Basshunter amongst the acts lined up for Dundalk IT’s Rag Week

Swedish DJ Basshunter will be one of the star attractions at this year’s Dundalk IT Rag Week, which takes place from Monday March 2^nd to Thursday March 4^th.

The former Celebrity Big Brother star will be the main attraction at the opening Access All Areas Ball in Silence on the Monday as part of a line-up that also features DJ Fergal D’Arcy and a Daft Punk tribute.

Earlier that day students will be encouraged to wear pyjamas as part of a fundraiser for autism.

Tuesday’s highlights include a pig race night in aid of the Jack & Jill Foundation and Bumbleance, as well as a student cinema night in the College Bar.

Wednesday will see the annual rag wedding take place in Vanity in Carrickmacross with Big Generator performing. The reception will then take place later that night in Silence Nightclub.

Rag Week will then come to a conclusion on Thursday when Wankelmut performs in Ridley’s.

Tickets for Rag Week go on sale on Wednesday at 11am from the box office outside the canteen in the college. They are limited to four per person and two per person for the wedding.

Students must have a DkIT student card and be over 18 to purchase tickets.

Dundalk IT students demand €125 refund as JJB facility fails to open

What the new facility is supposed to look like but progress on converting it has been slow

Dundalk IT Students’ Union have demanded a full refund of the €125 each student paid towards the new DkITSport facility, which was to open last year at the former JJB premises at Dundalk Retail Park.

An emergency class rep meeting was called by the Students’ Union yesterday, with 87 class reps in attendance being told that the latest information from the college was that the facility will not be open until this summer.

At the start of the 2014/2015 academic year in September, each student paid an additional €125 on their college fees towards the former JJB facility, which DkIT were set to convert into a major sports centre.

In exchange for the €125 they would receive full membership to the gym facility.

This was to open in September or October but when it failed to do so DkIT Students’ Union renegotiated that students would receive a refund on a pro-rata basis.

This would mean that if the facility opened in February they would receive €62.50 back. However, after hearing that the facility will now not be open until June, students have demanded that their money be refunded in full, with the levy not coming into place until the facility is fully operational in September.

Students’ Union President Brian Fitzpatrick said: “This year in DkIT the students have grown very frustrated due to many cuts and changes to our vital services.

“We promised the students that we would stick by them throughout this process and ensure that they will be treated fairly. The only fair option now is for a full refund as otherwise there would be a blatant breach of the original plebiscite voted on by the students in 2012.”

The Students’ Union previously blocked plans to build a velodrome in the facility, a venture that was put forward by college representatives in conjunction with Cuchulainn Cycling Club.

Dundalk IT submit planning application to convert from JJB complex into sports education centre

What the new facility could look like

Dundalk IT have submitted a planning application to Louth County Council to convert the former JJB complex at Bothar na Feirme into a sports and education centre.

The college hope to change the existing retail area at the first floor level into an area equipped for sports educational and training purposes. They also hope to use it as an exam hall when they see fit.

Meanwhile, the existing playing pitch area and associated changing area at the ground floor level will also be used for sports education and training uses, as well as as an exam hall.

The proposed development will also consist of a new pedestrian access point of Bothar na Feirme, the removal of an existing vehicular access along the western boundary, the reduction of 79 car parking spaces and the reconfiguration of the existing car park layout. There would also be a repositioning of the existing bus lay-by to provide for a dedicated cycle parking area, as well as elevational changes to include the erection of four new fascia signs.

It is also hoped to construct a new boundary wall to the north and west, in addition to landscaping and all site development works.

A decision on the matter is due to be made by January 6^th.

Residents close to Dundalk IT call for Rag Week to become a licensed event

John Temple

Residents close to Dundalk IT have called on the Students’ Union to either cancel their annual Rag Week event or get an event licence for it.

College Manor resident John Temple has compiled a highly critical report on the 2014 event having taken on board the views of residents in his own estate, College Heights, Rockfield, Langfield and along Hoey’s Lane.

