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17th February 2020

80%+ OF HOMEOWNERS ON A VARIABLE RATE

ARE OVERPAYINGHundreds, or even thousands, of mortgage holders in Dublin are significantly overpaying on their mortgage but are still reluctant to switch to lower rates, which is hindering market competitiveness and generally keeping rates high.

This is the contention of the Association of Irish Mortgage Advisors (AIMA) who say that, based on assessment of figures, the volume

of mortgage switching remains at one quarter of what it was at the peak of the boom, and that the vast majority of the estimated 175,000 mortgage holders in Ireland on standard variable rates are overpaying by hundreds, if not thousands of Euro, each year, which equates to approximately 49,254 mortgage holders in Dublin alone.

Trevor Grant, Chairperson of AIMA

explained, “The New Year is a great time to take your finances by the reins, which is why we are really trying to highlight this issue now.

It is advised that all mortgage holders review their rate and mortgage agreement every two years to ensure they are getting the best value, but the pace of mortgage switching is too slow in this country and 2020 mortgage switching figures

should be at least double those of 2019. By our own market analysis, we would estimate that over 49,200 homeowners in Dublin are on a variable rate – and we believe that less than one in five these are on the best available rate and therefore the majority could save by switching.

And although they are the group most susceptible to paying more than they need to, it’s not only variable rate mortgage holders that need to switch – there’s a really good chance that those on a fixed rate can save big money by reviewing their rate and their lender periodically. So that means even greater numbers of Dublin mortgage holders could be in for savings.

In addition, if more people switched, the banks would be more likely to lower their rates to protect their market share – this is simple economics.” AIMA contend that although there has been some growth

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in the number of people switching year on year, the pace has been too slow – particularly in the last two years when rates have dropped for new mortgages and banks have become increasingly competitive on fixed rates.

The broker representatives argue that homeowners should be coming in their droves to actively switch and save hundreds, if not thousands of Euro, but that inertia and/or apathy appear to be preventing this. AIMA have reported that real life examples of switching, conducted by

their broker members in the final few weeks of 2019, show the huge savings that can be made – not only for those with a low LTV on their mortgage – but for those whose LTV is between 80 – 90% also.

Mr. Grant, continued to comment on other factors he believes hold people back when it comes to moving rate and/or lender, “Many people got the best deal available at the time when they took out their mortgage and they understandably assume it is still the best. However, the reality is that rates become

80%+ OF HOMEOWNERS ON A VARIABLE RATE ARE OVERPAYING .......... CONT’D FROM PAGE 1

out of date in terms of value.Others believe that if they remain loyal to their current bank, it will be reciprocated in some way – which is an absolute fallacy. We also find that many on a fixed rate believe they simply can’t break their fixed rate contract and have to wait until it’s finished to make a move – again this is another falsehood that permeates the market and costs households money.”

Mr. Grant went on to advise, “The new Central Bank rules imposing timelines on lenders to process applications, combined with often reduced paperwork for switcher applications means much better customer approval experiences than they would most likely have encountered originally. With access to seven mortgage lenders, it’s not hard for mortgage brokers to secure a better deal for the majority of mortgage

holders. Those on trackers should stay as they are.”

AIMA say the latest BPFI report on

Mortgage Drawdowns[1] found that less than 5,887(approximately 4% of all SVR mortgage holders) switched in the last 12

months - compared with 25,937 in 2007[2]. The representative body hopes 2020 will see a significant uptick in these numbers.

DAFFODIL DAY LAUNCHES FOR 27TH MARCH 2020

Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Day fundraisers Veitch Smyth and Margaret Wallace pictured alongside and CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, Averil Power and presenter Kamal Ibrahim at the launch of the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day in partnership with Boots Ireland in the City West Hotel on February 7th. The local volunteers are preparing for Daffodil Day, the biggest national fundraiser supporting people affected by cancer. Daffodil Day, in partnership with Boots Ireland, takes place on March 27th. Find out how you can raise crucial funds for cancer patients and their families www.cancer.ie Picture: Andres Poveda.

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LOCAL ENTERPRISE WEEK 2020Mayor Vicki Casserly and South Dublin County Council Chief Executive Daniel McLoughlin launch the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) South Dublin line up of events for ‘Local Enterprise Week 2020’. Dublin County GAA’s most successful Gaelic Football managers in

terms of major title wins, Jim Gavin will kick off the events of the South Dublin Local Enterprise Week 2020.

