Northside News 22-07-2020

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The good times are back again: Ex-staff launch their own paper We’re back - bigger, better and brighter than ever.

Some of the staff behind the Northside People and Southside People newspapers, which went into liquidation earlier this year, have come together to launch their very own newspaper.

The Northside News and The Southside News will be coming through your letterbox or available from pick-up points, packed with all the news, views and features that our City loves.

And there are 80,000 reasons for advertisers to put their

message in front of 280,000 readers.

The great team behind The Northside News and The Southside News promise to bring you a paper that is bigger, better and brighter than ever and primed to deliver your message to the right customers and at the right price.

Delivering a whopping 60,000 door-to-door and 20,000 through our retail partners, our team of top writers will bring lifestyle news and views on politics, property, fashion,

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health and fitness, gardening, food, children’s activities and much, much more.

With a readership of almost 300,000 readers, our focus on positive stories will make our titles - and its advertisers stand out from the crowd.

Our dedicated team at The Northside News and The Southside News is committed to producing a high-class product but at a cost-effective price, and our value for money advertising options will not be beaten.

DUBLIN’S NO.

1

LOCAL NEWSPAPER

Cabbage Patch Kid

Hannah Smyth on Harfords Vegetable Farm in Lusk, at the launch of Bord Bia’s ‘Best in Season’ campaign which promotes the benefits of eating locally grown fresh produce. Pic: Marc O’Sullivan

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22.07.20

Ready, steady ... Marathon 2020 takes to local streets THE official KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon will take place on the October bank holiday weekend, marking when thousands of runners traditionally would have hit the streets of Dublin. Despite the cancellation of this year’s marathon because of the pandemic, the virtual race will ensure runners still have a goal to target.

There are also options for runners to sign up for the KBC Virtual Race Series distances; 4mile, 10km and Half Marathon.

Race organisers are calling on the runners to complete the races, safely and responsibly, in their own local areas supported by the Dublin Marathon app which will record their distance and upload their time automatically.

Olympic Marathon runner Mick Clohisey said: “I am delighted for runners that they can stay motivated by having a goal to aim towards with the KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon and Race Series.

“It is traditionally a big

Olympian Mick Clohisey at the launch of the KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon which takes place over the October Bank Holiday weekend. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

weekend in the calendar for the running community, so it is great to mark it. I am looking forward to running the KBC virtual 4 Mile.”

The Raheny man added that for those running the marathon distance; “The official KBC Dublin Marathon app will be beneficial for runners, as they can track their virtual progress on the Dublin route, no matter what part of

the country or world they are running in.

“It will be a real immersive experience for them.”Runners who finish the KBC Virtual Dublin Marathon and Race Series will receive the official commemorative medal, with the much sought-after beanie hat the bonus for all those who complete the marathon distance.

Race director Jim Aughney

said: “We are urging all those who sign up to be responsible and safe in adhering to Covid-19 restrictions.”

Each year €9 million is raised for charity by the runners in the KBC Dublin Marathon and those who sign-up are encouraged to use the opportunity to have a positive impact by raising muchneeded funds for charities at this challenging time with

charity partner Just Giving.

Marathon organisers have also worked to develop an app to support runners completing the marathon distance.

The app has a built-in GPS tracking feature which automatically records your distance and time with results uploaded automatically when runners have completed their race.

Punter leaves €200 tip for staff A SATISFIED customer has given a Dublin restaurant a night to remember by leaving staff a big, big tip.

Staff at Hugo’s Restaurant on Stephen’s Green were flabbergasted after one diner used their card to pay for a meal but left behind a tip of nearly €200 to the hardworking staff.

Despite only having a twocourse meal of soup and a sirloin steak, while washing it down with some Maretti Langhe, that only came to €50.90 in total, the guest gave the triple figure tip.

The Irish-French crossover restaurant, which serves more than 80 different wines by the glass, said there were tears in the restaurant after the customer’s generosity.

Staff, he said, were “blown away” by the diner’s generosity. The popular restaurant, which also caters for vegans, regularly receives top five-star feedback on TripAdvisor.

Fingal Covid-19 grants aid tops €5m LOCAL businesses struggling to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic have received aid totally more than €5m under Fingal council’s ‘Restart Grants’ scheme.

Up to 982 businesses were approved for grants ranging from €2,000 to €10,000.

The Restart Grant is part of the council’s commitment

to supporting the local economy and assisting businesses trying to recover from this difficult time.

The council recently launched another major support initiative, the ‘Fingal In It Together Charter’.

A total of 1,547 businesses have already completed online applications under

the ‘Restart’ scheme and council staff are continuing to accept, validate, process and approve applications.

The closing date for the Scheme is August 31 and businesses in Fingal, which fulfill the criteria, are encouraged to apply for a grant. Applications can be submitted at https://submit.

link/E5RPF and details of the scheme are also available on the Fingal County Council website, www.fingal.ie/ business.

The Grant 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.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. David Healy, launching #FingalInItTogether in Malahide recently

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22.07.20

Howya head: Vandals Kick off: plans may force Luke Kelly for ‘Big Jack’ memorial statues to be moved THERE are increased calls for extra security after two sculptures of Luke Kelly – unveiled last year to mark the Dubliners singer’s 35th anniversary – were again vandalised, and calls to possibly relocate the statues.

