Balbriggan Local V9I3-JAN 2024 by Irish Media Group

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Volume 9 Issue 3 January 2024

2024

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A New Year full of opportunities!

A happy New Year to each and every one of you! Every year brings with it highs and lows but most of all an opportunity to make things better. Sporting Groups are planning for greater success than the previous year and how to get and keep fit. Charitable groups are planning more services and more fundraising activities. Health campaigning groups are planning new ways to publicise the plight of suffering people. Community and voluntary groups are becoming more active in local areas every year. We have said it before and we say it again, those who give up their time to volunteer in such groups deserve the highest of praise and thanks from each and every one of us. As this year begins let us all make one resolution, to give up a little of our time, or money or both to a worthy cause, community group, sporting or charitable organisation or church group which benefits our community as a whole. Each of us have had the best of intentions with our past new year’s resolutions when we said to ourselves, “I must do more to help.” However, for many of us, our good intentions have not been carried through as other commitments have gotten in the way. This year, let us resolve to pick one worthy group to commit to in the coming year. Let us not talk the talk, but walk the walk and instead of looking at worthy causes and groups, let us actively get involved. When some community, voluntary, sporting or charitable organisation in our area needs a hand, let it be our hand that helps. Every year we all make resolutions at this time of the year and as we are only human, many of us fail. This magazine is dedicated to promote all those groups in our area. We have been here to promote these groups for many years and with the continued support of our brilliant advertisers, committed contributors and these wonderful groups, we will continue to promote them in the year ahead. A happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to you all! The Local Team.

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Local News

Balbriggan Mortgage Broker wins National Industry Awards

Asian Financial Services, as part of Symmetry Financial Management group, has been announced as the winner of the Mortgage Broker Expert Award at the Broker Ireland Expert Broker Awards 2023 which took place in The Round Room at the Mansion and were hosted by RTÉ’s Jacqui Hurley. Asian Financial Services is headed by Balbriggan -based broker Kanwar Singh who is originally from India and who provides specialist financial advice to Ireland’s Asian community. The Broker Ireland Expert Broker Awards shine a light on excellence by recognising Insurance, Financial, and Mortgage Brokers who offer the highest level of professionalism, innovation,

performance, and service to their clients. Accepting the Mortgage Broker Expert Award, Kanwar Singh, Head of Asian Financial Services said, “I am delighted that Asian Financial Services, as part of Symmetry Financial Management group, has been recognised through this prestigious award. It is my honour to serve the Asian community in Ireland and to provide dedicated financial advice tailored to the needs of individuals and families. Many of my clients are highly skilled employees in the health and IT sectors with visa stamps that require specialist consideration when purchasing a property. I am delighted that, through Asian Financial, we can provide that service.”

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2024

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Local News

Balbriggan & District Historical Society review of the year 2023 As we start another year with Balbriggan & District Historical Society, we look back at our autumn talks in 2023. In October we concentrated on World War I with professional short talks from Loreto Secondary School students focusing on individual stories of young men who served in the war. The Loreto SS Local History Students were the well deserving winners of the Western Front Association Malcolm Doolin Award for their World War 1 Projects and on November 11 they had the huge honour of laying a wreath at the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph Whitehall. London. Eithne MacDermott gave a really informative and thought-provoking talk on the political and social context of the War in Ireland and Europe. She spoke of the Home Rule campaign and Women’s and Labour movement leading up to the war and young men who joined a war they thought would be over in months. Instead, WW1 lasted years with millions of casualties and had a profound effect for generations to follow. In September Cora Mc Donagh spoke on ‘Balbriggan Stockings, Old Masters and the Bells of Howth: North County Dublin contributions to the nineteenth century Art & Industry Exhibitions.’ Cora explored Balbriggan’s involvement with the exhibitions that took place in the nineteenth century and into the early twentieth century and the contributions from the stocking manufacturers especially those at the

1853 Great Industrial Exhibition held in Dublin where Smyth & Co, Glennys, Appleyard and others had stands and over one million people visited this exhibition. Later exhibitions saw other industries at the exhibitions including The Balbriggan Salt Works Co. and the Drogheda Linen Company, Balbriggan. Cora explained how these loans were of benefit to the artists, the artisans and others during the nineteenth century. In August Frank Whearity

presented The Rise and Fall of John Spicer’s model bakery & shop Balbriggan (1904-1999): Frank told us about the bakery branch opened by John Spicer (a Navan based miller and baker, b.1853-d.1922) in April, 1904, at Drogheda Street Balbriggan. In August for Heritage Week we also led an historical walk as part of the Beach Festival and we joined the Fingal Heritage Network for their Heritage Night when Bernie Kelly spoke about Sinéad De Valera.