Gaelic Football Management Legends don’t come any bigger. Jim Gavin is the keynote speaker at the opening event on the 2nd

of March to an audience of promising entrepreneurs and business owners, as part of LEO South Dublin’s Local Enterprise Week 2020 Programme. Jim will be sharing his experience and advice on developing a High Performing Team for your business. This first event

Pictured L-R Tom Rooney, Head of Enterprise, South Dublin County Council / Frank Nevin Director Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development South Dublin County Council / Mayor Vicki Casserly / Danny McLoughlin Chief Executive South Dublin County Council / Justin Mulhern Local Enterprise Office, South Dublin County Council. Pic Ben Ryan

of Local Enterprise Week 2020 is being hosted in Áras Chrónáin in Clondalkin, not far from where Jim was raised.

The announcement came from South Dublin LEO, as part of the release of a jam-packed schedule of events between 2nd and 6th of March for Local Enterprise Week 2020. The purpose of Local Enterprise Week is to highlight the range of services and supports available to existing and potential entrepreneurs and micro and small enterprises. Our mission is to promote entrepreneurship, foster business start-ups and develop existing micro and small businesses to drive job creation and to provide accessible high quality supports for businesses in South Dublin.

Other highlights of LEO South Dublin’s Local Enterprise Week include presentations and workshops for How to improve your online presence and increase sales, How to make your business more attractive to staff

by offering agile working solutions, Implementing Operational Excellence in your business, Expert advice on how to get the most from LinkedIn whether recruiting staff or finding new customers, amongst many.

Throughout the course of the week, entrepreneurs of all ages will have the opportunity to book a place to participate in both paid and free of charge group sessions and one-to-one mentoring. Tom Rooney Head of Enterprise, LEO South Dublin said that Local Enterprise Week was the ultimate opportunity for small businesses and start-ups to familiarise themselves with the services their local LEO provide by way of support

and education. It also gives entrepreneurs and owner managers the opportunity to network and learn not only from experts and speakers but also from each other. “Local Enterprise Week is a collaboration between local and Government support groups, with a common goal to help small and micro businesses to exceed in today’s competitive marketplace, to expand job opportunities and strengthen the backbone of our local economy. Our exciting program of events is designed to inspire and motivate hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs to follow their dreams,” commented Mr. Rooney.

For more information see www.localenterprise.ie/southdublin.

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EUROPEAN ACTION WEEK AGAINST RACISMSince the early 1990’s, UNITED coordinates every year, around 21 March, the European-wide Action Week Against Racism. Activists, NGO’s,

universities, schools, municipalities and a wide variety of different organisations carry out hundreds of activities all around Europe in

order to bring an end to racism, discrimination and intolerance. To mark European Action Week Against Racism, the Social Inclusion Unit, Community Services Department, South Dublin County Council, will host a Primary and Secondary School Competition with the aim to combat racism and celebrate the diversity of people living in Ireland today. Proposals have also been received from primary schools to run multicultural afternoons.

By entering the competition, the South Dublin County Council’s Social Inclusion Unit hopes to create awareness of European Action Week Against Racism (14th March to 22nd March

2020) and give children a platform to discuss what racism means to them. Closing date for receipt of entries is Wednesday 11th March 2020. Primary School Competition: Draw a picture, create a slogan or write a poem conveying your personal message against racism.

Lots of prizes to be won for the best entries! All prizes will be vouchers. Secondary School Competition: Create a group project (minimum 5 people) to support European Action Week Against Racism conveying your message through art, drama, dance, music, poetry etc. Prize will be a contribution of €1,000 towards school equipment or a team building trip.

(subject to terms and conditions)The competitions are open to all primary and secondary school children living or going to school in South Dublin County.

You can enter through your school or contact us directly for an application

form. Individual and Group Entries are accepted for the Primary School Competition. Only Group Entries will be accepted for the Secondary School Competition.

For further information call 01 414 9270 or email: s o c i a l i n c l u s i o n u n i t @sdublincoco.ie

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SDCC TOURISM EVENTS AND FESTIVALS GRANT SCHEME 2020South Dublin County Council are delighted to launch their Tourism Events and Festivals Grant Scheme for 2020. This funding programme is aimed at organisations and organisers who plan to hold a public festival or event within South Dublin County Council’s administrative area.

