Fitzgerald Unveils New Youth Bus

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has unveiled Clondalkin Youth Services’ brand new bus in the presence of over 70 young people between 14- 17 years of age, taking part in Junior Leadership training. The new bus will cater to local youth services in Clondalkin including Bawnogue, Deansrath, Knockitten and Clondalkin village.
 
“I am delighted to celebrate Clondalkin Youth Service’s achievement of raising funds to buy a new bus. Their old maroon and green ‘Barney Bus’ was well known in the area and the new colourful design on this bus has already earned the nickname ‘The Splash’. I know this bus will be put to great use; from taking young people to training opportunities, volunteering activities and vocational weekends,” stated Minister Fitzgerald. 
 
“I also had the privilege of meeting some of the 70 young people participating in Junior Leadership training on the day. It is fantastic to see a new generation, eager to engage with their community and make a difference through the youth service. I would encourage anyone interested in getting involved to drop into one of the local youth centres for more information,” said Fitzgerald.
 
Clondalkin Youth Service provides support to young people across the area through youth groups, after school clubs, personal development training, youth café’s and information on education and training opportunities.

Fitzgerald Welcomes €493,385 for Lucan Park

Local T.D. and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald has welcomed confirmation from her colleague, Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan T.D., of €493, 385 in funding for St Catherine’s Park, Lucan.

 "I am delighted that Minister Hogan has sanctioned the provision of funds for St Catherine’s Park. These funds will provide a significant boost to the project costs for a playground, Skate Park and a BMX trail for residents. Lucan has a growing demographic, particularly of children, and this project aims to provide activities for young people in the area,” said Fitzgerald.

Minister Hogan approved the funding from Fingal LEADER Partnership to the Laraghcon Resident’s Assocation for the development and enhancement of St. Catherine’s Park at Lucan under the Village renewal and development measure as part of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. The project will now go back to the Board of Fingal LEADER Partnership for the final approval on the project.

Fitzgerald Buzzing About Reading Challenge

Local T.D. and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, this week kicked off public libraries ‘Going Places With Books: the Summer Reading Buzz’ challenge. Launched in the County Library in Tallaght, children are being encouraged to keep reading during the summer months to keep their literacy skills improving outside of school time.
 
“As a child, one of my favourite places was the library. Every Saturday, I would go and pick out books for the rest of the week to keep me entertained. The love of reading I got from my local library has stayed with me and if we encourage children to read when they’re younger, it opens up a world of creativity and education that will last a lifetime. I am delighted to be launching such a positive initiative for children and it’s fantastic to be able to do so in my own County Library. I would like to pay tribute to Georgina Byrne and her staff on the progressive and positive initiatives South Dublin County Council have brought to libraries in Clondalkin and Lucan,” said Fitzgerald.

Lucan School Helps Combat Cyber Bullying

Local T.D and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, this week chaired a meeting for parents in Gaelscoil Naomh Padraig on how to tackle Cyberbullying. The meeting, organised by the school’s Parent’s Association, was to inform and educate parents on the ever changing social media environment and how to deal with cases of cyberbullying.

“Both my Department and I have been working with our colleagues in the Department of Education and have finalised an ‘Action Plan On Bullying’ to help tackle bullying in schools. Cyberbullying is an emerging phenomenon and like traditional bullying, one that needs to be challenged when we see it. Often parents feel that their children are streets ahead of them when it comes to social media. One of the ways to combat cyberbullying is to educate parents on technology and the protections available if their child is targeted online and this meeting was a perfect example of this,” said Fitzgerald.

Parents on the night heard from Professor Mona O’Moore from Trinity College’s Anti- Bullying Centre about the behaviours of bullies as well as victims and how to communicate with your child on how to behave online. John Wills from Barnardos gave parents a whistlestop tour of the sites, language, dangers and benefits of young people online.

Sod Turned At Newlands Cross Interchange

Work is officially starting on the Newlands Cross flyover today after Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar and local Minister Frances Fitzgerald turned the sod on the site.

At the event Fitzgerald confirmed that she will be closely monitoring the construction phase to ensure that disruption to Clondalkin and its residents is minimised.