He said that while significant sums of money – up to €20,000 – were raised for charities from the event, similar amounts were spent repairing damage caused by students during Rag Week.

Mr Temple said in light of the action taken by residents in the vicinity of Croke Park earlier this year against the Garth Brooks concerts, he felt residents close to DkIT had a right to request a similar licence be obtained for Rag Week.

He said that if this permit were required it would allow local Gardaí to seek further resources to police events.

Speaking to LMFM, he said: “From our discussions with Gardaí, when they have a large crowd attending Oriel Park or a similar public event they can apply to get additional resources from headquarters.

“If this is properly organised and licensed then similar to at football games and other public events then the Gardaí in Dundalk will be able to apply for extra resources. At present you’re dealing with two patrol cars, four guards, for around a thousand students on the street at night,” said Mr Temple.

eBay Inc. Launch their One Young World Scholarship in partnership with DkIT

PayPal and eBay have teamed up with Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) to give one lucky young person the opportunity to attend the One Young World Summit being held in Dublin in October.

eBay Inc. is offering a place at the prestigious conference to a young person in Dundalk who demonstrates  leadership potential and socially innovative thinking. Interested parties are advised to visit the DkIT website for information on how to enter the competition.

The One Young World conference is aimed at inspiring and equipping people under the age of 30 to become future leaders. Previous events were addressed by former U.S. President, Bill Clinton, musician and activist, Bob Geldof, and former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan. Some of the brightest young people from across the globe will descend on the Convention Centre Dublin in October to hear from a variety of pre-eminent speakers, including Ireland’s first female President and the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson.

Speaking about the initiative, Louise Phelan, Vice President of Global Operations for Europe Middle East and Africa, PayPal said, “We’re delighted to partner with Dundalk IT on this and give a young person in the area the opportunity to attend this incredible event. The winner will join almost 2,000 current and future business leaders from 190 nations at the summit and will have the opportunity to discuss and debate international issues such as social innovation, human rights, gender equality and sustainable development. These are all issues very close to our heart at PayPal and eBay.”

Jean-Marc Codsi, Europe Middle East and Africa Vice President of Global Customer Experience for eBay Inc. said, “Enabling talented people to thrive is a core component of the eBay culture, and we are excited to support an initiative that will help to shape the leaders of tomorrow.  For the person who wins this scholarship, this is an incredible opportunity to hear from some inspirational leaders on how you can shape both your future and the future of the world.  I am proud that eBay Inc. is enabling one young person in the locality to participate in an event that may change his or her life”.

Denis Cummins, President of DkIT said, “Dundalk Institute of Technology is thrilled that PayPal and eBay are supporting a unique opportunity for young people in the area. As anthropologist, Margaret Mead, once said ‘Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For indeed, that’s all who ever have.’  DkIT students care and will make that difference and One Young World will inspire them.”

To enter the competition, young people have the opportunity to pick one of eBay Inc.’s social innovation themes – Creating Economic Opportunity, Enabling Greener Commerce and Powering Giving – and develop a submission on their chosen topic in powerpoint or by video. Applicants are also asked to provide 250 words on why they would make a great young leader.  Entries need to be in by September 30th.  Details are available from www.dkit.ie.

Jobseekers boost prospects with free Springboard courses in high-growth areas at DkIT

With 58,133 people on the Live Register in the border region in July, jobseekers from Louth and the northeast who lost their jobs during the recession are boosting their prospects of returning to work by starting specially-designed third-level courses at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) this month.

Offered through the State-funded Springboard programme managed by the Higher Education Authority for the Department of Education & Skills, the places are free to those who qualify and the courses – most of which started yesterday – are delivered flexibly, allowing jobseekers retain their benefits and continue their search for employment.

The skills taught on the programmes have been specifically selected to match the current job market and concentrate on areas where there is existing and projected growth.

The part-time Springboard-supported programmes getting underway at DkIT are Certificate in Business in Digital Marketing & Digital Media Management (Level 7); Certificate in 3D for Games (Level 7); Certificate in 2D and 3D Digital Animation Production (Level 7) and Diploma in Food & Agribusiness Excellence (Level 8).

