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Tallaght’s No. 1 Paper

National Carers’ Strategy launched Minister for

Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People Kathleen Lynch, with Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore launched the National Carers’ Strategy

...more on page 2

€20m for Co-Investment in Seed and Venture Capital

The Minister for Jobs, Enter-prise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, has announced that €20m is available for co-invest-ment in seed and venture cap-ital funds, and issued a call to fund managers to signal their interest in setting up funds

...more on page 16

Talented Tallaght Students Win Texaco Awards

Forty-three Dublin students have been presented with top awards in this year’s 58th Texa-co Children’s Art Competition.

...more on page 17

Child carer figures shock-ing – Crowe

Local Sinn Fein TD Seán Crowe has described as “shocking” census figures that confirmed that over 4,200 chil-dren provide care to “a loved one” or elderly neighbour in Ireland

...more on page 17

NEW to Tallaght Express KIDS WRITING COMPETITION

...more on page11

Hector Ó hEochagáin set the bells of Christ Church ringing as he launchedNational Heritage Week 2012. The week, which this year has already has a record of over 1400 events registered, takes place nationwide from Saturday 18th – Sunday 26th August.

This year the Heritage Council is focusing on Ireland‟s Built Heritage. During the week, over 600 built heritage events will take place with many sites and houses being made accessible to the public for the first time!

The Heritage Council is delighted that so many groups and organizations involved in builtheritage are supporting and celebrating the week by making their structures and buildings open to the public. For many of these structures, it will be the first time they are opening their doors Speaking about the week, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan T.D. said, “it is fantastic to see the popularity of National Heritage Week grow each year as more and more people across Ireland engage with it, organising and attending events in their community.

The range of events taking place during National Heritage Week demonstrates the diversity and importance of Ireland’s heritage. Now more than ever, the contribution that heritage makes to local and national economicdevelopment, as well as to Ireland’s tourism offering, is being recognised. I would strongly encourage people in all parts of Ireland to get involved and to take part in National Heritage Week activities in their locality”.

Launching the week Hector Ó hEochagáin said, “I am delighted to support National Heritage Week this year. The list of events taking place during the week is really impressive, with events for all ages, young and old. If you are in Ireland in August, my message is to get off the couch, look up

what’s happeningnear you and get involved in the week. Ireland is a fantastic country and events such as this really demonstrate how lucky we are to have such a varied heritage and all the things to do around the country. There’s no excuse not to give it a go and take part as the majority of events during the week are free!”50,000 copies of the National Heritage Week Event Guide, launched today are now available free throughout the country in Fáilte Ireland Tourist Offices, Libraries, OPW Sites, Bus Eireann Stations, County Council Offices etc. Complete event listings are also available on the National Heritage Weekwebsite, www.heritageweek.ie

Hector rings the bells

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Dominics Community Centre along with Tallaght Community Arts Project took part in the South Dublin County Councils Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Initiatives 2012 which finished up with a “trashcatchers” evening here in the Centre on Saturday 28th April where a performance of “ a midsummers night dream” was performed by members of our youth groups. Deirdre Cleary, Manager at Dominics’ Community Centre told us, “ The costumes were constructed by the youth groups with the support of members of our active age groups. This was a fantastic example of a very worthwhile intergenerational project.”

Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Initiatives 2012

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, has announced that €20m is available for co-investment in seed and venture capital funds, and issued a call to fund managers to signal their interest in setting up funds. This €20m comes under the Enterprise Ireland Seed and Venture Capital Programme 2007 – 2012. Enterprise Ireland is now inviting applicants for the remaining €20m in this fund and is seeking co-investors who have the ability to access private sector and institutional capital in Ireland and overseas to support Irish innovative companies focussed on ‘go fast to market’ strategies.

To date close to €155m of the total €175m under the Seed and Venture Capital Programme 2007 – 2012 has been committed to 11 Seed and Venture Funds. In total these 11 funds have in excess of €630m under management for investment in early stage and growing companies. Approximately €20m is remaining and this third call for expressions of interest is being issued with the objective of Enterprise Ireland making a number of commitments to fund managers focussed on assisting investee companies to ‘go fast to market’ and assisting in attracting international syndicates of investors.

Making the announcement Minister Bruton said: ‘Venture capital funds provide crucial funding, advice and networks both to early-stage high-potential companies in key high-growth sectors and to expanding established businesses. They are critical in helping to bridge the funding gap for Irish companies and ensuring that these companies can continue to grow and create jobs in Ireland. The Government is determined to support the development of a more dynamic venture capital industry in Ireland and the Action Plan for Jobs commits to delivering a number of key measures to step up our performance in this area’.

‘Enterprise Ireland’s Seed and Venture Capital Programme has been extremely successful in raising finance for investment in Irish companies at all stages of development. Today’s announcement that a further €20million of Government funds is being made available for investment is a great boost to the venture capital industry in Ireland and to the high-growth early-stage companies which will benefit from investments as a result of this initiative. “.

€20m for Co-Investment in Seed and Venture Capital Funds

Minister for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People Kathleen Lynch, with Taoiseach Enda Kenny

and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore launched the National Carers’ Strategy.

This Strategy is a sign of the Government’s commitment to carers by recognising and valuing their contribution, placing them firmly on the national agenda. It sets the strategic direction for future policies, services and supports provided by Government Departments and agencies for carers.

A key objective of Government policy for older people, children and adults with an illness or a disability is to support them to live in dignity and independence in their own homes for as long as is possible. Carers are vital to the achievement of this objective and are considered a backbone of care provision in Ireland.

While there are positive and rewarding aspects of caring, it can also be challenging and demanding physically and mentally and can require major adjustments to family and work life. As a result, the Programme for Government committed to developing a National Carers’ Strategy to support carers and to address issues of concern.

Welcoming the publication of the National Carers’ Strategy, Minister Lynch stated that

The publication of this Strategy sends a strong message to carers that Government recognises and values their selfless hard work and compassion, which enhances the health and quality of life of thousands on a daily basis”.

She went on to say that all Government Departments and agencies that deal with carers in any of their functions must now take their lead from the Strategy and use it to inform their planning and policies in the future.

National Carers’ Strategy launched




Educate Together’s new multi-denominational school on Fortunestown Lane, Citywest, is now enroling junior infants for this September and beyond and parents are being urged to enrol now to guarantee a place for their child.

