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Volume 6 Issue 6 - April 2021

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There is a light ahead lets get to it soon We are beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel. All the experts are saying yes unfortunately there are still people suffering and dying but the overall incidence of Covid 19 is reducing throughout

the land. In recent weeks we have seen where the figures have reduced both in intensive care units and in fatalities. So let us keep the pressure on this pandemic and rid it from our county and country. Let us care about each other ,unlike any other period in history we have the means to stay in touch and

communicate without meeting in person, whether that be through a mobile phone call or Facetime or

Zoom or whatever technology we have at hand. The worldwide communications structure is so vast now that we need never feel alone and can send messages of love and support to those we care most about..

We should also all shop locally and ensure the local jobs of our neighbours and friends. We all know the

dangers of not wearing face coverings, not regularly washing our hands thoroughly and not keeping our

distance when meeting others.Community transfer of the virus seems to be the problem so lets not go back to meeting numbers of people.. Simply put, we all want this to decrease again as soon as possible. We all

want to reduce the number of people in hospital and worse, so lets all pull together now as we did before and turn this around. Let us happily walk towards that light together in safety in our communities,

supporting our HSE workers, our local shopping outlets and most of all our families and those we love. The message is clear: wear your mask, keep your distance, wash your hands and stay safe, and have a happy and safe Easter where the smiles on children’s faces brighten up all our lives. Happy Easter from all of us in the Locals team.

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BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-APRIL 2021

Local News

Foróige Balbriggan are now working with 18-24 year olds The youth service is now running an employability

Programme every Wednesday and Thursday for young people who are not in education, training or employment.

The aim of the programme is to increase young people’s

employability, enhance their acquisition of employability skills and aid their preparedness and progression to

employment, education or training through engagement with youth work programmes delivered by the voluntary

youth work sector.The programme give young people the

opportunity to explore different careers, develop their own

personal goals, develop a plan for finding suitable education training or employment. Young people will develop their CV and interview skills, prepare for their driver theory test while also gaining an understanding of road safety

through the RSA Wrecked programme. Young people will also develop skills to assist them in the workforce such as improved communication and leadership skills, problem solving, team work. Young people will also learn about

entrepreneurship and how to develop their own business. For more information or to express your interest in the

programme please call Aine on 086-7710790 or email aine. mcguinness@foroige.ie

“The Cove” at Maydenhayes Are you looking for more space for your family to live in? Would a top floor working space in your home make your life more productive?Would you love a better quality of life, living 5minutes from beautiful Mornington Bay Beach and its beautiful environs?If this has tweaked your interest, then prepare to be wowed by an exquisite new house in Maydenhayes Cove, Mornington, County Meath, a private enclave of 6 gorgeous new family homes at a very affordable/reasonable price. These new large 5-bedroom detached houses are laid out over 3 levels, maximising space for comfortable living; with a bespoke comfortable airy space at the top-floor level presenting the opportunity for a fantastic space to work from home. Other features in these spacious A-rated homes include five comfortably sized bedrooms and family bathroom, generous ensuites, walk in wardrobes, an unusually spacious landing at first floor level, underfloor heating and high-quality sanitary fittings. On approach to the house, the stained glass in the front door sets the tone for a chique new house that manages to combine the cosy feeling of home with being comfortable, modern and on trend. The front door opens into a charming and stylish entrance hallway filled with a happy and homely personality that permeates the whole house. The hall leads into a wonderful airy, spacious, and light-filled living/dining/ kitchen area featuring high ceilings at this level. Patio doors lead out into a generous garden with its favourable south westerly aspect to the rear. The house also comprises a good-sized boot/laundry room kitted out with plenty of storage for buckets and spades… and also features a smart guest cloakroom.A visit to the show house is strongly recommended if only to see how efficient living and working in a spacious, tranquil and beautiful setting could be. The Maydenhayes Cove show house is on view each Saturday and Sunday between 2pm and 4pm and on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 12pm and 4pm, or by private appointment – prospective purchasers can feel free to call to make an appointment and/or to get help with any questions. Enquiries to: Pivotal Construction Limited (01) 4732473 Knight Frank New Homes (01) 6342466 or Sherry Properties (041) 9841149 4

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-APRIL 2021

Local News

Tap to Donate ‘€3’ machine for Irish Guide Dogs

Ann Mulligan, Yarrow and a large dog collection box.