EU visitors attend Balbriggan for a transnational meeting Representatives from eight cities across the EU visited Balbriggan this week for the first transnational meeting of the URBACT EcoCore project. EcoCore is one of 30 approved networks under the URBACT IV programme which is co-funded by the European Union. URBACT’s mission is to enable cities to work together and develop integrated solutions to common urban challenges by networking, learning from each other’s experiences and identifying good practices. Fingal County Council is proud to be the first local authority in Ireland to lead an URBACT network which includes partners from Dubrovnik (Croatia), Ormož (Slovenia), Alba Iulia (Romania), Ķekava (Latvia), Santo Tirso (Portugal), Pärnu (Estonia), Villena (Spain) and Tuusula (Finland). The EcoCore Project is focusing on

accelerating the green transition in the partner cities which are all located along strategic transport corridors, as Balbriggan is located on the road from Dublin to Belfast. It aims to build the capacity of small cities in addressing climate change by promoting sustainable economic development, the green transition and helping local stakeholders, particularly businesses, in transitioning to low-carbon energy sources and promoting sustainable mobility options. Network activities will create significant momentum for a green energy transition in each of the partner cities with a special focus on the industrial areas of the cities. Welcoming delegates to Balbriggan, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, noted: “There is a lot we can learn from collaborating with the cities and towns represented here today and

it provides a great opportunity for Balbriggan and all involved. Balbriggan is a town that we are immensely proud of and we’re significantly investing in it, the EcoCore project is part of that journey.” Delegates participated in workshops on the digital innovation hosted by Smart Balbriggan with a demonstration from Manna Drones, a panel on women entrepreneurs with Fingal LEO, active travel projects in Fingal and sustainable mobility options with the Council’s Active Travel Section, how the Council is collaborating with partners through the Fingal Skills Strategy to develop the future talent pipeline and a seminar on regional collaboration with Amanda Smyth from the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor Partnership (DBEC).

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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

Local News

2023 was a very exciting year in Ardgillan College

Ardgillan College has been very busy in 2023 and it was thoroughly enjoyable. We were thrilled for the class of 2023 on their fantastic Leaving Cert. Results and wish them well in their future endeavours. Conor Murphy was bestowed with the JP McManus Award from The University of Limerick for excelling in his LC having achieved 625 points. Our first years enjoyed a team bonding day in Ardgillan castle. Our lunch time clubs got underway including the brand-new Dungeons and Dragons club. Our sports teams have been busy playing matches in soccer, Gaelic, Hurling, Basketball, Golf, Hockey and Rugby. Our athletes took part in the Cross County 8

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

Championships. Our Senior French students had a fabulous trip to Paris and took in all the major sights including The Mona Lisa, The Eifel Tower and Mickey Mouse at Disneyland. Senior students enjoyed Flynn Park in Courtlough, the Ploughing Championships and saw Hamlet performed on stage in Dundrum. Our TY’s had fun on trips to Jumpzone, the Ty Expo, the Casino at Marino, the Fingal Xplore Skills Expo and learnt how to drive in Finglas. Our Green Schools Group carried out a litter pick on Balbriggan beach, the Hamilton Road and Curran Park areas. Our 3rd years enjoyed a well-being retreat and our 5th years went on a historical

walking tour of Dublin. 6th years frequented the Higher Options Conference and Worldskills event. Our Active Flag group organised a table tennis takeover and we also celebrated MFL week and Coding week. A group of students cheered on the boys in Green against Greece in the Aviva. We also celebrated the opening of our new school library. It was fantastic to welcome our founding Principal Mr. O’Leary back to open the beautiful facility named after him. We are looking forward to the future of inspiring a love of reading amongst students. We wish a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to all our students, parents, teachers and friends in 2024. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