Local parent Stephen Young, who campaigned for the school, says ‘Judging by the success of other Educate Together schools in Dublin and the speed in which they fill up I would encourage local parents to register their children without delay. To pre-enrol all they have to do is register online at www.dublin24etns.ie or call 01 429 2500’.

There has been a campaign to open an Educate Together schools in Tallaght and Citywest for a number of years. Educate Together has opened a large number of schools in North and West Dublin in recent years, and are delighted to finally have sanction from the Department of Education and Skills for two schools in Dublin 24, as well as a further two in Stepaside and Ballinteer.

Educate Together works hard to ensure that the very best facilities are provided for its schools. Speaking about the Citywest school, Amy Mulvihill, school manager

said: ‘We are delighted that the accommodation bring provided by the Department of Education and Skills for Citywest ETNS is of a high standard and will allow for bright, welcoming classrooms and the use of the latest educational technology’. The new school in Citywest will be one of five schools Educate Together opens this year.

Educate Together schools have been a popular choice for parents since the first school opened in 1978. Since then Educate Together schools have brought innovation to Irish primary education, promoting the active involvement of parents and pupils in the educational process. Educate Together’s ethical curriculum Learn Together, which complements the national primary curriculum, is praised by educationalists at home and abroad.

The Educate Together school network now stands at 60 schools across the country – and will be 65 by September. The long-term aim of Educate Together is to give every parent in Ireland a choice of school type for their children’s education. The new Educate Together school in Citywest ETNS now makes this choice a reality for parents in Dublin 24.

Citywest Educate Together National School Now Enroling

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Seán Crowe, TD, has welcomed the launch of the Summer Reading Programme at Stillorgan Library in Dublin. Deputy Crowe said: “The Summer Reading Programme runs in public libraries every July and August and it is a reading event that is open to children of all ages and abilities. “It is important children are given every encouragement to read books and the Summer Reading Programme allows them to keep a record of their progress. Those children who meet the challenge will receive a certificate at the end of the summer. “One of the most important challenges facing our current education sector is the need to address the alarming fall in literacy and numeracy rates and any initiative that helps encourages reading is to welcomed. “It is vitally important that children learn the basics of literacy and numeracy at a young age as these are key skills for doing well at school and later in life. “Last year the Summer Reading

Deputy Crowe welcomes launch of Summer Reading Programme

Programme encouraged thousands of children to read books and across the State, hundreds of libraries and mobile libraries are involved in this year’s programme. “In my own constituency of Dublin South West there are a number of fantastic libraries that are modern, child friendly and equipped with wonder facilities. This scheme provides families with have an opportunity to see what other events and facilities are available in their local library and they can enjoy Internet access, storytime, bookclubs and many other events in these very important amenities.”




800 NEW HOUSING UNITS BEING MADE AVAILABLE

The provision of €100 million for the provision of over 800 new social and voluntary housing units has been welcomed by Eamonn Maloney, Labour Party TD for Dublin South West. These new permanent housing units are generally intended to provide accommodation for people with special housing needs including the elderly, people with a disability and homeless persons. These units will provide quality accommodation that is safe, secure and appropriate to their needs. The voluntary housing sector will be allocated 377 units across 30 local authorities. “Despite considerably reduced Government finances, the limited resources are being targeted at those most in need. The additional stock for the voluntary housing sector will enable many elderly people to continue to live in and contribute to their communities. Most of the construction will be “infill” development in existing communities which will have additional benefits by way of contributing to the life of the community, enhancing streetscapes and eliminating the risk of anti-social behaviour in neighbourhoods”.

On the historic 85th anniversary celebration of the development of Ardnacrusha power station, Minister Rabbitte emphasized the enormity of the Shannon Scheme which involved the construction and rollout of an electricity network system across the length and breadth of Ireland in 1927. He also emphasized the importance of the vast body of work that has been undertaken over recent years in strengthening the network.

The Minister said “The fact that Ireland has now one of the leading electricity systems worldwide in terms of safety and reliability is no accident – it is part of careful and strategic planning over the past decade or so to ensure development and maintenance of the networks in the national interest.”

The Minister noted that it was a timely opportunity to highlight the importance of energy infrastructure and referenced the publication just last week of a major Government Policy Statement on Energy Infrastructure. He said “Energy is the lifeblood of Ireland’s economy and society. Our ability to rebuild the economy, deliver regional development, create jobs and growth and ensure the wellbeing of everyone as well as realising the economic potential of Ireland’s own renewable

energy resources requires significant energy infrastructure.

“Today Ireland’s energy networks compare most favourably with other countries in terms of safety and resilience, owing to a period of important investment programmes successfully delivered by ESB Networks, EirGrid and Bord Gáis Éireann. Continuing the steady level of development and renewal of the networks is essential to ensure that Ireland’s energy system is fit for purpose, safe and secure, and ready to meet increased demand as economic conditions improve.”

Minister Rabbitte went on to reaffirm the Government’s intention to retain the gas and electricity networks in State ownership, as national strategic infrastructure, to ensure that it is developed and maintained in the national interest.

“It is the Government’s wish to have policy certainty in relation to the strategic and economic importance of developing energy infrastructure. In that regard, I would like to affirm the imperative need for development and renewal of our electricity networks in order to meet both economic and social policy goals.”

Historic Ardnacrusha highlights value of long term energy planning

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The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr. Brendan Howlin T.D announced the Government’s plans for an additional €2.25 billion investment in job-rich public infrastructure projects in Ireland. The bulk of the funding will come from a combination of the:

NPRF European Investment Bank/Council of Europe Bank Domestic Banks and other potential private investment sources

Minister Howlin said, “Today’s announcement is the culmination of intensive efforts to identify projects that are realistic, credible and deliverable. This Government is committed to getting people back to work and securing real, domestic growth. This investment is in addition to our €17 billion “Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework” I published last November which focused on the Government’s clear priorities of creating jobs, building schools and improving our health system. Today’s announcement builds on this. Job creation is this Government’s top priority. It is estimated that Phase 1 of our PPP programme will generate up to 13,000 jobs. The focus for Phase 1 is on projects in the Education, Health, Transport and Justice Sectors. These projects reflect the Government’s priorities, meet infrastructure needs, are labour intensive and provide value for money for the State.

I have been working closely with my colleague Mr Michael Noonan, T.D, Minister for Finance to address funding issues. His Department, along with my own Department and the relevant agencies, have been working on solutions to improve access to funding. We are now confident

that we will be able to put the correct funding structure in place to ensure delivery of these important projects. Today’s additional €2.25 billion multi-annual plan of infrastructure investment will be used to facilitate the delivery of Phase I of a PPP programme and to support further labour intensive capital projects. Based on information supplied by Departments procurement for Health projects will commence by end 2012 with procurement in Education, Justice and Transport commencing in 2013.

