Lucan News 21.01.19

21st January 2019

COMMUNITY BASED CCTV SYSTEMS DELAY

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Tel: (01) 462 6200 Fax: (01) 462 6209

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- JUST 20 SCHEMES HAVE RECEIVED FUNDING TO DATE WHILE ONLY 4 ARE UNDER CONSIDERATION -

Local Dublin Mid West T.D. John Curran has raised concerns regarding the insufficient rollout of Community ClosedCircuit Television systems in communities nationwide after receiving new information that only €500,000 in funding has been spent so far on a scheme that was allocated €2 million to date.

The need for initiating this scheme was first detailed in the Programme

for a Partnership Government.

The scheme, which began in 2017, is planned to run for three years with an allocation of €1 million in funding each year to assist community groups in the establishment of Closed Circuit Television Systems in their area.

However, Deputy Curran has learned through a Parliamentary Question that there has been an underspend on the scheme; “As a consequence of

the data protection issues raised by representatives in Local Authorities across the country, only 20 schemes have received funding to date, with a further 4 schemes under consideration.

“Community based CCTV systems have real potential to prevent crime or at very least deter an escalation of burglaries, theft or aggravated assault.

We know this from the small number of communities that have been afforded

the opportunity to install the system.

“According to senior Gardaí working on the ground, CCTV schemes have aided policing and have helped support their ongoing work to intercept burglar gangs targeting specific rural regions.

“The difficulties relating to the appointment of Local Authority based data controllers have been thankfully rectified but a number of other barriers continue to impede the full rollout of the scheme in the communities that so badly need it.

“The Minister needs to step up consultations with the Local Government Management Agency and the County and City Management Association with a view to resolving the remaining concerns.

“Overall, Garda resources are limited and are in no way sufficient enough to be able to prevent every single crime that unfolds – CCTV can work in tandem and support their good work,” he concluded.

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TEENAGERS JUST WANT TO HANG OUT

Published by: Newsgroup, Unit 3 Floor 2 St. Dominics Shopping Centre, St. Dominics Road, Tallaght, Dublin, D24 HK49.

Titles: Tallaght News, Clondalkin News, Lucan News and Rathcoole & Saggart News Printed by: Meath Chronicle Distributed by: Local Post Co. Contact Details: Email: info@newsgroup.ie Website www.newsgroup.ie www.facebook.com/newsgroup.ie Twitter @NewsgroupIRL www.linkedIn.com/company/newsgroup Registered in Ireland: 497158 Tax and VAT Registration: IE 3354179CH Advertising: Anthony Russell Sales Director anthony@newsgroup.ie Founder: John Russell Administration: Sarah Brooks Office Manager admin@newsgroup.ie

South Dublin County Council (SDCC) plans to allocate €500,000 to set up teen spaces in Lucan, Clondalkin, Rathfarnham and Tallaght. The majority of teenagers in South Dublin County want somewhere to hang out with their friends, rather than access to more sporting facilities. So says a report undertaken by SDCC. The council surveyed approximately 500 young adults, with 90% saying they wanted space to sit and chat, rather than more sports facilities and now plans to allocate €500,000 to set up teen spaces in Lucan, Clondalkin, Rathfarnham and Tallaght.

“The survey results are clear: that providing more organised activities for teenagers is not what they want,” the report states.

“Research into the provision of existing facilities for teenagers within the county corroborates the findings of the survey”. There are ample opportunities for teenagers to engage in sport across the county and various other teen offerings are not over-subscribed.

“Hanging out is seen as a desirable activity in itself and is not a result of having nothing to do.” However, unlike young children or older adults, teenagers have no obvious right to spaces of their own. They usually have nowhere else to go except outdoor public places including parks and playgrounds. The survey shows that teenagers feel excluded from many public places. They report being unwelcome, feeling unsafe and being deterred by anti‐ social activity.

The report recommends the creation of a series of hangout/meeting places for teenagers with such facilities as swings, climbing and zip lines as well as spaces with free wi-fi, shelter, a place to play music, toilets and water fonts. The report also recommends creating areas for unstructured physical activity such as all-weather pitches, skate parks and basketball courts which is generally selfdirected activity rather than organised sport. It was also recommended that the

Council investigate means of providing unstructured hangout areas which could include the provision of cafes in parks. These would provide a service to all park users but would be particularly beneficial to teenagers as a social outlet.

On foot of the teen space report, SDCC are proposing the following projects for 2019, with further expenditure over the following two years. A robust area of activity for teenagers in Collinstown Park in Clondalkin with a goal, basketball net and large play equipment items, provision of WiFi and seating scattered throughout the area at an overall estimated cost of €120,000. A giant bench has been proposed for Kingswood in Tallaght to act

as a formal meeting area for teenagers, as well as other large play type equipment for older children and WiFi provision at an estimated €40,000. A multi-use games area is earmarked for Avonbeg at an estimated cost of €80,000.

At Griffeen Park, Lucan it is proposed to provide enhanced sporting facilities, as well as a tea shop/ coffee-pod seating and Wi-Fi at an estimated cost of €120,000. And a formal meeting place and activity area with equipment designed for use by older children in Ballycragh Park in Rathfarnham along with seating and Wi-Fi provision at an estimated cost of €110,000. At their January council meeting, Cllrs commended SDCC management and staff for the report.

Example of Mutli Use Games area and exercise stations

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WHY RENT, WHEN YOU CAN BUY €250,000 FOR THE NEW LARGE 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS AT NEWTOWN MANOR, KILL, CO.KILDARE. READY FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY AND HELP TO BUY SCHEME REGISTERED.

Cavan Developments invite you to the official launch of their New Two Bed Apartments at Newtown Manor, Hartwell Road in Kill Village this Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 – 5pm.

Nestled away nicely between Rathcoole and Naas, it is located a 15-minute drive from the Red cow roundabout and with the Luas line extending out as far as Citywest, it leaves another public transport artery available on route into the City Centre.

balcony, 2 designated numbered car park spaces and a communal garden area. Kitchen, Bathroom, En – Suite walls and floors all have extensive tiling with high quality porcelain ceramic tiles coming as standard.

High quality wardrobes and fireplace also come as standard with shower in En-Suite, while the Bathroom comes fully fitted with toilet, wash hand basin and a rectangular bath to add the finishing touch.

A new Large modern Primary school has opened in Kill catering for both boys and girls and secondary schools are easily accessible with private bus operators servicing both Rathcoole & Naas schools also.

Cavan Developments homes are built with reducing maintenance on the exterior in mind and with the PVC fascia and soffit and the walls being brick and dry dashed, this goes a long way to emphasising that point.

