Rathcoole Saggart News 25.05.20

25th May 2020

RESTART GRANT FOR SMALL BUSINESS Emer Higgins TD has urged small and micro businesses across Dublin to apply for the new €250m Restart Grant, which will give direct grant aid to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures.

Deputy Higgins said: “The Grant will be available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25%

reduction in turnover out to 30th June 2020.

“It is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers.

“The grants will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000.”

Deputy Higgins continued: “I am acutely aware of the difficulties facing small businesses in

Dublin during these challenging times.

“The Restart Grant is designed to help these businesses get back on their feet. The grant can be used to defray ongoing fixed costs, for replenishing stock and for measures needed to ensure employee and customer safety.

“Small businesses, whether it be the local hairdresser, café or clothes shop, are absolutely vital to the social fabric of our towns and villages throughout Dublin.

“In

response

to

the very significant economic challenges posed by Covid-19, the Government has moved swiftly to introduce a range of measures to support enterprises of all sizes.

“These measures have included supports for wage costs, liquidity supports and the deferral or waiver of payments. “The Restart Grant will further help to support activity and employment across Dublin,” Higgins said.

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Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, said: “These businesses have made huge sacrifices to protect their employees and customers during COVID-19 and we want to help them get back up and running so that they can return to viability and contribute to the national economic recovery.

“These are small grants but they can make a big difference in terms of giving businesses an extra helping hand to open their doors again.”

Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online to local

CONT. PAGE 2

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IRELAND’S FIRST MEDIA PARK SET FOR GRANGE CASTLE

South Dublin County Council has agreed to the sale of 48 acres at Grange Castle Business Park to Lens Media Limited for the construction of Ireland’s first fullservice media park. Elected members of the Council voted unanimously in favour

of the disposal of the land at Monday’s Council meeting.

The sale of the 48 acres of land will generate €26,400,000 for the Council to reinvest in South Dublin County. The Grange Castle Media Park will see the

RESTART GRANT FOR SMALL BUSINESS ..... CONT’D FROM PAGE 1 authorities 22nd May.

from

Friday

Processing of applications and payment of the Restart Grant will depend on the initial surge of applications but, as far as is feasible, will be prioritised according to scheduled re-opening dates in the national

Roadmap. This direct grant support is part of the wider €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst our SMEs.

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construction of the largest such facility in Ireland, a full-service media park which will, amongst other things, facilitate film, TV and digital content production in 12 state of the art sound stages, along with 100,000 square foot of workshop space and another 100,000 square foot of office space.

The construction of the media park at Grange Castle is expected to generate between 1,200 and 1,500 jobs. Once complete, the park will provide approximately 1,800 direct jobs and a further 1,800 ancillary jobs. The initial investment in the development of the media park by Lens Media is expected to be €125,000,000.

Speaking on the decision, Cllr Vicki Casserly, Mayor of South Dublin County, said, “This initial €125,000,000 investment by Lens Media into developing Ireland’s first media park at Grange Castle Business Park once again highlights South Dublin County’s ability to

attract global leaders in enterprise. The economic impact of this decision will be enormous in terms of jobs created and the revenue this will generate for South Dublin County Council to reinvest in the County.”

Frank Nevin, Director of Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development of South Dublin County

Council, said, “This investment in Grange Castle Business Park will greatly enhance the existing site and deliver thousands of jobs during the construction phase and the operation of the media park itself.

We are delighted to welcome Lens Media to Grange Castle to join Google, Microsoft, Pfizer and many more world-class companies.” A spokesperson

Pic Credit: Ben Ryan Photography

for Lens Media said; “The Grange Castle Media Park will be a world-class facility.

Its size and specification will help to propel Ireland into a major world-class player in the screen creative industries, creating thousands of long term and sustainable jobs for Dublin, and all over the country, as we re-emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.”

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APPEAL FOR SUPPORTS FOR DEBENHAMS WORKERS Cllr. Charlie O’Connor has made an appeal for more supports be made available for Debenhams workers and in particular workers in the Tallaght store following the closure of stores and the loss of jobs across the country. The company announced last month that the company is to go into liquidation and will not be reopening the 11 Irish stores the company operates after the Covid-19 emergency.

Cllr O’Connor said: “A number of workers in my constituency have written to me in recent weeks appealing for rent reductions in the retail sector which would immediately increase the viability of stores.

The workers want the stores to remain open because they say these huge premises will lie vacant after Covid19.

People want to remain in their jobs during this uncertain time. “The closure of the stores across the country leaves a huge gap in the retail sector in in all areas. The workers have told me that they want to see the programme for government include emergency measures to save jobs in Debenhams. Workers feel that approach taken to these 2,000 jobs will send a strong message to workers as to how you intend to approach job protection and workers’ rights issues,” concluded Cllr O’Connor.

CRUINNIÚ TV SOUTH DUBLIN: CREATE, MAKE, PARTICIPATE

South Dublin Arts Office will stream their webcast Cruinniú TV South Dublin: Create, Make, Participate for Cruinniú na nÓg 2020 on 13th of June. Cruinniú na nÓg 2020 Ireland’s National Day for Free Creativity for Children and Young People. The webcast brings together a variety of artists and organisations from across South Dublin County to showcase projects, workshops, readings, and performances.

Co-hosted by local talent Jack Jones, Alex Lyons, and Ashley Makombe, viewers will be able to create, make and participate in a variety of creative experiences.

Organisations and artists participating in the prerecorded webcast include Alternative Entertainments, Contact Studio, Freshly Ground Theatre, Joe Caslin, Kama Bugala and Eoin O’Loughlin, Margaret Callan Bergen of Garbo Productions, Mother Tongues, Music Generation South Dublin, Olwyn Lyons

Dance, ReCreate Ireland, South Dublin Libraries, Studio 12, SubUrban Sounds, Tallaght Community Arts, and Tallaght Young Filmmakers.

Announcing Cruinniú na nÓg 2020, Minister Madigan said: “Creativity and culture are powerful means through which children and young people can explore communication and collaboration, stimulate

Pic Credit: Ben Ryan

their imaginations to be inventive and harness their innate curiosity. Creativity also helps to encourage social responsibility and personal qualities related to wellbeing such as resilience, empathy, and a capacity for connection and friendship.

Over the past 2 years Cruinniú na nÓg has been a key point in the calendar for children and young people

to try something creative, develop an appetite for discovery and acquire new skills – and 2020 will be no different.”