Dubliner Michael Dunne has been charged with damaging the inner city statue of the legendary singer, which was defaced in a spray paint attack.

Dunne (47) appeared in Dublin District Court last week after being arrested over the latest damage to the sculpture, which has been repeatedly targeted by vandals since it was unveiled last year.

Dunne, with an address at the Sophia Housing Project on Sean McDermott Street in the north inner city is charged with one count of criminal damage on Sunday, July 12.

He was not charged in connection with any of the other incidents of vandalism.

Artist Vera Klute’s marble bust of Kelly on Guild Street on Dublin’s Northside has been vandalised five times in six months, while sculptor John Coll’s Luke Kelly statue on South King Street on Dublin’s Southside was also vandalised with white paint overnight.

John Coll told reporters he was not surprised his work was attacked. “I was kind of dodging the bullet a bit,” said Mr Coll, considering Klute’s statue has been vandalised five times this year alone.

“Unfortunately this is part and parcel of public sculpture, and you have to think about

these things when you’re making them,” he said.

Mr Coll said people being around the streets was the best form of security against vandalism but with the Covid-19 pandemic, the streets were relatively devoid of people, leaving the statues open to acts of vandalism.

Meanwhile, there have been calls recently to relocate the Klute statue on Guild Street.

Dublin City Council said it was considering implementing direct CCTV coverage of Guild Street’s Luke Kelly, after it was vandalised for the fourth time this year. It also said enhanced lighting could be put in place “to reduce the chance of this vandalism occurring again.”

Calling for tigher security for the statues, Independent Councillor Christy Burke said the Luke Kelly statue on Guild Street should not be relocated.

“At the end of the day, if you move it it’d be like an eviction of Luke Kelly from where he was born and reared.”

PLANS for a statue of Jack Charlton to be erected in Dublin City have been lodged by councillor Anthony Flynn.

A €600,000 fund was announced recently to pay for six new statues around the and Cllr Flynn proposed that one of them should be a statue of the former Ireland manager.

A statue is planned for the plinth on Dame Street where a Daniel O’Connell statue stood before being moved to the Rotunda Hospital, but Deputy Lord Mayor Mary Callaghan suggested the Aviva Stadium would be a more suitable place and estimated the cost at around €100,000.

“I think somewhere like the Aviva would be a good spot, just because he was celebrated there,” she said.

“The relationship our country had with Jack Charlton is such a feel-good thing. It’s very important in

the context of the IrishEnglish relationship. He was a great man and did a lot for Irish football and sport in general. I would be very in favour of it,” the Deputy Lord Mayor said.

Independent Cllr Mannix Flynn said that he expected a statue of Jack Charlton to be erected outside Dublin’s City Hall on Dame Street but said he should be commemorated outside of Dublin too.

“It is not just a Dublin thing – despite we taking the lead on this,” he said.

4 Opinion

22.07.20

Why I’m in no hurry to go back to the pub

By Paul Hopkins My late father said to me once that there were no “real pubs” left in Dublin anymore. Not so, I chided, and began a litany of some of the City’s more renowned watering holes.

My mother nodded her head as I reeled off pub after pub and, when I was up at around a score or so, she exclaimed: “And you’ve been in every one of them, son.”

I could not tell a lie and said:

“I have Mammy, I have ...”

Pubs are intrinsic to what we Irish are, in our psyche, entrenched in our social activities and mores, our ‘holy of holies’. The poet William Blake noted that a good local pub had much in common with a church, except that a pub was warmer and there was more conversation.

Up to 40% of Irish bars will now not open their doors until August 10th, and even that date, says Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, is not certain. For those, with food, already reopened, there have been huge changes: there is no live music, sitting at the bar is no more, with strict ‘table service’ in place, people must remain socially distant and there can be a booking system in place in some. And your night out

Paul Hopkins enjoying a quiet pre-pandemic pint in The Snug, Skerries, north County Dublin

now officially clocks in at 105 minutes.

The place of the pub in society the last decade or two has changed dramatically, thanks to drink-driving laws, the availability of cheap alcohol in off-licences and supermarkets, the smoking ban, the growth of other options like coffee shops, and a growing awareness of alcohol-related health issues.

Now, in these times of Covid-19, their future looks even bleaker. And, anyway, realistically, many will never reopen, given that the economics no longer add up.

I was first introduced to drink at a family gathering when I was 14. The Uncle Tom proffered me a bottle of the infamous Arthur Guinness, with sleight of hand, as he replenished the stock from his party pack by the pantry.

“There you go,” he said, “that’ll put hair on your chest.’’ And he popped the cap and handed me this long and elegant, but cold and wet, bottle of stout.

“And don’t let your mother catch you, or she’ll skin me alive.’’

It was to be three years before I made my journey into the measured world of the

public bar, cheap chandeliers and brass fittings, peopled by young bucks and old men lost in familiar overcoats as they sat motionlessly, ritualistically eyeing their bottle of Guinness or pint of ale and its accompanying whiskey chaser.

It would be a brave man back then who’d touch another man’s drink.

Love of alcohol is in my genes, both grandfathers — though those only — were overly fond of a sup, and down the years I have enjoyed the conviviality that alcohol allows in the bars of my locals — numerous locals, worldwide with my numerous travels — and the intimacy among those of similar disposition, lost in that alcohol-induced cocoon.

