DONABATE Your Community News Volume 1 Issue 11 - December 2017
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Editor’s Note
December is all about the lead up to Christmas. And, when it arrives it is mostly about kids, family, food ... and budget stretching. For many adults it also is a time of the year when we can think back, not just on 2017, but right across our lives - on the people we have loved, those we have lost, the way forward and the wake we have left behind us. It can be a depressing time for some - and the short, dark and cold days of Winter do little to lift the spirits - but people generally try to at least pretend to get into the spirit of it all. A lot of people believe that between commercialisation and immigration the ‘traditional Irish Christmas’ has been diluted but that view is shortsighted and leaves all the good things that change has brought us down the years (Now you can have several hundred TV channels ... and can still find nothing to watch! But maybe there are still mince pies to nibble!). Christmas, like your birthday, comes but once a year and both provide bookmarks in our lives even if, in this case, you can never be sure how many chapters are left :) If you are living on your own and know that you will be alone on Christmas Day please remember that you don’t have to be. Many areas around Dublin provide social events on the day so that no-one has to be isolated - some of those attending may be homeless, others lonely, some confused and some searching for company, but all are welcome. From all of us at Community Local - have a great Christmas!
This Month
Recipe of the Month
11 Crossword & Sudoku
The Editor, Donabate & Portrane Local Magazine e: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com
Donabate & Portrane Local Disclaimer Every effort is made by Donabate & Portrane Local Magazine to ensure that the information is correct and will not be held responsible for any advertisement or editorial errors. Donabate & Portrane Local reserves the right to decline, suspend or omit any advertisement or article submitted. No liability can be accepted by Donabate & Portrane Local for any printing errors in advertisements or otherwise.
10
STRICT DEADLINE FOR JANUARY EDITION: 15th December for inclusion in our January edition.
Christmas Shopping Special Offer Book our Christmas Shopping Special Offer for only €95 & get the Christmas shopping done on time. We will provide complimentary transport to the nearby Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre, and give you a €20 voucher to spend on your shopping. This Offer Includes: • Freshly cooked Full Irish breakfast • Complimentary transfer to the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords • €20 shopping voucher • Free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel • Complimentary parking
Limited spaces available. Book now to avoid disappointment!
Tel: 01 8436153 Email:info@watersidehousehotel.ie www.watersidehousehotel.ie Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com
DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017
3
Local News
Call for new Garda Station Fine Gael Local Area Representative (LAR) for Donabate and Swords and longtime community activist Bob Dowling has restated his call on the government to begin the process of planning for a Garda station to serve the Donabate and Portrane area. In response to both increasing crime statistics and a massive population rise in the area, Mr Dowling said he believes that the government have no option but to deliver on the needed infrastructure in the area. “Over the last few years there has been a massive increase in crimes that are taking place in Donabate and Portrane. While anti-social behaviour is a problem, there has also been a huge increase in the number of burglaries and robberies. The Donabate Pharmacy was significantly burnt and damaged recently and has resulted in the shop being completely unusable. Yet despite these obvious issues, there seems to be no extra resources to help solve these problems”. The LAR is looking for both the government and Fingal County Council to invest greatly in the area so that the peninsula can deal with these issues. “We
have seen the population of Donabate go up by 41% in five years and yet we have no major funding for infrastructure, we have no visible Garda presence, we have no road upgrades that the area badly needs, we have bad planning in the area and we have seen no effort to deal with the lack of funding in the area. Local residents feel very strongly that Donabate and Portrane have been completely neglected by the County Council, while other areas like Malahide and Portmarnock continue to prosper”, he stated. Mr Dowling said that it is his belief that the government needs to invest in a Garda station in Donabate, but also in many other community facilities. “Without a doubt Donabate needs a Garda station, and I have raised this issue many times in the past. And while I understand this is a long process we at least need extra Gardaí on the streets in the area. We also need to look at how the area will progress going forward, we need to look at possible new schools, new sporting clubs, new childcare facilities. The local people, undoubtedly the largest and most important stakeholders in the area can no longer be excluded from these major decisions”, he concluded.