Streaming on www. f a c e b o o k . c o m / CruinniuSouthDublin For more information see https://cruinniu. c r e a t i v e i r e l a n d . g o v. i e / event/cruinniu-tv-southdublin-create-makeparticipate/

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TALLAGHT SCHOOL REACH NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS

ECO-UNESCO have announced that 45 youth projects from Dublin have reached the final of this year’s Young

Environmentalist Awards.

Almost 500 applications were received, which is a record breaking number despite the covid

STORIES FROM THE WATERSIDE Local Clondalkin based group Friends of the Camac are encouraging the local community to get involved and enter the ‘Stories From The Waterside’ writing

competition.

Tommy Keogh of the Friends of the Camac added “ Friends of the Camac are asking locals to submit their entries to this competition to recognise the beauty of our local rivers.

In Clondalkin we have the Camac running right through our Village while the Grand Canal also flows by. The closing date is the 31st of May. See http:// watersandcommunities. ie/ for more details.

For more information on Friends of the Camac search ‘Friends of the Camac’ on Facebook.

interruptions. ECO-UNESCO will be announcing the winner’s virtually on the 21st of May through YouTube live and social media platforms.

Super Junior category for their Eco-bricks. They have created furniture by turning plastics into eco-bricks to make stools and benches for the school.

The Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) recognises and rewards young people aged 10-18 who have taken environmental action and created projects that will help solve environmental issues. The event sees more than 4,000 participants each year.

Although schools are closed during this time, young people are still continuing their environmental projects at home.

Elaine Nevin, Director of ECO-UNESCO said “We are delighted at the quality of applications this year. Young people are still taking eco action and continuing their projects at home, despite the pandemic. In light of this we held an ECO Week to celebrate the young people who are enthusiastic about making an environmental difference.”

Some of the finalists included Stools for Schools from Tallaght, Anseo from Scoil Mhuire in Sandymount, Bee Cove from Mercy College, Coolock and ME-BAGS from Crumlin Youthreach who have created environmentally friendly self-care bags to tackle both mental health and the environment. Stools for Schools from St. Thomas Senior National School have made it to the finals of the

An event that usually brings schools and community groups together from all over Ireland to showcase their projects had to take a different format due to Covid-19 restrictions.

ECO Week was held from 18th to 22nd May and included a range of environmental workshops, well-being activities, talks and challenges for young people.

The theme of ECO Week 2020 was Food, Fitness,

Fashion and your Future.

The aim of ECO Week is to celebrate the achievements of young activists, to allow young people to explore career opportunities in environmentalism and to educate them on a range of

environmental topics.

For more information on Young Environmentalist Awards go to www.yea.ie.

Caption: Stools for Schools from St. Thomas Senior National School.

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FINE ART STUDENTS TAKE SUMMER EXHIBITION ONLINE When the lockdown was first announced in March, the highlight of the year for Fine Art students at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) - the summer exhibitions, appeared to be under threat.

In response, second and

third-year Fine Art students at TU Dublin developed an online exhibition and blog to showcase their work instead of the usual end of year show that takes place on the University’s Grangegorman campus. This exhibition is occurring at a

strange time, in a strange place. A space where we can no longer gather to work, we must modify our way of sharing and creating.

Collectively we have not only had to adapt how and where we share our work,

MOYNIHAN WELCOMES NTA DECISION ON TAXSAVER TICKETS

Fianna Fáil Councillor for PalmerstownFonthill, Shane Moynihan, has welcomed the recent decision by the National Transport Authority and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide extensions, and in some cases, refunds for tickets provided under the TaxSaver scheme for commuters who use Dublin Bus, Luas and Irish Rail but who are unable to travel to work for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cllr Moynihan said ‘I wrote to the National Transport Authority a month ago and asked for this decision to be made. I welcome the announcement and it will be a source of relief for commuters in my own area of Lucan, Palmerstown and Clondalkin as well as right across Dublin” The NTA announced

that holders of TaxSaver tickets will be offered months-in-lieu for travel that was unable to take place during COVID-19 restrictions, or where someone has lost their job, they will be entitled to a refund.

“I have always held that It is unfair to ask commuters to pre-pay for travel that will never take place when there is restricted travel to work.

I am glad that the NTA agrees with that view now”. “I am delighted that my lobbying has paid off and delivered a serious result for hard pressed families in my constituency.”

He added “Now, as we move towards the phased reopening of the economy, we need to have to move towards a city where public transport and cycling are the norm rather than the exception.”

but we have also had to adapt what that work is.

Our practices are shifting.

We have been forced to scrutinise exactly what we want to say with what we are creating.

How can we say it when our situation is so unaccommodating?

We must carve out room for ourselves here, in this place of distractions and uncertainty. It is challenging working in spaces that are against the norm. We are learning how to balance our two lives, the home and the art practice, as they now exist together in our bedrooms, kitchens, and garden sheds.

It pushes the boundaries of what we can achieve.

It shows us that art can be expanded and live outside the studio walls. Our shared voices, different but the same, are announcing our adaptation and evolution.

Though we are apart, we have created something together.

- Eden Munroe and Irena Smyth This year has been a unique experience due to the pandemic. We have had to learn how to be flexible and adaptable in our practice.

The lockdown has forced us to work in settings that we wouldn’t usually be used to working in and has limited our processes and choices of mediums. It has changed our

view on everyday working life, and we have formed a greater appreciation for having a space to work in creatively. Although there have been difficulties, we have found that we have developed our work in a way that never would have happened without the current circumstances. This time at home has forced us to pay more attention to what surrounds us and the environments we live in.

This has greatly influenced our work in both physical and conceptual ways.

From archiving personal artefacts and documenting rented living spaces to dealing with issues further outside our confinements, such as the lack of representation of different races in film and questioning the influence media has on our sense of judgment and beliefs.

Our work is the result of a disrupted year, combining our influences from our tutorials in college and the different art practices that we looked at and our time at home trying to form a practice by ourselves.

Roksana Parvanova, Lauren Silver, Kristine and Ellen KaneThe thing Before the Big ThingThird Year Fine Art, TU Dublin, 2020 This virtual exhibition was produced in the wake of the Covid 19 global pandemic and crisis.

Developed collaboratively, we each

have brought together our individual artistic practices in an online format. This is in order to consolidate our studies and continue to make work that feels both personal and communal at a time when creativity seems more vital than ever.