The world always seemed a much more manageable place, life an easier existence, through the prism of alcohol, and I never, ever made apologies for that.

The thing is the last years

I was giving it the lash, increasingly seeking solace and succour amongst fellow drinkers of an evening in the local, where we’d discuss all and sundry from existentialism to Europe, trivia to Trump.

I was never that drinker who needed a fix first thing in the morning — never, but my day, particularly the last few years, was built largely around getting work and my daily constitutional out of the way and being down the pub by four or five for sundowners and the rest. I was drinking, boy was I drinking, to such a degree that, not alone was I, unwittingly, hurting myself, but hurting those around me, those I loved and who loved me.

And so, three weeks before lockdown, after a lifetime’s love affair with alcohol, I knocked it on the head. I’m not anti-drink, just antibinging. Without my daily fix, I feel more free, more Me. The stuff that used to obsess me — those relentless circular thoughts because drink is a depressant — are no more.

My near-brush with death introduced me to my shadow — the other fella, him that drank. I came face to face with my dark double and it almost cost me my life. With a bit of luck the two of Me have made our accommodations, but we won’t be raising a glass to it anytime soon...in any pub, socially

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22.07.20

592 homes for rent in north Dublin THE Covid-19 pandemic has bucked the trend in rents, by lowering them, and has also led to a sharp fall in the number of new tenancies registered.

There are currently 592 homes to rent in northside Dublin according to Daft.ie, Northside News has found Rents in Dublin fell in April, May and June, with drops in costs also recorded outside Dublin, according to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

The cost of renting fell by 3.3% in May when compared with the same month a year ago, as public health restrictions were enacted.

Students returning to their parents and some foreign workers going home meant a fall in demand for

accommodation.

On a monthly basis, the cost of renting fell in March, April and June, but not in May. This was in contrast to a preCovid rises.

Rents rose 5.4% in the first three months of the year when compared with the same quarter last year.

The average rent in Ireland was €1,231 per month during the first three months of 2020, up by 5.4%, or €63 per month, compared with the same period last year. In Dublin, the average monthly rent was €1,735, up by €88 compared with the start of 2019.

“The spread of COVID-19 and the resulting lockdown is likely to impact all facets of the Irish economy. This includes prices in the rental market which have been rising rapidly in recent years due to excess

demand and strong economic growth,” Conor O’Toole of the ESRI said. The RTB Rent Index, which is compiled in conjunction with the ESRI, is the authoritative report on the Irish rental market. It is based on actual rents paid on 20,878 tenancies registered with the RTB. It came as Leo Varadkar said that the temporary ban on evictions and rent increases may not end anytime soon.

The tánaiste said the cabinet discussed the issue and Darragh O’Brien, the housing minister, would make an announcement about it soon.

The measures, brought in earlier this year, were supposed to end after three months but former housing minister Eoghan Murphy extended it until July 20.

Fingal and Mulhuddart charities share in €250,000 Aldi cash

Pictured earlier this year are representatives of Barnardos Family Support Service Mulhuddart, the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Saoirse Women’s Refuge and St. Lorcan’s Boys National School

SUPERMARKET giant Aldi has helped 17 Dublin charities with donations of €11,000 in the last year to charities who provide vital services to their communities.

Those who have benefitted are: St. Michael’s House, Central Remedial Clinic, Prosper Fingal, Dogs Trust, Barnardos Family Support Services Mulhuddart, the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Saoirse Women’s Refuge, St. Lorcan’s Boy’s National School, the Tallaght West Childhood

Development Initiative, the Irish Cancer Society, ISPCC, the Irish Heart Foundation, Laura Lynn, the Ciaran Carr Foundation, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Pieta House, Paws Animal Rescue and Irish Heart Foundation.

Each benefitted from a donation from one or more of Aldi’s 22 Dublin stores.

Aldi’s Community Grants programme helps fund local charities and organisations that contribute vital work and services in their local communities.

Each local charity

Ben Dunne’s Blanch gym to stay closed Ben Dunne has said he’s still not planning to reopen his gyms in Blanchardstown or Cherrywood for now, as he still doesn’t believe it’s safe to do so.

Gyms were allowed reopen three weeks ago as part of the third phase of easing coronavirus restrictions.

They’d initially been told they would remain close until August under the initial plan, but that date was brought forward under the acceleration of the roadmap.

However, the country’s Ben Dunne gyms remain closed, with their website currently suggesting it will be at least September or October before their sites begin opening.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Mr Dunne said they’ll remain closed for as long as necessary - either until the coronavirus is under control, or until there’s a treatment or a vaccine. He said: “We’re not planning to reopen the gyms at this stage because I don’t think it’s safe to reopen a gym in the

present state of where the pandemic is.

“One organisation thinks differently to another - I’m not criticising other gyms if they think it’s safe to open their gyms.

“I can only speak for my own gyms, and I don’t think it’s safe for me to open our gyms.”

He acknowledged that the viability of gyms with social distancing measures in place is one factor he’s considering - but stressed that safety is far and away his primary concern at the moment.

He suggested: “Either we’re going to get this virus under control, or get therapeutic treatment... or I will remain closed.