DONABATE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH INVITES YOU TO
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SUNDAY 10TH DECEMBER 5-6PM
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DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017
Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com
The perfect Christmas needs a little preparation Place your order today.
For locally-reared, and free-range bronze turkeys; hams smoked the old fashioned way; mouthwatering beef from our own farm; and gorgeous gift hampers filled with the best of Irish artisan produce, look no further than the Country Crest Farm Shop.
Country Crest Farm shop at Jones Garden Centre, JunCtion 4, m1. open 7 days a week. Free parkinG. www.CountryCrestFarmshop.ie phone: (01) 810 7493 f o Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com
DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017
5
Local News
November meeting items Throughout the project, residents and businesses will be advised of all works in advance and will be given 48 hours’ notice of any planned water shut offs. Irish Water will host a public drop-in information evening, a business information meeting and a briefing for elected representatives in the coming weeks so that the community is kept fully informed about the project.
Fly-tipping in Swords
Swords Water Gets Upgrade
Irish Water has signed a contract with GMC Utilities Group to replace 5km of ageing water mains in Swords. The 30” concrete water main was laid in 1970 and will be replaced between Cooks Road and Forest Road south of Swords, along Forest Road to the junction with the Dublin Road/Main Street Swords, then along Main Street and North Street and onwards to Lissenhall, ending near the Swords north M1 motorway junction. The €9m in this project will take almost 2 years to complete. Works are expected to commence in the coming months.
Following a query by Cllr. Darragh Butler, the County Council hads confirmed that it is monitoring Balheary and Ennis Lane, Swords, in relation to illegal dumping. It has been agreed that this area will be assessed for suitable locations for covert CCTV in 2018. Where suitable evidence is found, litter fines will be issued and if required prosecutions sought.
Christmas Parking
The County Council has confirmed to Cllr. Darragh Butler that it intends to offer free car parking in Swords in the run up to Christmas. A statement said: “In previous years the free car parking at both Pay and Display locations, and at the Council cark parks in Swords has been very well received. It is intended to offer this facility
again this year, and discussions are currently underway as to the exact dates/times/locations which will be offered.
Donabate Housing Limits
Following a query by Cllr. Adrian Henchy (FF) the County Council has confirmed the upper limit of housing units that can be both built and occupied within both the current local area plan zoned lands and all other residential zonings within Donabate Portane that can be occupied before the proposed Donabate Distributor Road becomes fully operational. Figures from the Council show that 1,000 units can be provided at Turvey, Rahillion, Corballis East & West, Spires East & Ballymastone. In the region of 750 units can be built on lands at Corballis West, Corballis East and Spires East, and prior to any units being sold and occupied on these lands, the Distributor Road linking the Hearse Road to the Balcarrick Road must be operational. The final phased delivery of housing and infrastructure relates to c.2,000 on lands at Corballis East and Ballymastone. Construction cannot begin on these units until the full Distributor Road linking the Hearse Road to the Portrane Road is operational.
