blanch informer sept 2010

Blanch InformerSeptember 2010 • Unit 38, Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 9 • Tel: 01 813 8786 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.informer.ie

Blanchardstown • castleknock • carpenterstown • ongar • littlepace • huntstown

20,000 copies delivered monthly

of the Urban Centre Strategy for Castleknock by Fingal County Council.

The delegation highlighted pos-sible conflicts of interest in the drafting of the Urban Centre Strategy and concerns that the resulting strategy was never pre-sented to the public in draft form for their consideration, nor were local councillors permitted to vote on its viability or implementa-tion.

Mr. O'Gorman and CRAG have been asked to supply more details of their concerns surrounding the process followed by the county council.

“Going forward, it is absolutely essential that all references to this flawed Urban Centre Strategy are deleted from the current draft of the Fingal County Development Plan, so that it does not get statu-tory approval through the back door”, he concluded.

Castleknock centre row rumbles on

By Cathy Geagan

The controversy over the development of the Urban Centre Strategy in Castleknock has continued as a local pressure group maintains its cam-paign against the project.

A delegation from the Castleknock Residents Action Group (CRAG) and Green Party representative, Roderic O’Gorman recently met with the Minister for State for Planning, Ciaran Cuffe, to discuss concerns about a large scale development in Castleknock Village.

Despite strong local opposition, February of this year saw An Bord Pleanala overrule the objections of the planning inspector to approve a high density village-centre development in the heart of Castleknock village. Situated behind the old post office on main street, the 2.3 acre site, sometimes referred to as the 'Flower Shop site' in reference to one of the buildings which will be destroyed to make way for the development,

is partly located within an Architectural Conservation Area on Castleknock Road.

The development was opposed by many Castleknock residents for a variety of reasons, ranging from the aesthetic and the histori-cal impact on the village, to the increased traffic, and the potential devaluation of other properties.

ResistanceRoderic O'Gorman says that the

development has: “met with mas-sive resistance from residents of the village, but pushed strongly by Fingal County Council”.

The meeting with the Minister, which was arranged by CRAG, provided an opportunity to high-light irregularities in the creation

what we should do with anglo irish

irish people want aid to keep flowing

michael noonan - page 3 hans Zomer of dóchas - page 3

Brian Ormondinterview

page 14

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28 The Informer

Blanch News By Cathy Geagan

Blanch in Brief...

Enterprise Week to boost local job creationPiCTUReD above at the announcement of Fingal enterprise Week, which takes place in various locations around Fingal from September 27th to October 1st are: (from left to right):

Paddy Lonergan, Bank of ireland; David O' Connor, County Manager, Fingal County Council; Oisin Geoghegan, CeO, Fingal County enterprise Board, Nicola Byrne, Managing Director of 11890 (and enterprise Week guest speaker); Bull Cullen from TV3's 'The Apprentice (and enterprise Week guest speaker); Cllr Ken Farrell, Mayor, Fingal County Council and Joe harford, Chairperson, Fingal County enterprise Board.

Full details of Fingal enterprise Week, which is organised by Fingal County enterprise Board and supported by Fingal County Council, Bank of ireland and Newstalk, are available at www.fingalenter-priseweek.ie.

First Aid Course with St. John Ambulance BrigadeST. JOhN Ambulance has announced a First Aid Course in the Brace Centre (Blanchardstown Youth Centre) on the main street of Blanchardstown Village.

Commencing on Thursday 23rd September, the course will take place every Thursday evening for 7 weeks, from 7.30pm - 9.30 pm, and cost €99 (inclusive of course manual RRP €20). Places are lim-ited so please contact 086-1959951 to reserve your place.

Blanchardstown & Dublin 15 Citizens Information Centre outreach servicesFree Legal Advice Centre: Monday evenings from 7.30pm Immigration Specialist: Once a month a legal advisor is available by appointment. Dates vary from month to month, please call the centre to find out. Free Financial Advice Centre: every 3rd Monday of the monthRefugee Information Service: Wednesday mornings 10am to 12.30.

Garvan Gallagher has just entered his sixth month of a 15 month residency in Draíocht’s artist Studio, and is seeking participants who are retired and up for a bit of adventure for his current project.

Gallagher’s practice is primarily through lens-based mediums, frequently centralising a single figure within a specific environment. His current project is a photographic one with a serious message – the idea of invisibility that retired people commonly talk about.

Gallagher has explored this message in a previous pho-tographic project with people in his home town in Donegal, and believes that city life will prove to be a simi-lar experience for the retiree. “Some felt that since they are over 65 and retired, their status in society had been downgraded as such. Some of them commented on younger people not acknowl-edging them, often looking right past them” he said.

His current project takes its starting point in the fashion-advertising image that promotes a collective fetishisation of youth and beauty,

pointing out that it has been in the interest of advertis-ing to “promote ageing as something ugly and avoida-ble”. With a longer living, healthier older population growing to challenge this, his project will re-create fash-ion shots with older models to answer the question ‘do older people abandon fashion, or does fashion abandon older people?’.

Garvan would like the resulting images to be “a very strong comment on what we as a society perceive to be 'beautiful'”, and extends a call for potential models/participants, adding “please get in touch if you feel like

getting involved. Call into Draíocht and say hi, we'll have a cup of coffee and I'll answer any questions you have. Bring your friends and get them all involved. The more the merrier!”

draíocht artist in residence seeks your engagement!

Raheny Informerraheny • clontarf • dollymount • artane • killester • kilBarrack • edenmore


September 2010 • Unit 38, Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 9 • Tel: 01 813 8786 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.informer.ie

sity and mitigating the effects of climate change”.

