CLLR COFFEY TAKES COR BY STORM

In a week that saw Romano Prodi take his seat as President of the European Commission in the midst of on-going controversy and Mary Banotti re-appointed as Europe's Mediator for Abducted Children, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Councillor Betty Coffey called for action on transport in Europe and took the plenary session of the Committee of The Regions by storm.

Meeting last week in Brussels, the 222 members that make up the Committee of The Regions, had a packed agenda of 19 consultative opinions on various EU legislative proposals to tackle. The Committee also welcomed Finnish Minister of State for European affairs, Mr Kimmo Sasi, who will present Finland's priorities for its six month Council Presidency. Mr Sasi will place particular emphasis on policy areas relevant to regions and local authorities during his term of office. Under the Committee's broadened remit, as a direct result of the Amsterdam Treaty, the 222 members of the COR will face up to an increased consultative workload.

Presenting her opinion on " The Common Transport Policy; Sustainable Mobility Perspectives for the Future" at the plenary session Cllr Coffey called on the European Commission to bring 'sustainable mobility' to the forefront of their action in the transport field. "An efficient, sustainable and well functioning transport system is central to the economic and social well-being of Europe.

Imaginative alternatives to private car use must be sought in conjunction with incentives to encourage the use of public transport. Car sharing, car pooling, tele-working etc are just some of the routes to work that can be taken" said the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Councillor. She also emphasised that an effi-cient public transport sys-tem must be in place be-fore transport users will want to change their modes of transport.

In presenting her opinion Cllr Coffey met with some stiff opposition to sections of her proposals which ne-cessitated amendments to the original text. However, putting Ireland's interests and unique problems in en-forcing transport policy to the assembled commission-ers, Councillor Coffey won the assembly over to have her opinion accepted.

Pointing to the under-utili-sation of the rail network for freight Cllr Coffey said "Freight transport by rail can relieve the over-bur-dened road network. How-ever the current system serves only to encourage freight transport by road. In my own town of Dun Laoghaire I see heavy port traffic damaging the local environment while the rail link, already in place, is left under-utilised for freight. Ports are a key economic link in a region and the local and regional authorities would know best what effect major de-cisions would have on their functioning. Therefore ac-cording to the principle of subsidiarity local and re-gional authorities should have a greater role in the planning and implementa-tion of transport plans for ports and local passenger transport networks."

Local and regional au-thorities should be pro-ac-tive in the development of sustainable transport strategies linked with spa-tial planning to create a better living and working environment for all. "Of course" Cllr Coffey pointed out " this principle of subsidiarity means more power must be transferred to local and regional au-thorities and the necessary finance must be put in place to allow them to act where appropriate in the field of transport". By amending the original text to include the provision that "these measures would in no way infringe on the rights of the individual," Cllr Coffey's opinion was carried by a majority at the plenary session in Brussels. President Dammeyer thanked the South County Dublin County Councillor for her work in preparing the opinion and for present-ing it to the Committee of The Regions.

The September Plenary also marks the launch of a new series of regional studies published by the Committee of the Regions on regional topics aimed at the academic and spe-cialised market. The first three publications of this series deal with : A study of regional local democ-racy in each of the mem-ber states; Examples of best practice in the field of intercultural education and An analysis of voter turnout at regional and lo-cal elections.

---

CATHAOIRLEACH LAUNCHES REPORT

An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Larry But-ler recently launched a major innovative report on Tenant/ Resident Participation in Estate Management.

The report, commissioned by Dun Laoghaire Rath-down Tenant and Resident Initiative (which comprises representatives of Tenants/ Residents from local com-munities and county council officials) is the culmination of a training programme involving these groups. Co-authors are Marjorie Bain former Di-rector TPAS in Scotland and Philip Watt, Director of the National Consulta-tive Committee on Racism and Interculturalism.

The report aims to repre-sent the collective thinking of the programme partici-pants. It is a bottom-up ap-proach in which the views of those directly involved on a day to day basis in estate management are ar-ticulated. This is the fun-damental strength of the report. Overall it describes tenant/ resident participa-tion as a key strategy in developing a better sense of community and in creat-ing a better physical social and economical environ-ment in council housing estates. The council en-dorses this approach and sees tenant/ resident partic-ipation as a primary strat-egy in establishing and maintaining sustainable communities throughout council estates.

The next stage, is to im-plement a customised model of estate manage-ment based on the princi-ples and recommendations of the report, in each of the four designated areas; Rathsallagh/ Shangan-nagh/Clifden : Loughlin-stown: Ballyogan and Mountwood/ Fitzgerald. Meetings will be held with local communities over the coming weeks/ months to establish committees (Fora) through which tenant/ resi-dent participation can evolve and in time become effective on the ground.