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6
DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017
Fingal County Council will be opening the doors of Swords Castle every evening from December 4th - 9th to present a week-long performance of the original play “My Bedsit Window” in the beautifully-restored Chapel Venue. Written and performed by Swords’ Playwright David Gilna and Directed by Glenn Gannon, “My Bedsit Window” is a black comedy, chronicling David’s journey as a young actor/writer, William Blake, looking for that lucky break in Theatre and the highs and lows he encountered as he moved from
Dublin to London and Hollywood. First performed in Dublin in 2014, “My Bedsit Window” returns to the stage by popular demand having received huge critical acclaim for David’s performance as William Blake, and a story bursting with energy and laughter through his very funny and deft use of language. Doors open 7.30pm. Ticket are €15 with €2 off for Senior Citizens, Students and unemployed (available on-line @ eventbrite.ie or e-mail: mybedsitwindow@gmail.com To reserve seats and pay on the evening - call or text: 086-074-9111
Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com
Local News
St. Pat’s Latest News
It’s been a full year so far for St Pats. Their Cúl Camp, Skills Camp & Mini All Ireland were full to capacity with great fun had by all. Ciaran Kilkenny came out to Donabate to meet with Pats camp participants and cinnires. He was impressed with the set up and effusive in his praise for the players and the coaches & cinnires. On the pitch, their Juvenile Teams all performed solidly with County League title wins for U13 Boys and their Minors awaiting their League Final. On the Championship side, they had U14 & U18 Girls squads reach Semi Final stages while their U16 girls won their final. The Club’s Lotto Jackpot having been won earlier in the year has now reached €6,900 – a very nice early
Christmas for someone! They have the National Club Draw tickets on sale This is a fantastic raffle with National Prizes available. The wonderful thing from Club point of view, is that all the money raised by St. Pats will stay in the club for the benefit of the members and the community. If you’d like to get some €10 tickets, contact info@stpatsgaa. com. On the Grounds front, the Club has invested heavily into Ballymastone with the provision of a new sand-based pitch. They recently secured planning permission for a new allweather pitch, Floodlighting on the proposed new pitch, floodlighting on Pitches 1 & 3 and retention of the temporary buildings. It’s all go for Pats for the years ahead!
Age Friendly Initiative Fingal County Council has announced the delivery of two services which give elderly people greater access to technology and public transport. As part of the Fingal Age Friendly Initiative being implemented by Fingal County Council, Fingal Leadership Partnership and Blanchardstown Area Partnership, the ‘Computer Home Supports’ programme was launched recently. This programme is the first of its kind in Ireland and its objective is to allow elderly people equal access to the benefits and convenience of the internet and technology. Delivered by the Department of Social Protection under the TÚS Scheme, users are taught by Garda-vetted tutors trained by the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board how to use computers in their own homes, free of charge. Coinciding with the introduction of this scheme are three new bus routes which service Swords, Ballyboughal, Garristown and the Naul. The three new routes are operated by rural transport provider Flexibus Local Link. Speaking at the launch of Fingal’s Age Friendly Initiative at the Atrium in Fingal County Council’s County Hall in Swords, Mayor of Fingal Cllr Mary McCamley said: “Both the ‘Computer Home Support Service’ and introduction of new Local Link bus routes are extremely valuable to older residents of Fingal. In recent years, using Online Banking, Skype and Email has become second natur efor many of us. The ‘Computer Home Support’ service will allow elderly people to benefit from these convenient online resources. I am confident that the introduction of the Loca lLink bus routes and ‘Computer Home support’ services will allow Fingal’s older residents to stay connected with their communities.” Local Link Co-ordinator Miriam McKenna explained that the routes have been designed to meet the needs of people in rural areas: “These new routes have all been identified to fill specific needs for commuters and bus users in Fingal, and are part of the greater network of LocalLink services. Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com
Apart from the three new routes, we are looking to hear from anyone who knows someone they feel could benefit from transport to hospital or health appointments, nursing home visits or social activities such as Men’s Sheds, Active Retirement groups or just going to a matinee in the cinema. The key to Local Link is access. Our users are people who could benefit from a doorto-door transport service, and we are asking people to contact us so we can support them in independent living.” She added that they are seeking help from volunteer drivers for the Local Link community car service and that those interested could enquire by calling 1800 303 707. Meanwhile, CEO of Fingal Leadership Partnership Chris O’Malley highlighted the need for the Computer Homes Support service to increase computer literacy among the elderly: “Computers and smart phones are used widely to keep in touch with loved ones who live far away, access online-shopping, the health system and other public services. This has made life more convenient for most of us but there is a digital divide that needs to be addressed. If elderly people cannot access the benefits of modern technology, this is a form of social exclusion. The ‘Computer Home Support’ is a free service that will allow our older residents to make the most of online resources in their own homes.” Speaking at the launch, Head of Fingal’s Age Friendly Alliance Nora Owen encouraged older residents to utilise the resources available: “As you get on in life, little things may cause you trouble. But if you raise these issues with Fingal’s Age Friendly alliance, you can have your voice heard and your needs met.” Fingal County Council’s Chief Executive, Paul Reid welcomed both initiatives: “The introduction of new bus routes servicing rural Fingal coinciding with the introduction of the ‘Computer Home Support Service’ is great progress for tackling isolation among the elderly. Many of us rely on public transport and depend on technology for everyday services. If older people in our communities could benefit from accessible transport and be taught how to use online services, there is great potential for improving their independence and quality of life.”
DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017
7
Local News
Fingal adopts progressive budget of €227m
Fingal County Council has adopted a budget for 2018 which will see an increased investment of €11.3m from last year to ensure the Council keeps pace with the increased demands of a county that has the fastest growing and youngest population in Ireland. The €227m budget specially targets investment in five key areas of the Council’s overall strategy which will ultimately benefit all citizens of Fingal. These are Housing and Homelessness, Economic Development, Services to Citizens, Building Communities and Growing Tourism. Expenditure on housing and homelessness rises by almost 11 per cent to €61m while the Council’s road works programme will increase by nine per cent to almost €26m. Spending on Economic Development and Tourism will also be up by nine per cent to €21m and there is a five per cent increase in community investment. The 2018 Budget represents a spend of €767.25 for every one of the county’s 296,214 residents. The County Council estimates that for every €1 it spends an additional €1.72 is spent downstream in the economy - potentially bringing an economic boost of up to €0.5 billion. The employment impact is also substantial and 8
DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017
for every position directly employed within the council, an additional three jobs are supported as a result. This means that the total employment contribution from Budget 2018 is over 4,000 jobs. Councillors opted to reduce the basic rate of Local Property Tax (LPT) by 10 per cent, yielding an extra €1.9m in discretionary income, and this has been ring-fenced for spending in key areas, This will see an additional €730,000 being invested in library services, community events and facilities and the arts programme and €500,000 being used to fund the Council’s initiatives to tackle homelessness. A further €113,000 will be spent on the Council’s housing stock, €250,000 will be invested in parks, open spaces and playgrounds with €200,000 going towards additional street lighting and road maintenance. The remaining €116,000 will be spent on tourism promotion and funding for events throughout the county. For the first time since 2009, Councillors voted to increase Commercial Rates by two per cent. This is the first increase in rates in Fingal since 2009 and follows a number of rate decreases in the early part of this decade. Fingal, which has the highest compliance of rate payment in Ireland
at 95.63% for 2016, also retains the distinction of having the lowest rate among the four Dublin Local Authorities. There will be an additional €650,000 spent on public lighting, traffic, footpaths and bridge maintenance and a similar amount will be used to fund remedial and refurbishment works on community centres throughout the County. A further €650,000 will used to provide funds for capital works on the Council’s housing stock including heating system upgrades and the replacement of items such as doors and windows. A further €250,000 will go towards economic development promotion and improvement works at the Dublin Enterprise Zone, while €270,000 is to be spent on refurbishing bottle banks throughout Fingal and improvement works at the Council’s two recycling centres in Coolmine and Swords. Within the 2018 Budget, a total of €61.1m will be spent on Housing and Building with €42.7m budgeted for Environment and €42.5m for Recreation and Amenity. Road Transportation & Safety will receive €25.8m and Water Services €20.7m while €21.1m has been set aside for Development Incentives and Controls. Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com
Crossword & Sudoku
Across
Down