We began our 3rd year in a shared studio space, as new circumstances arose, our working environments and practices have changed to become predominantly online in production and display. In reaction to this, we have endeavoured to produce works that are interrelated to our unprecedented, current reality.

Throughout this process, we have learned the importance of human interaction.

Although we cannot meet each other physically, we still see each other and hear each other’s voices and experience a connection which has developed a new, nuanced understanding of communicating and expressing our ideas. The selected works in this exhibition aim to engage with space, material and narrative.

Each artist’s unique practice offers an open and inclusive invitation to an audience to explore how we used the following materials and media to make our artworks.

For more information see www.finearttudublin.com

Pictured above Seven Walks By 3rd Year Fine Art Student Catherine McDonald

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SUCCESS FOR CLONDALKIN TEENS IN YOUNG SOCIAL INNOVATORS OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2020

More than 30 teams from around the country were shortlisted for this year’s Young Social Innovators (YSI) Awards.

Two teams of Dublin teenagers are among the

winners of the Young Social Innovators of the Year Awards 2020 while two more were Highly Commended in their Award categories following the recent Awards’ announcements.

Youthreach, Clondalkin,

won the ‘Make Our World Healthier (Mental Health)’ Challenge, supported by the HSE, for their efforts to promote a positive, supportive and welcoming environment in their Youthreach Centre

Promoting Positive Mental Wellbeing at Youthreach Clondalkin

THE SECRET TO SUCCESS

By Brónagh Lyons

Do you want to know the secret to create huge change in your life in 2020?

Do you want the magic pill, the silver bullet, the top tip and life hack that is going to give you the best year you’ve ever had?

This is it.... Tiny, *seemingly* insignificant decisions.

That’s it! Here’s what you do…

You stop what you’re doing right now this second and you make a conscious decision, a conscious teeny tiny decision to pivot in a positive direction. And you do this over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and.....

You do it for the rest of the year.

1. You stop what you’re doing.

2. You intentionally choose a positive option.

3. You action that decision.

It’s as simple as 1... 2... 3...!

It’s simple, but it’s not easy.

It’s not easy because your brain is lazy Your brain is lazy to protect you If your brain could have you lie in bed all day every day it would. Its job is to keep you safe.

So your brain will default to taking the easy option EVERY SINGLE TIME And that’s why it’s not easy, because your pushing against your internal instinct to NOT do the thing that is holding you back.

Your brain will create scary scenarios, it will allow self-doubt to creep in, it will do everything it can to keep you exactly where you are. So, here’s the thing, if you truly desire to make 2020 your best year yet, make tiny, simple, positive decisions all day for the year and see where it leads you.

There is your magic pill and your silver bullet.

Brónagh Lyons is an inner-leadership coach, author and cofounder of Epic Hearts Club, the low-cost, high-value online coaching hub. Brónagh is passionate to provide incredible coaching content and information to everyone who wants and needs it, regardless of their circumstances.

Brónagh is a regular contributor to Newsgroup.

to improve the mental wellbeing of all learners.

Students from Mercy College won the ‘Making Our Future More Sustainable’ Award for their project ‘Climate Activists’ which focused on raising awareness of the importance of climate change and how it will affect future generations.

Teams from Castleknock Community College and Coláiste Bríde, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, were highly commended for their respective projects on promoting the rights of unmarried fathers in Ireland and for promoting sports amongst girls.

Due to Covid-19, this year’s annual Young Social Innovators of the Year Awards 2020 event, traditionally held in early May, was postponed .The Challenge Award-winning teams will now be invited to compete at a dedicated event to be held in the Autumn, in the hopes of winning the overall Young Social Innovators of the Year 2020 award.

Make Our World Healthier (Mental Health) Challenge: Youthreach Clondalkin Promoting Positive Mental Wellbeing was a winner in the challenge. Over 7,000 teenagers from all over Ireland took part in Young Social Innovators this year creating and implementing innovative solutions to social issues facing communities and wider society.

Over 400 projects were created by teams addressing issues such as mental and physical wellbeing, climate change, sustainability,and environmental protection, diversity and inclusion, and social isolation, amongst others. 33 high impact social innovation projects were shortlisted from all of the entries received and, last week, the 12 winners of the Challenge and Spotlight Awards were announced following virtual judging by panels of independent judges.

Announcing the Challenge Award winners, Young Social Innovators CEO,

Rachel Collier, said: “Young people can be a powerful force for good in their communities and this is demonstrated year on year through the hundreds of social innovations created by teenagers through YSI. Despite a very challenging end to the year, the quality of projects submitted was extremely high and I congratulate all of those who were awarded and highly commended for their outstanding efforts.

Communities need their young people now more than ever as we come together in this time of crisis, and teenagers have shown that, when given the opportunity, they can create incredible solutions to the very serious challenges facing us. We are delighted to see so many teenagers respond to the recently launched #YSIOpenCall campaign, creating and submitting ideas to tackle issues in their communities as a result of coronavirus.

We encourage even more to answer this call”

THE LEAVING CERTIFICATE EXAMS CLARIFIED “A decision taken with the best interests of students at heart”. The Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD, has confirmed the Leaving Certificate Established and Leaving Certificate Applied examinations will not be taking place in the traditional manner this year.

The Irish SecondLevel Students’ Union (ISSU) has welcomed this clarity, and has acknowledged the significant work by the Department of Education and Skills in thoughtfully engaging with the ISSU through the forum of the advisory group which has been pivotal in recent weeks. Active student representation as a true

partner in education is fundamental to the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill, 2019. The advisory group has collaborated and productively engaged with all stakeholders and ISSU looks forward to continued engagement with the Department on this and other matters.

Definite clarity surrounding the examination intentions has come as great relief to many students . It is clear that student’s wellbeing, anxiety and stress levels have been at an all time high - and young people should seek the support available to them. The ISSU has seen unprecedented engagement rates over the past number

of months and overwhelming response from all students.

Speaking after the announcement, Ciara Fanning (ISSU President) said “Actively engaging with students through structured dialogue can bring about unprecedented change for unprecedented times.

We will continue to represent students to ensure fairness and equity in the revised decision. We’re inspired by the engagement levels we’ve seen in recent weeks and following this crisis we will begin highlighting our campaign for modernisation of the Senior Cycle programme”.