The aim is to fund innovative events/festivals that are supported by local businesses and communities which will add value to our tourism product. The maximum grant available is €7,500 and is paid directly relating to the number of spectators from out of county and overseas. Key priority areas such as cultural, food, sports and activity-based tourism aimed at growing the visitor economy are included in the grant offering.

Having been launched as a pilot scheme in 2018, the Tourism Events and Festivals Grant proved to be a great success providing funding in the sum of €24,910 to a variety of

organisations who ran events in South Dublin County. In 2019 events supported included the Dublin Masters International Basketball Tournament, the WMAI 4 Nations Championships, the Fastlane 10k and half marathon, the 60th Liffey Descent and the Clondalkin Handcraft and Horticultural Show.

“I would like to sincerely thank South Dublin County Council for all their support over the years and in particular for their support during 2019 for our WMAI 4 Nations Championships through the Tourism Events and Festivals Grant” said Sean O’Brien, President of Wado Martial Arts Ireland. “The Grant we received for our 2019 Championships enabled us to host the biggest and the most successful event in the last three years.

We have attracted countries like England, Scotland, Wales, Romania, Italy, Germany and Denmark and from the feedback we have received to

date our 2020 Championships will be even bigger. This event is attracting some of the world’s best fighters and officials and because of the hard work of our volunteers, committee members, fundraising and the ongoing support from SDCC our WMAI 4 Nations Championships have grown year on year “thank you” to SDCC and Dublin’s Outdoors.”

Up to €40,000 has been allocated for The Tourism Events and Festivals Scheme for 2020 so why not get your application in today! To apply for the scheme, event organisers can complete an application form by visiting www.sdcc.ie and send hard copies to The County Promotion Unit, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24 or via email econdev@sdublincoco.ie

Closing date for applications is 3pm on 24th of April 2020.

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DOWN SYNDROME IRELAND LAUNCHES NEW 21 DAY FUNDRAISING CHALLENGELooking to challenge yourself – all while raising vital funds for a good cause? Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) has launched a new virtual fundraising event, challenging people to run, jog, walk, cycle or swim a distance of 100 kms in 21 days. Participants can

complete the challenge however and wherever they wish over 21 consecutive days from when they kick off - whether they complete the distance in their local park, on the streets or in their gym.

Alison Kelly, Fundraising

Manager, Down Syndrome Ireland said: “Down syndrome occurs when there is one extra copy of chromosome 21 in cells in the body. As that number has particular meaning for DSI and the Down syndrome community, we chose it as the number of days in which participants complete the 100 kms. It’s an interesting challenge and one we hope people will be excited to get behind.”

The charity is offering a wonderful opportunity for participants to meet some of their 3,500 members and their families from around the country at their annual celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, the Purple Run – which takes place at 11am on Sunday 22nd March in the Phoenix Park. The Purple Run is an all-inclusive family event open to people of all age groups and abilities. Free entry to the Purple Run is available to those who reach their 21 Day Challenge fundraising target by Sunday 15th March. Funds raised will be used to help the charity meet its annual fundraising target of €4.2 million to

continue providing essential services, programmes and supports to the charity’s 3,500 members and their famiilies across the country.

Alison Kelly, Fundraising Manager, Down Syndrome Ireland said: “Completing 100 kms in just 21 days is no easy challenge but with the flexibility of being able to mix it up and do part

swimming, part running or maybe part walking, it’s a challenge that’s achievable. Whether people take part in their gym, in their local park or on the streets, they can decide the place and they decide the pace.

We’re appealing to people to get involved. It’s a great way to get active with family, friends or

colleagues, have some fun and help raise money to support our work.” For more information see www.downsyndrome.i e / e v e n t / d s i - 2 1 - d a y -challenge/ or email alisonk@downsyndrome.ie.

Join the conversation online using the hashtag #DSI21DayChallenge and #Fundraising4DSI.

LOCAL WRITER, LIAM MCNEVIN HOSTS A SERIES OF POEMS ACCOMPANIED BY IMAGES TAKEN WHILE OUT AND ABOUT IN THE

LOCAL AREA.

Winter SceneBy Local Writer Liam McNevin

This scalene scene dappledwith trees and stationed lamps

captures the bleakness and charmsof the winter season.People crowd close by

waiting for a bus to takethem into town and other places.

I’ve often passed by here,my mind on other things.

A welcome revelationhiding in plain sight.