Local News

Malahide resident publishes book in aid of the Samaritans The book “Becoming Your Best Possible Self ” by Gerard Morgan has recently been published. Gerard is living in Malahide and would like to inform locals of this book and provide an opportunity to fundraise for a very worthy cause. The book was initially written as a legacy for his two sons and provides a timely transformative personal growth strategy for all readers. The book is now available in the following places; (1.) Hodges Figgis /Waterstones, Dawson Street, Dublin (near Trinity College)

(2.) Manor Books, Malahide

Village, Co Dublin, (3.) Amazon. com and Amazon.co.uk, (4.) The book is included with the adult

education course “Becoming Your Best Possible Self ” in Malahide

Community School based on the

book in the new year. (It is a 7-week course) Information is on this link

malahidecsadulted.ie/best-possibleself/.

Please note all profits from

the sale of the book will go to the charity Samaritans Ireland.

Minister Joe O’Brien announces new €6m Programme 2024 Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, recently announced €6 million in capital funding under the “Department of Rural and Community Development Local Enhancement Programme 2024”. The Minister said there will be €220,842.98 of this funding allocated to provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations across Fingal. There will be a particular focus on small capital works/ improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding may be used, but is not limited to; improved access for persons with a disability; enhancing community participation for disadvantaged and marginalised groups, and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs. The scheme is designed to ensure local priorities are identified and met, so as to improve and enhance community facilities 10 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

for all. Announcing the funding today, Minister O’Brien said: “The funding will provide really practical support to smaller community groups in Fingal that are active at a grassroots level to help them to ensure they have the facilities and equipment they need to support their communities”. “These grants will help thousands of community organisations, clubs, men’s and women’s sheds, youth centres and parish halls, to improve their facilities and continue to facilitate the provision of their valuable services to the people in their areas. I am particularly happy to have reserved funding for Women’s Sheds, groups and networks. Many of these groups are providing essential services on a day-to-day basis to those most in need. I hope this funding will help to support the provision of safe warm spaces for those groups to continue to meet and support their communities in both rural and urban areas right across the country”.

Minister O’Brien at the announcement

2024!! From all the management and staff at Cuddles Petstore, we wish you a happy and prosperous New Year and we look forward to seeing you all again very soon! Unit C1 Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan, Co Dublin Tel: 01 6904422, Email info@cuddlespetstore.com web: www.cuddlespetstore.com

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

Local News

EggHeadz Youth Mental Health and Well-being

National Schools Activity

DCC Boys Group

DCC Group1

Sophie and Thomas speaking to Senior Students in Swords

12 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

Sean Collins performing in St Patrick’s Church Donabate

EggHeadz CLG is delivering programmes and support services across Fingal and Dublin. Here is some of what we’re doing… School Engagement: -Secondary School: Our ‘Shape Your Life Through Sport’ programme continues across Fingal and Dublin. Pictured recently at Donabate Portrane Community College as part of Mental Health Month and at St. Finian’s Community College Swords as part of Careers Week. In-school Primary: programmes have continued to grow and now includes Dublin South Central as well as Fingal and Dublin City. Pictured are children learning basic Physical Literacy skills. After-school Primary: Yoga & Art programmes are enjoyed by primary school children 5-7 and 9-12yrs. Pictured are children learning Strength, Agility, Relaxation and Winter Crafts at Donabate Portrane Educate Together. EggHeadz dropin evening and weekend classes take place in Donabate Parish Hall and Donabate Portrane Community Centre. See eggheadz.ie for timetable and join us! Community Engagement: EggHeadz and Cycle Against Suicide took part and supported an evening of live music in St. Patrick’s Church, Donabate in November.

