Digital Edition

A war of words has broken out between North County politicians in a dispute over the significance of the government’s downgrading of services provided by Malahide Garda Station. Local TD Clare Daly (SP) has called on the North County’s three government TDs to ‘intervene and force a review’ with regard to cutbacks to public opening hours and services at the station. The appeal comes, following the government’s outlining of the services redeployment which means that, from March, the station’s public office will be closed between 10pm and 6am. Speaking to the County Leader, Daly hit out at the downgrade, stating that: “The Minister is claiming that the decision to cut the opening hours in the station is not about cost savings, but rather about improving the deployment of garda resources. This is nonsense. She went on to allege,”Everyone knows that there are less gardai on the streets than ever before.”

Great News For Local Jobseekers

Good news may be on the horizon for unemployed people in the North County, who felt they were destined to seek employment in far flung places like Australia and Canada. This news comes about as a result of an Employment and Advice Fair that is taking place in Blanchardstown Centre on Thursday, 1st March and Friday, 2nd March next. The fair is in association with the Blanchardstown Centre and Fingal Dublin Chamber. Participants will include Irish, EU and International employers, who will be able to provide job information and advice on careers, both at home and abroad. An example of the types of jobs on offer will include a company from Norway who are looking for car and truck mechanics, plumbers and pipe fitters.

Pictured at the announcement of the upcoming Dublin and International Employment and Advice Fair are: Siobhan Moore (President Fingal Dublin Chamber), Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD, Tony Lambert (CEO Fingal Dublin Chamber) and Joe Gavin (Manager, Blanchardstown Centre).

Balbriggan Allotment Scheme Underway

The planning application for the Balbriggan Allotments at Knocknagin Lane is now underway. The proposed development will include the development of 260 allotments, car parking space for 50 cars, a new vehicular entrance from Knocknagin lane, gravel and grass pathways, a water tank, groundwater well and associated water supply.

Donabate Trees Removed For Safety Reasons

The decision by the County Council to remove 60 poplar trees from the Portrane Road in Donabate has been met with concern by some local residents. They fear that they will have no say in what is planted in their place. The tall trees, which were located along the Portrane Road, outside the Community Centre, provided a promenade aspect to that part of the village and residents that this newspaper spoke to said they were particularly attractive. The sight of council workers removing them caused a stir among some residents. Locals, Marais Roux and Hubert Higgins were disappointed to see them taken away, but accepted that they had to go, due to health and safety reasons. Both men were concerned that there would not be a public consultation process, where locals could have an input into replacements for the felled trees. However, a spokesperson for the County Council explained why the trees had to go.

Pictured at the site where up to 60 trees are in the process of being cut down on the Portrane Road in Donabate are Hubert Higgins (Donabate and Portrane Community Council) and resident, Marais Roux. This photo is taken right outside St Michael's House.

More Success For Balbriggan Tidy Towns

Balbriggan Tidy Towns team have had a third successive Saturday of planting. Last week the team were out again, this time planting 300 Pyracantha bushes up against a wall prone to graffiti. It is hoped this famously thorny species will put a stop to this terrible scourge of senseless vandalism. A team of approximately 12 Tidy towns members and local residents worked systematically to plant a hedge that will produce wonderful foliage and glowing red flowers later in the growing season.

Valentine’s Day At Home And Abroad

Last Tuesday, I noticed that love was definitely in the air in Dublin. Valentine’s Day around the North County seems to be a very special day as it’s meant to be spent with your loved ones and uses gifts and cards to show how much you care. As I come from Finland, where Valentine’s Day is translated as ‘Friend’s Day’, this seems a little strange. It’s all very romantic but also so commercial as everything around here is trying to make you buy and pay to make your partner feel special and loved.

“My name is Sanelma Mäkelä I’m a 20 year old student from Finland and have travelled to many different countries including Australia, which I lived in for over a year before coming to Ireland. I’m really enjoying my visit so far and am doing an internship with the North County Leader for the next six weeks.”

Trustees Must Be Fully Trained

Many workers are not clear about how their pensions are working for them, and how they can access information regarding their performance. Likewise, some employers who generally act as Trustees for the company pension scheme may not be aware of the new regulations imposed on them by the Pensions Board. The Pensions Act makes it obligatory now for employers to inform employees about what’s happening in Pension schemes and to provide professional training every two years for the persons acting as Trustees of the pension scheme.