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LACK OF AMBITION SHOWN BY MINISTER TO DECARBONISE TRANSPORT SECTOR

John Curran T.D. has said that the Transport Minister, Shane Ross has shown a serious lack of ambition to reduce carbon in the Public Transport Sector. Deputy Curran was commenting after receiving a reply to a parliamentary question he asked the Minister on the issue. “Under the Government’s Carbon Reduction Programme the Transport Department was allocated €5.5million in Budget 2018 to support measures towards decarbonising the transport sector.

Yet the Minister can only

account for a spend of €646,000 to date. “Two of the Minister’s initiatives to encourage the takeup of electric vehicles – The Electric Small Public Services Vehicle Scheme (SPSV) and the Electric Vehicle Toll Incentive Scheme did not generate the expected overheads in 2018.

Each scheme was allocated €500,000 from the Carbon Reduction Programme and only €250,000 was drawn down in the SPSV Scheme and only €166,000 under the Electric Vehicle Toll Incentive Scheme. “This

underspend within the Minister’s Department shows a real lack of ambition and a failure to successfully lead financial incentives and projects that encourage transport operators to make the necessary steps towards a low emission fleet.

“With gigantic fines looming over Ireland for its failure to meet Climate Change targets, the Government hasn’t much time to lose, yet we see no urgency, no ambition and more worryingly no leadership on this issue. “This laisse fair view seems to be endemic across all Government

Departments.

Not one Government Department or Minister is taking a lead on the issue of Climate Change and they are leading us into a situation where we will be forced to pay fines of millions of euro a year unless measures are taken.

This Government is failing to make any real effort to decarbonise the economy, even after the Taoiseach announced that he would be the ‘Greenest’ Taoiseach we ever had.

“And it is not just CO2 emissions that we should be reducing but other chemicals such as Carbon

Monoxide, Sulphur dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide are all detrimental to our health and add to poor air quality in our City.

“I am calling on Minister Ross to develop targets, costings and timeframes with regards to introducing electric or hybrid vehicles in this sector. In London 3,000

of London’s 9,500 buses are hybrid with 73 fully electric buses and Paris has begun to fully electrify their bus fleet with 60 introduced since 2016. “We need leadership and ambition on this matter to ensure we reduce our emissions and have clean public transport in our capital,” concluded Deputy Curran.

DONATION TO NATIONAL MUSEUM

Local social campaigner and Dublin South West Minister Katherine Zappone, has donated dresses she and her late spouse Ann Louise Gilligan wore at their renewal of vows following the Marriage Equality Referendum to the National Museum. The dresses will form part of future exhibitions at the Museum reflecting the huge social changes which have taken place in the country.

Minister Zappone and Dr Gilligan took legal action which paved the way for the Marriage Referendum and were leaders of the campaign in Templeogue, Tallaght and Citywest. Making the donation Minister Zappone added: “Ireland is going through a period of immense social change as we become a country which is fairer, kinder and just. I see this as I meet people of all ages in our local communities in Dublin South West.It is important for generations to come that the National Museum of Ireland records these huge social changes, and how they must never be reversed. It is an honour to make this donation and contribute in some small way to ensure that happens.”

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CALLS FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR HOMELESS TO BE ADDRESSED Seán Crowe T.D, has called for the Mental Health Support services for homeless to be addressed

and resourced. Deputy Crowe was speaking after the launch of the Homelessness and Mental Health ‘Voices

of Experience’ report which found not surprisingly that severe mental health difficulties are more

RUGBY IS BACK IN WESTMANSTOWN!

First annual fun match was held at Westmanstown Over the Christmas break, the first annual fun match was held at Westmanstown.

Members and their families from all sections of the club took part in a fun match which included an Old Bulls V Young Bulls section as well as kids V adults.

Rugby training is now back and in full swing for all teams. The club has teams for boys and girls, men and women of all ages and abilities so if you have set a new year’s resolution to get fit or try something new why not try rugby. You’ll meet new people and get fit, all while having fun. No

experience is necessary so whether you’ve played before or have never touched a rugby ball everyone is welcome to join, just pop up to training and Give It A Try! Training for minis is 11am on Sunday mornings, youths train midweek evenings, senior men and women train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and the Wasps, our special needs team, train on Sundays at 12.

For more information call Karen on 086 3973668 or email gardarfcpro@gmail.com.

prevalent among homeless people.

This report combined with Dublin Simon’s earlier 2013 findings that 71% of its clients had a diagnosed mental health difficulty with 22% having a diagnosis of psychosis or schizophrenia highlights the challenge and urgent need to act.

Teachta Crowe said that a recent short-sighted decision has meant that an ACCESS team that had previously provided specialist mental health services to homeless community is now closed to new referrals. Deputy Seán Crowe said: “All international evidence suggests that people who are homeless will more than likely face mental health difficulties as they seek to be housed. “Ireland is no different and it doesn’t make any sense that existing services would be run down or closed during our current

homeless crisis. “That is precisely what is happening with an ACCESS team that previously provided specialist mental health services to the homeless is now closed to new referrals. “Even the most positive indicators suggest that the homeless crisis and the challenges it presents us with, including mental health problems, will be with Irish society for the foreseeable future. “I agree with the findings of this report from Mental Health Reform that resources must be put in place for the development and delivery of a 7 day a week direct access to community health services already engaged in homeless services.

“The report also finds that there is a need to develop a policy to ensure that homeless people can avail of effective and timely dual diagnosis when they present with difficulties.

“Research conducted in the Tallaght inpatient mental health services found a high proportion of individuals with a housing need with an average of 38% of the patients and 98% of long stay/ delayed discharged inpatients having a lack of adequate housing. “Again this is backing up other statistics and highlights the extent of the challenge on already weakened services “If the Government and the Minister for Health accept that there is a link between mental health problems and homelessness, as studies like the Voices of Experience have shown, then it doesn’t make any sense to be closing or running down existing mental services for the homeless in the midst of the greatest housing crisis this state has ever faced. “I am calling on the Minister and the HSE to again look at this policy and implement the ‘Voice of Experience’ recommendations.“

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TALLAGHT SHINES BRIGHTLY AS LITTERED CITY AREAS FAIL TO IMPROVE IN LITTER SURVEY

The final litter survey of 2018 by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL). shows little improvement in Dublin areas.

Tallaght, Dun Laoghaire and the environs of Dublin Airport are all deemed clean, but the City Centre has dropped to moderately littered, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton, presented the awards at a ceremony recently, crowning Fermoy as the cleanest town among

those ranked according to litter levels in 2018, with Waterford City again Ireland’s cleanest city.