The report sets out how ireland’s green infrastructure can be mapped so planners become aware of natu-ral drainage and wetlands systems that can complement built develop-ments.

it contains a national framework map and focussed on case studies, including an urban, peri-urban and rural case study covering northeast Dublin city and the Broadmeadow, in Fingal.

Radical moves to protect green spaces urged

CRiTiCiSM of the government’s planning for green spaces, habitat pro-tection and biodiversity has been highlighted in the latest report from Comhar, the Sustainable Development Council, launched in Clontarf recently.

The report, Creating Green infrastructure for ireland, said tools such as 'strategic environment assessments' and 'environmental impact assessments' were “essen-tially reactive measures”, advising a more proactive approach to be pursued by the ruling parties.

Launching the report, the report’s editor, Dr Cathy Maguire, said the choice facing planners in that vul-nerable area was to opt for a major engineered solution to climate change and the problems of flood-ing, or to plan for a network of parks which would provide for biodiversity, cultural and recrea-tional space and flood plains. She said proactive planning was about recognising the value of such areas in plans.

Dr Maguire, the council’s direc-tor of research advsies that a policy of providing for “green infrastruc-ture”, whether it be a network of parks, or a series of recreational

areas such as woodlands or football pitches, was essential.

She said green infrastructure was “about quality of life issues, about space for cultural, recreational and quality of life activities, which could coexist with nurturing of ecosystems, protection of biodiver-

By paul cantwell





page 14


local gui official is rememberedGErrY O’BrIEn, who worked tirelessly for amateur golf in Ireland, has died after a short illness. He was 82.

a one-time intercounty Gaelic footballer with Dublin, an achievement of which he was tremendously proud, O’Brien’s most significant contribution to sport came as an administrator in his time with the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI).

O’Brien – who served as cap-

tain and twice as president of Clontarf Golf Club – first got involved with the Leinster Branch in the 1970s.

He graduated to the top office in the oldest governing body in world golf in 1987, when he succeeded Connacht’s Michael Hennelly.

O’Brien was honoured with the distinguished services to golf award by the Irish Golf Writers’ association in 2006.





28 The Informer

Raheny News

have you got news for us?

Have you got a local news story you would like covered? Email the newsdesk:

[email protected]

raheny in Brief...Haughey welcomes Stardust site decisionLOCAL TD Seán haughey, has welcomed the decision by An Bord Pleanála to refuse planning permission for a change of use from a snooker hall to a private members’ club, at Butterly Business Park, in Artane.

The application was made for the site where the Stardust Fire took place in February 1981 in which 48 people tragically lost their lives.

The deputy made the point that sensitivity has correctly been exer-cised in the refusing the planning for this development reflecting local residents’ feeling on the mat-ter.

“i am of the view that the sensitive nature of the site should be respected at all times and that the proposed change of use was entirely inappropriate. The reason for the refusal was that the application was neither for a permissible use nor for a use open to consideration under the 2005-2011 Dublin City Development Plan. Local residents will welcome the Bord Pleanála decision to refuse permission for the pri-vate members’ club”.

“There is also a later, second planning application with Dublin City Council for a large-scale, mixed-use development also at Butterly Business Park, and including Maxol Petrol Station and Artane Tyre Company, on the Kilmore Road, Dublin 5. A planning decision is awaited in respect of this application which includes a proposal for 9 buildings ranging in height from two to six storeys, one of which is a hotel”.

By Paul Cantwell

DePUTY Finian McGrath has come out strongly in favour of the victims and staff at the 'Players Lounge Pub' in Fairview following the recent hor-rific shootings.

Deputy McGrath visited the pub recently and expressed his support to the management and staff, commend-ing their bravery following the attack.

he also expressed his support to the three wounded people and their families. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them" said McGrath

Deputy McGrath also urged Northsiders to drop into the pub for a drink as 42 jobs could be at stake here, further commending the loyalty of the pub supporters for going in after the recent Dublin-Cork match to show that people will not be bullied.

The independent TD also said that he will be raising this matter and the murder of John O'Neill from Coolock with the Minister in the Dail in September, adding "We all have a civic duty to stand by the victims of these terrible crimes.”

McGrath urges support for venue of recent attack

grant for improvement at st. michael’s house, rahenya GranT for St. Michael’s House in raheny has been approved by the Department of Education and Skills and has been welcomed by local TD Sean Haughey.

“This is good news and will allow for the replacement of floor covering which will be greatly welcomed by everyone associated with the school”, commented the Minister for Lifelong Learning.

Since 1955, St. Michael’s House has been at the leading edge of provision and development of community-based services for people with an intellectual disability in Ireland.

St Michael’s House currently provides a range of services to 1,585 children and adults with an intellectual disability in over 160 centres in the Greater Dublin area.

Santry Informersantry • kilmore • Beaumont • whitehall • griffith avenue



Shannon in Aer Lingus livery. While Aer Lingus is keen to keep these routes flying, it is not pre-pared to invest in Aer Arann.

however, its five public service obligation (PSO) routes, which are subsidised by the Government, are not thought to be profitable when taken together. This is in spite of a €13 million subvention from the exchequer. The contracts for the PSO routes are due to expire in July 2011.

it is understood that the interim examiner – Grant Thornton’s Michael McAteer – is keen to con-clude the examinership speedily.

With the peak summer season now passed, cash flow at Aer Arann is tight and the airline is operating off a €1 million overdraft facility provided by AiB.

Aer Arann operates a fleet of 13 aircraft and employs approximately 320 staff.

