Speaking In The Seanad Last Week On The Current Political Situation In Northern Ireland

Dundalk Positive Mental Health Week 2015 Schedule Of Events

The Dundalk Positive Mental Health Steering Committee is delighted to announce an exciting schedule for the 3rd Annual Dundalk Positive Mental Health Week which takes place from 3rd-10th October.

Every year we grow from strength to strength and this year we have a great schedule of events with something to interest all tastes.

Each year we receive an impressive number of beautiful and moving art submissions for the exhibition based on the different experiences people have had.  The committee looks forward to the art work that will be on display this year from the Ladywell Daycare Centre, Dundalk and St. Brigid's Hospital, Ardee as well as the many individuals who have personally submitted their work.

The DPMH Steering Committee would like to encourage everyone to attend the Art Exhibition launch on Wednesday, 7th October at 11am in DkIT and visit the exhibition throughout the week.

We have added a new event to this year's line-up - a cookery demonstration showcasing simple healthy recipes and promote positive well-being.

This year's events include:

• Saturday, 3rd October at 12 noon - Walk For Positive Mental Health Along the Navy Bank, approximately 45 minutes in duration and suitable for all abilities
• Monday, 5th October 10.30-12.30 - Coffee Morning in Riva, Earl Street
• Tuesday, 6th October 10am-12pm - Dundalk FM radio programme hosted by SHINE Regional Development Officer, Derek Pepper
• Wednesday, 7th October 11am - Launch of the Annual Art Exhibition by Minister Kathleen Lynch TD in the Carroll Building Dundalk Institute of Technology
• Thursday, 8th October at 7pm - Eating For Positive Mental Health cookery demonstration in the Hospitality Suite Dundalk Institute of Technology - enquiries to dpepper@shineonline.ie
• 3rd-10th October - There will be an information stand on local mental health service providers in the Marshes Shopping Centre 

Each and every one of us will be touched by a mental health issue at some stage in our lives.  It is important to bring awareness to mental health and promote positive mental health as a priority.  

We have come a long way in reducing the stigma and we hope that this year's Dundalk Positive Mental Health Week will assist in this campaign.  We look forward to a fantastic turnout throughout the week at all of our events which are free to attend.

For further information please contact me on 042 932 9052.

Bucket Collection At Dundalk FC Match Raised €1051.18 For Refugee Crisis Appeal

Collectors at Dundalk FC Match 

I was delighted to organise a bucket collection for the Refugee Crisis Appeal at the local derby match between Dundalk FC and Drogheda Utd. on Friday, 18th September.  

I would like to thank Dundalk FC for agreeing to the collection at the ground and for showing their support to those in need.

We have all seen the horrific images and read the dreadful accounts of the situation for refugees.  We raised €1051.18 and I would like to thank the supporters for the fantastic response.

Louth County Council Choice Based Letting - Closing Date For Expressions Of Interest 30th September at 5pm

Louth County Council is seeking expressions of interest from anyone currently on the housing list who may be interested in becoming a tenant of the property shown below.

To express an interest in this property you should email: choicebasedlettings@louthcoco.ie or visit Louth County Council offices where the Customer Services Team will forward your request to the Housing team.

Offers for this property will be subject to the Scheme for Allocations of Social Housing and Garda Clearance.

59 St. Laurence Park, Drogheda

• 3 bedroom end of terrace
• 2 storey
• gas central heating
• double glazing
• fitted kitchen
• front & rear gardens

Oriel Centre At Dundalk Gaol Upcoming Event - Comhaltas Tour of Ireland Concert 2015 Thursday, 15th October

The Comhaltas Tour of Ireland Concert 2015 will take place on Thursday, 15th October at 8.30pm in the Oriel Centre at Dundalk Gaol.  The concert will be preceded with a wine reception at 8pm.  

The annual Comhaltas Tour of Ireland will showcase the best of traditional talent from the four provinces.

For more information on the event please visit www.orielcentre.ie or contact 042 932 8887 or info@orielcentre.ie.

Reminder - Community Broadcasting Support Scheme 2015 Deadline For Applications 1st October at 12 noon

Copyright Broadcasting Authority of Ireland

The 2015 Community Broadcasting Scheme is open to fully licensed Community and Community of Interest TV and radio stations.

The scheme is designed to offer support community and community of interest broadcasters to further advance from an organisational development perspective.  The total fund available for the scheme is €30,000.  It is expected that funding decisions will be announced by the end of October 2015.

For more information on the scheme please visit:

http://www.bai.ie/index.php/2015/08/community-broadcasting-support-scheme-2015/

Reminder - the closing date for application is 1st October at 12 noon.

Dundalk Parents & Friends EGM Monday, 5th October

Dundalk Parents & Friends of the Intellectually Disabled will hold an EGM on Monday, 5th October  to discuss future housing needs for adults with an intellectual disability.

Representatives from Louth County Council will be present at the meeting.  

All parents and friends are invited to attend.

The meeting will be held on Monday, 5th October in Partnership Court Ramparts at 7.30pm.

New CAO Points Scale Announced

I have welcome the launch of the new CAO points scale this week by Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan TD.

This new scale will be used from 2017 and effect students currently studying in 5th Year.  The announcement of the new CAO points scale is the first significant change to the system in over 20 years and is one of a number of reforms taking place in our education system.

The new points scale in combination with the new grading system announced for Leaving Certificate earlier this year will ease the pressure students experience during their exams and positively contribute to the students overall second level experience.

Ensuring that our education system provides a well-rounded and engaging experience for students is a priority for me as Spokesperson for Education and I welcome the launch of the new CAO points scale by my colleague, Minister O'Sullivan.

Actions Announced To Address Student Accommodation Issues

I welcome the Higher Education Authority's publication of the 'Report on Student Accommodation: Demand & Supply' which outlines 13 recommendations.  Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan TD announced 2 immediate actions today on addressing availability of student accommodation.

Student accommodation has increasingly become a worrisome and stressful issue for many students and families over the last few years.  My colleague, Minister O'Sullivan announced 2 immediate actions today in an effort to address the difficulties for students in sourcing appropriate accommodation.

A grant award of €30,000 will be provided by the Higher Education Authority to the Union of Students in Ireland.  The grant will fund the development of the USI's homes.usi.ie website, allow them to carry out research and communicate with students and homeowners on renting spare rooms to students.

The immediate establishment of an inter-departmental steering group has also been announced to oversee the work on addressing student accommodation.

I am committed to working with Minister O'Sullivan to address the accommodation difficulties encountered by students.

80 New Jobs Announced At Boann Distillery A Further Boost For Louth

I welcome the announcement this morning that 80 new jobs will be created at the Boann Distillery and Visitor Centre in Drogheda.

The announcement of 80 new jobs is very welcome news for Drogheda and the North East region. This exciting new venture is due to open in 2016 and will include a whiskey distillery, Boyne Brewhouse craft brewery and taproom, a restaurant, whiskey bar, private event space, gift shop and visitor centre which will host tours.

The €20m distillery and visitor centre will positively contribute to the excellent tourist attractions already on offer in the Drogheda area and Louth overall.



I would like to welcome and congratulate Pat Cooney and everyone involved with the Boann Distillery.  I wish them every success for the future.