Annual Children’s Book Festival will be launched at a public event in Ashbourne Library on Saturday 6th October by author Eoin Colfer

The annual Children’s Book Festival takes place this October and is organised by Meath County Council’s Library Service.  All through October school children will visit Meath Libraries to see authors, illustrators, storytellers, and take part in drama and circus workshops throughout the county.

The festival will be launched at a public event in Ashbourne Library on Saturday 6^th October by author Eoin Colfer

Download our full brochure from the link below, for details on all events.

Meath Children’s Book Festival Brochure 2012

The Children’s Referendum will take place on Saturday 10th November 2012 - Supplement Register of Electors 2012/2013

Important Notice 

Supplement Register of Electors 2012/2013

The Children’s Referendum will take place on Saturday 10^th November 2012.  You must be an Irish citizen, ordinarily resident in the constituency, and 18 years or over on polling day to vote in the referendum. All electors are advised to check the current Register to ensure that they are registered to vote.  If you are not on this Register and you wish to vote in the forthcoming Referendum, you need to apply to Meath Co. Council to be included in the Supplement Register of Electors 2012/2013.

Completed forms for entry on the Supplement Register of Electors should be submitted to Corporate Services, Meath County Council, Co Hall, Railway Street, Navan, immediately, or no later than close of business on Tuesday 23^rd October 2012.

The 2012/2013 Register of Electors may be viewed at:

• County Hall, Railway Street, Navan.
• Council Area Offices, Libraries, Post Offices, Garda Stations, Courthouse, Trim.
•  www.meath.ie or www.checktheregister.ie

Application forms for entry on the Supplement Register of Electors are available at the above locations.

Health Committee calls for ‘Sale of Alcohol’ Bill to be brought forward

The Joint Committee on Health and Children today called on the Government to bring the ‘Sale of Alcohol’ bill before the Oireachtas as quickly as possible.

There was unanimous cross-party support for the motion moved by Deputy Robert Dowds.

Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “The motion was timely, not only because this is a day being hijacked as a marketing gimmick by a major drinks company, but also given the important body of work done in this area by former Minister of State Roisín Shortall. Members of the Committee from all parties paid tribute to Deputy Shortall’s achievements and commitment during her relatively short time in the Department of Health and wished her well for the future.”

 Committee Membership:

Deputies

Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael
Catherine Byrne, Fine Gael 
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Fein 
Ciara Conway, Labour Party 
Regina Doherty, Fine Gael 
Robert Dowds, Labour Party 
Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael 
Seamus Healy, Independent 
Derek Keating, Fine Gael 
Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil 
Eamonn Maloney, Labour Party
Charlie McConalogue, Fianna Fail 
Mattie McGrath, Independent 
Denis Naughten, Independent
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Sinn Fein 

Senators

Colm Burke, Fine Gael 
John Crown, Independent
David Cullinane, Sine Fein 
John Gilroy, Labour Party 
Imelda Henry, Fine Gael 
Marc Mac Sharry, Fine Fail 
Jillian Van Turnhout, Independent

Health Committee calls for ‘Sale of Alcohol’ Bill to be brought forward

27th September 2012

The Joint Committee on Health and Children today called on the Government to bring the ‘Sale of Alcohol’ bill before the Oireachtas as quickly as possible.

There was unanimous cross-party support for the motion moved by Deputy Robert Dowds.
Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “The motion was timely, not only because this is a day being hijacked as a marketing gimmick by a major drinks company, but also given the important body of work done in this area by former Minister of State Roisín Shortall. Members of the Committee from all parties paid tribute to Deputy Shortall’s achievements and commitment during her relatively short time in the Department of Health and wished her well for the future.”

For further information please contact:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551


Committee Membership:
Deputies
Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael
Catherine Byrne, Fine Gael
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Fein
Ciara Conway, Labour Party
Regina Doherty, Fine Gael
Robert Dowds, Labour Party
Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael
Seamus Healy, Independent
Derek Keating, Fine Gael
Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil
Eamonn Maloney, Labour Party
Charlie McConalogue, Fianna Fail
Mattie McGrath, Independent
Denis Naughten, Independent
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Sinn Fein

Senators
Colm Burke, Fine Gael
John Crown, Independent
David Cullinane, Sine Fein
John Gilroy, Labour Party
Imelda Henry, Fine Gael
Marc Mac Sharry, Fine Fail
Jillian Van Turnhout, Independent

Decision on Sports Capital Grants not expected for at least two months

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) said that decisions on the latest round of Sports Capital Grants are not expected for at least two months. Deputy Doherty was speaking after she received an update on the issue from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. 

“I know lots of sports groups across Co. Meath are waiting anxiously to find out if they have been successful in the latest round of Sports Capital Grants. I have been advised by the Department that it will be November or December before clubs are advised whether they will receive funding. There is on-going contact between the Department and sporting organisations in relation to previous grants that have not been drawn down, but when it comes to the new round of funding, there will be no contact until a final decision has been made. 