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FIRST NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN CLONBURRIS AGREED

At the county council meeting on Monday 11th May the first council housing development in Clonburris got the initial go ahead. The development includes 274 homes, out of which 184 are to be affordable housing and 90 social housing.

Some of the affordable housing units might be part of an affordable rental scheme. This is the first development in

the Clonburris Strategic Development Zone and is located near the Kishogue train station on a site which is partially used as traveller specific accommodation.

Cllr Madeleine Johansson commented: “It’s very welcome that housing developments in this area are now being proposed.

There is a huge need for affordable housing, but in order to actually satisfy

that need the housing needs to be real affordable.

“The affordable housing in this proposal ranges in price from €162 000 for a 1-bed, €216 000 for a 2-bed and €261 000 for a 3-bed.

When compared to other new builds in Lucan there is a discount on the market rate, however we have seen other affordable housing scheme selling below €200 000. “According to figures

obtained by People Before Profit through Parliamentary Questions the state can build 3-bed homes for between €160 000-€180 000. I would question how much profit the builder would be making on this scheme.

“It is unclear how the current public health crisis will affect the economy over the next few years, including the housing

THE BIG GROW AT HOME Jessica Chinamasa (9), left, and Hannah Bryce-Smith (9), little growers from St. Brigid’s Garden Club in Stillorgan Co. Dublin, joining the growvolution with the innocent Big Grow. The initiative, by innocent drinks and Grow it Yourself (GIY), encourages the littlest veggie gardeners around the country to grow their own tasty fruit and veg. Join #TheBigGrow conversation and get growing tips via @innocent on Twitter and @innocentireland on Instagram and Facebook.

Schools can register online at innocentbiggrow.com.

PHOTO: Mark Stedman

market. Entering in to an affordable housing scheme where prices are already unaffordable might end up in disaster for the council.

“The better alternative to this unaffordable “affordable housing” is to increase income limits for social housing to allow

more families access while simultaneously building large scale high quality housing.

“This development will come back to the council later in 2020 and I will continue to raise these issues and fight for real affordable housing.”

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g n i k o o c e Hom g n i k a b d n a Kwati – Full moon festive soup

By Bal Krishna Shrestha

Kwati is an Authentic Nepalese festive soup base main dish, mainly eaten on the Nepalese festival of Janai Purnima (full-moon festival during the month of August). Kwati is known to be very healthy and high in protein. It helps to recover from weakness and can cure coughs, colds. It is believed that kwati helps to regain energy and warmth after a long week working in fields during raining season. Kwati is also the best food for women during maternity.

Nine different varieties of beans are used to make kwati. The most commonly used ingredients are kidney beans, broad beans, black eye beans, soybeans, whole black dal, dried peas, chick peas, butter beans and whole green dal or with any other type of beans you can find in market. Tinned mixed beans can be use also They are boiled with various spices to make a thick soup. Ajwain seeds (lovage seeds) are tempered in oil and added to it as the special seasoning.

Ingredients

Preparation time-25 min Soaking time – one day Cooking time -1hour If you pressure cooking 10-20 min Serve – 6-10 portions

500g mixed dry Water, as required 50 ml oil 2 bay leaves 1 small onion - finely chopped 1 tsp ginger garlic paste 1 tsp garam masala ½ tsp Turmeric powder 1 tsp cumin powder ½ tsp coriander powder ½ tsp chilli powder 2no. Tomato - chopped 2 tbsp Ghee /Butter 1 tsp awjoin - lovage seed Salt, to taste 2 tbsp Coriander leaves - chopped Method

1. Soak the beans in cold water for 12-15 hours (change the water 2 times).

2. Heat oil in a heavy base soup pot and add onion, ginger and garlic.

3. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the bay leaves, turmeric, cumin, chilli, tomato, garam masala, coriander and give it quick stir.

4. Wash and drain soaked beans add to the soup pot. Stir with big wooden spoon.

5. Pour water (double amount liquid of soaked beans) into the soup pot and bring it boil. Cook in slow heat until the beans soften and the soup becomes slightly thicker, you may need to add more water after long boiling. Soup can be made thicker or thinner as you like.

6. Heat butter in a small frying pan and temper lovage seeds. Next add to the contents from the frying pan into the soup pot. Stir well.

7. Season with salt and garnish with fresh chopped coriander.

Ingredients:

Easy Fudge

1 can of condensed milk (397g) 500g milk chocolate 20g unsalted butter 6 crunchies

Method : Break up the chocolate and place in pot add the butter and condensed milk, over a VERY low heat melt all the ingredients together, stir occasionally, it will take a while for everything to melt, make sure not to let it stick to the bottom of the pot. Line a tin with tinfoil. When it’s all melted and well combined you can add the chopped up crunchies stir well and pour into the tin put in in the fridge for a couple of hours. It doesn’t have to be crunchies it can be any of your favourite chocolate another favourite is maltesers or mint aero.

Nutella Cupcakes Ingredients 300g plain flour 110g caster sugar 1 tsp baking powder 250 ml whole milk 2 eggs 85g Butter ( melted) 200g Nutella 12 squares of milk chocolate

Toppings 15g caster sugar 30g chopped hazelnuts or 2 Tbsp nutella and chopped hazelnuts

Method Heat oven to 170˚c.

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl, mix wet ingredients in a jug, mix both together, pour into cupcake cases in a cupcake tin, put a square of chocolate into each one.

Mix the chopped hazelnuts and caster sugar together and sprinkle over the top of each cupcake or when cupcakes have cooled spread some nutella on top and sprinkle on some hazelnuts.

Cook for 25-30 mins.

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g n i k o o c e Hom g n i k a b d n a

Lemon & Lime Pie Ingredients :

300g Digestive Biscuits 80g Unsalted Butter 3 Egg Yokes 1 Tin Condensed Milk (397g) 3 Limes 1 Lemon 300ml cream Whipped

Ingredients: 8 oz Butter 4 oz Sugar 2 oz Cornflour 4 oz Self Raising flour 6 oz Plain flour

Method : Pre heat oven 160c.

In a food processor blitz the biscuits until they resemble breadcrumbs, melt the butter and add to the biscuits, mix through, pop the mixture into a 22cm tart tin, press down until it’s an even thickness across the bottom and up the sides.

Put the egg yolks into a bowl a whisk for about a minute, whisk in the condensed milk, whisk in the juice and zest of the lemon and limes. Place into the oven for about 15 minutes, allow to cool down and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.

