Lusk local Volume 3 Issue 5 by Irish Media Group

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Volume 3 Issue 5 - December 2017

Your Community News

Merry Christmas from all at Lusk Local

Moving home?

Collections or Deliveries? Call Dave: 087 2272841 Keen Rates

Try your hand at this months crossword

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Services Sales Tyres Pre NCT Crash Repairs Diagnostics Valets Car Wash

Delicious Recipe Inside

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Our Team Local News

Editor E. communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

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Sean Maguire T. 087 915 9052 E. seanmaguire@irishmediagroup.ie

Production

Tim Evans T. 086 856 8181 E. communitylocalsdesigner@gmail.com

Lusk Local Magazine Email: communitylocals@gmail.com www.facebook.com/LuskLocal

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Editor’s Note

December is all about the lead up to Christmas. And, when it arrives it is mostly about kids, family, food ... and budget stretching. For many adults it also is a time of the year when we can think back, not just on 2017, but right across our lives - on the people we have loved, those we have lost, the way forward and the wake we have left behind us. It can be a depressing time for some - and the short, dark and cold days of Winter do little to lift the spirits - but people generally try to at least pretend to get into the spirit of it all. A lot of people believe that between commercialisation and immigration the ‘traditional Irish Christmas’ has been diluted but that view is shortsighted and leaves all the good things that change has brought us down the years (Now you can have several hundred TV channels ... and can still find nothing to watch! But maybe there are still mince pies to nibble!). Christmas, like your birthday, comes but once a year and both provide bookmarks in our lives even if, in this case, you can never be sure how many chapters are left :) If you are living on your own and know that you will be alone on Christmas Day please remember that you don’t have to be. Many areas around Dublin provide social events on the day so that no-one has to be isolated - some of those attending may be homeless, others lonely, some confused and some searching for company, but all are welcome. From all of us at Community Local - have a great Christmas!

This Month

Recipe of the Month

Crossword & Sudoku

The Editor, Lusk Local Magazine e: communitylocalseditor@gmail.com

Lusk Local Disclaimer

Every effort is made by Lusk Local Magazine to ensure that the information is correct and will not be held responsible for any advertisement errors. Lusk Local reserves the right to decline, suspend or omit any advertisement or article submitted. No liability can be accepted by Lusk Local for any printing errors in advertisements or otherwise.

STRICT DEADLINE FOR JANUARY EDITION: 15th December for inclusion in our January edition.

Christmas Shopping Special Offer Book our Christmas Shopping Special Offer for only €95 & get the Christmas shopping done on time. We will provide complimentary transport to the nearby Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre, and give you a €20 voucher to spend on your shopping. This Offer Includes: • Freshly cooked Full Irish breakfast • Complimentary transfer to the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords • €20 shopping voucher • Free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel • Complimentary parking

Limited spaces available. Book now to avoid disappointment!

Tel: 01 8436153 Email:info@watersidehousehotel.ie www.watersidehousehotel.ie Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

LUSK LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017

Local News

Fingal adopts progressive budget of €227m

Fingal County Council has adopted a budget for 2018 which will see an increased investment of €11.3m from last year to ensure the Council keeps pace with the increased demands of a county that has the fastest growing and youngest population in Ireland. The €227m budget specially targets investment in five key areas of the Council’s overall strategy which will ultimately benefit all citizens of Fingal. These are Housing and Homelessness, Economic Development, Services to Citizens, Building Communities and Growing Tourism. Expenditure on housing and homelessness rises by almost 11 per cent to €61m while the Council’s road works programme will increase by nine per cent to almost €26m. Spending on Economic Development and Tourism will also be up by nine per cent to €21m and there is a five per cent increase in community investment. The 2018 Budget represents a spend of €767.25 for every one of the county’s 296,214 residents. The County Council estimates that for every €1 it spends an additional €1.72 is spent downstream in the economy - potentially bringing an economic boost of up to €0.5 billion. The employment impact is also substantial and 4

LUSK LOCAL-DECEMER 2017

for every position directly employed within the council, an additional three jobs are supported as a result. This means that the total employment contribution from Budget 2018 is over 4,000 jobs. Councillors opted to reduce the basic rate of Local Property Tax (LPT) by 10 per cent, yielding an extra €1.9m in discretionary income, and this has been ring-fenced for spending in key areas, This will see an additional €730,000 being invested in library services, community events and facilities and the arts programme and €500,000 being used to fund the Council’s initiatives to tackle homelessness. A further €113,000 will be spent on the Council’s housing stock, €250,000 will be invested in parks, open spaces and playgrounds with €200,000 going towards additional street lighting and road maintenance. The remaining €116,000 will be spent on tourism promotion and funding for events throughout the county. For the first time since 2009, Councillors voted to increase Commercial Rates by two per cent. This is the first increase in rates in Fingal since 2009 and follows a number of rate decreases in the early part of this decade. Fingal, which has the highest compliance of rate payment in Ireland