Support Needed For Guide Dogs Charity

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is calling on Dublin North community members to ‘get going for Guide Dogs’ and volunteer in 2012. The national charity is hosting a volunteer information evening at Croke Park Hotel, Drumcondra, this evening, 21st February at 8pm to highlight the many ways volunteers can get involved in support of their work. Irish Guide Dogs is on a national drive to find volunteers willing and able to help.

Tom and Breege O'Neill

Joe Corr from Rush who received a Master of Science in Spatial Planning from Dublin Institute of Technology at the conferring ceremony in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. Pictured with Joe are the Head of the Environment and Planning Department, Conor Skehan (left) and Head of the School of Spatial Planning, Henk Van der Kamp (right).

Local Enterprise Board Still Open For Business

The recent announcement in the Government’s “Action Plan for Jobs 2012” includes a plan to dissolve the County and City Enterprise Boards. This announcement has caused some concern among many clients and affiliated organisations of the local Fingal County Enterprise Board. CEO, Oisin Geoghegan said,” Since the news broke, we have received a large number of enquiries from businesses and entrepreneurs seeking clarification as to how this decision may affect them.” “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to share with you what we know and to assure you of our continued commitment to the provision of the highest level of service. I also wish to confirm that we are open for business.”

Swords Pavilions Is “Road to Poland” Partner

Republic of Ireland manager, Giovanni Trapattoni recently launched the FAI/ County Council, in conjunction with Swords Pavilions grassroots initiative - “The Road to Poland”. This grassroots initiative has been a fantastic success to date with three after school coaching programmes set up in Balbriggan, four more planned for Swords and a unique “Road to Poland” 4v4 tournament play competition. One lucky winner from this competition will be a mascot in the Aviva stadium for the last home friendly, Republic of Ireland v Bosnia before the team sets off for Poland and EURO 2012.

Pictured at the launch of the FAI/County Council, in conjunction with Swords Pavilions grassroots initiative, 'The Road to Poland' are Ian Hunter (Centre Director, Swords Pavilions), Giovanni Trappatoni (Republic of Ireland manager), County Mayor, Gerry McGuire, Marco Tardelli (Republic of Ireland Assistant manager), with Balbriggan girls, Chloe and Honey Gannon.

Swords lady, Catherine Walsh has become the first Irish person to win the UCI Paracycling Track World Championships in the women’s tandem competition over 3 kilometres. She won the Pursuit event in Los Angeles on February 9th last. Catherine, who is partially sighted, won the coveted title with her pilot, Francine (Fran) Meehan from Tullamore. In an exclusive interview with the County Leader, Catherine was overwhelmed by her victory. “I’m really thrilled about the win and it’s only sinking in now,” she said. Catherine won silver two years ago and bronze last year. “I knew we were good, having had podium finishes in the past two years.

World champion Paracyclist, Catherine Walsh proudly displays the world championship gold medal and the bronze she won for the women's tandem sprint.

Malahide Bridge Club Celebrates 25 Years

Malahide Bridge Club celebrated 25 years in existence in their purpose built bridge clubhouse in Broomfield Malahide on Friday, 10th February last. The occasion was celebrated with a champagne reception and, of course, some bridge. All 14 past Presidents were there, as well as current President, Catherine Byrne. Mary Kelly-Rogers, the President of the Irish Bridge Union, opened the celebrations and presided over the prize giving. Successes over the years include the hosting of the All-Ireland pairs championships, the Moylan Cup.

President of Malahide Regional Bridge Club, Catherine Byrne is pictured with Past Presidents and members who gathered at the clubhouse to celebrate the club's 25th anniversary.

Laura Brennan Gala Evening In Malahide

The Laura Brennan Trust held a Gala Dinner in the Grand Hotel Malahide on Saturday 11th February last. Established in memory of Malahide girl Laura Brennan, the Trust financially supports local children suffering with serious and life threatening or life limiting illnesses. The Trust provides funding for therapy, transport costs, overseas consultants visits, medical equipment and day-to-day expenses. Pat and Nuala Brennan met families on the night who are receiving funding, and saw the difference it makes to their lives.

Pictured here are L-R: Denise Alford, Nuala Brennan, Holly Carpenter (Miss Ireland), Pat Brennan and Derek Alford at the recent Laura Brennan Trust Gala Dinner in Malahide.

Clarion Hotel Celebrates St Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebrating all about being Irish. All this fresh air is sure to give you a hunger for the indoors, to carry on the celebration after the parade has passed by. This year, the Clarion Hotel Dublin Airport is introducing a new event. A Family Fun Day will take place at the hotel, where live music will be provided to keep the spirit of the day alive along with kiddies’ entertainment to ensure a fun day is had by all.