Seven groups show interest in Aer ArannAeR Arann, the Santry-based domestic regional airline, is set to be sold as seven groups have expressed an interest in the company, currently under examinership.

each group has received an information memorandum relating to the sale of the troubled loss-making airline.

informed sources said an invest-ment of €5-10 million is likely to be sought from any new owner. This will comprise additional working capital for the business and funds to repay some creditor debts.

A lot will be depend on the hair-cut that can be agreed with credi-tors, who are believed to be owed about €10 million on a going con-cern basis.

it is understood that Aer Arann owner Pádraig Ó Céidigh will be one of those parties in receipt of the sale memorandum.

Mr Ó’Céidigh is believed to be seeking to put together a consorti-um to take control of the business, which has lost €18 million since

the start of 2008.The seven groups comprise air-

lines and private equity. it is under-stood that fellow irish airlines Aer Lingus, Ryanair and CityJet have not expressed an interest in invest-ing in Aer Arann.

Aer Arann’s biggest creditors include the Revenue Commissioners, who are owed €1.6 million, and the Dublin Airport Authority, which is owed just under €2 million.

Aer Arann last reported a profit in 2007, when the surplus was just under €4 million.

it is understood that the airline’s regional service on behalf of Aer Lingus is profitable. This compris-es five aircraft operating routes to Britain from Dublin, Cork and

By paul cantwell





page 14






28 The Informer

Santry News

Dance studio steps out on the Northside exOTiC Arabic moves and Latin rhythms will come to the Northside in September as the National Dance Academy (NDA) is set to launch its largest studio in Dublin.

The NDA’s first studio outside the city centre will provide dance lovers with the most varied selection of dance courses in the northside suburbs.

Aspiring dancers will be put through their paces by the best teachers in ireland, led by Dr Rumba, the dance guru who popularized salsa in ireland. “Dance has exploded in popularity in recent years as shown by the popularity of the many dance-based movies and reality TV shows,” comments Dr. Rumba.

The NDA’s newly-fitted out studio on Richmond Road in Fairview will include state of the art facilities including showers, changing rooms and a massive dance studio lined with mirrored walls. The range of dances to be taught to children, adults and older people at the new studio will include ballet, hip hop, salsa, swing, aerobics, belly and many others.

“it’s easy to see why: there are so many different dances to try, but they’re all good whatever your age. People have fun, get fit and make lots of new friends.”

As a special offer to mark the launch, a 10% discount applies for classes booked on the opening day - Monday the 6th of September from 12 noon to 7pm, by phone or in person.

Contact Kelly Anne Mooney 0818 333 666 or 087 2024573. email [email protected] or see nationaldanceacademy.ie

santry in Brief...


page 14


By Paul Cantwell

The inaugural enterprise Week in Fingal takes place later this month as demand for information and advice to new and existing businesses has prompted organis-ers to expand to a five day event for the first time.

Serial irish entrepreneurs including Bill Cullen, Sean Gallagher and Nicola Byrne are amongst those taking part in Fingal enterprise Week, which had been run as a single day event for the last four years.

Fingal enterprise Week runs from Monday, September 27th to Friday, October 1st with seminars, workshops and clinics throughout the region, boasting an impressive schedule. Some of the week’s events has attracted luminaries from the worlds of broadcast-ing and business including 'The Business Panel Q&A' with John Bowman; 'Finance and Funding' seminar

with RTe's personal finance correspondent, George Lee; 'New Opportunities - innovation and Green Business' featuring speakers from Sustainable energy Authority of ireland and the ecology Foundation; 'e-Business ireland' seminar with representatives of Cisco, Realex Payments and the irish internet Association, concluding on the final day with SMe Case Studies and the Fingal enterprise Awards.

Oisin Geoghegan, CeO of the Fingal enterprise Board, says demand for enterprise advice in the midst of the economic downturn is brisk.

"every County and City enterprise Board has reported an explosion in the demand for information and advice around setting up a new business. Added to this, is the strong demand for business support

services from companies affected by the current eco-nomic environment. in Fingal, the number of people seeking our assistance over the past two years has doubled,” said Geoghegan.

"it's vital that people know what supports are avail-able to them from funding to mentoring to training. Thanks to the support of Fingal County Council, Bank of ireland and Newstalk, we are able to host a very exciting series of events in this inaugural Fingal enterprise Week and we anticipate strong demand for places at all events."

Bill Cullen, star of The Apprentice TV series and founder of the europa Academy in Swords, one of the locations for some Fingal enterprise Week events says: "There are still plenty of business opportunities

out there, but you have to go out and find them.”"My advice to small business owners and new start-

ups is to open up your own window of opportunity, roll up your sleeves and prepare for the tough road ahead. There are state agencies out there, such as the Fingal enterprise Board, who can help prepare you for that road," he added.

Mentoring clinics, networking sessions and infor-mation seminars also feature heavily in the line-up and organisers expect to attract over 2,000 people to Fingal enterprise Week. The full schedule of events, which is supported by Fingal County Council, Bank of ireland and Newstalk is available at www.finga-lenterpriseweek.ie; organisers advise early booking as all events are free of charge.

Budding entrepreneurs gear up for Fingal Enterprise week

have you got news for [email protected]

Swords InformerSeptember 2010 • Unit 38, Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 9 • Tel: 01 813 8786 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.informer.ie

swords • malahide






page 14


Shannon in Aer Lingus livery. While Aer Lingus is keen to keep these routes flying, it is not pre-pared to invest in Aer Arann.

however, its five public service obligation (PSO) routes, which are subsidised by the Government, are not thought to be profitable when taken together. This is in spite of a €13 million subvention from the exchequer. The contracts for the PSO routes are due to expire in July 2011.

it is understood that the interim examiner – Grant Thornton’s Michael McAteer – is keen to con-clude the examinership speedily.