at 95.63% for 2016, also retains the distinction of having the lowest rate among the four Dublin Local Authorities. There will be an additional €650,000 spent on public lighting, traffic, footpaths and bridge maintenance and a similar amount will be used to fund remedial and refurbishment works on community centres throughout the County. A further €650,000 will used to provide funds for capital works on the Council’s housing stock including heating system upgrades and the replacement of items such as doors and windows. A further €250,000 will go towards economic development promotion and improvement works at the Dublin Enterprise Zone, while €270,000 is to be spent on refurbishing bottle banks throughout Fingal and improvement works at the Council’s two recycling centres in Coolmine and Swords. Within the 2018 Budget, a total of €61.1m will be spent on Housing and Building with €42.7m budgeted for Environment and €42.5m for Recreation and Amenity. Road Transportation & Safety will receive €25.8m and Water Services €20.7m while €21.1m has been set aside for Development Incentives and Controls. Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

The perfect Christmas needs a little preparation Place your order today.

For locally-reared, and free-range bronze turkeys; hams smoked the old fashioned way; mouthwatering beef from our own farm; and gorgeous gift hampers filled with the best of Irish artisan produce, look no further than the Country Crest Farm Shop.

Country Crest Farm shop at Jones Garden Centre, JunCtion 4, m1. open 7 days a week. Free parkinG. www.CountryCrestFarmshop.ie phone: (01) 810 7493 f o Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

LUSK LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017

Local News

Lusk Tidy Town Newsletter

Lusk Tidy Town Committee wishes everyone a very happy peaceful Christmas and best wishes for the New Year. Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the year. Our Christmas Cards are now on sale in local shops (Launched 24th Nov by Mr Darragh O’Brien TD). Many Thanks Lusk Tidy Town Association

Bedsit at the Castle

Fingal County Council will be opening the doors of Swords Castle every evening from December 4th - 9th to present a week-long performance of the original play “My Bedsit Window” in the beautifully-restored Chapel Venue. Written and performed by Swords’ Playwright David Gilna and Directed by Glenn Gannon, “My Bedsit Window” is a black comedy, chronicling David’s journey as a young actor/writer, William Blake, looking for that lucky break in Theatre and the highs and lows he encountered as he moved from 6

LUSK LOCAL-DECEMER 2017

Dublin to London and Hollywood. First performed in Dublin in 2014, “My Bedsit Window” returns to the stage by popular demand having received huge critical acclaim for David’s performance as William Blake, and a story bursting with energy and laughter through his very funny and deft use of language. Doors open 7.30pm. Ticket are €15 with €2 off for Senior Citizens, Students and unemployed (available on-line @ eventbrite.ie or e-mail: mybedsitwindow@gmail.com To reserve seats and pay on the evening - call or text: 086-074-9111

Lusk 2020

The Lusk2020 Group say that they are delighted that progress is continuing with the development of the Lusk Recreational Hub, a much needed amenity for the community. Following recent meetings with Fingal County Council officials where a ‘plan of works’ has been outlined for the Hub, some works are due to commence in the coming weeks with the procurement process still ongoing for others. Works on a perimeter dust path round the hub are due to start, knee high railings & gates are near completion with gate access to adjacent schools being finalized in the coming weeks. Upgrading of the grass surface for the sports pitches is ongoing and the quality will be re-examined spring 2018. Changes to internal car park to include lighting and increasing capacity are being sought. The procurement process for the Sprint Track is ongoing while the planning and delivery of a community playground (which will take approximately 1 year to complete in full) is underway. Discussions for storage and changing room facilities are also underway. You can keep an eye on further developments on the Facebook Page Lusk Community Sports Plan 2020.

Local News

Rathmore Road Repairs The County Council is to carry out an inspection of a wall at the Forge, Lusk, to assess whether it poses a danger to the public. According to Cllr. Ken Farrell the Rathmore Road wall is an eyesore and a potential danger.

A Council statement said: “The Built Inspectorate has contacted the Developer in regards to this wall in the Forge, Lusk and will be carrying out an Inspection to assess if it poses a danger to the public. The Developer stated that he has already had a number of discussions with the householder as he believes that the wall is a private property matter. The Built Inspectorate will determine the best course of action following the dangerous structure inspection.

Skerries Calming Following a query by Cllr. Ken Farrell the County Council is to review of the area to determine if measures are required to improve safety at the Skerries Roundabout, Rathmore Road Lusk. Cllr. Farrell notes that traffic calming may be needed at the Roundabout to deal with expected increases in the number of cyclists and pedestrians in the near future as a result of expected housing development, the Lusk Recreational Hub and the growth in the number of children attending Lusk Community College and the Educate Together Campus?”