The night was in memory of Conor Culleton, the theme of the music focused on mental health and was performed by the extremely talented Sean Collins, with local special guests Andrew O’Sullivan and Eve Doorley. EggHeadz volunteers have completed the Peer Buddy training programme with Cycle Against Suicide. EggHeadz Inclusion Programmes: EggHeadz support services take place in five different centres for Direct Provision in the Fingal area. Our engagement with the migrant community has been vital for integration and inclusion of young people in local sports clubs. For a second year running we collected and delivered Christmas presents to children and families living in Direct Provision. Thank you to everyone who donated. EggHeadz Youth Counselling Service - A FREE of charge and confidential service for young people (aged 12-25) by appointment. It takes place on Mondays in Donabate Portrane Community Centre by appointment between 9.30am and 3.30pm. Contact Mairead on 086-329 6812 or by email eggheadzcounselling@gmail. com to book an appointment. For more follow us on social media or visit our website.

Finance

Can Changes Improve Your Health and Wealth? By Dave Kavanagh This time of year, is traditionally when people set out to make some positive changes or improvements in their lives. The most recognisable of these is the ‘losing weight/ getting healthier” one. To give people more of an incentive to maintain what they start, it’s worth noting that if done properly, losing weight can have the added bonus of leaving you with more money at the end of each month. So how does that work?? Well, by “doing it properly” I refer to NOT going on a diet, or buying products with magic properties that will make the weight just fall off. Instead, making small, sustainable lifestyle changes. It can be adding some exercise in week 1, drinking more water (and less alcohol/sugar laden drinks) in week 2, reducing portion sizes in week 3, substituting things like chips for wholegrain rice or pasta in week 4, breaking the association of biscuits/cakes whenever you have a coffee or tea in week 5, etc., etc. Doing it this way, makes it sustainable and when weight is dropped slower over a longer period of time, it is far more likely to be kept off. So how does that help my finances? When I analyse people’s spending budgets, it’s clear that takeaways, alcohol, sweets, cakes biscuits etc. pop up quite frequently. If you keep

track of the savings when you cut down on many of these things, it’s easy to see how much you can save. One person I was helping used to enjoy her “treat” of a chocolate eclair most days. When she accepted that she felt bad after eating it and conceded that it was not helping her goal to lose weight, I suggested it was more of a punishment than a treat. I proposed that she put the money into a jar each day and when there was enough, to treat herself to a back massage, which can positively reinforce the good changes someone has made. Make the right choices, one day at a time.

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 Dave at info@ financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on 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 well being, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.

Working with you for our community

Cllr. Grainne Maguire Independent 90 Drogheda St., Balbriggan, Co. Dublin 087 9436650 grainne.maguire@cllrs.fingal.ie Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

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Feature

Memories of yesteryear - A childhood challenge By Jonathan Kavanagh Ah January, large bills, a grand stretch in the evenings and an on-going struggle with those New Year resolutions. Bad habits are hard to break. A very early memory sees me face a tough challenge. It appears to be an ordinary day. I play with my toys as my mother goes about her household chores. All seems well but I am about to be taught one of life’s harshest lessons; that we live in a transient world where nothing lasts forever. My ever-present emotional crutch, a bright blue soother/pacifier is attached to my jumper by a piece of string. I reach for it as many times before whereupon it disintegrates into a collection of particles, leaving me with nothing but the string and a broken heart. There isn’t a spare one in the house and due to a health issue, my mother is unable to take me for a new one. The day seems to last forever as all house rules are suspended and I am bribed with biscuits, red lemonade and stories in a failed attempt to quell my tears and ease my withdrawal symptoms. After a hard day toiling in the fields of Fingal my father arrives home to the unexpected turmoil. He is practically forced fed his dinner and despatched forthwith into Swords town on his bicycle to procure a replacement for my great loss. In a record time that makes the leader of the Tour De France look like the winner of a

slow bicycle race, he is back with an expression of achievement and an outstretched hand containing a new shiny soother. I rise to my full height, look at the soother with distain, display an expression

of disbelief and say I don’t want THAT! I have inadvertently gone cold turkey and overcome the first of many vices I will encounter along the path of life.