With the peak summer season now passed, cash flow at Aer Arann is tight and the airline is operating off a €1 million overdraft facility provided by AiB.

Aer Arann operates a fleet of 13 aircraft and employs approximately 320 staff.

Seven groups show interest in Aer ArannAeR Arann, the Santry-based domestic regional airline, is set to be sold as seven groups have expressed an interest in the company, currently under examinership.

each group has received an information memorandum relating to the sale of the troubled loss-making airline.

informed sources said an invest-ment of €5-10 million is likely to be sought from any new owner. This will comprise additional working capital for the business and funds to repay some creditor debts.

A lot will be depend on the hair-cut that can be agreed with credi-tors, who are believed to be owed about €10 million on a going con-cern basis.

it is understood that Aer Arann owner Pádraig Ó Céidigh will be one of those parties in receipt of the sale memorandum.

Mr Ó’Céidigh is believed to be seeking to put together a consorti-um to take control of the business, which has lost €18 million since

the start of 2008.The seven groups comprise air-

lines and private equity. it is under-stood that fellow irish airlines Aer Lingus, Ryanair and CityJet have not expressed an interest in invest-ing in Aer Arann.

Aer Arann’s biggest creditors include the Revenue Commissioners, who are owed €1.6 million, and the Dublin Airport Authority, which is owed just under €2 million.

Aer Arann last reported a profit in 2007, when the surplus was just under €4 million.

it is understood that the airline’s regional service on behalf of Aer Lingus is profitable. This compris-es five aircraft operating routes to Britain from Dublin, Cork and

By paul cantwell





28 The Informer

Swords News

have you got news for [email protected]

swords in Brief...Gardai break up attempted robbery in SwordsA RAiDeR who held up staff at a Swords off-licence was caught by gardai following a tip-off from a passer-by last month.

The passer-by smashed the front window of the raider’s car and promptly tipped off the gardai. The raider, claiming to be armed with a knife, burst into the Unwind off-licence store at North Street in Swords, forcing staff on the premises to hand over €200 in cash.

As he jumped into his parked car, he was tackled by a passer-by, who had spotted him running out of the store. Local uniformed gardai and members of the divisional task force from Santry pursued the rob-ber, stopping the getaway car in the north Dublin village. Gardai recovered the stolen money and detained a suspect for questioning.

Swords council chamber praised by architect iN a recent review of architecture in the capital, Dublin architect Ali Grehan found time to praise Fingal County Council’s offices in Swords, and particularly the council chamber.

“i experienced the room again when Fingal held its World Design Capital workshop there,” she says, “and was struck by how, all other things being equal – we had brilliant sessions in Tallaght and Dún Laoghaire – this workshop seemed to be the most relaxed. This view was shared by other people who attended all three sessions.”

Grehan says that to achieve full relaxation in any room, the room should be round and full of light.


page 14


The inaugural enterprise Week in Fingal takes place later this month as demand for information and advice to new and existing businesses has prompted organis-ers to expand to a five day event for the first time.

Serial irish entrepreneurs including Bill Cullen, Sean Gallagher and Nicola Byrne are amongst those taking part in Fingal enterprise Week, which had been run as a single day event for the last four years.

Fingal enterprise Week runs from Monday, September 27th to Friday, October 1st with seminars, workshops and clinics throughout the region, boasting an impressive schedule. Some of the week’s events has attracted luminaries from the worlds of broadcast-ing and business including 'The Business Panel Q&A' with John Bowman; 'Finance and Funding' seminar

with RTe's personal finance correspondent, George Lee; 'New Opportunities - innovation and Green Business' featuring speakers from Sustainable energy Authority of ireland and the ecology Foundation; 'e-Business ireland' seminar with representatives of Cisco, Realex Payments and the irish internet Association, concluding on the final day with SMe Case Studies and the Fingal enterprise Awards.

Oisin Geoghegan, CeO of the Fingal enterprise Board, says demand for enterprise advice in the midst of the economic downturn is brisk.

"every County and City enterprise Board has reported an explosion in the demand for information and advice around setting up a new business. Added to this, is the strong demand for business support

services from companies affected by the current eco-nomic environment. in Fingal, the number of people seeking our assistance over the past two years has doubled,” said Geoghegan.

"it's vital that people know what supports are avail-able to them from funding to mentoring to training. Thanks to the support of Fingal County Council, Bank of ireland and Newstalk, we are able to host a very exciting series of events in this inaugural Fingal enterprise Week and we anticipate strong demand for places at all events."

Bill Cullen, star of The Apprentice TV series and founder of the europa Academy in Swords, one of the locations for some Fingal enterprise Week events says: "There are still plenty of business opportunities

out there, but you have to go out and find them.”"My advice to small business owners and new start-

ups is to open up your own window of opportunity, roll up your sleeves and prepare for the tough road ahead. There are state agencies out there, such as the Fingal enterprise Board, who can help prepare you for that road," he added.

Mentoring clinics, networking sessions and infor-mation seminars also feature heavily in the line-up and organisers expect to attract over 2,000 people to Fingal enterprise Week. The full schedule of events, which is supported by Fingal County Council, Bank of ireland and Newstalk is available at www.finga-lenterpriseweek.ie; organisers advise early booking as all events are free of charge.