“I have made representations to both the NRA and BAM requesting that consideration is made to residents and local traffic during the construction phase of this project. There was confidence today at the sod turning that this project will be carried out in as timely and accommodating manner as possible and I very much welcome that. In such a populated area it is imperative that local residents and commuters are taken into account during the construction and that disruption is minimised,” said Minister Fitzgerald who represents the Clondalkin area in Dail Eireann.

““This is the first Public Private Partnership road project to be signed since 2007 is now officially underway, in an important signal for economic recovery. Residents in the area have benefited from the upgrade of the Red Cow Roundabout and look forward to the similar benefits that the upgrade of Newlands Cross will bring in the coming years. I would appealed to commuters for patience throughout the construction phase but do intend on supporting residents who experience major difficulties during the construction period and hope that you can assist in this regard,” continued Fitzgerald.

Lucan Sisters Take Internet By Storm

Two sisters from St. Joseph’s College in Lucan have won the national Trend Micro “What’s Your Story” competition, which promotes safety online among school goers around the world. Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald presented the sisters, Judith and Tessy Ehiguese, with their €3,000 prize and commended them on their talent and vision.

“I was delighted to present Judith and Tessy with this national award for their music video, ‘Internet Sensation’, which celebrates the opportunities of today’s digital age. I recently hosted a ‘Delete Cyber Bullying’ event in, St Joseph’s College, Lucan, where Judith and Tessy attend; so I know how dedicated the staff and pupils are when it comes to online safety,” said Frances Fitzgerald T.D., Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

“Judith and Tessy did a fantastic job in bringing to life a teenagers attitude towards the ever-changing online sphere. Touch screens and smart phones bring wonderful extra possibilities into the lives of children today. We need to control digital safety and promote the world of opportunities offered online. It’s a difficult balance to strike, but i t is hugely encouraging to see companies like TrendMicro promoting this positive message for young people in schools right around the country,” continued Frances Fitzgerald.

Minister Frances Fitzgerald Opens Balgaddy Child and Family Centre

Local T.D., Minister Frances Fitzgerald, officially opened the Balgaddy Child and Family Centre on Friday last. Local residents, members of the Balgaddy Working Together Group, representatives of the County Partnership, South Dublin County Council, Archways, local Family Support Centres and Atlantic Philanthropies attended the packed event. Deputy Lord Mayor Gus O’Connell, Joanna Tuffy TD and Councillorss. Eamon Tuffy and Emer Higgins also attended.
"I am delighted to be here today to officially open the Balgaddy Child and Family Centre. Today’s opening is the culmination of 4 years of work and partnership and represents a positive investment into the community and for the residents of Balgaddy who have been waiting for these kinds of support services. With Atlantic Philanthropy funding and the guidance of both South Dublin County Council and the Partnership, this initiative has been nurtured and turned what was a blueprint in a County Plan to the fantastic, warm and welcoming space showcased here today and fought for by the Balgaddy Working Together Group,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald at the launch.
“Barnardos, Oakfield Trust, Archways, Deansrath Family Centre, Balgaddy Working Together Group and Dublin West Child Care and Learning Services have all played important roles in making the transition from a plan to a service and I commend them for their vision and commitment to the people of Balgaddy. The aim of the Centre is to support parents and the community as they create a warm, supportive and secure space in which children can grow, develop and flourish,” continued Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Launches Clondalkin Rainbow Alliance Charter

Minister Frances Fitzgerald launched Clondalkin’s first ever Rainbow Charter at the Clondalkin Rainbow Alliance Conference in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel on Friday. The event took place on International Day Against Homophobia and was supported by the national organisation BeLongTo and local groups such as The Quarryvale Family Resource Centre, the Clondalkin Drugs Taskforce and a whole host of Clondalkin-based youth, community and drugs projects. The Rainbow Alliance is asking local groups to subscribe to the Charter in order to set out best practice for social inclusion in the locality and send a strong and supportive message to members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

“I am delighted to be here today to launch this Charter and see my own area of Clondalkin leading the way when it comes to developing and implementing guidelines for equality and rights in community initiatives,” the Minister told the gathering of over fifty.

 

Supporting Clondalkin Volunteers

Local T.D and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has backed local volunteers, Danielle McDade and Nadine Brazil as they prepare to volunteer in South Africa this summer.