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AXA ROADSAFE ROADSHOW DELIVERED A HARD-HITTING ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE

The AXA Roadsafe Roadshow in partnership with South Dublin County Council and Emergency Services has delivered a hard-hitting road safety message to 700 Transition Year students on the 6th of February at the Red Cow Moran Hotel. AXA

are delighted to be working together with South Dublin County Council to bring the AXA Roadsafe Roadshow to South Dublin.

This is the sixth AXA Roadsafe Roadshow of the Winter schedule after already

visiting Dun Laoghaire, Kildare, Kerry and Fingal County Council at the end of last year and Cork last month. The AXA Roadsafe Roadshow is aimed primarily at Transition Year students in Secondary Schools. It is based on an award-

Pictured at the roadshow are from left, Paramedic Tony Kelly, CBS Lucan TY students Jamie Doolan, Kenneth Sebastian and Eoghan Daly, and Garda David Barron. Pic: Iain White - Fennell Photography

winning format and depicts graphically how a night out, can end in tragedy. The show depicts what happens with driver inexperience and overconfidence with the aim to educate and highlight the various safety skills these young students need before they get behind the wheel of a car.

Using a backdrop of contemporary music, video clips and television advertisements; the story is told by Garda David Barron, Paramedic Tony Kelly, Fire Officer Darren O’Connor and A&E Consultant, Dr.Philip D’Arcy. The show culminates in a presentation by Leo Lieghio who tragically lost his daughter Marsia, thirteen years ago in a hit and run in Clondalkin in Dublin.Marsia was just sixteen years old at the time and was knocked down at a set of pedestrian lights. Leo tells the students about the raw grief he and his family have had to suffer since that terrible day. Antoinette

McDonald, Direct, Partner and Customer Experience Director at AXA Insurance commented: “As one of the largest insurance companies in Ireland, we deal with hundreds of claims every week as a result of traffic collisions.

The effects are well documented - too many people are being killed on our roads or are being injured for life.Young people are particularly over-represented, and we want to educate these young people to be safe and responsible drivers of the future. This event tells the real-life stories of people who deal with the needless carnage caused by speed, drink and drugs on Irish roads and the show brings home the pain caused by unnecessary road crashes and the impact on people and how it has changed their lives forever. The aim of the event is to educate novice and young drivers to think twice about the seriousness of safety when learning

to drive. We know that when these students start driving it will give them a new sense of freedom and we want to make sure they enjoy this new freedom but at the same time educate them on the responsibilities that go with it”.

In 2019, 148 people lost their lives on our roads and 1,243 were seriously injured. Over half of fatalities have been either a driver or passenger and one third of all collisions had excessive speed as a factor. One third of all driver and passenger fatalities were not wearing a seatbelt at time of collision.

In 2019, 2 lives were lost on South Dublin roads. This year in 2020, we have unfortunately lost 1 life on South Dublin roads to date. Nationally this year, 10 people have lost their lives on our roads to date and although this is a reduction of 6 fatalities for this time last year, every road death is one too many.

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CROWE SUPPORTS STRIKING TEACHERSSeán Crowe has expressed his support for the industrial action undertaken by members of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI).Seán Crowe said: “I visited the picket recently and expressed my support to striking teachers. This

industrial action has the full support of Sinn Féin. We need to see an end to the two-tier pay system that has dogged the sector for so long.“Newly-qualified teachers have been penalised by the approach of previous

Governments. “It is wrong that there are people in staff rooms across the state who are doing the same job as the person sitting next to them, but being paid a completely different wage. “The principle of equal work for equal

pay must be respected. “There are also clearly increasing difficulties with recruitment and retention of teachers, and shortages in subjects such as Irish, home economics, maths and other languages to name but a few.

Charlie O’ConnorThanks to all those who supported

me in the general electionThe Fianna Fail Team is John Lahart TD, Councillors

Yvonne Collins, Teresa Costello, Emma Murphy, Charlie O’Connor & Deirdre O’Donovan

TABLE QUIZ NOTICETable quiz in aid of Hagan Nolan

(who suffers from Cystinosis)Friday 28th Feb at 8.30pm

St. Mary’s GAA Club Green Lane, Leixlip. €24 for a table of 4 .

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CASSIDY TRAVEL GEARS UP FOR YEAR OF THE ‘MINI CRUISE’Irish holidaymakers are sharing in the worldwide appetite for cruise holidays, which now has over 28 million people taking to the high seas each year. With it has come the ‘mini cruise’ – shorter 3-5 day cruises for those who don’t wish to spend a full week on a ship or who fancy combining a cruise with a sun holiday or city break. In anticipation of further growth in 2020, leading travel agent Cassidy Travel has launched its first ever mini-cruise brochure, highlighting the many options on offer.