“There has been a huge demand on the scheme since this new round of funding was announced earlier in the year. More than 2,150 sports clubs and organisations have applied for funding for projects amounting to a total of €370 million. Unfortunately, due to the budgetary constraints we face, the available funding is limited to €30 million. 

“In Meath’s case, 75 applications have been received for projects worth a total of €8.6 million. In previous rounds Meath has been approved in the region of €2 million, so I think it is inevitable that there will be some disappointment this time around. However, I have no doubt that the approved funding will make a huge difference to the successful clubs and I will remain in close contact with the Department over the next few months to make sure progress is being made

Energy companies must comply with Code of Practice

With thousands getting their electricity cut off – are all customers being offered pay as you go meters?

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has called on the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, to examine whether energy companies are complying with the Commission for Energy Regulation’s Code of Practice, which states that suppliers must offer customers facing disconnection the option of pay as you go meters, instead of proceeding with disconnection. Deputy Doherty raised the matter during Topical Issues in the Dáil yesterday (Tuesday). 

“Hundreds of thousands of people across the country are struggling to pay their energy bills, and I am concerned that many of them may not be aware of the payment options available for customers in trouble. More than 11,000 people had their electricity cut off last year and I have been told that hundreds of families a week are being disconnected in the Greater Dublin Area. 

“Under the Code of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), energy companies are required to offer customers pay as you go meters to customers facing disconnection. Considering the large number of people being disconnected, the question has to be asked; are customers in arrears being offered a pay as you go meter in every case? 

“Families are under pressure. Not only does having your electricity supply cut off cause great stress, it also increases financial hardship. Disconnection and reconnection fees apply; for example with the ESB each fee is in the region of €90. It can take up to five days to get your supply reconnected; meaning families are being left with no electricity for days on end. 

“I recognise and welcome the fact that energy companies have made significant steps in introducing payment plans, and Bord Gáis in particular has installed tens of thousands of pay as you go meters. But considering the large number of people still being disconnected, questions have to be asked about whether enough is being done to avoid residential supplies being cut off. 

“Customers need to be made aware of the payment options available. I believe, in many cases, people are so stressed that they feel there are no options open to them. It is incumbent on the energy companies to make it clear that being in arrears does not need to result in disconnection. 

“We also need to consider introducing a system of social energy tariffs, like that in place in the UK. Under this system, energy suppliers must offer discounted energy bills to customers in need, such as the elderly, people living in fuel poverty and those on benefits. We’re heading into the winter, with thousands of people living in fear that their heat or electricity could be cut off. We need to ensure everything possible is being done to prevent households suffering as a result of disconnection.”

Children’s Referendum will mean all children are treated equally

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Monday) said that passing the upcoming Children’s Referendum will mean that all children are treated equally. The Referendum will be held on Saturday, November 10^th.

“The best place for a child is with their family. But for a small number, this is unfortunately not the case. When children are being abused or neglected, we need to ensure a system is in place where decisions are taken in their best interest. The Children’s Referendum will make this possible. 

“By voting Yes to the Referendum, we will be giving children individual rights for the first time. Our Constitution defines this country, and it is long overdue that we put children at the centre of it. By failing to properly recognise children’s rights up until now, we have failed children. We need only to look at the litany of horrific abuse cases to come to light in recent years for proof of this failure. 

“It is important to stress that this is not about micro-managing families. The Referendum deliberately refers to ‘exceptional cases’ and ‘proportionate’ intervention. There are more than one million children in this country. Last year there were 1,500 confirmed cases of sexual, physical or emotional abuse of children. We must do everything we can to protect this small and vulnerable minority. By passing the Referendum, we will ensure every decision taken on behalf of these children is focussed on their best interests. 

“Another very important aspect of the Referendum and the supporting legislation is its impact on abortion. It will mean that children who have been abandoned have the right to be adopted, regardless of the marital status of their parents. All children should be subject to the same rights and protections; each child in this country must be treated equally in the eyes of the State and society. A Yes vote in the Referendum will make this a reality.

“I am very encouraged that there has been such a whole-hearted and positive response to the wording of the Referendum by a variety of children’s groups. I think everyone can agree that we must do our utmost to protect vulnerable children. This Referendum is just one section of a suite of measures being implemented by the Government to safeguard children. All of this action is long overdue; in fact, we’ve been waiting 20 years for this Referendum and for the rights it will give children. Let’s not wait any longer to put that protection in place.”

Tattersalls Ireland presents Drive in Movies at Halloween Horror nights

Sit back relax - Lock your car doors!

Tattersalls Ireland presents Drive in Movies at Halloween Horror nights

Haunted village, live actors, Halloween props, grave yards, spooky characters, and a spine chilling selection of classic horror movies

Meath’s newest and scariest Halloween attraction, Halloween Horror Nights, drives in to action on October 25^th at one of Ireland’s premier country house locations, Tattersalls Country House, Ratoath, Co. Meath.