Our ‘Tap to Donate €3’ machine has arrived in Specsavers, Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan.A small countertop device which allows a contactless donation of €3. Displayed on the welcome desk it is simple to use, just ‘Tap to Donate’.Thank you Brian and Paul.2020 was a very difficult year for fundraising but with your help we raised €22,787.56 for Guide Dogs. Restrictions are still in place but when allowed we will be out in the community again.In January we received a cheque for €333.33 from Tesco’s community fund initiative. Thank you Tesco and especially Lisa from the local Millfield store.The annual Balbriggan Feis couldn’t be held in February but Damien, Ann and committee raised €966 for us through their Facebook fundraiser, thank you all.Thomas O’Grady, from Skerries, gave off-road dirt track motorbike lessons to some youngsters and raised €300, thank you Thomas. Anne and Yarrow raised €200 with their photo taken beside the large collecting dog in Millfield.Please view our videos on Facebook made by volunteers,

Zoe, Anne, Andy, Tom, and Adele, with Guide dogs Nico and Qeb and puppies Yarrow and Lola.Please donate if you can at our facebook page Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs page.Do you have an idea for a fundraising event? We’d love to hear from you.Contact us by phone or text 085 7663107 or email guidedogsbalbriggan@gmail.com.A number of Transition Year students from Loreto Balbriggan participated in a virtual programme with IGDB in March.The 5 day programme is aimed to inspire students by raising awareness of the difference a Guide or Assistance Dog can make to others and how they can change lives. Guide Dog Day will be on Friday 7th May and we hope to be out with our new contactless machine which accepts donations in line with payment limits.Up to €50 by tap, over €50 you insert your card and enter your Pin.Yarrow remains with Anne but when he goes to Cork for training we will keep you informed on his progress as he hopefully becomes a Guide or Assistance Dog.

Fingal Co Co hosted virtual celebration of International Women’s Day Fingal Co Co hosted virtual celebration of International Women’s Day Fingal County Council hosted a virtual celebration of International Women’s Day which took place on Monday, March 8, 2021. As physical events are not possible under current government restrictions, virtual celebrations featuring contributions from Community, Sports, Local Enterprise Office and Communications will be held this year. International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.To mark the occasion, the Fingal County Council Communications Unit posted short videos throughout the day on their social media channels with contributions from female Fingal County Councillors, Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly and female members of the Fingal County Council Executive Management Team.The participants were asked to give an insight into why they decided to pursue their chosen career, what achievements they are most proud of and what women inspire them. It is part of a Fingal County Council initiative to build awareness of Local Government among women.Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said: “International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and encourage women to embrace their part in leadership and change. It is important to celebrate the occasion even Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

though we cannot do so in a physical capacity under current restrictions. I am delighted to be part of this virtual event which will give people an insight into the invaluable role of women in politics, sport, the public and voluntary sector and all aspects of life.” The Council’s Sports Office devised a series of events to mark International Women’s Day, including holding female-only FAI Player Development Plan and Safeguarding workshops, and focussing on various projects and initiatives taking place under the pillars of the Women in Sport Policy.Well-known TV personality and business woman Gráinne Seoige was the keynote speaker at the Fingal Enterprising Women Network event which took place online on March 5. This online event, hosted by LEO Fingal, was opened by Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly and was an excellent opportunity for women in business to share insights and lessons learned

in their chosen fields. Fingal County Council’s Community Development Office celebrated International Women’s Day with a series of online conversations with women active in leadership in Fingal.