This represents an important continuing investment in our future to provide: Top class technology educational facilities Help us to deliver on the government’s health reform strategy Help to modernise facilities and bring about efficiencies in our courts and justice systems Improve travels times and help us to transport people and goods more safely and efficiently.”

The Minister added that his Department will continue to work closely with the NDFA, Government Departments and other delivery agents to progress help ensure the smooth roll-out of the Programme.

Additional €2.25 billion to create much needed jobs




Cllr. BRIAN

LAWLOR

Keeping in touch locally5 Killakee Gardens, Firhouse, Dublin 24

Mobile: 087 644 5472Email: [email protected]

Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has welcomed the 0.7% rise in visitors to Ireland revealed today in the latest tourism figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The CSO confirmed that nearly three million (2,982,400) people visited Ireland during the first six months of the year, and that visitor numbers rose by 0.7% from April to June. “These latest figures show that everyone’s efforts are paying off in the face of continuing economic uncertainty in most of our major overseas markets. “We are working with Tourism Ireland to sell Ireland overseas as a visitor destination, and with Fáilte Ireland to continually strengthen our product. I remain confident that we will deliver growth during 2012 for this vital industry,” Minister Varadkar said. “We are doing well at peak season from markets across

Europe and strongly from developing markets, while holding our own in North America. Signs of growth at peak season confirm the signals from the tourism trade. “The performance from Britain remains challenging, largely due to the depressed state of the British economy. However, Ireland continues to outperform competing destinations in terms of attracting visitors from Britain. We are also running a very effective €0.5 million promotional campaign to attract British people to Ireland during the Olympics. “There are also encouraging signs from Europe. Our biggest European market, Germany, is up by 5.6% so far this year, and the marginal growth from France hides the fact that it rebounded by over 30% last year and arrivals are still over 195,600 this year, beating last year and nearing the 2009 record of 204,000. Italy grew by nearly 15% in the first half, while Spain

was up slightly for the same period but up over 6% for the second quarter. “I understand the industry-led Tourism Recovery Taskforce has been looking closely at what needs to be done to maintain our recovery of market share in Britain and I look forward to their proposals. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring and I will be using opportunities over the coming weeks here in London to promote our biggest ever tourism event, The Gathering Ireland 2013.”

First 6 months see increased tourism

Self employed Tallaght residents need to take part in new consultation. Submissions sought on whether social insurance should be extended to cover the self-employed Fine Gael Councillor,Brian Lawlor, has urged self-employed people across Tallaght to take part in the new consultation on extending social insurance cover to the self-employed. This is being conducted by the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare established by the Department of Social Protection. Councillor Lawlor said, “I would urge self-employed people across Tallaght to write into the group and have their opinions on this important matter considered. It is absolutely farcical that our current social welfare system does not provide supports for self-employed people who find themselves falling on hard times. Self-employed people make a very valuable contribution to our society, paying taxes, and often going on to create more jobs. They should have the option of opting in to a system of social insurance which will protect them and their families.” “The group will be considering whether such cover for self-employed people is desirable, feasible and financially viable. Submissions can be made to [email protected]

The Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr. Cathal King was present in County Hall, Tallaght on Wednesday 18th July to announce the launch of the new ‘Art Trax’ iPhone Application. Art Trax takes you on a tour of South Dublin County’s rich collection of public art. It maps the locations where permanent artworks can be seen, and the locations where temporary works were presented. You can find information about artists, view artworks, and access film works.

This App provides a complete overview of the public art landscape that has emerged in the county since the first

Mayor Launches New iPhone App.public art commissions in the 1980’s.

Project Manager Blaithín Keegan commented that “the Arts Office

are very excited to be able to have this service available to the public. This

highlights South Dublin County Council’s continued

commitment towards the delivery of high quality customer

service to our citizens through the innovative use of technology.”

The ‘Art Trax’ app is free to download from the Apple App Store and will also be available for Android devices in the future.




South Dublin County Councilis rampingup activity in its “Bin it your way” campaign. As an active participant in the high-profile national Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) awareness campaign, Mayor Councillor Cathal King highlighted the need for the people of South Dublin County to continue and increase the level of awareness of gum litter.

This week, Clondalkin Tidy Towns and South Dublin County Council took the opportunity to distribute gum wraps and other campaign materials to visitors to Clondalkin Library ..

“Gum litter defaces the footpaths and streets of our village Clondalkin. Gum litter is a semi-permanent feature and very difficult to remove. Clondalkin Tidy Towns support the proper disposal of gum litter in the bin” said Ronan Connolly, Chairperson, Clondalkin Tidy Towns

Co-ordinated by the GLT in association with local authorities throughout Ireland, the national Gum Litter Taskforce awareness campaign aims to reduce the amount of gum litter in the easiest way possible; by discouraging littering – the root cause of the issue – and encouraging the public to “bin it your way”.

“This year’s campaign is fun and engaging. I’ve seen young people perform all sorts of cool moves to bin their gum. There’s an incredible level of

imagination, momentum and creativity brought to this year’s campaign. I’m really impressed and will continue to spread the word to family, friends and colleagues. It’s in all our interests and I’d ask you to please ‘bin it your way’. It’s the responsible and the right thing to do,” said Mayor King

Paul Kelly, Chairman of the GLT explained the theme of the 2012 campaign, “bin it your way”. “We’ve engaged with a team of professional dancers who have come up with a series of moves. The dance crew have travelled to all 23 local authority areas which are taking part in the “bin it your way” campaign. We’re appealing to people to dispose of their gum in a fun and creative way, just don’t throw it on the ground. We would encourage everyone to come up with a unique move of their own,” he stated.

The campaign is interactive and encourages the public to check out the “bin it your way” facebook page and upload their own dance moves, they can also be watched on www.gumlittertaskforce.ie

Bin It Your Way




Colouring Competition Name:....................................................................................................................Age:...................................Phone Number:...........................................Address:..................................................................................................................

Kid’s Corner Find the hidden words

Q. Why did the elephant paint himself different colours? A. So he could hide in the crayon box.

Q: What’s black and white and makes a lot of noise? A: A zebra with a drum kit.

Q: Why are ghosts bad liars?A: Because you can see right through them.

Q: How do you make seven an even number?A. Take the s out.

