Winter fuel allowance

Winter Fuel Scheme – now is the time to apply: before the weather turns even colder!
The Winter Fuel Scheme is intended to help those who are unable to provide for their own heating needs.
The scheme operates for from October to April 
Details on who can qualify for this payment is at: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/SW17/Pages/9HowdoIapply.aspx
The basic rate of Fuel Allowance is 20euro per week
You should apply for the Fuel Allowance now as the allowance will not be backdated.
How to apply: Application forms are available online at: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Forms/Documents/nfs1.pdf ·
Applications are also available from your local Post Office
·
You can also Text "Form FUEL" followed by your name and address to 51909

Mary speaking today in the Seanad on the situation in Carlinn Hall Dundalk

Today I had an opportunity to raise the issue of the plight of the residents who are living in Carlinn Hall, Dundalk. This estate which promised to be a state- of -the-art, innovative, stylish and environmentally friendly place to live has turned into a living nightmare for the Humstons and the Sallys, the only residents in Carlinn Hall. Watch the video for a full description of how lives have been ruined and listen to Minister Fergus O Dowds reply.

President Higgins has a great day out in Co Louth

I was delighted to receive an invitation to Scoil Muire gan Smal in Kilsaran where President Michael D Higgins unveiled a Tree of Knowledge mural and visited the school's new special unit which caters for children with special needs. The school choir entertained the visitors with a selection of songs as Gaeilge and President Higgins was delighted to hear the children singing in Irish.

President Higgins travelled from Kilsaran to Dundalk where he visited Dundalk Youth Centre in Roden Place. Formerly The Appletree Foundation, the centre provides a space for young people to meet, and where they can access a wide range of services such as the youth café, creative workshops, leadership training and development. The President has a great affinity with young people and obviously enjoyed his visit. He was entertained by local rock band "Manifesto" and was presented with a painting as a memento of his visit. Congratulations to everyone involved, particularly Kevin Moran, Manager of Dundalk Youth Centre for making it such a wonderful occasion.

Thanks to Tony Kieran from Mary and Blackrock Special Olympics

This weekend a group of athletes from the Blackrock Special Olympics group headed off to Bundoran for an activity break. Tony Kieran very kindly provided

all the sausages and bacon for the breakfasts. Many thanks! We'll give an update on how the group got on soon.

Dundalk’s cycle lanes continue to present problems - Local - Dundalk Democrat

Dundalk’s cycle lanes continue to present problems - Local - Dundalk Democrat

SOSAD Suicide Awareness Week Events in Dundalk

I was privileged to participate in SOSAD's candlight ceremony in St Patrick's Cathedral Dundalk on Monday night. It was a moving and heart-warming gathering. Further events in Dundalk to mark Suicide Awareness week include: Pop-Up Art gallery at the Town Square Thursday 13th September @ 1pm, Fashion Show in Oriel Park Friday 14th September @ 8pm. Tickets €10 and a cocktail bar will be open from 7 pm. Saturday 15th September FREE open air concert 'Beat on d Street' @ 1pm at the Town Square.

Blackrock wins Bronze Medal in Tidy Towns Competition

Blackrock has just won its first bronze medal in the national Tidy Towns competition in the Helix! The village gained 5 points from last year. Congratulations to everyone involved - all the volunteers, The CE scheme, Louth County Council, Louth Leader Partnership, all the sponsors, and everyone in the village who helped in any way. Visit the Blackrock website on www.blackrockvillage.ie