“I’m not in the business of having people get the virus in my clubs.”

supported is chosen by Aldi employees, enabling them to help the local good causes they are passionate about.

More than €250,000 has been donated to more than 340 different local charities across Ireland since the programme began four years ago.

John Curtin, Group Buying Director, Aldi Ireland said: “Aldi’s dedicated staff and volunteers offer their time and care and now, more than ever, it is vital that we support them.”

Masks ‘must be worn in taxis too’ The new public transport face mask regulations must be extended to taxis as soon as possible, e-hailing app FREE NOW has said.

“Taxi drivers and passengers continue to face uncertainty in terms of what is the best approach to safe travel in taxis, with many contacting us to request clarity on the current situation,” Alan Fox, Regional General Manager of FREE NOW, said.

“The new public transport regulations fail to specifically state whether face masks are mandatory in taxis. FREE NOW strongly believes they should be in keeping with public health guidelines and we are firmly advising drivers and passengers to wear face masks. “ If a person fails to waer a mask on public transport, they can face arrest and prosecution, which could lead to a €2,500 fine and/or sic months in prison.

22.07.20

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8 Health

22.07.20

Dublin is blessed by its coast let’s use it!

Spending time at the sea has long been associated with providing benefits to our health and wellbeing but in recent years, Oceans and Human Health has developed as an emerging field of research.

Luckily in Dublin, we have a long coastline which means we’re never too far from the sea.

In the 18th century, doctors began to prescribe a stay by the sea for those who needed a boost for their health. And modern day research shows they were on the right track with their advice to patients.

Dr Easkey Britton is a marine social scientist at NUI Galway whose work explores

the relationship between people and the sea.

She says, “In the last 10 years, we are just beginning to realise how our engagement with healthy marine and coastal environments, can directly support, enhance and restore our health and wellbeing. We have a lot to benefit from having positive experiences in the sea and by the coast, so we need to ensure the ocean is a safe and healthy space for all.”

Spending time at the beach gives a much needed boost of natural sunlight, which can help regulate our sleep and gives us Vitamin D, which is essential for our health. And often

Swimmers enjoy an early morning swim off Dun Laoighaire. Pic: Niall Meehan, SeaStudio

people self-report that after spending time at the seashore, they feel their stress levels have reduced.

Emerging research is also showing that the ocean can also help people with particular health conditions.

Research found that patients with cystic fibrosis experienced fewer pulmonary flare-ups when they inhaled prescribed hypertonic saline – a strong solution of salt water that

mimics what we inhale at the seaside. The research was prompted by the fact that Australian patients with cystic fibrosis told their doctors they could breathe more easily after surfing.

Swimming in sea water is very popular in Dublin and other countries around the globe and people swear by its health benefits. Like other kinds of exercising, swimming releases endorphin chemicals,

known for their feel good properties in the body.

Sea water is known to have benefits for the skin, particularly because it is rich in magnesium, which can help retain moisture and also soothe some skin conditions.

Sea swimming also connects people with nature, which has been shown to have a positive effect on mental health.

Other healthy activities

that we can take part in in our ocean include surfing, sailing, sea kayaking, kite surfing and diving.

The health benefits of exercising in the ocean or spending time at the seashore form part of the Blue Gym concept.

This refers to using the coastal environment specifically to promote health and wellbeing by increasing physical activity, reducing stress levels and building stronger communities.

Our ocean is often viewed as nature’s untapped treasure chest, with marine plants and organisms providing a natural source of medicines, food additives and cosmetics.

Thalassotherapy, which comes from the Greek word for sea, refers to treatments that use seawater and seaweed to help revitalise the body.

Seaweed is packed with an unusually high concentration of vitamins and minerals which all pose benefits for the skin.

Seaweeds can contain as much as ten times more vitamins and minerals (trace elements) than land plants.

For more information on Oceans of Learning, visit www.marine.ie and follow the Marine Institute on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Urban speed limits could be cut to 30kpm Dublin could be on the verge of introducing a 30kph speed limits in all parts of the city.

Councillors have backed a move by Dublin City Council’s Transport Committee and it is now set to be put out to consulatation.

The reduced speed was previously introduced to residential areas in December of last year.

The proposal is part of the mobility plan to cater for social distancing among increased numbers of pedestrians and cyclists.

The measure is being introduced in response to Covid-19 as part of traffic calming measures to protect the larger numbers of walkers, cyclists and vulnerable road users moving around the city.

Green Party Councillor Michael Pidgeon says it’s hugely positive for Dublin.

The local authority had been introducing the lower limit in

residential areas on a phased basis.

But under the new plans, the zones will be extended to arterial routes including Rathmines and Harold’s Cross Roads, Dorset Street and Gardiner Street.

The public consultation will last for six weeks.

Barry Aldworth from AA Ireland says it will have an impact on getting round the city.

Mr Aldworth said: “People will still be able to drive where they need to. It might take

a bit longer. “But on the flip side there is less likelihood of collisions causing delays in the city.

The speed limit reductions in residential areas began in March on a phased basis from next March and started with north-western suburbs like Glasnevin, Finglas and Ballymun.

It came after more than 900 people answered a public consultation on the issue – with almost 700 supporting lower limits.