Minister Bruton said, “Combating litter is part of a much wider challenge – how we use our resources effectively and adapt to recognise environmental damage more generally.

Litter is a very tangible, visible example of the kind of damage that is being done. It is vital that communities, businesses and local authorities in

towns all across Ireland, work together to manage waste properly and reduce litter. I hope the recognition these awards provide spur others on to come together to make changes in their local areas.”

Disadvantaged urban areas occupied the bottom five places in the rankings.

“Three years ago we deliberately shone a spotlight on specific city areas in the hope that the attention would spur councils and communities into action,” commented

Conor Horgan of IBAL. “It is fair to say we have seen no noticeable improvement in any of these areas - nor have we seen much by way of substantial measures to them turn around.”

“The historic development of large areas of social housing has shaped a “them and us” society and the gap is widening. Litter is a symptom of a greater

malaise and keeping these areas as clean and well presented as the rest of a city would over time have significant benefits. We need local authorities to take the lead.”

Another excellent result for Tallaght, which continues to shine as a beacon for other urban areas across the country to follow. Sean

Walsh Park was a top ranking site – hugely improved since earlier in 2018 when the pond was a very poor site with regard to litter.

Other top ranking sites which deserve a special mention included both recycle facilities at Tallaght Square and at Sean Walsh Memorial Park. Tallaght Village and Tallaght Stadium were also very clean.

GROWING MENTAL WELLNESS IN CLONDALKIN

“We need to grow mental wellness in Clondalkin, we need to be aware of anyone struggling and provide whatever supports we can and I believe these short talks will help create awareness about some of the many issues”, stated Cllr. Francis Timmons.

The hope is to run this in Knockmitten and then run it in other venues based on feedback after talks, it’s a free event that will only cost you two hours of your time, registration is essential for the night. On the 26th of February from 7pm to 9pm in Knockmitten Community Centre. Cllr Timmons added “Rachel Sommers from Somers Psychotherapy and Counselling Clondalkin came up with the name and was

a great help in developing the running order.

I felt an event that would focus on the age from birth to 25 It’s a wide age group but from the first talk that will focus on the importance of attachment through to talks on wellbeing, transitions, sexuality, mental health to community connections and it will cover a wide range of issues that all aimed at growing mental wellness”. Speakers will include Karen Costello from Blue Skies, Paula Galvin a primary school teacher, Kate Brilly from Somers Psychotherapy, Jamie Kenny from Outhouse and Declan Hanley from Jigsaw. To register for a free place please at the event logon to www. francistimmons.com/growingclondalkin/

Minister Richard Bruton presents a scroll to Maire Ni Dhomhnaill of South Dublin CoCo in respect of Tallaght being Cleaner than European Norms, on right is Conor Horgan of IBAL

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SDCC ARE SHORTLISTED WITH FOUR PROJECTS

This year has been extremely successful for South Dublin County Council with four projects shortlisted for the 2019 All Ireland Community & Council Awards 2019 presented by IPB Insurance and LAMA. The projects are Sherry Fitzgerald Group -

Best Business Working with the Community, MEDEX programme Best Community Health Initiative, Kick Ass Adventures - Best Community Sports Team/ Club and mydoorstep.ie - Best Connected Council (Communication & Digital Marketing). Now in their

13th year, the 2019 All Ireland Community & Council Awards presented

by IPB Insurance and LAMA celebrate community and councils working together.

They provide a great opportunity to highlight the work done within our communities, to reward

PROMISING RESULTS SHOWS FULL EMPLOYMENT GROWING EVER CLOSER Local Fine Gael TD, Frances Fitzgerald has welcomed the news that the number of people signing on the Live Register in South Dublin dropped by 18% in 2018.

“Unemployment has fallen steadily from a peak of 16% in 2012 to 5.3% in December 2018. Ireland is a stable, competitive, secure economy that is open for business.

“Since Fine Gael’s Action Plan for Jobs was launched in February 2012, the Live Register in South Dublin has decreased by 18%. This represents 13,685 people who are back making a living, to the benefit of themselves, their families and the local communities in which they live.

“In the last year alone, we have seen an annual decline of 21% in Clondalkin, 15.9% in Tallaght and 17.3% in Ballyfermot.

“There is further good news in these figures as the CSO revealed that the Live Register

has fallen below 200,000 nationally, the lowest since 2008. This figure represents a year on year decrease of 15.5%.

“Fine Gael will continue this success into the future because we are investing in our talented people, in our drive for innovation and in the future of our infrastructure. We are moving towards full employment and we will ensure that all parts of Ireland can share in our prosperity and economic growth.

“We are also investing in our future as a society, organised and resourced for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Project Ireland 2040 aims to ensure that Ireland is ready for the future with a society that has sustainable and balanced growth, nurtures talent, serves the welfare of our people, and offers opportunity for all.”

our unsung heroes and recognise the phenomenal contribution they’ve made to our lives as well as acknowledge achievements from local Community and County Councils, partnerships and projects that enhance our everyday lives.

IPB Insurance has continuously grown its involvement in the awards, this year being their fourth year as headline sponsor.

George Jones, Chairman of IPB Insurance, said, “The Community and Council Awards are a perfect fit for

IPB, recognising as it does, the unique relationship our local authority Members enjoy with their communities in creating a better society in which to live and work.”

across the country. I am delighted to see so many innovative and unique projects being recognised and congratulations to all who have reached the finalist stage.

Cllr Mags Murray Chairperson of the LAMA Executive commented; “LAMA is delighted to acknowledge and recognise the enormous efforts of community and voluntary groups, innovative initiatives and local authorities in their pursuit of excellence. I am blown away by the Trojan work being carried out

” This year’s All Ireland Community & Council Award winners will be announced at the gala Awards ceremony, hosted by Marty Morrissey at Croke Park Stadium, 9th of February 2019.

A full list of finalists is available to download at: www.lamaawards.org.

CALL FOR SOLUTION FOR TRAVELLER FAMILIES Councillors in South Dublin County Council expressed concern about five families from the Travelling community living on a site in Balgaddy and facing removal by the council.

An emergency motion was submitted to the full council meeting recently by People Before Profit Cllr for Clondalkin Madeleine Johansson, asking council management to stop the removal of the families and to work with other local authorities as well as the Clondalkin Travellers Development Group to find a solution for the families.