---

WE'RE BURNT OUT OF EAST TIMOR

UNICEF Director Maura Quinn has written to South Dublin Life & Leisure to publish their Appeal For Help and we are delighted to do so.

"Because there's an es-ti-mated 90,000 refugee chil-dren under the age of 5 looking to us for aid we need help ur-gently. We can't aban-don these little children and as more and more reports come in of widescale massacres of civilians, including women and children, our field workers are absolutely deter-mined...with your backing UNICEF are not going to be turned back.

In the name of human-ity we're going to in-crease our 'on the ground operations' as quickly as we possibly can. First, let me tell you what happened and then please-please let me ap-peal to you for your sup-port..any amount at all.

Immediately after the re-sults of the referen-dum in East Timor were an-nounced, all our equip-ment, assets and staff be-longings in Dili were burned out or looted. Our staff had to flee to safety to West Timor. Our ware-house was sacked-7.5 tons of food was burned. It was a complete devastation and a direct attack on human-ity.

And every day, every hour, every night more and more reports are coming in of new atroc-ities being committed, crying children look-ing for their parents, desperate food short-ages, polluted water supplies...it's all a hor-rible nightmare. And it's one of the biggest emergencies we have ever had to face up to.

We are relying com-pletely on your generosity and humanity to send us a donation in an envelope of your own. Please address it to UNICEF EAST TIMOR APPEAL 28, LOWER OR-MOND QUAY FREEPOST DUBLIN 1. OR PHONE US ON 01-8783000 WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD DETAILS OR FAX US ON 01-8786655.

---

TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION PLAN PUBLISHED

Published this week, the draft Traveller Accommodation Plan for the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area aims at having at least 12 permanent halting-site bays constructed over the next five years.

Identifying a need for a total of 57 new halting sites plus ten group housing and 20 standard housing units, the Council is currently seeking submissions on the plan which they envisage will be completed by the year 2004.

A comprehensive survey has been carried out in connection with the plan taking into account trav-ellers views, the result of which the council state is that 58 families wish to live in standard housing, 44 at a halting site and 24 in group housing. The County Council is seeking to con-struct new halting sites at seven locations throughout the Borough at Gort Muire Ballinteer; College Road Rathfarnham; Bird Avenue Clonskeagh; Booterstown Park; UCD lands; Mount Merrion; Pottery Road Dun Laoghaire; and Lower Dodder Road Rathfarn-ham.

The plan just published has established that there were 600 individuals, the majority of whom are liv-ing on the roadside in need of accommodation. It also established that 78% of the traveller families seeking accommodation have lived in the Borough for over five years with only 11 out of a total of 26 families being under two years in the Dun Laoghaire Rath-down area.

Local authorities are obliged under the Traveller Accommodation Act 1998 to meet the needs of trav-ellers in their area.

---

SHANKILL PAEDOPHILE TREATMENT CENTRE UNCOVERED

Local residents in the Shankill area are both angry and shocked at the revelation that the Granada Institute situated in the grounds of St Joseph's Centre Crinken Glen is home to a treatment centre for known paedophiles.

The centre which is under the auspices of St John of God is viewed with alarm by parents of children in the surrounding housing estates.

The centre caters for up to 180 patients both perpe-trators and victims and until a few weeks ago went un-recognised by local politi-cians as well as residents of the area. Labour Councillor Denis O'-Callaghan said that while he was conscious of the valuable work being car-ried out at the centre to treat offenders, he agreed that lack of consultation with local residents asso-ciations in its planning was unacceptable. " It's totally unacceptable that public representatives weren't in-formed as to what went on, and equally unacceptable that the public weren't in-formed-a body like John of God's should have known better" said Cllr O'-Callaghan.

In a letter to the director of the course Dr Patrick Walsh, Denis O'Callaghan expressed his concerns that as a public representative for the area he had not been consulted or informed that "such a sensitive ser-vice was going to be pro-vided at this location." The centre is located close to local primary schools and many parents The Director of the Granada Institute says that patients pose no threat to local children but parents in the area are not convinced and are now calling for its closure. At a public meeting re-cently the centre admitted that not informing the pub-lic had been a mistake and had they had the foresight to do so "it might have helped allay any fears".

---

THE BEST FORMULA

It's only a matter of time when Damien Faulkner hits the headlines in formula one motor racing.

Damien is currently making tracks in Formula 3000 being one of the top drivers to finish in his class in all his recent races both at home and abroad. To help Damien reach peak performance, Fitzpatrick's Castle Hotel Killiney are sponsoring the young Irishman through their fitness centre.

Not many people realise that racing car drivers need to be super fit for their sport. "t is not unusual for Formula One drivers to spend up to eight hours a day in the gym during the period they are not racing said Damien. Upper body training is imperative for success and formula one drivers need to be as fit as any Olympic athlete." Hence Fitzpatrick's generous offer of free fitness training with a personal trainer on a daily basis for Damien.