Q. What lies at the bottom of the sea and shakes?A. A nervous shipwreck!

Q: Why was Rita carrying a ladder?A: Because she was going to high school!

Q: What is a witches favorite part in school?A: Spelling.

Q: What did the blanket say to the bed?A: Don’t worry Ive got you covered!

Q: What animal needs to wear a wig? A: Bald eagle.

Q: Why did the Oreo go to the dentist? A: Because he lost his filling.

The week’s funnies

sidewalk, stop, sign, church, bridge, newspaper, house.

Last Weeks Winner

ChinenyeUduchuky

Send your name and contact number to:

Tallaght Express,The Kennedy Building,

Main Street,Tallaght, D24

And you will be in the draw to win a Family Pass to

Tallaght Adventure World




This weeks winner of our writing competition

The Nice Prince.

Once upon a time there was a princess who lived in a big hotel and who got everything she wanted but she didn’t get to pick her own prince.

The King and Queen wanted her to marry ugly prince Bill. ‘I dont want to marry that prince’ she said. I want to marry nice prince Ken. He lives in the castle next door.

One day a big dragon moved in on the road and Ken the prince next door killed it with his sword.

The king and the Queen were so happy that they let the princess marry prince ken. The princess and prince ken got married and were happy but not ugly prince Bill. They lived happy ever after.

Fern Casey Age 7 from Rathfarnham has won a family pass to Tallaght Adventure World

NEW TO TALLAGHT EXPRESS,KIDS WRITING COMPETITION.

Are you kids like mine? Stuck in front of the telly, playing on the phone or PS3 or laptop, bored after 10 minutes...We might be able to change that. How are their writing skills. We would like your child to write us a story of between 100 and 150 words. No particular subject, just have fun writing and maybe win a prize.Primary school kids only please, in their words. No cheating now mammies or daddies . This is for the kids. We will publish the best in each Edition of Tallaght Express ,Tallaghts No1 Paper.Please remember we will need your child: age and school attended + your phone number and address and kids remember you must have an adults consent before you send your story in to us. Please send it to [email protected] or through our website. So get the pencil sharpenedand have lots of fun!! The managements decision is final.




Football Manager Required

U17 Manager wanted KilnamanghAFC

Contact Donie Harmon 087 2807415e-mail [email protected]

Tallaghts best are in Tallaght Express

Large Irish Chicken & Irish ham

ONLY € 9.99




Part-time person required two evening’s per week and al-ternate Saturdays south west

Dublin PharmacyPlease email CV to:

[email protected]

Tallaghts best are in Tallaght Express




Primary school teachers from Tallaght participated in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) ‘Come to Your Senses’ summer course which took place in the College from 2nd-6th July and helps support the teaching of the primary science curriculum. Nichola Nolan and Joanne Murphy, both teachers at Scoil Aonghusa Senior School, Tallaght and Louise Barry, teacher at St. Thomas National School, Tallaght were among the participants. The course is part of the Dublin City of Science 2012 programme. ‘Come to Your Senses’ is part of RCSI’s Primary Science Initiative (PSTI) which aims to support the teaching of science in the classroom. The Initiative is a component of the REACH RCSI programme which promotes Recreation, Education and Community Health. It is approved by the Department of Education and is fully funded by RCSI. The course used the theme of the human senses to enable primary school teachers to develop their interest and enthusiasm for teaching science with direct relevance to the primary science curriculum for Social Environmental and Science Education (SESE). The RCSI PSTI team are Dr Jacqueline Daly, Dr Marc DeVocelle, Ms Maria Kelly, Dr Maria Morgan and Dr Kenny

Winser. 25 primary school teachers participated in this summer initiative. 20 per cent of the places on the course are reserved for schools that are part of the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) programme. The workshops introduced primary school teachers to alternative, hands-on and fun ways of teaching science to children, without the need for expensive materials or equipment. Professor Hannah McGee, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at RCSI said “At RCSI, we are committed to the advancement of science education and enthusiasm for this needs to begin at primary school level. The ‘Come to Your Senses’ course is a novel way for teachers to develop their science teaching skills, giving them the confidence and enthusiasm to conduct hands-on activities and experiments in the classroom which will inspire children to develop an interest in science.” Dr Jacqueline Daly, Director of the Initiative said “As well as providing an important opportunity for teachers to network and share experiences with their peers, the ‘Come to Your Senses’ course empowers teachers to bring new techniques back to their own school and pass these valuable skills on to their colleagues”.

. REACH RCSI works in partnership with primary and post primary schools, youth and community groups together with the local community on the design and delivery of educational initiatives including Homework Clubs, Science Workshops, Sports & health programmes and an Education Information Service.

Tallaght teachers take part in RCSI’s ‘Come to Your Senses’ to bring science alive in primary classrooms

Summer has arrived at last and, as usual, our thoughts turn to the garden as we enjoy the sweet aroma of those deliciously plump buds on the trees. However, this is also a time when the pet parent in me switches to ‘cautious’ mode as I make a quick inventory of all the possible summer garden hazards that could place my doggies at risk.

And no, I don’t mean weeds, I mean the following: And do bear in mind, these are only guidelines, I don’t have the full list, nor am I able to give information regarding the lethal dosage so if you are concerned, contact your vet. Fertilizer: The fertilizer that feeds your plants could be the very thing that upsets your dog, especially if it contains ammo-nium nitrate which is toxic to animals.Common Plants: Rhododendron and Azelea,Daffodil,Hyacinth,Tulip,Hydran-gea, Foxglove…to name but a few.

Insecticides: Insecticide baits, sprays, granules and herbicides are great for your garden but are not friendly to your dog, especially if they include ingredients like snail bait with metaldehyde and fly bait with methomyl. A tip! Don’t wear gardening shoes in the house; (those who

live chez moi already know the dangers of wearing muddy shoes in the house), they bring extra pesticides and dirt indoors, further exposing my pets when they lick their paws.

Coco Mulch: Very popular with the landscape gardener however, as it’s a by-product of chocolate it attracts dogs with its sweet smelling aroma. Depend-ing on the amount ingested, this can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity and even seizures. Why not consider using shredded pine or cedar instead?Compost: As an eco friendly kinda gal I understand the whole Mother Earth thing and composting is definitely the right way to go, but as an animal lover, I have to say, you’re posing a huge risk to your pets if you don’t do it properly and responsibly. We see a lot of incidents where dogs are being poisoned due to what is often referred to as ‘garbage gut.’