The CEO of Fingal County Council AnneMarie Farrelly

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-APRIL 2021

Local News

Council welcomes €25.4m in funding for Balbriggan Fingal County Council has welcomed a recent announcement by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, that €25.4m has been awarded under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) for projects associated with the rejuvenation of Balbriggan. The funding will help realise eight projects under the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan by 2027. The overall cost of the projects is anticipated to be €33.9m with Fingal County Council providing €8.5m to complete the planned public realm improvements.The eight projects are: Quay Street,Harbour, 2/4 Dublin Street,Bridge Street Railway Street,Millpond Park,Promenade & Coastal Improvements,Castle to Castle Cycleway.Professor Brian MacCraith, Chair of the Balbriggan Leadership Group, said: “On behalf of the Balbriggan Leadership Group, I welcome this announcement wholeheartedly. ” With funding now secured, Fingal County Council plans to deliver the eight projects in phases. The first phase, which is scheduled for completion by 2023, will involve the reimaging of the public realm at Quay Street, the upgrading of the Harbour area and the development of Artists’ Studios and a Digital Innovation/Maker Space at 2/4 Dublin Street. The development of Bremore Regional Park, the Fingal Coastal Way and Bridge Street is expected to be finished by 2026. These projects will involve improvements to the promenade and coastal areas as well as a cycleway

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-APRIL 2021

Minister Darragh O’Brien TD making the announcement

between Bremore Castle and Ardgillan Castle which will form part of the Fingal Coastal Way. It also includes the redevelopment of buildings on Bridge Street which have recently been acquired by the Council.The final phase will be completed by 2027 and will see the rejuvenation of Railway Street and Millpond Park. This will be a key part of the rejuvenation plan focusing on the town’s

urban core and opening up its green corridor, the River Bracken, through Millpond Park. Fingal County Council is now progressing to the procurement of design teams for the public realm improvement projects. They will prepare plans for the redevelopment of the buildings and public realm areas for public consultation before construction commences.

Finance

Something for people who rent to consider By Dave Kavanagh When compared to home-owners, people who rent where they live can be a lot more vulnerable. Apart from the obvious points, like rents being increased or having to move out if a property is being sold, there are other potential events that could prove problematic for renters. For home owners, an unexpected temporary loss of income, whether due to illness or occupational difficulty, may mean that they need to make an arrangement with their lender until their income returns to normal. Even in the event of a fatality, the mortgage protection in place will clear the mortgage, leaving the surviv-ing partner (if there is one) not worrying about mortgage payments. Renters don’t usually have any such protection in place. If a loss of income meant rent could not be paid, they would most likely be evicted. With the current levels of rent so high, if one of a couple renting passed away, it may not be affordable on one income. So, can renters protect against such eventualities?Yes, firstly, having income protection in place, which pays out an income if someone cannot work due to illness or inju-ry and suffers a loss of income, would make sure that rent could still be afforded, preventing a pos-sible eviction. Also, in the same way that home-owners have life cover in place to clear a mortgage in the event of a fatality, renters can do the same, with the payout allowing them to purchase their own property

mortgage free. Serious illness cover also pays out a lump sum on diagnosis of one of the specified illnesses, which could also be hugely helpful to renters. Premiums for such cover plans, especially for younger renters can be a lot cheaper than people often think. If you rent, it would be clever to give some thought to these.

Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion. ie or phone 087-6414570, or @Davekav_ advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/ nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM and TV3.

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-APRIL 2021

Local News

Safe Balbriggan Pillar sets out its objectives Aerial view of Balbriggan

The Safe Balbriggan Pillar Group, which was ratified recently by the Balbriggan Leadership Group, held its first meeting and agreed a high-level work programme with three primary elements.These are: - Engaging & supporting our young people, - Fostering community integration and Creating safer public spaces. Representatives from the Department of Justice, An Garda Síochána, Foróige and Fingal County Council took part in the inaugural meeting which had a workshop format. They discussed the issues underpinning each of the three work themes and explored the challenges facing Balbriggan as the youngest and most diverse town in Ireland. These

challenges include universal access to services, resourcing, and physical improvements to public spaces to improve community safety.The Pillar Group also examined opportunities to address these issues, selected areas for collaboration to deliver on objectives, and identified other key stakeholders, in the town and beyond, to be consulted as their work progresses. The range of existing and planned activities in Balbriggan by various agencies, such as An Garda Siochána, Foróige and Fingal County Council, was also discussed.The chairman of the Safe Balbriggan Pillar, Michael O’Sullivan, said: “It was a very productive meeting with a wide range of views

and thoughts expressed during it. The importance of inclusivity and representation was very evident, as was the need for actions aimed at building trust, strengthening integration and improving community relations. We discussed the three High Level Objectives in detail and determined what needs to happen for each of these objectives to be achieved. We have identified the various agencies who will be responsible for the delivery of the actions that underpin the High Level Objectives and will now start working with those agencies to develop an Action Plan and agree the timescales required to deliver them.”