Orlynn Park Double Yellow Lines Parking Dilemma A request by Cllr. Ken Farrell to provide double yellow lines placed on the left hand side exiting Orlynn Park onto the Station Road, Lusk, has been turned down by the County Council. The double yellow lines are needed to alleviate the traffic hazard that exists here as cars are parking at this location, according to Cllr. Farrell. However, the Council has noted that it is illegal to park within 5m of a junction and the proper procedure is for people to report offences to the Gardai.

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Local News

Lusk Community College News LGBTI AWARENESS WEEK from the 13th- 17th of November. Activities from the week included a flag raising ceremony for the pride flag , opening of our first gender neutral toilet , rainbow cupcake making , supportive notes on our rainbow flag in the central area.

Lusk in Transition The first term has been jam-packed for Transition Years (TY) students at Lusk Community College.

The students & staff of Lusk Community College present

It started it off with a visit to Glasnevin Cemetery and Botanic Gardens, then students found Carrier Options at the School Summit and TY Expo. The TYs took part in World Mental Health Week by attending Zeminar in the RDS. They had a great day out at the National Ploughing Championship. The overnight bonding trip in Lilliput included Canoeing, Orienteering, Rock Climbing, Trampolining, Bog Hopping and a lot of Dancing!! These were just the trips this term. The TYs have had guest speakers; Harry Mc Cann, Fiona Coscoran, Adam Harris from ‘As I Am’ and Ciara Wright from AIB ‘Build a Bank’. They have also taken part in both the Aware Programme and Mindfulness Programme as well as a Poetry Workshop. Then there is their community involvement. So far this term we have started our Community Computer classes, our Pensioner Pals and our Primary School Spanish Module. All 3 take place on a weekly basis, in school, in the Lusk community unit and in Lusk NS. Well done to all the students and teachers on the first term, looking forward to the year ahead. Students of the term: Shannon McKenna and Luke Finnegan (4 Picasso), Matthew Hennigan and Katie Taylor Walsh (4 Mandela), Sean O’Rourke and Eabha Kelly (4 Einstein).

LUSK LOCAL-DECEMER 2017

Date: 19th & 20th December Time: 7:30pm (Doors open at 7pm) Venue: Lusk Community College Price: Adult €8 Student/Child €5 Tickets can be purchased via the School Reception or from Transition Year students

Local News

November meeting items Throughout the project, residents and businesses will be advised of all works in advance and will be given 48 hours’ notice of any planned water shut offs. Irish Water will host a public drop-in information evening, a business information meeting and a briefing for elected representatives in the coming weeks so that the community is kept fully informed about the project.

Fly-tipping in Swords

Swords Water Gets Upgrade

Irish Water has signed a contract with GMC Utilities Group to replace 5km of ageing water mains in Swords. The 30” concrete water main was laid in 1970 and will be replaced between Cooks Road and Forest Road south of Swords, along Forest Road to the junction with the Dublin Road/Main Street Swords, then along Main Street and North Street and onwards to Lissenhall, ending near the Swords north M1 motorway junction. The €9m in this project will take almost 2 years to complete. Works are expected to commence in the coming months.

Following a query by Cllr. Darragh Butler, the County Council hads confirmed that it is monitoring Balheary and Ennis Lane, Swords, in relation to illegal dumping. It has been agreed that this area will be assessed for suitable locations for covert CCTV in 2018. Where suitable evidence is found, litter fines will be issued and if required prosecutions sought.

Christmas Parking

The County Council has confirmed to Cllr. Darragh Butler that it intends to offer free car parking in Swords in the run up to Christmas. A statement said: “In previous years the free car parking at both Pay and Display locations, and at the Council cark parks in Swords has been very well received. It is intended to offer this facility

Jack McCann Remembered

On a wet and wild November night local Republicans gathered to mark the murder of a local patriot 100 years ago. Born in Loughshinny in 1886, Jack McCann earned the nickname ‘Rover’ from his habit of wandering. The fourth son of a family of nine, he left school early and worked as a farm labourer. This was not uncommon at the time and what he earned would have been of great benefit to a large family. He played hurling for Lusk Round Towers, fought in the Battle of Ashbourne in 1916, and was subsequently one of the Volunteers who were ordered to surrender by Pearse. He was transported first to Knutsford Jail, and from there to Frongoch. He was released in December 1916. He spent part of his time in Frongoch carving, and an example of his work can be seen in Kilmainham Museum. On Bloody Sunday 1920 he was at home with his wife, who was expecting their third child. That night Gormanstown-based Black and Tans went on a rampage and were seen in Rush after midnight. They arrived at McCann’s house and demanded that he come out. He was taken into an adjoining field, where he was shot dead. Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

again this year, and discussions are currently underway as to the exact dates/times/locations which will be offered.