Budding entrepreneurs gear up for Fingal Enterprise weekBy Paul Cantwell

Lucan InformerSeptember 2010 • Unit 38, Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 9 • Tel: 01 813 8786 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.informer.ie

lucan and palmerstown


Despite a wait of several years, development of the new site for Gaelscoil eiscir Riada is yet to become a reality, while the stu-dent's of St. Andrews continue to endure over-crowded pre-fabs as the school struggles to cope with huge demand from the locality.

Some progress has been made on the provision of another sec-ondary school for Lucan, but one additional school is not enough to address the scale of the placement crisis.

Frances Fitzgerald remains “deeply concerned that the Government will drag the process out as long as they can to delay incurring costs”, noting the gov-ernment's recent decision to cut the Capital Spend Budget by €1billion.

Without a concrete timeline for this new school 'going live', it is not clear how long Lucan's young population will have to wait to feel real progress has been made, she said.

Lucan students left out in school places crisis

By Cathy Geagan

LUCAN students and pupils are being forced to commute out of the area as the severe shortage in local school places continues.

This September, the school places crisis in Lucan is once again all too evident. Many young Lucan citizens will once again have to add additional commuting to schools in other areas, and/or substandard classrooms in the form of deteriorating prefabs to the stresses incurred at this chal-lenging transition in their educa-tion – a situation which often results in additional expenditure for their families.

Local Senator Frances Fitzgerald has lashed out at the Government for its failure to deliver for the people of Lucan, stating that there is: “a real school places crisis in Lucan. Parents from right across Lucan have been in touch with me over the failure of this Government to deliver adequate local resources for their children. A child living in Cannonbrook, for example, may be faced with the situation where

they will quite literally have to walk past the school gates of their nearest Second Level School and take a bus to a different parish”.

Despite the tripling of the Lucan population in the past ten years, an increase in school places in the region as yet to follow. With fur-ther development planned for the Lucan area, most notably in the controversial proposed Griffeen high rise, the CSO confirmed need for a number of additional schools has never been more apparent.

n Senator Frances Fitzgerald





page 14






28 The Informer

Lucan News By Cathy Geagan

lucan in Brief...Celebrate 10 Years of Lucan Disability Action GroupTO celebrate ten years of the excellent service provided by the Lucan Disability Action Group, a dinner and dance event will take place on October 16th at the Lucan Spa hotel.

For a great night out, come along and enjoy a three course meal, a trivia competition, live band and music to dance the night away to – with tickets costing just €25, this is a recession busting deal as well as a wonderful anniversary celebration!

LDAG are a wonderful local resource (with free membership) pro-viding:• An affordable and accessible transport service for people with disa-

bilities 7 days a week• Self drive cars to be driven by wheelchair users or their families• Maintenance help– light DIY help around the home• Personal Assistants and Note-takers for students in third level edu-

cation. Contact on 01 610-047, by email at [email protected], or visit their

website www.ldag.ie.

Lucan Active RetirementThe Lucan Active Retirement Club, fresh back from their summer break, meet in St. Andrew’s Parish Centre, Lucan village, every Thursday from 11.30am to 2.30pm. New members always welcome (male and female).

Masterpieces on show at St Mary'sA LOOK at the wonder, context and creators of some of the Western World's greatest art works. At 8pm in St. Mary's Parish Centre, on the last Thursday of each month, starting on Thursday 30th Sept 2010.

Lucan Meals on Wheels - Drivers WantediF you can spare 2 – 3 hours every 2nd week to deliver lunches, please contact the group on 085-1548264.

AA MeetingsSt. Mary’s Parish Centre, Lucan Road, Friday Nights 8.30pm. For further information contact 01-8420700, or email [email protected]

a date for the diary – lucan festival 2010THIS year's Lucan Festival is set to be bigger and better than ever, with a wide range of activities to suit all ages and all interests from Saturday September 18th right through to Sunday September 26th.

The majority of events are free, while sup-port for paid events would be greatly appre-ciated to ensure that the festival continues to go from strength to strength.

Music lovers are in for a treat over the week, with a fundraising ceili night in Westmanstown Sports Complex at 8pm on the 18th kicking off the festival. a Battle of the Bands event on the 20th, a perform-ance by Lucan Electro-acoustic Orchestra at

Sarsfield Gaa on the 25th, and gig marquee on main street with a wide variety of acts on the 26th are just some of the musical events on offer, with choral performances and recitals also taking place.

There will be an on-going exhibition by local artists at Festival Gallery in the Douglas newman Good building on main street throughout the week, and a wide variety of talks and walks of historical interest.

Culture vultures

Culture vultures can also look forward to poetry recitals, an evening of storytelling, and performances by the Lucan Dramatic

Society throughout the week.The Cinemobile will show feel-good

favourites such as 'Mamma Mia!' and ' The Commitments', while the Junior Treasure Hunt, the Family Day on the 26th, and the return of last year's hit Wildlife and reptile Zoo in the village green are sure to keep younger festival goers entertained.

Expanding

The programme of events has been con-sistently expanding in the run up to the festival, check out the timetable of con-firmed events and times here: http://lucan-festival.wordpress.com/



[email protected]


page 14


Dundrum InformerSeptember 2010 • Unit 38, Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 9 • Tel: 01 813 8786 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.informer.ie

dundrum • marley • clonskeagh • windy arBour • goatstown






page 14


able to the parents and children of the Sandyford/Ballinteer area.

"We look forward to hearing the Department of education' plans for the growing population of this area and are hopeful that the demand we are seeing will be addressed."

A pre-enrolment list will be opened at 9.30am on Saturday 25th September in Dundrum Methodist Church. Parents and guardians in Sandyford/Ballinteer or the sur-rounding areas can register their child's name to attend the educate Together national school, if the application is granted by the Department of education.