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Local News

SBASC currently open for applications

Businesses in Fingal are being encouraged to apply for funding under a new assistance scheme launched by the Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment. The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is intended to target those businesses with operating costs that do not qualify for the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners. Eligible applicants will be entitled to an initial payment of €4,000 for the period from January 1 to March 31, 2021 The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is available to companies, self-employed, sole traders or partnerships and the eligibility criteria for the SBASC and the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) are similar. The main difference between SBASC and CRSS is the requirement, in the case of CRSS, for the public to have access to a business premises. SBASC also aligns with recently announced grant schemes for the tourism, arts and entertainment sectors.Speaking about this

new funding announcement Mayor of Fingal Cllr David Healy said: “The survival of small business is vital for the towns and villages of Fingal and I encourage anyone eligible to apply this new SBASC funding which will be of great assistance in meeting some of their current costs so they can keep afloat until the pandemic restrictions can be loosened.” AnnMarie Farrelly Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said: “Fingal County Council have been providing a wide range of supports to local businesses and working with all stakeholders throughout the last year to deal with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new funding provided under SBASC will be another important support for small businesses to ensure that they can reopen and continue to provide employment and vital services in communities across the county.”Emer O’Gorman Director of Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development said: “The new SBASC funding is a welcome addition to the range of financial supports available to Fingal businesses

Virtual Seachtain na Gaeilge in Fingal 2021 Fingal County Council celebrated the Irish Language and culture with a fantastic online programme for Seachtain na Gaeilge this year. In partnership with the Seamus Ennis Centre they hosted a celebration of traditional music, live on Facebook and Youtube on Saturday March 6, it featured a stellar line up of musicians. Throughout the festival which ran from March 1-17 the Council aimed to reawaken love for the language with a wide range of online content including music, storytelling, and sport and encouraged everyone to use whatever Irish they had.The online seisiún on March 6 featured Conal Ó Gráda, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh & Billy Mag Fhloinn, Róisin Chambers & Luke Ward, Caitlín Nic Gabhann

to enable them help keep afloat until they can fully reopen. It builds on previous supports such as the Restart Grant and Restart Grant Plus and our initiatives such as Fingal In it Together and Shop Local campaigns as we work closely with local Chambers of Commerce and national agencies to provide much-needed support to businesses. I would encourage all qualifying businesses to apply.”The grant, which is available as a contribution towards fixed costs to assist a business to keep operational for an eventual re-opening, is only available to an applicant operating from a rateable property. The scheme covers the period 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021. Each eligible applicant will receive a payment of €4,000 with an additional payment of €4,000 from May 2021 to applicants continuing to meet the scheme eligibility criteria. Full details and information on applying can be found on the Fingal County Council Website.The closing date for applications for the initial grant under SBASC is 21 April 2021.

& Ciarán Ó Maonaigh. The musicians zoomed into the session live from all over Ireland and a great night which began at 8.30pm was had by all. Antaine Ó Faracháin and Nollaig Mac Cárthaigh are old friends of Seachtain na Gaeilge in Fingal and the Council were delighted to welcome them again for an intimate Zoom musical get together on March 10 at 6.45. Fingal Libraries also had storytelling with traditional Irish story-teller Niall De Burca on March 13 as well as lots of other online content posted. Fingal Sports Office posted content everyday and were delighted to feature skills videos from laochra spóirt – sporting heroes Ciaran Kilkenny Dublin GAA star and Irish Cricketer Lorcan Tucker. Their main focus of all the online content was to celebrate and promote the language and culture and there was plenty of content to enjoy on the Council’s social media including Logainm an Lae and Seanfhocal an Lae. BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-APRIL 2021

