, bags, shoes and all the other Back to school essentials, one of our top tips is to LABEL EVERYTHING!! If you’ve ever seen the lost and found box in a school, you’ll know how important it is to label everything your child brings to school. My daughter once lost her shoes, yes shoes! so now we label absolutely everything. MyNametags is our go to for labels and stickers. You can personalise MyNametags them with your child’s name and your contact number so if something goes missing, you’re more likely to get it back once it’s labelled! We have some sets of labels/stickers

to give away, head over to mams.ie or our FB page to enter!

With uniforms being so expensive, look out for offers. Tesco sometimes run 25% off uniforms for Clubcard users. ALDI has a full uniform for under €5. Penney’s are excellent value for coats, bags and shoes. Dunnes have great quality jumpers and cardigans that you can add the school crest to yourself –which is a great way to save money. For teens who don’t converse in the mornings, earbuds are essential, and Gadget Geek in Ilac Shopping Centre has an excellent range at competitive prices. Hoco in Ilac SC has really good value iPad covers, to help keep your child’s school technology safe if (and inevitably when) it is accidentally dropped! Regatta has superb raincoats with reflective strips to keep kids visible on dark mornings and gloomy evenings as autumn approaches. For more tips and competitions for back to school and summer days out, follow us on:

https://mams.ie/ https://www.facebook.com/ mams.ireland

https://www.instagram.com/ mams.ie/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/mams_ie

MaXXXine: A Bloody Good Time in 1980s Hollywood

By Jack Shanley

Ti West caps off his deranged horror trilogy with a bang in “MaXXXine,” the most entertaining and violent entry yet. Mia Goth continues to shine as Maxine Minx, the tenacious survivor of the Texas massacre in “X” who now sets her sights on Hollywood stardom in the neon-drenched, cocaine-fuelled landscape of 1985.

West’s love letter to the era is impeccable. The grime, the synth soundtrack, and the lurid excess are all meticulously recreated, with a dash of “video nasty” aesthetics thrown in for good measure. Los Angeles transforms into a dangerous playground, with the Night Stalker real-life murders casting a long shadow and a copycat killer emerging from the darkness.

Goth is a revelation. She embodies Maxine’s ambition and vulnerability with equal intensity. We see her navigate the sleaze of peep shows and B-movie auditions with a steely resolve, all while haunted by the trauma of her past. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Elizabeth Debicki as the demanding director who

sees potential in Maxine, and a trio of detectives (Bobby Cannavale, Michelle Monaghan, and Kevin Bacon) adding a layer of suspense.

“MaXXXine” is a genre mashup, blending classic slasher elements with a dash of dark humour and a surprisingly poignant exploration of female ambition in a cutthroat industry. The kills are brutal and creative but in sense not all that necessary sometimes, they showcase West’s mastery of practical effects. However, the film doesn’t shy away from exploring the emotional toll of violence, particularly on Maxine.

The film isn’t without its flaws. The plot can be predictable at times, and some might find the constant barrage of 80s references a bit overwhelming. The film lacks a bit of a drive sometimes but is arguably one of the best in the trilogy.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out “MaXXXine” and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Three stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today. Director: Ti West– Rating: R – Genre: Horror/Suspense – Run Time: 1h 44m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Fingal Plays host to prestigious Rowing Regatta

There were great scenes on the Fingal coastline when the Fingal Rowing Club Regatta took place off the coast of Balbriggan. Clubs from the Fingal area and further afield took to the waters on Saturday 13th July, much to the delight of rowing enthusiasts and locals alike.

CommunityLocals.ie

Fingal aiming to be Ireland’s premier agri-food and culinary tourism destination

Personality TV host and food writer Donal Skehan has welcomed a new Fingal Food & Drink Policy which looks to create a sustainable and vibrant food community in the County, celebrating local food provenance and positioning Fingal as a premier culinary tourism destination. The well-known Fingal native was at Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate ahead of Flavours of Fingal - Ireland’s largest county show - for the launch of the new policy which has a strong focus on sustainability and tourism development.

Fingal boasts a thriving food and drink sector encompassing diverse culinary traditions, local producers and a flourishing hospitality sector. Recognising the ongoing importance of fostering a long term, sustainable and thriving food sector, the policy was developed following an extensive process of consultation and research.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “Food and drink are significant sectors within Fingal, and it is vital that we have in place a co-ordinated, proactive, and sustainable approach to their ongoing development. The launch of this policy is positive step that will help make Fingal a leader in the agri-food sector nationally and further develop our food tourism potential.

“By adopting an innovative piece of work like this, we will be able to showcase our thriving local food culture, promote artisan produce and highlight wonderful food experiences, thereby ensuring that Fingal can be put firmly on the map as a premier culinary tourism destination.”