Campaign begins for Educate Together schooliN recent weeks the seeds of a campaign in the Sandyford/Ballinteer area have been sown in the hope of opening a multi-denominational, co-edu-cational school for the South Dublin community.

A high level of interest from parents and guardians of children from Sandyford and Ballinteer has led to the establishment of a South Dublin educate Together Start-up Group with the hope that it will lead to development of the educate Together School.

Mr Martin O'Flaherty, from the South Dublin educate Together Start-up Group said: "We set up a group in the area to meet demand from local parents and guardians, who believe they have a right to choose the type of education they would like for their child.

"So far, the feedback from par-ents has been fantastic and interest in this type of education is steadily growing. We are now working with educate Together to develop a plan to open an educate Together school in the general Sandyford/Ballinteer area and would invite anyone with an interest to attend our pre-enrol-ment event or contact us by visiting

our website at www.southdublinet.com/"

Mr Jarlath Munnelly, the educate Together Regional Development Officer said of the proposed new school for the Sandyford/ Ballinteer area: "We have seen a consistently high level of demand for educate Together schools in South Dublin so we welcome the campaign to make this type of education avail-

By graham connors





28 The Informer

Dundrum News

dundrum in Brief...Poor signage complaintsiN recent weeks Dun Laoghiare Rathdown County Council has con-firmed that it has received numerous complaints from motorists regarding poor road signage on the Drummartin Link Road in Sandyford.

The complaints have arisen from several motorists receiving fines for speeding in an area where the complainants claim that there is no signage at all.

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council are actively investigating the complaints as well as the signage requirements for the area but have also urged all motorists to slow down, especially in urban areas.

New traffic lights for Glencullen VillageThe decision of the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to install traffic lights at the Glencullen Crossroads has been met with widespread approval.

Fine Gael Councillor for the area Neale Richmond said that this move “is excellent news for locals in the area and one that has been of major concern for a long time now.”

Dun Laoghiare Rathdown County Council recognised that, despite the numerous attempts to make the junction safer for motorists, which included increased signage and road marking, none of these measures ultimately proved successful.

With several blind corners, created by the existing buildings around the junction, it became clear that the only option left open to road planners was that of a signalised junction to control the flow of traf-fic.

Cllr Richmond was able to confirm that funding has been secured for this project and a Civil Contractor is scheduled to start work next week. With an application lodged with the eSB for power supply, it is hoped the new traffic lights will be operational within two months.


page 14


AFTeR a season of mixed fortunes for the ladies of Dalkey hockey Club the upcoming season is off to a great start. The Dalkey ladies have secured the services of four excellent coaches, with one Stephen McGrath, specialising in goalie coaching.

This compares to a less auspi-cious start to the 2009 season when great difficulties were encountered in coach recruitment. The club muddled through somehow until the current coaches, Simon Filgas, Nikki Matthews and Martin

Cuppage joined early in 2010. The impact of the new coach

recruits was not just seen on the pitch when the 2nd's team made it to the Cup Final but it was the encouragement and support of the coaches that spurred the Club into serious self reflection. Dalkey hockey Club has a clear vision for its future growth.

At a Junior hockey level, DhC has joined forces with Gillian O'Shea and Guy Barrett to encour-age the development of younger hockey players. Gillian, with the

Bright Future for Dalkey Hockeyassistance of members of DhC

will coach youngsters aged 8 to 11 on Sunday mornings at Loreto Abbey Dalkey from 11am until 1pm starting in September. Further details at dalkeyhc.com.

The Senior section recommenced training in August at Rathdown School. All new members will be made welcome! While the club currently trains at Rathdown School, home matches are played on the pitch at Loreto Abbey School overlooking Dublin Bay.

So why not come along and join

Dalkey hockey Club? While many of the members are past pupils of local schools Dalkey hockey Club has taken in the odd culchie, (thanks girls!). The standard of hockey is not intimidatingly high but it's on the rise and after a gruel-ling match on a Saturday after-noon, Queen's of Dalkey usually welcome us in for a drink.

Dalkey hockey Club has great plans for the future and now it's the perfect time to jump aboard wheth-er that's as a player or a sponsor. Check us out at DalkeyhC.com

email us: [email protected]

Laoghaire InformerDún


dún laoghaire • dalkey • killiney • monkstown • Blackrock











By graham connors





page 14






28 The Informer

Dún Laoghaire News


dún laoghaire in Brief...Poor signage complaintsiN recent weeks Dun Laoghiare Rathdown County Council has con-firmed that it has received numerous complaints from motorists regarding poor road signage on the Drummartin Link Road in Sandyford.

The complaints have arisen from several motorists receiving fines for speeding in an area where the complainants claim that there is no signage at all.

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council are actively investigating the complaints as well as the signage requirements for the area but have also urged all motorists to slow down, especially in urban areas.



Dun Laoghiare Rathdown County Council recognised that, despite the numerous attempts to make the junction safer for motorists, which included increased signage and road marking, none of these measures ultimately proved successful.

With several blind corners, created by the existing buildings around the junction, it became clear that the only option left open to road planners was that of a signalised junction to control the flow of traf-fic.







Bright Future for Dalkey Hockeyassistance of members of DhC will coach youngsters aged 8 to 11 on Sunday mornings at Loreto Abbey Dalkey from 11am until 1pm starting in September. Further details at dalkeyhc.com.






page 14


Rathfarnham InformerSeptember 2010 • Unit 38, Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 9 • Tel: 01 813 8786 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.informer.ie

rathfarnham • nutgrove • churchtown • BallyBoden • knocklyon • edmonstown


Pearse’s own handwriting and a letter written by Sir Roger Casement in Peru in 1911 in which he recalls a visit to St. enda’s. Other items on display include an authentic St. enda’s school kilt, the school roll book.