Cllr Madeleine Johansson said: “I think it’s completely wrong to remove these families

while they have nowhere to go. The local authorities need to take responsibility and work together to provide suitable accommodation or sites. Suitable serviced sites need to be found and no family should be removed until they have somewhere to go.”

“This is a symptom of a wider problem of a significant lack of Traveller specific accommodation across the country, including in South Dublin County. National legislation provides for transient sites to allow members of travelling community to continue their nomadic lifestyle, however none of these have been provided.”

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EDUCATION FEATURE

TIME TO SHINE! €50,000 Investment Fund For Young Entrepreneurs Competition

“It could be you!” so said Senior Enterprise Development Officer Amanda Mills as she announced the launch of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur 2019 in South Dublin. “We’re looking for dynamic, innovative young business people to enter the Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur 2019 competition in South Dublin. Who knows, you might make it all the way to the National Final in Google in September!” Hosted by the Local Enterprise Offices around the country, the competition is staged in conjunction with the Dept. of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities of Ireland.

Now in its fifth year, this nationwide competition invites 18-35 year olds who

have a business idea, a startup or an already established business to enter. Amanda Mills continues “Applying is quick and simple. It takes about 15 minutes, is free of charge and is done on www.

IBYE.ie. Applicants are then invited to participate in an Enterprise Day hosted by the Local Enterprise Office.

Shortlisted applicants take part in Business Bootcamps and compete in the County Final. Here in South Dublin we have an investment fund of €50,000 to share between the winners of the Best Business Idea, Best StartUp and Best Established Business categories.”

From there, County Winners go on to compete at Regional Finals and, if successful, all the way to the National Finals. But it’s not all about the National Finals. Amanda continued,

“We know from past participants that the real value for them is in being part of the process. Taking part in Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur challenges young business people to stop and really focus on where there business is now and where they can take it. The business planning, mentoring, advice and support they receive during the process is really valuable. They tell us that being part of IBYE helps them to build a network of fellow entrepreneurs and they often become trusted friends and advisors to each other. Finally, IBYE is often their first experience of getting media exposure, which is a really important in building profile.”

Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneurs is one of the headline events each

year for Local Enterprise Office South Dublin. “The Local Enterprise Office is the first port of call for anyone in business, no matter what age they are.

Hosting Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur each year

allows us to connect with young entrepreneurs and explain to them the services and supports available to them to help accelerate their business growth. We are looking forward to receiving applications from

young entrepreneurs for the 2019 competition and to meeting them at Enterprise Day. Apply now by visiting www.IBYE.ie. The closing date is Friday 15th March, but why wait? Get your application in today.”

South Dublin IBYE Winners – Jane Asple of EmmabyJane, John Maguire of Sensation Audio and Sarah Kiely of Sadies Kitchen

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Who Do You Want to

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... Take the next step ... Come along to our Futher Education Open Day

Tuesday 29th January 2019 from 9:30am - 3:00pm

Find out all about our college, what courses we offer and how you can apply www.deansrathcommunitycollege.ie

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STUDENTS PERFORM AT THE HEAD OF MISSIONS CONFERENCE

Pupils from Firhouse Community College and Killinarden Community School performed recently. The senior chamber choir pictured outside Dublin Castle after their performance at the Head of Missions conference in Dublin Castle. The students were delighted for the opportunity and working with South Dublin Arts Office and the Music Generation South Dublin project. They are looking forward to adding more pieces to the wonderful vocal commission.

CAREER IN IRELAND’S BOOMING TECH SECTOR

Passionate about a career in Ireland’s booming tech sector? Why not consider a professional apprenticeship as your gateway into this thriving industry?

Ireland’s New Tech Apprenticeship offers you the chance to develop technical skills as well as entrepreneurship and business savvy through work experience. This ‘earn while you learn’ apprenticeship is open to people of Leaving Cert standard or equivalent with recognition of prior learning available. Embracing a ‘learning by doing’ format of ICT skills development, this new approach has been championed by industry with places available in leading companies such as Accenture, SAP, Microsoft and many more!

Currently there are three individual

TECH APPRENTICESHIPS SOFTWARE DEVELOPER. NETWORK ENGINEER. CYBER SECURITY. 2 YEARS. NFQ LEVEL 6.

programmes aimed at attracting candidates with an interest in Software Development, Network Engineering and Cyber Security. All three programmes have significant on-the-job elements and were developed with the needs of industry in mind.

As the value of practical learning accelerates many great companies are looking to apprenticeships to fill their skills gaps. If you are interested in either joining or accessing this talent pool check our website www.fit.ie or email techapprenticeship@fit.ie for all the details.

Applications open year-round. Follow us on social media @FastrackintoIT for all the latest updates.

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FIND A FUTURE IN ENGINEERING AT GRIFFITH COLLEGE

If you had the chance to earn a degree in an industry expected to undergo enormous growth, and do it for free or at a drastically reduced rate, wouldn’t you take it? The good news is, Griffith College Dublin are making this a reality!

Applications are now open for the Springboard+ funded QQI Bachelor of

Engineering in Industrial Engineering (B.Eng.IE) at Griffith College Dublin.

Engineers Ireland expect 6,000 jobs to be added in the engineering sector next year, and they add that “89% of the engineering employers surveyed believe their financial position will improve in 2019.” Embrace this growth in industry

and enrol in the one-year B.Eng.IE at Griffith College.

Industrial engineers make decisions concerning the best use of an organisation’s people, material, equipment and energy. To accomplish the best use of resources, the industrial engineer systematically collects, analyses and arranges information. These

GRIFFITH COLLEGE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR MATHS REVISION CLASSES AND SCHOLARSHIPS Griffith College prides itself on supporting each student from start to finish of their overall educational journey. For Griffith, the starting point begins at second-level.

To guarantee your CAO experience runs as smooth as possible, the third-level independent institute will hold higher and ordinary maths revision classes in March.

These one-day intense prep classes will be delivered by Director of Academic Programmes at Griffith College, Tomás Mac Eochagáin. Those interested in securing a seat for the maths revision class are advised to visit www.griffith.ie/offices/schools/ services/leaving-cert-revision-registration.

The maths revision course coincides with the acceptance of applications for the college’s annual scholarship. This scholarship targets personal and professional development as well as nurturing the students area of interest. Leaving Certificate or FETAC students are welcomed to

submit applications for this fully funded scholarship. To be eligible, the student is required to submit a personal statement that highlights the reasons they deserve the investment. To choose a deserving candidate, Griffith looks at criteria such as; personality, passion, suitability and family financial situation. Griffith College offers 170+ courses, from full-time to part-time and blended learning.