Danielle and Nadine have been involved in Ronanstown Youth Service for many years, taking part in projects and are members of the Youth Advisory Board of Jigsaw Clondalkin.

“Danielle and Nadine have been fantastic at supporting others locally through their involvement in the Youth Service and the youth mental health project, Jigsaw. Their commitment and passion for helping others locally is phenomenal and I know that their talents will shine in South Africa too,” said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Sings Youth Band’s Praises

Local T.D. and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, attended Clondalkin Youth Band’s Gala Concert this week in the Green Isle Hotel, Clondalkin. Clondalkin Youth Band played host to over 200 members of Ohio University’s Wind Ensemble and Marching Band, who are on a European Tour, and delighted a packed audience with their musical skill.
 
“It was a great joy and privilege to witness the energy and talent of both our own Clondalkin Youth Band and Ohio University’s Wind Ensemble and Marching Bands. Ohio’s Marching Band got us off to a lively start and both Bands played a beautiful programme on the night. It was also particularly apt to welcome Ohio to Clondalkin in this, the year of the Gathering,” said Fitzgerald.
 
“Clondalkin Youth Band has been an integral part of our community for 27 years. They bring great pride to Clondalkin every time they play, whether it is at Championships, the St. Patrick’s Day parade or hearing them practice around the Village. In recognition of all the work they do, I was pleased to approve a €5,000 grants last year to them for musical instruments.

Fitzgerald Welcomes Proposed €13.4mil Investment by Microsoft in Grangecastle

Local Minister, Frances Fitzgerald, has welcomed news that Microsoft look set to purchase lands at Grangecastle for the development of further datacentres on a 112.5 acre site. In a report, due to come before Councillors at next week’s Council Meeting, the County Manager recommends the disposal of a 112.52 acre Council-owned site at Grangecastle to Microsoft in what would be an estimated €13.4million deal.

“It looks likely that South Dublin County Council will next week approve the disposal of 112.5acres of land at Grange Castle, to Microsoft for the development of further data centres. This investment comes only two months after Microsoft announced plans to develop datacentres on a 3 hectare site in the expanding business park,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

“In what is estimated to be a €13.4 million deal with the Council, if approved, this will be yet another important investment and jobs boost for the Lucan and Clondalkin area. The Government’s Action Plan for jobs names attracting data centres as a key pillar of for economic growth and I am delighted that Grangecastle has been the beneficiary of a number of data centres. Microsoft are a leader in this growing industry and it is a vote of confidence for our local economy and our skilled workforce, that they have selected their site Grangecastle for such massive-scaled expansion and investment,” concluded Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Opens New Local Counselling Service for Children and Teens

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald this week launched a new child and adolescent service run by Clondalkin woman Catriona Kearns. The service based in the Village Counselling Service in Killinarden was opened on the twentieth anniversary of the tragic murder-suicide of the Gorman family in Saggart. The new therapy room has been dedicated to the memory of Sarah-Jane who died under tragic circumstances at eight years of age.

 

“It is so heartening to see such this proactive and positive initiative opening its doors to children and teenagers in the wider Tallaght area. The provision of good quality mental health care for young people has been a key priority for me and I have no doubt that this service will make a crucial difference to thousands of families,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald. 

“I want to commend the fantastic staff including Marcella Finnerty and Catriona Kearns from Clondalkin and all the volunteers who make this service possible. All volunteers receive intensive training from the staff of the Centre and their time and expertise volunteered means that there is an accessible and professional service available to anyone who needs it in the Tallaght and Greater Dublin area. It is vital that services are accessible when people need them most and with no waiting lists and late night and Saturday appointments available,” concluded Minister Frances Fitzgerald. 

The Village Counselling service and appointments are available Monday to Friday from 8am to 10pm and Saturdays from 8am to 8pm.

We Have Moved!

Over the past few years, Minister Frances Fitzgerald has had a busy full-time constituency office in the heart of Clondalkin Village.

We have recently moved premises just around the corner to 9 Main Street, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. 

The office continues to provide a full time service to constituents and we look forward to seeing you in our new premises soon!

Comprehensive Govt plan to tackle mortgage arrears will provide much-needed relief to homeowners – Fitzgerald

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has said that measures introduced by the Government to help restructure mortgages would help tens and thousands of people stay in their homes.