To serve remove pie from the tin, either put the cream all over the pie or dollop onto individual slices. You can keep the egg whites and make meringues or make a lemon meringue pie!

Peanut Butter Cookies Ingredients : 100g Porridge 140g Caster Sugar 130g Crunchy Peanut Butter 1 egg

Great with a cup of tea!

Method : Preheat oven 160c.

In a bowl combine all of the ingredients.

Place tablespoon of mixture and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper flat it out into a disc and cook in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden.

Once baked remove from the oven a cool on a wire rack.

Mini Beef meatballs For the meatballs 400g mince beef 1 egg 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp paprika Salt & black pepper to season 1 tsp worcestershire sauce

4 Serves people

Shortbread Biscuits

For the sauce 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic crushed 1 onion 3 mushrooms 1 large bell pepper 1 tsp basil 1 tsp oregano 1 Beef stock pot 1 tsp worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tin chopped tomatoes

Method Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees celsius. In a food processor or a mixing bowl add all meatball ingredients and mix together. Then make small ball shapes and place in an oven proof dish. Bake meatballs for 20 / 25 minutes, make sure they are thoroughly cooked.

In a large pan add olive oil, garlic and chopped onions and fry till soft. The add chopped mushrooms and bell pepper. Add basil, oregano, beef stock pot, balsamic vinegar, worcestershire sauce and chopped tomatoes. Stir and leave for 15 minutes on a low heat.

This can be served with penne pasta, spaghetti or rice.

Method: Melt butter and add dry ingredients Mix well, spread into a tin 30x20cm Prick the top all over with a fork.

Bake 170c for till golden brown approximately 30-40 minutes.

When the shortbread is done leave it in the tin and cut into finger sizes and sprinkle some caster sugar on top.

Once cool remove from the tin.

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VIRTUAL MARATHON IN A MONTH FOR ICS

The Irish Cancer Society is encouraging people to get active and clock up a Marathon in a Month this June to help support people affected by cancer.

The effects of the coronavirus pandemic are far-reaching for the cancer community and the Irish Cancer Society has expanded its services and introduced new ones in order to be there for people at this worrying time. Marathon in a Month, proudly supported by Ballygowan, will help raise vital funds to keep new and existing services going.

Participants have one month to clock up 42kms and it can be done safely within the public health guidelines.

You can do it in your home, in your garden, on an exercise bike - it’s up to you. Breast Cancer survivor Carol Vaudrion (53) will be taking part in Marathon in a Month for the second time Carol, from Co Kildare, was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2018 and underwent extensive treatment including surgery, chemotherapy and radio therapy “It was a rollercoaster year and when I finished treatment I knew

exercise would play a big part in rebuilding myself and Marathon in a Month was the perfect way for me to work towards a goal while supporting others,” she said.

Marathon in a month is suitable for people at all stages in their fitness journey – including those who want to tackle that very first kilometre. It is also an excellent way to stay connected with your workmates while working remotely by coming together virtually for this important cause. Participants can link their everydayhero online

LOCAL TD GOES LIVE WITH ONLINE CLINICS AND PUBLIC MEETINGS Technology has become more and more important these days and that’s true for politicians too. Local T.D. Emer Higgins has been hosting her public meetings and clinics online, during the lockdown.

“Like so many others I’m working from home most of the time now. There’s a large planning application in Palmerstown been lodged and I knew it was likely to be controversial, so I wanted to make sure that people were aware of it so that they had the opportunity to make a submission. I joined forces with Cllr. Alan Hayes to hold an online public meeting on the issue and was really surprised by how many people logged on. It showed an appetite for information, so I decided, once the five phased plan to re-open Ireland was announced, to host a

live questions and answers session on it,” explained Higgins, the Lucan T.D. “Before I was elected to the Dáil, I worked for a multinational corporation so virtual meetings aren’t new to me, but hosting a questions and answers clinic live on air definitely was. I was amazed, though, at how many people logged in live and how many others watched the recording I posted later that day. It proved a great way of being able to engage with constituents, who are online, and answer their questions in relation to the lifting of restrictions.

I’ll definitely be doing more and more online engagements while social distancing continues, but I have to say I am looking forward to getting back in front of people in real life,” concluded Higgins.

fundraising page to their fitness app and keep track of their progress as they raise money to help the 40,000 people in Ireland who will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Last year almost 1,000 people committed to undertaking a Marathon in a Month, clocking up more than 12,000km and raising more than €130,000 in the process.

Mark Mellett, Director of Fundraising with the Irish Cancer Society said, “During these challenging times demand for our services is growing. We have expanded our Support Line, introduced remote counselling and we are working hard to meet increasing demand for our Night Nursing Service. To ensure we can continue to meet these demands, we are relying on virtual and online events like Marathon in a Month now more than ever.

With campaigns like Daffodil Day affected by the coronavirus, we are so grateful for those who have already signed up for Marathon in a Month.

It really is a great way to complete a marathon safely and at the same time provide much needed care and support for cancer patients and their families at this very difficult time.”

Elaine McCague, Marketing Controller at Britvic, said, “We are delighted to be working with the Irish

Cancer Society again and especially as Marathon in a Month is a great way to get fit, have some fun and raise much needed funds to help those affected by cancer and their loved ones.”

For more information or to register to participate in Marathon in a Month visit marathoninamonth. cancer.ie/

Happy Birthday to Annette O’Brien

Annette O’Brien recently celebrated her 39th Birthday on the 14th of May. Lots of love from Stev, Jack, Adam and Jamie.

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THE EUROPEAN UNION PUSHES BACK AGAINST COVID-19

Frances Fitzgerald, MEP and member of the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, recently outlined the European Union’s response to the coronavirus emergency.

“There is no doubt that the EU’s initial response to the coronavirus was not good enough.

The urgency was not there when Italy was battling the virus alone and there

was little co-ordination between member states in how lockdown measures were implemented.

Member states began to look inwards instead of extending the hand of friendship.”

“Following

some of these early mistakes, the European Union has since stepped up and put its full weight behind a strong response to the crisis and has taken wide-ranging measures to help its citizens fight the virus. EU leaders have agreed to an extraordinary €540 billion package to help all countries affected.

The European Central Bank has launched a €750 billion pandemic support programme and the European Investment Bank is providing a €200 billion support package for SME’s.

The EU has also led a massive global funding drive that raised almost €7.5 billion to help find a vaccine” said Ms.

Fitzgerald.