Schools Liaison Officer Claire Aston says, “This scholarship removes a huge barrier for students and allows them to pursue what they are passionate about where they may not financially be able to afford it.”

If you think you or someone you know is deserving of a Griffith College Scholarship, visit the website at www.griffith.ie/office/ schools/scholarships. Alternatively, contact the Schools Liaison Officer, Claire Aston at 01 - 415 0418.

are critical skills, especially where resources are scarce. Industrial engineers are needed across all industries: in manufacturing (traditional and modern), and services as well as in: banking, biotechnology, t r a n s p o r t a t i o n , pharmaceuticals, consultancy, distribution services, the health sector, military and other areas of government. This QQI Level 7 course gives learners the tools to improve productivity, efficiency and profitability, as well as developing skills vital for effective management and efficient organisation. Plus, the course is part-time, so it’s easy to grow your skills while moving forward in your career. As a Springboard+ funded course, the B.Eng. IE is funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), to help make in-demand skills more accessible.

These qualifications are proven to be gateways towards promising careers.

If you’re unemployed, you won’t have to pay anything for the course, and if you’re working, you’ll still only need to pay 10% of the tuition.

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€5,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS FOR IRISH SECONDARY SCHOOLS The search is on for best young Food Entrepreneurs in Dublin. Registration is now open for GROW2CEO – a unique competition to find Irelands’ next young food entrepreneurs. GROW2CEO is a collaboration between Cully & Sully and GIY. The campaign was launched recently by food entrepreneur Cullen Allen from Cully & Sully and Mick Kelly founder of GIY. GROW2CEO will give students and teenagers across Irish Secondary Schools everything they need to start growing some food, get a better understanding of what goes into the food they eat, and how they can make healthier choices in their own lives. The campaign involves four exciting challenges, which will take students on a fascinating journey where they will create their own food business and soup recipe while learning all about where food comes from.

Free growing kits will be delivered to all of the teachers who register for the 2019 competition. The kits will include everything the students need to grow spinach including the seeds, pots, soil and plenty of expert growing recipe development tips from GIY and Cully & Sully. In the final phase, they will be asked come up with a soup recipe and business plan. Three classes will then be selected for the competition finale.

These finalists will be invited to a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style pitch scenario at the home of GIY, GROW HQ in Waterford on Wednesday the 15th May, where the winning class will be selected and crowned ‘GROW 2 CEO’ Champions 2019.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming competition deadline, Michael Kelly of GIY said, “Last year’s competition was a phenomenal success, it is really interesting to see the keen level of interest and the vast knowledge that teenagers have about their food – they are far more interested than their peers of ten or twenty years ago.

We hope that the Grow 2 CEO campaign will encourage more students and schools to make growing and food nutrition a bigger part of the curriculum and therefore encourage more students to consider food entrepreneurship as a possible career choice in the future.”

Cullen Allen of Cully & Sully said, We are excited to launch GROW2CEO 2019 with our friends at GIY, We are especially excited to see what Irish secondary schools come up with this year. The 2018 campaign was hugely inspirational with some amazing presentations and product concepts developed. At Cully & Sully we are passionate about using excellent quality ingredients in the products we produce and we hope that the students will appreciate the importance of using fresh produce and of course find the joy in growing their own ingredients.

The growing kits will be delivered to all schools that register to take part and the competition and challenge will commence on 4th March. The ‘GROW 2 CEO’ grand final will take place on the 15thMay 2019, where a panel of judges will taste test the student’s products and review the business model and plans of the shortlisted finalists.

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The winning students will be awarded a prize pot of €5,000 which includes a €3,000 food garden for their school, champion hoodies for the winning class and the winning teacher will receive an overnight trip to Ballymaloe.

Participation is free and registration is open until 15th February 2019.

School students and teachers planning to participate in this nationwide competition can now sign up to take part via www. grow2ceo.ie

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MORE SCRUTINY ON THE PUBLIC SERVICES CARD ST. MARY’S N.S. SAGGART Cllr Sarah Holland presented a motion in a recent sitting of South Dublin County Council objecting to the proposed use of the controversial Public Services card to verify identity in the new online voter portal being mooted by the four Dublin local authorities. The motion passed with strong cross-party support. The portal, the details of which are currently out for public consultation, would require a sign-up to the MyGovID website, which in order to be verified, would require users to make an appointment to acquire a Public Services Card in order to access the service.

The Public Services Card has been subject to scrutiny since it’s inception.

There was controversy when it transpired that though the card was described as “optional”, failure to sign up to it was resulting in delays and stoppages of welfare payments such as pensions and jobseekers allowance.

Freedom of Information requests have so far failed to ascertain the legal basis for the card, and most recently, the Government have refused to release details of an interim inquiry by the Data Protection Commission into the card.

Cllr Holland said “I have grave reservations about the Government’s continued promotion of the Public Services Card.

The Road Safety Authority have ceased asking for it to

be a requirement when applying for a theory test following advice from the Attorney General to the Minister for Transport. When there is such a lack of transparency about what amounts to a national ID card, I don’t think it should be used to restrict access to what could be an excellent democratic tool.

FOOD DRIVE

Passports and drivers licenses have always been sufficient to verify identification, so we as a council should stick to that, until we have greater clarity around the issues.” Cllr Holland concluded “We should not be making this card a requirement for accessing public services until all of the issues have been resolved.”

PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR RATHCOOLE AND VILLAGES WELL OVERDUE

Frances Fitzgerald T.D., has called on South Dublin County Council (SDCC) to seriously consider the development of a Public Library in Rathcoole. At present, residents of Rathcoole, Newcastle, Saggart and Brittas are served by a SDCC Mobile Library – a service that some residents can only avail of either once or twice a week, depending on the location.

“Each of the four village districts in Dublin Mid-West have been identified as some of the fastest-growing towns in Ireland, according to the latest Census figures. Yet these areas do not have important community facilities such as a Public Library. “Whilst these villages have been served by a mobile community library in the past, many residents

have no choice but to venture as far as Lucan, Clondalkin or Tallaght to avail of a library service. I believe that the time has come for the Council to seriously consider the need for a library in these areas.

“In 2015, South Dublin County Council stated that its Libraries Department would consider Rathcoole as a potential library location, subject to a planned investment programme for library infrastructure being put in place.

Nearly four years have passed with very little movement or decisions on the issue. I believe the time has come for the Council to clearly commit to a public library for the area. I will continue to work on behalf of my constituents for this very important community need.”