Labour Party Councillor Marie Sherlock said the plans have been in the works for over a decade.

“This is the final stage of a very long-running campaign to try and extend speed limits or lower speed limits to 30kph across all residential areas in Dublin,” she said.

“The city council first started lowering speed limits to 30kph in 2007.

9

22.07.20

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10 Education

Minister Simon Harris has launched the new National Further Education and Training Strategy.

The strategy sets out a five-year roadmap for the sector which is built around three key pillars of building skills, fostering inclusion and creating pathways and aims to address the economic and societal challenges faced over the coming years.

“Further education and training is for everyone. It provides an opportunity for everyone to engage in learning whilst delivering on the critical skills needs of the economy and the future world of work,” Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris said.

“It was a lifeline for many during the economic recession, and once again FET will be critical to our postCOVID recovery.

“This strategy will aim to address some of the key challenges we face including the digital divide, female participation and the skills mismatch we are seeing.

“Last week I met with the team in the Bray Institute for Further Education.

“BIFE is an excellent example with a hands-on approach to

22.07.20

Now is your time: Further education plan ‘for everyone’ education which is practical and gives students real life experience with their chosen career “There is no shortage of ambition in this country.

“The New Further Education strategy will offer better opportunities for people and will help the economy rebuild and recover from the social and economic shocks as a result of Covid-19.”

The strategy will end the confusing array of vocationally focused programmes and replace it with a new Level 5 and Level 6 proposition, and consolidate existing FET provision within a single integrated college structure.

Traditional areas of FET strength like healthcare, personal services and construction will be built upon but climate change and sustainable development will also be a critical focus for FET.

Stephanie Thompson, a FET learner and Simon Harris TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science at the launch in the historic Richmond Barracks in Inchicore Pic: Maxwells

Mental health and wellbeing will be embedded within FET. Staff will have mental health learning embedded within their professional development and learners will have it embedded in the curriculum.

The strategy offers a new range of apprenticeships with a strong focus on increasing the diversity, with particular goals around increasing female participation and providing access to people with disabilities.

Minister Harris added: “At the heart of this strategy is inclusion. There are many cohorts with diverse needs, such as people with disabilities, new migrants, and the long-term unemployed.

All these require focused types of support to address their particular circumstances and needs.

This strategy requires a more targeted approach to addressing barriers around participation, completion and progression for marginalised and prioritised cohorts.

We will reach out to particular groups and facilitate a pathway to re-engage with education through FET. Addressing the needs of people with disabilities will be a primary focus.”

Feature 11

22.07.20

Planning a bereavement Traditional burial remains the choice for dealing with the majority of deaths (almost 80%) in this country but cremation is catching up fast (20% of all deaths in Ireland, 77% in the UK) as a popular choice.

A very small minority have a “natural” burial.

A new option for dealing with human corpses has now arrived in America and may become available in Ireland relatively soon – composting the corpse to a humus suitable for fertilising garden soil.

If you opt for composting, you can look forward to be literally “pushing up the daisies” within a few weeks.

A traditional burial involves chemical preservation of the corpse (embalming), burial in a sturdy coffin in an approved graveyard and marking the grave with a substantial gravestone.

Natural burial, sometimes called green burial, involves burying the un-embalmed corpse in an easily biodegradable shroud or flimsy casket in an approved site, marking the spot with a simple marker and letting the grass grow over the site as a natural meadow.

Cremation means burning

the corpse completely to ash in a high-temperature oven and either scattering the ashes in a place of personal meaning to the deceased’s relatives, or holding the ashes in an urn.

Current changing patterns

of dealing with human remains are driven mainly by two factors – environmental considerations and cost.

Traditional burial usually involves embalming chemicals (eg formaldehyde) that are

eventually released to the environment, and committing scarce space to graves indefinitely.

And even a modest funeral will cost €5,000. Cremation releases greenhouse gases

and vaporised chemicals such as mercury to the atmosphere, but can cost as little as €1,000.

Natural burial involves minimal emissions to the atmosphere and the grave returns to natural

meadowland.

Losing a loved one is a heartbreaking time and trying to plan a funeral can be extremely difficult while greiving.

This is why more and more people are opting to preplan their funerals - to ensure that their life is celebrated as they wish and to relieve some of the pressure and stress for those left behind.

Planning a funeral or memorial service is a highly personal process, and your decisions will be shaped by your life experiences, your relationship to the deceased, what the deceased wanted or what you desire for yourself after you die, what you can afford, and a myriad of other factors.

Making funeral plans at the time of death are particularly difficult because the time frame is short and emotions are high as survivors are dealing with their grief.

By making the choice to preplan, funeral plans can be made at any time and offer many advantages.

Funeral Homes, cemeteries and other funeral service companies can help you preplan a funeral for yourself, your spouse or a parent.

12 House & Home

22.07.20

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House & Home 13

22.07.20

act

Old or poorly installed house windows can cost as much in energy over the course of a few years as the cost of installing brand-new windows.

Here are a few signs that your home is a good candidate for window replacement: • Peeling paint revealing warped or water-damaged wood • Faded nearby carpeting and furniture • Drafts near closed windows • Outside noise strongly heard inside • High energy bills yearround

your decision new windows Almost half of us tried DIY in lockdown Nearly half of the nation has tried their hand at home improvements during lockdown but three quarters can’t wait to get the professionals back in, a new study has found.