Venice, Barcelona and Genoa near Milan are the embarkation points for a myriad of glamorous odysseys across all corners of Europe, taking in endless historic sites of breath-taking beauty and variety. Popular stop-offs include Rome, Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca, but mini-cruises also provide handy access to locations which might otherwise go unnoticed.The historic city of Zadar on the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia for example, is famed for its Roman ruins and unique sea

organ, to be enjoyed as the sun goes down. Split in Slovenia, meanwhile, boasts a wonderful seafront promenade and narrow cobbled streets against a backdrop of dramatic mountains.

The fascinating port of Marseilles features prominently on cruise itineraries, with its world class cultural offerings and shopping. Among the cruise experiences on offer is a 2-night voyage aboard the MSC Poesia from Genoa, taking in Marseilles and Barcelona in October.

Another cruise ‘taster’ sets sail from Venice in May, travelling to Koper in Slovenia, Split and Zadar from €439pps over 4 nights (flights extra). 4 nights aboard the MSC Opera from Barcelona, visiting Palma, Marseilles and Genoa next April is another option, as is a 5-night cruise on the MSC Magnifica from Genoa to Rome (Civitavecchia), Corfu in Greece and on to Kotor in Montenegro and Venice in May. “Mini-cruises allow people to enjoy the romance of the cruise ship, with

all the amazing facilities, entertainment and great food that today’s ships offer, in a very affordable way without committing to a full 7 nights at sea,” explains John Spollen of Cassidy Travel.“Many of our clients are combining mini-cruises with their city breaks or sun holidays.” Packages may be booked in Cassidy Travel at the Square Tallaght or any of 9 travelshops across Dublin or by phone on (01) 462 9100.

All prices subject to change.

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Leixlip Road, Lucan.

If interested Contact us on 01 62 19 514

Or join us at a “Meet & Greet” morning on Saturday 21st March 2020 at 10am at Golf

Course.

BALLYFERMOT LAUNCH FOR CHILDREN’S FITNESS

INITIATIVETwo Ballyfermot primary schools – St. Michael’s

National School and St. Raphael’s – along with Scoil Mhuire in Clondalkin, will be amongst the first this year to host the popular children’s fitness initiative

‘Fit Squad’ when it returns for a new season this February. Aimed at encouraging an active and

healthy lifestyle, topics covered during each visit will include demonstrations of exercises young

people should do, advice on healthy eating, and tips on how to use leisure time to stay physically fit. Delivered by Irish fitness expert Tom Dalton

and supported by Fyffes, schools and sports clubs interested in receiving a similar visit can find details

online at www.fyffesfitsquad.ie.

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TALENTED TEENAGERS FROM LUCAN WIN ALL-IRELAND AWARDS!

Talented teenagers from Coláiste Cois Life in Lucan won awards at the recent All-Ireland Final of Scléip 2020! Organised annually by Gael Linn for Irish medium second-level schools nationwide, and funded by Foras na Gaeilge, Scléip is a celebration of

contemporary music, song, dance ‘as Gaeilge’.The final was held recently in the Clasach theatre, Clontarf and almost 300 star-struck students, who had qualified through preliminary rounds before Christmas, were on stage during the event!

Pictured Tom Ó Néill, receiving his first place award for the junior section of the solo instrumentation category at Scléip 2020. Pictured with Caoimhe Ní Chathail, Foras na Gaeilge (left) and Meghan Mhic Thiarnáin, Gael Linn (right).

Pictured Caoimhe Garvin, Helen Nic Cárthaigh, Liam Walsh and Daithí Ó hArrachtáin accepting their first place award in the junior section of the Pop/Rock group category at Scléip 2020! Lauren Ní Chasaide (adjudicator) and Antoine Ó Coileáin, Gael Linn, were delighted to present them with their award!

Coláiste Cois Life students, Caoimhe Garvin, Helen Nic Cárthaigh, Liam Walsh and Daithí Ó hArrachtáin, were awarded first place in the junior section of the Pop/Rock singing group category (Popghrúpa/Racghrúpa le féintionlacan).