Along with a focus on sustainability, the new policy will look at helping support businesses and economic growth, develop greater food tourism experiences, engage the community on the benefits of their local food provenance, celebrate Fingal’s horticultural history and celebrate culinary excellence across the county.

Attending the event, Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, said: “As a local resident I am delighted to see a focus on the promotion and enhancement of the food and drink sector in the region. Fingal is home to an impressive number of heritage attractions where food is of paramount importance. What’s more, it is a place that gives visitors and locals alike access to some amazing experiences like Flavours of Fingal, the Howth Maritime and Seafood Festival, craft beer and whiskey tastings and so much more. I look forward to seeing the impact this policy will have on enhancing Fingal as hub for culinary excellence.”

Through strategic partnerships, innovative programmes and effective communication, the Policy aims to create a thriving and resilient food community that contributes to the economic, social and cultural well-being of Fingal.

John Quinlivan, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, commented: “For many years Fingal’s food and drink sector has played a significant role in the local economy. We want to encourage further development of the sector in a way that is not only sustainable but is done in close collaboration with the many communities and stakeholders across the county. By working together, we can boost tourism, generate employment opportunities, and ensure that Fingal plays a crucial role in shaping the growth and future of the Irish food and beverage industry.”

The Policy, commissioned by Fingal County Council, is a collaboration between the Tourism and Economic Development Departments and the Local Enterprise Office Fingal. The launch event at the historic Newbridge location included a lunch and showcase marquee from the members of Fingal Food Network who have been supported by Fingal County Council since their inception.

TV personality and food writer Donal Skehan, with Mayor of Fingal Brian McDonagh and Chair of the Fingal Food Network Breda Leonard

New AED Initiative Launched for Balbriggan

The Aisha AED Initiative and Balbriggan Community Council had officially announced the new 24/7 accessible AEDs in Balbriggan Garda Station. The event took place on 29th June at 1pm with some light refreshments on the day.

This is just the first AED to be rolled out under the Aisha AED Initiative.

This AED and cabinet was funded by Fingal Count Council in collaboration with Balbriggan Garda. The Aisha AED Initiative is a sub-

committee of Balbriggan Community Council and the young people involved were successful in receiving European funding for the initiative. Further free AED and CPR training will be rolled out in the coming months.

St Mary’s Baton Twirlers Flying the Flag for Ireland

St Mary’s Baton Twirlers were thrilled when 12 members of the local Balbriggan club qualified along with Clareville Baton Twirlers and Twilight Baton Twirlers to make up the 40 strong Team Ireland who competed at 2024 EFBT European Championship in Czech Republic in early July. Team Ireland placed 3rd in the Nations Cup and took home numerous awards. St. Mary’s athletes took home three gold, two silver and two Bronze medals as well as three 4th, four 6th sand two 7th places.

The club is now taking names for 3 new teams: Girls and boys born in 2017; Girls and boys born in 2015 and Girls and boys born in 2013. Classes which return in September. Please contact 086-3270636 by text or WhatsApp for further details.

your chance to sample Japanese Aikido

Sport Ireland announced HER Outdoors Week on 12- 18 August 2024 to encourage more females to get out and enjoy the benefits of outdoor physical activity. Takemusu Aikido Society will mark this week with a free outdoor session on Saturday, 17 August from 2 to 3:30 pm at the football pitch near Martello Tower in Balbriggan.

Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art known for its harmonious circular movement, integration with a partner and non-violent approach to executing techniques. Many people heard of it, some of them have seen or even tried it, but only a few know that Aikido is not just a fancy handtwisting, but a sophisticated system based on the movements of Japanese sword. All aikido techniques can be explained in terms of Japanese fencing art and the other way around because the movements, which are based on swords and which are based on empty-handed techniques are blended together and this blending creates the essence of aikido. Aikido practitioners must feel the same harmony in movements if they hold a sword or staff or have no weapons. Therefore,

a person should not depend on the weapons but on independence of action developed through continuous practice.

In traditional schools, students start learning aikido by studying the principles of the sword. This helps them better understand the concepts of maintaining a stable posture and executing coordinated movements. These principles are then applied to empty-handed techniques and, later, to techniques involving staff.

Participants of the outdoor aikido session on Saturday, August 17th will have the opportunity to learn the basics of Japanese sword techniques that are applicable to aikido practice. Highly-qualified instructor, who has spent years in Japan studying aikido from direct students of the aikido founder, will be teaching the session.

On the next day, Sunday, 18 August the Takemusu Aikido Society will be at one of the information stands during the Balbriggan Beach Festival from 12 pm to 4 pm. Take the chance to ask any questions at the stand or even try aikido yourself at the free come-and-try session from 2:15pm to 3:45pm.

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