The exhibition is open every day from 9.30am to 5.30pm. it runs until 30 November and admission is free.

For further information contact Brian Crowley on 01-4934208/[email protected].

Exhibition to mark centenary of St Enda'sA CeReMONY is taking place at the Pearse Museum, St. enda’s Park this month to mark the opening by Patrick Pearse of his school here one hundred years ago.

Martin Mansergh T.D., Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works and the Arts formally welcomed visi-tors at the launch of the exhibition in early September.

he introduced the special guest speaker, Éanna De Búrca. Mr. De Búrca is the son of Frank Burke who was a former pupil of Pearse, a veteran of the 1916 Rising and the last headmaster of the school.

Local Fine Gael Councillor, Cait Keane, who works closely with the arts and culture side of a new com-mittee in Ballyroan, welcomed this celebration of local heritage at Pearse house.

“Any exhibition like this that is open to the community and that brings the community into a place like that is very welcome.”

The exhibition coincides with the centenary of the moving of St.

enda’s, Patrick Pearse radical and innovative school, to the house in Rathfarnham, which now contains the Pearse Museum. The school, which was founded two years ear-lier, aimed to provide education through the irish language.

Situated at the foot of the Dublin Mountains, the new premises came with nearly fifty acres of parkland which Pearse felt would inspire his students.

The exhibition looks at the history of the school from 1908 to 1935 and will include items never previously exhibited to the public such as a school timetable in

By Anne Sharkey





page 14






28 The Informer

Rathfarnham News By Anne Sharkey

gaa president opens rathfarnham facilityPrESIDEnT of the Gaa, Christy Cooney came to rathfarnham for the official open-ing of Ballyboden St Enda’s Gaa Gaelic Club grounds and training facilities at the Sancta Maria college in august.

General club manager, noel Sheridan, told the Informer about some of the pre-cautions which had to be taken when the new facilities were being installed.

“There are a number of preserved build-ings onsite which meant there were strict guidelines as to what we could do and how we could do it. We conformed with the preservation order.”

There are two new all weather pitches. One full sized Gaa pitch and a hockey

pitch, both of which are floodlit. There are also six new dressing rooms added to the facility. The pitch itself has been under development since 2002.

The ceremony itself went well according to the club manager. “a huge crowd turned out for it on the day and there were games for everyone. It went very well and we were lucky with the weather.”

also present on the day were the presi-dent of the ladies camogie association, Joan O Flynn; the Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Eamonn Maloney, as well as different people who have been involved with Ballyboden St Enda's Gaa club over the years.

rathfarnham in Brief...Ascension premiere in St Enda'shORSLiPS founder and drummer eamon Carr is launching a new project in September at the Pearse Museum, St. enda's Park, Rathfarnham with musician and composer Daniel Figgis.

entitled Ascension, the show will receive its world premiere at what has become a venue for which Figgis is now Artist-in-Residence. it features a live musical score and pre-recorded sound installation, along with a five-poem cycle written and narrated by Carr.

There will be two performances of Ascension at the Pearse Museum on Friday September 17, at 7.30 pm and 8.15 pm.

Calling all bookwormsThe Bookworms Book club at Ballyroan library will resume this month on Monday the 13th at 3:30pm.

The club is aimed at members aged between nine and twelve years old. For further information on how to become a member, contact the library on 01 4941900.

Move over Tubridy!RADiO 1 presenter and former echo journalist John Murray from Rathfarnham will present The John Murray Show in the 9 to 10am slot on RTe Radio 1, which was vacated recently by Ryan Tubridy.

having recently finished up with Morning ireland and The Business, he will now focus on broader life-style and entertainment items in the new slot.

John, who began his career in journalism with the The echo in 1983, has enjoyed a long and successful media career from working in the then Cork examiner and Cork's 98FM.

Good results at Santa MariaOUTGOiNG principal at Sancta Maria College, Denise Burns spoke of her delight with this years Leaving Certificate results. “We’re happy with the results. The highest result achieved was 580 points. Students applied for a wide range of courses from engineering to media.”

Despite a points increase in degree courses this year, the overall majority of students at Sancta Maria College were accepted into their chosen courses.

September also marks the 50th year since the school opened as a secondary school. A ceremony will be held to mark the Jubilee on the 16th September and President Mary McAleese will visit the school for the occasion.

Christy Cooney on a previous happy occasion for St Endas. James McGrath, Captain after receiving the Feile cup from Christy Cooney, Úachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. Pic from Ballyboden St Enda's website


Rathmines InformerSeptember 2010 • Unit 38, Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 9 • Tel: 01 813 8786 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.informer.ie

rathmines • ranelagh • rathgar • terenure


l Cllr Eoghan Murphy

long for the pool to re-open it’s doors to the public.

“it’s been a very long and diffi-cult wait for local residents and schools in the absence of Rathmines Swimming Pool. Their patience has been remarkable.

"The council has done a lot of good work and despite the delays that we have encountered, now that the pool is open, residents and locals are going to see the massive benefits resultant from the amount of work that has gone into the facil-ity.

"The pool itself is fantastic. There is also the gym and courts as well as an added perimeter we didn’t have before. it’s great to finally have it re-open and i think we’re going to benefit massively from it in the community."

Opening hours are Monday to Friday 7am to 10pm and Saturday & Sunday 10am to 6pm. For more information contact reception on 01 4967908 or 01 4967909.