A new survey of approximately 1,000* Irish adults revealed that while 50% of the country are proud to have completed a DIY task during the pandemic, we’re still keen to get the builders in, and prefer to trust the experts to get the job done right!

The latest research coordinated by Bord Gáis Energy showed that the need for home renovation is on the rise, and while the impact of Covid-19 ensued setbacks, 80% of the public will be carrying out a home renovation in the next 12 months, with the kitchen, bathroom and garden all

ranking as priority focuses respectively.

The research was carried out to support localheroes. ie, an innovation by Bord Gáis Energy that quickly and easily connects customers with trusted local tradespeople.

Whether you’re seeking a trusted plumber or expert oil heating engineer, a Local Hero is just a few clicks away and offers a variety of different trade services. Simply choose the trade you need along with your location and localheroes.ie matches you with a qualified, trusted tradesperson in your area.

The online service takes the hassle out of home repairs, plus all work comes with a 12-month guarantee backed

by Bord Gáis Energy.

Colin Bebbington, Retail Director at Bord Gáis

Energy said: ‘As many of us have tried to focus on the positives during the Irish lockdown, we have seen communities across Ireland get involved in new projects, be it baking, exercising or home renovations and DIY. While it can be tempting to complete a DIY job ourselves in order to avoid another household bill, the latest findings show that we are a nation that still trusts the experts to tackle some of the trickier tasks. localheroes.ie, an innovation by Bord Gáis Energy, is an on-demand service that makes it easier for customers to find a local tradesperson. Each job also comes with a 12-month guarantee backed by Bord Gáis Energy, meaning that if any customer isn’t satisfied, the Local Hero will come back to fix it for free.’

The type of material used in your existing window frames can also cause damage to your home. For example, because aluminum window frames are often colder than the ambient air around them, condensation could form around your windows. As this condensation builds up, it bleeds into the frame and damages the window sills. Eventually, the wood rots and more water leaks into the surrounding walls. This damage can be extremely expensive to repair since you’re not only replacing the windows and frames but also the surrounding walls.

When you install new windows, there are many benefits, from increasing the resale value of your home to blocking harmful UV rays,

which damage carpeting and furniture fabrics. New windows also improve security and safety since old, faulty windows can make entry easier for criminals.

Of course, the most obvious value is in improving energy use. With the right kind of windows you can save as much as 27 percent to 38 percent on heating bills in winter.

Nevertheless, replacing

your home’s windows is a substantial job that can be expensive if you don’t do your homework ahead of time.

Probably the most difficult decision to make when it comes to replacing your windows is choosing the right style and materials. The overall cost depends on the style and quality of the materials, what type of glass is used, overall energy efficiency, and warranties.

14 Property

22.07.20

FOR THE CHOP: Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien, cutting the ribbon on the latest development at Cranogue Island in Ballymun with Eamonn Crowley, CEO Permanent TSB and Hugh Brennan, CEO of Ó Cualann Cohousing Alliance. Pic: Andres Poveda

Keep ban on evictions until 2021, says TD Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing and TD for for Dublin Mid-West Eoin Ó Broin has called on the government to extend the ban on evictions until at least the end of 2020.

“The case for extending the ban on evictions, notices to quit and evictions under the Emergency Measures in the

Public Interest (Covid 19) Act 2020 is compelling,” Mr Ó Broin said.

“Research conducted by the ESRI shows the disproportionate impact of layoffs on young renters working in sectors of the economy that will not recover in 2020.

“This is also the cohort

most likely to live in the private rented sector and work in industries most affected by job losses, including food and accommodation, retail, construction and administration and support.

“Therefore there is a compelling case to extend the ban.”

€427,167: that’s average price of three-bed semi

The price of the average three-bed semi in Dublin City fell by 1.3% to €427,167 in the past year according to a national survey carried out by Real Estate Alliance.

Despite fears of a downturn in the market during the Covid-19 crisis, the price of a three-bedroomed semidetached house across the county remained unchanged over the past three months.

“The market is showing great positivity.

“Each viewing is taking longer so it is important to ascertain the ability of the buyers to transact,” said Paul Grimes of REA Grimes, Pembroke Street where average prices were unchanged at €485,000.

In Clontarf, REA Grimes is reporting a 4% increase in prices to €596,900 in the year to June 2020 with no change in the second quarter and an increase of three weeks to 10 in time to sell.

“The market is very active in the core areas around Clontarf with people really focused on purchasing now,” said Jim Gallagher.

Prices in Stoneybatter fell -0.8% to €377,000 over the past 12 months, with the average time to sell rising from eight weeks to 10 over the past three months.

“Viewings are very strong, and purchasers have a lot of confidence in the market,” said Helena Fitzgerald of REA Fitzgerald Chambers, Stoneybatter.

Tallaght prices fell 2.4% to €249,000 in the past 12 months, but remained stable in Q2, with time to sell rising from seven weeks to 10 this quarter.

“We are seeing a high volume of enquiries, mainly on houses, since re reopened,” said Anthony McGee of REA McGee, Tallaght.

Prices in Rathfarnham fell 1.3% to €462,000 over the past

year, with time to sell rising from nine weeks to 10 over the past three months.