Local News

Have your say in the new Fingal Development Plan Fingal County Council has commenced the review of the current Fingal Development Plan and preparing the new Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 and is now looking for the public to take an active part in the process which will take two years to complete.The process has now begun of an eightweek public consultation on the Strategic Issues Paper, the first stage of the process, which sets out some of the key topics that may need to be addressed in the new Development Plan.The Council is seeking to encourage public debate among citizens, businesses, community groups and other interested parties on what broad issues should be considered in the new Plan and online submissions can made by citizens and organisations between now and May 12 on Fingal County Council’s Consultation Portal,www. consult.fingal.ie. An Information Booklet, summarising the seven themes contained in the Strategic Issues Paper, has been distributed to households across Fingal from March 22..The seven themes are: People and Place, Climate Action, Connectivity and Movement, Employment, Economy & Dublin Airport, Cultural Heritage, Green Infrastructure & Natural Heritage and Infrastructure & Utilities.Four online consultation

seminars featuring a total of eight presentations on topics raised in the Strategic Issues Paper will be held in April and a Minecraft workshop is also being developed to encourage the participation of younger citizens. Links to these will be available in due course on the Development Plan website and the Council’s social media channels. The Council intends to use the hashtag #FingalDevPlan on social media posts in relation to the Development Plan.The Development Plan process is scheduled to run for the next two years and will involve three public consultation stages before the final plan is adopted by Councillors in February 2023. The current stage, which is known as the pre-draft, sets out the strategic direction for the Plan and will form the framework into which objectives and policies at the subsequent stages will sit. The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said: “The Development Plan review has come at a challenging and unprecedented time arising from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, Climate Change and Brexit. However, these challenges also present opportunities to build on our vision to make Fingal the place to live, work, visit and do business. This first phase of

consultation will play a very important role in the preparation and drafting of the Development Plan and we are inviting citizens, communities, organisations, businesses and stakeholders to become involved and to make their views known on the future development of our county.This will ensure that the next Development Plan responds to people’s aspirations for the county while also addressing any concerns that they may have.” Matthew McAleese, Fingal County Council’s Director of Planning and Strategic Infrastructure, said: “The publication of the Strategic Issues Paper is the first step in the Development Plan process and the document presents an overview of the strategic issues facing the County. It sets out, under seven themes, some of the key issues that may need to be addressed by the new Plan. At this early stage, we are looking for input on these broad ‘big picture’ issues. Specific proposals relating to the zoning of lands should not be made at this stage as they cannot be considered.”Submissions on the Strategic Issues Paper must be received by 11.59pm on May 12 and these can be made at www. consult.fingal.ie or by post to the Development Plan Team, Planning

and Strategic Infrastructure Department, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Main St., Swords, Co. Dublin, K67X8Y2. The Development Plan process can be broken down into four phases:Phase 1:The Strategic Issues Paper is published. Following the receipt of submissions, a Chief Executive’s Report will be compiled and this will feed into the preparation of the Draft Development Plan.Phase 2:The Draft Development Plan will go out to public consultation in February 2022 after which another Chief Executive’s Report will be prepared on the submissions received and presented to councillors for consideration.Phase 3:There will be another public consultation on the Amended Draft Development Plan in November 2022 followed by a Chief Executive’s Report on the submissions received.Phase 4:Councillors will consider the Chief Executive’s Report in January 2023 and are expected to adopt the 2023-2029 Development Plan in February 2023. The new Development Plan will come into force six weeks after its adoption by the elected members. Further information on the Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 is available at www.fingal.ie/ developmentplan

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Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029

STARTING NOW

It’s good to plan ahead. It’s better to talk first. Let’s talk Fingal.

www.fingal.ie/developmentplan Join the conversation Oﬃcial Compact Mark

Comhairle Contae Fhine Gall Fingal County Council

Local News

Balbriggan Historical - from the Archives 2016

DeValera Family Members including grand children Ann DeValera, Eamon De Valera, Eithne DeValera, Nora Ní Chuív, and Eamon Ó Cuiv,