The Pop/Rock group, ‘Beocht’, competing in the senior section of the same category took second place. Instrumentalist, Tom Ó Neill, took first place in the junior section of the solo instrumentation category. Elaine Uí Ghéaráin was the teacher who guided them to their success! The winners were presented with specially-designed plaque and medals.

Seán Ó Ceallaigh, Gael Linn, praised the work put in by all the teachers and their dedication to encourage the young students whom participated in the competition. He also thanked Foras na Gaeilge for their continuing support for the event.

TO ADVERTISE IN OUR EDUCATION

FEATURE, CONTACT SIOBHAN TODAY!Phone: 01 451 9000

or Email:siobhan@newsgroup.ie

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With new headlamps, redesigned alloys and front grille, the New Nissan Qashqai is an SUV which is more sophisticated and dynamic than ever. A new headlamp design, featuring a striking LED Daytime Running Light signature, provides the new Qashqai with a smart and elegant look. Three new sets of alloy wheel designs – up to 19” in diameter – infuse the new Qashqai with its own distinctive character. Thanks to Nissan Intelligent Mobility, all occupants will feel more confident and connected than ever. High Quality Materials; Unique interior touches, ranging from the high quality materials and new instrument panel, to the new D-shaped steering wheel, add to the premium feel of Ireland’s best-selling SUV of all time. Levels of noise and vibration in the cabin of the Qashqai have been vastly improved, with much less sound from the road and engine making its way inside, particularly on the motorway. The overall shape is typical crossover, with a raised ride height, roof-rails and black plastic trim giving a familiar rugged off-roader look. The lasting comfort of the Qashqai’s new seats - with their new monoform design and high quality Nappa leather with soft 3D quilting finish - ensure that every journey is completed in luxurious surroundings. Trim & Engine Options; The Nissan Qashqai model line-up consists of five generously-equipped trim levels – XE, SE, SV, SV Premium, and range-topping SVE. Engine options in the new Qashqai include a new 1.3-litre petrol unit (DiG-T) with 140bhp (6-speed manual), or 160bhp (DCT automatic transmission), a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel (dCi) engine producing 115bhp (manual

or DCT), and a 1.7-litre turbo-diesel with 150bhp (manual or DCT). 2WD is standard across the range, with 4WD reserved for the larger turbo-diesel power plant. The DiG-T engine features a variety of technical enhancements over the outgoing units, many of which are finding their way into a Nissan for the first time. The upshot is that the 1.3-litre DiG-T engine marks a big improvement over the old 1.2-litre petrol unit. Not only does it produce 25bhp more, but there’s significantly more torque throughout almost the entire rev range, thereby allowing for safe overtaking and terific straight line performance. Test Car; My test car was a mid-spec Nissan Qashqai 1.3-litre petrol (140bhp) SV model with a 6-speed manual transmission, which was finished in fashionable grey metallic paintwork. Nissan’s terrific new 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine produces 240Nm of torque for swift acceleration, and can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in just 10.5-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 192km/h. This new engine was designed, and engineered, to boost driving pleasure while improving energy efficiency to meet rigorous new European norms.

Fuel consumption as low as 5.7L/100km on a combined driving cycle is achieveable, while the car will tow a braked trailer of up to 1200kg. On the road, the new Nissan Qashqai behaves with poise and precision, with lots of grip from the tyres, and good balance. The petrol engine is extremely quiet, the ride quality is comfortable, and visibility is excellent, ensuring that the Qashqai is an enjoyable place in which to spend time. Cargo space in the Nissan Qashqai is impressive, with

MOTORING LIFE WITHNEW DYNAMIC & ELEGANT NISSAN QASHQAI

430-litres available with the rear seats up, and up to 1,598-litres on offer with the rear seats folded flat.

Also new for the latest round of updates is the infotainment system. It looks the same on the face of it, but the new processor is vastly more powerful than the old one, so loading times are significantly improved. The screen is much more responsive to touch too, allowing smartphone-style pinch and swiping motions to zoom in and out of map pages and scroll through menus.

Pricing & Warranty; The Nissan Qashqai range is priced from just €27.700 (ex-works) and represents terrific value for money, while my mid-spec test car is priced from €29,600 (ex-works). All new Nissan passenger cars come with a 3-year/100,000km warranty, and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty too. The Nissan Qashqai is the world’s favourite SUV, and the latest incarnation of the iconic Qashqai is sure to stay that way for the forseeable future too.