Guaranteed to scare even the most battled hardened Trick-or-Treaters, Halloween Horror Nights will be a truly frightening experience for people of all ages.

With a 60 m2 square outdoor cinema screen showing some of the best classic horror movies of all time, a haunted village offering some frighteningly good food and some spine tingling scares, Halloween Horror nights is set to be THE Halloween destination this October.

Having taken inspiration from the many places, experiences, sights and sounds that shape our worst nightmares, Halloween Horror nights has wrapped up all those wicked, festive emotions and feelings into one very special event and in the process created one of Ireland’s most unique Halloween experiences.

The 60m2 outdoor led screen will show some of the best horror movies ever made. Visitors will enjoy the movies in the comfort of their own car while audio is broadcast via a special radio frequency, allowing Drive in Movie goers to talk out loud and even answer a call! The best part is, it’s just €20 per car regardless of how many there are of you in there.

But it’s not just for all you horror addicts; weekend daytime screenings offer a great family day out with some great movies on show all in the unique setting of Tattersalls Country House. As darkness falls the Haunted village is transformed by live actors, festoon lighting, spooky happenings and the spooktacular experience is complete.

So if you’re looking to get all your scares under your car roof, Drive in Movies at Halloween Horror nights, Tattersalls Country House, Ratoath Co. Meath is the place for you. But Lock your car doors, one of our spooky characters may just want to sit on your back seat! 

Are you brave enough to Drive-in with us this Halloween?

Dunshaughlin Harvest Festival 27th - 30th September

Dunshaughlin Harvest Festival 18th-25th September
Web: www.dunfest.com

A fusion of food, folk & fun!

With music, street theatre, a craft & heritage village, artisan foods, a carnival and plenty of good old-fashioned games for the children, this week long festival has something for everyone from teenagers to young children to adults.

Festival Programme 2012

Thursday 27^th September– Sunday 30^th September 2012

 (Programme as at 17th August 2012, events subject to change, check back regularly!)

Festival Competitions:

• Build a scarecrow – increase the population of our village two fold!
• Harvest Festival Queen
• Build a Robot
• Soap Box Derby
• Poetry
• Photography
• Short Story

Thursday 27^th September

7pm till late       Funfair

8pm–10pm        Launch Event – Cultural Night

10pm till late     Pub entertainment

______________________________________________________

Friday 28^th September
2pm – 4pm         Genealogy Service

2.30pm-4pm    Heritage Trail Guided Tours of Dunshaughlin

3pm                      ”Fables, Myths & Legends from the Boyne Valley”

3pm-6pm            Festival Laboratory

7pm till late       Funfair

8pm                       Dunshaughlin Players Drama

8pm-midnight   Funshaughlin promotions

8pm                        The Voice of Ireland, Some of last years finalists & Special Guests

10pm till late      Pub Entertainment

Saturday 29^th September

10am-6pm          Food & Craft Market

11am                   Village parade

12pm-2pm        Jazz at the Courthouse

12pm                   Forge and Farrier Display

1pm                     Soap box Derby

2pm-4pm          Genealogy Service

2pm till late      Funfair

2pm – 6pm        Festival Laboratory

2pm-6pm           Petting Farm

2pm – 6pm        Music workshop

2pm – 6pm        Photography, Poetry Art & Short Story display

2pm – 6pm        Chess / Scrabble and other games

3pm                    Vintage vehicle display

3pm                    Art & Craft Workshop

3pm & 5pm      ”Fables Myths & Legends from the Boyne Valley

3pm – 6pm        Dog Agility & Dog Show

5pm -7pm          Musical chairs

8pm                      Electric Lemon and Special Guests

9pm                      The Ghost Event

10pm till late      Pub Entertainment

Sunday 30^th September 
10am-6pm         Food & Craft Market

12noon               Ecumenical Service

12noon-3pm    Fire Station Open Day

12.30pm             Tractor show

2pm-4pm           Genealogy Service

2pm till late       Funfair

2pm – 6pm        Petting Farm

2pm – 6pm        Dog Agility

2pm-6pm           Music workshops

2pm – 6pm        Country Sports

3pm                      Street Dancers flash mob

2pm                      ”Fables Myths & Legends” from the Boyne Valley

6pm                       Festival Closing Ceremony and unveiling of Festival Collage

————————————————————————————

Daily:                 Treasure Hunt

Daily:                 Festival collage: “Give Us A Hand”

Daily:                 Carnival

Daily:                 Head to Toe Fashion Experience

Daily:                 Fun Zone (Bouncy zone)

Daily:                 Rabodirect Digitise the Nation Mobile Training Unit

Daily:                 Live Cookery Demonstrations by Local Celebrity Chefs

——————————

Daily Exhibitions:                                                                                                                          

“From Jurassic Artefacts and Natural History to Modern Times” Timeline Productions

“Anna Haslam” - Founder of Dublin Women’s Suffragette Association

“Nanny in the Nursery” - Recreation of Children’s Nursery & Playroom