It is 40 years since Balbriggan & District Historical Society was founded and here is a snap-shot from our archives 2016 Commemoration.The Society’s flagship event for 2016 was “Éirí Amach Na Cásca – Is Cuimhin Linn” our full day History Seminar in May. The seminar was opened by Mayor of Fingal Cllr David O’Connor and concluded with readings of Proclama-tion by local Secondary School students. The seminar featured 5 talks: Bairbre Curtis “Fingal in 1916”, Liz Darcy “Conserving an original 1916 Proclamation”, Jimmy Wren “The 1916 GPO Garrison and the connection with the OTooles G.A.A. Club”, Sean Collins “Observing from afar The Easter Rising Louth and Meath” and Micheál MacMathúna “Sinéad Ni Fhlannagáin (Bean De Valera) Daughter of Balbriggan and 1916” The last talk was timely providing context for Commemorative Plaque honouring Sinéad Ní Fhlannagáin De Valera which was about to be unveiled in the town. The enthusiastic audience enjoyed the excellent talks on both the local and national experience in 1916, and left with lots of new information and an appetite to learn more about this facinating period in our history. The Society was also centrally involved in the Balbriggan 1916 Commemorative Committee which organised, among other activities, the erection of a Commemorative Plaque honouring Sinéad Ní Fhlannagáin De Valera. This Plaque was unveiled as part of a Commemorative day which included a Mass and Parade featuring the Fingal Old IRA, locals scouts and guides and 12 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-APRIL 2021

The 1916 Commemoration

the local community. May McKeon performed the duty of MC on the day, Gráinne Maguire read the Proclamation, and speakers included Mayor of Fingal Cllr David O’Connor, Mícheál MacMahúna, and Éamon Ó Cuív TD, grandson of Sinéad and the Plaque was un-veiled by Nora Ní Chuív her granddaughter. It was a

memorable and important day for Bal-briggan and it was great to see so many of the DeValera and Flanagan family members there who were delighted to share with us their personal memories of Balbriggan. The event was attended by a large enthusiastic crowd and the Plaque will be a lasting physical reminder of the occasion. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Feature

Energy balance relating to weight loss and gain

by Ciaran Russell How a person gains or loses weight comes down to one simple principle, Energy Balance. Energy balance simply means the amount of Calories you expend in comparison to the Calories you consume. Calories in Calories out. In order to lose weight you need to be in a Calorie deficit, ie. you need to consume less than you expend. To gain weight you need to be in a Calorie surplus meaning you need to consume more than you burn.If your goal is weight loss, it will help to have an idea of how much Calories you are burning on a given day. This is known as your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE).

Although there are general guidelines about how many Calories you burn daily, everyone’s TDEE will be specific to them. This is impacted by a number of factors including; age, gender, height, weight and level of physical activity.Once you have an idea of how much energy you use in a day, you can then reduce your Calories in order to put yourself in a small Calorie deficit so that you can lose weight.Your TDEE is made up of 4 components; Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), Non Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT), Thermic Effect of Food (TEF) and Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (EAT).In short, your BMR is the amount of energy you use at rest; NEAT is unplanned exercise such as walking to

the shop or taking the stairs instead of the lift; TEF is the energy that is needed for digestion, transport, storage and absorption of food; and EAT is your planned exercise such as sports training, gym sessions or running.Put simply if you want to lose weight you must be in a Calorie deficit but for some it can be very difficult due to various complex reasons and essentially it’s more of a discussion around behaviour and habit changes. If you would like to drop a few pounds, find out your TDEE, work on creating a Calorie deficit, increase your level of activity and maybe find a coach to help you if needed. The overall aim is to create a healthier more active lifestyle so you can enjoy doing the things you love to do.

Community organisations -We are here for you and it’s free! Calling all community and voluntary groups in this area! We are here to facilitate you and help publicise your organisations. We are a community based magazine therefore there will be no charge for publicising your group, whether its a chess club or small pastime group, a support group or a big community or sporting organisation. So if you want to publicise your organisation every month just send us an email to communitylocalseditor@gmail.com..We look forward to hearing from you.