Brisk walks, Yoga, Lego, Basketball and more in 2024! By Siobhan O’Neill White You’ve hopefully had a lovely, relaxing Christmas and peaceful start to 2024. January can be a difficult month; it’s cold, dreary and you may be feeling a bit down now that Christmas is over. But, don’t despair – there are lots of nice things you can do for yourself. If you feel a bit bloated, don’t think you need to rush out and join a gym or sign up for some crazy diet or exercise plan. Instead, be kind to yourself and take it easy. Start with getting out for some brisk walks in the fresh air; that’s a free and easy way to exercise and feel better, plus the whole family can get involved. Doing some simple yoga or stretching at home can help with your physical and mental health. All you need is a mat and 15 minutes and again, you can get the kids involved too! Follow your New Year exercise sessions with a warming bubble bath and fluffy pyjamas! You will definitely feel like you’ve earned it. If the kids are getting bored, there are some activities that you can get them involved with. One of 14 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

our favourite activities is Lego, and now is the perfect time to work on those projects. We’ve just finished the Lego Frozen Disney Castle! It took 6 weeks and a lot of patience but was so worth it. Not only is it a calming activity for children but it’s a great way to spend some quality time with them. Baking and cooking are cheap and easy activities to do with the children at home. We picked up the TikTok cookbook for our 12-year-old. who is fantastic at recreating the recipes from that. For quick dinners and baking ideas, we have a dedicated recipe section on mams.ie, go to mams.ie/ category/recipes/ Gormanston Park is running a Basketball Camp from 2nd – 5th January, 10am – 2pm, for ages: 6 – 17 with a T-shirt included. With coaches from America & Europe to encourage and improve skills, contact euroelitebasketball. com or info@euroelitebasketball. com to inquire or book. For more ideas on things to do, places to go and competitions to enter, go to www.mams.ie and our socials facebook.com/mams.ireland instagram.com/mams.ie twitter. com/mams_ie Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Local News

Community Climate Action Launched in Fingal Community Climate Action Fingal was launched on Wednesday, 6th December during a three-hour period, from 4 – 7 pm in the County Hall Swords. The public from all over Fingal were invited to learn about grants for Tidy Towns groups, community groups, sports clubs and not-for-profit organisations. Above all it was a networking and information evening about applications and grant funding. Light refreshments were served. If you could not attend on the night visit ow.ly/8SXc50Qb1ZK for information and details of other public sessions for this grant funding.

New Development of a Pocket Park for Balbriggan Another step forward in the delivery of projects under the €50m Our Balbriggan Regeneration project was marked recently with the opening of a temporary Pocket Park at 14 Bridge Street. The Pocket Park is part of the mixed-used development planned for the area which will create a vibrant, family friendly location in the heart of the town. With the demolition of 14 Bridge Street now complete, annexes and outbuildings to the rear of 6a-12 Bridge Street (De Bruns) are now also being demolished. The appointment of an Integrated Design Team by Fingal County Council to consider the next stages of development at this location will happen shortly. The plan is to link Millpond Park to a new park entrance at 14 Bridge Street which will facilitate a pedestrian and cycling route down to the transformed Quay Street and Harbour area. The opening

of the Pocket Park coincided with Santa’s arrival in the town. Festivities will begin with the lighting of a Christmas tree at St George’s Square at 6.00pm.Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Grainne Maguire,invited those gathered to walk the short distance to the Pocket Park to meet Santa.Members of the cast of North County Dublin’s latest pantomime ‘Beauty and the Beast’ which tool place at The Lark, Balbriggan’s new concert hall, will joined the Deputy Mayor and Santa for the special festive occasion.According to the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, the opening of the Pocket Park is another milestone in the Our Balbriggan Regeneration project. “The Pocket Park forms part of the redevelopment of the DeBruns site, which will transform the area,” he said.The Our Balbriggan leadership group, formed at the outset of

the regeneration programme, and chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith, plays a key role in helping guide the town’s rejuvenation programme. “It is wonderful see the opening of the Pocket Park in time for the festive season and I encourage locals and visitors to visit the park and enjoy it,” said Professor MacCraith. “These works will form part of the transformation of the town through the Our Balbriggan rejuvenation programme.” Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said the opening of the Pocket Park stage is another key development in the delivery of the Our Balbriggan rejuvenation programme.“Fingal County Council is strongly committed to delivering the Our Balbriggan rejuvenation programme, with the aim of ensuring a great place to live, work and do business,” she said.