---

STILLORGAN PARK HOTEL ANNUAL RACEDAY A REAL WINNER !

Stillorgan Park Hotel celebrated their second year of sponsoring horse racing by hosting a Raceday Special at their hotel on Saturday, 11th September 1999. Over three hundred guests enjoyed the day and were lucky enough to sample the very best in hospitality that the Stillor-gan Park Hotel has to of-fer.

On arrival, guests were welcomed to a drinks re-ception in the comfortable and colourful surrounding of the hotel lobby. Back-ground music was supplied by the Burbon Street Jazz Band, which played in the Turf Club Bar. The atmo-sphere in the hotel was very lively and friendly as people mingled and dis-cussed the forthcoming races. The drinks reception was followed by a lavish, full hot and cold dressed buf-fet. This turned out to be one of the highlights of the day.

After lunch the formali-ties of the day took place with a welcoming speech from Mr. Ronan Doran, General Manager of the Stillorgan Park Hotel. He was then followed by the celebrity tipster, Champion Jockey, Charlie Swan, a very suitable choice given the nature of the day. Charlie imparted his vast knowledge to everyone as he marked the race card with his choices of likely winners.

Once everyone had their tips from Charlie Swan, courtesy coaches trans-ferred all the guest to Leopardstown Racecourse to enjoy the eight race meeting. The Stillorgan Park Hotel had sponsored two races, The Stillorgan Park Hotel Flying Five and The Talbot Hotel Classic. Upon arrival at the race-course guests were shown to a private suite that overlooked the parade ring. From here, everyone was able to watch their chosen horses before they took to the racetrack.

A good days racing was had by all. Charlie Swan's popularity increased signif-icantly as four of the horses he tipped romped home to the delight of ev-eryone in the private suite that had followed his ad-vise.

---

THE NEW FITZPATRICK FITNESS CENTRE KILLINEY

We're prepared for the year 2000, are you? While you focus your energy on the millennium countdown The Fitzpatrick Fitness Centre will focus on your fitness. Each person is individually assessed by one of our expert trainers and a personal programme tailored to suit them. Whether its general fitness, weight loss, or sport specific programme you require we can design a programme specifically for you. To make your workouts more enjoyable, individual television screens have been installed on each piece of equipment.

Our Gymnasium contains a range of cybex resistance equipment and free weights Fitzpatricks Fitness Centre offers you a range of aerobic, step aerobics, circuits, yoga, body conditioning, body sculpting, circuit training and aqua aerobic classes. These cater for all levels, from the beginner to the advanced fitness enthusiast. You'll enjoy getting fit in our fully sprung purpose built aerobics hall. Our friendly and helpful qualified instructors will assist you in choosing a varied schedule of classes to achieve all round body fitness. Personal Fitness Training is also available to Fitness Centre members requiring a special brand of motivation to enhance their workout. This personal trainer will work with members on a one to one basis in the centre on a consultancy basis. Pool Complex.

With it's beautiful Romanesque surroundings and ambient temperature of 29 degrees centigrade, the 20 metre pool in our fitness centre caters equally for the championship swimmer or the leisure swimmer, adults and children alike. Depths range from three feet at the shallow end to seven feet six inches at the deep end and you can improve your swimming skills at one of our classes. Our enthusiastic swim coaches provide classes for everyone, from beginners to lifeguard level. Whether you prefer the dry heat of the sauna or the moisture of the steam room the adjoining health suite offers an enjoyable way to relax after your swim or workout. The provision of a crèche with fully qualified supervisors means you can enjoy your workout in peace and comfort safe in the knowledge that your child is well cared for ....and the first hour and a half is free.

Fitzpatrick's Fitness Centre at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel Killiney is not just another health and fitness centre. It is a place where the entire family or the individual can keep fit, enjoy themselves and have fun. Unlike larger Fitness Centres, the emphasis is very firmly on individual attention and members have the added bonus of opting for participating in the Social Programme the fitness centre run. This means you get invitations to nights out, kiddies events, gym challenges, coffee mornings and summer barbecues.