“Last week’s Central Bank figures show that 94,500 mortgages accounts are over 90 days in arrears, and 23,500 are in arrears for over 720 days.

“Measures announced by the Government this week will go a long way towards reducing that figure by ushering in widescale restructuring of mortgages for people whose loans are in distress. The banks must now step up their engagement with borrowers in difficulties so as to allow those in arrears to stay in their homes.

“New targets stipulate that by the end of June 2013, the banks should have proposed sustainable mortgage solutions for 20% of distressed borrowers. By the end of September 2013, this will have reached 30%, and by the end of 2013, the banks should have proposed sustainable mortgage solutions for 50% of distressed borrowers.

Lucan and Clondalkin’s Parents, Teachers and Youth Workers invited to help Delete Cyber Bullying.

Lucan Delete Cyber Bullying Event – St Joseph’s College,

Tuesday March 5^th at 8pm

Clondalkin Delete Cyber Bullying Event – Moyle Park Community College, Thursday 7^th March at 8pm

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald is calling on parents, teachers and youth workers to help her in the campaign to delete cyber bullying. As part of her ongoing efforts to address this issue, Fitzgerald is running events in Lucan and Clondalkin with experts from the leading social media site Facebook to inform and equip parents and teens in the battle against cyber bullying. 

Events will take place next Tuesday (5^th March) in Lucan’s St Joseph’s College and Thursday (7^th March) in Clondalkin’s Moyle Park College with industry experts as guest speakers.

“Social media is something not all adults are experts in and parents often feel helpless if their child is being targeted. I will be hosting a local information event where experts from Facebook and Webwise will be among those explaining the best way to protect your children and teenagers from cyber-bullying. If you are a parent or you work with, children or teenagers then this is an event for you. Experts from Facebook and Webwise will be going through tips, information and best practice advice on protecting children and young people online,” explained Fitzgerald.

“Unfortunately, cyber bullying is becoming a more familiar phrase to us all. To simplify it it’s a form of aggressive and harassing messaging carried out online or through text message. It isn’t always as straight forward as the sending of intimating messages and can also take the form of impersonation, for example setting up social media accounts in the name of others. Like any form of bullying its destructive and can have huge consequences on confidence, on self esteem and on capacity to learn. Research commissioned by my Department shows that 24% of 9 to 17 year olds report being bullied, this is something that requires whole of school and whole of community action. The Delete Cyber Bullying Event’s I’m hosting in Clondalkin and Lucan next will be an opportunity to inform and empower parents, teachers, youth workers and indeed teenagers themselves,” concluded Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

 

The Lucan event will take place in St Joseph’s College, Tuesday March 5^th at 8pn with the Clondalkin information evening being held in Moyle Park Community College, Thursday 7^th March at 8pm.

Minister Fitzgerald Encourages People to Participate in Family, Gender Roles and National Identity Survey

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald T.D., has encouraged the recipients of 5,000 surveys on family, gender roles and national identity to participate in the international research by filling out and returning their questionnaire.

The research programme is part of an international investigation, tracking attitudes and behaviour over the past twenty-five years in 48 countries worldwide. Questionnaires will be arriving in 5,000 homes across Ireland this week in an attempt to provide an accurate account of views on nationality, family life and Ireland’s global positioning. The research is funded by the Department and Children and Youth Affairs and the Irish Research Council and is being conducted by researchers from University College Dublin’s School of Sociology and the Geary Institute.

“This national survey has been sent to 5,000 homes throughout Ireland. The questionnaire looks at issues ranging from attitudes to marriage, family, child rearing and balancing a working life with parenthood to defining Irishness and exploring attitudes in relation to our relationship with our European counterparts and Northern Ireland,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Encourages Local TY Students to Get Filming for The Gathering

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has called on local Transition Year Students to get involved with The Gathering by making a short film showing the best of what their hometown has to offer. The Gathering, in collaboration with the Department of Education and Skills and Bank of Ireland are offering a prize of €1,000 to the students who win as well as €400 for their school.

“We have a lot to be proud of in Clondalkin, Lucan, Saggart and Rathcoole. Whether it is the rich heritage in Newcastle and Rathcoole, the Round Tower in Clondalkin, the Lucan Festival or the strong sense of community in all these places, we have something special to offer and I hope students can find a way of communicating that,” said Fitzgerald.