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Healt

Home Cook Recipes

New Year Super Fish Supper Following the festive period, some of us may not want to see turkey or ham on the menu for quite a while! With the new year comes new years resolutions and a lot of people make goals to enhance their health. Fish is full of lots of nutritional goodness. Yet, despite being an island, our intakes of fish in Ireland are quite low. Some people say it’s the smell that fish may leave in the kitchen that turns them off or that they’re just not sure how to make it tasty. But the great news is that fish is quite easy and quick to cook. And a top tip to get rid of any unwanted odours is to place 1/2 lemon in water in a cup (cut side up) and heat in the oven/microwave for 4-6minutes. Burning a nice scented candle also helps! Ingredients: Serves 2 • • • • •

2 Salmon fillets 200g Tenderstem broccoli 250g Asparagus 2 teaspoons black pepper 1 tablespoon rapeseed oil

• • •

2 cloves garlic 1 tablespoon minced parsley leaves Juice of 1/2 of a lemon Sweet potato chips:

• • • • •

260g sweet potatoes 1 tablespoon rapeseed oil 1 teaspoon chilli powder 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon black pepper Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200’c. 2.The sweet potato chips take longer to cook, so do these first. Wash, peel and slice the sweet potato into chips. 3. Place the remaining ingredients for the sweet potato chips in a large bowl and stir well to combine. Then add the sliced sweet potatoes and coat in this mixture. 4. Place the sweet potato onto a baking tray and bake in the oven for 40-45minutes at 180’c. Turn them halfway through baking to

ensure they cook evenly. 5. Place the salmon onto a baking tray that is pre-greased or lined with parchment paper. 6. Mix the lemon juice, parsley leaves, oil and garlic together and brush the top and sides of the salmon with this mixture. Bake in the oven at 180’c for 12-15minutes (depending on the thickness of the salmon). When cooked through, the salmon will look opaque and flake easily with a fork. 7.Brush the remainder of the mixture from step 6 onto the broccoli and asparagus on a foil lined baking tray and sprinkle with black pepper. Bake in the oven at 180’c for 10-15minutes or until tender. 8.Serve up with a lemon wedge. For workplace, preschool, primary and secondary school or community group talks and workshops, please email: niamh@ biabites.net See my ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums on ‘Biabites’ Facebook for other food ideas.

Local News

Minister welcomes €45m grant for Childcare and Early Learning Sector Fingal TD, Minister Joe O’Brien has welcomed €45m Capital Grant for the Early Learning and Childcare Sector. The grant is €45m announced under the Building Blocks - Capacity Grant. There are also Grants in early 2024 for Early Learning and Childcare Services to expand their capacity by means of internal renovations. Grants from mid-2024 for Early Learning and Childcare Services to deliver larger scale extensions to their premises by the end of 2025. A targeted Grant will deliver thousands of Early Learning and Childcare places in areas of undersupply. Roderic O’Gorman TD, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, has today announced a €45m Capital Grant for the Early Learning and Childcare Sector. The Building Blocks – Capacity Grant is part of a wider Building Blocks Capital Programme for Early Learning and Childcare under the revised National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP). The purpose of the Building Blocks Capacity Grant is to address capacity gaps by expanding existing provision and investing in the development of new provision where most needed. The primary focus of the Capacity Grant is to increase capacity in the 1-3 age range for full day or part-time care. Places for children under age 1 will also be eligible for funding. The Capacity Grant will be open to Core Funding partner services. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is undertaking a detailed needs analysis of supply

Minister Roderic O ‘Gorman with Minister Joe O’Brien

and demand for Early Learning and Childcare. This analysis will identify areas of undersupply across the country and will allow the funding to be targeted at areas most in need. Welcoming the announcement, Minister Joe O’Brien said

“This funding will enable services to develop new provisions where they are needed, and it will also extend existing services ensuring that capacity gaps are addressed.”