1. Australian marsupial. (6) 5. Saintly home for Napoleon. (6) 10. Huge mass of slowly moving ice. (7) 11. Spoiled, corrupted. (7) 12. The act of going out. (4) 13. Package of bound hay. (5) 15. Mark left after a wound. (4) 17. An ineffective explosive round. (3) 19. People who contribute. (6) 21. Escaped from pursuit. (6) 22. A small Hawaiian four-stringed guitar. (7) 23. Highly seasoned fatty sausage of pork and beef usually dried. (6) 25. A shelter for a dog. (6) 28. The outward flow of the tide. (3) 30. Not the slightest amount, Greek letter. (4) 31. An appliance that removes moisture. (5) 32. Advanced in years. (4) 35. A popular cocktail. (7) 36. Indecent, repugnant to morality. (7) 37. Be agreeable. (6) 38. Not the sheriff but the next in line. (6)
2. Enthusiastic and prolonged applause. (7) 3. A brief departure from the normal. (4) 4. Sewing essential. (6) 5. Intense animosity or hostility. (6) 6. The region of the hips, groin and lower abdomen. (4) 7. Observed, perceived. (7) 8. Consented. (6) 9. Worshipped, loved greatly. (6) 14. A song to put a child to sleep. (7) 16. Small piece of bread or cake. (5) 18. Natural state of rest for the mind and body. (5) 20. Glide over snow for recreation or sport. (3) 21. A large deer, a moose. (3) 23. A mark of shame or discredit. (6) 24. An indirect and creative approach to a problem. (7) 26. Lack of attention and due care. (7) 27. Portable up and down structure. (6) 28. The stoat during winter, when its coat becomes white. (6) 29. On the far side of, past. (6) 33. Capital of Latvia. (4) 34. Used on an invitation to request a response. (4)
CROSWORD ANSWERS
SUDOKU ANSWERS
Across: 1. Wombat, 5. Helena, 10. Glacier, 11. Tainted, 12. Exit, 13. Bales, 15. Scar, 17. Dud, 19. Donors, 21. Eluded, 22. Ukulele, 23. Salami, 25. Kennel, 28. Ebb, 30. Iota, 31. Dryer, 32. Aged, 35. Martini, 36. Obscene, 37. Please, 38. Deputy. Down: 2. Ovation, 3. Blip, 4. Thread, 5. Hatred, 6. Loin, 7. Noticed, 8. Agreed, 9. Adored, 14. Lullaby, 16. Crumb, 18. Sleep, 20. Ski, 21. Elk, 23. Stigma, 24. Lateral, 26. Neglect, 27. Ladder, 28. Ermine, 29. Beyond, 33. Riga, 34. RSVP. 10
DONABATE LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017
Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com
Healt
hy
Home Cook Recipes
Dark Chocolate OrangeTruffles Method
Ingredients
(Makes 20 truffles)
• 30 dates • Juice of 1 orange • 50mls Flaxseed/pumpkin seed oil (High in Omega 3’s!!).Could use coconut oil either. • 60g cocoa • 3 teaspoons ground cloves • 140g Ovaltine chocolate drink powder (fortified with vitamins and minerals)
1. Soak the dates overnight in the orange juice. Then blitz the dates and orange juice together with a blender/food processor. Place in a mixing bowl when the mixture turns into a sticky paste. 2. Add the oil and mix. 3. Add the rest of the ingredients. And mix mix mix!!! 4. Pile the mixture upwards in a container (so that it has quite a lot of depth) and place in the freezer for 1 hour. 5. Remove from the freezer and using a melon ball cutter scoop out round spheres from the mixture. 5. Roll the small spheres using the tips of your fingers only to make defined round balls. 6. Roll the balls in desiccated coconut or cocoa powder for decoration. Enjoy the festivities and keep active this season. But remember the presence of people is a lot more magical than their presents. It’s not what is under the tree that matters but the people who are gathered around it. Until 2018 Merry Christmas to all. See my ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums on ‘Biabites’ Facebook for fun ideas to do over the Christmas holidays and to kick off the New Year with a healthy Biabites BOOM: Niamh Arthurs, Public Health and Clinical Nutritionist
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