The students and staff of St Mary’s National School in Saggart would like to thank everyone who supported them in their food drive for the homeless. They were overwhelmed by people’s generosity. 6th class pupils worked really hard to organise the collection. A big thank you also to Aidan Joyce who volunteered a van and Ger for driving the van. Focus Ireland and The Dining Room Group in Newbridge were delighted to receive the donations.

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Wedding Feature Royal Marine Hotel Wedding Afternoon on 3rd February

Join us at the Royal Marine Hotel on Sunday 3rd February and let us show you all that we can offer for your very special day. Meet with their dedicated wedding team who can walk you through your wedding day. View the banqueting room, bridal suite and meet some of their suppliers.

The Royal Marine Hotel provides the perfect location and setting for your elegant wedding day with magnificent views across Dublin Bay from our Carlisle Ballroom, you and your guests will enjoy the sense of relaxed opulence and luxury overlooking the bay.

The hotel is considered

one of the most romantic venues in Dublin with a marvellous sense of history and character.

The hotel boast many of the traditional features of a 19th century building including high ceilings, sophisticated detail on the cornicing and the magnificent Victorian staircase. A fairy-tale

backdrop to your most special of days.

The hotel caters to civil ceremonies in different styles. The Royal Marine Hotel is fully registered and certified as a venue for Civil Ceremonies.

Plan your civil ceremony accordingly with a range of options and suites of various sizes that can accommodate large civil ceremonies or more intimate civil ceremonies.

Contact the wedding team for further details by phone on 01 2715215, email events@royalmarine.ie or see www.royalmarine.ie.

They would be delighted to assist you in anyway with holding your Civil Ceremony here in the hotel followed by your wedding celebration.

Their experienced team have assisted with Civil Ceremonies for many years and will ensure that every last detail is seen to.

Royal Marine Hotel, Marine Road, DĂşn Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, A96 K063 T: +353 (0)1 2300030 W: royalmarine.ie E : events@royalmarine.ie

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A UNIQUE WEDDING VENUE IN THE HEART OF THE MIDLANDS Renowned for their award winning weddings, the 4* Annebrook House Hotel presents a spectacular fusion of 17th century heritage with ultimate

modern styling…let us be your “something old, something new.” Whether it’s a grand affair or an intimate reception, the style of your wedding is

entirely up to you.

As a family owned hotel, we pride ourselves in offering a very personalised service from the initial booking stage all the way through to your dream day. Sumptuous food combined with topclass service are the main ingredients of any good wedding and the Annebrook House Hotel delivers both these elements seamlessly. Our friendly and approachable service will ensure your wedding day is everything you want it to be and more.

Ciara & the Wedding Team at the Annebrook constantly strive to keep up to date with current trends to ensure every couples day is as memorable and as individual as they are. We are excited to announce the launch of our newly refurbished ballroom coming in Spring 2019.

Come along to our next Wedding Open Days on Sunday 3rd February, 1pm5pm and Wednesday 20th February, 5pm-8pm to view this wonderful venue for yourself.

To Advertise Your Spring Wedding Fair in our next edition contact Angie today!

Phone: 01 451 3822 Email: angie@newsgroup.ie

For further details visit www.annebrook.ie , or email Ciara on events@annebrook.ie . Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

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WORKERS IN DUBLIN MISSING OUT ON MEDICAL EXPENSE REFUNDS Tax refund specialists Taxback.com are drawing fresh attention to the claiming of tax refunds on the back of Revenue’s current communications campaign rolled out at the end of 2018, which was aimed at creating more awareness around people’s tax relief and rebate entitlements. The campaign saw Revenue send letters to thousands of taxpayers nationwide.

Eileen Devereux, Commercial Director at Taxback.com explained, “The number of people claiming medical expense tax refunds is still quite low. Revenue data reveals

that in 2017 454,700 people applied for the refund – just 20% of the total two million plus workers who might be eligible for a refund. In Dublin alone, there were 649,680 people employed in the city and county in 2016 – meaning that up to 519,744 workers could be missing out on an average refund of €494 for medical expenses over 4 years.

That’s a huge number of people that would benefit significantly from a post-Christmas lumpsum.” Taxback.com say Revenue figures show, in no uncertain terms, that the tax relief which applies to the greatest number of

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households throughout the country is also probably the most underutilised – and that is medical expenses relief.

that the numbers claiming are growing – a trend which they say is “encouraging” and one they hope to see continue in the future.

Ms. Devereux continued, “Most people have to make at least one trip to the doctor over the year, but even if they manage to avoid it this year – surely, they have had to go at some stage in the previous four years? That’s how far back you can go when claiming medical expense relief. Analysis of our own customer records indicates the average refund for medical expenses over 4 years totals €494. But Revenue figures show, in no uncertain terms, that the medical expense relief, which arguably has the most application to households throughout the country, is probably the most under utilised tax relief available.”

Ms. Devereux went on to comment, “Thousands of Euro worth of medical and non-routine dental expense refunds, while probably the most widely known of all tax refunds, still go unclaimed every year. The reasons for this are varied but feedback from clients suggests that one reason is that they believe the process is too complex and time consuming. I can understand why people might think this – anything to do with tax and form filling tends to make people’s eyes glaze over, but in reality, this is one of the most straightforward things you’ll ever do in terms of “personal admin” – easier than shopping online I would say.”

Expenses include GP, Medicines, Physiotherapy and Dental to name but a few. The tax experts say that a year-on-year comparison of Revenue figures reveals

“We advise all our clients to start keeping their receipts in a shoebox or a drawer going forward and if they have not done this, to request copies of receipts

from their GP/ practitioner or their chemist. Some practices charge a small fee for this but that should not be prohibitive i.e. you’re still going to get back more than you’ve spent. In

addition, most pharmacies will be able to give you a “year-end” receipt, totaling your spending during the year. Some are even promoting this as a means of keeping customers”.

Cllr. Charlie O’Connor PC Living in Tallaght ...Working for Tallaght

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DADS CONTINUING TO BENEFIT FROM GOVERNMENT’S KILNAMANAGH’S JUNIOR PATERNITY BENEFIT SCHEME SCIENTISTS LEAD THE NATION

Local Fine Gael TD, Frances Fitzgerald has welcomed the news that 24,000 fathers received paid paternity benefit in 2018. 6,906 Dublin fathers benefited from the scheme last year. “I’m delighted to see the continued success of this scheme.

Uptake for paternity benefit has been steady throughout the year and I hope to see the trend continue in 2019.

“The scheme has benefited thousands of Dads across the country with almost 55,000 benefitting since its inception in September 2016. “The current rate of Paternity Benefit is €240 per week. Following Budget 2019, this will increase to €245 per week from the week beginning 25 March 2019.

