20th. February 2010

Very good news for St. Colmcille’s Junior and Senior National School, Knocklyon

True grit and determination by Boards of Management and locals have resulted in the School being authorised to prepare tender documents for its new and much needed school. Having seen on a personal level the current inadequate accommodation, this hopefully is a real beginning that will lead to the New School for the community in the area.

16th. February 2010

TREE PRUNING – HERMITAGE ESTATE

South Dublin County Council finally arrived, after a 7 year wait, to prune the forest of trees in the Hermitage Estate, Rathfarnham. Although it has to be said that trees are spectacular, the planting of certain types of trees needs to be questioned for the future, in residential areas.

15th. February 2010

BALLINTEER ST. JOHNS GAA CLUB – NEW ALL WEATHER PITCH

Congratulations to all involved in the new all-weather pitch. Ballinteer. St. Johns GAA Club, opened its new all weather pitch at a special ceremony last Saturday. Looks great and another great asset for our community in Dublin South.

Mortgage Interest Relief extended to 2017

Mortgage Interest Relief extended to 2017 confirmed in Finance Bill. This means that if you bought in 2004, mortgage-interest relief which was due to end at the end of this year is extended to the end of 2017. Don’t forget that first time buyer couples are also entitled to tax relief at 25% on interest up to €20,000 for the first two years. In years three – five this % drops to 22.5% and again in years six and seven to 20%. Savings range from approx €400 at the top end to €300 at the end of the cycle. Always check with your mortgage adviser.

MARLEY PARK €5.5m PROPOSED SPORTS FACILITIES

Marley Park to benefit from proposed €5.5m sports facility including all-weather pitch. Proposals to bring new sports facilities to the very popular park were approved by councillors in Dun-Laoghire-Rathdown. The proposed development will be situated at the south western corner of Marley Park. The facilities will include 11 changing rooms, an all-weather pitch, gym/exercise rooms.

SOUTH DUBLIN REDUCES COMMERICAL RATES

South Dublin to reduce rates by 2.34% in 2010. This is a welcome reprieve for the local business community.