The competition, open to Transition Year Students, is looking for a 3 minute short film made by an individual student or a group of three classmates, showcasing what is great about where they live. The closing date for applications is the 22^nd of February 2013, with regional finalists having their video uploaded for public voting on Youtube in March.

2,000 extra CE places will help jobseekers locally

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has said that an additional 2,000 Community Employment places are being made available to help those out of work to get a job. Minister Fitzgerald added that the Government will spend €1 billion this year on retraining and up- skilling programmes aimed at getting people back to work.

“These extra places on the Community Employment (CE) programme will be specifically targeted at helping the long term unemployed get back into the workplace. More than 12,000 new jobs were created in the private sector last year, but one of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring those on the live register are able to take up the new jobs being created,” said Fitzgerald.

The extra places mean a total of 25,300 places are being made available on CE schemes this year. Over the next 12 months, the Government will spend €1 billion on activation programmes and other supports aimed at helping people get back to work. For example, in the Budget, €11 million was allocated to provide the extra CE places and 8,000 additional other training places this year across a range of schemes.

Minister for Children & Youth Affairs Congratulates Lucan’s Young Scientists

Local Minister Frances Fitzgerald has congratulated students from Lucan Community College , St Josephs and Colaiste Phradraig won awards at last week’s BT Young Scientist Exhibition.

 

“It’s great to have so many of our local students participating in this prestigious competition and for five projects from Lucan Community College , St Joseph ’s and Colaiste Phradraig to receive awards is a huge achievement for our area. Every student involved in this competition challenged themselves enormously and showed their potential on this national stage. The girls in St. Joseph’s who looked at exercise and spent coffee product as a fertiliser came up with truly innovative ideas which they developed through research, experimentation. In the case of the coffee run-off project the students created a user-friendly primary school workbook to ensure the eco-friendly ethos of their project can be put to practical use,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

“Coláiste Phádraig’s Adam Doran, Gary O’Flynn, Mark Lynam looked at ways of developing a fetal pacemaker that utilises piezoelectric energy to tackle a fatal illness. Together, they combined science and engineering to look at ways to save the lives of unborn children. Their ambition, drive and innovation are genuinely inspiring and I have no doubt that they have a future in the important area of medical research,” continued Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Hails Calliaghstown Decision a Victory for Rural Rathcoole

Local T.D and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has welcomed the upholding of her and Cllr. Tony Delaney’s objections to An Bord Pleanala with respect to a controversial planning application for a cemetery in Calliaghstown, Rathcoole. Frances Fitzgerald backed local residents concerns and successfully objected to the proposal for this cemetery when planning permission was first sought. The Council upheld the concerns of locals and refused permission for the project but the developers later appealed their decision to An Bord Pleanala. Fitzgerald and Delaney again made detailed submissions on the proposal and highlighted the huge concern locally. Their concerns were taken into account by An Bord Pleanala who this week have refused permission for the cemetery in what Fitzgerald has described as a victory for the people of Rathcoole.

“This is a victory for the people of rural Rathcoole. The scenic surrounds of Rathcoole are, unfortunately, often the setting for inappropriate planning applications. Together with residents in Rathcoole Village and Windmill Hill we are currently fighting plans for a waste processing facility at Behans Quarry and the people of Calliaghstown and I have been fighting against this proposed cemetery for a number of years. It is great to at last have closure on this issue and I hope that we will have as successful a result in our An Bord Pleanala case on Behan’s Quarry,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

 

Fitzgerald, along with her Fine Gael Colleagues Tony Delaney and Emer Higgins, has made a detailed submission on a planning decision at the nearby Behan’s Quarry.

“A cemetery at this location would have been very concerning for the area and had the potential to have detrimental consequences on this water supply. The cemetery was to be situated on a hill above the water supply and in a very strong limestone area. This had the potential for huge consequences on the local water supply.”

 

Minister Fitzgerald also highlighted the issue of traffic congestion, explaining that the roads locally are not suitable.

 

“The Council, in their refusal of this application, acknowledged that a development on the site would pose a serious threat to road safety in the area. As the roads are narrow around Calliaghstown, cars would have to give way and there were concerns that this could cause accidents, considering the increase in traffic volume,” explained Fitzgerald.