You see, the fermentation of certain items such as meat and dairy products means they produce clostridial toxins; these toxins languish in compost heaps, get raided by nosy canines who may then experience severe symptoms such as

vomiting and diarrhea, resulting in you having to rush them to the family vet for urgent attention. Tools of the Trade: Keep an eye on rakes, hoes and trowels etc., they can prove dangerous to your pet’s nose, paws and other parts of his body, especially if they puncture his skin. If the tools are rusty or mucky, there is a danger of your dog getting tetanus. Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and lock your gardening tools in the shed.

Allergies: Yep, pets have allergies just like you and me and, if the reaction is severe it can cause anaphylactic shock. If you’re concerned or suspect your pet suffers from an allergy, have your vet give him the once over and he/she will best advise regarding medications and course of action to take. While you’re at it, ask your vet about a suitable insect repellent specific to your dog. Never, ever spray human insect repellent on your pet. Tip! Dogs can develop an allergy at any time during their lives but certain dogs, such as setters, retrievers, pugs and terriers are at a higher risk of developing them.Some symptoms are: Increased scratch-ing, itchy, watery eyes, itchy ears, sneez-

ing, vomiting, itchy back and/or base of tail, scabs on skin, continuous licking, paw chewing, to name but a few. Please remember, the above information is only a guideline and is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are concerned about your pet, contact your family vet.

© Miriam Kerins, Head of Communications and Public Relations at the Dublin SPCA.

Be Aware Of Your Pets In The Summer




Around the World Snippets ‘Hero’ In New YorkA New York City bus driver has been hailed a hero after he caught a seven-year-old girl when she fell from a third storey window. Stephen St Bernard was on his way home from work in Coney Island when he spotted the child standing precariously on an air conditioning unit outside a window. As he tried to persuade her to go back in to the building, she suddenly fell. The dramatic moment was caught on video by a witness using a mobile phone.Mr St Bernard broke her fall with his arms, tearing a tendon in his shoulder as he did so.“I just prayed that I’d catch her,” he said.”’Please let me catch her, please let me catch her,’ that’s all I could say.”I picked her up and carried her. She kept looking around. She never closed her eyes. She never lost consciousness.”The girl was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. It is not clear how or why she was on the air conditioning unit. Police said no charges were being filed against the parents.

Michael Clarke Duncan

Michael Clarke Duncan (54) had a health scare recently. Remember him, best known for playing big John Coffey in the 1999 Tom Hanks hit The Green Mile, was rushed to the hospital for a heart attack, his spokesperson confirmed. “According to doctors, Duncan suffered a myocardial infarction,” his rep says. “He is now stable and we look forward to his full recovery.”

Robbery Foiled By Gun-Toting US Pensioner

A courageous pensioner has foiled two American teenagers’ attempt at an armed robbery in a dramatic incident caught on CCTV.

The 19-year-olds burst into an internet cafe in Florida - one armed with a gun and the other with a baseball bat - and began holding up customers.

But the pair had not reckoned with 71-year-old Samuel Williams, who leapt from behind his computer screen and began firing at them with his own pistol.

The duo fled and tumbled over each other as he continued firing - before both were arrested for attempted armed robbery.

Police said Mr Williams held a concealed firearms licence and Bill Gladson of the Marion County State Attorney’s Office said the shooting appeared justified.

Man makes astounding escape from petrol station car crash

A bus carrying 30 people was forced to sharply swerve across a highway to avoid a turning lorry – causing both vehicles to crash into a petrol station in Orenburg, Russia. The collision sees three other vehicles smashed into, while a driver on the forecourt is lucky to remain alive as the truck ploughs into a van just millimetres away from him.

The driver who survived the forecourt smash has been dubbed the “luckiest dude in Russia”

Fortunately there were no serious injuries reported, with only one passenger on the bus sustaining minor injuries.

Police are conducting an investigation to decide who caused the accident, according to Russia Today.

NOVENA ‘S

ASK SAINT CLARE

For 3 favours, 1 business, 2 im-possible. Say 9 hail Marys for 9 days. Pray whether you believe or not. Publish on the ninth days.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored today and every day.

Request will be granted nomatter how impossible it seems. Publication must be promised.

Sacred Heartof Jesus be praised, adored and glorified today forev-er and always.

DEAR HEART OF JESUS

In the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for this special favour (mention favor).

Take it , dear Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it willbecome your favour and not mine. Publication promised.

N o t i c eWant to have yourcommunity groupshowcased in theTallaght Express ?

This is a free service for non-profit organizations

Contact:

Tallaght Express

Phone: 01 451 9708Text: 086 795 8133

Email:[email protected]




Minister Rabbitte, Deputy Major Pamela Kearns, Lorna Patterson VEC, Jacqui Finn Tutor, and members of the DAM’s the Dominics Active Men’s group having been presented with their certificates for both an Irish and Computer course facilitated by the VEC.

Dominics Active Men’s group rewarded

The Irish Marching Band Association competition took place on Saturday July 7th in Tallaght Stadium. As you will see from the photos they were very lucky with the weather for this event. This event was organised jointly by Tallaght Youth Band and Tallaght Festival Band. Bands travelled from around the country to take part in this competition and as always this was a great showcase not just for Tallaght Stadium but for Tallaght as a whole. The home crowd gave a warm welcome to all bands and the audience was thoroughly entertained. Tallaght Youth Band had both bands competing in this competition Seniors and Cadets. For many of the Cadets this was the first time to perform in a field show, having only joined the band last September. They have come a long way and this is a huge achievement to be

The bands go marching onable to take part in such a show. Ravens Marching Show Band took first place in Junior Class. Our Senior band who may have been seen in the ITT Dublin campus practicing for months in all weather without complaint put on a great show. All their practice paid off for them on the day as they won first place in Premier class taking all caption awards. This is a great start to the season which will see the band travel around to compete in 3 more field show competitions with the final being held in Clonmel in September. They will then travel to Holland at the end of September to take part in the DCE competition. The band would like to thank all their supporters on the day and all year round. With this support they will continue to represent all that is good about Tallaght where ever they go.

ISPCC urgently needs volunteers for Dublin office! The ISPCC is urgently seeking volunteers for its Dublin office. We receive over 2,360 calls and messages a day from children and young people needing support and due to a lack of funding, we are unable to answer every contact that we receive. Currently, up to 800 young voices a day are not being heard. We are calling on people who are interested in joining us as a volunteer, to help meet the needs of those children and answer every single contact.