“The EU is keeping our borders safe and secure and are maintaining the integrity of the single market by creating ‘Green Lanes’ to remove blockages and keep all supply chains open – helping to keep our supermarket shelves full, medicines available and exports going.” “We have helped bring 530,000 EU citizens home from around the globe – over 5,000 of which have been Irish citizens, thus enabling them to reunite with their families.”

“We have also established the first ever EU stockpile of medical equipment,

including intensive care equipment like ventilators, personal protective equipment, vaccines, therapeutics and lab supplies.” “And more support is coming.

EU leaders have prepared the ground for a massive recovery fund to help Europe get back up and running.”

Ms. Fitzgerald concluded by saying “Now more than ever, we need to speak up for Europe at this time of crisis. Now more than ever, we need to speak up for the solidarity that the EU was built on. Now more than ever, we need to work together to build a road to recovery for Europe.”

SURVEY FOR SWIFTS IN SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY TO TAKE PLACE THIS SUMMER! South Dublin County Council and BirdWatch Ireland are undertaking a Survey for Swifts across South Dublin County in 2020. Swifts are small migratory birds that visit Ireland every year from southern Africa.

They arrive here to nest in May before returning again to the southern hemisphere in late August. Swifts have adapted to nesting in cavities in buildings in our cities, towns, and villages, making them an iconic bird of our urban environment.

Their distinctive ‘screaming’ call is uttered on the wing as they fly over rooftops at high speed.

Their future is seriously threatened, however, due primarily to the loss of nesting sites. To help stop this worrying decline, it is vital for us to understand Swift nesting patterns and the factors impacting on successful nesting.

May 29th 2020, a link to an online presentation with all the details on this project and how you can get involved can be accessed on www.facebook. com/BirdWatchIreland/ or youtube.com/user/ BirdWatchIreland The ‘Saving Swifts’ free guide booklet can also be downloaded from

They need your help to discover how many Swifts there are in the County and where they are nesting. As part of a wider national survey for Swifts, BirdWatch Ireland will be undertaking ground survey work in South Dublin County in June, July and August to find, record, and map nesting sites.

Also, through social media and other digital means, they are encouraging local communities and residents to get involved, by recording and reporting the presence of Swifts in their own localities. From

Picture by Catherine Casey

the BirdWatch Ireland Website at: https:// birdwatchireland.ie/ publications/saving-swiftsguide/ For further information on Swifts and the BirdWatch Ireland national swift survey, contact Ricky Whelan, BirdWatch Ireland Project Officer at rwhelan@ birdwatchireland.ie.

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IRISH FAMINE VICTIMS COUNTY HALL LIT UP IN RED FOR INTERNATIONAL WORKERS DAY COMMEMORATION The 17th of May 2020 saw the Committee for the Commemoration of Irish Famine Victims (CCIFV) in a low key ceremony due to Covid-19 restrictions, commemorate the Irish Famine Victims. In response to the a recent letter sent to The President, Taoiseach, T.D.’s and political figures, Tallaght group CCIFV confirmed in advance that on the 17th of May 2020, there would be a commemoration in Stephen’s Green which would not be open to the public. Going forward, the third Sunday in May will be the designated day and a permanent fixture in the annual calendar.

Michael Blanch concluded “It has also been confirmed that with one years advance notice which hasn’t happened in 12 years of the National Famine Commemoration Day, the 2021 event will take place in Buncrana”.

On May 1st County Hall in Tallaght was lit up in red to honour essential workers on International Workers Day. Normally the day would be celebrated with an annual march organised by the Dublin Council of Trade Unions but the lockdown has prevented any gatherings of people. Instead South Dublin County Council agreed to light up County Hall following a suggestion from Councillor Madeleine Johansson.

Cllr Johansson commented: “This public health crisis has shown us how important our essential and frontline workers are. Workers in sectors such as retail, waste management and public services are continuing to provide essential services throughout this crisis.

Health care workers are risking their own safety in order to care for our sick and vulnerable people.

This is a very small gesture to show our support for all workers who are providing vital services.”

“International Workers Day is an important day to celebrate. But celebrations won’t be enough, we also need to support workers

who are fighting for better pay and conditions, or for decent redundancy payments such as the Debenhams workers. When

this crisis is over, we need to ensure that workers do not pay the price of the economic crisis that will follow.”

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MOTORING LIFE

WITH

NEW SUBARU FORESTER – THE ‘GO ANYWHERE’ HYBRID SUV

By Breda Corrigan

With a long history of innovation, sophisticated engineering and pioneering technologies, Subaru has developed progressive systems, such as Symmetrical AllWheel Drive (S-AWD), Horizontally-Opposed BOXER engines, EyeSight and Subaru Global Platform which all have made a recognized contribution to vehicle safety. Subaru are constantly working to enhance their products for improved safety, and to limit the impact of the automotive industry on the environment. e-BOXER Plant;

Hybrid

Power

Subaru has launched the allnew Forester SUV, which is exclusively available with a petrol-electric (e-BOXER) hybrid power plant.

Tasked with improving fuel economy and emissions, the new (fifth-generation) Forester comprises a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, a compact lithium-ion battery pack, and a gearboxmounted electric motor for a combined output of 148bhp and 196Nm of torque. Subaru claim that the Forester can operate in pure EV-mode at speeds of up to 40km/h, while WLTP CO2 emissions of 184g/km equates to annual road tax of just €390.

World-Leading ‘EyeSight’ Technology; The new Forester SUV adopts Subaru’s innovative new, world-leading, ‘EyeSight’ technology.

‘EyeSight’ is a driver assist system which functions optically, using two stereo cameras mounted on either side of the rear-view mirror.

These cameras monitor the road ahead and can detect hazards up to 110 metres in front of the vehicle. This system is more accurate than traditional camera and sensor technologies as it can distinguish objects as opposed to noticing that there is an unidentified

obstacle. Subaru’s amazing Eyesight system features ‘Adaptive Cruise Control’, ‘Lane Keep Assist’, ‘Lane Sway and Departure Warning, ‘Lead Vehicle Start Alert’, ‘Pre-Collision Throttle Management’, a ‘Rear Vehicle Detection System’, ‘Blind Spot Detection’, ‘Lane Change Assist’ and ‘Rear Cross Traffic Alert’ for total reassurance should the need arise.