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-APRIL 2021

Local News

Bremore Regional Park Development Project Part 8 Planning

Coastal Park near the water

Recreational Hub

Fingal County Council is delighted to announce the commencement of the formal planning process for the proposed Bremore Regional Park Development Project. The proposed park development project is an important step in delivering the long-term vision for the park. The project led by the council’s Parks and Green Infrastructure Division covers the key infrastructure required to upgrade Bremore to regional park status and to best serve the needs of the local community. The park proposals have been designed to achieve the best fit between the provision of active and passive recreation and improved linkages to surrounding urban areas and taking a sensitive approach to the visual, historic and ecological attributes of the site.The focus of this Planning Application is on the lands within the park to the west of the rail-line as well and the section of the park to the south-east (designated as a new Coastal Park) encompassing a project area of over 15 hectares within the park. The park development project is organised under three distinct zones:The Balbriggan Sports & Recreational HubThis multifunctional campus will provide for a range of sporting activities as a shared public facility; these include athletics, all-weather football pitches with flood lighting; 14 BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-APRIL 2021

full size GAA pitch, soccer pitches, basketball courts, tennis courts, car park access and changing facilities. Central Zone Open Spaces - The central zone of Bremore Park has been designed to improve access, circulation and permeability between adjacent residential areas, the park and the sea while enhancing the physical and natural amenity of the space. The Coastal Park -The proposal for the Coastal Park aims to create a family orientated space which facilitates play, active recreation and social interaction. The existing playground and bandstand are supplemented with a skate bowl, grassed play-mounds and half-court basketball court which further animate this space. Soft landscaping of ornamental planting and trees will feature within a high-quality public realm with public lighting, street-furniture and bicycle parking. Seating areas will afford opportunities to sit, look and experience the sea.Building on the successful community consultations held to date, the council actively encourages feedback and comment on the proposed Bremore Regional Park Development during the submission period of 16th March to 30th April as detailed in the attached part 8 planning application available through the Council’s website.

Outdoor Trim Trail

Coastal Park

Feature

How to help your community in these uncertain times

By Siobhan O’Neill White While we are all still trying to get through Covid physically and emotionally, we have no real idea yet what the long-term economic impact will be. Sadly, some of the much-loved local businesses in our local area have closed their doors because they simply could not stay afloat. The creche our daughter attended, the café and bakery we loved; both gone for good because of Covid.There are ways we can help struggling local businesses keep going. If they are offering online sales, try to buy online from them. If your local hotel, café or restaurant is doing a take-away service, support them when you can. Shop local as much as possible, so when we do get through this – and we will get through this – these businesses will still be standing. We know how to support retailers but for service providers, like www.mams.ie, it is not as simple as ordering a takeaway or making an online purchase. Due to Covid, we are unable to run our free monthly parent & baby

coffee & movie mornings, organize goody bag giveaways or plan blogs & events. Most of our clients are closed due to lockdown and cannot advertise right now, which affects our income drastically. mams.ie has provided free chat forums & parenting support for 12 years. Our events, competitions and goody bags are always free too. It would break our hearts to go out of business. We want to bring back our coffee & movie mornings post-Covid and keep the mams.ie website & social channels going until then - but we need some help to stay afloat.Some of our members suggested we set up a Go Fund Me page; so that parents who use mams.ie and our social channels and/or attend our events can make a donation. If you would like to support, please see here: gofund.me/5c743c3b Stay safe, take care and we hope to see you again at mams.ie events sometime later this year. Until then, please go to mams. ie for chat, advice, support and our wonderful free competitions.

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-APRIL 2021

Home Cook Recipes

Healt

Niamh’s Nutty Caramel and Chocolate Crunch Cake Going completely indulgent for this one but enjoying food is one of the many great pleasures in life and one of the few things we still have to enjoy during the current pandemic lockdown.Also this might be a scrumptious recipe to try over the Easter and especially f there is lots of chocolate around!! No baking required and although there may seem like quite a few steps, it’s just because there are a few different layers. This means all the more mixing bowls and spoons to lick clean after!!! Have fun, happy making and sharing!! Beannachtaí na Cásca oraibh. Please follow ‘Biabites’ on Facebook for other food ideas especially in the ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums.Please follow @BiaBites on twitter. For nutrition talks/workshops at events or in schools/workplaces/community groups= please email:niamh@biabites.netNiamh Arthurs BSc, Msc Registered Dietitian and Researcher. Ingredients: • • • •