Anyone can apply to be a volunteer as no formal qualification or previous experience is needed and full training will be provided.

We are seeking people to volunteer on our Childline Phone and Online services and to help fundraise at the ‘Cheerios Childline Goody Bag Roadshow’ this September 2012.

Nicola MacDermott, Regional Volunteer Organiser: “With 38% of calls from young people going unanswered, we are urgently in need of volunteers to man our support services for children and to fundraise on the ground. As Childline is Ireland’s only 24 hour listening service for children, it is vital that we continue to provide this support.”

Childline & Childline Online Volunteers, Dublin

We are looking to recruit volunteers for many shifts, including weekdays, evenings & weekends. We offer a non-judgemental and non-problem focused service to anyone under the age of 18 around a wide variety of issues. We are looking for people who have a natural ability to listen and remain open-minded. Full training and support will be provided and we ask for a commitment of 4 hours per week.

Fundraising volunteers, Dublin

As part of this initiative, Cheerios and Childline have come together to stage the Cheerios Childline Goody Bag Roadshow in shopping centres throughout Dublin this September 2012. We are currently looking for volunteers to give just 4 hours of their time to help raise funds for Childline.

We are holding Group Information Evenings in July and August 2012 for anyone who is interested in getting involved and becoming an ISPCC volunteer.

If you are interested in attending one of our upcoming Group Information Evenings, please book a space by contacting Nicola MacDermott on [email protected] or phone 01 6767960.

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, has announced that €20m is available for co-investment in seed and venture capital funds, and issued a call to fund managers to signal their interest in setting up funds.

This €20m comes under the Enterprise Ireland Seed and Venture Capital Programme 2007 – 2012. Enterprise Ireland is now inviting applicants for the remaining €20m in this fund and is seeking co-investors who have the ability to access private sector and institutional capital in Ireland and overseas to support Irish innovative companies focussed on ‘go fast to market’ strategies.

To date close to €155m of the total €175m under the Seed and Venture Capital Programme 2007 – 2012 has been committed to 11 Seed and Venture Funds. In total these 11 funds have in excess of €630m under management for investment in early stage and growing companies. Approximately €20m is remaining and this third call for expressions of interest is being issued with the objective of Enterprise Ireland making a number of commitments to fund managers focussed on assisting investee companies to ‘go fast to market’ and assisting in attracting

international syndicates of investors.

Making the announcement Minister Bruton said: ‘Venture capital funds provide crucial funding, advice and networks both to early-stage high-potential companies in key high-growth sectors and to expanding established businesses. They are critical in helping to bridge the funding gap for Irish companies and ensuring that these companies can continue to grow and create jobs in Ireland. The Government is determined to support the development of a more dynamic venture capital industry in Ireland and the Action Plan for Jobs commits to delivering a number of key measures to step up our performance in this area’.

‘Enterprise Ireland’s Seed and Venture Capital Programme has been extremely successful in raising finance for investment in Irish companies at all stages of development. Today’s announcement that a further €20million of Government funds is being made available for investment is a great boost to the venture capital industry in Ireland and to the high-growth early-stage companies which will benefit from investments as a result of this initiative. “.

€20m for Co-Investment in Seed and Venture Capital Funds

We don’t do bad NEWS




Forty-three Dublin students have been presented with top awards in this year’s 58th Texaco Children’s Art Competition. Pictured is Eoghan Ó’Braonáin (4), a pupil at Scoil Santain, Tallaght, who won a Special Merit Award in the competition. Presenting him with the award is Enda Riney, Chairman of Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited. Other winners from the Tallaght area who received Special Merit Awards at a ceremony held in Dublin recently were Agne Stonkute (17), from St. Aidan’s Community School, Emma Cooney (17) and Clara Ryder (14), from St. Colmcille’s Community College, Knocklyon, Hope Harris (6), from St. Mark’s Junior National School and Gemma Quinn (17), Lauren Quinless (17), Kassim Dembele (15), Adam Kavanagh (13), Trevor Moore (13), Paul Young (13), Amy Walsh (12), and James Comerford (7), all from St. Joseph’s Special School.

Talented Tallaght student win TEXACO Awards

Local Sinn Fein TD Seán Crowe has described as “shocking” census figures that confirmed that over 4,200 children provide care to “a loved one” or elderly neighbour in Ireland.

The Tallaght based Deputy was commenting on the findings from a dedicated question on young carers that was included in the 2011Central Statistics Office (CSO) census figures for the first time.

In less than two weeks the National Carers’ Strategy is due to be published and Deputy Crowe hopes it will for the first time urgently address the needs of young carers.

He said;

“These Census figures confirm what the Carers Association, the Children’s Charity Barnardos and other groups have been saying for years but are still shocking and hard to accept.

“The Census questionnaire shows that 4,228 children provided unpaid care in April 2011, with 1,838 under the age of 10. Most children are providing care for up to two hours a day, but for 500 others the number of hours is even higher.

“These figures are shocking and need a measured proactive response from government.

“In two weeks time, the National Carers’ Strategy will be published and it needs to urgently address the needs of young carers

Child carer figures shocking – Crowe

in its report.

“A child aged eight or nine is emotionally ill-equipped to provide essential care for an adult and policy makers and society should not be placing children in such a position.

“At the very least, there needs to be practical supports for children who provide this type of service yet in contrast to other countries there is no dedicated service available in Ireland to provide emotional assistance and support for these children.

“The latest census figures also reveal that there are 595,335 people with a disability accounting for 13 per cent of the population.

“The total number of carers aged 15 and over increased by 21,967 to 182,884.

“In addition there were a staggering 4,228 carers under the age of 15 bringing the total number of carers to 187,112, or 4.1 per cent of the population.

“Carers are saving the state €4bn every year but their work and the commitment they have shown to loved ones have been largely ignored by policy makers and successive governments.”

Tallaght based TD Seán Crowe is calling on Minister Leo Varadkar to work with the Oireachtas Transport Committee on Transport, Unions and CIE to develop a new coordinated strategy to improve public transport across the state. His comments come in response to a public statement from the Minister, who said that despite emergency funding being put in place public transport fares might be actually raised further. The Tallaght based Deputy believes that a joined up strategy is needed in order to ensure a quality service that is both sustainable and good value for both the State and the public. Deputy Crowe said: “Minister Varadkar accepts that fare increases are discouraging people from using public transport and that this is in part responsible for the need for emergency funding yet inexplicably he still thinks it might be necessary to raise fares. “This makes no sense whatsoever. If higher fares are stopping people using public transport then raising fares can only make matters worse.