“Properties that are wellpresented are doing really well. It is cheaper to buy than to rent in many areas,” said Anthony McGee. Average Clonskeagh prices fell 1.9% to €570,000 over the past year, with time to sell rising from nine weeks to ten this quarter.

“There is a lot positive sentiment in the market with a large numbers of viewing request, and offers are starting to flow again,” said Ed Dempsey of REA Ed Dempsey, Clonskeagh.

Prices in Sandyford fell 0.7% over the past year to €457,000, and time taken to sell remained steady at eight weeks.

Lucan average prices rose over the past 12 months by 1.4% to €355,000, and time to sell remained at seven weeks this quarter.

22.07.20

15

16 Food

22.07.20

Food for thought: Deposits to tackle no-show diners

TASTY: OisÌn and Hannah Smyth on Harfords Vegetable Farm in Lusk, launching Bord Bia’s ‘Best in Season’ campaign which promotes the benefits of eating locally grown, in-season fresh produce.

Pic: Marc O’Sullivan

Dublin restaurants are being forced to introduce a deposit system for future bookings following a sharp increase in no-show of diners following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.

City centre eateries The Bank Bar on Dame Street has said that no shows and last minute cancellations are costing them a packet in lost revenue.

Since it reopened on June 29, staff have said that no shows and last minute

Twitter. “We definitely still accept walk-ins, the city centre is a struggle but we really appreciate all of your custom and support.”

It seems that precious few have heeded their pleas though as the team has revealed that they will be forced to charge a deposit with all bookings going forward.

This comes after staff revealed that a number of tables - which confirmed their

cancellations are “breaking” them and that they will taking a deposit with all bookings from now on.

Owners at the restaurant took to social media earlier this month, urging people to cancel their reservations ahead of time instead of deciding just not to show up.

“Really sorry to say we will now be taking deposits with all bookings, the no shows and last minute cancellations are breaking us,” they said on

bookings on the day - failed to show up or cancelled on the spot when called to follow up.

Fellow city-centre haunt Hugo’s commiserated with the team, saying that it was “an absolute fair call” given that “every seat is vital to survival”.

Speaking on Newstalk’s Moncrieff, Gina Murphy, the owner of Hugo’s Restaurant on Merrion Row said ‘no-shows’ are a growing problem around the city.

“It is really disappointing

because this new reality that we are working in and the conditions we are working under are very difficult for any small business – whether it is a restaurant or a coffee shop or a bar,” she said.

She said the restrictions mean restaurants have to book people in to “really, really tight” schedules.

“I have come back with like 12 out of my 26 staff,” she said. “Every seat right now is precious because we have got

reduced capacity because of social distancing.

“Therefore, we are only ordering the food that we need, so when somebody books a table that they don’t turn up for, A) they are costing the business because we are losing potential revenue which is vital right now and B) they are costing us on a different level because we have staffed up to cater for them.

“They are putting people’s jobs at risk which is very mean-spirited on a normal day but right now, when everybody is to the pin of their collar, it is really shocking and it is not a nice trait.”

She said Hugo’s has also introduced a deposit system to combat the problem.

The system takes a credit card number form the person making the booking and charges €20 per person for no-shows.

It can also charge for late cancellations and significant changes in the number of people coming in.

She said the system is a last resort and the restaurant makes the final decision on whether to charge someone.

Las Tapas de Lola on Wexford Street in Dublin and Oliver Dunne of Bon Appetit in Malahide all complained recently about customers who failed to show up.

22.07.20

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18 Motors

22.07.20

Car sales crash 43% but there’s hope for new 202 models New car sales in Dublin fell 43.2% in June when compared to the same month last year.

Just 19836 new vehicles were sold while 34921 were purchased in June of 2019.

New car registrations for the month of June declined 28.2% (1,011) when compared to June 2019 (1,408). New car registrations year to date are down 34.5% (52,891) on the same period last year (80,758).

Light Commercials vehicles (LCV) were down 24.1% (568) compared to June last year (748) and year to date are down 30.9% (10,579).

HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are down 67.9% (101) in comparison to June 2019 (315). Year to date HGV’s are down 32% (1,224).

Used car imports for June (4,264) seen a decrease of 47.1% on June 2019 (8,060).

While year to date imports are down 57.1% (22,789) on

2019 (53,126). “Clearly 2020 has been a very difficult year to date, with new car registrations down 34.5% year on year,” Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General said “The new 202-registration period commences today,

which brings some hope for the Industry by providing an opportunity to increase sales. Consumers can see already the hugely varied and attractive new car offers. While pre-orders and enquiries are showing some positive

signs, the lack of car hire and the ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19 will see continuing downward pressure on new car demand.

Going forward, recovery for the sector will be extremely challenging with both new car and commercial vehicle registrations at recession levels. Extension of Government supports beyond the current expiry dates will play an important role across all sectors, while for the Motor Industry changes in VRT that encourage motorists to trade up to a lower emitting car have the potential not only to protect local employment, but can also encourage renewal of the national vehicle fleet, which will play an important role in reducing emissions from transport. VRT reductions could help kick-start the Industry, increase demand and increase the overall tax take.”