Additionally, the all-new Forester e-BOXER has been awarded the “Best in Class Car of 2019” in the Small Off-Road/MPV class. This accolade is awarded to the best performing model in each class by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) and considers all vehicles tested within the 2019 calendar year. This announcement follows recent news that the Forester e-BOXER also received the maximum five stars with outstanding scores in all four NCAP assessment areas of Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users and Safety Assist. In the area of “Child Occupant Protection” the Forester e-BOXER achieved the highest score ever in its class with a 91% safety standard.

Trim Levels On Offer; The new Forester is available in two trim levels – XE, and XE Premium.

While the XE specification includes 17” alloy wheels, Eyesight technology, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, advanced sfety package, power & heated front seats, rear vision camera, X-mode, driver monitor, keyless entry and push button start, the XE Premium also benefits from full leather seating, 18” alloy wheels, satellite navigation, glass sunroof, auto tail-gate, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel, along with a whole host of comfort, convenience, and infotainment features.

Test Car; My test car was a Subaru

Forester 2.0-litre e-BOXER XE Premium Lineartronic, which was finished in fashionable Magnette Grey metallic paint. With 4-Wheel-Drive, and a CVT (automatic) transmission fitted as standard, the Forester can sprint from 0-100km/h in 11.8-seconds, reach a top speed of 188km/h, and can consume as little as 8.1l/100km (34.9mpg) on a combined driving cycle under strict new WLTP fuel consumption testing procedures.

The Forester e-BOXER is a comfortable place in which to spend time, with my test car’s sumptuous leather seating offering great support in all the critical areas. The car’s chassis is well damped and composed, soaking up all but the harshest of road imperfections, while Subaru’s CVT gearbox

works well with the petrol engine, preventing the revs from soaring under hard acceleration. Thanks to its high ground-clearance, permanent all-wheel-drive system, and selectable terrain settings, the Forester can tackle ground that would stop many of its competitors in their tracks when the going gets tough.

The new Forester possesses a revised front end design, with sharper angles and a more upright grille. When viewed in profile, the SUV’s extra length becomes evident, while at the rear there are smarter tail lamps, and contrasting black trim above the numberplate. The new Forester is supremely practical too, with ample leg, head and elbow room available for all occupants.

With the rear seat backs in place, the boot boasts an impressive 520-litre

capacity, but this can be increased dramatically to 1,779-litres when the rear seats are folded flat. The new Forester’s high quality interior is well laid out, while digital instruments and an 8” infotainment system bring the car right up to date in terms of technology.

rocky, rutted tracks with ease, while the standard 4WD and hill decent control systems are responsive and capable in equal measure.

The Forester e-BOXER has a towing capacity of up to 1,870kg, which lets you hitch up to a trailer or caravan whenever the need arises.

On & Performance;

Pricing & Warranty;

Off-Road

On the road, the Forester e-BOXER hybrid system’s electric motor provides instant pulling power, while steering wheel-mounted gearchange paddles are provided for drivers looking to change gear according to their individual driving style. Thanks to a 220mm ground clearance, the Forester can make light work of uneven ground, allowing the car to negotiate

A comprehensive Subaru new car warranty comes as standard with the new Forester e-BOXER. This consists of a fiveyear/160,000km warranty, and an eight-year e-BOXER Hybrid Battery Warranty for total peace of mind motoring.

Pricing for the new Subaru Forester e-BOXER starts at €45,545 in XE trim, and from €49,245 in range-topping XE Premium specification.

21

CUPRA TAVASCAN ELECTRIC CONCEPT WINS 2020 AUTOMOTIVE BRAND CONTEST CUPRA continues its success in the Automotive Brand Contest, claiming first place in the international design competition’s Concepts category for the CUPRA Tavascan Electric Concept, the brand’s vision for reinvented sportiness in an all-electric world and first shown at the IAA Frankfurt International Motor Show in 2019.

of CUPRA, and this accolade is proof that we are achieving our goals.”

CUPRA has already achieved great success in the competition with wins for the CUPRA e-Racer Concept in 2018 and the CUPRA Formentor Concept last year. The award, run by the German Design Council, honours the best automotive brand and design achievements in the industry and is held in high regard throughout the industry. The prestigious award is judged by a panel of experts with backgrounds in the media, design and communications, along with those from universities, adding to the significance of the achievement. “Winning the top award in the concept category for the third time in a row highlights the tremendous work, dedication and effort the whole CUPRA team put into crafting the CUPRA Tavascan Electric Concept,” said Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Design Director at CUPRA.

Exterior angles and interior calm The CUPRA Tavascan Electric Concept marries sophisticated liquid metal paint that emphasises and accentuates its exterior design, with tone-on-tone carbon fibre and delicate copper details stress its expressive look. The vehicle’s exterior brings muscularity and dynamism to the segment, but linked to the ability to reduce its environmental impact.

“With each vehicle that we work on, we aim to communicate the fundamental essence

The Automotive Brand Contest is the only international design competition for automobile brands and has emerged as one of the most important events in the sector, making the victory - CUPRA’s third in succession - even more exceptional.

The front design emphasises its electric personality with a low sitting illuminated CUPRA logo. Each vent delivers efficiency, allowing air to flow smoothly over the body, or internally to cool the battery pack. Its muscular wheel arches house 22” turbine alloy wheels, focused on shifting air cleanly, minimising resistance.

At the rear the diffuser provides functional aerodynamics, while also creating an emotional performance, heightened by the

elegant, coast-to-coast rear light, that spans the width of the vehicle, and incorporates the CUPRA logo. Inside, the cabin mixes material and technological concepts that create a space that provides the perfect balance between driver orientation and passenger comfort. Contrasting colours, structural carbon and dynamic approaches to technology and design provide a highend, lightweight cabin.

Diffused LED ambient lighting, contrasting leather, carbon and Alcantara(r), sculptural bucket seats, a floating dashboard, 12.3” digital instrument cluster and 13” infotainment display mix to offer form, function, comfort and security. Reinventing performance The CUPRA Tavascan Concept provides a unique vision of highperformance; the vehicle’s arresting design conceals an advanced all-electric

powertrain that provides the thrill every CUPRA driver desires, with the celebrated quietness and efficiency the technology offers.

Two motors - one integrated on the front axle, the second at the rear - provide a combined 225kW (306PS) of power to all four wheels, delivering performance, allowing the CUPRA Tavascan Electric Concept to reach 100km/h in less than 6.5 seconds.