“It is important that we have a safe, reliable and affordable public transport system as clearly many people are unwilling or unable

to pay more for a potentially weakened or worse service. “The Minister needs to work with the Oireachtas Committee on Transport and interested groups and individuals to develop a strategy that promotes public transport and makes it a desirable option for people in urban and rural settings. “This should be done by making the service more safe, accessible, varied and affordable and not be over pricing a system that is already considered far too expensive by many commuters.”

Minister wrong to increase public transport fares - Crowe




Ask Alice Ask Alice is our regular Agony Aunt and you the reader will be able to send your questionsto her at [email protected]

An Ask Alice will feature in our paper Tallaght Express is not responcible for any comments or answers

Dear Alice,I am really happy. I started college last year and although I found it a huge struggle managed to pass everything. I am a bit older than most of the class cos I had a gap for two years when I had a baby. I didn’t tell any of my class mates about my son. I didn’t want them to look at me as a single mother and feel sorry for me. The baby’s father disappeared as soon as he heard I was pregnant but my mother is very good and looks after him when I go to college and go out once or twice a week so I have never had to worry about child minders. Anyway we all got our results last week and the class have organised a night out to celebrate. A boy in the class texted me to see if I was going. I really fancy him and often had coffee with him last year. It would be just great to get with him. But, I have never mentioned my child and I don’t know how to bring this into a conversation at this stage. Should I tell him?Annie.

Dear Annie,I think part of you not mentioning your son is that you wanted to be one of the crowd. You probably think you missed out on a lot of fun when you took time out with your pregnancy and when the baby was small and part of you just wanted to be a single girl again. Then when you didn’t mention the baby from the beginning it just gets harder as time goes on. Probably the college part of you wants to be like everyone else – free and carefree. However the plain truth is that you are not. You have a son and all the responsibility that goes with that. It does not matter who you tell so long as you accept your responsibility and do right by him. Your private life is really no one else’s business. However, if you decide to date this guy from college and things get serious then that changes everything. You also have a responsibility to be honest with him especially if you intend to start seeing him regularly. I don’t think you can tell him six months down the line when you have a steady relationship. Also, the worry of having such a big secret would be very stressful for you. Take the risk and give him the chance to respond to the situation. If he runs maybe he’s not the person you hoped he was.

Dear Alice,My house was broken into a few weeks ago while we were in bed. I didn’t have much for them to take but the thought of someone being in my house while we were asleep haunts me. I live alone with my daughter. Now I am terrified to go to bed and when I do fall asleep I wake up sweating and shaking. I take a poker to bed with me but probably wouldn’t be strong enough to use it. I am so afraid that I cannot protect us. Millie.

Dear Millie,It is probably not much help but what you are going through is perfectly normal and will get less over time. It is awful to think someone invaded the privacy of your home while you were sleeping but, trust me, the fear will go. In order to protect yourself and your daughter you need to take some positive action. Get a local handyman to come to your house and fit secure locks on all your windows and doors. Make sure any vulnerable places are fixed – for example a loose window or door. Get into the habit of securing your home each night before you go to bed. Make sure all windows and doors are securely locked. You could fit security lights and perhaps a camera at the front and back of the house or

get a house alarm fitted that calls a security company or the Gardai. Probably the chances of your home being broken into again are very low but it is better to be as cautious as possible.

Dear Alice,I got married to a wonderful man just over three years ago. I am 30 and he is 34. We decided not to start a family till we had the house, the car, the holidays and so on. Now I feel I am ready to think about having a child but my husband says we should wait a few years. He confided to my friend’s husband one night when they were out drinking that he never wants to have a child but he was afraid that if he had told me that I would not have married him. I am devastated. I do love him and he is a great husband but I want at least two children. I only agreed to put it off for a few years. I don’t want

to wait too long and not have the energy to be a good mother but it seems that he will never be ready. What can I do?Patty.

Dear Patty, You really have to have a big talk with your husband. Tell him that your friend told you what he said. Often what someone says when they are drinking may not be the whole truth. He may be just scared of giving up his comfortable life and having you all to himself. It is scary for men to be the head of household and often not to be taken lightly. Tell him how you feel and that you want to start a family soon. You may find he is open to this but was just putting it off to buy stuff, travel and do all the things he had planned with you. If he still says no then you may have to re-think your position.




Left to Right: Patrick Daly, Manager TRP, Roisin Mc Eneaney and Catherine O Connor, Community Employment Supervisor TRP.Pictured above is Ms Roisin Mc Eneaney, centre, who recently completed 6 months voluntary work here at Tallaght Rehabilitation presenting a cheque to the Management of TRP. Roisin hopes weather permitting to complete a parachute jump this Saturday 28th of July in aid of TRP. We are happy to say that Roisin raised €335 which will go towards the delivery of services here at Kiltalown House. Pictured above are from Left to Right: Patrick Daly, Manager TRP, Roisin Mc Eneaney and Catherine O Connor, Community Employment Supervisor TRP.

Roisin Jumps For Charity




Brain - Munchies

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.If you use logic you can solve this puzzle without guesswork.

Easy Medium

This weeks Jokes

The first letter of each answer is written next to its clue inalphabetical order. One letter has already been entered.Can you find the words then fit them correctly into the grid?

A. Sharp (5)A. Remedied (7)A. Protective garment (5)C. Hoard (5)C. Tapers (7)C. Group of bovines (6)C. Fake (11)E. Epoch (3)E. No longer in existence (7)G. Chivalrous (7)I. Lit up (11)L. Terse (7)L. Lackadaisical (7)

L. Prevarication (3)M. Award (5)N. Pleasant (4)N. Observed (5)O. Sumptuous (7)R. Send payment (5)S. Short tail (4)S. Begin (5)S. Powerful (6)S. Proposed (9)T. Rising current of warm air (7)W. Bet (5)W. Capricious (9)

A man speaks frantically into the phone, "My wife is pregnant, and her contractions are only two minutes apart!"

"Is this her first child?" the doctor queries.

"No, you idiot!" the man shouts. "This is her “husband”!" ***One day, two guys Joe and Bob were out fishing. A funeral service passes over the bridge they're fishing by, and Bob takes off his hat and puts it over his heart. He does this until the funeral service passes by.

Joe then said "Gee Bob, I didn't know you had it in you!"