“I am encouraging prospective fathers to sign up for Paternity Benefit.

The application process is clear and simple. New Dads will require a Public Service Card in order to apply, and if they are an employee, they need to give four weeks’ notice to their

employer to qualify for the accompanying Paternity Leave.

“Fathers who fulfil the PRSI requirements are eligible for Paternity Benefit when they take two weeks of Paternity Leave at any time within the first 26 weeks of their child’s life,

or following adoption. “All the information on how to apply for Paternity Leave, and how to get your Public Service Card, is available at www.welfare.ie/ paternitybenefit.

“Fine Gael in Government is committed to helping hard pressed working families

and will continue to pursue a number of family friendly childcare options including subsidised high quality childcare, the opening up of our schools to provide aftercare and support for parents who choose to stay at home and care for their children.”

HIGHER WASTE CHARGES PERSIST

John Curran TD has said it is very disappointing to learn of the delay in the implementation of the promised annual support of €75 that was to be introduced for persons with lifelong/long-term medical incontinence to assist towards their higher waste charges.

Deputy Curran was commenting after receiving an up-dated reply to a Parliamentary Question from newly appointed Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton on the issue; “The excuses are running out for the Minister and his Department when it comes to their incompetence to implement a very simple initiative to assist those with lifelong/longterm incontinence dispose of their waste.

The Minister continues to hide behind the introduction of GDPR policy as an excuse for the delay. “This support is to help some of the most vulnerable people

and older people in our communities to meet the average annual cost of disposal of incontinence products and while the payment is not substantial it could go a long way to alleviate pressure on many householders waste charges. This is a long wait for people struggling to make ends meet. “The Minister is putting no urgency or priority on this issue.

He announced his commitment to this simple payment over a year ago and now I have learnt that it could take even longer before implementation while the Minister uses the introduction of GDPR as an excuse. This is ridiculous and unfair to those who are lifelong/long-term medically incontinent and therefore have significantly higher waste charges to pay.

“I am calling on the Minister to engage with this issue, to prioritise it and have it introduced sooner than the end of the year,” concluded Deputy Curran.

Minister Katherine Zappone TD and Jackie Phillips, BT Ireland meeting the junior young scientists from St Kevins GNS in Kilnamanagh with their teacher Ailbhe Forde during the Primary Science Fair at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2019 in the RDS. Minister Zappone said ‘Kilnamanagh Girls are national young leaders when it comes to exploring the world of science. I am delighted to see St Kevin’s again take such a prominent role with a detailed and complex project on mathematics. I wish each of the students and their teacher Miss Forde every success into the future.”

Photo Credit: Iain White / Fennell Photography.

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS NEWSPAPER TELEPHONE 01 451 9000 EMAIL admin@newsgroup.ie

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€18,000 GRANTED TO MEN’S SHEDS IN SOUTH DUBLIN

€18,000 in Government funding was granted in 2018 to Men’s Sheds in South Dublin a Fine Gael Cllr has confirmed. Cllr Emer Higgins has welcomed the funding announcement by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, which will benefit the Men’s Sheds in Clondalkin and Lucan.

“It is really positive to see the Government supporting the The Irish Men’s Sheds Association which does

fantastic work. I have seen first-hand the positive impact of their activities here in Clondalkin and Lucan.

“Last Summer, Minister Ring allocated €500,000 under the Men’s Sheds stream of the Community Enhancement Programme to enable individual Sheds to update their facilities by purchasing equipment or by carrying out minor works to improve their shed.I am delighted to say

that Clondalkin and Lucan Men’s Sheds were successful in their applications and received €4,000 between them. “In addition to this funding South Dublin County Council have also committed to providing funding to the Clondalkin Men’s Shed through the 300k Have Your Say initiative.

in our area to connect with each other in their locality, to share their skills and to work together on community projects. “Not only is this good for the

health and wellbeing of the men themselves but it’s also of great benefit to the wider community.

I will continue to support

my local Men’s Shed and I strongly welcome the Government funding to assist their work,” concluded Cllr.

Emer Higgins.

In December the Council announced special funding for Men’s Sheds right across South Dublin. Men’s Sheds are a great outlet for men

Cllr Higgins pictured with South Dublin Mayor Paul Gogarty and Clondalkin Men’s Shed Members.

NOMINATE THE CLONDALKIN PARADE GRAND MARSHALL Nominations are now open for the Clondalkin St. Patricks Day Parade 2019 Grand Marshall. Previous marshalls have included Mary Kennedy, Colm Gavin and Mary Dardis. The committee want the local community to choose who the 2019 grand marshal and the parade is just under two months away. Nominations can be made online at www.clondalkinstpatricksfestival. ie/grandmarshall/ Cllr Timmons added “We are also looking

for groups to participate and volunteers to help for the annual community event.

Memories are made with event like this and this is the 5th Parade of the current revival, we are hoping this parade will be the biggest and best yet, despite the cold weather last year thousands came out to watch the parade. I would appeal to all that can to get involved and made the day another successful community event”.

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In this edition of the paper, Romaine Scally Solicitor, of Romaine Scally & Company, Solicitors, Main Street, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Telephone 01-4599506 email legal@scally.ie deals with Accidents in the Workplace.

Q. I work in a warehouse and was injured recently when lifting goods from a height down on to a pallet. I will be out of work for a few weeks and my Employer is not paying me. Would I have any cause of action?

A. We are sorry to hear about your accident and hope that you will go on to make a full recovery speedily. Your Employer has a

responsibility to provide you with adequate training, making you aware of the best ways to stay safe in your working environment and avoid personal injury. If you have suffered a debilitating personal injury and feel that inadequate training was directly responsible for the accident which caused your injury then, you may have a cause of action against your Employer. A detailed consultation with a Solicitor would be required to determine what training (if any) you had previously been given by your Employer. Lifting heavy goods from above head height is an action which requires training and instruction and if you were not provided with either then, it seems as if you will have a cause of action against your Employer. We would suggest that you make an appointment with a Solicitor as soon as possible.

Q. I work in a storeroom and, although I have been with my Employer now for over 3 years, I have never received any training.

I am always afraid of having an accident as there seem to be no safety procedures in place. Should I bring this up with my Employer?