But that’s only part of the story. A 77kWh lithium-ion battery pack stores enough energy to keep the vehicle moving for up to 450km - a figure based on the stringent WLTP test cycle. The vehicle is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform and because the battery pack is housed in the floor, its centre of gravity is low, making it a truly dynamic drive.

NEW PEUGEOT E-EXPERT VAN Driven by its commercial success, with more than 195,000 vehicles produced since its launch in 2016, the PEUGEOT Expert offers a new range in the compact van segment with a 100% electric power train. A perfect example of the power of choice, the new PEUGEOT e-Expert has: an option of 2 different driving ranges offering up to 330km in the WLTP certification cycle, 3 lengths, towing capability up to 1000 kg and payload up to 1275 kg whilst maintaining the same loading volume as the internal combustion version.

Suitable for all jobs, with a large loading volume, a workspace that makes daily life easier, on-board technology and strong style, the new PEUGEOT e-Expert also allows unrestricted access to town centres. Featuring all the original qualities of the PEUGEOT Expert, without compromise and now with zero emissions.

The compact van segment market in Europe represents more than 750,000 vehicles per year, and the PEUGEOT Expert has been increasing its market share every year

since its launch in 2016.

Recently upgraded to Euro 6D standards with a range adapted to the specific uses of professionals, the PEUGEOT Expert is now available in a 100% electric version.

The new version has kept the advantages of the PEUGEOT Expert, including the Compact version, which is unique in this segment and particularly suited to narrow streets and congested city centres.

The PEUGEOT e-Expert is capable of meeting business needs for many customers: craftsman (florists, plumbers, electricians, etc.), companies concerned with their eco-responsible image and government bodies (hospitals, local authorities, etc.) who are looking for a zeroemission vehicle to transport goods between sites. For more specific uses, van conversions are also possible.

True to the brand’s concept of power of choice, the new PEUGEOT e-Expert retains the muscular and robust style of the internal combustion

versions, complemented by a few distinctive features.

On the outside you will find the dichroic Lions (a process that changes colour according to the angle of view), at the front and rear, a charging flap on the left front wing, a specific grille and an “e-Expert” monogram on the back.

On the inside, you can see an analogue handset with colour matrix, specific graphics for the central touch screen with To m To m Tr a f f i c 3D

connected Navigation, which now includes available charging points and range based on remaining battery life, a new “e-Toggle” automatic gearbox control, a drive mode selector switch to switch between Eco, Normal or Power mode and an electric parking

brake. Based on the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform) multi-energy modular platform, the PEUGEOT e-Expert offers a 100% electric engine with a maximum power of 100 kW and a maximum torque of 260 Nm available from start-up for immediate reactivity, without vibration,

noise, gear shifting, fuel odours and of course no CO2 emissions The electric drive train is similar to the New PEUGEOT e-208 and the New SUV PEUGEOT e-2008, albeit a change has been made to the gearbox, which is shorter in order to meet the loading constraints inherent to commercial vehicles.

The

new PEUGEOT e-Expert will be marketed in Europe from the 2nd half of 2020.

22

GARDENING FOR BIODIVERSITY A new booklet ‘Gardening for Biodiversity’ has been launched to help turn our gardens, big or small, into a haven for wildlife. With an estimated 2 million gardens in this country, action by just some of us could make a huge difference to our native wildlife. ‘Gardening for Biodiversity’ is the creation of wildlife author Juanita Browne. With lovely step-by-step drawings by illustrator Barry Reynolds, the booklet offers lots of ideas and practical projects to help us improve the conditions for biodiversity in our gardens.

Rosaleen Dwyer, Heritage Officer with South Dublin County Council said “Gardens can be an oasis for wildlife, especially if we make space for nature. At a time when we are making more use than ever of our gardens and parks, we are appreciating the birds, bees and insects around us. We hope that this little guide

will help anyone, from the complete beginner to the more experienced gardener, to improve their gardens for nature and for themselves.’’

Many of the steps that can be taken are really easy, like leaving an “untidy” corner of your back garden for nature, leaving roadside verges to grow naturally, or allowing some of the gold-star pollinator-friendly plants to grow and flower e.g. – clovers, dandelions, birds-foot trefoil, willow, bramble, and ivy. One small spot for wildlife in your garden can make a huge difference.

Author of the guide, Juanita Browne said “I hope that this simple guide will help all of us create gardens that are more wildlifefriendly.

This doesn’t mean letting your garden go wild, but simply doing things a little differently.

For instance, when buying

plants, choose plants that are especially attractive to insects. Or you could create a wildflower strip around your lawn where wildflowers are allowed to grow. These small changes can bring huge benefits for biodiversity”.

For the more adventurous, the book contains step-bystep guidance on how to build a bird bath, create a log pile for hedgehogs and mini beasts, and how to install a pond or bog garden. But it won’t just benefit biodiversity. There is increasing evidence that time spent in nature is good for our own mental health and well-being too. As more of us spend time closer to home, regular contact with nature has become ever more important.

A 2016 World Health Organisation review found that urban green spaces, such as parks, playgrounds, and gardens,

can promote mental and physical health, and reduce morbidity and mortality in urban residents. These places offer psychological relaxation and stress alleviation. They stimulate social cohesion and support physical activity, while reducing exposure to

air pollutants, noise and excessive heat.

“Gardening for Biodiversity” was produced by Local Authority Heritage Officers around the country, with help from the Heritage Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Culture

Heritage and the Gaeltacht, as part of an initiative to encourage projects under the National Biodiversity Action Plan, “Gardening for Biodiversity” is available to download for free at www.sdcc.ie/en/services/ planning/heritage-andconservation

NOVENAS FOR LAURA LYNN MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours.

This time I ask you for a very special one.

Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer for three days.

Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received.

M.B MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours.

This time I ask you for a very special one.

Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer for three days.

Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received.

H.B MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours.

This time I ask you for a very special one.

Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer for three days.

Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received.

H.B MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours.

This time I ask you for a very special one.

Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer for three days.

Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received.

C.S MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours.

This time I ask you for a very special one.

Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine.

Amen. Say this prayer for three days.

Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received.

K.B

If you would like a Novena published please send a postal order or cheque (Minimum of €10 per prayer) made out to Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice, along with your Novena to: NEWSGROUP, Unit 3 Floor 2 St Dominics Shopping Centre, St Dominics Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

If you require any further information please call 01 45 19 000 or email: info@newsgroup.ie.

23

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