Bob then replies " It's the least I could do. After all I was married to her for 30 years." ***Once there was a millionaire, who collected live alligators. He kept them

in the pool in back of his mansion. The millionaire also had a beautiful daughter who was single. One day he decides to throw a huge party, and

during the party he announces, "My dear guests . . . I have a proposition to every man here. I will give one million dollars or my daughter to the man who can swim across this pool full of alligators and emerge alive!"

As soon as he finished his last word, there was the sound of a large splash!! There was one guy in the pool swimming with all he could and screaming out of fear. The crowd cheered him on as he kept stroking as though he was running for his life. Finally, he made it to the other side with only a torn shirt and some minor injuries.

The millionaire was impressed. He said, "My boy that was incredible! Fantastic! I didn't think it could be done! Well I must keep my end of the bargain. Do you want my daughter or the one million dollars?"

The guy says, "Listen, I don't want your money, nor do I want your daugh-ter! I want the person who pushed me in that water!"




Football Manager

RequiredU17 Manager wanted

Kilnamangh AFCContact Donie Harmon Contact Donie Harmon 0872807415 or e-mail

[email protected].




About us: Main Stage wrestling was set up in July 2009, It is a small wrestling club situated on Sundrive Road in Crumlin. The clubs main purpose is to provide a safe and fun environment for people who are interested in wrestling to learn all there is to know about taking it up as a hobby or for the more serious athlete a career.

Trainers:. The school has 5 trainers and between them over 35 years experience in the wrestling business, they have wrestled both nationally and internationally. The school has also had guest trainers such as former WWE superstar Scotty Too Hotty and former WWE, WCW and ECW superstar Rhyno.

Classes: There are three types a classes available in the school, beginner training classes, advanced training classes and private training classes.The beginner class is for the complete

novice to come and learn all the basic and fundamental skills of the wrestling business, the advanced class is for students who have passed the beginner stage and prepare them for live event shows.There are also private wrestling classes available for the individual who may need to build some confidence before entering a class.

Shows events: The school holds Live event shows all around Dublin to allow its student gain experience in front of live audiences and build confidence as a performer.

Class Times: The class times are Beginner: Monday and Wednesday 6pm-8pmAdvanced: Tuesday and Thursday 7pm-9pm

For information on the school check out www.mainstagewrestling.net or find us on facebook.

Interested in trying rugby? Or played before and looking for a new team?

Tallaght Ladies Rugby Team are looking for new players to add to our team. From New beginners that have never played a sport before to Experienced players...ALL WELCOME!!Come to our open training session and try it out, Learn new skills, Meet new people and get fit!!

Our open training session is taking place on 8th August from 7pm-8.30pm on the Tallaght RFC training grounds on Ballymana lane, just off the Kiltipper Road.

For a map/’directions visit our website www.tallaghtrugby.com or Ring Lorraine on 0876557129

Tallaght Ladies Rugby

Over 200 swimmers took to the water at the Dublin Community Games County Swimming Finals which were held in Tallaght Sports Complex.

With swimmers aged from 6-16 years, some taking part in their first ever competition, each participant represented their local area with pride. The heats, semi-finals and finals of the Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly events were hotly contested with nothing but a touch of the wall between placings.

Gold medal winners will now represent Dublin at the HSE Community Games National finals in August. Pictured are St. Judes Templeogue U16 and U13 teams who did so well along with the teams from Knocklyon.

Tallaght Sports Complex host Dublin Community Games County Swimming Finals.




The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore TD, has announced €3 million in life-saving assistance to Somalia during a visit to the capital, Mogadishu. The funding will provide food, shelter and other vital assistance to thousands of Somalis affected by conflict and hunger.

The mission coincided with the one-year anniversary of the UN’s declaration of famine in Somalia in July 2011. The Tánaiste is the first Irish Minister to travel to Somalia in more than two decades. Speaking after his visit, the Tánaiste said:

“Somalia is one of the poorest and most insecure environments in the world. Our ongoing assistance is saving lives every day. The funding I announced today will help our United Nations and NGO partners to scale up their vital assistance to the millions of vulnerable Somalis whose lives are in jeopardy as a result of war and starvation. We are committed to supporting them as they strive to build a better future for their families and their country.

“While progress has been made over

the past year since famine was declared, the gains are now at grave risk of being reversed by yet another poor rainy season and a late harvest. Those who will be hardest hit over the coming months are the 1.4 million Somalis who have been displaced by drought and conflict. They are now balancing on a knife-edge, dependent on a good harvest to keep food prices low and to remain alive.”

The €3 million is in addition to almost €30 million in emergency and long-term development funding which Irish Aid has provided to UN and aid agencies operating in Somalia over the past five years During his visit, the Tánaiste saw programmes implemented by the UN and aid agencies including Concern, with funding provided by the Irish Government through Irish Aid. He visited emergency feeding centres at camps for displaced by the decades-long conflict as well as a primary school, which was destroyed during the civil war, but has been rebuilt with Irish Aid support.

The Tánaiste also held a short meeting with Somali Prime Minister, Dr Abdiweli Mohamen Ali. Speaking from Mogadishu, the Tánaiste said

that the timing of the visit – in advance of next year’s Irish Presidency of the EU – offered an excellent opportunity to galvanise international action on Somalia, which is one of the most protracted and complex humanitarian crises anywhere in the globe. “Ireland will play a leading role in raising humanitarian issues over the course of our EU Presidency next year. We have a long and distinguished history of humanitarian engagement, not least in Somalia. I was proud to travel here today to see how Ireland has assisted families in need of food, water and shelter, principally through Irish NGOs such as Concern and Trócaire, who have worked here for over twenty years with the support of the Irish public and the Government.

“Many will remember the historic visit here in 1992 by President Mary Robinson, who appealed to the international community to respond urgently to the tragedy that was unfolding at that time. Sadly, decades of conflict and famine mean that millions of Somalis continue to face untold hardship, hunger and suffering, with many relying on international assistance just to stay alive.”

€3 million in vital aid for Somalia Tallaght Cancer Support Group has now got a new home at Trustus House, 1-2 Main Street, Tallaght just acroos from The Priory.

The Group was set up in February 2007 to provide support for ALL cancer patients, their families and friends. We encourage healing through friendship and support. They meet on the 2nd and last Thursday of every month from 8pm to 9.30pm. The Drop In Centre is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm at, Dublin 24. You can contact Tallaght Cancer Support Group at these numbers. 086 400 2736 or 086 400 2703.

TCSG in new premises.

Tallaght Express 24

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Transcript of Tallaght Express 24