One-fifth have helped family with insurance CNearly 20% of Irish people have had to help a struggling family member meet their monthly car insurance payments within the past year.

High insurance premiums mean people cannot afford their monthly payments, AA Car Insurance warned.

And as the Covid-19 pandemic has brought on major financial setbacks for so many, a survey from the AA found that 7.06% had difficulty in paying their motor insurance in recent months as a result of changes in their personal financial situation.

Similarly, 6.76% said they chose to take their car off the road temporarily during the lockdown due to permanent or short-term loss of work.

Conor Faughnan, AA Director of Consumer Affairs, said “eye-watering” insurance premiums are hitting families right across the country.

He said: “High insurance

premiums are affecting families right across the country, but the challenge to keep all the cars in your household insured can be greater for some than others.

“For example, if one of your children has recently started learning to drive, the costs associated with this can be eye-watering and place a significant financial burden on parents to assist their child while also maintaining their own insurance.

“Similarly, if you have someone in your family who has recently returned from living abroad for an extended period - something that many Irish emigrants chose to do as a result of the Covid outbreak - this cohort can be faced with very high premiums.”

The AA called on the new Government to reform the motor insurance industry, and help families who are reeling from the economic effects of the pandemic.

Motors 19

22.07.20

Merc hybrids take pride of place Inside, focal points are the latest-generation MBUX and ‘Hey Mercedes’ multimedia and voice-activated assistance systems with touch screen functions.

First versions of the new, revamped Mercedes-Benz E-Class in Saloon and Estate versions – with Coupé and Cabriolet models to follow – have arrived here.

Said by Mercedes-Benz to be ‘the heart’ of what is becoming a vastly expanded model range, this latest E-Class offering includes two plug-in hybrid versions – one petrol and one diesel with an all-terrain option. Described by their sales manager, Ciaran Allen as a range ‘perfectly configured’ for owners seeking to future-proof their motoring requirements, the emergence of hybrids serves as an indication of what Allen says is: “the growing importance of alternative energy vehicles in future Mercedes-Benz model planning”.

Timeless Quality With over 14m saloon and estate models sold since 1946 – and more than 1.2 million owners of the outgoing generation – E-Class ranks as the best-selling model in Mercedes-Benz history and a flagship for everything the German carmaker represents

in terms of executive motoring.

Like its predecessors, this latest version has a timeless quality. Outside and inside, from front to rear, designers have worked their magic to imbue it with the qualities

of elegance and style that have made it an international favourite, whilst equipping it with design touches and technical elements to catch the attention of a younger generation.

Fresh Look In its new form, the front section has been given a fresh look in the shape of a more squat, sporty, poisedto-go design. Classically smooth-flowing bodylines and enduringly elegant touches sit

comfortably with AMG-style elements that echo other more youthful models in the Mercedes-Benz family. (A fullyfledged Mercedes-AMG 53 4MATIC and AMG 63 4MATIC version forms part of the offering).

Irish Dimension While all models are available to order, here focus is being placed on the E200d, E220d models initially and two plug-in petrol and diesel hybrids – the E300e and E300de in saloon and estate.

Despite a significant increase in the range of additional and new specifications – including a wealth of technical innovations and next generation assistance systems, amounting to a customer value of €3,700 – MercedesBenz has sought to maintain its competitive position with an average price difference of just 1% across the range.

Ex works prices start from €52,910 (E200 Petrol) and €53,105 (E200 Diesel). Plugin hybrid versions range from €65,615 (E300 Petrol PHEV) and €67,740 (E300de Diesel PHEV), both of which are eligible for SEAI / VRT combined support of €7,500.

20 Classifeds

22.07.20

22.07.20

21

22

22.07.20

Dublin In The Rare Old Times 23

22.07.20

We take a look back at extracts from old newspapers to see what was in the news this month in years gone by

Irish Press 31/07/1970

Irish Press 17/07/1934

Freemans Journal 26/07/1867

Irish Press 30/07/1968

Freemans Journal 20/07/1833

24

NORTHSIDE NEWS 22.07.20

ALL SOFAS REDUCED THIS WEEKEND SOFA BED

bellini 3 seater sofa RRP €1299 now only €599

vegas 3 seater sofabed RRP €1299 now only €649

legend 3 seater sofa RRP €1099 now only €699

alfredo 3 seater sofa RRP €1299 now only €739

megan 3 seater sofa RRP €1499 now only €799

valencia 4 seater sofa RRP €1699 now only €849

Irish

MADE

texas corner group RRP €2299 now only €1099 Naas Road, Woodies Tallaght Retail Park Fonthill Retail Park

Airside Retail Park, Swords

Blanchardstown Retail Park

KENMARE 4 seater sofa RRP €2099 now only €1199

colorado 3 seater sofa RRP €2599 now only €1299

Dublin

Kilkenny Retail Park

Kilkenny

Terryland Retail Park

Galway

Dublin

Ballysimon Road

Limerick

Sligo Retail Park

Sligo

Dublin Dublin Dublin

Poppyfield Retail Park, Clonmel City East Retail Park

Tullamore Retail Park

Tipperary Limerick Offaly

Outlet Store, Liosban Ind Est Breaffy Road, Castlebar

www.ezlivingfurniture.ie

Galway Mayo

Online

Tel: 0818 222272