By Breda Corrigan

FACT BOX

1) Spacious, Stylish & Practical SUV2) Cutting-Edge Technology

3) Petrol or Diesel Engines4) Manual or DCT (Auto)

5) Priced From €27,700 (ex-works)

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NEWLY REFURBISHED FAMILY ACCOMMODATION AT LAURALYNN CHILDREN’S HOSPICE

Dermot Bannon visited LauraLynn recently to officially open newly refurbished family

accommodation at Ireland’s only children’s hospice. LauraLynn has four family bedrooms alongside a living

space and kitchen area allowing entire families to book in for short stays at the hospice. These short

stays allow the child using the service, their parents and any siblings they may have to enjoy quality time together making memories as a family. Parents can enjoy just being mums and dads with the medical needs of their child fully taken care of.

This specialised family accommodation was in need of some improvements, it was over eight years old and felt a little outdated but with no dedicated state funding a renovation project was not something that seemed possible. This year alone over €4.6m of LauraLynn’s annual running costs will need to be met via fundraised income.

In February 2019, Belinda Rohan of Belinda Rohan Interiors began working on the renovation plans for the family accommodation, giving each bedroom its own unique style. In May 2019, Chris Mackin, one of the owners of MalMac Construction dropped in

to say that he would love to help out if there was any building work he could assist with and the project was born. Along with Malmac Construction, Rapid Developments and Keggall Construction joined the team to ensure the entire renovation project had no monetary cost to LauraLynn.

Liam Ryan is an 11 year old boy, Liam has been coming to LauraLynn for four years now. Liam’s mum Niamh says; “LauraLynn is like home away from home for us. It’s a lovely place for our family to come knowing that Liam is being minded & loved and is safe & happy. We get to just be Mam, Dad and brother as all of Liam’s medical and care needs are looked after by the lovely staff. But LauraLynn is so much more than that.

We ALL feel minded as the fantastic staff think of our whole family and this project has created such beautiful relaxing spaces for all of us to rest and feel

so refreshed after our stay.”

Speaking at the official opening of the newly refurbished family accommodation, Dermot Bannon said “I was honoured to be asked to open the newly refurbished bedrooms and gathering space for parents and families of children who stay with Laura Lynn.The days of respite that the families get are a lifeline and precious to them. The new rooms that have been created by the donated time of Belinda and Malmac the builders are really beautiful and wrap a blanket of care around the families for their stay.

Dermot Bannon pictured with Liam Ryan in LauraLynn

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CONTACT US TODAYTel: 01 853 7315

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Dolly Parton free book scheme signs up 5,000 children in Tallaght: A year after being launched the Dolly Parton backed free book scheme has signed up 75% of all 0-5 year olds in Dublin 24. Pictured are Jacob Ballagh Mulholland, Alice Costello and Kit Toman with their Mums Sylvia, Catherine and Aoife. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a free book gifting scheme for children, is partnered with the Childhood Development Initiative to deliver the worldwide programme in Ireland. www.cdi.ie.Pic Credit: Conor Healy / Picture it Photography

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■ Re Latting, Re Felting & Re Slating

■ New Roofs, Flat Roofs, Roof Repairs

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NOVENAS FOR LAURA LYNN

If you would like a Novena published please send a postal order or cheque (Minimum of €10 per prayer) made out to Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice, along

with your Novena to: NEWSGROUP, Unit 3 Floor 2 St Dominics Shopping Centre, St Dominics Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

If you require any further information please call 01 45 19 000 or email: info@newsgroup.ie.

MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received.P.M

MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received.F.M

MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received.J.R

MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received.S.B

MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your

Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received.K.R

MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you for a very special one. Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. Special mention to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary for great favour witness received.J.P.R

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony“Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints” O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request). O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.H.L

Prayer for healing Heavenly Father, I call on you right now in a very special way. It is through your power that I was created. Every breath I take, every morning that I wake, and every moment of every hour, I live under your power. Father, I ask you now to touch me with that same power. For if you created me from nothing you can certainly recreate me. Fill me with the healing power of your spirit. Cast out anything that should not be in me. Mend what is broken. Root out any damaged cells. Open any blocked arteries or veins and rebuild any damaged areas. Remove all inflammation and cleanse any infection. Let the warmth of your healing pass through my body to make new any unhealthy areas so that my body will function the way you created it to function. And Father, restore me to full health in mind and body so that I may serve you the rest of my life. I ask this through Christ Our Lord Amen.I.B

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