600g dark chocolate digestive biscuits 300g butter 75g peanuts 100g dark chocolate

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For the caramel: • • • •

75g caster sugar 120g butter 400g (approx-397g is fine!!) tin sweetened condensed milk 1 tablespoon golden syrup

{Alternatively for convenience, use a 400g tin (OR 397g as available in shops) of caramel.} Method: Grease or pre-line a non-stick springform based tin.To make the biscuit base: place the biscuits in a strong bag that can be tied and can withstand the force of a rolling pin! (I use an empty breakfast cereal bag). Bash the biscuits using a rolling pin or other utensils until they form fine crumbs.Alternatively you could blitz the biscuits in a food processor/ blender.Melt the butter in a saucepan. Take off the heat and stir in the biscuit crumbs until well mixed.Tip the biscuit mixture into the tin and press down firmly with the back of a spoon to make a smooth and even surface.Place in the fridge to chill while making the caramel. To make the caramel: gently melt the sugar, butter, condensed milk and golden syrup in a

saucepan.Then increase the heat until just below the boil and stir vigorously using a whisk for approximately15 minutes as the sauce changes colour from a lighter to a darker brown and thickens. If clumping starts to occur, remove from the heat and whisk vigorously to combine again. Allow the caramel to cool slightly as it will thicken further as it cools. Then pour the caramel over the biscuit base. Place in the refrigerator to cool fully.(If using a tin of caramel instead, then skip step 5 and 6 and just pour the already made caramel over the biscuit base and place in the refrigerator to harden. Finely chop the peanuts. Sprinkle on top of the caramel. Melt the chocolate and pour on top of the peanuts (ensure the caramell has cooled fully), making a creative design! I did a zig-zag drizzle as in the image! White chocolate could also be melted and used to decorate it! Store in an airtight container. Please follow ‘Biabites’ on Facebook for other food ideas especially in the ‘Fun food’ and ‘Recipes’ albums. Please follow @BiaBites on twitter. For nutrition talks/workshops at events or in schools/workplaces/community groups= please email: niamh@biabites.net Niamh Arthurs BSc, Msc Registered Dietitian and Researcher. Contact us: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

BALBRIGGAN LOCAL-APRIL 2021

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

Down

2. Put something back where it belongs. (7) 5. Pushed roughly. (6) 3. Became larger, expanded. (4) 10. Occurs, comes to pass. (7) 4. Paper used to construct lies. (6) 11. John Lennon album was a 5. Protect, conceal from danger. (6) Gemini. (7) 6. Round like an egg. (4) 12. Soil that is plastic when moist 7. Clearly apparent or obvious to the but hard when fired. (4) mind or senses. (7) 13. Create by combining materials 8. Unpleasant or disappointing and parts. (5) surprises. (6) 15. A pause for relaxation. (4) 9. A dog trained to point out game. 17. Finish, conclude. (3) (6) 14. The first letter of a word. (7) 19. Found in conjunction with fly, 16. There goes the anaesthetic. (5) lightning and balance. (6) 18. Perhaps, possibly. (5) 21. Christian celebration of the 20. Term of address for a man. (3) Resurrection. (6) 21. A major division of geological 22. Male accounts of the past. (7) time. (3) 23. Bow and arrow user. (6) 23. Counting the cost. (6) 25. In a foreign country. (6) 24. A book still read and studied after 28. A joke to cause to retch. (3) many years. (7) 30. A beloved person comes with a 26. Invitation to engage in fisticuffs high price. (4) in the open air. (7) 31. Food for tossing. (5) 27. Harm, impair. (6) 32. Slender structure which supports 28. Sacred river of India. (6) a plant. (4) 29. Four quarts. (6) 33. One of two or more contesting 35. Tensing, living like a bird. (7) groups. (4) 36. Searching visually. (7) 34. Division of the day. (4) 37. Slang for prison guards. (6) 1. Capable of learning easily. (6)

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SUDOKU ANSWERS

38. Hospital carers. (6)

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