A. Whilst accidents arising from inadequate training typically affect those employed in more dangerous industries, nonetheless, there is a potential for anyone to have an accident at work resulting from inadequate training or supervision. Whether you work in a warehouse or an office, your Employer is required to: -

a) b) c) d)

Provided regular training, refresh previously taught skills and teaching new ones; Ensure management reinforces the need to follow correct procedures as taught during training sessions; Make a full assessment of each Employee’s abilities; Ensure that vulnerable Employees, such as pregnant women or temporary workers, are properly catered for in the working environment.

If you believe that your Employer has neglected his duty to provide you with proper training in best practice for your workplace, then you should bring this up with your immediate supervisor and express your concerns. From what you have said, these appear to be perfectly legitimate concerns and indeed, you will be helping your Employer in bringing this to his attention and requesting training for all the staff. If you are met with resistance then you should take the matter further with a more Senior Member of Management although hopefully, there should be no need to take the matter up with the Health & Safety Authority. Hopefully, your employers will see reason and welcome your suggestions and put proper training in place. We wish you the best of luck in this regard.

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MOTORING LIFE WITH THE ALL NEW HONDA CIVIC

By Breda Corrigan The new Honda Civic Sedan has been completely re-designed and re-engineered in order to fulfill Honda’s quest for technical excellence and to keep Honda’s innovative spirit alive and well. As a result, Honda has created a car with a unique personality and sporty soul, which is truly exciting to drive, refined, comfortable and sophisticated.

Honda have produced the sportiest Civic ever and it sets new benchmarks for the compact family car class in terms of dynamic performance, fuel efficiency, spaciousness, safety and interior quality.

Key Facts; With a competitive starting price of just €27,750, the new Civic Sedan is available in two generously equipped trim levels –‘Smart Plus’ and ‘Premium’.

Honda’s new Civic Sedan exhibits best-ever driving dynamics, refinement and sophistication, while its sporty and distinctive exterior design is sure to set pulses racing. Engine options consist of a 1.0-litre VTEC turbo petrol unit with 126bhp and 200Nm of torque, and a 1.6-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel with 120bhp and 300Nm of torque.

Transmission options include a six-speed manual (in petrol or diesel engine guise), a CVT (single-speed automatic) mated to Honda’s 1.0-litre petrol engine, or a ninespeed automatic when specified with the 1.6-litre diesel engine.

Test Car; My test car was a new Honda Civic Four Door Sedan, 1.6-litre diesel ‘Smart Plus’ model finished in stunning Lunar Silver metallic paint and was mated to a slick 6-speed manual gearbox. Fuel economy from Honda’s diesel engine is terrific, with consumption as low as 3.4l/100km possible on an extra-urban driving cycle. Thanks to a low emission figure of 91g/km, annual road tax is just €180. The new Civic Sedan diesel can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 10.5-seconds on its way to a top speed (where permitted) of 201km/h. Recent improvements to the 1.6-litre diesel engine include enhancements to reduce cylinder friction, improve the efficiency of NOx conversion, and to further develop the

driveability of the car. Honda’s engineers have employed new production processes, introduced different materials, and sourced next-generation components to deliver a comprehensively revised engine.

Excellent Road Holding Ability; The new Civic is adorned with tightly tuned aerodynamics, which provides excellent road holding ability, and with cutting-edge technology such as Agile Handling Assist, the car immediately responds to your every touch. Completely re-designed and re-engineered, the new Civic four-door sedan range epitomises Honda’s innovative spirit and quest for technical excellence.

The result is a car created with a unique personality and sporty soul, ensuring it is exciting to drive, serene, comfortable and technically advanced. On the road, the Civic Sedan provides the driver with an engaging and fun driving experience, combined with supreme refinement on even the most uneven of road surfaces. A lightweight, highly rigid bodyshell compliments the low centre of gravity of the Civic Sedan, while a sophisticated new suspension system ensures that the car remains as composed on twisty country roads, as it is on smooth motorways.

Impressive Standard Specification; Standard specification across the new Civic Sedan range is very impressive and includes such items as a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Intelligent Speed Limiter with Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition System, Bluetooth, Parking Sensors (Front & Rear), 5” Audio Monitor, Multi-Function Steering Wheel, Automatic Climate Control, an 8-Speaker Sound System with USB Port, Honda Connect with Garmin Navigation, Rear Camera, Dual Climate Control, 17” Alloys, Front Fog Lights, Electric Lumbar Support on Drivers Seat, Alarm, Leather Steering Wheel and Gear Knob, Auto Wipers and Power Folding & Body-Coloured Door Mirrors. Upgrade to the ‘Premium’ specification and you will also

benefit from Blind-Spot Information with Cross-Traffic Monitor, Smart Entry & Start, Leather Interior, Auto-Dim Rear View Mirror, Heated Front Seats, 10-Speaker Premium Audio System, Sunroof and an Electrically Powered Passenger Seat Lumbar Support.

Class-Leading Interior Space; The new wider, longer platform in the Civic Sedan results in class-leading interior space. The entirely new interior features a simple, uncluttered layout, new technologies, exceptional refinement and high-grade materials. The seating position is lower to give the driver a greater feeling of connection with the car, and the new Civic builds on the model’s reputation for combining unrivalled passenger and luggage space with versatile, practical usability.

Next-generation ‘Honda Connect’ delivers enhanced, more intuitive connected infotainment (incorporating Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™), while standard ‘Honda SENSING’ across the range makes the new Civic one of the safest cars in its class.

The new Civic’s platform engineering and exterior design deliver class-leading interior quietness and refinement through optimal noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) management. Exemplary refinement results from minimizing the generation of noise and vibration and their transfer through the body structure, and through

sound sealing and insulation.

Cavernous Boot; Behind the standard 60:40 split rear seats, the new Civic Sedan benefits from an impressively spacious boot, which offers both ease of access and versatility. With 519-litres of space available (with the rear seats in the upright position), it is 20.8% larger than the previous model. As a result, the new Civic Sedan’s boot can accommodate four soft suitcases, or four golf bags – one more of each compared to the previous Civic Sedan.

Pricing & Launch Offer; The new Honda Civic Sedan 1.0-litre VTEC ‘Smart Plus’ model is priced at just €27,750, with its 1.6-litre i-DTEC counterpart priced at €29,305. Range-topping ‘Premium’ petrol and diesel models are priced at €31,650 and €33,355 respectively.

For a limited time only, Honda Ireland has introduced a ‘new Civic Sedan launch offer’ on ‘Premium’ models. This amazing offer consists of a ‘free upgrade’ to include Wireless Charging, LED Headlights with Headlight Washers, LED Front Fog-Lights and Heated Rear Seats. With the new Civic Sedan, Honda has, once again, created a car that is built around one vital component – the driver.

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