Donabate Housing Limits

Following a query by Cllr. Adrian Henchy (FF) the County Council has confirmed the upper limit of housing units that can be both built and occupied within both the current local area plan zoned lands and all other residential zonings within Donabate Portane that can be occupied before the proposed Donabate Distributor Road becomes fully operational. Figures from the Council show that 1,000 units can be provided at Turvey, Rahillion, Corballis East & West, Spires East & Ballymastone. In the region of 750 units can be built on lands at Corballis West, Corballis East and Spires East, and prior to any units being sold and occupied on these lands, the Distributor Road linking the Hearse Road to the Balcarrick Road must be operational. The final phased delivery of housing and infrastructure relates to c.2,000 on lands at Corballis East and Ballymastone. Construction cannot begin on these units until the full Distributor Road linking the Hearse Road to the Portrane Road is operational.

Lusk Local Magazine

NEEDS YOU!

VOLUNTEERS WANTED PHOTOGRAPHERS LOCAL WRITERS LOCAL REPORTERS NEEDED!! If you’re a Local and have some free time please email us on: communitylocals@gmail.com LUSK LOCAL-DECEMBER 2017

Local News

Age Friendly Initiative Fingal County Council has announced the delivery of two services which give elderly people greater access to technology and public transport. As part of the Fingal Age Friendly Initiative being implemented by Fingal County Council, Fingal Leadership Partnership and Blanchardstown Area Partnership, the ‘Computer Home Supports’ programme was launched recently. This programme is the first of its kind in Ireland and its objective is to allow elderly people equal access to the benefits and convenience of the internet and technology. Delivered by the Department of Social Protection under the TÚS Scheme, users are taught by Garda-vetted tutors trained by the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board how to use computers in their own homes, free of charge. Coinciding with the introduction of this scheme are three new bus routes which service Swords, Ballyboughal, Garristown and the Naul. The three new routes are operated by rural transport provider Flexibus Local Link. Speaking at the launch of Fingal’s Age Friendly Initiative at the Atrium in Fingal County Council’s County Hall in Swords, Mayor of Fingal Cllr Mary McCamley said: “Both the ‘Computer Home Support Service’ and introduction of new Local Link bus routes are extremely valuable to older residents of Fingal. In recent years, using Online Banking, Skype and Email has become second natur efor many of us. The ‘Computer Home Support’ service will allow elderly people to benefit from these convenient online resources. I am confident that the introduction of the Loca lLink bus routes and ‘Computer Home support’ services will allow Fingal’s older residents to stay connected with their communities.” Local Link Co-ordinator Miriam McKenna explained that the routes have been designed to meet the needs of people in rural areas: “These new routes have all been identified to fill specific needs for commuters and bus users in Fingal, and are part of the greater network of LocalLink services.

Apart from the three new routes, we are looking to hear from anyone who knows someone they feel could benefit from transport to hospital or health appointments, nursing home visits or social activities such as Men’s Sheds, Active Retirement groups or just going to a matinee in the cinema. The key to Local Link is access. Our users are people who could benefit from a doorto-door transport service, and we are asking people to contact us so we can support them in independent living.” She added that they are seeking help from volunteer drivers for the Local Link community car service and that those interested could enquire by calling 1800 303 707. Meanwhile, CEO of Fingal Leadership Partnership Chris O’Malley highlighted the need for the Computer Homes Support service to increase computer literacy among the elderly: “Computers and smart phones are used widely to keep in touch with loved ones who live far away, access online-shopping, the health system and other public services. This has made life more convenient for most of us but there is a digital divide that needs to be addressed. If elderly people cannot access the benefits of modern technology, this is a form of social exclusion. The ‘Computer Home Support’ is a free service that will allow our older residents to make the most of online resources in their own homes.” Speaking at the launch, Head of Fingal’s Age Friendly Alliance Nora Owen encouraged older residents to utilise the resources available: “As you get on in life, little things may cause you trouble. But if you raise these issues with Fingal’s Age Friendly alliance, you can have your voice heard and your needs met.” Fingal County Council’s Chief Executive, Paul Reid welcomed both initiatives: “The introduction of new bus routes servicing rural Fingal coinciding with the introduction of the ‘Computer Home Support Service’ is great progress for tackling isolation among the elderly. Many of us rely on public transport and depend on technology for everyday services. If older people in our communities could benefit from accessible transport and be taught how to use online services, there is great potential for improving their independence and quality of life.”

General Practice Law Office dealing with conveyances, family law, probate, civil litigation and Insolvency

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CALL IN FOR A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY! Main Street, Lusk, County Dublin. e: liam@lrf.ie p: 01 8071957 w: www.lrf.ie Contact us: communitylocals@gmail.com

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