Anton Barrett, Head of Lifelong Learning, DkIT, said: “The Springboard programmes offer a real ‘win-win’ in that the graduates are better equipped to secure sustainable employment while employers in Dundalk and the northeast have access to a larger talent pool who’ve acquired very relevant and up-to-date skills within a short space of time. All of the subjects covered on these courses align with the skills employers tell us they want from graduates so those who complete them are in a strong position to compete in the jobs market.

“As well as our indigenous firms, Dundalk has secured several large investments in the recent past from IDA Ireland client companies and DkIT is committed to helping meet the skills needs that those companies have so they can sustain and grow their operations here.”

Some of the best advocates for Springboard courses are those who’ve completed previous programmes.

Among those taking the first steps on Springboard at DkIT two years ago this month was Ann Osborne O’Hagan who – despite excellent qualifications – had found it difficult to secure full-time work as a secondary school teacher. Now pursuing a PhD at the Institute, Ann began the Higher Diploma in Computing in 2012 – “The whole process of applying for the course was very simple and I would recommend Springboard and DkIT to anyone who feels they could benefit from a further qualification. The programme has allowed me to upskill and to really understand current technology.”

Offering an employer viewpoint, Paddy Matthews, President, Dundalk Chamber, added: “Springboard brings hope for those out of work of an early return to gainful employment as the courses being offered are in areas where companies are hiring. Indeed, some employers in these sectors have challenges filling vacancies with skilled people so those who graduate from the Springboard courses at DkIT will be very well-placed to secure work in a growth area. This is a welcome, proactive response to the jobs crisis.”

Dr Mary-Liz Trant, Head of Skills and Enterprise Engagement, Higher Education Authority, said: “The HEA on behalf of the Dept of Education & Skills is delighted to work with higher education institutions like DkIT to provide education opportunities that support unemployed people in getting back to work. A feature of Springboard is that the courses we fund through the programme are in disciplines where there are job opportunities and where employers tell us they have a skills shortage and anticipate further recruitment.

“For those out of work in the northeast, I would encourage them to visit www.springboardcourses.ie later in the year and check what’s on offer in future intakes. We also wish those starting courses this month every success with their studies. The programme offers a great opportunity to quickly get the skills employers want but also to have a formal qualification that reflects what you have learned. In a competitive labour market, this can make all the difference.”

Nursing courses record points increases at Dundalk IT

Nursing courses were the only subjects to see point increases at Dundalk IT in the first round of CAO offers published this morning.

The course that requires the highest number of points in the college is Midwifery, which increased from 400 to 415 points. General Nursing at the College also increased from 400 to 405 points, while Psychiatric Nursing went from 375 to 385.

The only other course to record a points increase was Health and Physical Activity, which went from 365 to 375.

The majority of courses remained unchanged although there were point drops recorded for Computing in Games Development (300 from 367), Applied Music (460 from 500) and Social Care (315 from 350).

In terms of the higher certificate/ordinary bachelor degree courses, Business and Management increased from 105 points to 160 points, while Civil Engineering went from 100 to 125 points and Hospitality Management from 240 to 265.

There were also sizeable increases in the points required for Sport Exercise and Enterprise (275 to 335 points) and Pharmaceutical Science (285 to 333).

The largest faller was Applied Bioscience, which went from 325 to 215, while there were also falls recorded for Culinary Arts, Hospitality Studies and Agriculture.

Local creches offer to come to the aid of those affected by Ages and Stages closure

Two local crèches have offered to come to the aid of parents affected by the impending closure of the Ages and Stages Early Years Centre in Mullaharlin Park.

It was revealed yesterday that the crèche off the Dublin Road would be closing its doors on Friday August 29^th.

That has sparked fears amongst parents about what will happen with their children after that while staff are also facing an uncertain future regarding their job status.

However, commenting on the Talk of the Town Facebook page this morning, Ciara Byrne of the Pugwash Bay crèche encouraged those affected to get in touch with her.