There are a variety of options to choose from. Individual rates are a joining fee of £100 with an annual subscription of £510 and the option of paying by direct debit of £45 each month. The rate for a couple is a joining fee of £200 with an annual subscription of £880 or by direct debit £77 per month. Family subscription ( 2 adults & 2 children ) is a joining fee of £400, an annual subscription of £1,100 and direct debit payments of £96. per month. Student rates are also available and these are a joining fee of £100 an annual subscription of £360 and direct debit terms of £30 per month. Off Peak rates offer another very viable option for people who do not have to use the fitness centre at peak times and these are an individual joining fee of £100, annual subscription of £420 and a direct debit option of £37 per month. For couples the off peak rates are joining fee of £200, an annual subscription of £720 or direct debit payments of £63 per month. Corporate rates are also available. The Fitzpatrick's Fitness Centre is open from Monday to Friday from 7am to 10pm; Saturday Sunday and Bank Holidays from 8.30pm to 8.45pm and off peak period is Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

---

FASHION

On the subject of knitwear, one lady who took the giant leap into knitwear design and manufacture some ten years ago is Liz Barr. To own a Liz Barr creation is every woman's dream because these are not like any other knits you will ever have seen. Liz not alone designs and manufacturers for the home market, her designs can be found in the United States and mainland Europe as well. The talent of this lady is easy to recognise, all it takes is one look at her collection. Soft sensual evening gowns, full flowing coats and capes, skirts in long or short versions... the sheer variety of styles, shades and yarns is breathtaking.

Her creations are constantly in demand by discerning ladies who have an eye for beautiful yet practical clothes. Liz has created a range that will take you from day to night with the simple addition of some jewellery or accessories. Her evening dresses are stunning in their classic simplicity and worked as they are in a multitude of colours including silver, gold, red or taupe, each dress can be accentuated by a matching or contrasting evening top or coat. Day wear includes some cosy, practical and highly desirable long skirts, jumpers or even a great coat to keep you warm and cosy while still looking a million dollars in the winter months ahead.

Liz has her showrooms at 1, Church View Road Killiney, Co Dublin and clients can call for an appointment on 01-2851583.

---

HOLY CHILD SALLYNOGGIN

An established landmark in Sallynoggin, The Holy Child Community School was founded by the Sisters of the Holy Child in 1970 as a girls secondary school. In 1974 the school became a multidenominational, co-educational Community School. Currently the school has a student population of approximately 400, with a slightly higher percentage of girls in attendance. The Holy Child Community School welcomes students with diverse abilities and talents. In keeping with the school's Christian ethos, the school seeks to recognise and develop these varied gifts and promote in students a sense of self-confidence, tolerance and respect for others. The school fosters learning within a secure and happy environment, so that their pupils may mature to their fullest potential in personal, social, physical, aesthetic, spiritual and academic skills. Parents play an essential role in this process in terms of support and reinforcement. The school Board of Management is responsible for the administration of the school. The nine board members represent the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, parents and teachers.

Mr Brian McNamara, the principal, is responsible for the administration of the school. He and his staff of 35 teachers are always anxious to repay the trust placed in them by parents and guardians. In addition, the office staff assists in the smooth running of the school; caretakers and cleaning staff maintain an attractive environment in the building and grounds. Holy Child combines an excellent level of teaching with facilities that are second to none, the perfect blend to make it an attractive and enjoyable place for students to discover their direction in later life.

Special care is taken to ease first year pupils through that often difficult transition from Primary to Secondary level. The talents and needs of each student are identified and every effort is amde to ensure that they are catered for. Within this atmosphere of care and concern which they experience in their House, first years feel secure enough to meet the expectations which are gradually placed upon them by staff.

At Holy Child there is a wide range of subjects is offered at Junior and Leaving Cert level. This includes the traditional academic subjects as well as the sciences, art, computers and woodwork. All examination students are strongly advised to avail of supervised study at a very reasonable cost. This facility has proved invaluable to many students. Places must be booked in supervised study for a minimum of ten weeks. Individual reports on all students are sent to parents twice yearly, at Christmas and Summer. In addition, mid-term assesments are provided of fifth and sixth year pupils, detailing their progress. For a number of years now, a dedicated committee of parents have operated a very successful book rental scheme.

Holy Child Community School also has a proud sporting tradition. The school is fortunate in employing three full time PE teachers and additional coaching staff who devote a great deal of time to its promotion. All students have two periods of PE weekly with Transition (4th year) students having an extended and very varied programme. The principal games played by both boys and girls are basketball, badminton, soccer, athletics, golf and bowling. The school has excellent facilities which include an indoor sports hall, containing one basketball court, three badminton courts, one volleyball court and gymnastic equipment. Outdoors there are tennis courts and additional basketball courts. Teams are entered in various County and Leinster competitions, and training sessions take place on Wednesday afternoons.

Extra-Curricular activities are vital to the wellbeing of any school and its pupils. Debating and a host of other interests such as computers, music, chess and hiking are encouraged as is fund raising and interaction with public bodies and charities. The respect for students, which the school holds dear is reciprocated with the high number of students participating actively in every aspect of college life from music, to sport to special events to student bodies.

The annual yearbooks which the school publish reflect the confidence and skills of its student population. The Holy Child school helps students to respect and maximise the opportunities which life presents them. It takes pride in their successes and in its service to the people of Sallynoggin and surrounding areas over the past thirty years.