Happy New Year from Balbriggan/N County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs With the close of 2023, brings the close of another busy year for the Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Guide Dogs and we want to thank everyone again who supported us and volunteered throughout the year. Here’s to another year of fundraising and fun still yet to come! We are delighted with the success of our merchandise stand in SuperValu, Balbriggan on the 10th and 11th November which raised a fantastic total of €1,830.20 over the two days and on the 24th and 25th November, which saw the arrival of Santas Grotto at Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan which raised another brilliant total of €1,694 over two days. It’s safe to say the Christmas season well and truly kicked off with the arrival of Santa. On Sunday 10th December our branch continued the run up to Christmas by attending Bremore Castle Food and Craft Village Christmas Market with our Christmas cards, calendars and car raffle tickets. With the start of the new year, while things are a bit quiet, it is also is a time for many people to

make new year’s resolutions and our branch is looking for three or four volunteers specifically, to empty our counter boxes. In 2023 we increased our counter box team in Balbriggan and Dublin city. We badly need help in Skerries, Rush and Lusk and also in rural North County Dublin so why not make a resolution to join our counter box team? You can also still support our Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Guide Dogs by tap to donating €3 at one of our machines at Specsavers in Millfield Shopping Centre, Specsavers in Ashbourne, Skinny Batch Café in Lusk, Pet Stop in Airside and Specsavers in GPO Arcade Dublin. You can also keep an eye on our social media pages for any upcoming events and if you would like to get involved or are interested in volunteering with us, please feel free to contact us: Balbriggan/North County Dublin branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, you can phone or text us on 085 7663107, email us at GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail. com or find us on Facebook at Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

Tom O’Neill and Volunteers at the Merchandise stand

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! WIN €50 !!! This is easy… we are offering you the chance to win €50. All you have to do is correctly fill in the crossword and discover the name of an area in Fingal spelt out in the coloured squares. Then send the completed crossword and your answer by email, with your name, address and telephone number to communitylocals@ gmail.com before 5pm on the 16th of this mnoth. The first correct entry to be drawn will win €50..Good luck Across

Down

1. It gets you high. (6) 5. Traditional German dress. (6) 10. Stood against something. (7) 11. Insistent requests, made as of right. (7) 12. Parts of circles. (4) 13. Oppose an established government by force. (5) 15. Cook pastry in an oven. (4) 17. A thin straight bar. (3) 19. Stands for artists. (6) 21. Made a sound like a pig. (6) 22. A lamp with a transparent case and a handle. (7) 23. Take with a promise to return. (6) 25. Type of caviar. (6) 28. Traditional Turkish headgear. (3) 30. The central part of a church. (4) 31. Strongly wanting to do something. (5) 32. An arm, leg, or branch. (4) 35. Wrinkle due to loss of moisture. (7) 36. Large public meetings in support of, or against, a cause. (7) 37. Members of the violin family. (6) 38. Curved swords used by cavalry. (6)

2. South American mammals closely related to llamas. (7) 3. The darker stage of twilight. (4) 4. It steers a boat or a plane. (6) 5. Avoided something through sudden quick movement. (6) 6. Male sheep. (4) 7. Nordic kingdom. (7) 8. Give money to a good cause. (6) 9. Go upwards. (6) 14. A product that is illegally made and sold. (7) 16. Permit. (5) 18. Cloth made from flax. (5) 20. Hand tool for cutting wood. (3) 21. Sphere, globe. (3) 23. Send someone away from a place as an official punishment. (6) 24. Drive backwards. (7) 26. Use. (7) 27. A surprise attack by people waiting in a concealed position. (6) 28. A short story conveying a moral. (6) 29. There are three species of this animal - Grey’s, Plains, and Mountain. (6) 33. Profoundly immoral and wicked. (4) 34. An association dedicated to a particular interest or activity. (4)

• Do you run a Local Sports Club or Team? • Are you a new business or a business celebrating an anniversary? • Are you running or hosting a Local event or Fundraiser? • Do you have a story to tell? • A Special Birthday, Christening, Communion..

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18 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-JANUARY 2024

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