She said: “Parents and staff please contact me on 0429338055. I am the manager of Pugwash Bay crèche and Montessori based in Dundalk . We may be able to help you guys out.”

Mandy Stevenson from the Redeemer crèche in Ashling Park has also extended an olive branch to affected parents.

She emailed Talk of the Town to say: “I am the chairperson of Redeemer board. I was shocked to hear the news regarding the closure of Ages and Stages creche.

“We are a community creche in Redeemer and are willing to support parents with places for their children. My contact details are 0871351413.”

Claire Woods of Louth Childcare also added: “Support for Parents is available from Louth County Childcare Committee in seeking alternative childcare arrangements. Please contact us on 042 9336364  or visit our website www.louthchildcare.ie.”

Blow for parents, staff and children as local crèche is set to close

Staff, parents and children involved with the local Ages and Stages Early Years Centre were dealt a devastating blow yesterday after it was announced that the crèche would close its doors at the end of this month.

The facility at Mullaharlin Park, off the Dublin Road, has been open for 20 years having initially started out in Dundalk Resource Centre. It only relocated to Mullaharlin Park in November 2008 following funding for a new centre from Pobal, ICTU, NDP, DSP, Louth County Council and the Louth County Childcare Committee.

Catering for children from six months to six years of age, it has been a hugely popular place in recent years. Now though it is set to close its doors from Friday August 29^th.

One worried parent contacted Talk of the Town about Ages and Stages this morning, expressing concern at where she and other parents would find a replacement facility for children at such short notice.

Describing the news as “devastating”, she said: “I picked up my daughter from crèche yesterday evening only to be handed a letter by a young girl in tears informing me the crèche would be closing within two weeks and I would need to make alternative childcare arrangements as soon as possible, it came as such a shock!

“They’re such lovely girls in there and have built up such an amazing bond with my little girl, I don’t know where I’m going to start to find somewhere else as good.

“Apparently this is due to both lack of funding and lack of take up in childcare places. I can’t understand it though as this crèche is heavily funded by Pobal and is in an ideal catchment area located beside DKIT and only 5 minutes from Blackrock and the M1.

“I was so disappointed that given the circumstances management were not available to speak with parents and not on hand to deliver the news in person.
“I’m not sure if anything can be done to save it but I thought even just raising awareness might help.”

As well as the inconvenience and stress caused for parents by the closure, it is believed that more than a dozen staff will be out of jobs if the crèche does close its doors.

Are you affected by the closure or have your children used the facility? Let us know your thoughts!

Variety concert in aid of St Vincent de Paul in Blackrock this Saturday

A variety concert in aid of St Vincent de Paul will take place this Saturday at 8pm in Blackrock Community Centre.

Hosted by Mary Quinn, the event will feature performances from the likes of Dundalk Musical Society and former Celtic Tenors musical director, Colm Rogan.

Mary explained to Talk of the Town how the event came to be and how lucky she feels to have had seven acts sign up to support her fundraiser on the night.

“I play the violin myself and I originally started organising a concert to gain performance experience before I start studying music at Queens University, Belfast in September and I asked some of my friends to play and the concert evolved from there.

“I was so lucky to get seven other acts to perform free of charge. They include Dundalk Musical Society, who I seen at another variety concert in Kilkerley a couple of weeks ago and was blown away. I also have pianist Colm Rogan, who travelled around the globe as musical director with the Celtic Tenors. Classical flautist Emma Quinlan, a student at DKIT will also perform. Goltrai is a trad group made up of young fiddler Roisin Ward Morrow and flautist Hannah Mulholland. Another well known act is Jennifer Reynolds, a popular singer from Castlebellingham. Dance acts include DYNAMIC dance and stage school, and Scoil Rince CosCeol, an Irish dance school in Darver.”

It certainly has all the makings of a great night, with a raffle also set to take place with 20 different prizes up for grabs including tickets to Garth Brooks in Croke Park later this month.

Tickets are available on the door on the night at €10, with concessions for €8.