Rathmines swimming pool reopens at last

RAThMiNeS swimming pool opened it’s doors to local school children this week for the first time in almost three years.

however, the facility will not be open to the public until the 27th of September following the comple-tion of the rest of the leisure cen-tre.

“We opened this week for the schools,” says Manager of Swan Leisure, Clodagh Kilmurray. “ We had promised we would open for them because it has been closed for so long so we will cater for schools this week and next.”

Situated in Rathmines Square, Lower Rathmines Road, the new public leisure centre is operated by Dublin City Sports and Leisure Services Ltd on behalf of Dublin City Council for the community of Rathmines and the surrounding area.

”everything is going really well. everyone is delighted to finally get into the pool. We have gotten really good feedback so far.”

The new facility consists of a

25m Swimming Pool, a gym, 2 Fitness studios and a Sports hall.

“The main launch will take place in December since the Christmas tree lights are being turned just outside the leisure centre in the square. We’re going to try to tie in the launch with the turning on of the christmas tree lights.”

Local Fine Gael Councillor, eoghan Murphy recognises the long wait that the community have had to endure and is confident that residents will see why it took so

By Anne Sharkey





page 14




28 The Informer

Rathmines News By Anne Sharkey

students still heading for rathminesDeSPiTe boys being outper-formed by girls in the Leaving Certificate exams, the highest overall result was achieved by a pupil of Gonzaga college in Ranelagh.

“i am thrilled for the group in general,” said principal of the school, Kevin Whirdy. “They did very well.”

He's A1Speaking of Killian Donovan,

who achieved nine A1s this year, Mr Whirdy described the pupil as a well rounded character. “Killian

is a terrific young man. he is a very well rounded individual who was elected by staff to position of head boy. his fellow pupils are also delighted for him.”

Meanwhile, the hunt is on for

accommodation within reach of colleges in Dublin. As ever, Rathmines is an ideal location for most and demand is high for rent-ing in the area.

Demand holding up“Demand is not bad this year. i

have two places that have just come up in Rathmines and i have been getting calls as i was doing them up. i’m sure i will have them rented out soon,” says Noel, one landlord in Rathmines.

“The Rathmines area is a high demand area. My own accommo-

dation is mostly in the centre of Rathmines. You will always be able to move things along here once you run a good house. however, since October 2008, i have gone down 25% in rent.”

Falling rentsRecent reports have found that

typical rent rates have fallen by up to €4,000 in the last three years. According to Daft.ie, a student renting a two-bedroom property could expect to save between €1,500 and €4,000 during the academic year compared to 2007.

rathmines in Brief...Table quiz at ToastCOiNCiDiNG with the return of the student population to Rathmines, late bar Toast will be hosting a weekly table quiz every Thursday night from 8.30pm until 11.30pm.

Toast is located in the heart of Rathmines, just opposite the library. With no charge for participants, this regular fixture promises a fun night with drinks for quiz winners followed by a live in-house DJ.

Classical concert live on screen at the SwanSWAN cinemas in Rathmines will host a live hD transmission on Saturday September 18th live from KKL Lucerne Concert hall Lucerne Switzerland.

The performance, by the renowned Gustavo Dudamel and The Vienna Philharmonic, will commence at 5.30pm and will mark the conclusion of this years Lucerne Festival 2010.

Volunteers needed for the Ranelagh Arts FestivalRANeLAGh Arts Festival ’10, which takes place from the 24th September until the 3rd October is on the look out for festival volun-teers in the weeks before and during the festival.

The annual event, now in it’s fifth year, has a programme featuring local artists and musicians, performances by children from the area, poetry, plays and film, as well as contributions from internationally recognised artists.

if you would like to help, please contact them at 087 7437212 or by e-mail at [email protected]

Alternative health centre open dayAN Open Day for the new Appletree health and Wellness centre will take place on Sunday Sept 26th, 12 noon - 4pm in Ranelagh Village.

The alternative health centre offers coaching in body confidence, reflexology and reiki treatment, as well as yoga sessions among other services.

For more information contact Maeve halpin on 087 2877837 or visit www.appletreehealthandwellness.com



[email protected]

Sandyford InformerSeptember 2010 • Unit 38, Northwood Court, Santry, Dublin 9 • Tel: 01 813 8786 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.informer.ie

sandyford • leopardstown • stillorgan • stepaside • foxrock











By graham connors





page 14






Sandyford NewsThe Informer 28

sandyford in Brief...Sandyford commuters' travel time reducedWith the final stretch of the M50 upgrade now completed, at a cost of €1bn, it is hoped that the days of bumper-to-bumper congestion are over. indeed it is hoped that those using the M50 for their daily com-mute to work will notice significantly reduced travel times.

With works only completed this month, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has said that the M50's transformation from a two-lane, heavily congested road with toll barriers and signalled interchanges into a modern free-flowing motorway had cut journey times by up to 50pc.

Four years after the work on the M50 project began, it has been claimed that the works were completed ahead of schedule and on budget.



Dun Laoghiare Rathdown County Council recognised that, despite the numerous attempts to make the junction safer for motorists, which included increased signage and road marking, none of these measures ultimately proved successful. With several blind corners, created by the existing buildings around the junction, it became clear that the only option left open to road planners was that of a signalised junction to control the flow of traffic.







Bright Future for Dalkey Hockeyassistance of members of DhC will coach youngsters aged 8 to 11 on Sunday mornings at Loreto Abbey Dalkey from 11am until 1pm starting in September. Further details at dalkeyhc.com.






page 14



blanch informer sept 2010

Documents

castleknock road

heart of castleknock

flawed urban centre

fingal county development

fingal county council

resulting strategy

large scale development

local councillors